Itinerary

Days 1-2: USA or Canada/Venice, Italy

    Fly overnight to Venice. Take a private launch to your hotel, an impressive former monastery on its very own island. Venice is like no other city because it is made up of hundreds of islands, some connected by bridges. The canals are its streets, and transportation is either waterborne or on foot. This evening, meet other travelling families during a welcome dinner at the hotel.
    San Clemente Palace D
Day 3: Venice

    Take a boat ride to central Venice, and walk with your guide through St. Mark’s Square, which is filled with cafés, people and pigeons. Gaze at the Basilica, Bell Tower and pink-and-white marble Doge’s Palace — the former seat of governmental departments and residence of the Doge, ruler of the Venetian Republic. Beneath the Doge’s Palace lies a reminder of its gruesome past: a maze of cells linked by corridors and staircases, where countless prisoners met an untimely end. As you explore the city, look for the winged lion that represents St. Mark — its symbol is emblazoned on the Venetian flag. Spend the afternoon at leisure, and take a gondola ride tonight.
    San Clemente Palace B
Day 4: Venice/Bologna/Florence

    Depart this morning by coach to Bologna, where on arrival you will enjoy a pasta making demonstration followed by lunch. Afterward enjoy time at leisure in Bologna, one of Italy's best preserved historic center, including the 14th Century Basilica of San Petronio and the church complex of Santo Stefano. Arrive in Florence at the end of the afternoon.
    Helvetia & Bristol B L
Day 5: Florence

    Set on the Arno River below the foothills of the Apennines, Florence is a living legacy of the Renaissance. Visit the Galleria dell’Accademia — home to Michelangelo’s David. Walk through historic Florence, seeing palaces and the Duomo (Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore), stopping at the famous Uffizi Gallery, housing a magnificent art collection that includes works by Titian, Caravaggio, Raphael and Giotto. The museums hold famous works of art, but the historic streets and buildings, too, hold fascination and cultural significance. See many of the city’s age-old monuments, including one A&K is helping to restore. Later, sample your favorite flavor of the city’s best gelaterias.

    A&K PHILANTHROPY PROJECT: See the monument in Florence that A&K has adopted to support the Save the Monuments project.
    Helvetia & Bristol B
Day 6: Florence/Pisa/Florence

    In Pisa, visit the Baptistery, Duomo and the iconic Leaning Tower, all in the beautiful Campo dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles). After lunch at a local restaurant, return to Florence.
    Helvetia & Bristol B L
Day 7: Florence/Rome and Vatican City

    Take a train to the “Eternal City” of Rome, where you witness over 2,000 years of history at every turn. Visit the Vatican and the Sistine Chapel. Gaze up at the frescoed ceiling, which took Michelangelo four years to paint; it is one of the most renowned artworks of the High Renaissance period. Continue to St. Peter’s Basilica, built on the site where Peter the Apostle — purportedly the first pope — was crucified and buried.
    Parco dei Principi Grand Hotel & Spa B L
Day 8: Rome

    Discover Ancient Rome, stopping at the Forum — its political hearth. Wander through 900-year-old ruins, and see the triumphal Arch of Constantine. Visit the storied Colosseum, imagining when gladiator fights and chariot races brought spectators from all over. You may train with Roman “gladiators,” who give you a glimpse into this amazing time in history. Attend a farewell dinner at a pizzeria, where you make your own pizza.
    Parco dei Principi Grand Hotel & Spa B D
Day 9: Rome/USA or Canada

    After breakfast, transfer to the airport and board your homebound flight.
    B

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