Day 1: Swiss Alps & Lake District
Following an early morning departure, we head south along the Rhine, then across the scenic Swiss Alps, reaching the turquoise colored Lake Garda by late-afternoon. Here, we explore the coastal town of Pesciera, with its lake side promenade, gelato places, cafés and shops. For dinner, perhaps enjoy a delicious, real Italian Pizza, made in a wood-fired oven. Later in the evening, we depart the Lake Region for a short drive to Venice where we check-in to our hotel and spend the night.
Day 2: Venice
After breakfast at our hotel and check-out, we cruise across the Venetian Lagoon, via private boat, to St. Mark’s Square in the heart of Venice. The palatial residences seem to float on the water and gondolas bob beneath the bridges. We will sightsee on foot, followed by free time where you can explore on your own, and perhaps take a gondola ride along the Grand Canal. Today, a lunch of Venetian specialties is included, such as Spaghetti with clams, mixed fried fish and salad, finished with desert. Following lunch, around mid-afternoon, we depart Venice and begin our scenic drive to Tuscany, where we will check-in to our hotel.
Day 3: Tuscany & Sienna
After breakfast at our hotel, we will travel through the picturesque Tuscan countryside, the winding roads, rolling hills, along vineyards, olive groves and past medieval fortresses. Upon arrival in Siena, we will walk through the ancient, narrow streets lined with rustic, medieval brick buildings. We will visit the amazing 13th century cathedral, then, on to the Piazza del Campo, site of the biannual Pallio, Siena’s popular medieval style horse race. After the sightseeing there will be free time to explore and to shop for Siena’s delicious specialties, such as cantuccinis, biscottis, peccorino cheeses and truffeled salami. In the early afternoon, we depart Siena and travel back through the Chianti wine region. A wine and olive oil tasting at the La Tancia winery will be both, a fun and an educative experience. Before we depart, there will be opportunities to purchase some wines and oil to take back home. After some time to relax at our hotel, join in our Special 4-course, Tuscan Gala Dinner with live music and wine. Our feast begins first a buffet with a large variety of appetizers (antipasti), then ravioli with truffles, followed by prime rib as main course and later, a choice of deserts.
Day 4: Florence
Discover Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance and the city of Art. See the magnificent cathedral and sculpture studded Signoria Square. After our guided walking tour, there will be free time to explore, shop for souvenirs or enjoy a bite to eat. If time permits, you may want to visit the Accademia Museum to see Michelangelo’s statue of David. In the early afternoon we must depart this magnificent city and begin our trip home with an estimated midnight arrival at Ramstein.
