Italy: Florence and Rome Sample Itinerary

Day 1
  • Overnight flight from Boston to Rome
Day 2

Florence

  • Arrive in Rome, meet the ACIS Tour Manager, and drive to the former Etruscan city of Orvieto.
  • Take the funicular up to the historical center and admire the view of the surrounding Umbrian countryside.
  • Visit the beautiful Duomo before continuing to Florence for dinner.
Day 3

Florence

  • Discover the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance today with a local guide. See Ghiberti's Baptistry Doors, Santa Croce, the Duomo and the Piazza della Signoria as well as a timed entrance to the Accademia to see Michelangelo's David.
  • In the afternoon enjoy a fresco making workshop where you will learn about fresco painting from a local expert and craft your own masterpiece.
Day 4

Florence

  • Journey to Siena, one of Italy's best-preserved hill towns, for a walking tour that shows you the green and white marbled Duomo and the famous Piazza del Campo.
  • Indulge in a magnificent Tuscan style lunch at a countryside farmhouse, where you'll learn about the traditions and cuisine characteristic to Italy's rural way of life.
  • Explore medieval San Gimignano, famed for its beautiful tall towers, before returning to your accommodations.
Day 5

Assisi

  • Drive to Cortona and enjoy views of the medieval buildings perched on the hillside overlooking the valley and remnants of the area's Etruscan history.
  • End the day in Assisi, where St. Francis lived and founded the Franciscan Friars.
Day 6

Rome

  • Visit the Basilica of St. Francis and the Porziuncola at the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli.
  • Depart Assisi for Rome, the Eternal City.
Day 7

Rome

  • Sightseeing tour that will introduce you to every phase of Rome's history with a panoramic drive of the city.
  • In addition, your local guide accompanies you through the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel, and continues to St. Peter's Basilica.
  • Restaurant vouchers and suggestions will be provided for our favorite trattorias so you can dine like (and with) the locals.
Day 8

Rome

  • Go inside the iconic and historic Colosseum with a local guide (another line-avoiding timed reservation) and learn the many stories of this nearly 2,000-year-old Roman landmark that's considered one of the architectural wonders of the ancient world. Your ticket also includes entrance to the nearby Roman Forum if your group has time.
  • Live la dolce vita as you visit one of Rome's most historic gelaterias to see how the famous Italian-style ice cream is produced during a gelateria tour and tasting. Your learning will be rewarded with a sweet sample of your favorite flavor as well as one of the gelateria's iconic Sanpietrino treats.
  • In the evening, you'll enjoy an authentic Roman pizza dinner. Then join your tour manager for a passeggiata romana through the piazzas around the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps.
Day 9
  • Flight from Rome to Boston