Northern Italy beckons on this four-day Fantasia tour of Assisi, Siena, Florence, Bologna, Padova, and Venice. You’ll explore the ancient spiritual home of St. Francis of Assisi, admire Giotto’s masterpieces, and walk the golden streets of Siena. In Florence, where the Renaissance blossomed, immerse yourself in Florentine art and architecture – or simply walk the cobblestone streets and discover your own ‘unknown’ places. In Bologna, escape the sun’s heat by strolling kilometers of elegant arcades before passing through Padova and finally arriving in romantic, ethereal Venice
Rome - Assisi - Siena - Florence - Bologna - Padova - Venice
Itinerary
DAY 1: ROME – ASSISI – SIENA – FLORENCE
This morning we journey to Assisi, the day is yours to explore this tiny town, surrounded by walls built in the middle ages. We suggest visiting basilica of st. Francis, where you will see masterpieces by Giotto and Cimabue. After lunch (not included) we continue to travel for Siena, a medieval town surrounded by ancient walls that are known for the Palio, an annual summertime horse race around the shell-shaped town square, Piazza Del Campo. Next, we continue our tour to Florence, where we will check into our hotel before enjoying dinner and a well-earned night of rest.
DAY 2: FLORENCE
This morning enjoy breakfast at your hotel before we spend the day venturing around beautiful Florence, where, with the help of Michelangelo, Italian art reached its pinnacle. Because of its numerous monuments, churches, and buildings, Florence is known as the “Cradle of Renaissance,” the crowning architectural jewel being the domed cathedral: Santa Maria del Fiore, more commonly referred to as the Duomo. During your visit, you will be amazed by the magnificent dome built by Filippo Brunelleschi; we will cross a small piazza to see the campanile tower and the baptistery, with its bronze doors whom Michelangelo dubbed the “Gates of Paradise. ”In the heart of the city, you will see the Piazza Della Signoria, Palazzo Della Signoria (also known as Palazzo Vecchio), and the Santa Croce Basilica. This afternoon stroll along the cobblestone streets of Florence before taking a short trip to Pisa (optional). Here, you will tour the square of miracles, which houses the Duomo, the leaning tower, and the Baptistery. Dine in Florence and overnight.
DAY 3: FLORENCE – BOLOGNA – PADOVA – VENICE
After breakfast we will depart for Bologna here we will wander through the city’s elegant arcades. Starting from Piazza Malpighi, we will walk to Piazza del Nettuno and Piazza Maggiore (Neptune square), where you will see the Neptune Fountain; King Renzo Palace; Podestà Palace; and the Basilica of San Petronio, one of the biggest in the world. This afternoon we continue our tour toward Padova, before our arrival in Venice, world-renowned for its classic gondola boats and its elegant, refined art. Check into our hotel for dinner and overnight.
DAY 4: VENICE
Enjoy one final breakfast before the tour comes to an end.