Essential Italy—Rome to Milan
On this tour we will experience life in modern Italy while delving into its illustrious past. This adventure begins in the grandeur that is Rome as we follow in the footsteps of the ancient Romans and explore the explosion of the Baroque art period, as we mix into life of the modern, bustling city. Leaving the city of Rome, we will find ourselves in the quiet and iconic countryside of the Val d'Orcia, a part of Tuscany clad in a tapestry of vineyards and olive groves and guarded over by medieval hill towns. Still in Tuscany we visit Florence, the epicenter of Renaissance art and architecture. It was home to the Medici family, Michelangelo, Donatello, and Botticelli. Then the legendary and enchanting Venice, comprised of 117 small islands all laden with art and a fascinating past. Milan, today's center for business and fashion has its share of historical importance. And lastly, Varenna, a picturesque and sleepy fishing village, sits perched on the edge of Lake Como, the deepest lake in Europe. All along the way we will sample the local cuisine of each location, visit the markets and explore museums, churches and important historical sites with expert local guides. You will have ample free time for investigating on your own in addition to the informative and fun excursions planned by your guide.
