Reflections of Italy

br />Revel in the magic of Italy on this 10-day tour that explores the cities of Rome, Florence, Venice, Assisi and Perugia. Travel the Tuscan and Umbrian countryside, exploring medieval hill towns and visiting the birthplace of St. Francis, Assisi. Discover the masterpieces of the Renaissance in Florence and see hot glass transformed into exquisite art on Murano Island. Linger in Venice for two nights before ending your journey in the lovely Italian Lake region. Cross the border and explore the Swiss resort town of Lugano.

Day 1: Overnight Flight
Welcome to Italy, a land rich in history, culture, art and romance. Your journey begins with an overnight flight to Rome, “The Eternal City.”

Day 2: Rome, Italy - Tour Begins
You arrive in Rome today. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a special welcome dinner at a popular local restaurant featuring regional delicacies and fine Italian wines.

Day 3: Rome
This morning it’s your choice! Perhaps a trip to Vatican City, with an optional tour to the Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica* will be on your personal sightseeing list. This afternoon, enjoy a locally guided panoramic tour of Rome featuring the impressive Piazza Venezia, the Circus Maximus, the Colosseum, the Arch of Constantine and the famous Trevi Fountain.

Day 4: Rome - Assisi - Perugia
Today enjoy a full day of sightseeing complete with a short lesson on the local language. Travel to Assisi, birthplace of St. Francis. Take a guided walking tour of the old city, including the Basilica of St. Francis. Then you are off to medieval Perugia, the historic capital of Umbria. Behold one of the grandest squares in Italy, the Piazza IV Novembre, and delight in the medieval palaces and ornate cathedrals.

Day 5: Perugia - Siena - Florence
A scenic journey through Tuscany’s graceful low-lying hills brings you to the mystical city of Siena. You will be delighted by its narrow Gothic streets, magnificent palaces and historic Piazza del Campo. After a walking tour with a local expert, take some time to explore the medieval corners of Siena with its great shops and outdoor cafes. En route to Florence, visit a family-owned leather shop and learn the traditional Italian techniques of leather making.

Day 6: Florence
In Florence, the “Cradle of Italian Renaissance,” visit the world-famous Academy Gallery to see Michelangelo’s incredible statue of David. During your cultural tour of Florence, you'll also view the Cathedral of Santa Maria Del Fiore, the Palazzo Vecchio and the Church of Santa Croce, burial place of Michelangelo, Galileo and Machiavelli. End your morning at a local gold shop with an informative explanation of Florentine gold and its fascinating techniques. The remainder of the day is at leisure to enjoy this fascinating city on your own.

Day 7: Florence - Venice
Start your day with a trip to a historic winery in the heart of the Chianti region with its very own 12th century castle. Learn about Tuscany’s famous wines and enjoy a lunch filled with local specialties. This afternoon, journey through central Italy, crossing over the wooded Apennine Mountains toward the Valley of the Po. Enchanting Venice awaits with 117 tiny islands and its latticework of 150 canals and 400 bridges.

Day 8: Venice - Murano Island - Venice
Your day begins with a boat trip* (weather permitting) to Murano Island for an up-close glass making demonstration. Next, return to Venice and visit charming St. Mark’s Square, the lively hub of the city's activity and events. A local expert will guide you on a walking tour of the area featuring St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, the Bridge of Sighs, and the Clock Tower with its famous Moors.

Day 9: Venice - Lugano, Switzerland - Como, Italy - Milan Malpensa
Today you travel to the picturesque Italian Lake district. Cross into Switzerland and the lakeside resort of Lugano to enjoy beautiful views of Lake Lugano with excellent shopping opportunities. Returning to Italy, spend time in the elegant town of Como. Lake Como’s charm is tied to its beautiful villas, lush gardens and spectacular views. Continue to Milan Malpensa for a farewell dinner celebrating the end of an unforgettable trip.

Day 10: Milan Malpensa - Tour Ends
Your tour ends in Milan Malpensa this morning.

Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
2/27/2012 - 3/7/2012	$1,749
3/12/2012 - 3/21/2012	$1,999
3/19/2012 - 3/28/2012	$1,999
3/21/2012 - 3/30/2012	$1,999
3/26/2012 - 4/4/2012	$2,099
4/9/2012 - 4/18/2012	$2,099
4/16/2012 - 4/25/2012	$2,099
4/23/2012 - 5/2/2012	$2,099
4/25/2012 - 5/4/2012	$2,149
5/7/2012 - 5/16/2012	$2,399
5/14/2012 - 5/23/2012	$2,399
5/21/2012 - 5/30/2012	$2,399
6/4/2012 - 6/13/2012	$2,399
6/18/2012 - 6/27/2012	$2,399
6/25/2012 - 7/4/2012	$2,399
7/9/2012 - 7/18/2012	$2,199
7/16/2012 - 7/25/2012	$2,199
7/23/2012 - 8/1/2012	$2,199
8/1/2012 - 8/10/2012	$2,199
9/3/2012 - 9/12/2012	$2,399
9/10/2012 - 9/19/2012	$2,399
9/12/2012 - 9/21/2012	$2,399
9/17/2012 - 9/26/2012	$2,399
9/19/2012 - 9/28/2012	$2,399
9/24/2012 - 10/3/2012	$2,399
9/26/2012 - 10/5/2012	$2,399
10/3/2012 - 10/12/2012	$2,399
10/8/2012 - 10/17/2012	$2,399
10/10/2012 - 10/19/2012	$2,399
10/15/2012 - 10/24/2012	$2,399
10/17/2012 - 10/26/2012	$2,399
10/22/2012 - 10/31/2012	$2,399
10/29/2012 - 11/7/2012	$2,299
10/31/2012 - 11/9/2012	$2,299
11/5/2012 - 11/14/2012	$2,199
11/7/2012 - 11/16/2012	$2,199
11/12/2012 - 11/21/2012	$2,199
11/26/2012 - 12/5/2012	$1,999
2/18/2013 - 2/27/2013	$1,999
3/4/2013 - 3/13/2013	$2,199
3/11/2013 - 3/20/2013	$2,199
3/13/2013 - 3/22/2013	$2,199
4/8/2013 - 4/17/2013	$2,399
4/10/2013 - 4/19/2013	$2,399
4/15/2013 - 4/24/2013	$2,399
Note: Departures appearing above in green are guaranteed to operate by the tour operator.
Airfare Disclaimer A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link. Documents TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

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