For this program you must already be in Milan because this tour departs from Milan early in the morning for Bologna. Our Travel Experts T.E.’s can assist you with the pre tour accommodations in Milan.

Board your deluxe motorcoach and head to Bologna, one of Italy’s most important art cities. Visit this fascinating medieval town with its charming squares, Piazza Maggiore and Piazza del Nettuno. Note the extensive networks of arcades, or porticos, which allow visitors to walk for long distances throughout the city while sheltered from the elements. Proceed to San Marino, Europe’s smallest country after Monaco and Vatican City. Founded in 301 A.D. as a Christian sanctuary, this tiny nation is the world’s oldest independent republic. At your hotel tonight, enjoy an included dinner featuring Italian specialties and get to know your fellow travelling companions. (B,D)

After breakfast, head to Perugia, the charming university town and capital of Umbria. Here, visit the impressive Cathedral and the Palazzo dei Priori. Then it’s a scenic drive south to Rome, the capital of Italy and the cradle of Roman civilization. (B)

Morning sightseeing of this monument-filled city begins right after breakfast. Depart your hotel for a guided tour to see Rome’s most famous and photogenic sights: Fontana di Trevi, immortalized on film in the 1953 well-loved comedy, Roman Holiday; the Pantheon, an ancient archaeological site dating back to 125 A.D.; Castel Sant’Angelo, built by the Roman Emperor Hadrian as a tomb for himself and his family; and St. Peter’s Square and Basilica, which are actually located in Vatican City, the walled enclave within Rome. Spend the afternoon at leisure, either resting in your hotel, exploring Rome’s other ancient ruins, or strolling through an art museum. Dinner is also on your own tonight. (B)

Enjoy a relaxing morning at leisure. Perhaps linger over your included breakfast to savor just one more cappuccino. Or catch up on writing postcards to friends back home. In the afternoon, a knowledgeable guide will show you more of Rome’s most important sights: the Colosseum, the largest amphitheatre in all of ancient Rome where gladiators used to fight to the death; Circus Maximus, where ancient chariot games were once held; the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls; and the Capital Square. Dinner is on your own tonight; perhaps ask your tour guide for recommendations for an especially good, authentic Italian meal. (B)

The entire day is free for you to explore ancient Rome on your own. Perhaps visit one of the city’s large museums or more intimate art galleries. Or shop for souvenirs to bring home. There may be optional excursions available to Naples, in the southern half of Italy; Pompeii, with its amazing archaeological sites, preserved after a volcano eruption in 79 A.D.; or Capri, the island resort for the jet-set of Europe. (B)

Say arrivederci to Rome this morning and depart for Assisi. This medieval city is the birthplace of St. Francis and is still surrounded by its ancient walls. Here, visit the Basilica of Saint Francis with its early Renaissance masterpieces by Giotto and Cimabue. Proceed to Siena to take in views of the town square, Piazza del Campo, where the world-famous horse race, the Palio, takes place every year. Reach your hotel in glorious Florence, the capital of Tuscany, in time for an included, multi-course dinner. (B,D)

Today’s sightseeing tour is dedicated to exploring Florence, 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 Michelangelo’s David, and Santa Croce, the 13th-century Franciscan church with Cimabue’s famous crucifix. Lunch is on your own; perhaps sit at an outdoor café for a typical Italian mid-day meal. Be sure to save room for some exquisite gelato! With your afternoon at leisure, you may want to check out the many shops and stalls at the Ponte Vecchio, where you can browse for Italian leather goods and other souvenirs. Meet back at your conveniently located hotel for an included dinner tonight. (B,D)

En route to Venice today, make a stop in Padua to tour the famous Cathedral of St. Anthony, guarded by Donatello’s Gattamelata. Locals simply call this historic church, where St. Anthony’s remains are located, “Il Santo.” Then drive to romantic Venice, known the world over for its intricate network of canals (150 such waterways to be exact). Upon arrival, enjoy a guided walking tour to see St. Mark’s Square (watch out for pigeons!) and the nearby Basilica; ornate Doge’s Palace, once home to the city’s aristocrats; the 16th-century Bridge of Sighs and the Prisons. Venice is famous for its hand-blown glass, so your sightseeing tour includes a visit to a glass factory, where you can shop for treasures to bring back home. (B,D)

Spend the entire day at leisure in Venice. Perhaps visit more of Venice’s important churches, art galleries or historic sites. If shopping appeals, stroll the city center and browse the many shops for some souvenirs. Or you might like to take the morning optional excursion by motorlaunch to the islands of Murano, known for its hand-blown glass; Burano, famous for its lacework; and quiet Torcello, which once had a population of 10,000 (now it’s less than 100). Lunch is on your own today; meet back at your hotel for an included dinner tonight to compare notes with how your fellow travelers spent their free day. (B,D)

After breakfast, depart for Verona, the ancient town that served as the setting for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Verona is also known for its amphitheatre, the Arena, and other significant Roman monuments. Then continue on to lovely and scenic Lake Como, where you’ll overnight in the town of Como. (B,D)

Depart for Milan after breakfast, where the tour ends at the Central Railway station. Make your way to the international airport for your flight home (transfer is not included) or continue your vacation in Europe on your own. No matter what your travel plans, the experts at Italy 4 Real can help you with your arrangements. (B)

KEY : B=Breakfast / L=Lunch / D=Dinner