Day 2:  DUBROVNIK.  Upon our arrival at the Dubrovnik airport, we are met and escorted to our motor coach for a tour around the city.  Dinner and overnight at our hotel.

Day 3:  DUBROVNIK - SPLIT - OVERNIGHT FERRY.  After a restful night and a hearty breakfast, our guide greets us at the hotel for a walking tour of the 'Jewel of the Adriatic,’ so called by Lord Byron.  Although over 70% of the buildings were damaged to one degree or another during the 1991 war, most of the damage has now been repaired and the city is back to its stunning best.  Originally a Venetian port and one of the world’s major ports and trading centers up until the 17th century, Dubrovnik is classified in its entirety by UNESCO as a world heritage site and it’s easy to see why.  Our guide takes us to see the 15th century Onofrios fountain, built to celebrate the completion of the city’s water system; the magnificent Rector’s Palace which dates from the 17th century and has been destroyed and rebuilt several times; the tiny Sigurata church that dates from the 11th century; St. Blaise’s church with the small silver statue of St. Blaise that survived the fire which destroyed the original church in 1706; and the stunningly pretty Sponza Palace whose delicate ‘lace’ stonework has survived multiple earthquakes.  This afternoon, we continue to Split - a city with a 1,700-year old tradition.  A variety of archaeological, historical and cultural monuments, among which is the well-known Palace of Diocletian (inscribed into the UNESCO World Heritage List) certainly occupies a special position.  Our guide shows us the historical significance of the city including its many museums: the Museum of Croatian Archaeological Monuments - a capital Croatian cultural project established in 1893 in Knin; the Archaeological Museum from 1820 (one of the oldest in Croatia) and the Treasury of the Split Cathedral, including a valuable collection of religious art and more. Then we transfer to the pier for our overnight ferry to Ancona.

Day 4:  ANCONA - FERRARA / VENICE.  This morning, we arrive at Ancona and travel to Venice with a stop at historic Ferrara enroute.  It was in the church of St. Mary of the Ford in Ferrara, Italy that the Eucharistic miracle took place over 800 years ago.  Dinner and overnight at our hotel.

Day 5:  VENICE - FLORENCE.  Today begins with a sightseeing tour of Venice.  Included is St. Mark's Square with the Byzantine Basilica San Marco and the Palace of the Doges.  We won't miss a Gondola ride and the Bridge of Sighs.  Drive across serene Tuscan countryside to Florence, the city considered to be the cultural heart of Italy and former stronghold of the Medici family.  Dinner and overnight at our hotel.

Day 6:  FLORENCE.  Today, we begin our beautiful trip by visiting the Piazza della Signoria, where the Neptune Fountain stands.  Then, we visit Giotto's Bell Tower, the baptistery with it's "Gates of Paradise" doors, and the Academia that houses the Michelangelo's original statue of David. We also see the Santa Croce Church, the famous church where Dante, Michelangelo, Leonard da Vinci and many others are buried.  The rest of the afternoon is at leisure to enjoy activities on our own.

Day 7:  FLORENCE - ASSISI - ROME.  This morning we drive through the Autostrada del Sole across the Roman countryside towards Rome.  Enroute we will stop in Assisi.

Day 8:  ROME.  After breakfast we visit The Vatican City including the Vatican Museum and Gallery, Raphael's Rooms, the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica. During the afternoon tour highlights include City Hall, the Trevi Fountain, the Coliseum, St. Peter in chains, Appian Way, Palazzo Venezia, Arch of Constantine, and Circus Maximus.

Day 9:  ROME - POMPEII - SORRENTO - MT. VESUVIUS - NAPLES.  Morning departure from Rome to Naples.  First, we stop at Pompeii to visit the excavations.  We also stop at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary.  We drive along the Amalfi coast and view Mt. Vesuvius, and then on to Sorrento for a breathtaking view of the Bay of Naples.  Continue to Naples for a city tour, including a visit to the church of St. Januarium.  Return to Rome for dinner and overnight.

Day 10:  ROME - NORTH AMERICA.  Early departure from Rome to the United States.  The end of a most enjoyable journey.