Unveiling the Treasures of Italy: Rome, Venice, Florence, Pisa, and Pompeii with Travel Buddies

This awesome adventure will begin in Venice, Italy, where we will arrive on August 5, 2023. We will enjoy a 3-night stay at a lovely apartment building, overlooking a canal. The apartment has modern and stylish rooms, with free WiFi, and flat-screen TV. We'll have meals together at nearby restaurants, or cook meals in the apartment kitchen. Note: All meals and beverages are not covered by the TripFare. Each TripMate is expected to pay for its own meals and expenses. Our daily Itinerary is outlined below. It's flexible, and designed to maximize our time to enjoy trip activities. Some of the activities planned include: 1. St. Mark's Square: We'll start the day by visiting the iconic St. Mark's Square. Explore St. Mark's Basilica, known for its stunning Byzantine architecture, and climb the Campanile for a panoramic view of the city. 2. Doge's Palace: Next, we'll visit the Doge's Palace, a magnificent Gothic building that once served as the residence of the Doge of Venice. Take a guided tour to admire its grand halls, the Bridge of Sighs, and the prison cells. Afternoon: 3. Lunch: Enjoy a traditional Italian trattoria. Experience the charm of Venice while having a delicious lunch seated by a picturesque canal. 4. Rialto Bridge: Walk to the Rialto Bridge, the oldest and most famous bridge in Venice. Explore the bustling Rialto Market nearby, where you can find fresh produce, local delicacies, and souvenirs. Evening: 5. Venetian Cuisine: Enjoy a traditional Venetian dinner at a local trattoria. Indulge in dishes like risotto, seafood, and delicious cicchetti (small tapas-style plates). Pair your meal with a glass of Prosecco, a popular regional sparkling wine. Day 2 | Morning: 1. Murano Island: Take a boat ride to the charming island of Murano, famous for its glassmaking tradition. Visit a glass factory to witness skilled artisans crafting beautiful glass artworks. You can also explore the Glass Museum to learn about the history of Murano Glass. Afternoon: 2. Burano Island: Continue your island-hopping adventure by heading to Burano. Known for its colorful houses and lace-making tradition, Burano offers a picturesque setting for a leisurely stroll. Explore the lace shops, visit the Lace Museum, and enjoy a delicious seafood lunch at a local restaurant. Evening: 3. Sunset in Venice: Find a spot along the waterfront to enjoy dinner and a breathtaking sunset over Venice. Relax and soak in the tranquil atmosphere before heading back to the hotel. Day 3: On the morning of the 8th we'll check out of the hotel and take a train from Venice to Pompeii.

We'll travel by train and arrive in Pompeii from Venice in the afternoon. We'll visit the Pompeii ruins, were there are several fascinating things we'll do that will transport us back in time to ancient Roman including: 1. Explore the Ruins: Pompeii is an incredibly well-preserved archaeological site, offering a glimpse into the daily life of an ancient Roman city. We'll wander through the streets, houses, and public buildings, to marvel at the mosaics and remnants of the past. 2. Visit the Forum: The heart of every Roman city was its forum, and Pompeii is no exception. The Forum was the social, political, and economic hub, where people gathered, markets thrived, and important events took place. 3. Explore the Amphitheater: Pompeii's Amphitheater is one of the oldest surviving Roman amphitheaters. It once hosted gladiatorial contests and other spectacles. 4. Visit the Houses: Pompeii boasts well-preserved houses that provide insight into the lives of its former inhabitants. The House of the Vettii, House of the Faun, and House of the Tragic Poet are among the most famous. 5. Explore the Baths: The Baths of Pompeii were an essential part of Roman culture, serving as places of socializing, relaxation, and cleanliness. 6. View the Body Casts: One of the most haunting aspects of Pompeii is the presence of plaster casts depicting the victims who perished during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. We'll depart Pompeii the same day by train to Rome.

