agriturismo, in the countryside near Parma. Continue north to the Veneto region, home to one of Europe’s most significant prehistoric archaeological sites: Grotta di Fumane. Explore the site and learn about National Geographic– sponsored excavations here. Arrive in Venice and enjoy a private after-hours visit to Basilica di San Marco. VENICE PALAZZO GIOVANELLI (B, L, D) DAY 9 VENICE
Meet our Italian pen pals for a fun treasure hunt through the city. Later, get a hands-on introduction to Venetian mask-making at an artisan studio and visit a squero, or gondola boatyard. Enjoy a special farewell dinner this evening. (B, L, D) Campo and the 13th-century Duomo, then head to the hilltop town of Chiusdino to learn about its history with a poet. Continue to Florence and venture into the city’s charming streets. Gaze up at the iconic Duomo and visit Palazzo Vecchio, enjoying a reenactment of Medici court life. Wander through the Giardino di Boboli and view Michelangelo’s famous “David” at the Accademia. PALAZZO CASTRI 1874 (B, L; B, D)
DAY 10 VENICE
After breakfast, depart for the airport and connect with your flight home. (B)
DAY 6 PISA/LUCCA/LEVANTO
Head toward the Ligurian coast, stopping to climb Pisa’s legendary leaning tower. Continue to Lucca and explore this Tuscan town on your own. Arrive in Levanto this evening. PARK HOTEL ARGENTO (B, L, D) DAY 7 CINQUE TERRE
Take a short train ride to Riomaggiore, one of the five villages that make up the beautiful Cinque Terre, or “five lands.” Visit nearby Manarola, then cruise to picturesque Vernazza. Conclude our excursion in Monterosso al Mare with a gelato treat and freshly made focaccia. (B, L, D) DAY 8 EMILIA ROMAGNA/GROTTA DI FUMANE/VENICE
Learn to make pasta at a family-run farm, or
DAT ES AN D P RICES 2017: June 24–July 3 • July 15–24 July 29–Aug. 7 ADULTS
$6,590
CHILDREN (AGES 7–17)
$6,390
Prices are per person, double occupancy. For a single room, add $1,100. Airfare to Rome and return from Venice is not included in the expedition cost.
CALL 1-888-966-8687 OR VISIT NATGEOEXPEDITIONS.COM/FAMILY
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