Seniors' Special Italy

Today we proceed to Venice- built on more than 100 small islands in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea. It has no roads but just canals. Upon arrival we enjoy Vaporetto water bus ride to Venice Island and the Gondola ride in the famous canals of Venice. Later we walk through Venice city, we see the Bridge of Sighs – an enclosed limestone bridge in baroque style which passes over the Rio di Palazzo, and connects the New Prison to the interrogation rooms in the Doge's Palace, Doge’s Palace - a palace built in Venetian Gothic style, and was the residence of the Doge of Venice, Bell Tower – also known as St Mark's Campanile, is the bell tower of St Mark's Basilica which is 98.6 metres (323 ft) tall, St. Mark's Square - principal public square of Venice and St Mark's Basilica – also known as The Patriarchal Cathedral Basilica of Saint Mark, it is the most famous of the city's churches and one of the best known examples of Italian-Byzantine architecture. In the evening we proceed to Bologna.

Today we proceed to Maranello – known worldwide as the home of Ferrari and the Formula 1 racing team. Here we visit Ferrari Museum and discover the history of Ferrari and Italy’s Motor Valley. We then proceed to San Marino – world's oldest sovereign state, it dates from the fourth century AD. Upon arrival we walk through Piazza della Libertà square- The main plaza of San Marino, followed by a photo stop at Basilica of St. Marino – an architectural masterpiece. In the evening we proceed to Arezzo- a city in eastern Tuscany.

Today we proceed to Vatican City – world’s smallest country where the Pope lives and is often called Holy See. Upon arrival we visit the largest church in the world St. Peter's Basilica - an Italian Renaissance church and an important pilgrimage site. Further we proceed to Rome – capital of Italy, is one of the oldest cities in the world. Upon arrival we walk through the amazing historical sights of Rome, we visit Trevi Fountain - the largest Baroque fountain in the city and one of the most famous fountains in the world, Piazza Venezia - the central hub of Rome, here we see Mussolini's Balcony - The spot where the fascist dictator made some of his most famous speeches including declaring war on Britain and France, Roman Forum - a rectangular forum surrounded by the ruins of several important ancient government buildings at the centre of the city of Rome. Here we see the statue of Julius Caesar whose remains were buried at the site of his cremation and a temple built atop this site, Tiber River – third longest river in Italy, followed by a photo stop at the backdrop of Colosseum - also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre.

Today we drive through Naples - the third largest city in Italy behind Rome and Milan and is located on the western coast of Italy facing the Tyrrhenian Sea, from Naples we board a ferry and proceed to Capri Island- an island in Italy’s Bay of Naples and is known for its rugged landscapes. Upon arrival visit the Blue Grotto or White Grotto - a sea cave on the coast of the island of Capri. Reflected sunlight makes the cave appear to be lit from inside with shades of blues.

Today we proceed to San Gimignano - Known as the Town of Fine Towers, is a small walled medieval hill town. Upon arrival we visit San Gimignano 1300 Museum – a museum that offers a detailed miniature reconstruction of the medieval San Gimignano, followed by a walking tour of San Gimignano, to see Piazza del Duomo - a city square, Podesta Palace, Tower of Devil - one of the 14 remaining medieval towers, Cugnanesi Tower - the tower dates from the 13th century and is one of the tallest in the city, San Giovanni Street, San Matteo Street and Piazza Della Cisterna – a piazza and is enclosed by a wall of nobility houses and medieval towers. Later we proceed to Florence - the birthplace of the Renaissance.

Today we enjoy orientation tour of Florence. We see Santa Maria Del Fiore - the third largest church in the world (after St. Peter's in Rome and St. Paul's in London) and was the largest church in Europe when it was completed in the 15th century. Later you get a chance to photograph yourself at Piazzale Michelangelo Point – also known as Square of Michelangelo, offers a beautiful panoramic view of Florence and Statue of David - Michelangelo’s famed Renaissance-era marble sculpture depicting the Biblical hero David. In the afternoon we proceed to Pisa - a city in Italy's Tuscany region best known for its iconic Leaning Tower. Upon arrival we explore Pisa city, we see Square of Miracles – UNESCO World Heritage Site, an important centre of European medieval art and one of the finest architectural complexes in the world, Baptistery – a Roman Catholic ecclesiastical building in Pisa, Pisa Cathedral - a medieval Roman Catholic cathedral dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and is a notable example of Romanesque architecture and Leaning tower of Pisa – a freestanding bell tower, of the cathedral of the Italian city of Pisa, known worldwide for its nearly four-degree lean, the result of an unstable foundation.