On the evening of the 8th, we'll check in at the hotel in Rome to begin exploring the next day. Day 1: Exploring Rome Morning: 1. Start your day early and head to Vatican City. Begin by visiting St. Peter's Square, where you can marvel at the grandeur of the square and the impressive Egyptian obelisk at its center. 2. Enter St. Peter's Basilica, the largest church in the world, and explore its breathtaking interior. 3. Attend Pope Francis's General Prayer. The crowd can be a bit challenging, but being blessed by the Pope is definitely worth it. Afternoon: 4. Head to the Vatican Museums, located within the Vatican City. 5. After visiting the Vatican Museums, take a leisurely stroll through the charming neighborhood of Trastevere, located just across the Tiber River. 6. Visit the beautiful Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere, one of Rome's oldest churches. Admire its stunning mosaics and peaceful atmosphere. Evening: 7. We'll head back to the city center to take Communion at the Papal Mass held by Pope Francis in St. Peter's Basilica. I'm so excited to meet Pope Francis but for obvious reasons the Vatican must be notified in advance. **A letter requesting permission to meet the Pontiff will be submitted to the Vatican in advance. Book early to be on the list of names submitted to meet the Pontiff. 8. Enjoy a delightful dinner at one of the nearby restaurants, savoring traditional Roman cuisine. Day 2 | Morning: 1. Explore the ancient wonders of Rome by visiting the Colosseum, one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. Marvel at the grandeur of this ancient amphitheater and learn about its fascinating history. 2. Adjacent to the Colosseum, visit the Roman Forum, the political and commercial center of ancient Rome. Afternoon: 3. Walk up Palatine Hill, one of Rome's legendary seven hills, and enjoy panoramic views of the city and the ruins of imperial palaces. 4. After descending from Palatine Hill, visit the nearby Circus Maximus, an ancient chariot racing stadium. Take a moment to picture the exhilarating races that once took place here and enjoy the expansive green space. 5. Then we'll head towards Capitoline Hill and visit the Capitoline Museums. Day 3: Departing Rome on the 11th, we'll travel by train to Pisa.

We'll arrive in Pisa from Rome by train and head to the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa (Torre Pendente). Take your time to marvel at the fascinating architecture and snap some memorable photos. Don't forget to capture the classic "holding up the tower" pose! 2. Pisa Cathedral (Duomo di Pisa): Next to the Leaning Tower, you'll find the Pisa Cathedral. 3. Baptistery of Pisa (Battistero di San Giovanni): Located near the cathedral, the Baptistery is a remarkable circular building with beautiful acoustics. Midday: 4. Piazza dei Cavalieri: Walk to the Piazza dei Cavalieri, the second main square of Pisa. 5. Lunch: Find a charming local restaurant or trattoria in the vicinity and indulge in some authentic Italian cuisine. Afternoon: 6. Museo dell'Opera del Duomo: After lunch, visit the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo, which houses a collection of sculptures, paintings, and other artworks related to the Cathedral and the Baptistery. We'll then return to the train station for the last leg of our trip to Florence.

On arrival in Florence from Pisa, we'll check in to our hotel and have dinner to begin exploring the next day. Day 1 | Morning: 1. We'll start the day with a visit to the iconic Florence Cathedral, also known as the Duomo. 2. Explore the nearby Galleria dell'Accademia, home to Michelangelo's famous sculpture, David. 3. Take a leisurely stroll to the Piazza della Signoria, the heart of Florence. Admire the Palazzo Vecchio, a medieval fortress, and the outdoor sculpture gallery featuring replicas of famous sculptures like the Fountain of Neptune and Michelangelo's David. Afternoon: 4. Enjoy a delightful Tuscan lunch at a traditional trattoria or explore the local food market, Mercato Centrale, to savor authentic Italian flavors. 5. Visit the Uffizi Gallery, one of the world's most renowned art museums. Explore its vast collection of Renaissance masterpieces, including works by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Raphael. 6. Wander across the Ponte Vecchio, a medieval stone bridge lined with jewelry shops. Take in the scenic views of the Arno River and enjoy the lively atmosphere. Evening: 7. Explore the Oltrarno district, located on the other side of the river. Wander through its charming streets and visit the Pitti Palace, a grand Renaissance palace that houses several museums and beautiful gardens. 8. Enjoy a relaxing dinner at a traditional Florentine restaurant, savoring Tuscan specialties like Florentine steak, ribollita (a hearty vegetable soup), or pappa al pomodoro (tomato and bread soup). Day 2 | Morning: 1. Visit the Basilica di Santa Croce, the final resting place of many notable figures, including Michelangelo, Galileo Galilei, and Niccolò Machiavelli. Admire the impressive architecture and explore the chapels and artworks inside. 2. Head to the San Lorenzo Market, a bustling market where you can find a variety of goods, including discounted Italian designer labels, leather products, clothing, and local food products. Evening: 6. We'll end our visit to Italy with a memorable dinner at a rooftop restaurant, enjoying a mesmerizing sunset at the Piazzale Michelangelo, a panoramic terrace offering breathtaking views of the city.