Italian Delights

Welcome to Rome! Arrive in Italy’s capital city in the morning and check into the hotel. Meet up with your tour leader who will provide the group with an overview of the upcoming itinerary. Then, head out into the city for some free time. Get ready to see Ancient Roman architecture, medieval buildings, Renaissance artworks and more. Make a stop at the Trevi Fountain to toss a coin in the hopes that it will bring you both luck and the opportunity to return to Rome one day! Tonight, enjoy an included welcome dinner at a local restaurant. Then, set out on a guided walking tour of the city. Highlights include the Pantheon, the Spanish Steps and more!

Walking tour of Rome: This city has so much to see and do that we can’t list everything here! Embark on a walking tour of Rome with a professional local guide. The tour gives you a great start for further exploration in your free time. You will see the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Arch of Septimus Severus, the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, Piazza Navona (Fountain of the Quattro Fiumi) and the Spanish Steps.

Welcome dinner in Rome: It’s the start of the tour so that calls for celebrations! Tonight you will enjoy a welcome dinner where you can taste delicious Italian food and get to know your tour leader and the rest of your group at a local Roman restaurant.

Today, it’s time to head to the coast! Leave Rome behind and travel to the province of Salerno along the Amalfi Coast via Pompeii. See the legendary Mount Vesuvius from the road and explore the well-preserved ruins of this ancient Roman city which was destroyed by a catastrophic volcanic eruption thousands of years ago. Then, enjoy an included lunch. Later, travel to the hotel in Salerno where the tour will be based for the next two nights. Amongst other things, this area is famous for its stunning beaches and its well-preserved historical centre!

See Mount Vesuvius and explore the ancient ruins of Pompeii: Preserved since ancient times under metres of ash and pumice, Pompeii offers superb insights into life (and death) in the ancient Roman Empire. An expert local guide will accompany and introduce you to the history of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, which was destroyed in 79 AD in a catastrophic volcanic eruption.

Salerno is the ideal location from which to explore the famous Amalfi Coast and its many seaside wonders! Explore the surrounding towns in your own time, and seek out little shops producing lace-work, ceramics and specialising in marquetry (the art and craft of applying pieces of veneer to create incredible artwork). Alternatively, choose to join the optional excursion to the famous Isle of Capri. Capri has charmed everyone from Roman emperors to the biggest names in Hollywood! Enjoy exploring the vibrant mix of cafés, rugged coastline views, ancient Roman ruins and stylish piazzas with a locally guided orientation tour.

Today, depart the coast and head north to Assisi, stopping en route in Montecassino. Famed for the site of the Abbey of Montecassino, along with its rolling green hills, vineyards and rivers, the city was also the scene of fierce fighting in World War II, which left the town almost completely destroyed. After stopping here, continue to the region of Umbria and the medieval town of Assisi which is known for being the birthplace of St Francis in 1181. A charming town and the most popular pilgrimage site in Italy, admire the ancient churches and basilicas – many of which are just as St Francis would have seen them almost one thousand years ago! Dinner is included at the hotel tonight.

Montecassino: Make a comfort stop at the Abbey of Montecassino, the site of fierce battles during World War II. Visit the famous Abbey, which has been totally restored to its original glory, and is still in use today.

Assisi: Arriving in Assisi in the late afternoon, take the opportunity to explore the city, which is famous for its historic churches and basilicas.

Leaving the churches and basilicas of Assisi behind, head to Venice, stopping off in Europe’s third-smallest state, San Marino, on the way. Claiming to be the oldest surviving sovereign state in the world, San Marino was founded by Saint Marinus in the early 4th century, and is now one of the most popular day-trip destinations for visitors to the area. Situated on a hilltop, San Marino offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and the Adriatic Sea. Later, arrive in Venice in the early evening. The evening is free to relax at the hotel or join the tour leader on an optional twilight water taxi cruise of the Venetian canals.

Visit San Marino: This impressive fortress town is located on a hilltop and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and the Adriatic sea. As one of Europe’s oldest states, San Marino boasts intriguing history and is also a popular day-trip destination.

