Day 1:  Thursday, May 30, 2024:  Depart from St. Louis to Venice  (IF)

Day 2: Friday, May 31, 2024: Venice 

On arrival in Venice, we will meet our tour director, and a local guide will take us on a walking tour of Venice, including inside visits to the Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Cathedral, and the Bell Tower.  We will also visit St.  Mark’s Square and the Bridge of Sighs. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore. We  can shop in the famous market area around the Rialto Bridge, watch glass-blowing, take a gondola ride, or enjoy a  coffee and some people-watching at St. Mark’s Square. We will have a Welcome Meal this evening. (IF/D) Hotel Carlton on the Grand Canal, Venice

Day 3: Saturday, June 1, 2024: Florence  We will head to Florence via Bologna.  Here we will stop for lunch and drive to Florence to check into our luxury villa in the afternoon.   Enjoy free time to drink wine or just enjoy the beautiful scenery around the villa. We will have dinner together at our villa. (B/D) Art Hotel VILLA AGAPE 

Day 4:  Sunday, June 2, 2024:  Florence Today’s day trip is to Florence, the Cradle of the Renaissance. On the way into the city, we will stop at Piazza  Michelangelo for an amazing view of the city. A local guide will take us on a walking tour of Florence, including a visit  to Accademia to see Michelangelo’s incomparable “David.” We will see the beautiful Santa Croce Church with the  tombs of many famous residents of Florence including Michelangelo, Dante and Galileo. We will tour the famed  Baptistry and the Duomo. Tickets will be available for those who want to climb Brunelleschi’s famous dome. We will  have free time in the afternoon (B)  VILLA AGAPE

Day 5: Monday, June 3, 2024: Florence  Today is a free day, with options like a cooking class at the villa, including wine-tasting. This will be a great way to engage with the  culture and learn new cooking techniques.  Other options will include a free day in Florence, a guided tour to Cinque Terre, or a trip to Pisa.   (B)   VILLA AGAPE

Day 6:  Tuesday, June 4, 2024 Siena/Rome  We will say goodbye to Florence and travel to Siena.  This morning a local guide will take us on a tour of Siena, including the Sunken Piazza del Campo and the Duomo,  perhaps the finest Gothic cathedral in Italy.  After lunch, travelers will have time to explore Siena and shop.  This evening we will drive to Rome where we will check in our hotel and eat dinner as a group.  (B/D)  HOTEL GENOVA

Day 7:  Wednesday, June 5, 2024:  Rome  Today we will explore Ancient Rome with our full-day guide, beginning with an inside tour of the Colosseum. We will  tour the Forum, and Palatine Hill. In the afternoon we will have a walking tour of Rome, including the Trevi Fountain,  the Spanish Steps and the Pantheon.  In the afternoon, we will visit the Vatican City and St. Peter’s Cathedral, home of the Roman Catholic Church and the largest  building in Christianity. Also included is a visit to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, with stunning artwork.  (B) HOTEL GENOVA

Day 8:  Thursday, June 6, 2024:  Rome This morning we will visit to Pompeii.  Today’s highlight will be a tour of Ancient Pompeii with an expert local guide. Lunch at a winery that includes a tasting.  (B,L) HOTEL GENOVA 

Day 9:  Friday, June 7, 2024:   Return to USA