Day 1: Venice | Welcome Dinner
Meet your tour director at 4:00 PM for a welcome reception, and take an orientation walk with your Tour Director of the city known as the ‘Queen of the Adriatic.' Spend a couple of hours exploring on your own before gathering again for a Welcome drink and dinner with your fellow travelers. (D)
Day 2: The Sights of Venice | Gondola Ride
Take a guided walking tour of Venice, the most serene of cities. See its glorious architecture, and charming bridges and canals. Visit the magnificent Doge's Palace and the acclaimed Piazza and Basilica of San Marco. Journey along the canals for a view of the city from a gondola. Delight in an evening of independent dining and exploration. (B)
Day 3: Bologna | Florence
Take a private group water taxi from your hotel to your coach and travel on to Florence. During your journey, stop for free time in the lively, historic foodie city of Bologna. Arrive at your hotel outside Florence's city center. Take a break, then depart for an orientation walk with your Tour Director and enjoy some free time in this beautiful city, the capital of Tuscany and the birthplace of the Renaissance. Enjoy a typical Tuscan dinner with your group at a local Florence restaurant
(B, D)
Day 4: Florence Walking Tour | The Accademia Gallery
Take a walking tour of Florence with a local guide and marvel at the sights of the city center such as the Duomo, Palazzo Vecchio and Piazza della Signoria. Visit the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo's iconic sculpture of David. Savor a local lunch in the heart of Florence. After lunch you will have the rest of the day to explore this magnificent city at your leisure.
(B, L)
Day 5: Orvieto | Roman Colosseum
They say that all roads lead to Rome, so you are off to the Eternal City with a special and delicious stop in Orvieto for a local wine tasting. Visit the historic Colosseum, the iconic structure of Imperial Rome constructed between 72 and 80 AD. This engineering marvel could hold 50,000 - 80,000 spectators at public spectacles, gladiator battles and classical dramas. (Please note that on some departures, the Colosseum visit may be moved to Day 6). Imagine the ghosts of the Caesars in the ruins of the Forum, the ancient heart of the Roman Empire. Your hotel tonight is in Rome's historic center.
(B)
Day 6: Independent Exploration | Vatican Tour
Discover Rome independently this morning, as you enjoy free time to explore. In the afternoon visit the Vatican for a guided tour of the Museums, with entrance to the Sistine Chapel and St Peter's Basilica. (Please note that the Sistine Chapel and St Peter's Basilica are sometimes closed by the Vatican so visits are subject to availability). Then it is off to dinner in a local restaurant
(B, D)
Day 7: Pompeii | Sorrento
Depart from Rome for the World Heritage site of Pompeii, a city frozen in time after a volcanic eruption in 79AD. Learn about the city's rediscovery in 1748 and excavation on a guided tour of this archaeological treasure. Savor lunch at an authentic Neapolitan pizzeria before arriving at your hotel in Sorrento, a lively resort town popular since Roman times now famous for stunning views of villas dotting the rocky cliffs along the coastline.
(B, L)
Day 8: Isle of Capri | Independent Exploration
This morning take a fast ferry across the Bay of Naples to the charming Isle of Capri. Enjoy the breath taking sights of this beautiful island. You will explore independently today, Capri is beloved as a day trip destination for its Roman ruins and colorful Blue Grotto, as well as its wonderful beaches. Return to Sorrento in the afternoon for an evening at leisure
(B)
Day 9: Independent Exploration in Sorrento
The day is yours in Sorrento, a town popular with tourists since the days of the 19th-century Grand Tour. Beloved by writers such as Bryon, Keats and Dickens. Famed for its lemons and Limoncello digestif, this charming town has many quaint antique stores and artisan shops to discover. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with your group.
(B, D)
Day 10: Tour Ends in Sorrento
Your tour ends after breakfast. Nearest international airport is Naples.(B)
B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner
Authentic Local Experiences:
- See the glorious architecture of Venice as you take a Gondola ride down it's famous canals.
- View the amazing art collection at Accademia Gallery and marvel at Michelangelo's masterpiece of sculpture - David.
- Step into the grandeur of the Vatican Museums on a guided tour with entrance to the Sistine Chapel.
- Walk amid the runs of Pompeii, an entire city where Mount Vesuvius still reigns and ghosts still whisper.
- Take a fast-jet ferry to luxuriate on the Isle of Capri
Trip Highlights:
- Venice Gondola Ride
- Doge's Palace, Venice
- Michelangelo's David Sculpture
- Bologna
- Orvieto Wine Tasting
- Colosseum and Forum*
- Vatican Museums with Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica*
- Pompeii
- Isle of Capri
*Visits subject to availability
Dining Experiences:
- 9 breakfasts (B), 2 lunches (L) including a Neopolitan pizza and 4 dinners (D) including a welcome dinner in Venice, a traditional Tuscan fare in Florence and a farewell dinner in Sorrento.
Hotels - 9 Nights:
- Hotel Bonvecchiati | Venice (2 Nights)
- Star Hotels, Tuscany | Florence (2 Nights)
- The Tribune Hotel | Rome (2 Nights)
- Hotel Carlton International (or similar) | Sorrento (3 Nights)
INSIDER TIP! Extend your vacation with pre-nights in Venice or post-nights in Sorrento. We've negotiated special hotel rates to make it easy and affordable.
*Only single/double/twin rooms are available on this tour*