Our tours are carefully planned to offer you a comfortable balance of sightseeing, entertainment, and leisure time. Experience shows, however, that many travelers like to use their free time to make one or more additional excursions. The optional excursions we offer are listed alphabetically on the following pages along with approximate prices and times, as well as the cities from which they are operated. Detailed descriptions of the specific excursions for your tour will also be sent with your Trip Documents Packet.

Optional Excursions must be booked with and paid to your tour manager in Europe. Prices are in American Dollars, and you may pay with US Dollars in cash or with credit card (only VISA, Mastercard and Discover are accepted). If you pay by credit card, you must be able to present the actual card to the tour manager. Please note that personal checks and traveler's checks are not accepted. Operation of all excursions is subject to sufficient participation, and some excursions are dependent on favorable weather conditions. Your tour manager reserves the right to make changes to or cancel these excursions at his/her sole discretion.

Rome Dinner - 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. in Rome, US$60
A meal of authentic Italian dishes will be served at a traditional restaurant in central Rome. You will have a choice of entree and beverages are included. A roving musician plays romantic Italian tunes.

San Gimignano - 9:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m. from Montecatini-Terme, US$85
Take the country roads to medieval San Gimignano. You will need to walk about 15 minutes up hill to reach the village. In the afternoon, travel through the Chianti Region to a vineyard for a tour of the cellars and a wine tasting. Relax in the courtyard with a glass of wine before enjoying a regional dinner. You may also inquire about playing 9 holes of golf at the nearby course for approximately $120 additional. Or, for an additional $40, you may join a cooking class to learn how the pasta is prepared for your dinner.

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel - 1:30 p.m.-5:00 p.m. in Rome, US$55
At Vatican City see St. Peter's Cathedral and the Vatican Museums with commentary provided by a local guide. The Sistine Chapel, with frescoes of the Last Judgement and the magnificent frescoed ceiling by Michelangelo, will be one of the highlights of your Rome visit.

Venice - 8:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m. from Montecatini-Terme, US$85
A 3-hour bus ride followed by a water taxi transfer, takes you to Venice's St. Mark's Square. Start with an included lunch of lasagna and tiramisu. Then, marvel as a local guide points out the architectural highlights and stunning sites such as the Basilica San Marco, Rialto Bridge, and 'the most beautiful street in the city', the Grand Canal. With six people sharing, you can take a gondola ride for approximately $45 per person. On the way back to your hotel, stop for independent dinner.