Italian Renaissance Tour 10 days & 9 nights
Day 1
Rome
Arrive in Rome, where we will transfer to our hotel. Spend afternoon at leisure in the “Eternal City”. Dinner and overnight in Rome.
Day 2
Rome
After breakfast and morning Mass, we will attend Papal Audience (if available). The afternoon will be spent with a tour of St Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museum and Library as well as the Sistine Chapel. Dinner and overnight in Rome.
Day 3
Rome
Enjoy a full day tour of Rome today. We will visit the Catacombs, Appian Way, Capitoline Hill, St Peter in Chains, Colosseum, and Circus Maximus. Afternoon visits to three major basilicas in Rome, St Mary Major, St John Lateran and St Paul Outside the Walls. Dinner and overnight in Rome.
Day 4
Rome / Assisi / Florence
Depart Rome after breakfast for scenic transfer by motor coach to Assisi, the town of beloved St. Francis. We will tour the important sites of the area including the beautiful Basilica of St Francis, the Church of St Clare, which houses her incorrupt body, and the Basilica of St Mary of the Angels. Continue to Florence for dinner and overnight.
Day 5
Florence / Padua
Orientation tour of the city of Florence includes visits to the Duomo, Santa Croce Church and a visit to the Academy Museum, to see the famous status of “David” by Michelangelo. We will have some time for shopping at the famous sidewalk vendors for the excellent leather goods, for which Florence is famous. Continue to Padua this afternoon with arrival in time for dinner at our hotel.
Day 6
Padua / Venice / Bolzano
This morning, tour the Basilica dedicated to St. Anthony, who is interred there. Here we will also view the saint’s preserved clothing and the relic of his incorrupt tongue which is displayed in a room reserved for numerous reliquaries. The interior is richly decorated and frescoed, but its greatest art treasures are the Donatello bronzes at the main altar. Then on to the Capella degli Scrovengni (Arena Chapel) to view the well-preserved Giotto frescoes of more than 35 biblical scenes. After lunch, a short drive north will take us to Venice, where we will visit the famous landmarks of this city, including St. Mark’s Square, the Doge’s Palace, the Campanile, and the famous Clock Tower. Time for a gondola ride on our own, before continuing to Balzano for dinner and overnight.
Day 7
Balzano / Innsbruck / Oberammergau
We will depart Balzano this morning for Oberammergau. En route we will enjoy a brief stop in Innsbruck where the scenery is magnificent, surrounded by the towering Alps and an old city charm prevails. View the famous “Golden Roof” built in the 15th Century, the Triumphal Arch and the City Tower. Visit St. Jacob’s Cathedral, a point of pilgrimage in this area since the 16th Century. Continue to Oberammergau area for check-in and time to relax this evening.
Day 8
Oberammergau
The highlight of our visit today takes place in this tiny hamlet. We will transfer from our lodgings to the outdoor theater to view this amazing presentation of the Passion of Christ as performed by the local villagers. Dinner and overnight in Oberammergau area.
Day 9
Oberammergau / Neuschwanstein / Lugano
Depart this morning for one of the most famous castles in the world – Neuschwanstein. Its fairy tale setting and architecture have made it a landmark of renown. After our tour of the castle we will continue to Lugano, a beautiful resort area of Switzerland, for overnight.
Day 10
Milan / Departure
Depart early this morning for Milan and our return flight home.