MUST-SEE INCLUSIONS
- Stroll the streets of Verona – the backdrop for Romeo and Juliet.
- Enjoy the magic of the Italian lakes in the captivating resort town of Stresa.
CULINARY INCLUSIONS
- Visit a Tuscan winery and farm to enjoy lunch and sample the local wines.
- Savor traditionally produced macaroni during lunch at a family-owned pasta factory.
- Taste balsamic vinegar, olive oil and local wines at a family-run wine shop in Stresa.
CULTURAL EXPERIENCES
- Get an in-depth tour of the famous Colosseum.
- Enjoy a boat trip to Murano Island for a glass-blowing demonstration.
- Relish la dolce vita as you take in the view of the Bay of Naples from Sorrento’s cliffs.
HOTELS
- Mediterraneo Hotel, Rome
- Hotel Michelangelo, Sorrento
- Grand Hotel Baglioni, Florence
- NH Venezia Santa Lucia, Venice
- Regina Palace Hotel, Stresa
INCLUDED
- 13 Days
- 12 Nights
- 11 Breakfasts
- 2 Lunches
- 4 Dinners
Overnight Flight
Ciao, Italy!
Rome, Italy - Tour Begins
Welcome to Rome. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a special welcome dinner featuring regional delicacies and Italian wines.
Rome
Discover the city on a locally guided tour of Classical Rome, passing by the Baths of Caracalla as well as the remains of the ancient Circus Maximus. During an in-depth visit to the Colosseum, your guide recounts its rich history. Meander through Rome’s Renaissance district for a peek at the mythic Pantheon and the oval-shaped Piazza Navona, adorned with Baroque fountains. Spend the evening at leisure. Perhaps you’ll head to the medieval Monti neighborhood where the cobblestoned streets are lined with antique shops, independent boutiques and local restaurants.
Rome
Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore Rome’s cultural treasures. Your Tour Manager will be on hand to offer suggestions. Consider an optional trip to Vatican City to tour the Vatican Museums* and St. Peter’s Basilica. The evening is yours. Perhaps you will join an optional food tour and taste your way around Rome’s bohemian Trastevere district.
Rome - Pompeii - Sorrento
Journey to the brilliant Bay of Naples, where charming villages are built into hillsides above the blue sea. In Pompeii, it’s your choice! Soak in 2,000 years of history at your own pace. Pick between a leisurely paced tour of the highlights -OR- a faster paced visit of Pompeii's off-the-beaten-path gems. Pause in nearby Gragnano for a late lunch and visit to a pasta factory. Continue to the scenic resort town of Sorrento,** your home for the next 2 nights.
Sorrento
Today, sail to the enchanting Isle of Capri.*** Upon arrival, admire the island’s iconic scenery on a panoramic cruise,*** passing by the steep cliffs, endless small caves, and the famous Faraglioni rocks, jutting out of the water. Spend time in Capri town with its world-famous piazzetta and explore this island paradise of chic boutiques, lush vegetation, and outdoor cafés. Return to Sorrento in the late afternoon for an evening at leisure.
Sorrento - Florence
During a full day bus transfer, head through Tuscany, with its landscape of vineyards and olive groves. Experience Florence, the “Cradle of the Renaissance.” Home to Italy's best art and architecture, begin your exploration with an evening stroll to dinner at a local restaurant.
Florence
Embark on a locally guided tour of Florence, highlighting the Piazza del Duomo and the famous Gates of Paradise on the Baptistery. Wander through the Piazza della Signoria and stand in awe before the imposing Palazzo Vecchio. The rest of the day is yours. Consider an optional excursion to the 14th-century Certosa monastery, featuring an after-hours tour and dinner in a popular Tuscan restaurant.
Florence - Pisa - Venice
Visit the ancient maritime Republic of Pisa to discover the Piazza Dei Miracoli and the famous Leaning Tower. A special stop is made at a Tuscan winery and farm to enjoy lunch and sample local wines and specialties. Next, cross the Apennine Mountains en route to Venice, where 117 islands are connected by a latticework of 150 canals and 400 bridges.
Venice
Embark on a boat trip**** to Murano Island for a glass-blowing demonstration. When you return, step off the beaten path and see for yourself how the locals live. Explore the Castello district with a local expert, walking canal by canal through the narrow streets all the way to St. Mark’s Square. Admire the stunning Basilica and the ornate façade of the Doge’s Palace. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Consider an optional gondola cruise to experience Venice’s most famous pastime.
Venice - Verona - Stresa, Lake Maggiore
Depart Venice for Verona, and stroll the streets that were the backdrop for Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. Arrive in the resort town of Stresa in the breathtaking Italian Lakes District, your home for the next two nights, and admire the beautiful views of Lake Maggiore.
Stresa
Today, it’s your choice! Take a boat across Lake Maggiore to Isola Bella, where you’ll join an expert guide and venture into the Borromeo Palace and gardens***** -OR- cross into Switzerland as your motor coach climbs up the Simplon Pass for a taste of the Swiss Alps. Tonight, travel by boat to Isola dei Pescatori****** for a farewell dinner surrounded by beautiful scenery.
Stresa - Tour Ends
Your Italian adventure comes to a close today.
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