For several years, this has been one of our most popular tours as it includes traveling to the three most famous and romantic cities in Italy. Besides 2,000 years of history in Italy’s beautiful countryside, there will be time to shop in elegant boutiques and taste some great Italian cuisine and wines. You will be amazed how our escort, who has been to Italy many times, will help you see the maximum of everything in a minimum amount of time. Best of all, we obtained a special group rate for this tour. Since each year this tour is sold out months in advance, we suggest making your reservations early to avoid disappointment as this is a most memorable tour that you will certainly enjoy.

THE ITINERARY WILL BE AS FOLLOWS:
Nov. 10 Depending on your departure city, everyone will fly overnight on various flights to ROME. Enjoy dinner followed by some rest as you cross the Atlantic Ocean to one of the most exciting countries in Europe.

Nov. 11 This morning you will meet our tour escort at the Rome airport who will transfer you to your hotel. Balance of the day is at leisure to begin exploring this ancient city. This evening you will enjoy a “Welcome” drink with other Jehovah’s Witnesses and the tour director. Afterwards, you may consider a tour of the city lights or wonder thru Piazza Navona and the famous Fountain of the Four Rivers. You will also be informed of all the exciting things that have been planned for you on this special tour of Italy.

Nov. 12 Today your expert Italian guide will show you this historical city including the Vatican Museum and a tour of the Sistine Chapel that contains some of the world’s greatest sculptures and famous paintings. You will see Michelangelo’s frescos and famous painted ceiling, believed to be his crowning achievement. You’ll walk through St. Peter’s Square and Basilica, the largest church in Christendom where you will be shown the “Divine Name.” (Awake 7/8/01, p. 14) Inside you will see the Pita by Michelangelo, a masterpiece of renaissance sculpture. Next, cross the river Tiber to see the Palazzo Venezia built in the 15th century. Continue along the Via Sacra passing the Roman Forum that was the center of commerce, law and religion. You’ll see the breathtaking Colosseum, an iconic symbol of “Imperial Rome” and the Circus Maximus, an ancient chariot racing stadium where “Ben Hur” style chariot races were once held. Balance of the day is at leisure or you can visit the catacombs. Tonight you might like to dine with the rest of the friends at a trattoria or pizzeria restaurant.

Nov. 13 Today you will travel through Umbria to the famous area of Tuscany. See Chianti vineyards and olive groves as you travel through old medieval towns before crossing over the Apennine Hills. Continue through Bologna before arriving at your hotel in Venice for two nights including dinner this evening.

Nov. 14 Imagine touring this romantic city of VENICE that’s built on 114 islands in the sea. This most interesting city is filled with canals and gondolas and is the only city without cars, as there are more than 150 canals used as streets. Gondolas and motorboats are used as taxis, making everyone simply fall in love with Venice. A visit to the city of Venice would not be complete without an orientation cruise by private motor launch to St. Mark’s Square, with views of the Doge’s Palace and the renowned Bridge of Sighs. You will also see a demonstration of Murano glass-blowing in one of the city’s oldest workshops. Later you will have time to walk through the narrow streets of Venice or to join one of the optional activities such as a gondola ride where you will be serenaded on the Grand Canal. This is an experience in itself as there is no other city in the world like Venice. In the evening you may want to attend a classical concert with your tour escort.

Nov. 15 Travel over the steep Apennine Mountains to the city of Pisa to see the incredible Leaning Tower of Pisa. Continue through Tuscany to the renaissance city of FLORENCE that’s filled with art and history by Michelangelo and Leonardo Da Vinci where you will stay for two nights.

Nov. 16 Today you will see the multi-colored Duomo, Pointe Vecchio and Piazza Signoria. Next, enjoy a panoramic view of the city from Piazzale Michelangelo. Afternoon free for shopping in this beautiful “City of Flowers.” Your tour escort will have suggestions on where to find handmade leather goods, jewelry or anything else at bargain prices in the market of San Lorenzo. Don’t miss Michelangelo’s sculpture of “David” or one of the museums. For lunch, we included an authentic Tuscan lunch made with fresh produce. Tonight, your tour escort will take those that would like to go to the local Kingdom Hall to meet many of the Italian friends.

Nov. 17 Drive through the Chianti vineyards to Siena, the best preserved medieval city in Italy. You’ll see the Piazza Del Campo, site of the famous Palio horse race that draws people from all over the world. Later you will have time to shop for Tuscan specialties before returning to the Eternal City of Rome. Tonight we have included a special “Farewell Dinner” in a charming Italian restaurant with all of the friends on this tour.

Nov. 18 Arrivederci Roma, as everyone is transferred to the airport for their return flights to the U.S.A. Enjoy lunch and a movie before arriving back in your home city. A lot of extras are included making this a great trip!