DAY 2 | Tuesday, May 19

WELCOME TO ITALY!

Upon arrival in Italy, your American Expeditions Tour Manager will greet your team at the airport. Together, travel by private motor coach to Verona.

Join a local guide for a walking tour of this charming Italian city, famous for being the setting of Shakespeare’s "Romeo and Juliet." See the breathtaking Roman Arena and Juliet’s courtyard balcony where the famous scene from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet played out in 1302. Stroll along the open piazzas lined with 14th-century buildings and visit the open-air market displaying fresh produce and crafts. Treat yourself to your first real Italian espresso, cappuccino or gelato!

Later, settle into your rooms at a centrally located hotel and relax. This evening, kick-off of your team's tour with a welcome dinner of Italian fare at a traditional restaurant. It is  sure to be an exciting first evening in Europe. Later, settle in for a good night’s rest at the hotel.

DAY 3 | Wednesday, May 20

EXPLORE LAKE GARDA | FRIENDSHIP PADDLE

Each day of your tour starts with breakfast in the hotel dining room. Today enjoy a group excursion to nearby Lake Garda, one of Italy’s largest and most scenic lakes, framed by high alpine peaks. 

Spend the first half of the day enjoying your gorgeous surroundings. Explore the quaint Garda town, shops, galleries, markets, gardens, and parks. Lunch and dinner are on your own today, and you'll discover enticing cafes, pizzerias and restaurants in the neighborhood where you are staying. A guided visit to Sirmione, to visit the famous breathtaking castle and pleasant thermal baths can be arranged upon request.

This afternoon meet up with a local dragon boat team for a few hours of friendship paddling on the picturesque lake Garda! Practice in their boats, see the picturesque landscapes surrounding the lake and then divide up with their team members and enjoy some informal races. This evening, there will be time to mingle over drinks with your new friends!

Return to Verona this evening.

DAY 4 | Thursday, May 21

VERONA TO VENICE

Bid farewell to Verona this morning and transfer by private motor coach and ferry to Venice, one of the most beautiful cities in the world!  Venice is made up of 118 islands, over 450 bridges, and more than 180 canals.  A local guide will show off the highlights, including gorgeous Basilica San Marco, Rialto Bridge, and the Canal Grande dotted with gondolas.

This afternoon, embark on a walking tour of Venice Island with a local guide. Together, see sites such as fanciful Piazza San Marco, famous glass blowers’ shops, mask-making studios, and the Canal Grande dotted with the gondoliers gliding across the water. Learn about Doge’s Palace, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture with the prison from which Casanova made his spectacular escape in 1755. View the famous Bridge of Sighs, which offenders crossed many decades ago on their way to State interrogators. During your tour, visit St. Mark’s Basilica*, one of the most celebrated architectural crown jewels of Venice and certainly one of the most exquisite places of worship in the world.

Enjoy an evening at leisure. Your tour manager will share recommendations for the best options for a delicious dinner.

DAY 5 | Friday, May 22

FREE DAY FOR SIGHTSEEING | OPTIONAL MURANO & BURANO ISLANDS

Spend you last day in Italy exploring the wonders of Venice!

A group excursion to the nearby colorful Venetian islands of Murano and Burano can be arranged for your team upon request. Murano has been known as an epicenter for glass blowing since the Middle ages. The fishing village of Burano, famous for its craftsmanship in lace work and colorful buildings, is a great spot for a seafood lunch. You could also treat yourself to a gondola ride for an iconic Venetian experience gliding across the famous Grand Canal. Wherever you go, enjoy shopping for locally crafted souvenirs.

A practice may be arranged for today.

DAY 6 | Saturday, May 23

RACE DAY

This morning after breakfast, prepare for today's races. Today, join other teams from around the world in the Venice International Dragon Boat Festival! Compete in 200m races through the canals of Venice. Following a day full or racing, join all participating teams and spectators on a parade through St. Mark's Square.