Itinerary

Day 1:
Sat. BOARD YOUR OVERNIGHT TRANSATLANTIC FLIGHT.

Day 2:
Sun. ARRIVAL IN VENICE AREA, ITALY. Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore this bustling city. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers. (D)

Day 3:
Mon. VENICE AREA-PADUA-BOLOGNA-SAN MARINO. Start the morning with a drive into Padua, by way of the Brenta Riviera, to see its magnificent Basilica dedicated to St. Anthony. Next, south across the River Po to Bologna, the city with Europe’s oldest university. See its famous towers and the Piazza Maggiore. Head southeast for an overnight in Europe’s tiniest state, the Republic of San Marino. (B)

Day 4:
Tue. SAN MARINO-URBINO-GUBBIO-ASSISI AREA. First to Urbino, epitome of the Renaissance with its magnificent Ducal Palace towering over the town. On to medieval Gubbio for a superb panoramic view from the Consul’s Palace. Continue across the Umbrian region to the Assisi area for an overnight. (B)

Day 5:
Wed. ASSISI AREA-VITERBO-ROME. This morning travel to Assisi for the included visit of the Basilica and its remarkable frescoes. From the Apennines to Viterbo to admire the exceptionally beautiful Piazza San Lorenzo. Leave this walled medieval city to motor south to Rome for an evening arrival. (B)

Day 6:
Thu. and Fri. ROME. Included sightseeing with a Local Guide starts in St. Peter’s Square, followed by a visit to the Roman Forum and the mighty Colosseum. Plenty of time to do your own thing or join one of the optional excursions. Day 6 (B,D), Day 7 (B)

Day 7:
Thu. and Fri. ROME. Included sightseeing with a Local Guide starts in St. Peter’s Square, followed by a visit to the Roman Forum and the mighty Colosseum. Plenty of time to do your own thing or join one of the optional excursions. Day 6 (B,D), Day 7 (B)

Day 8:
Sat. ROME-MONTE CASSINO-POMPEIISORRENTO. Deeper into the south today, making a first stop in Monte Cassino to view the monastery and abbey perched high above the valley. The monastery was the motherhouse of the Benedictines, founded in 529 and destroyed four times over the past centuries. The last time it was laid to ruin was in 1944 during the great Battle of Monte Cassino. Then on to Pompeii where time stopped with the terrible eruption of Vesuvius in 79 A.D. You can see the luxurious villas, temples, theater, and forum (entrance fees and Local Guide are included). Just a few more miles to Sorrento for the next two nights. (B)

Day 9:
Sun. SORRENTO. BOAT TRIP TO CAPRI. A legendary island surrounded by rocky coastline, where the crashing sea has formed awe-inspiring caves. The town, with its pretty piazza, maze of streets, fashionable boutiques, and smart restaurants, is a mecca for the jet set. An optional island tour is available. (B,D)

Day 10:
Mon. SORRENTO-ORVIETO-SIENA. This morning retrace part of the route bypassing Rome for a stop in Orvieto in the Umbrian region to visit its black basalt and yellow limestone cathedral, an excellent example of Italian gothic architecture. Next, enjoy the quite extraordinary beauty of the Tuscan countryside. By early evening you’ll be in Siena to visit this jewel of Tuscany. Sit in one of the cafés surrounding the Campo and admire one of Italy’s more unique squares, famed the world over for its Palio horse race. (B,D)

Day 11:
Tue. SIENA-PISA-FLORENCE AREA. Drive this morning to San Gimignano, bristling with medieval fortress towers, the status symbols of nobility. Continue to Pisa with time to admire the Square of Miracles with its amazing Leaning Tower. More of Tuscany’s green and olive-studded hillside landscape before reaching the Florence area. End the day by joining the optional Tuscan dinner in a typical restaurant. (B)

Day 12:
Wed. FLORENCE. This renaissance gem and city of the Medicis will keep you enthralled for a whole day. Traffic is banned in part of the historic center so visitors can wander at leisure and admire the city’s timeless beauty in relative peace and quiet. Your included walking tour with a Local Guide features most of the city highlights. See the Piazza Santa Croce; the beautiful Piazza Signoria; the Palazzo Vecchio and its courtyard; the Loggia dei Lanzi; and, to top it all, the Piazza del Duomo and its cathedral with the Giotto Campanile, and the magnificent East Door of the Baptistry known as the “Gate to Paradise.” (B,D)

