We arrive in Rome and check into the Monastery that will be our home for our time in Rome.

This evening our group will enjoy the first of many delectable European style dinners together.

Discover the heart of ancient Rome on a guided tour through its most iconic sites. Begin at the Colosseum, where gladiators once fought, and learn about its architectural grandeur and historical significance.
Continue to Palatine Hill, the birthplace of Rome, offering breathtaking views and insights into the city’s legendary origins. Explore the Roman Forum, the bustling center of Roman public life, filled with temples, markets, and ancient government buildings.
​Finally, visit the Capitoline Museum, home to a vast collection of Roman art and artifacts, where history comes to life through sculptures, mosaics, and priceless relics from the empire’s glorious past.

 Today, we set off on an enchanting journey through Rome, exploring its rich spiritual heritage and awe-inspiring architecture.

Begin with the mesmerizing Catacombs, ancient underground burial sites that offer a glimpse into the early days of Christianity. Next, marvel at the grandeur of the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, one of Rome’s four major basilicas, celebrated for its breathtaking mosaics and profound spiritual significance.

From there, take a leisurely stroll through Piazza Navona, a bustling square adorned with magnificent Baroque fountains and lined with lively cafés.

End your day at the iconic Pantheon, an architectural masterpiece featuring a massive dome and central oculus, where the ingenuity of ancient Roman engineering meets centuries of religious tradition in a monument that stands timeless.

Immerse yourself in the artistic and cultural wonders of Rome on a tour that begins at the Vatican Museum, home to one of the world’s most extraordinary art and historical collections. Admire Michelangelo’s masterpieces, including the awe-inspiring ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, where iconic frescoes bring biblical stories to life.

Continue to the Borghese Gallery, set amidst a lush garden, showcasing stunning works by Bernini, Caravaggio, and Raphael.

Wrap up your experience with a relaxed stroll through the heart of Rome, where ancient landmarks, picturesque streets, and vibrant piazzas reveal the city’s enchanting blend of history, artistry, and contemporary charm.

Start your day with a picturesque bus ride from Rome to Florence, passing through the charming landscapes of the Italian countryside. Upon arrival, settle into the serene Oblate Monastery, a peaceful haven that reflects Florence’s rich cultural heritage.

Once refreshed, head out to explore the city, making your way to Piazzale Michelangelo, a renowned viewpoint offering sweeping vistas of Florence’s iconic skyline. From this hilltop perch, marvel at the breathtaking views of the Duomo, Palazzo Vecchio, and the Arno River as the sun sets, casting a golden glow over the Renaissance city—a perfect introduction to your Florentine adventure.

 Board an early train from Florence and journey to the enchanting Cinque Terre, a string of five picturesque villages perched along Italy’s dramatic Ligurian coastline: Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. Spend the day immersing yourself in their charm, strolling through colorful streets lined with charming houses and quaint shops. Hike the scenic coastal trails that wind between the villages, offering breathtaking vistas of the sparkling Mediterranean. Pause to savor the region’s culinary delights, indulging in freshly caught seafood paired with local wines, as the beauty of this seaside paradise leaves you spellbound.

For those who love hiking, explore and moderate hike along the 12KM trail over several hours taking in some of the most majestic coastline in the world. 

 Immerse yourself in the artistic soul of Italy as you explore Renaissance Florence, a city where history and beauty converge in every corner. Stand in awe before the magnificent Duomo, its red-tiled dome a masterpiece of engineering, and stroll across the timeless Ponte Vecchio, a medieval bridge adorned with charming shops.

Delve into Florence’s world-renowned art scene at the Uffizi Gallery, where Botticelli’s ethereal Birth of Venus and other masterpieces await, and the Galleria dell’Accademia, home to Michelangelo’s iconic David. In Florence, every step is a journey through the brilliance of the Renaissance.

 Today, we bid farewell to Florence and journey to London, a bustling metropolis and one of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities.

Upon arriving and settling into our hotel, dive into the London experience by navigating the iconic London Underground, fondly known as the “Tube.” This legendary transit system offers a glimpse into the heartbeat of the city, weaving through its historic neighborhoods and vibrant streets.

For those seeking an energetic finale to the day, consider attending an English soccer match. Feel the electrifying energy of the crowd, the roar of passionate fans, and the dynamic spirit of this beloved sport in its home country.

Next, soak in the tranquil beauty of an Evensong service at a grand Anglican cathedral. Let the heavenly choral music and centuries-old traditions envelop you in a moment of peace and reverence.

Step into history with a visit to the Tower of London, where centuries of intrigue, royal drama, and the iconic Crown Jewels await. Then, immerse yourself in the magic of Shakespeare at the Globe Theatre, where the timeless words of the Bard come alive in a setting as grand as the plays themselves.

Next, wander through the British Museum, home to a vast collection of ancient treasures that tell the stories of civilizations past. Continue your artistic journey at the National Gallery, where masterpieces by Van Gogh, Rembrandt, and Leonardo da Vinci captivate with their beauty and brilliance.

As night falls, we head to London’s famed West End Theatre District for an unforgettable evening, where the stirring story and powerful music of Les Misérables will sweep you away into the heart of revolutionary France.

 Travel to the charming Marylebone Train Station, one of London’s most picturesque and atmospheric railway stations, before embarking on a scenic journey to Oxford. As the train rolls through the English countryside, prepare to step into the enchanting world of C.S. Lewis’s Oxford, a city where tradition, academic excellence, and timeless beauty converge within the hallowed walls of the world’s oldest university.

Wander along the cobblestone streets, flanked by majestic colleges draped in ivy, each one steeped in centuries of history and intellectual legacy. Visit the iconic Bodleian Library, a literary treasure chest brimming with ancient texts and knowledge, and immerse yourself in the university’s rich academic heritage.

As you explore further, uncover the atmospheric charm of Oxford’s historic pubs, where the likes of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien once gathered to share ideas and stories.

End your day with a visit to the Ashmolean Museum, a place where art, history, and culture unfold before your eyes. From ancient artifacts to Renaissance masterpieces, every gallery tells a story of creativity and discovery. Oxford’s timeless magic awaits at every turn, inspiring wonder in those who walk its storied streets.

 Begin your day in London with a visit to the awe-inspiring Westminster Abbey, where centuries of British history come to life through its magnificent Gothic architecture and the final resting places of monarchs and notable figures. As you step inside, let the echoes of royal ceremonies and historic events surround you. Just a short stroll away, gaze upon the grandeur of the Houses of Parliament and the iconic Big Ben, standing tall as enduring symbols of British governance and tradition.

Next, make your way to Buckingham Palace, where you’ll have the opportunity to witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony, a vibrant display of British pomp and ceremony. Take a moment to appreciate the royal residence’s stunning façade and the regal atmosphere that defines this historic landmark.

In the afternoon, enjoy some free time to explore London’s vibrant shopping districts. Stroll through the bustling streets of Oxford Circus, where high-end fashion stores and trendy boutiques line the avenues, or lose yourself in the charming, lively atmosphere of Covent Garden, with its unique shops, artisanal stalls, and street performers. Soak in the dynamic energy of London, where history, culture, and modern life blend seamlessly.

 Today, we bid farewell to the vibrant city of London as we begin our journey home. After a leisurely breakfast, we take our airport transfer from the hotel to Heathrow Airport, reflecting on the unforgettable experiences of our adventure. With memories of iconic landmarks, rich history, and timeless culture, we board our flight back to Boise, carrying the spirit of London with us as we head home.