Welcome to Rome! You will be greeted upon arrival at Rome Fiumicino airport, and escorted to your hotel for check-in. Professor Judson will provide an afternoon walking orientation tour to acclimate the group to the Eternal City. We will end the evening with a multi-course Welcome Dinner in the Heart of Rome.

The guided tour will begin at the Colosseum! Also known as the Flavian Amphitheater, this massive 2000-year-old stone structure stands today as a monument to ancient Rome’s architectural and engi-neering prowess. 

Next, we will make our way to the Roman Forum! This rectangular forum was the nucleus of commer-cial affairs in ancient Rome. It was also the site of triumphal processions, elections, public speeches, criminal trials, and gladiatorial matches! 

The tour will finish at the Palatine Hill, which previously served as the home of Roman emperors. From there, we will enjoy the panoramic views of Rome, the Circus Maximus, the Colosseum, Capitoline Hill, and Aventine Hill! 

You will have time to explore on your own in the afternoon and evening! 

Rome is a bucket list destination for many travelers, and there is nothing like exploring it on your own. If you prefer, you are welcome to join Professor Judson and Mary as they explore other Rome must-sees such as the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, and Piazza Navona! Of course, feel free to peel off at anytime if you see something that interests you. This is your time to make the most of this amazing experience!

Professor Judson will escort the group to the Vatican City via public transportation, where entrance fees to the Vatican Museum are included. Take in one of the most impressive collections of art in the world, including map rooms, tapestry rooms, the magnificent Raphael Rooms, as well as the spectacular Sistine Chapel that is highlighted by Michelangelo’s ceiling and his Last Judgment. Also visit St. Peter’s Basilica, the largest church in the western world. Highlights include The Pieta by Michelangelo, the tomb of St. Peter, and Bernini’s magnificent Baldacchino. 

After visiting Vatican City, we recommend you explore Trastevere, one of the most charming neighborhoods in Rome! Trastevere is a relaxing, bohemian area located on the bank of the River Tiber, just south of the Vatican.

Explore on your own in the morning and early afternoon or join Professor Judson and Mary on an optional excursion outside of Rome to one of the world’s largest archaeological sites, Ostia Antica. Ostia Antica is well worth visiting, as it helps you imagine how the inhabitants of this coastal city lived centu-ries ago. 

Later in the day, the group will reconvene for a Cooking Class, where everyone will learn how to make Italian homemade pasta! Make and work the dough, and then move to a choice of cutting it like fettuccine, pappardelle, tagliolini, or maltagliati! Then, we will enjoy a typical multi-course Roman meal! 

We will leave Rome in the morning by coach to take in the breathtaking views of the Tuscan country-side, stopping at a winery for a guided tour, wine tasting, and a 3-course set menu lunch. After lunch, we will continue on to San Gimignano, known for its striking medieval architecture and voted one of Italy’s most beautiful places. We will finish the day’s journey in Montecatini Terme, a picturesque spa town located between Florence and Pisa, where we will spend the next three nights.

The group will take a day trip to Florence via train. This city is an art lover's paradise, as the home to some of the world's most famous art galleries and masterpieces. It is also known as the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, which some believe was Europe's most prosperous cultural period. After a 3-hour guided tour, you will be free to explore on your own before heading back to Montecatini Terme.

No trip to Italy is complete without seeing the Leaning Tower of Pisa, one of the most remarkable ar-chitectural structures from medieval Europe. On the train ride to Pisa, we will stop in Lucca, one of the few Italian towns that is still entirely surrounded by its basically intact city walls. Since the 19th century, these walls have become a world-famous pedestrian promenade. In Lucca, you can wander at random and stumble across hundreds of interesting corners, ancient churches, Roman streets, antique shops, impressive squares, museums and tiny delicious restaurants. Don’t forget to buy some of its world-famous olive oil!

After taking our obligatory photos holding up the Leaning Tower, we will return by train to Montecatini Terme. In the evening, we will make our way up to the hill town of Montecatini Alto via the Funicolare di Montecatini (cable car) for a multi-course group dinner.

After a coach trip back to Rome, you will have a final day to explore on your own, buy your souvenirs, enjoy one last gelato (or two!), and toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain to ensure your return to Rome! The program will end with a multi-course group Farewell Dinner!

We will have coach transfers from the hotel to Rome Fiumicino airport for return flights home, where you can begin sharing stories about your adventure with your family and friends!