Tentative Schedule:

April 2
Departure from Atlanta for Rome, the Eternal city and capital of Italy. Overnight flight.

April 3
Arrival in Rome and transfer to the hotel. Subject to arrival in Rome, which usually is in the morning, there will be an afternoon walking tour which includes a visit to the Trevi Fountain and the Piazza Navona. Do not forget to make a wish and throw a coin into the famous Trevi fountain ( a tradition ). Whilst in the beautiful Piazza Navona, you may want to sample the very delicious and well know Chocolate ice cream known as Tartuffe. Dinner and overnight in Rome.

April 4
Today will be dedicated to a visit to the Vatican City as well as to the Roman forum and Coliseum. This means there will be a lot of walking as you follow in the footsteps of the Roman empire and its Emperors.  Visit the St Peter’s Basilica and marvel at the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. One of the many master works of Michelangelo Buonarotti.  Dinner and overnight stay in Rome.

April 5
There is so much to see in and around Rome. Enjoy a half day at leisure for you to explore on your own. In the afternoon enjoy a visit to the lovely city of Tivoli which is located near Rome in the so called castella Romani region.   You will be introduced to the Villa d’Este and its famous gardens with its hundred fountains.   Return to Rome for an evening of entertainment and dinner.

April 6
The drive through the Italian countryside will be delightful. First stop is Assisi, a mountain top village where St. Francis was born. He is the patron saint of Italy. Assisi breathes serenity and beauty.  A visit to this famous 13th century church will be a memorable experience. The frescoes and the life of St Francis will be brought to live during your tour of the Basilica.  The day ends in nearby  Perugia, capital of the state of Umbria and  famous  for its university. There are  20 regions in Italy. Perugia is known for its defensive walls around the historic centre. It is one of the country’s best preserved medieval cities.  Dinner and overnight in Perugia.

April 7
Departure from Perugia with final destination: Florence. However before arriving there,  you will stop in Siena, which is another magnificent medieval centre. Its Campo square, where annually the Palio horse races take place, is a site to be seen.   Siena was and is an important banking center and is located in the state of Tuscany.  A walking tour of Siena will be part of your visit.  Continue your drive to Florence for dinner and overnight stay.

April 8
A morning visit to Florence includes a visit to 2 museums.  Florence is a museum in its own right.  Each building has its own architectural beauty and history. The city was the home of the ruling Medici family and where Michelangelo, Dante, Brunelleschi and so many other artists were born and worked. Rossini, although born in Pesaro a city on the east coast of Italy, is buried in the Santa Croce church. He rests close to Michelangelo Buonarotti. The afternoon has been kept free for you to explore at your own pace! Dinner and overnight in Florence

April 9
There will be another half day walking tour of Florence and time to enjoy the shops, ice creams and many museums of which may be on your list to enjoy at leisure. Dinner and overnight in Florence.

April 10
Before arriving in the Veneto region, there will be a stop in Verona: the historical home of Romeo and Juliette. Visit the Roman amphitheater as well as the house of the two young lovers whose story was immortalized by Shakespeare. Verona is another wonderful example of medieval times and its rich history. Continue your drive towards Venice but overnight in nearby Padua. Padua is a university town and the home of the Basilica of St Anthony who is the patron saint of health. Dinner and overnight in Padua.

April 11
A short train ride will take you to Venice and its many canals.  Venice is a city like no other. Transportation is by ferry boat or gondola. Islands and bridge are connected and where the Doges Palace its impressive Duomo and St. Marc Square are impressive to say the least. Enjoy your walking tour of Venice and an afternoon at leisure before returning to Padua by train for dinner and overnight stay

April 12
What an experience you have had these past 10 days. Such an extension of your classroom! How many amazing sites you have seen and now it is back home. Back to familiar surroundings and school life. How lucky you are to have been able to sample, see, enjoy and learn about art, architecture, the Roman Empire. and so much more. How your horizons of the world have widened. Treasure the memories which will stay with you for ever!! 

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