Donna Salerno Travel

Travel with your children to Italy, and you are introducing them to the history of civilization. This journey explores the legacies of the Roman Empire, the mercantile might of Venice and the artistic glories of the Florentine Renaissance.  We haven't forgotten the lighter side of Italy; from a pizza-making workshop to an afternoon at "Gladiator School" in Rome, this itinerary is great family fun.

Take a gondola ride in Venice, the perfect way to see this unique city Spend an afternoon at the Gladiator School, where the world of ancient Rome comes alive Participate in hands-on pizza-making in Rome Privately explore the secret passageways below the Doge's Palace Learn the art of gelato-making in Florence.

Days 1-2: USA or Canada/Venice, Italy

Fly overnight to Venice and go by private launch to your hotel, an impressive former monastery on its very own island. Venice is like no other city because it is made up of hundreds of islands, all connected by bridges. You can get around either by water taxi or on foot. This evening, meet the families sharing your adventure at a welcome get-together followed by dinner in the hotel.  San Clemente Palace D

Day 3: Venice

Take a boat ride to central Venice and walk with your guide in St. Mark's Square, filled with cafés, people and pigeons. Gaze at the Basilica, the Bell Tower and the pink-and-white marble Doge's Palace, once the seat of the main government departments and residence of the Doge, ruler of the Venetian Republic. Beneath the Doge's Palace lies a reminder of its gruesome past: a maze of cells linked by corridors and staircases, where countless prisoners met an untimely end. Make sure to keep up with your guide so that you are not locked in. As you explore the city, look for the winged lion that represents St. Mark. You can see his symbol emblazoned on the Venetian flag and on the statues and fountains. Design Your Day options fill the afternoon hours (see below). Take a gondola ride along the canals tonight.

Design Your Day - Venice: Learn the history of Venetian masks and paint your own or head to the Lagoon Island of Murano to see a master artisan at work creating dazzling glass objects.  San Clemente Palace B L

Day 4: Venice/Florence

The morning is yours to spend in Venice as you like. Explore one of the many museums, stroll across its famous bridges or revisit St. Mark's Square, known as "Europe's drawing room" for the curious and cosmopolitan visitors it attracts. After lunch, depart by train for Florence.  Hotel Helvetia & Bristol B D

Day 5: Florence

Set on the Arno River below the foothills of the Appennines, Florence is a living legacy of the Renaissance. The museums hold famous works of art, but even the streets and buildings themselves hold equal fascination. See the monument that A&K has adopted as part of the Save the Monuments project and explore the palaces and squares. Visit the Duomo (Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore), the famous landmark of Florence that is able to accommodate 30,000 worshippers. Visit the Galleria dell'Accademia, home to Michelangelo's David, and the famous Uffizi Gallery, housing a magnificent collection of art treasures that include works by Titian, Caravaggio, Raphael and Giotto. After lunch, watch a demonstration of ice cream making at one of the best gelaterias in Florence, and sample your favorite flavor. Afterward, take a short walk to the Church of Santa Croce to watch as artisans demonstrate the ancient craft of leather-working, using the age-old technique of handcutting and -molding leather and applying gold leaf.

Adopt a Monument - Save the Florentine Monuments: is restoring the monuments that are the cultural heritage of Florence and a world treasure.  Hotel Helvetia & Bristol B L

Day 6: Florence/Pisa/Florence

In Pisa, visit the Baptistery, Duomo and the famous Leaning Tower, all in the beautiful Campo dei Miracoli, or "Square of Miracles." Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant, but you may want to save dessert until later when you stop at the De Bondt chocolate laboratory. Learn how their delectable treats are made — and how they taste. This evening, dine à la carte at your choice of restaurants.  Hotel Helvetia & Bristol B L D

Day 7: Florence/Rome and Vatican City

Come face-to-face with over 2,000 years of history at every turn when the train brings you to Rome, known as the "Eternal City." Visit the Vatican and the Sistine Chapel. Gaze up at the frescoed ceiling painted by Michelangelo. It took him four years to paint and is one of the most renowned artworks of the High Renaissance period. Continue to St. Peter's Basilica, built on the site where Peter the Apostle, thought to be the first pope, was crucified and buried. The balance of the day is at leisure.  Grand Hotel Parco dei Principi B L

Day 8: Rome

Discover Ancient Rome this morning, with a stop at the Forum, the political hearth of ancient Rome. Wander through the ruins of nearly 900 years of history and see the triumphal Arch of Constantine. Visit the famous Colosseum and imagine what it must have been like in ancient times when gladiator fights and chariot races brought spectators from all over. This afternoon, you can train with actual Roman "gladiators" who give you a glimpse into this amazing time in history. This evening's farewell dinner is at a lively pizzeria where you make pizza.  Grand Hotel Parco dei Principi B D

Day 9: Rome/USA or Canada

After breakfast, transfer to the airport and board your homebound flight.  B