Itinerary:

Day 1 Tuesday ROME - ASSISI - SIENA - FLORENCE
Early morning departure for ASSISI, the mystic town of Saint Francis still surrounded by ancient walls. Visit the Basilica of Saint Francis with its early Renaissance masterpieces by Giotto and Cimabue. Proceed on to SIENA, the beautiful medieval city renown for the Palio. The on to FLORENCE. Dinner and overnight. (D)

Day 2 Wednesday FLORENCE
Buffet breakfast. Guided sightseeing tour of the cradle of the Renaissance. Visit the beautiful Piazza del Duomo, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Giotto's Bell Tower, the Baptistery of St. John, the Academy of Fine Arts Gallery housing the "David" by Michelangelo, and Santa Croce, the 13th century Franciscan church with Cimabue's famous crucifix. Rest of the day at leisure for optional sightseeing or shopping. Dinner and overnight.(B, D)

Day 3 Thursday FLORENCE - PADUA - VENICE
Buffet breakfast. Departure for Venice via Padua, where you will visit the famous Cathedral of St. Anthony, guarded by Donatello’s Gattamelata. Continue on to Venice and upon arrival enjoy a guided walking tour of this unique city. You will see the Piazza and Basilica of St. Mark, the Doge's Palace, t the Bridge of Sighs and the Prisons. Then visit a glass factory to see the moulding of glass. Dinner and overnight at the hotel. (B, D)

Day 4 Friday VENICE - ROME
Buffet breakfast. Day at leisure for optional tour to the islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello by motorlaunch or for shopping. In the afternoon, return to Rome by motorcoach or Italian Rail. End of the tour. (B)

EXCITING HIGHLIGHTS DAY BY DAY
* Assisi: View of the Churches of St. Francis and St. Claire
* Florence: Visit of the Accademia, home of Michelangelo's "David"
* Padua: see Donatello's masterpiece, the Gattamelata
* Venice: Visit the famous Square of St. Mark and the Bridge of Sighs

SCENIC DRIVES ALONG THE WAY
* The beautiful Autostrada del Sole
* The Tuscan countryside through medieval towns
* The lovely Emilia Romagna region
* The Veneto region, world famous for its Villa of Palladio

Services Included:

• Accommodation at 4 Stars Hotels with down-town location
• Buffet breakfast daily (no eggs)
• Three dinners
• Service charges and taxes included
• Ground transportation by deluxe motorcoach
• An Assistant during the tour
• Sightseeing tours as indicated in the itinerary
• Local guides and entrance fees

Services Not Included:

• Telephone calls
• Passport fees
• Visas (if necessary)
• Items of a personal nature
• Meals and beverages not specified
• Travel insurance
• Single supplement charges
• Laundry

Hotels:

• Adriatico Hotel or similar in Florence
  
• Principe Hotel or similar in Venice