Day 1: Vatican and Coliseum

Begin with a walking tour through the center of the ancient Roman Empire, Forum, and Coliseum. Spend the afternoon in the Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica.

Day 2: Orvieto and Florence Coliseum

Head to Florence with a stop at the breathtaking hill town of Orvieto. Ride the funicular up the steep slopes of the walled city. Explore the town’s medieval streets and alleyways, and its 13th-century cathedral. In Florence, enjoy a walking tour and be treated to an evening Renaissance Ball, featuring dinner and entertainment at the historic Palazzo Borghese.

Day 3: Tuscany

Spend the day in the country exploring the hamlets, vineyards, and beautiful rolling hills of Tuscany. Dine at a local Tuscan restaurant, and enjoy and inspirational  fireside with Howard, as he shares his experience of creating art for the Gilbert LDS Temple.

Day 4: Florence

Experience the Renaissance through an artist’s eyes. Tour the Uffizzi Museum with Howard, who will draw from his vast store of knowledge and personal experiences as well, as he provides insight about the art in the museum.Walk in the footsteps of Michelangelo and view his colossal David and unfinished Prisoners, dramatically displayed in the Academia Gallery.

Day 5: Cinque Terre

Visit the five charming villages nestled in the hills of Liguria, stopping at each to walk and explore. Adventurous travelers will have the chance to hike the challenging trails connecting the villages. Weather allowing, a scenic boat ride will top off the day.

Day 6: Fiesole / Church

Attend church services in the Florence Ward, and enjoy a catered lunch. Use the free time in the afternoon to explore Florence. In the evening, visit Fiesole, an Etruscan town high in the picturesque hills, just minutes outside Florence. Explore an extant Roman amphitheater, still in use today. Wrap up with a fireside, activities, and a spectacular view of the Florentine valley.

Day 7: Classic Carrara

Tour participants will be the inaugural guests for the premier of the new Classic Carrara Tour. Take an unforgettable jeep ride to the top of the mountain, in and around the quarries, and explore the marble veins from which famous sculptures have been hewn, from Roman Antiquity through the modern day. Michelangelo spent years in these quarries searching for material to carve his famous David, Pieta, and Prisoners. See the exact replicas of Bertel Thorvaldsen’s Christus and Twelve Apostles​ statues, commissioned for the LDS Rome Temple Visitors’ Center, now on display in the quarry’s premier showroom.

Day 8: The Splendors of Rome

Explore the heart of Rome with a visit to the Pantheon. See the fountains and back alleyways around the Campus Martius, then view masterpieces by Caravaggio, Raphael, and Michelangelo in little-known churches scattered around the neighborhood. Finish with a visit to the magnificent Villa Borghese, now home to the most famous Baroque sculptures in the world.

Bonus

Take a trek to the outskirts of Rome to witness the progress of the LDS Rome Temple construction.

Day 9: Free Day in Rome / Travel Home

Free time in Rome. Use hop-on, hop-off passes to see any sites you may have missed, or wish to revisit. Or grab yourself one more delicious bite of gelato.