ITALY

Location: Florence, Assisi, and Rome

Sample Itinerary - 8 Days

Day 1

Board your overnight flight to Rome!

Day 2

After meeting your Appleseed guide at the airport in Rome, you will transfer to Florence in the beautiful Tuscany region of Italy.  You'll begin your tour of the city by visiting the massive church called the Duomo where you will view Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise and Giotto's Bell Tower.   Later, you'll enjoy dinner in an atmosphere only Florence can provide then take some time to stroll through Ponte Vecchio and other famous shopping areas of Florence.

Day 3

First off this morning, the group will make its way to tour the Galleria dell'Accademia, where you will see the towering statue of David.  You will then head back to the Duomo to spend some time inside where you can opt to climb the tower leading to the top and a spectacular view of Florence.

Day 4

Today you will travel to Assisi, birthplace of Saint Francis and Saint Clare.  You will have a full day to tour the city, rich with such sites as the Basilica of St. Francis.  The group will then head back to Rome where we will have dinner and conclude the day!

Day 5

This morning you will have the opportunity to participate in a service project with a local charity.  By evening you will be ready to see the sites and will make your way to the Spanish Steps, the Pantheon, and Trevi Fountain.

Day 6

This morning is your first chance to tour the ancient city of Rome!  The time will be spent visiting the 2000 year-old Colosseum, the Arch of Constantine, the Arch of Titus, and the ancient Roman Forum, as well as a tour of Mamertine Prison — the traditional site of St. Paul's imprisonment while in Rome.

Day 7

This morning the group will travel to Vatican City.  You will visit St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museum, and a highlight of your day will be seeing the Sistine Chapel, home of Michelangelo's Last Judgment, and other masterful works.  It is here that the group will study Catholicism and its impact on Christianity.  In the evening you will enjoy an authentic Italian meal.

Day 8

Homeward bound after an amazing week in Italy!