From Michelangelo’s statue of David to the echoes of gladiators at Rome’s Colosseum, the art and drama of the ages inspire this journey. View the original works of the masters at the Uffizi Gallery, Vatican Museums, and Venice’s Accademia. See the Doges’ Palace and St. Mark’s Square in Venice, the Roman Forum and the Vatican in Rome; and the medieval town of Siena in the Tuscan countryside. Enjoy a ferry ride across Lake Como at the foot of the Alps, and a train ride to Florence. Pursue your own interests with free time in Venice, Florence, and Rome when you travel Italy with Tauck.

2008 Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to the pleasures of the Italian Lakes
Depart from the Milan Malpensa Airport one hour after the arrival of Tauck-selected flights. To travel Italy Tauck Style – from great cities to places that are off-the-beaten track – begin by heading north from Milan to Lugano, Switzerland, set on the edge of a lovely lake. Enjoy free time to explore the waterfront promenade, then meet fellow traveling companions at the welcome reception and dinner.
Meals: Lunch, dinner
Lodging: Grand Hotel Eden, Lugano, Switzerland

Day 2: Villa delights and a cruise on Lake Como
Travel to Tremezzo to visit Villa Carlotta, built in the 18th century, and noted for garden landscaping and sculpture. Admire the dramatic views of the Alps silhouetting the famous villas along the shores of Lake Como on a private boat cruise. Arrive in the picturesque town of Bellagio, and enjoy free time to explore the town as you please; return to Lugano, where the evening is free.
Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: Grand Hotel Eden, Lugano, Switzerland

Day 3: A local guide shows you Venice
Journey to Venice, designed along an intricate system of canals within a lagoon. After lunch, head to St. Mark’s Square, the heart of Venice, with a local guide. Visit St. Mark’s Basilica, one of the greatest buildings in Europe, featuring exquisite mosaics and detailed carvings. See the Doges’ Palace, a pink marble Gothic masterpiece containing a precious art collection. A serenade aboard a gondola cruise through the canals is the perfect ending to the day.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Hotel Danieli Venezia, Venice, Italy

Day 4: Explore Venice
Spend the day exploring the museums and sites that interest you most in Venice, a highlight as you travel Italy as an “insider.” Perhaps tour the Galleria dell'Accademia or the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, or take a boat ride to islands in the lagoon.
Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: Lodging: Hotel Danieli Venezia, Venice, Italy

Day 5: Statue of David in Florence
Travel Italy by rail today to Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance. Get an introduction to the city’s architectural landmarks and great artists from a local art historian prior to a walking tour of the city - a special touch when you travel Italy with Tauck. At the Galleria dell’Accademia, marvel at Michelangelo’s marble statue of David standing nearly 17 feet tall. View Lorenzo Ghiberti’s bronze doors with detailed panels at the Baptistry, part of the Duomo of Santa Maria del Fiori complex.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: The Westin Excelsior, Florence, Italy

Day 6: Masterpieces of the Uffizi
Gaze at some of the world’s greatest art masterpieces at the extraordinary Uffizi Gallery, Italy’s largest art museum. Admire works by Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Michelangelo, Sandro Botticelli, and more. You have a gallery reservation, and can spend as much time as you like looking at the art. During your free afternoon you can explore as you please; perhaps you may want to visit the Pitti Palace, the Medici Chapels or stroll across the Ponte Vecchio to the lovely Boboli Gardens.
Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: The Westin Excelsior, Florence, Italy

Day 7: Vineyards and Rome – highlights when you travel Italy
Travel Italy through landscapes featuring olive groves, cypress trees, and vineyards, including the region that produces Chianti wine. Stop in the medieval hill town of Siena, and wander through the narrow streets. See the Piazza del Campo where the Palio bareback horse race is held. Visit the Duomo, one of Italy’s great cathedrals, with scenes inlaid in the marble floors and sculpture by Michelangelo. Continue through scenic Tuscany to Rome, center of the once-powerful Roman Empire.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: St. Regis Grand Hotel, Rome, Italy

Day 8: Visit the Vatican
Explore the rich treasures of the Vatican, starting at the Vatican Museums. In the Sistine Chapel, view Michelangelo’s masterpieces, and admire the art and architecture of St. Peter’s Basilica. Pursue your own special interests in Rome during the afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: St. Regis Grand Hotel, Rome, Italy

Day 9: A day in Imperial Rome
Get an insider’s view of Rome from a local guide. A tour highlight is the Colosseum, opened in AD 80 for gladiator combat. Choose among many historic sights and museums for your free afternoon. Share your favorite experiences at the farewell dinner, a nice finale when you travel Italy with Tauck.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: St. Regis Grand Hotel, Rome, Italy

Day 10: Arrivederci Rome
Your journey ends at Rome's Leonardo da Vinci Airport in Fiumicino 2 1/2 hours prior to the departure of Tauck-selected flights. If you are departing at other times, you must secure your own transportation to the airport.
Meals: Breakfast

See the great cities of Italy – Venice, Florence and Rome –
when you travel Italy with Tauck; book today

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Departure Dates

2008
Mar 27
Apr 8, 19
May 1, 13, 20, 24
Jun 7, 17, 28
Jul 22
Aug 14
Sep 6, 18, 30
Oct 11

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Prices

10 Days from $5,590 plus airfare

2008 Price per Person	Double	Single	Triple
March – April	$5590	$7219	$4996
May	$5890	$7483	$5278
June - October	Call	Call	Call

17 meals included.

International Airfare is additional. Call Tauck for special rates on international air for travel originating in the U.S. (subject to availability).

Please ask at time of booking about additional hotel nights before your tour begins and about our comprehensive Guest Protection Plan.

All prices are per person in U.S. dollars.