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.

• Optionals must be booked with and paid to your tour manager in Europe.

• Prices are in American Dollars and are based on payment with VISA, MASTERCARD, or DISCOVER (no other credit cards are accepted). Visa, MasterCard and Discover are the recommended form of payment to avoid carrying excessive cash and exchange rate fluctuations. When paying by credit card, you must be able to present the actual card to your tour manager.

Please Note: If you bring a DISCOVER card, be sure to also bring a VISA or MASTERCARD because, while Discover is accepted for optional excursion payments, it is not accepted for other payments in Europe. In those special circumstances where cash is the only available form of payment, the tour manager will provide a pricing chart based on the local currency. Cash payments during the tour must be in the local currency.

• Please note that personal checks and traveler's checks are not accepted.

• Prices featured below are subject to change. Current pricing will be provided with Final Documents.

• Operation of all excursions is subject to sufficient participation, and some excursions are subject to favorable weather conditions. Your tour manager reserves the right to make changes to or cancel these excursions at his/her sole discretion.

'ACCADEMIA GALLERY'
 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
 In Florence, US $45

A local guide will introduce you to some of the highlights of the Accademia Gallery in Florence, with the visit's focal point on one of Michelangelo's most famous sculptures; 'David'. The operation of this excursion is subject to availability of reservations when requested b the tour manager at the beginning of the tour.

'CINQUE TERRE'
 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
 from Montecatini, US $65

Along the Mediterranean coast lie five quiet villages known as 'Cinque Terre'. You will receive a 1-day pass with unlimited access to the local train system and uniquely scenic footpaths, which provide the only ways to travel between the villages. Beginning in Riomaggiore, the southern most town, we suggest the 1 km walk along the 'Via del Amore' to Manorola. Take the train to Monterosso, the northern most village. Complete the day with an included boat ride.

'POMPEII'
 8:00 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.
 from Rome, US $95

Traveling south to Pompeii, you will be greeted by views of Mt. Vesuvius, the only active volcano on the European mainland. Experience a guided tour of Pompeii village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discovered in a 1748 excavation from the layers of ashes deposited during the 79 AD eruption, Pompeii provides extraordinary insight into the life of a city at the height of the Roman Empire. This excursion includes dinner upon your return to the hotel.

'ROME DINNER'
 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
 in Rome, US $60

A meal of authentic Italian dishes is served at a traditional restaurant in the heart of Rome. Europeans, and especially Italians, take their time with the evening meal. Enjoy each course at a relaxed pace, with the emphasis on experiencing the flavor and texture of every dish. You will have a choice of entrees, and beverages are included. During dinner singers will entertain you with traditional Italian arias.

'SIENA DUOMO'
 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
 in Siena, US $35

Join a local guide for an informative introduction to the history, art, and religious fervor of Siena with a tour of the breathtaking 13th century Duomo including works of Donatello, Bernini, and Michelangelo. The Duomo also features ornate mosaic floor panels, several of which can be viewed throughout the year.
 

'TUSCAN WINE & COOKING CLASS'
 2:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
 from Montecatini, US $105

 Immerse yourself in the special ambiance of a traditional Tuscan vineyard. Here you will learn about the production of local wines and olive oils. Tour the lovely grounds and wine cellar, then relax while taking part in a wine tasting. During the cooking class, learn how to prepare homemade pasta and other delicious dishes. Top off this culinary experience by enjoying a regional dinner you helped create amongst the beauty of the vineyard.

'VATICAN MUSEUMS & SISTINE CHAPEL'
 1:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
 in Rome, US $70

Enter Vatican City, a 100 acre soverign city-state within the city of Rome. A local guide will provide commentary as you tour the Vatican Museums including the Sistine Chapel, featuring Michelangelo's frescoed ceiling and 'the Last Judgement'. Your visit also includes St. Peter's Basilica, where you will find Michelangelo's 'Pieta'. St. Peter's has been a place of pilgrimage for centuries. Your tour through Vatican City will reveal many impressive treasures.

'VENICE DINNER'
 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
 in Venice, US $45

At the end of your day in Venice, join your tour manager for dinner at 'Al Giardinetto' Restaurant with its beautiful vine-clad courtyard, traditional Venetian specialties, and a relaxing atmosphere. The included dinner consists of a glass of wine, local specialties, and dessert.