MON-OCT 04, 2010: CHARLOTTE/NEW YORK/ROME - Join your group at Charlotte Douglas International Airport this afternoon to check-in for your Delta flight to Rome via New York (JFK).

TUE-OCT 05: ROME - Welcome to Roma!  Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your 7th Dimension Tours’ Italian tour manager. You will be transferred to Hotel Cicerone located within walking distance to most major sites including the Vatican. After a time for a quick lunch in the neighborhood, meet your local guide and begin a panoramic orientation tour of the Eternal City and its monuments. This tour will acquaint you with the major landmarks and sites of Rome and will include a visit to the Roman Colosseum. Return to the hotel for time to freshen up before dinner at the restaurant PAPA REX for a “Welcome to Rome” dinner with wine and music.  Return to hotel for overnight.

WED-OCT 06:  ROME - This morning we have the opportunity to attend the weekly Papal Audience in St. Peter’s Square, Vatican schedule permitting.  Afterwards we tour the wonderful Sistine Chapel and view the ceiling painted by Michelangelo between 1508 and 1512. The remainder of the day is yours to explore Rome on your own. Tonight we have a fun dinner at the restaurant Taverna Parione.

THUR-OCT 07:  ROME - Full day guided tour of the Basilicas of Rome – St. Peter’s, Santa Maria Maggiore, St. Giovanni in Laterano and St. Paul’s (outside the walls) Basilica. The day will end with a special Mass at the catacombs on the famed Via Appia and then back to the hotel.  Tonight our dinner is at the restaurant Grotto Azzurra. Return to hotel for overnight.

FRI-OCT 08: ROME/ORVIETO/ASSISI - An early departure this morning as we have a special Mass at the side alter in St. Peters where Pope John XXIII is buried. Depart Rome and head north into the Umbrian countryside. The first stop is the hilltop Etuscan City of Orvieto for a short visit and a chance to admire the Duomo, among the greatest of Italy’s Romanesque-Gothic Cathedrals. Continue on to the beautiful, medieval town of St. Francis, Assisi where you will be lodged for two nights at the Casa Madonna Della Pace Guest House near the center of town. This unobtrusive stone house has extraordinarily beautiful frescoes adorning the ceiling of several of its main rooms.  After check-in, meet your guide for a guided walking tour of Assisi. Dinner tonight will be at the local restaurant, Il Frantoio, a short walk from the hotel.

SAT-OCT 09:  PERUGIA - Full day excursion in the Umbrian countryside, heading for Perugia with ample time for independent exploration and lunch.  Highlights are the Duomo and San Domenico, Umbria’s largest church containing the gothic tomb of Benedict XI. In the afternoon, return to Assisi for free time and independent dinner.

SUN-OCT 10: ASSISI/SAN GIMIGNANO/SIENA - This morning we depart early and walk to the Basilica of St. Francis for Mass at the Tomb of St. Francis. Board the motor coach and begin touring through the rolling hills and beautiful countryside of Tuscany. First stop is the medieval skyscraper town of San Gimignano. Much art and many shops highlight this walled city with its 13 remaining towers. San Gimignano is one of the most picturesque and charming towns in Italy. Continue to the marvelous city of Siena, known for its twice annually held medieval horse race held in the Piazza del Campo.  Siena’s Duomo is one of Italy’s greatest cathedrals for many reasons. After Siena, proceed to your hotel, the beautiful Hotel Borgo Pretale just outside Siena in the Sienese hills. It is considered a country farmhouse, but is so much more, known for its food, wine, topography, spa and pool.  Be sure to take your bathing suit for a dip. A wonderful dinner at the hotel awaits you this evening.

MON-OCT 11: SIENA/FLORENCE/VENICE - Full day of touring, starting in Michelangelo's city of Florence.  First stop will be at the Galleria dell’ Accademia to see Michelangelo's statue of the David as well as other sculptures.  Continue the guided walking tour of Florence including Duomo, the Baptistry with the bronze doors by Ghiberti, the Piazza Della Signoria, the Ponte Vecchio and hopefully the church of Santa Croce. After time for an independent lunch, continue north to Venice/Mestre – located on the mainland and just a short water transfer to Venice.  Your hotel for two nights is the Hotel Russot Venezia (formerly the Ramada Hotel Venezia). After time to freshen up, dinner will be served in the hotel.

TUE-OCT 12: VENICE - This morning we transfer to Tronchetto for private motor launch transportation to St. Mark’s Square in Venice. This beautiful approach by water is awe inspiring. A local guide will be waiting to begin a half day guided walking tour of St. Mark’s Square (Europe’s living room), the Basilica of San Marco and an inside guided visit to the Palazzo Ducale (Doges Palace) where you have the chance to cross the famous “Bridge of Sighs.”   You will have time for an independent lunch. In the afternoon, a private motor launch will take you to the Venetian islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello where you get a chance to see the ancient art of glass-blowing and the chance to purchase some of these works of art. The group transfer back to Mestre will be around 5:00PM.  If you choose to stay in Venice and enjoy the many cafes and restaurants, public transportation will be available to return to the hotel and your guide will advise you on how to get back. Dinner is independent this evening.

WED-OCT 13: VENICE/PADUA/VENICE - This morning, we transfer via motor coach to Padua where you will enjoy a guided walking tour of the city of St. Anthony including a visit to the six-domed Basilica.  Entrance will be included to the Scrovegni Chapel, famous for its frescoes. After time for an independent lunch, return to Venice and enjoy free time for exploration, shopping, a gondola ride (on your own) or a stroll to the Rialto Bridge. Tonight we enjoy a farewell dinner at the Cantina Canaletto. After dinner, you will be transferred back to Mestre for overnight.

THUR-OCT 14: VENICE/NEW YORK-JFK/CHARLOTTE - After breakfast this morning we will transfer to the Marco Polo Airport to check in for our return flight to the USA. We will return with new friends and memories to last a lifetime.