Welcome to Rome! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (D)

ROME An orientation tour includes views of the major landmarks of the Eternal City. YourChoice Excursions include one of the following activities of your choice: DELVE: Roman Around Realism Follow your Local Guide on a walking tour of the Eternal city where you'll admire the masterful paintings of 16th-century artist Caravaggio. Learn about the controversial painter who continues to fascinate more than 400 years after his death as a criminal fugitive and rebellious master of Realism who created some of the world's most dramatic paintings using the chiaroscuro style of darkness and light. GAZE: Carved in Stone Visit the magnificent Vatican Museums and learn how the world's largest collection of art began with the purchase of a single marble sculpture by Pope Julius II in the early 16th century. Today, this marble sculpture is among the countless masterpieces that span this 9-mile site, including Michelangelo's extraordinary ceiling fresco in the Sistine Chapel. STROLL: There's No Place Like Rome Across Rome's Tiber River lies Trastevere, a former working-class enclave that today boasts a bohemian vibe of trendy shops, cafes, and bars. Walk the picturesque streets and charming medieval buildings with your Local Guide. Continue on to the Jewish Ghetto to hear of its long and storied history-from the ruins of Republican and Imperial Rome to the medieval age; from the Renaissance Ghetto to the construction of the Synagogue and the ultimate tragic affront of Nazi deportation suffered by the oldest Jewish community in Europe. (B)

NARNI Orientation and free time for lunch. SPOLETO Orientation (B)

SPOLETO YourChoice Excursions include one of the following activities of your choice: GAZE: Olive You, Spoleto! Follow your Local Guide through the cobblestone streets of one of the oldest cities in Italy. See the Albornoz fortress, the symbol of the city designed as an instrument of control and defense of the territory to restore order to the region and the Tower Bridge - a powerful structure used both as aqueduct and walkway. This tour concludes with a stop at "il Frantoio" oil shop for an olive oil tasting and a glass of wine. MARVEL: The Steps of Saint Francis When most people think about Saint Francis, one of the first images that come to mind is the ubiquitous statues depicting the friar in peaceful care of animals. Hear how the life and legacy of this founder of the Franciscan Order is much more fascinating. Aformer bon-vivant and soldier, Francis renounced his wealth to embrace a life of poverty; made daring religious missions to hostile lands, and experienced mystical ecstasies, as well as seeking spirituality in nature. Follow your Local Guide to the most important sites of the saint's life, from Santa Maria degli Angeli to Assisi, and from L'eremo delle Carceri to St. Damiano. STROLL: Diamonds in the Rough Wild truffles have been called the diamonds of the kitchen. These jewels of haute cuisine are hard to come by and in great demand by elite chefs across Europe who pay top dollar (or Euro) for this flavorful delicacy. During an unforgettable cultural experience in the hills of Umbria, you'll learn the art of truffle hunting with local farmers who share everything you need to know about finding, collecting, and cultivating truffles. A great experience for foodies and wine lovers, this excursion to Umbria will also delight you with its spectacular countryside and lovely people. (B)

PIENZA Guided sightseeing in the Italian Pearl of the Renaissance. FLORENCE Guided sightseeing with views of the Baptistry's heavy bronze "Gates of Paradise" and Signoria Square. (B)

FLORENCE YourChoice Excursions include one of the following activities of your choice: DELVE: On Cloud Wine On its hilltop perch, the ancient city of San Gimignano is visible from afar with magnificent views of its 13 legendary towers-earning the city a nickname of "Medieval Manhattan." Taste some of the region's world-famous wines while taking in the views of the Chianti Hills. PEDAL: Firenze in Bicicletta Discover the soul of Florence on a small-group bicycle tour through its maze of quaint cobblestone alleys and small piazzas. Breathe in fresh air and the city's most impressive landmarks, including the historic city centre and Oltrarno. On this guided bike ride, uncover Florence's hidden views and secret spots only the locals know and love. Take a break, park your bike, and relax with an authentic Italian gelato! GAZE: Fragrance & Fashion in Florence Follow your expert Local Guide through a maze of must-see-sights and legendary landmarks. You'll hear a secret or two about the ancient tradition of perfume making at the Officina di Santa Maria Novella, a centuries-old institution founded by Dominican friars in 1221, making it the oldest pharmacy in Europe. Your tour takes you from fragrance to footwear with a visit to the Ferragamo museum, dedicated to the shoemaker-turned-designer Salvatore Ferragamo. See stylish examples of the more than 10,000 shoe designs revered throughout the world. Farewell dinner at local restaurant. (B,D)

FLORENCE Your holiday ends with breakfast in the morning. (B)