Upon arrival in Rome, we are met by our tour escort and transfer to our hotel. The balance of the day is at leisure to rest or explore on our own. Dinner and overnight in Rome. (D)

After breakfast we depart for Vatican City, where we gather to attend a Papal Audience (if available). In the afternoon, visit the Vatican Museums, home to one of the world’s greatest art collections, and Michelangelo’s awesome Sistine Chapel followed by a tour of the magnificent St. Peter’s Basilica. We have the remainder of the day to the sample Rome’s many delights on our own. Dinner and overnight in Rome. (B, D)

After breakfast we depart for our full day guided sightseeing tour of the “Eternal City.” The highlights include the Catacombs, the Appian Way, Capitoline Hill, St. Peter in Chains, the Colosseum, the Arch of Constantine, Circus Maximus and Palazzo Venezia. We also visit three major basilicas in Rome, including the 1600-year-old St. Mary Major, St. John Lateran, the Cathedral of Rome, and St. Paul Outside the Walls, built over the Saint’s burial place. Dinner and overnight in Rome. (B, D)

Depart Rome after breakfast for scenic transfer by motorcoach to Assisi, the town of beloved St. Francis. 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. Dinner and overnight in Assisi. (B, D)

Enjoy a day of leisure in Assisi. Dinner and overnight. (B, D)

Morning departure for Siena, located in the central Italian region of Tuscany. Siena is a medieval walled city that still retains much of its charm. Visit the Piazza del Campo and the Cathedral. Afternoon arrival into Florence. Orientation tour of the city including visits to the Duomo, Santa Croce Church and see the famous statue of “David” by Michelangelo. Dinner and overnight in Florence. (B, D)

Free day of leisure in Florence. Afternoon drive to Milan for orientation tour of the city. Dinner and overnight in the Milan area. Maybe in Oleggio or Malpensa area. (B, D)

Morning transfer to the airport for your return flight to the USA, arriving the same day. (B)

• 7-9 x underwear, socks,
• 2-3 x loose, lightweight trousers or skirts– one full length and one cropped pair would be ideal!
• 2-3 x shorts
• 2 x long, loose shirts
• 4-5 x t-shirts or tops
• 2-3 evening tops

• 1-2 x sandals or flip flops for warmer-weather walking
• 1-2 pairs of comfortable walking/running shoes
• 1 x pair of more formal shoes
• 1 rain/wind-proof jacket
• 2-3 sweaters or other colder-weather gear
• sunglasses
• sun hat
• toiletries
• 1 x day bag
• 1 x evening bag
• European adapter
• Phone, camera and any other electronics needed
• passport and travel docs
• insurance

Specific packing notes for the Vatican:
• Cover shoulders: avoid strapless tops, spaghetti straps tops and vests (both men and women)
• Avoid above the knee skirts and shorts (men and women)
• Avoid exposing excessive cleavage, a waist/belly or back
• Do not wear slogans or prints that may be perceived as offensive

Though most merchants prefer cash, credit and debit cards are accepted at most larger businesses — especially aimed at tourists. For purchases under 20 euros, you’ll likely need to use cash. Before traveling, try to ascertain what fees your credit card company or bank of choice might take for transactions, to avoid any unhappy surprises.

Tipping is not obligatory, but is appreciated. There is no standard for you to follow, but consider rounding up on restaurant bills, and adding a euro while paying for a taxi-ride. Please note that tips should be in cash.

A few notes on body language:
• Maintain eye contact while talking. Otherwise, Italians might think you are hiding something.
• To beckon a waiter or waitress raise your index finger and make eye contact.
• Italians are known for using the most body language of all European nations.

While out and about, cheap alternative to bottled water runs from public water fountains that can be found in all towns and villages. This water is free, safe and readily available from marked water posts everywhere. And it is safe for tourists to stop and take a drink or fill up their drinking bottles from these fountains instead of carrying bottled water around