Tuscan Treasures

May 12-22, 2010

$4419 from Atlanta

DAY 1, WED, MAY 12 - USA/ROME
Departure from the USA on our transatlantic jet. (meals aloft)

DAY 2, THU, MAY 13 - ARRIVE ROME
We arrive in Rome this morning and are met by our coach and driver. We travel into the heart of Rome and see the Colosseum, begun about AD 72, and the best-known structure remaining from ancient Rome. It was capable of holding more than 50,000 to view gladiatorial contests, hunts, mock naval battles and perhaps Christian sacrifices. Many of the materials from this magnificent edifice were later used in the construction of various churches and palaces. The numerous sites nearby include the Church of St. Peter in Chains containing Michelangelo's statue Moses, the Roman Gladiator School, the IV Century Arch of Constantine, and the Church of San Clemente. We check in to our hotel, where dinner is included this evening.

(meals aloft, D)

DAY 3, FRI, MAY 14 - ROME
This morning we have a guided tour of the Vatican, including the Basilica of St. Peter, the largest church in the world and said to be buried over the tomb of the crucified saint; the Museums, one of the most renowned and famous cultural institutions of the Holy See, known all over the world for its masterpieces that have been commissioned, collected and preserved in time by the Roman Pontiffs; and the epic Sistine Chapel, over which Michelangelo labored for four years, and which has been restored to its original glory. We continue touring this afternoon in Rome, visiting the Catacombs, early Christian burial sites outside of Rome's ancient city walls, which later became a pilgrimage destination. (B)

DAY 4, SAT, MAY 15 - ROME
Today we visit the Forum, which served as the center of political life and commerce in ancient Rome; and the prison of Sts. Peter and Paul (the Mamertine). Enjoy the balance of the day at leisure to explore Rome's shopping and tourist center around Via Veneto, Piazza del Popolo, the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain and other well-known sites. (B)

DAY 5, SUN, MAY 16 - ASSISI/PERUGIA/SAN GIMIGNANO/PRATO
Today we travel to Assisi, birthplace of St. Francis. We see the city’s basilicas including the San Francesco Basilica, consisting of two churches surmounting a crypt. In the upper basilica are Giotto's magnificent frescoes, showing 28 scenes from the life of St. Francis in imaginative detail. The lower church contains frescoes by Simone Martini, Cimabue and Pietro Lorenzetti. The tomb of St. Francis is in the crypt. We also visit the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli Church and its Porziuncola Chapel, where Francis came to understand his vocation clearly and thus began the Franciscan movement. We pass through medieval Perugia, the historic capital of Umbria, where we view the Etruscan gate. We also visit San Gimignano, one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Italy. This walled city once had 72 towers, 14 of which are still standing, affording spectacular views of the Tuscan vineyards and olive grove plantations below. We continue to the nearby Tuscan city of Prato, Italy's third-largest city (behind Rome and Florence) and home to many cultural monuments and museums, for dinner and overnight. (B,D)

DAY 6 , MON, MAY 17 - FLORENCE/PRATO
Today we enjoy the best of Florence, featuring a visit to the Academy of Fine Arts, home to a fine collection of Michelangelo sculptures, including the original David. There also is a Pieta and an incomplete St. Matthew. We also visit the Santa Croce Church, which contains the tombs of Michelangelo, Machiavelli, Galileo and others. We return to Prato for overnight. (B)

DAY 7, TUE, MAY 18 - PISA/LUCCA/VENICE
We travel to the ancient maritime Republic of Pisa, where we find the Piazza Dei Miracoli, the Duomo Cathedral and its historic Baptistry, and the famous Leaning Tower. We continue this afternoon to Lucca, where its Renaissance-era city walls remain intact, even though the city has expanded beyond their original boundaries. Home to an annual summertime music festival, Lucca also offers striking sights such as the ancient Roman amphitheater, the Church of San Michele in Foro, and the picturesque palace and gardens of Palazzo Pfanner. Our destination this evening is the enchanting canal-laden city of Venice (Mestre) for dinner and overnight. (B,D)

DAY 8, WED, MAY 19 - VENICE/INNSBRUCK/OBERAMMERGAU
After breakfast at the hotel, we have a morning guided tour of this great city. Take in the energy of St. Mark's Square and admire Doge's Palace, St. Mark's Cathedral, the Bridge of Sighs, and the Clock Tower. We travel north among the jagged peaks of the Dolomites and across the border into Austria. We stop in the university town of Innsbruck and see the "Golden Roof," the Court Church, the Triumphal Arch built by Maria Theresa and St. Anne's Column. Continuing through pristine Bavarian countryside and quaint villages, we arrive this evening in Oberammergau. (B,D)

DAY 9, THU, MAY 20 - OBERAMMERGAU
This morning is at leisure in Oberammergau. Explore this quaint village, renowned since the 12th century as a woodcarving center. Following lunch, take your seat for the memorable opening act of the Passion Play, being performed for the 41st time in 2010. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant during a break between acts, and then return to the theater for the Play's thrilling conclusion this evening. Overnight in the Oberammergau area. (B,L,D)

DAY 10, FRI, MAY 21 - OBERAMMERGAU/ LIECHTENSTEIN/ZURICH
We depart Oberammergau this morning and drive through the imposing Alps to the tiny principality of Liechtenstein, where we pause to view Vaduz Castle. We continue through the picturesque Swiss countryside to Zurich, the country's largest city and one of the world's most important financial capitals. We proceed to our hotel near the airport for dinner and overnight. (B,D)

DAY 11, SAT, MAY 22 - ZURICH/USA
Morning transfer to the airport for our return flight to the USA. (B,meals aloft)