​DAY ONE/TWO (MARCH 28 AND 29): Embark on a journey of classic Italy and in celebration of Jubilee year in Rome. Overnight Flights to Rome from St. Louis.  We will arrive in Rome early afternoon and transfer on our private group transportation to our Rome Hotel. Upon arrival - relax, refresh and enjoy dinner at the hotel or at a nearby restaurant at your leisure.  Accommodations for four nights: Rome.

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DAY THREE (MARCH 30): Enjoy breakfast at the hotel this morning prior to discovering the ancient city of Rome with our private Italian Guide. We will begin at one of Rome’s most photographed icons - The Colosseum.  Work on the Colosseum began in 72 AD and took 8 years to complete with a seating capacity of 50,000 spectators. It was here that the Gladiator games took place during the Roman Empire. We will learn about where man and beast awaited their moment of glory or met their fateful death. Then we will travel even further back in time as we enter the Roman Forum, the true heart of Ancient Rome with monuments dating as far back as the 7th century BC. After a stop for lunch, our tour will lead us to the majestic Spanish Steps built in Rococo style between 1723 and 1726. There are 135 steps and three different terraces, referring to the Holy Trinity. Next, we will stop at the Pantheon, known as the best preserved building of the Roman Empire, it remains a wonder of engineering even today. Finishing our day, we will end at the iconic Trevi Fountain - perhaps the most famous fountain in the world! The fountain’s fame is in part the result of the many films that featured the Trevi Fountain, including La Dolce Vita, Angels and Demons, The Lizzie McGuire Movie and Roman Holiday. This evening we will enjoy a distinctive Italian welcome dinner.

DAY FOUR (MARCH 31): Breakfast at hotel. Arguably one of the most pivotal cities in ancient history, Rome’s enduring influence spans 2,500 years. Rome earned its status as the Eternal City and is awash with grandiose architectural achievements dating back to antiquity, as well as intricately designed Baroque fountains and churches, powerful Renaissance artworks and lively modern piazzas. But Rome also has some of the most multi-cultural and multi-religious neighborhoods as well. Today, we will explore Rome’s hidden treasures. Our morning will be in The Jewish ghetto of Rome, called one of the city’s most beautiful treasures. Visiting this small neighborhood, delimited by the Tiber river on one side and by Venice Square on the other, our guide will educate us on the tumultuous history of the district which today is a place of reflection and resilience. Not only a cultural and religious experience, because of the Synagogue and the Jewish museum, but also a culinary one, thanks to the many typical restaurants scattered throughout the neighborhood. We will dine together for a delicious luncheon. This afternoon, we  adventure on the enchanting Tiber Island, an ancient sanctuary nestled in the heart of the Tiber River. This island boasts a storied past, dating back to Roman times when it was a hub for healing temples and hospitals. We will explore the island’s unique architectural features, including the charming Basilica of Saint Bartholomew and the picturesque Ponte Fabricio, also known as the “Bridge of the Four Heads.” ​​

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DAY FIVE (APRIL 1): After breakfast, today’s agenda... is yours to choose! Your Journey Host will be offering two options for today’s exploring.  Option #1) The Vatican and the 2025 Jubilee. A Jubilee year is a time for celebration, and pilgrims visiting Rome seeking spiritual renewal and a stronger connection to their faith. The Jubilee happens every 25 years and this year’s theme is “Pilgrims of Hope” for a world suffering the impacts of war, the ongoing effects of COVID-19 pandemic, and a climate crisis. Your visit will include a complete Vatican City guided experience coupled with expert insights about the smallest country in the world. You will visit Vatican Square, Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel. The tour is a roughly a five hour event. Option #2) Italian “Secret Foodie Tour”. Enjoying freshly prepared pizzas, homemade pastas and Supplí (risotto balls), the finest cheeses and wines, and drink the best coffee in town. To top it off you will finish with a great artisanal gelato and plus there is our Secret Dish. This tour takes you into the heart of Rome, by historical monuments, in picturesque markets, inside beautiful restaurants and secret places off the tourist trail. The tour is a roughly a four hour event.

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DAY SIX (APRIL 2): After breakfast and checking out of our Rome hotel, we will board the Italia Renfe high-speed train to Florence - the capital city of the Tuscany region and Renaissance architecture. After dinner together in the city center, we will check into our Florence accommodations for the next two nights.   

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DAY SEVEN (APRIL 3): After breakfast, we will explore Florence with our local guide to experience the splendor and culture of the Renaissance. In the afternoon, a visit to La Galleria dell’Accademia is a must! The museum exhibits the largest number of Michelangelo’s sculptures in the world including “The David” statue - considered the apex of the sculptural work of Michelangelo.

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DAY EIGHT (APRIL 4):  Our morning flights back to the USA from Florence.  We depart on April 4 from Italy and return the same day (April 4) in the USA. 

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This exclusive small group journey is limited to only 15-25 guests.