DAY 1 Japan - Milan

Board your international flight bound for Milan, eager to begin our Italy discovery.

DAY 2 Arrive in Milan

Arrive in Milan, Italy’s capital of commerce, fashion and media. Meet tour guide at airport and transfer to hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure, so you can explore the city as you choose. If you are interested, you may book on site to join an optional tour to the charming city of Lugano and visiting Lake Como. (No online pre-sold for this tour. If time permits, book and pay to tour guide on site.)

Included: Dinner at hotel

DAY 3 Milan

This morning, we take a walking tour of Milan. Marvel at the Milan Cathedral and world-renowned La Scala Opera House which faces a statue of the genius Leonardo da Vinci. Next, stroll inside the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, one of the world’s oldest shopping arcades.

Included: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 4 Milan - Sirmione, Lake Garda - Verona - Venice

This morning, travel to the charming lakeside town of Sirmione, located on Lake Garda — the largest lake in Italy and one of the country’s most popular travel destinations. Its stunning natural surroundings have long made it a favorite among visitors. Afterward, depart for Verona famed as the fictional setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Straddling the River Adige, Verona was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in 2000 and is filled with timeless monuments. Upon arrival, view the highlights of the city’s fascinating monuments, including the Juliet’s House. Later, journey to Venice. Stay overnight in Padova and enjoy dinner at hotel.

Included: Breakfast, Dinner at hotel

DAY 5 Venice

Called La Serenissima or the "most serene", Venice is like no other city. Mostly built on water, this canal-woven city brims with palaces and churches that reflect its one-time domination of trade between Europe and the Orient. Take a ferry* to the city to view the “Bridge of Sighs”. Stroll around the vast St. Mark’s Square and wonder at stunning St. Mark's Basilica. Afterward, consider a serenaded gondola ride along the stunning Grand Canal, to appreciate the grand palazzos lining the water.

Included: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 6 Venice – Republic of San Marino – Ravenna

Have your camera ready as we drive across the Apennine Mountains to the tiny Republic of San Marino, entirely encircled by Italy. Enjoy a walking tour, beginning at Saint Francis’ Gate; stroll along the charming street Via Basilicius until we reach Piazza del Titano, a bustling square located amid San Marino’s UNESCO-listed Historic Center. Continue along Via Eugippo, past Crossbowmen’s Quarry and Loggia, then absorb the breathtaking views overlooking the Adriatic Sea and Mount Titano from the lookout point. Walk to the beautiful historic square of Piazza della Libertà and finish the tour at Basilica of Saint Marinus. Later continue to Ravenna, pause in this historic city, eulogized for its glorious Byzantine mosaics and as the seat of the Papacy in the 5th century. Enjoy an orientation tour to explore the Piazza del Popolo and Dante's Tomb, and adore the famous mosaics. Visit the Church of San Vitale and the Mausole. Other attractions include its downtown basilicas and baptisteries.

Included: Breakfast, Dinner at hotel

DAY 7 Ravenna – Florence – Pisa – Montecatini

Today, head for Florence, known as the birthplace of the Renaissance. Take a walking tour, seeing its spectacular Duomo - one of the world's largest cathedrals. Admire the bronze doors of the octagonal Baptistery before touring Santa Croce Basilica and the marvelous Piazza della Signoria, contemplate the panoramic views from Michelangelo Square. Afterward, travel to Pisa to see the famous Leaning Tower. Tonight, stay over at the handsome spa town of Montecatini.

Included: Breakfast, Dinner at hotel

DAY 8 Montecatini - San Gimignano - Siena - Montecatini

This morning, we make our way to the alluring Tuscan city of Siena. Once a major adversary to Florence, Siena’s charm lies in its medieval buildings and rich Gothic art. Embark on a walking tour of the city, left relatively untouched for centuries. Afterward, travel to San Gimignano and enjoy a walking tour.

Included: Breakfast, Dinner at hotel

DAY 9 Montecatini - Assisi

Travel to Assisi, here join our orientation tour of the past home of St. Francis, taking in UNESCO-listed jewels such as the Basilica of St. Francis and other Franciscan sites. Later, walk the city streets with your guide, marveling at the Roman ruins and medieval relics.

Included: Breakfast, Dinner at hotel

DAY 10 Assisi - Orvieto - Rome

Today, after breakfast, travel to Orvieto, a city situated on the flat summit of a large butte of volcanic tuff. The city rises dramatically above the almost-vertical faces of tuff cliffs that are completed by defensive walls built of the same stone, enjoy a city tour. Later, continue to Rome for an overnight stay.

Included: Breakfast, Dinner at hotel

DAY 11 Rome

Today is dedicated to the UNESCO World Heritage Site that is Rome. Start at the resplendent Vatican City, home of St. Peter’s Basilica, the world's largest church at 18,000 square yards. Outside, admire the sublime St. Peter's Square. Next, contemplate the elegant Old City and explore the majestic Colosseum, scene of many bloody gladiatorial contests, and the ruins of the Roman Forum. We also admire the Spanish Steps and toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain to ensure your return to the city. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to see more of Rome's riches and attend an Italian Farewell Dinner this evening.

Included: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 12 Rome - Japan

Leave this unforgettable country on board your international flight, arriving home later today.

Included: Breakfast