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' on an orientation drive. 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 a Welcome Dinner with your travel companions.
Accommodation : Una, Cicerone
Day 2 : Discover Ancient Rome and the Vatican City Dive Into Culture
The Holy See takes centre stage today as we join a Local Specialist for an included sightseeing tour in the Vatican Museums. Admire Michelangelo’s magnificent frescoed ceiling in the Sistine Chapel. See the marble masterpiece of the Pietà, housed in the Basilica before crossing the Tiber into Ancient Rome. We then enjoy a guided in depth walking experience around the walls of the Colosseum, before seeing Circus Maximus, once the site of celebrated chariot races. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore Rome. Indulge in an espresso in the Piazza Navona or clamber up the Spanish Steps.
Accommodation : Una, Cicerone
Day 3 : Explore the Ruins of Pompeii and Sorrento
We journey south to the well-preserved ruins of Pompeii. Here we join a Local Specialist who will share details of the devastation caused by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius as we wander through the ancient paved roads of a city that was frozen in time. Later, we arrive at our hotel in the clifftop town of Sorrento where we’ll dine tonight.
Accommodation : Johanna Park, Grand Hotel Cesare Augusto
Day 4 : Cruise to the Isle of Capri
We 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 cafés in Capri town in the company of a Local Specialist before taking your time to soak up the sophistication of this lovely island. Later, we return to the mainland.
Accommodation : Johanna Park, Grand Hotel Cesare Augusto
Day 5 : Onwards to Assisi Stays With Stories
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 and featured as the site of the Battle of Monte Cassino in 1944 before heading north to the slopes of Mount Subasio. We arrive in the mystical town of Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis, under whose protection this medieval city is said to remain. We join our Local Specialist for a visit of Basilica of St. Francis, before some free time to explore this fascinating hilltop town. Tonight, we'll stay at one of Trafalgar’s Stays With Stories – a fully renovated old Franciscan monastery.
Accommodation : Cenacolo
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 Lido
Day 7 : St. Mark's and More in Venice Make Travel Matter
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 master craftsmen 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 where we will 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 Lido
Day 8 : On to Como and the Italian Lakes
Travel to Verona, the home of Shakespeare's star-crossed lovers, to admire the ancient Roman arena and Piazza Brà. Then we cross the lush green plains of Lombardy to the glistening blue waters of Lake Como. We’ll enjoy some free time to explore the lakeside lifestyle and beautiful scenery which has enchanted visitors for centuries. Explore Como's historical quarter, indulge in the area’s delicious gelato, or consider a cruise on the lake. Later arrive in Varese where we'll enjoy a Highlight Dinner with your fellow travelling companions.
Accommodation : Simplon
Day 9 : Stroll around Milan Connect with Locals
Spend this morning exploring your lakeside resort or join an Optional Experience to discover the palace and gardens of Isola Bella. Sophisticated Milan, Italy's capital of design and fashion is our destination. An orientation tour takes us past the intricate Gothic Duomo, La Scala Opera House and the famous Galleria. This evening we venture by private boat to a secluded island on Lake Maggiore where we’ll 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 : Simplon
Day 10 : Admire Pisa and on to Florence
Tuscany lures us across the forested Apennine Mountains, past the marble quarries of Carrara to the famous city of Pisa and its Square of Miracles where we will enjoy an opportunity to view the Leaning Tower. Our next stop is Florence, the 'Cradle of the Renaissance'.
Accommodation : Grand Mediterraneo
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. We 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. Later, learn about the quality and workmanship of two of this city's historic industries at demonstrations of Florentine leathercraft and 18-carat gold.
Accommodation : Grand Mediterraneo
Day 12 : Treasures of San Gimignano and Return to Rome
This morning we stop at the Florence American Cemetery and Memorial. Continuing south, we 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 we enjoy a Farewell Dinner in the company of newfound friends and our Travel Director.
Accommodation : Shangri-La
Day 13 : Farewell Rome
Bid a fond ciao to your Travel Director and fellow travellers as your discovery of the best of Italy comes to an end.