Jewels of Italy with Jewish interest

Day 1: En route

Depart on your flight to Italy

Day 2:  Arrive Rome

Upon arrival at Civitavecchia, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Rome. Balance of the day at leisure. Overnight at the hotel in Rome.

Day 3: Rome

This morning after breakfast meet your guide and driver for your full day tour of Rome. Start at the historic Colosseum, one of the world’s most celebrated buildings. Built over 2000 years ago, this structure hosted gladiatorial contests and other spectacles. While you visit this structure imagine 50 thousand plus boisterous spectators cheering on their favorite fighters. Continue to the Roman Forum, the center of Imperial Rome nearby. It lies just down the valley surrounded by three of Rome’s famous hills Palatine, Quirinale and Capitolium. Stroll the ancient forum and imagine Mark Anthony making his impassioned speech from the rostrum over the body of Julius Caesar. Later continue to the impressive Trevi Fountain to admire its beautiful Baroque architecture. Follow the legend and toss a coin, ensuring your eventual return to Rome. Walk to the 2000-year-old Pantheon, temple of all the Gods, and today a Church with its immense dome and center oculus. Finally make your way to Piazza Navona, home to numerous palaces and its magnificent Four Rivers Fountain by Bernini, with its giant statues of sea gods and Egyptian obelisk.  While there you’ll need a break so go the Ristorante Tre Scalini, and sit outside while eating their famous ice cream dessert, tartuffo!   (B)

Day 4: Rome

Once again this morning meet your English-speaking guide and visit the Great Synagogue of Rome. It was constructed shortly after the unification of Italy in 1870. The Roman Ghetto was demolished and the Jews were granted citizenship. The building which had previously housed the ghetto synagogue (a complicated structure housing five scolas (the Italian-Jewish term for synagogues) in a single building was demolished, and the Jewish community began making plans for a new and impressive building.  The balance of the day is yours at leisure. Perhaps, go to Via dei Condotti, located at the bottom of the Spanish Steps to enjoy a relaxing café at “Antico Café Greco” one of the oldest cafes in Rome which opened in 1760.  (B)

Day 5: Rome to Florence

This morning meet your driver and travel north into the region of Tuscany. You will make a stop to visit Pitigliano a breathtaking town carved into the Tufo rock. Perched on a cliff of local stone, the town stands majestically as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. Also Known as Little Jerusalem, Pitigliano became an important haven for the Jews and their numbers grew so much that they built a Temple in 1598. While in Pitigliano, a local English-speaking guide will introduce you to the beauty and fascinating history of this town.  Later, continue to Florence and check-in at your hotel. Overnight at the hotel in Florence. (B)

Day 6: Florence

After breakfast you will meet the guide and begin the walking tour of Florence. You will start and the Accademia to view the incomparable statue of “David” by Michelangelo. Continue to The Duomo (main cathedral of Florence) walk to Signoria Square and make our way to the famous Ponte Vecchio. This afternoon is yours at leisure to continue your exploration of this magnificent Renaissance city. Overnight in Florence. (B)

Day 7: Florence

Today a special treat, as you meet your driver and travel south to explore the incredible beauty of the Tuscan Countryside. While there you will explore the fascinating Medieval town of San Gimignano, famous for its straw-colored wine “Vernaccia do San Gimignano”. You will also enjoy visiting one of the many wineries in the area to sample some of the extraordinary wines produced in Tuscany.   Return to Florence for overnight at the hotel. (B)\

Day 8: Florence | Bologna | Venice

This morning you will depart Florence and continue North to enter the region of Emilia-Romagna and make a stop at Bologna.  Bologna is the capital of the region of Emilia-Romagna and is famous for having the oldest university in the Western world. Aside from being known to have a vibrant student population, it is also famed for its exquisite food, traditional brick terracotta-roofed architecture and porticos. Again, you will have ample time to stroll its beautiful main square area. Make sure you consider ordering a pasta dish called gramigna. Later you will continue north to arrive at Venice, “La Serenissima”. You will be met and transported by water-taxi to your hotel. Overnight at the hotel in Venice. (B)

Day 9: Venice

After having breakfast at the hotel, meet your private English-Speaking guide in the hotel lobby. Begin the day with a visit to the magnificent Piazza San Marco, the heart of political and religious power of the Venetian Republic, considered by Napolean the “Drawing room of Europe”. Enter the spectacular St. Marks Basilica, nicknamed the Church of Gold for its opulence and position as a status symbol of Venetian wealth. Adjacent is St. Mark’s Campanile, the imposing 12^th century bell tower, standing at 323 feet tall. See the arcaded northern stretch of the square in classical and Gothic style. Enter the Doge’s Palace, former residence of the ruler of the Venetian Republic. Visit the magnificent rooms of the palace then cross the “Bridge of Sighs” to enter the ominous prison of Venice. Hear the stories of illustrious characters such as Marco Polo and Casanova. “Legend says that if you pass underneath the bridge in a gondola and profess your love for each other, then you will remain together for the rest of your lives”.  Later visit the beautiful Rialto Bridge and its nearby market place. End the tour with a visit to the fascinating “Ghetto of Venice”, where you will be transported back in time.  Perhaps this evening take a stroll on your own in St. Mark’s Square, a perfect time for an aperitif in one of its famous cafés such as “Café Florian”. Overnight at the hotel in Venice. (B)

Day 10: Venice | Verona | Lake Como

After breakfast you will be transferred by water-taxi to the Piazzale Roma to meet your driver to travel across the Northern part of Italy.  Prior to arrival at your destination of Como, your driver will make a stop at the city of Verona. You will have ample time to explore this medieval city. Make a stop at the romantic courtyard where Juliet’s balcony is located. A great chance to renew your love for each other. Soon you will arrive at one of Italy’s most beautiful lakes, Como. Overnight at the hotel in Lake Como. (B)

Day 11: Lake Como

Breakfast at the hotel. Today is yours at leisure to explore this beautiful area of Italy.
Perhaps take the traghetto (water bus) to Bellagio located at the upper most point on the lake as you take in the magnificence of the Alps in the distance.  Overnight at the hotel in Lake Como. (B)

DAY 12: Como |Turin OR Depart

For those returning to the U.S., you will have a private transfer to Milan’s Malpensa International Airport.

TURIN EXTENSION:

For the others, you will be transferred by private car to the region of Piedmont and its capital city of Turin known for its refined architecture and cuisine. The Alps rise to the northwest of the city. Stately baroque buildings and old cafes line Turin’s boulevards and grand squares such as Piazza Castello and Piazza San Carlo. Nearby is the soaring spire of the Mole Antonelliana, a 19th-century tower housing the interactive National Cinema Museum. Upon arrival, you will meet your private guide and enjoy an afternoon of touring this beautiful city in the shadow of the Italian Alps. Make sure to make a visit to a local café to enjoy a “Bicerin”, an incredible coffee drink, made up of chocolate, cream & espresso.  Overnight at the hotel in Turin. (B)

Day 13: Turin

This morning after breakfast you will travel into the wine region of Piedmont. Starting with the area around “Asti” world famous for its famous sparkling wine k now as Asti Spumante. You will also visit another area nearby town of Alba, it is one of the main cities in this Langhe region, famous for white truffle and incredible wines and is also the headquarters of the Ferrero chocolate company.  You will visit again, one of the famous wineries in this beautiful area and sample “Barbera d’Alba esteemed for its deep color and flavors of cherries, blueberries and raspberries.   Later return to Turin for overnight at the hotel. (B)

Day 14: Depart

Today after breakfast you will be transferred to Milan’s Malpensa Airport for your return flight. Arrivederci Italia!