Day 1: Ciao bella Rome
The “sweet life” begins with an included transfer from Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci Airport in Fiumicino to Parco dei Principi Grand Hotel & Spa, a fabulous hotel that is located in the heart of Rome, overlooking Villa Borghese park. Your week begins with a visit to the ancient catacombs, located deep under the city. Ever want to be a detective? You’ll get your chance when you learn all about the “secret language” of the early Christian symbols that are found throughout these underground tunnels; take a look at frescoes and inscriptions that reveal... Join us for a welcome reception and dinner at a restaurant located along the Appian Way – it’s a perfect introduction to the week ahead, one where you’ll dine on Italian cuisine that’s the “real deal” (and try your hand at making it, too!).
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Day 2: Imperial Rome & after-hours guided visit to the Vatican Museums
See the sights of Rome as a local when a local guide takes you by the Circus Maximus (designed for chariot racing and other events), Palatine Hill, Piazza Venezia and the Carcalla Baths. Visit the Colosseum, “entertainment central” in ancient Rome – you’ll see where 55,000 thrill-seeking Roman citizens watched gladiators battle, chariots race and even ships engage in mock sea battles. Don’t be surprised if a gladiator turns up in a family portrait! Take a look inside the Roman Forum, political and economic center of ancient Rome, and see the spot where Brutus gave Julius Caesar’s famous eulogy. Late afternoon, a light dinner at the hotel precedes our Tauck Bridges Exclusive – an after-hours, guided visit to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel (subject to availability, the day of your visit may vary). Nothing compares to the special connection you’ll feel with your family throughout the years when you look back at this day. You’ll see the Candelabra Gallery, Map Gallery and the Tapestries, and the Sistine Chapel – without the crowds. You won’t be rushed, you won’t have to maneuver through masses of people blocking your views, and you’ll be able to take your time to contemplate the inspirational and artistic treasures; and you may even discover that the floor of the Sistine Chapel is almost as famous as Michelangelo’s masterpiece paintings on the ceiling!
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Day 3: St. Peter’s Square, then three coins in the fountain...
Your day begins with a visit to the immense Basilica of St. Peter and St. Peter’s Square, accompanied by a local guide. A walking tour takes you to the Pantheon, Piazza Navona and Trevi Fountain, where legend has it that if you turn your back, throw a coin into the fountain and wish for it, you’re sure to return to Rome someday. Have lunch today at a local restaurant that’s located in the Piazza Navona area, and spend the rest of the day pursuing your special interests or enjoying the sights of Rome, as you please, with your family.
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Day 4: Discover the mysteries of Pompeii & a slice of local life
Travel first class from Rome to Naples through the Italian countryside aboard a high-speed train; upon arrival, you’re off to Pompeii. On August 24th in 79 AD, mighty Mount Vesuvius erupted, burying Pompeii and everyone who lived there under tons of hot ash and pumice. The city entirely disappeared until 1748, when it was accidentally “discovered,” and excavations began. A local guide takes you on a walk through the ancient streets of Pompeii – when you visit some of the well-preserved sites, you’ll be able to clearly imagine what life was like in the first century. Following lunch at a local restaurant, you’re off to Sorrento for a three-night stay. Late afternoon, drive a short distance to Agriturismo La Galatea Farm to see firsthand how local products are made, such as how olives are pressed to make olive oil and how mozzarella cheese is made. You’ll then learn about one of the uses for this cheese when a local expert teaches you how to make your own pizza for dinner! During the meal, discover the magic of Neapolitan music. Naples has played an important role in Italy’s musical traditions, from popular songs like "O Sole Mio" to classical music and folk music. Local folk traditions inspired this folk music – they lead you and your family to a lesson in how to dance the rhythmic (and very energetic) "Tarantella."
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Day 5: Isle of Capri and a ride in a convertible
From Sorrento, take a trip across the Gulf of Naples by high-speed jet boat to the enchanting Isle of Capri. Get set for a special treat when your family joins the international jet set on a fabulous ride in a private convertible along the cliffs of the Anacapri road, ending in the town of Anacapri. Check out the amazing views of the town and the Gulf when you take a funicular (chairlift) to the highest point on the island. After lunch in the town of Capri, and some time to yourself to enjoy the Gardens of Augustus, take the funicular down to the pier to return by high-speed jet boat to Sorrento. Late afternoon, your Tauck Director takes you on a walking tour of Sorrento, where colorful orange and lemon groves are striking against the deep blue sea. And a special treat – a demonstration in the art of making gelato (and of course a tasting)! Your Executive Room at Hilton Sorrento Palace overlooks the sparkling Gulf of Naples and Mount Vesuvius.
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Day 6: A private cruise and a farewell barbecue
You’re in for an exciting ride today as you drive along the awesome Amalfi Coast. The road rises, falls, twists and turns like a roller coaster; looking way down to the water far below will take your breath away. In Positano, which clings tightly to the cliffs above the Mediterranean Sea, take a walking tour before boarding a private boat for a cruise to Amalfi; you’ll get a completely different view of the coast. Spend some free time in the lovely medieval town of Amalfi with its labyrinth of winding streets. They’ve been making paper in Amalfi since the 12th century – if you wish, you can visit a paper mill and learn how to make paper at a paper factory. Share your memories of the “sweet life” at tonight’s barbecue farewell dinner.
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Day 7: Journey Home
Tour ends: Sorrento. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from Hilton Sorrento Palace to Naples Airport. Allow a minimum of 3 hours for flight check-in.
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Day 8: Homeward bound
Tour ends: HERE. COPY.
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