Today depart for your overnight flight to Rome, Italy. meals will be served on board.

After clearing customs you will be greeted by your Perillo Tours representative who will help you make your way to your private air-conditioned motorcoach to your hotel. Following check-in, you will have free time to unpack and adjust to your new time zone, or explore Rome on your own. Your tour escort may suggest places to visit. After celebrating mass we depart for an evening welcome dinner at a local restaurant. Return to your hotel for overnight accommodations. (D.)

Afte breakfast our tour begins by attending the Papal Audience in St. Peter's Squares, pending the papal schedule. Following, free time for lunch, shop, or mail a postcard from the Vatican Post Office. This afternoon we visit the oldest of the four major basilicas in Rome, and the home to the relics of Peter and Paul, the Basilica of St. John the Lateran. This Basilica is where the Pope is installed as Bishop of Rome, and where he officiates as the Bishop of Rome. Next, we visit the Holy Staircase. Tradition states that this staircase is from Pontius Pilate's palace of Jerusalem during the time of Jesus. It is also said that this Staircase was brought to Rome by St. Helen in the 4th century. Time permiting, climb the steps on your knees, in memory of Christ's agonizing Passion. Conclude the day, with a visit to the Basilica of St. Mary Major. This Basilica contains a relic from the Manger of the Infant Jesus. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight accommodations. (B.D.)

After breakfast make your way to the largest Christendom Church, St. Peter's Basilica. This Basilica was built on the site where St. Peter, the first Pope and Bishop of Rome, was martyred. It is here that we view Michelangelo's Pieta. The stunning marble sculpture depicts the Virgin Mary holding Christ after His crucifixion, death, and removal off the cross before being placed in the tomb. Continue to the Vatican Museums. At the world-renowned museum, you will see the most impressive of edifices, galleries, and awe-inspiring relics. Additionally, you will observe the Tapestry Gallery, Raphael Rooms, Sistine Chapel, and Michelangelo's Masterpiece, the restored mural of the Last Judgment. The final stop on our Vatican tour is at the tomb of Saint John Paul II. Afterward, we transfer to the Fontana di Trevi (Trevi Fountain), where we enjoy some free time on your own for lunch. Continue on your short journey down the Appian Way, the earliest road of Ancient Rome. This road leads to the Domino Quo Vadis Chapel, the Baths of Caracalla, the Arch of Drusus, the Tomb of Cecilia Metella, and the catacombs of St. Callixtus. Our last visit of the day is to the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls. Originally founded by Emperor Constantine in the 4th Century, this Basilica is the burial place of Saint Paul the Apostle. We make our way to a local restaurant for dinner. Following dinner, feel free to explore on your own, or return to the hotel for overnight. (B.D.)

Breakfast, Lunch with Umbrian fare and Orvieto Classico wines, Dinner at our hotel.

Breakfast, then we head north through the Roman countryside of vineyards and villas. Throughout our motorcoach ride, our tour escort will share very interesting information regarding the spiritual, historical, and cultural aspects of Italy. Arrive in Orvieto, a city known for its Duomo and considered one of the most architecturally important in Europe, for its Etruscan roots, and for the museums where one finds collections and displays that range over 2,500 years of history. During this tour, we walk through Orvieto's charming, narrow alleys, and small squares. Our tour will be a very memorable experience, perfect for reflecting while we enjoy an Umbrian meal with a glass of Orvieto Classico wine. After lunch, board the coach and continue to Assisi. Upon arrival, our group will enjoy a tour of the hometown of St. Francis. St. Francis is the "Patron Saint of Animals and the Environment." Additionally, he is responsible for founding the Franciscan Order and, the inspiration for our Holy Father, Pope Francis. He chose his name in admiration of the Saint of Nature, and Servant to the Poor. Known for being a humble man himself, Pope Francis spent most of his life denying the luxuries of life. He preferred to live in simplicity and humility while giving up all other worldly possessions, just as St. Francis did. As your group visits the birthplace of St. Francis. During the tour, our group will have the opportunity to visit the tomb of St. Francis at his Basilica. At the Basilica of St. Francis, we have the opportunity to view a series of frescoes depicting his life, and his few possessions. Additionally, we visit the Church of San Damiano. This modest, yet beautiful Holy Church, we  have the opportunity to kneel before the crucifix where Jesus asked St. Francis, "to rebuild His church."  we also visit St. Mary of the Angels Basilica. This Basilica is where St. Francis spent most of his life and is made up of two structures; both of which we visit. The Porziuncola is where St. Francis founded his order of the Friar Minor (Franciscans), and the Capella del Transito, is the place of his death. Our group will have the opportunity to visit the Rose Garden where St. Francis and other friars lived, as well as the cave where the Saint retired to pray. After visiting this beautiful Basilica, we enjoy some free time. Feel free to take this time for additional prayer, or shop. Or last stop on your tour will be to the Church that honors St. Clare, the foundress of the Poor Clare Sisters. This Saint followed the teachings of St. Francis very closely by also living a life of poverty and humility. After our group will return to our hotel for dinner and overnight accommodations. (B.L.D.)

Olive Oil Tasting and Lunch in Trevi at an Oil Mill, Afternoon Wine tasting of the Sagrantino grapes of the area & Dinner at your hotel.

