11 daysItaly
Across 11 days in Italy, Local Specialists guide you through Rome’s Vatican Museums, beneath painted ceilings and among works collected by generations of popes. You then stand before the ancient arches of the Colosseum and study the carved reliefs of the Arch of Constantine. Cruise across the Bay of Naples to Capri as the island’s limestone cliffs tower above the water. In Venice, a gondolier then steers you through narrow canals as a serenade drifts between weathered façades and the water laps against stone. Your journey ends on Burano among rows of candy-colored houses, where you share wine and freshly caught seafood.
Welcome to Rome, a glorious city filled with classic antiquities, medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches. Settle in before joining your Travel Director as you indulge in dinner with wine at a local restaurant.
The day is devoted to the Eternal City. Join a Local Specialist for an in-depth visit to the Vatican Museums, full of priceless art treasures collected by the Popes. Visit the Sistine Chapel, where Popes are elected, to admire Michelangelo’s famous ceiling and see St. Peter’s Square. Cross the Tiber river to enjoy ancient Rome. See the incredible Circus Maximus and the beautifully preserved Arch of Constantine, and imagine the bustling ancient sidewalk of ancient Rome. Discover the history and legends of the iconic Colosseum as you view the exterior of this amazing structure. Later, perhaps continue your exploration of Rome to see the Pantheon, see the Trevi Fountain and enjoy free time around Piazza Navona. Occasionally, access to the Vatican Museums is limited. If tickets are unavailable, you’ll instead explore the Capitoline Museums, home to iconic Roman art and archaeology.
Explore the ancient ruins of Pompeii in the company of your Local Specialist, who reveals what life looked like before Mount Vesuvius reshaped history. As you navigate timeworn streets and gaze at mosaics still rich with color, discover the daily rituals and ingenious design of this first-century Roman town, from public bathhouses to private gardens. Pause to savor a chilled lemon granita made from the famed citrus of nearby Sorrento. Later, travel towards the glittering coastline, arriving at your hotel in Capri or Sorrento (date dependent).
On the island of Capri, enjoy sweeping views of limestone cliffs and azure waters, once a favored retreat of Roman emperors. In the company of your Local Specialist, visit the Gardens of Augustus, planted in the 1930s by a German industrialist and offering exceptional vistas over the iconic Faraglioni rocks. Stroll through Capri town, where whitewashed villas, artisan boutiques and family-run cafes line the narrow lanes. This afternoon perhaps join an Optional Experience to cruise across the Tyrrhenian Sea to Positano with your Local Specialist before time ashore to explore.
Descend to the port and take the jetfoil across the bay to Naples. Follow the Autostrada del Sole north passing Rome and continuing through the region of Umbria. Journey through idyllic Tuscan landscapes to Florence, center of art and culture, and the heart of the Italian Renaissance.
Explore Florence with your choice: visit the Accademia Museum to see Michelangelo’s David, alternatively, stroll with your Travel Director to enjoy a typical Italian treat in a local cafe. Continue on a guided walk with a Local Specialist through the Piazza del Duomo and Piazza della Signoria to admire the cathedral, Giotto’s bell tower, baptistery and Ghiberti’s Gates of Paradise, as well as the statues of Neptune, Hercules and Cacus. Afterwards, witness a demonstration of Florence’s renowned leatherwork and gold craftsmanship. In your free time, perhaps explore more of the city or join an Optional Experience to San Gimignano, famed for its medieval towers.
The famous Italian Riviera and the Cinque Terre are highlights of your journey, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and celebrated as one of Italy’s most beautiful landscapes. With a Local Specialist, appreciate the views as you approach one of the picturesque fishing villages by boat. Spend some time exploring the old medieval quarter or the popular sandy beach. Your journey continues to the elegant seaside village of Portofino, epitome of la dolce vita. Admire the colorful houses, browse the boutiques or stay a while in the cafe bars on the piazzetta, watching the yachts moored in the harbor.
In the morning, journey north to the beautiful Italian Lake District, a favorite retreat of the rich and famous where alpine scenery combines with lush subtropical vegetation. Relax and enjoy an afternoon at leisure at this popular resort and beautiful lake or perhaps take a cruise out to the lovely Borromean Islands? For your dining pleasure, you are invited to choose from a hand-picked selection of local restaurants for your Dine-Around Evening.