Day 13:
Thu. FLORENCE AREA-MANTUA-SIRMIONE-VERONA AREA. A day filled with highlights. First to Lombardy for a stop in Mantua, at one time the kingdom of the Gonzaga family, who made it a seat of learning and the arts in the 15th and 16th centuries. Further north to the enchanting town of Sirmione, located on an islet on the edge of Lake Garda. A few more miles eastward to the Verona area for an overnight. (B)

Day 14:
Fri. VERONA AREA-VICENZA-VENICE AREA. A wonderful opportunity to enjoy this Shakespearean region. Join the optional sightseeing tour of Verona and then motor to nearby Vicenza for the included sightseeing which will take in the main highlights and an inside visit of the famous Teatro Olimpico. Conclude the day with an evening arrival in the Venice area. (B)

Day 15:
Sat. VENICE. Your included tour starts with a boat ride and is followed by a visit to St. Mark’s Basilica, and a chance to watch Venetian glassblowers. Don’t miss out on the optional gondola trip. (B,D)

Day 16:
Sun. YOUR HOMEBOUND FLIGHT ARRIVES THE SAME DAY. (B)

Dates & Prices

Visits to Padua, Bologna, San Marino, Urbino, Gubbio, Assisi, Viterbo, Monte Cassino, Sorrento, Capri, Orvieto, Siena, San Gimignano, Pisa, Mantua, Sirmione, Verona
 

Itinerary

Day 1:
Thu. BOARD YOUR OVERNIGHT TRANSATLANTIC FLIGHT.

Day 2:
Fri. ARRIVAL IN ROME, ITALY. Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to start exploring this great city.

Day 3:
Sat. and Sun. ROME. Two days in which to get well acquainted with Rome. Included sightseeing with a Local Guide starts in St. Peter’s Square, followed by a visit to the Roman Forum and the mighty Colosseum. Optional excursions are available to discover more of the Eternal City. (B daily)

Day 4:
Sat. and Sun. ROME. Two days in which to get well acquainted with Rome. Included sightseeing with a Local Guide starts in St. Peter’s Square, followed by a visit to the Roman Forum and the mighty Colosseum. Optional excursions are available to discover more of the Eternal City. (B daily)

Day 5:
Mon. ROME-VESUVIUS-POMPEII-CAPRI. This morning, drive up one of Europe’s greatest live volcanoes—Vesuvius! Leave the coach and walk to the top to view its crater. Then to Pompeii, where time stopped in 79 A.D. when the Vesuvius eruption totally destroyed it. On the included visit you can see the remains of luxurious villas, temples, theater, and forum. Just a few more miles to the Neapolitan Riviera for embarkation on the ferry to Capri to enjoy two overnights on this charming island. (B,D)

Day 6:
Tue. CAPRI. This legendary island is surrounded by a rocky coastline—the crashing sea has formed remarkable caves. The town, with its pretty piazza, maze of streets, fashionable boutiques, and smart restaurants, is a mecca for the jet set. An optional island tour is available. (B,D)

Day 7:
Wed. CAPRI-SORRENTO. EXCURSION TO AMALFITAN COAST. Take the ferry to Sorrento this morning. Few places in the world match the very special charm of Sorrento. This picturesque resort overlooking the Bay of Naples boasts a marvelous climate, beautiful views, trendy shops and boutiques, interesting museums, and a vibrant nightlife. Don’t miss out on the included excursion along the breathtakingly beautiful Amalfitan Coast. (B,D)

Day 8:
Thu. SORRENTO. Enjoy this town situated on a plateau high above the waters of the Bay of Naples and with truly spectacular views as far as towering Vesuvius. Sorrento’s terraces, hung with flowers, jut from winding streets and alleys above a small harbor. Streets are filled with shops, cheerful bars, and cafés. (B)

Day 9:
Fri. SORRENTO-ROME. A comfortable drive northwards this morning for arrival in Rome, well in time to enjoy most of the afternoon and evening. (B)

Day 10:
Sat. YOUR HOMEBOUND FLIGHT ARRIVES THE SAME DAY. (B)

Dates & Prices

Visits to Sorrento, Capri
 

Itinerary

Day 1:
Thu. BOARD YOUR OVERNIGHT TRANSATLANTIC FLIGHT.

Day 2:
Fri. ARRIVAL IN ROME, ITALY. Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to start exploring this great city.

