DAY 1, Monday
Depart the USA to Italy. Your flight includes meals, drinks, and in-flight entertainment for your journey

DAY 2, Tuesday
Arrive and transfer to your hotel. Balance of the day at leisure. This evening, enjoy an orientation meeting with your tour escort, followed by a welcome dinner at a local restaurant (D): ROME

DAY 3, Wednesday
This morning, attend the Papal Audience at the Vatican and receive the Blessing of the Holy Father (subject to Holy Father's schedule). In the afternoon, enjoy an exciting tour of Christian Rome. Depart the Piazza San Bernardo, crossing the Piazza della Repubblica, and continuing along the Via Nazionale to the Basilicas of St. Mary Major and St. John in Lateran. Upon arrival, visit the well-preserved site of the Holy Stairs, the 28 marble steps climbed by Jesus Christ to stand trial before Pilate's Palace. From this age-old pilgrimage site, the tour continues by coach, crossing the Piazza San Giovanni and Via Latina, to the Ancient Appian Way, where you will find the sacred Chapel of "Domine Quo Vadis." The tour concludes with a visit to the legendary Catacombs of St. Domitilla. Return in the early evening, passing the ruins of the Baths of Caracalla en route (B): ROME

DAY 4, Thursday
This morning, celebrate private Mass at St. Peter's, and afterwards, enjoy a tour of the Vatican Museums and Galleries. Here, you'll admire the Round Hall, the Hall of the Greek Cross, and the Tombs of St. Helen and St. Constance. From here, visit the Sistine Chapel and behold the great frescoes by Michelangelo. The tour continues to the Galleries of the Chandeliers, Tapestries, Geographical Maps, and the Vatican Library Hall. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure in the Eternal City (B): ROME

DAY 5, Friday
After breakfast, depart Rome for Assisi, the ancient religious centre for the Order of the Frati Minori (Minor Friars). Upon arrival, enjoy a panoramic tour of the city, followed by visits to the churches of Saint Clare and Saint Mary of Angels, where you will find the thornless rose bush and Porziuncola Chapel (B, D): ASSISI

DAY 6, Saturday
Attend Mass this morning at St. Francis' Tomb, and afterwards, visit the 13th century Basilica of St. Francis, an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Originally erected atop land known as the "Hill of Hell," owing to the many criminals executed there, the church has since been called "Paradise Hill," for the mortal remains of St. Francis have been guarded for centuries. The basilica is primarily composed of a lower and upper section, the former of which comprises a central nave with side chapels and exquisite frescoes known as the Maestro di San Francesco. Continue to the ancient Etruscan city of Cortona, one of the oldest cities in Tuscany. After lunch, enjoy a leisurely walking tour of this medieval town, including visits to the Romanesque church and the Diocesan Museum. Continue to Florence this afternoon (B, L): FLORENCE

DAY 7, Sunday
Attend Sunday morning Mass at the Duomo, followed by tour of Florence city. Enjoy a spectacular view of Florence from Michelangelo Square before reaching the Accademia, where Michelangelo's David is housed. Walk to the Duomo and Baptistery to view Ghiberti's famous "Gates of Paradise," whose south door quatrefoils and seated Virtues feature scenes from the life of John the Baptist. Continue to view Signoria Square and Ponte Vecchio, known as the "Old Bridge." Afterwards, visit Santa Croce Church and Square, where rests the remains of Michelangelo, Dante and Machiavelli. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure in Florence. This evening, dine at a typical Tuscan restaurant in the countryside (B, D): FLORENCE

DAY 8, Monday
After breakfast, depart Florence for Ravenna, a city of Roman origin. Upon arrival, view some of the city's best preserved mosaics, followed by visits to San Vitale, the Basilica of San Apollinare in Classe, and Dante's tomb. Continue to Venice this afternoon (B): VENICE

DAY 9, Tuesday
Begin your morning walking tour of romantic Venice at St. Mark's Square, and continue to visit the Golden Basilica of San Marco, the Bridge of Sighs, and the 14th century Doge's Palace, whose facade features a massive late Gothic gate on the Piazzetta side, known as the Porta della Carta. Take the remainder of the day to explore Venice on your own, or join an optional gondola ride with music along the famous Grand Canal and experience a piece of Venetian history ($49) (B): VENICE

DAY 10, Wednesday
Today, depart Venice and drive to Padua for a tour of the Basilica of St. Anthony, renowned for its well-preserved main altar by the great Donatello. The tour continues to Verona for lunch at local restaurant, followed by a city tour with visits to the Duomo and the Roman Amphitheater. Proceed to Lake Como for dinner and overnight (B, L, D): COMO

DAY 11, Thursday
This morning, depart for an exciting city tour of Milan, famous for its Teatro alla Scala (La Salla, Theatre). Upon arrival, begin your tour of the city with a visit to the Duomo, one of the most spectacular domed-cathedrals in the world, and the Scala Opera Museum. Continue to visit the Santa Maria delle Grazie Church to view Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper, one of the best known and valued paintings in the world. Late afternoon return to Como (B, D): COMO

DAY 12, Friday
This morning, cruise the scenic waters of Lake Como to the village of Bellagio, a commune set at the tip of the southern peninsula. With the Italian Alps in view to the north, saunter the slender streets and alleyways lined with craft shops, villas, boutiques and cafés. The afternoon is free to explore Como on your own. This evening, celebrate your last night in Italy at a farewell dinner (B, D): COMO

DAY 13, Saturday
Transfer to the airport for your return flight home (B).