Day 1: Venice Arrival & Welcome Dinner
Meet your tour director at 4:00 PM for a welcome reception and take an orientation walk around the city known as the ’Queen of the Adriatic.’ Enjoy a welcome drink and dinner with your fellow travelers.
(D)
Day 2: Murano Glass Factory, Venice Tour & Gondola Ride
Take a scenic cruise around the Venetian Lagoon to Murano Island, known for centuries for its artisanal glass industry. Tour a factory and see a demonstration of the art of glass blowing. Cruise back to the splendid Piazza San Marco for a walking tour, with visits to the Doge’s Palace and St Mark’s Basilica. Journey along the canals for a view of the city from a gondola. The evening is yours to explore and dine independently.
(B)
Day 3: Bologna & Florence
Travel to historic Bologna, a culinary haven known as “La Grassa” (The Fat One). With medieval architecture, the iconic Two Towers, and the oldest university in the Western world, Bologna offers a rich blend of history, culture, and exceptional cuisine. You’ll have free time for an independent lunch before moving on to your hotel in Florence’s city center. In Florence, take an orientation walk with your tour director and then savor time to discover this magnificent city, the capital of Tuscany and the birthplace of Renaissance art and architecture. Enjoy dinner with your group.
(B, D)
Day 4: Florence Walking Tour & Accademia Gallery
Take a walking tour of Florence 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’ll have the rest of the day to explore the city at your leisure.
(B, L)
Day 5: Orvieto & Roman Colosseum
You’re off to the Eternal City – Rome. Along the way, stop in the scenic hill town of Orvieto for a delicious tasting of its renowned local wine. Visit the Colosseum, imperial Rome’s iconic structure, built between 72 and 80 AD. This engineering marvel could hold up to 80,000 spectators for gladiator battles and dramatic productions. Imagine the ghosts of the Caesars in the ruins of the Forum, the ancient heart of the Roman Empire. Enjoy a free evening.
(B)
Day 6: Independent Exploration & Vatican Tour
Discover Rome independently this morning with 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. Then it’s 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 79 AD. 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 resort town since Roman times, famous for stunning views of villas dotting the rocky cliffs along the coastline.
(B, L, D)
Day 8: Isle of Capri & Independent Exploration
This morning take a fast ferry across the Bay of Naples to the charming island of Capri. Enjoy the breathtaking sights as you explore this beautiful island independently. 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, where you’ll enjoy an evening free to dine and explore as you wish.
(B)
Day 9: Positano & Amalfi
Take a scenic drive from Sorrento to the chic village of Positano, one of the jewels of the Amalfi Coast. Stroll through the colorful, narrow streets, browsing the many fashion boutiques as you head down to the beach. Then cruise to Amalfi, passing fishing villages, clifftop churches, and stunning architecture. Amalfi is a beautiful resort town known for handmade ceramics, colorful tiles and the ancient craft of papermaking. You’ll have free time for sightseeing and lunch before returning to Sorrento for a farewell dinner with your group.
(B, D)
Day 10: Tour Ends in Sorrento
Your tour ends after breakfast in Sorrento.
(B)
B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner
Authentic Local Experiences:
- View the amazing art collection at Florence's Accademia Gallery, and marvel at Michelangelo's masterpiece of sculpture - David.
- See the glorious architecture of Venice as you take a gondola ride along its famous canals.
- Walk amid the ruins 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.
- Venice Gondola Ride
- Doge's Palace, Venice
- Accademia Gallery with 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
- Positano and Amalfi
- 9 Breakfasts (B), 2 Lunches (L) , and 5 Dinners (D)
- Avani Rio Novo | Venice (2)
- NH Firenze | Florence (2)
- NH Collection Roma Vittoria Veneto | Rome (2)
- Hotel Michelangelo | Sorrento (3)
Trip Highlights:
*Visits subject to availability
Dining Experiences:
Hotels:
*Only single or double/twin rooms are available on this tour.
INSIDER TIP! Extend your vacation with pre-nights in Venice or post-nights in Rome. We've negotiated special hotel rates to make it easy and affordable.