Follow the southern fringes of the Alps to the Franciacorta wine region near Lake Iseo. Over 100 vineyards produce the famous sparkling wine of the region and winemaking traditions run deep. Taste the delicious vintages produced with a master vintner at a family-owned estate. Continue to the unique city of Venice and step back in time to centuries past.
Visit St. Mark’s Square where the city’s former wealth and power is evident in the riches of St. Mark’s Basilica. Pause to admire the Doge's Palace with its adjoining Bridge of Sighs. Take your seat on a gondola and be serenaded through a myriad of beautiful canals, passing water-lapped doorways and Rococo palaces. The rest of the afternoon is yours to discover Venice at leisure. Join a visit to a traditional glassblowing workshop, where you’ll see how beautiful, handcrafted glass is made by expert artisans, preserving centuries-old skills. Later, you’ll cruise the Venetian lagoon to Burano and sit down to a sumptuous dinner with wine, sampling the local specialties.
Your departure transfer arrives at Venice Marco Polo airport.
Rome, Italy
2 nights
Combining 19th-Century architecture and 21st-Century facilities, Rome's Hotel Golden Tulip welcomes guests to the vibrant center of the Italian capital.
Hotel Restaurant, Bar, Concierge, Room Service, Spa, 24-hour Front Desk
Room Air Conditioning, Safe, TV, Tea & coffee facilities, Wi-Fi
Anacapri, Italy
2 nights
Dating from 1880, this historic four-star hotel was among Capri’s earliest hotels and once welcomed figures from the island’s artistic and literary circles. A large semi-Olympic pool, mature gardens and classic interiors give it enduring character, while its Anacapri setting reflects a quieter side of the island.
Hotel Spa, Room Service, Business Centre, Bar, Restaurant
Room Wi-Fi
Hotel Isabella is a newly refurbished Hotel in a great location with modern furnishings. Guests can relax by the pool or head into the beautiful town of Sorrento which is 1 mile from the Hotel.
Hotel Bar, Concierge, Laundry, Room Service, Pool, Foreign Currency Exchange, 24-hour Front Desk
Room Air Conditioning, Safe, TV, Wi-Fi
Florence, Italy
2 nights
Located near to the gates of the ancient Walls of Florence, NH Firenze offers modern rooms within walking distance to the city center.
Hotel Restaurant, Bar, Laundry, Gym, Concierge, Pool, 24-hour Front Desk
Room Air Conditioning, Safe, TV, Wi-Fi
Santa Margherita Ligure, Italy
1 night
A modern hotel boasting fantastic panoramic views of the surrounding coast.
Hotel Restaurant, Bar, Concierge, Room Service, 24-hour Front Desk, Foreign Currency Exchange, Gym, Pool, Beach Access
Room Air Conditioning, Safe, TV, Wi-Fi
Baveno, Italy
1 night
Situated in the charming lakeside town of Baveno and directly on the lake, Grand Hotel Dino is surrounded by elegant Italian-style gardens offering incomparable views of Lake Maggiore. After exploring the nearby lakeside, simply relax by the pool or enjoy a massage at Dino’s health club.
Hotel Restaurant, Bar, Business Centre, Room Service, Laundry, Pool, Foreign Currency Exchange, 24-hour Front Desk
Room Air Conditioning, Safe, TV, Wi-Fi
Venice, Italy
2 nights
The Hilton Molino Stucky Venice Hotel is located in a magnificently restored 19th century granary on Giudecca Island, only minutes away from St. Mark’s Square by boat.
Hotel Restaurant, Bar, Concierge, Room Service, Laundry, Gym, Pool, Spa, Foreign Currency Exchange, 24-hour Front Desk
Room Air Conditioning, Safe, TV, Tea & coffee facilities, Wi-Fi
Piazzas and Fountains
Paid on tour
Guided Visit to the Colosseum
Paid on tour
Roman Evening with Dinner
Paid on tour
Amalfi Coast and Positano
Paid on tour
Sorrento Evening
Paid on tour
Tour of Capri
Paid on tour
Amalfi Coast Cruise to Positano
Paid on tour
San Gimignano & Tuscan Dinner
Discover The Borromean Islands
Paid on tour
Venetian Splendor
Paid on tour
Hidden Venice & St. Mark's Basilica
Paid on tour
Per person, twin share
