Day 1 : Buongiorno Rome
Benvenuti a Roma! Open your heart to a whirlwind of fiery passion, antiquities and hearty flavours crafted by Italian mammas over centuries, join your Travel Director for an introduction to the 'Eternal City' on an orientation drive to view some of the sights which await us tomorrow. Arrive at Basilica Santa Maria in Cosmedin for a private after hours visit to the 'Mouth of Truth' without the crowds. 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 Light Supper with your travel companions.
Accommodation : Il Cantico
Day 2 : Discover Ancient Rome and the Vatican City Dive Into Culture
Enjoy an included sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist at the Vatican Museums. Admire the magnificent frescoed ceiling in the Sistine Chapel and the sorrowful Pietà inside St. Peter's Basilica. In Ancient Rome, we see the Circus Maximus, where chariots thundered to the applause of thousands. Stand by the Colosseum for an in-depth description by your Local Specialist of one of the emblems of Ancient Rome before a free afternoon.
Accommodation : Il Cantico
Day 3 : Journey to Lucca
We travel north to Lucca for a sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist to admire the 14th-century San Martino Cathedral and Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, built on the site of an ancient Roman arena. Relax in Piazza San Michele or ascend one of the city's ancient towers for panoramic views in your free time.
Accommodation : Best Western Grand Guinigi
Day 4 : Explore Cinque Terre and Pisa
A sea of pastel pink, yellow and blue houses cling dramatically to the Ligurian cliffs in the villages of the Cinque Terre UNESCO World Heritage Site, which we will explore today on our included excursion. Join a Local Specialist and delve into daily life in these picturesque fishing villages. Later we visit Pisa and its UNESCO-listed 'Square of Miracles' to view the architectural feat that is the Leaning Tower.
Accommodation : Best Western Grand Guinigi
Day 5 : Onwards to San Gimignano and Florence Connect with Locals
The gentle Tuscan landscape leads us to our next destination, the hilltop town of San Gimignano, famed for its stunning medieval architecture and historic towers, which stand today as a testament to the wealth and power of aristocratic families who lived here centuries ago. We Connect With Locals at a Be My Guest experience in a beautiful family-owned vineyard overlooking the rolling Chianti Hills. You will join the Lenzi family for lunch and wine and olive oil tasting on their farm located on the ancient road between Siena and Florence. Later arrive in Florence for an evening at leisure.
Accommodation : Grand Mediterraneo
Day 6 : Uncover the Treasures of Florence
Discover Renaissance treasures, extraordinary art and exquisite architecture in one of the cultural capitals of the world. We join a Local Specialist who will bring the legacy of the influential Medici family to life. Walk along narrow lanes into expansive piazzas, viewing the magnificent marble Duomo and a replica of the David statue in Piazza della Signoria. View the Ponte Vecchio, almost 700 years old, and admire the spectacular panorama from Piazzale Michelangelo. You’ll also learn about the quality and workmanship of two of this city's historic industries at demonstrations of Florentine leathercraft and 18-carat gold. The rest of the day is yours to explore the 'Cradle of the Renaissance'. Visit the masterpieces of Michelangelo, wander through the architectural wonder of Palazzo Pitti or shop for high-quality leather and gold.
Accommodation : Grand Mediterraneo
Day 7 : Admire Verona and on to Venice
Shakespeare's star-crossed lovers are remembered today during our jaunt to the romantic city of Verona where we will view the 1st century Roman arena, still used today to host spectacular operatic performances and wander along cobbled streets in the city of star-crossed lovers. We venture to Venice next, spending the leisure time searching for hidden treasures. Watch the sun set over the Venetian lagoon or perhaps join an Optional Experience.
Accommodation : Le Boulevard Lido
Day 8 : Discover the Floating City Make Travel Matter
On this morning’s MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, we’ll witness the centuries-old tradition of Venetian glassblowing that has been passed down from generation to generation. You may wish to buy a souvenir to remind you of the talent and skill of the master craftsmen who delight in sharing with visitors how they’re preserving this local craft. You’ll see St. Mark's Basilica, the ornate Doge's Palace and the Bridge of Sighs next, imagining how prisoners felt when they gazed over Venice for the very last time before being imprisoned. Cruise by private launch to see the city's most iconic attractions before enjoying free time to explore the city on your terms. Wander through alleys, over ornate bridges and into quiet campi as you indulge your inner explorer and get lost in this enchanting city on water.
Accommodation : Le Boulevard Lido
Day 9 : Off to Bologna and Assisi Stays With Stories
Travel through scenic countryside to the mystical town of Assisi, stopping en route in the city of Bologna to view its Kissing Towers that lean towards one another, seemingly poised to embrace. We continue to our hotel in Assisi, where we'll stay at one of Trafalgar’s Stays With Stories – a fully renovated old Franciscan monastery.
Accommodation : Cenacolo
Day 10 : All Roads Lead to Tivoli and Rome
Discover the legacy of St. Francis of Assisi in his home town on the slopes of Mount Subasio. Join our Local Specialist for a visit to the Basilica of St. Francis, renowned for its beautiful frescoes depicting the life of this beloved saint. We continue to Tivoli for a guided visit with a Local Specialist of the UNESCO-listed terraced hillside Renaissance gardens of Villa d'Este. Wander past bubbling fountains, manicured hedges and ornate statues as you soak up the tranquil atmosphere of this historic hill town. This evening we enjoy a special Farewell Dinner with our fellow travellers and Travel Director.
Accommodation : Precise House Mantegna Roma
Day 11 : Farewell Rome
It's time to say a fond arrivederci to Italy and our newfound friends after a memorable journey.