Day 3:
Sat. and Sun. ROME. Two days in which to get well acquainted with Rome. Included sightseeing with a Local Guide starts in St. Peter’s Square, followed by a visit to the Roman Forum and the mighty Colosseum. Optional excursions are available to discover more of the Eternal City. (B daily)

Day 4:
Sat. and Sun. ROME. Two days in which to get well acquainted with Rome. Included sightseeing with a Local Guide starts in St. Peter’s Square, followed by a visit to the Roman Forum and the mighty Colosseum. Optional excursions are available to discover more of the Eternal City. (B daily)

Day 5:
Mon. ROME-VESUVIUS-POMPEII-CAPRI. South all the way today. First a stop to enjoy the awe-inspiring sights of one of Europe’s greatest live volcanoes—Vesuvius! Leave the coach and walk to the top to view its crater. Then to Pompeii, where time stopped in 79 A.D. when the Vesuvius eruption totally destroyed it. On the included visit you can see the luxurious villas, temples, theater, and forum. Just a few more miles to the Neapolitan Riviera for embarkation on the ferry to Capri to enjoy two overnights on this charmed island. (B,D)

Day 6:
Tue. CAPRI. This legendary island is surrounded by a rocky coastline—the crashing sea has formed remarkable caves. The town, with its pretty piazza, maze of streets, fashionable boutiques, and smart restaurants, is a mecca for the jet set, and optional excursions take you to see more of the island. Join Tiberius, Emma Hamilton, and Axel Munthe, historical figures who all fell in love with this exquisite spot. A full day to do exactly what you please. Maybe explore some of the island’s lovely walks or join an optional excursion to see Mount Solaro and the house of Axel Munthe (San Michele). (B,D)

Day 7:
Wed. CAPRI-SORRENTO. EXCURSION TO AMALFITAN COAST. Take the ferry to Sorrento this morning. Few places in the world match the very special charm of Sorrento. This picturesque resort overlooking the Bay of Naples boasts a marvelous climate, beautiful views, trendy shops and boutiques, interesting museums, and a vibrant nightlife. Don’t miss out on the included excursion along the breathtakingly beautiful Amalfitan Coast. (B,D)

Day 8:
Thu. and Fri. SORRENTO. Two full days to enjoy this town set on a plateau high above the waters of the Bay of Naples and with truly spectacular views as far as towering Vesuvius. Sorrento’s terraces, hung with flowers, jut from winding streets and alleys above a small harbor. Streets are filled with shops, cheerful bars, and cafés. Day 8 (B), Day 9 (B,D)

Day 9:
Thu. and Fri. SORRENTO. Two full days to enjoy this town set on a plateau high above the waters of the Bay of Naples and with truly spectacular views as far as towering Vesuvius. Sorrento’s terraces, hung with flowers, jut from winding streets and alleys above a small harbor. Streets are filled with shops, cheerful bars, and cafés. Day 8 (B), Day 9 (B,D)

Day 10:
Sat. SORRENTO-VILLA S. GIOVANNI-FERRY CROSSING-TAORMINA AREA. Today, by way of the autostrada, travel through the wild and mountainous scenery of Italy’s most southern regions before boarding the ferry for the 45-minute crossing to Sicily. Only a few more miles bring you to Taormina area, where you overnight. (B,D)

Day 11:
Sun. TAORMINA. Magnificently situated on a 700-foot plateau, Taormina has wonderful views along the coast. The heart of the town is Piazza Nove Aprile, a paved square with unrivaled views to the sea and the Mount Etna volcano. (B,D)

Day 12:
Mon. TAORMINA AREA-MOUNT ETNA-SYRACUSE. This morning take advantage of the visit to the heights of Mount Etna and the option of a Jeep or cable car ride for a better view of Europe’s largest active volcano. Drive even further south to Syracuse, where you have the option of visiting the ancient Grecian archaeological sites or doing just as you please. (B,D)

Day 13:
Tue. SYRACUSE-PIAZZA ARMERINA-AGRIGENTO. Today you drive westward to Piazza Armerina, a maze of steep streets and rich in the atmosphere of Sicilian life. Nearby is Casale, once a palatial hunting lodge famous for its mosaics including the “Bikini Girls,” ten athletic maidens dressed for all the world as modern tourists! Then past Caltanissetta, surrounded by sulphur mines, to Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples, one of Italy’s archaeological jewels—especially in spring when the slopes are frosted with almond blossoms. Visit the Doric Temple of Concord, one of the best preserved outside Athens, and the hilltop Temple of Juno Lacinia is the valley’s most impressive. (B,D)

