Classic Italy 2007

Wed 22 Aug to Sun 2 Sep. 233 Park Avenue South, New York, 10003. Mike Enav, Tour Director, 212-879-4588, info@ajcongresstravel.com. 4495 land only. American Jewish Congress International Travel Program - [events]

Itinerary:

WEDNESDAY, DAY 1- EN ROUTE
Evening departure for Italy.

THURSDAY, DAY 2- ROME
Arrival in Rome, Italy’s eternal capital, built on seven hills and where Jews have lived uninterruptedly for more than 2,200 years. Meeting, assistance, and transfer to your hotel. Tonight, Welcome Dinner celebrates your arrival. D

FRIDAY, DAY 3- ROME
This morning, visit the imposing Great Synagogue and Jewish Community Center; you’ll be briefed on Italian Jewry, historic and present-day. Explore Trastevere, once the ghetto area, and see Michelangelo’s striking statue of the horned Moses at the Church of St. Peter. Continue to the vast Colosseum, the excavated Roman Forum (whose Arch of Hadrian depicts the Roman destruction of Jerusalem), and the Palazzo Venezia overlooked by the grandiose Victor Emmanuel Memorial. See the graceful Piazza Navona, the Spanish Steps and visit Boticelli’s restored Trevi Fountain; throw 3 coins and vow to return! Tonight, Shabbat Dinner together. BD

SATURDAY, DAY 4- ROME
Full day at leisure- spending Shabbat as you would at home. Perhaps an optional visit to Vatican City with St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums, Treasury and Sistine Chapel. This afternoon, perhaps a stroll along Via Condott, with its fashionable boutiques and legendary Caffe Greco? B

SUNDAY, DAY 5- ROME-SIENA
Depart Rome for the archaeological zone of Ostia Antica, where, amidst Roman baths, theatres, temple and forum, is a synagogue, thought to be constructed between the 1st and 4th centuries. Stop for lunch in Pitigliano and tour the Jewish ghetto and synagogue, before continuing to your hotel in the Siena countryside. BL

MONDAY, DAY 6- SIENA-FLORENCE
Tour medieval Sienna with its splendid 13th century central square – Piazza del Campo, and black and white marble cathedral. After lunch in a local restaurant, continue to Florence, one of the world’s most beautiful cities. It was in this golden-pink city on the River Arno that the Renaissance flowered, where Michelangelo, Dante, Leonardo da Vinci and Botticelli created masterpieces. Tonight, your Tour Manager will suggest a quaint neighborhood restaurant for dinner. BL

TUESDAY, DAY 7- FLORENCE
Our full day of touring starts at Piazza Michaelangelo. On to Pitti Palace, with its exquisite works by Rubens, Raphael, Titian and Tintoretto; to Piazza della Signoria (once the city’s ghetto), with its towering Palazzo Vecchio, treasure-filled Uffizi Gallery, and the Duomo (cathedral) graced with works by Pisano and Della Robbia and Giotto’s belfry. Visit the Academy of Fine Arts, home of Michelangelo’s statue of David, and continue to the massive 19th century Synagogue – where you’ll have an opportunity to chat with members. B

WEDNESDAY, DAY 8- FLORENCE
A gloriously full day at leisure to explore at your own pace. B

THURSDAY, DAY 9- FLORENCE-VENICE
Depart this morning for Venice, fairy-tale city of canals, bridges and sheer gorgeousness. Transfer by motor-launch along the Grand Canal and beneath the Rialto Bridge to your hotel. This afternoon, visit the vast Piazza San Marco – Napoleon described it as “Europe’s drawing-room” – whose 11th century cathedral sports mosaics and bronze horses spirited from China by Marco Polo. Visit the enormous Doges Palace and the infamous Bridge of Sighs. Tonight, after dinner together, perhaps sit in an elegant Piazza San Marco café and listen to the orchestras.! BD

FRIDAY, DAY 10- VENICE
This morning visit the neighborhood of Gheto (to which, in 1516, Jews were restricted), thus originating the world, used far too often in our history, with its quaint Judaica stores and cherished synagogues. Tonight, Shabbat Dinner at your hotel. BD

SATURDAY, DAY 11- VENICE
A free day to explore Venice – with many options - perhaps wander the quiet streets of Giudecca (originally Venice’s Jewish quarter) Or a visit to the Accademia gallery – or Peggy Guggenheim’s palazzo – perhaps a boat ride to Torcello or Murano – the day is yours. Tonight our Farewell Dinner caps a magnificent visit. BD

SUNDAY, DAY 12- EN ROUTE
Transfer to the airport for the flight back to the U.S. B

This is a sample itinerary – Distribution of sites & leisure time is subject to change. Meal Conditions: Buffet Breakfast daily – 2 lunches, 5 dinners

Accommodations:
CITY........#NIGHTS............HOTEL
ROME................3...................Visconti Palace
SIENA..............1....................Hotel Garden
FLORENCE..........3...................AdriaticoHotel
VENICE..............3..................Ai Mori d’Oriente or Saturnia