Ghiberti Doors to the Baptistry in Florence

Ghiberti's Doors

DAY 1: Fri., January 16 2026 – In Transit to Rome

DAY 2: Sat., January 17 2026 - Rome

In the morning, arrive in Rome, the Eternal City. You will be met at the airport and escorted directly with a waiting motor coach to the hotel in central Rome. Check in at the hotel.
Have lunch nearby
Take a walking tour of fascinating Ancient Rome: Via dei Fori Imperiali, Monument of Victor Emanuel II, Piazza Venezia, Largo Argentina. Campo dei Fiori, Piazza Navona, Pantheon, Via del Corso, Spanish Steps, and Trevi Fountain
Dine at a local restaurant

DAY 3: Sun., January 18 2026 - Rome

Breakfast at the hotel
With a local guide, visit the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. Visit Greco-Roman sculptures, the Hall of Tapestries, featuring magnificent 16th century Flemish tapestries executed from Raphael's designs, and the Maps Gallery, a 120-feet-long gallery, hung with interesting ancient maps. The tour ends at the Sistine Chapel where you will raise your eyes to admire Michelangelo's “Creation” on the ceiling and his famous “Last Judgment” on the front wall.
Continue with a local guide to visit St. Peter's Basilica. As you enter you will see the interior, extending for 614 feet and culminating with the sumptuous bronze baldachin by Bernini. In the first chapel on the right is the famed “Pieta” by Michelangelo.
Then we will move on to St. Peter's Square, where Bernini's imposing colonnade seems to "embrace" the square with its 284 columns. In the background, see the massive structure of the Basilica, the largest church in Christendom, with its gigantic façade.
Have lunch
Pizza-making cooking class in the afternoon

DAY 4: Mon., January 19 2026 - Rome

Breakfast at the hotel
With a local guide, visit the Colosseum, the famed battleground of the gladiators, and the Roman Forum, the political, commercial, and religious center of ancient Rome, celebrated for its history and beauty of its scenery.
Have lunch
In the afternoon, weather permitting, visit Villa Borghese park, an outstanding natural setting in the heart of Rome that houses beautiful fountains, monuments, gardens and flora. Ride bicycles around the part, and enjoy a breathtaking view of the city at the west-end overlook.
Dine at a local restaurant

DAY 5: Tues., January 20 2026 – Naples excursion

Transfer on foot to the train station and catch a fast train to Naples
Once in Naples go on a guided tour including Piazza Plebiscito, Piazza del Municipio, Palazzo Reale and Maschio Angioino, Gallery Umberto II and Chapel San Severo to see the Veiled Christ statue
Have lunch in the city
In the afternoon travel to Pompeii by coach and visit the excavations with our guide
Return to the train station and board the fast train back to Rome
Dinner at a local restaurant

DAY 6: Wed., January 21 2026 – Tivoli excursion

Breakfast in hotel
Board the bus and transfer to Tivoli where we will visit Villa Adriana and Villa d’Este with our guide
Return to the hotel for dinner at a local restaurant

DAY 7: Thur., January 22 2026 – Rome to Florence

Breakfast in hotel
Transfer on foot to the train station and catch the fast train to Firenze S.M.N.
Upon arrival, drop off luggage at the hotel and go on a walking tour of Florence
Shop in San Lorenzo and have lunch
In the afternoon, visit the Uffizi Gallery with a local guide
Dinner in a local restaurant

DAY 8: Fri., January 23 2026 – Venice excursion

Breakfast in the hotel
Take an early high speed train to Venice
Go on a walking tour of Venice. You will reach the famous Rialto bridge to visit, take photos and shop. The gondolas which ply the busy Grand Canal and smaller waterways of Venice are one of the most iconic images in the world.
Then move on to Saint Mark's Square, where you will see the medieval Doge’s Palace, the Bridge of Sighs, the Clock and Bell towers and you’ll admire Saint Mark’s Basilica.
Take a 30-minute gondola ride from St. Marks Square
Walk back to train station and have dinner on the train

DAY 9: Sat., January 24 2026 - Florence

Breakfast in hotel
Go to Piazzale Michelangelo for a breathtaking panoramic view of Florence
Visit the Galileo museum in the morning
Have lunch
In the afternoon, visit Piazza del Duomo: Baptistery, Giotto's Tower, Brunelleschi's Dome, Duomo Museum and basilica of Santa Reparata
Have some time to shop
Dinner in a local restaurant

DAY 10: Sun., January 25 2026 – Siena & San Gimignano

DAY 11: Mon., January 26 2026 – Florence-Rome

Breakfast in hotel
Visit the Academy Gallery to see the David
Have lunch
In the afternoon transfer on foot to the train station and catch a fast train to Rome Termini train station
Dinner in a local restaurant
Walk of ancient Rome by night

DAY 12: Tues., January 27 2026 – In Transit to Raleigh/Durham