Best of Italy

Tour Itinerary

• Day 1 • Welcome to Rome

  Ciao Roma! Explore this imperial city of emperors and senators, gods and goddesses before joining your Travel Director for an introduction to the 'Eternal City'. Arrive at Basilica Santa Maria in Cosmedin for a private after-hours visit to the Mouth of Truth. See the church, crypt and relics of the famous saint of love, Valentine, and learn about the legend of the Mouth of Truth. This evening, enjoy dinner with your travel companions. Arrival Transfer: Depart Leonardo da Vinci airport (FCO) at 09:30, 12:30, 15:00 Welcome: Meet your Travel Director at 17:00 Accommodation: UNAHotels Deco Roma Included Meals: Dinner

• Day 2 • Discover Ancient Rome and the Vatican City

  The Holy See takes centre stage today as you join a Local Specialist to explore the Vatican Museums. Admire the frescoed ceiling of the Sistine Chapel and see Michelangelo’s Pietà inside St. Peter’s Basilica. Then cross the Tiber into Ancient Rome for a guided visit to the Colosseum, once home to epic spectacles. View the Circus Maximus, where chariots once raced in front of thousands. This afternoon is yours to explore—relax at a sidewalk cafe, visit a local museum or enjoy a gelato in the Piazza Navona. Please note: On some departures, access to St. Peter’s Basilica may be restricted due to the Papal Audience. You’ll still have time to take in the atmosphere of St. Peter’s Square during your visit to Vatican City. Accommodation: UNAHotels Deco Roma Included Meals: Breakfast

• Day 3 • Explore the Ruins of Pompeii and Sorrento

  Journey south to the well-preserved ruins of Pompeii. Here you join a Local Specialist who will share details of the devastation caused by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius as you wander through the ancient paved roads of a city that was frozen in time. Later, arrive at your hotel in the town of Sorrento where you’ll dine tonight. Accommodation: Johanna Park Sorrento Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

• Day 4 • Cruise to the Isle of Capri

  Cross the Bay of Naples today by ferry to the glamorous Isle of Capri to visit some of its landmark sights. Wander past the chic boutiques and pavement cafes in Capri town in the company of a Local Specialist before taking your time to soak up the sophistication of this lovely island. Later, return to the mainland. Accommodation: Johanna Park Sorrento Included Meals: Breakfast

• Day 5 •Onwards to Assisi

  Marvel at the beauty of the Bay of Naples and mighty Vesuvius as you leave the Sorrento coastline. Glimpse the Benedictine Abbey of Cassino perched high on the mountain peak, known as the site of the Battle of Monte Cassino in 1944, before heading north to the slopes of Mount Subasio. Arrive in the mystical town of Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis, under whose protection this medieval city is said to remain. Join your Local Specialist for a visit to the Basilica of St. Francis, before some free time to explore this fascinating hilltop town. Accommodation: Grand Hotel Assisi Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

• Day 6 • Venture to Verona and Venice

  Journey through the glorious countryside of the Emilia Romagna region. This area is renowned for its gastronomy and is credited with being the origin of tortellini, mortadella and parmesan cheese. Travel to Verona, the home of Shakespeare's star-crossed lovers, to admire the ancient Roman arena and Piazza Brà. Arrive later into beautiful Venice, the 'Queen of the Adriatic', to spend time admiring this unique city. Accommodation: Biasutti Hotel Venice Lido Included Meals: Breakfast

• Day 7 • St. Mark's and More in Venice

  Cruise your way through Venice by private launch to soak up the sights and sounds of what was once one of the world's greatest ports. Your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with the glassblowing artisans of Venice follows. Watch as they share their centuries-old glassmaking traditions. Your visit helps to preserve this delicate craft for which Venice is justifiably famous and you’ll want to remember your visit by purchasing a souvenir or two to display at home. From there, continue past the Bridge of Sighs and the Doge's Palace to St. Mark's Square to view the impressive square and basilica. Consider an optional experience to see the colourful fishermen's houses on the Island of Burano or search for a cosy bacaro and indulge in some tasty Venetian treats, starting with that refreshing Venetian Spritz which is the local drink of choice. Accommodation: Biasutti Hotel Venice Lido Included Meals: Breakfast

• Day 8 • Stroll Around Milan and onto Lake Maggiore

  Cross the green plains of Lombardy to sophisticated Milan, Italy's capital of design and fashion. See the intricate Gothic Duomo, La Scala Opera House and the famous Galleria. Later arrive in the Italian Lakes where you'll enjoy a dinner with your fellow travelling companions. Accommodation: Hotel Simplon Lago Maggiore Baveno Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

• Days 9 • On to Como and Scenic Lake Maggiore

  The glistening blue waters of Lake Como beckon this morning. Enjoy some free time to explore the lakeside lifestyle and beautiful scenery which has enchanted visitors for centuries. Later, spend time exploring your lakeside resort or join an optional experience to discover the palace and gardens of Isola Bella. This evening, venture by private boat to a secluded island on Lake Maggiore to Connect With Locals over dinner at a Be My Guest experience. Join the Cinque family and hear all about the intriguing history of Villa Toscanini, situated on a tiny romantic island which was the hideaway of the great Italian conductor Arturo Toscanini one of the most influential musicians of the 19th century. Accommodation: Hotel Simplon Lago Maggiore Baveno Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

• Day 10 • Admire Pisa and on to Florence

  Tuscany lures you across the forested Apennine Mountains, past the marble quarries of Carrara to the famous city of Pisa and its Square of Miracles where you'll enjoy an opportunity to view the Leaning Tower. Your next stop is Florence, the 'Cradle of the Renaissance'. Accommodation: FH55 Grand Hotel Mediterraneo Florence Included Meals: Breakfast.

• Day 11 • Experience Art and Architecture in Florence

  Delve into the extravagant history of the Medici family, whose legacy of art and architecture is explored in the company of a Local Specialist. Visit Piazza della Signoria with its exquisite statues and palazzi and enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the beautiful skyline of Florence, dominated by the elegant Duomo and the almost 700-year-old Ponte Vecchio, from Piazzale Michelangelo. Departure Transfer: FH55 Grand Hotel Mediterraneo Florence Included Meals: Breakfast

• Day 12 • Treasures of San Gimignano and Return to Rome

  This morning, stop at the Florence American Cemetery and Memorial. Continuing south, visit the charming Tuscan hill-town of San Gimignano, with its extraordinary medieval architecture and rich history. Venture to the centre of town to view the Piazza del Duomo, surrounded by medieval towers and 13th-century city walls. This evening in Rome, enjoy dinner in the company of newfound friends and your Travel Director. Accommodation: Shangri-La Roma Included Meals:Breakfast, Dinner

• Day 13 • Farewell Rome

  Bid a fond ciao to your newfound friends as your discovery of the best of Italy comes to an end. Departure Transfer: Arrive at Leonardo da Vinci airport (FCO) at 07:00, 09:30 Included Meals: Breakfast