TODAY’S HIGHLIGHT: Lakes region. Mountain landscapes, alpine lakes, villages of great beauty. Today we see one of the most beautiful scenic areas of Europe, the region of the Italian lakes. Firstly, we will travel to LAKE ORTA in ORTA DE SAN GIULIO, a well-preserved medieval city. We take a train ride to reach the center of the medieval town, and then a boat to the ISLAND OF SAN GIULIO, a little island on the lake with a monastery. After this we go on to LAKE MAGGIORE, stopping in STRESA, where we have the option to visit the Borromean Islands, and especially ISOLA BELLA with its gardens and palace (closed in the winter). Time for lunch. After lunch, we go on to VERONA.

TODAY’S HIGHLIGHT: Visit of Venice. Murano glass factory in Venice. We will have time to see Verona, the city of Romeo and Juliet before leaving for VENICE, where we arrive at about 13.00. We include a boat trip to the area of St Mark’s Square, with a local guide we take a stroll around the City of Canals. There will also be a chance to admire the glasswork of Murano. Afterwards enjoy some leisure time, maybe a trip in a gondola? Accommodation in the Mestre district.

TODAY’S HIGHLIGHT: San Marino and its fortress. Beautiful landscapes crossing the Apennines. Today we leave for PADOVA, the destination of many pilgrims, where we will see the Saint’s Basilica. Then we will go on to the Adriatic coast to see SAN MARINO, a small independent country on top of a strongly fortified mountain. Time for lunch. We travel on through pretty mountain countryside, crossing the Apennines to GUBBIO, a marvelously preserved town in which the Palace of Consuls and the 12th century cathedral stand out. Continuing to PERUGIA

TODAY’S HIGHLIGHT: Umbria region. PERUGIA is a historic city, also known as the City of Chocolate. With a local guide we will explore, climbing its ramps that cross the rocky outcrop, and we will be surprised by its squares and stone streets. After this we travel to ASSISI, there we will have time for lunch and to see the Basilica of St Francis. Afterwards, we travel to ROME, arriving in the late afternoon.

TODAY’S HIGHLIGHTS: City tour of Rome. Roman Coliseum (admission price included). Evening transfer to the Trastevere area. In the morning, we have a scenic tour, which will be a great introduction to “The Eternal city”. We will visit the tiny state of the Vatican, the epicenter of Christi- anity in the world. You will be able to visit St. Peter’s Basilica. We have included admission to the Roman Coliseum, the symbol of Rome. This impressive con- struction dates back 2,000 years and will transport us in time so that we can learn about ancient society in the Roman Empire. At the end of the evening we arrange a transfer to Trastevere area for a stroll in the narrow cobbled streets of the district with hidden treasures, such as some modest medieval churches, small shops with the most peculiar of objects or scenes of daily life. Many trattorias (informal Italian eating establishments) and osterias (inns) imbued with the Italian spirit will be ready to serve you local dishes. Other restaurants serving Indian, Chinese and international food can be found in this area. Return to hotel.

After breakfast, end of our services.