Today we'll discover the Umbria region, also known as "Italy's green heart". Drive to the town of Bevagna, where ancient Roman monuments date back to the 1st century B.C., see the remains of a temple and the thermal baths, still decorated with frescoes. Explore the medieval city, including the 13th-century Palazzo dei Consoli, and the 19th-century theater with decorations by Domenico Bruschi and a ceiling of dancing muses by Mariano Piervittori. After our visit of Bevagna we transfer to Trevi, the town famous for its olive oil, and enjoy a guided visit with light lunch at an olive oil mill. We also visit the medieval city of Montefalco, with its Romanesque, Renaissance, and Gothic monuments, we tour the Museo di San Francesco (Museum of St. Francis), a former Franciscan church with frescoes that tell the story of one of Italy's most famous patron saints. Admire the 13th to14th-century Palazzo Comunale (Town Hall), and the former church of San Filippo Neri, now a town theater. Other historic churches include Sant' Agostino and Santa Illuminata. See the 16th-century residences in Santa Maria di Piazza. We then visit a local wine producer, to taste the local wines, and especially the deep red Sagrantino wines, made from an Italian grape variety mainly found in the area. Return to the hotel in Assisi for dinner and overnight. (B.L.D.)

After breakfast, celebrate Mass then we depart Assisi for Siena, first stopping at the walled medieval city of San Gimignano. Resting on the top of a hill, explore the area's impressive Romanesque and Gothic architecture, frescoes, towers, and more. Upon arrival, our guide who will show us the medieval city of Siena. Siena is also the city of Saint Catherine of Siena, she is one of the two patron saints of Italy, together with St. Francis of Assisi. We begin with a private tour of the Siena Cathedral, admiring the unique marble stripes of its interior as well as the Piccolomini Library, which hosts illuminated choir books and frescoes. We continue to the Piazza del Campo, the famed site of the Palio di Siena, the horse races held twice a year. Free time proceeds explore independently or purchase lunch (on your own). After we continue to Siena for dinner at a local restaurant and overnight in Siena. (B.D.)

Breakfast, Wine Tastings (2), Food Tasting, Wine Tour, Cheese Tasting, Dinner in a local restaurant in Florence

After breakfast, we depart for a full day Tuscan tour. We drive through the rolling, grape-clad scenery leading us to Montalcino. Once here, you can breathe in the timeless character of this hill town with its narrow and winding alleyways and squares. The town is also the home of the world-famous Brunello wines. We visit a famous and renowned wine cellar/museum set on an estate with a rich history. Here we taste these rich and aged wines while receiving expert advice and suggestions from a connoisseur. Go up to the top of the town, here you can feast your eyes and breath in the history and culture of the place. Our next stop is a gem of Tuscany - the Orcia Valley. we'll stop at San Quirico d'Orcia for free time to visit the Romanesque Collegiate with its dragons and mermaids on its portals or the Horti Leonini - a beautiful box-garden a UNESCO site. We visit the Renaissance model of a city: Pienza. Perched on a hilltop, the town offers one of the best cheeses in the world: Pecorino. We have the chance to taste the best cheeses and then we'll have free time to look at the palaces and piazzas of this Florence in miniature. The last stop is the hill town of Montepulciano. It's like walking into the past. Later, it's home to the highly aclaimed Vino Nobile, where we take part in your second wine tasting session while visiting the cellar's stored wine. A  tastefully way to explore the regions most loved by true and discerning Tuscans. After we transfer to Florence for dinner in a local restaurant and overnight accommodations. (B.D.)

Breakfast, Cooking Class with dinner

After breakfast, we first travel to the neighborhood of San Lorenzo, for its open-air market, popular with visitors and locals alike, which sells a wide array of leather goods, clothing, and more. As we go, our guide will discuss the rule of the Medici family and their significant impact on the city's politics and art during the Renaissance. Go past the Medici Chapels, designed by Michelangelo and Matteo Nigetti, and check out the Basilica of San Lorenzo, where members of the Medici family are buried. Next, head over to one of Florence's most iconic landmarks, the Duomo, where Brunelleschi's Dome famously sits. Visit the Baptistery and Giotto's Bell Tower while learning the history of the architecture. Continue through the bustling square of Piazza Della Signoria, home to the Palazzo Vecchio, outdoor cafes, and a collection of famous sculptures, including Giambologna's Rape of the Sabine Women. Visit to Porcellino, the bronze piglet statue that offers luck to those who rub his nose. Visit the Academia and experience this world-renowned museum. In the afternoon, meet your Chef and get ready for a traditional Tuscan cooking lesson: prepare a delicious, full meal. Learn the principles of Tuscan produce, tips on how best to prepare it, and the fine art of creating pasta from scratch. Reward yourself by sitting down to feast on your dishes, complemented by local wine. After dinner, return to the hotel for overnight accommodations. (B.D.)

After breakfast we motorcoach through the beautiful Tuscan countryside, viewing the olive groves, vineyards, and rolling hills of one of the most prestigious winemaking regions in the world before arriving in Chianti Fiorentino. Stop for the visit to a distinguished castle and wine estate, where you'll tour the historical cellars. Learn the winemaker's secrets as you see where the grapes are crushed, and where the wine is matured and bottled. Then, get to tasting! Enjoy a glass of Chianti Classico, Chianti Reserve, Tuscan dessert wine, or a prominent white wine. Learn the complex character of each from your expert guide while you taste. Later, enjoy a typical Tuscan lunch, and afterward, head to the medieval village of Greve, where the most important wine fair of the Chianti region is held each year. Explore the main square and pursue the local artisan shops. Then make your way to Castellina, a hilltop village characterized by its large fortress and Etruscan settlements. Stroll past the medieval street of Via Delle Volte and explore the local shops and squares before returning to Florence. Farewell dinner in Florence, before returning to our hotel for our overnight accommodations. (B.L.D.)

After breakfast we depart for the Florence airport for our flight home. Speak to your Perillo Tours expert, to help you put together an extension to any of the fabulous regions of Italy. (B.)