ITALY

Below you will find some specifics about Italy as a whole.  Also, optional excursions are further explained and researched for your convenience.

FRIDAY, MAY 10 Optional Sightseeing Excursions
Breakfast at hotel. Today you will have three sightseeing excursion options. These are available to you at no extra charges, with the exception of admissions. You will receive an email in April requesting your choice of excursion.

Option #1 – Pompeii. The city of Pompeii is a partially buried Roman town-city near modern Naples in the Italian region of Campania. Along with Herculaneum, Pompeii was partially destroyed and buried under 13 to 20 ft. of ash and pumice in the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. Pompeii was lost for nearly 1700 years before its rediscovery in 1748. Since then, its excavation has provided an extraordinarily detailed insight into the life of a city during the Pax Romana. Today, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most popular tourist attractions of Italy, with approximately 2,500,000 visitors every year. Purchase dinner on own before returning to our hotel in Rome.

This excursion will be very informative with lots of history.  If you are interested in viewing the culture as a historical aspect, this choice is for you. 

 

Option #2 – Explore Tuscany. We’ll stop at San Gimignano, a famous Italian hill town in the heart of Tuscany. After some lunch and shopping, we’ll head north to the city of Pisa, where you will see and have the opportunity to ascend the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.

 This excursion will be packed with sight seeing and picture taking opportunities.  If you are interested in seeing the famous monuments of Italy and viewing culture in everyday life, this excursion is for you.

Option #3 – Florence. The capital city of Tuscany is the destination of this excursion. In this medieval city, you can visit the famous Uffizi Museum, see Michelangelo’s sculpture, David, and explore the Duomo - Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore. 

This excursion will be very cultural from the aspect of art and religion. If you are interested in this and viewing culture community-based, this excursion is for you.  

ROMAN CATACOMBS

• Due to Christian practice, when a loved one would parish they would honor the deceased by burying them in these underground tunnels located outside the city as a way to avoid the Roman law that stated: the deceased must be cremated and the ashes placed in an above ground necropolis (cemetery or tomb).  The law forbade burials of all faiths inside the city limits.  Although 60 have been found throughout the country, it is believed that there are many more buried them beneath the streets that locals walk on everyday.  

• Italy is known for its high-end cars and their love to drive... FAST!.  Keep your eyes peeled for brands like Alfa Romeo, Lamborghini, Maserati, Ferrari, Lancia, and of course the Fiat.

• Watch out! Other than cars, lots of people drive scooters and motorcycles as a way to conserve.  European countries are very watchful of their usage of electricity, heat, and water.