Day 14:
Wed. AGRIGENTO-SELINUNTE-PALERMO. Leave Agrigento for Selinunte, one of the most striking and interesting sites in Sicily. See the remains of the Acropolis. Then, northeast to Palermo, the capital of Sicily. This evening enjoy an optional farewell dinner with your fellow travelers. (B)

Day 15:
Thu. AT LEISURE IN PALERMO. A full day to enjoy this busy and colorful city full of interesting squares and marketplaces, churches, and palazzos in every style—from Moorish to baroque. Join the optional sightseeing tour to learn more about this city. Evening embarkation for the overnight ferry from Palermo to Naples. (B)

Day 16:
Fri. NAPLES (DISEMBARKATION)- ROME. North this morning back to the “Eternal City” with plenty of time to enjoy one of the optional excursions, to do last-minute shopping, or maybe sip a drink in Piazza Navona and watch the world go by.

Day 17:
Sat. YOUR HOMEBOUND FLIGHT FROM ROME ARRIVES THE SAME DAY. (B)

Dates & Prices

Visits to Sorrento, Mount Etna, Piazza Armerina, Capri, Selinunte, Taormina, Syracuse, Palermo
 

Itinerary

Day 1:
Sat. BOARD YOUR OVERNIGHT TRANSATLANTIC FLIGHT.

Day 2:
Sun. ARRIVAL IN MILAN, ITALY-COMO. Check into your hotel in Como. The rest of the day is free for you to explore this beautiful town. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers.

Day 3:
Mon. COMO. EXCURSION TO BELLAGIO. Today enjoy an included excursion along the shores of enchanting Lake Como. Visit the Villa Carlotta with its beautiful gardens and art collection, then take a ferry right across to Bellagio, one of the most elegant villages on the lake. (B)

Day 4:
Tue. COMO-MILAN-VERONA-VENICE AREA. This morning visit Milan and see its majestic gothic cathedral, situated in the heart of the city. Then continue through the Po Valley towards Verona, medieval setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet for guided city sightseeing. Later, reach the Venice area for two overnights. (B)

Day 5:
Wed. VENICE. Venice is more like a marvelous film set than a real live city, with its criss-crossing canals, gondolas and water buses, arched bridges, palaces, and quiet little piazzas. The included tour starts with a boat ride and is followed by a visit to St. Mark’s Basilica and a chance to watch Venetian glassblowers fashion their delicate objects as they did centuries ago. Don’t miss out on the optional gondola trip, gliding along the picturesque canals with a local troubadour to serenade you. (B)

Day 6:
Thu. VENICE AREA-SAN MARINO-FLORENCE. South today along the Adriatic for a visit to one of Europe’s smallest republics—San Marino. It’s perched atop Mount Titano and gives a splendid panorama of the coastline. Journey over the Appennines for an overnight in Florence. (B)

Day 7:
Fri. FLORENCE. The renaissance gem and city of the Medicis will keep you enthralled for a whole day. Traffic is banned in part of the historic center so visitors can wander at leisure and admire the city’s timeless beauty in relative peace and quiet. Don’t miss out on the included walking tour with a Local Guide which features most the city highlights. See the Piazza Santa Croce; the beautiful Piazza Signoria; the Palazzo Vecchio and its courtyard; the Loggia dei Lanzi; and, to top it all, the Piazza del Duomo and its cathedral with the Giotto Campanile, and the magnificent East Door of the Baptistry known as the “Gate to Paradise.” (B)

Day 8:
Sat. FLORENCE-LUCCA-PISA-ROME. Look forward to today’s itinerary, which starts with Lucca, renowned for its narrow streets, quaint shops, and magnificent palaces and churches. Then a stop in Pisa. Wonder at the beauty of the Square of Miracles and, of course, the Leaning Tower. Finally, to Rome for three overnights. (B)

Day 9:
Sun. ROME. The “Eternal City”—a city steeped in history, vibrantly alive, exciting, and absolutely unique! Included sightseeing with a Local Guide starts in St. Peter’s Square, followed by a visit to the Roman Forum and the mighty Colosseum. An optional visit with a Local Guide to the Vatican Museum can be arranged; ask your Tour Director for details. (B)

Day 10:
Mon. AT LEISURE IN ROME. Plenty to do and see or join one of the programmed excursions. (B)

Day 11:
Tue. YOUR HOMEBOUND FLIGHT ARRIVES THE SAME DAY. (B)

Dates & Prices