This morning, take an orientation walking tour through the heart of Venice. See top sights including the Rialto Bridge and St. Mark's Square. The rest of the day is then free to explore as you wish. Every visit to Venice should include a traditional gondola ride, which can be organised by your tour leader. An optional trip further out into the lagoon to visit Murano and Burano is also highly recommended. These islands are famous for their local crafts and beautiful multi-coloured houses. Later in the afternoon, there is an option to join a food tour and sample delectable local treats while wandering Venice’s enchanting streets. For the ultimate Venice itinerary, why not enjoy all three optional excursions today?

Orientation tour of Venice: Your tour leader will take you into the heart of this unique floating city. On the orientation tour, explore Venice and see St. Mark’s Square, St. Mark’s Basilica, St Mark’s Museum, Campanile, Doge’s Palace, Rialto Market, Scuola Grande di San Rocco and more.

First up today, stop off in “fair Verona” to catch a glimpse of Juliet’s balcony, where Romeo wooed Juliet in Shakespeare’s classic play. Beset by family feuds, drama and romance since its founding in Roman times, Verona has its share of stories to tell, and is an unmissable stop on Italian tours. Look out for the 2,000 year old arena and the ancient city gates during an orientation tour. Later, head to the Italian Lakes and find out why famous writers like DH Lawrence and Hemingway were so inspired by this stunning region of Italy. Arrive in Sirmione, a picturesque town on Lake Garda and enjoy free time to explore before settling into the hotel for the evening.

Visit Verona: Stop in Verona and enjoy an orientation tour of this romantic and historic city. Admire Juliet’s balcony - where Romeo is said to have wooed Juliet in the classic Shakespearean tragedy. 

The Italian Lake District: Explore the picturesque town of Sirmione on Lake Garda and enjoy a night in the Italian Lake District. This is one of Europe’s most beautiful settings and has inspired many famous poets and novelists. Make sure the camera batteries are fully charged!

Today, leave the Italian Lakes and travel to another one of Italy’s most beautiful destinations; Cinque Terre. Located on Italy’s west coast, Cinque Terre is made up of five picturesque Italian towns: Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. They are all connected by hiking routes and trains making it a beautiful and unique section of the world to explore by train or on foot! Enjoy several hours here to explore! Next, visit the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Be sure to snap some great photos of this iconic Italian landmark! Later, travel to Northern Tuscany and settle into the accommodation for the night. 

Explore Cinque Terre: Recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, enjoy plenty of free time to experience this picturesque region, which also offers some of the best seafood in Italy. Catch a train to Cinque Terre from La Spezia and explore the five towns Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore by train or using the walking routes and absorb the Italian atmosphere and scenic views! 

Visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa: See the Leaning Tower of Pisa which is one of Italy’s most iconic monuments! Enjoy some free time to snap photographs and enjoy the scenery.

Get ready for a day filled with Italian adventure! Travel to Florence this morning. Arrive and enjoy a locally guided tour of the city which is beloved for its incredible Renaissance art and architecture. Then, visit a local Italian leather shop to learn more about local leather crafting and why Italian leather brands have been dominating the fashion world for centuries. Enjoy free time to explore the city this afternoon! Join the Taste of Tuscany optional excursion to experience local culinary traditions and delicious Tuscan recipes! Later, travel to the hotel in Southern Tuscany and enjoy a complimentary wine tasting on arrival followed by a free evening to spend at your leisure.

Locally guided tour of Florence: A local guide will introduce the city’s main sights, including the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Ponte Vecchio, Piazza Della Signoria and the replica statue of David, on a walking tour.

Leather-making demonstration: Visit Leonardo Leather and Gold, a well-loved local shop, and learn all about the world of Italian leather crafting. See why Italy has been famous for leather production for centuries. 

Italian wine tasting: Arrive at the hotel in Tuscany, and enjoy a complimentary wine tasting accompanied by some tasty snacks. 

Travel through one of the world’s most picturesque countryside landscapes this morning. Admire Tuscan farmhouses, vineyards and olive groves along the way. The first stop of the day is the walled hilltop town of San Gimignano. Known as the “Town of Fine Towers”, it offers exceptional Romanesque and Gothic architecture and 12 well-preserved tower houses. Then, drive to Siena, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for the Palio horse race held twice a year in the main piazza. Here, enjoy a wine tasting accompanied with antipasto before heading back to Rome. Round off the day with one last dinner together at the hotel in Rome.

Visit San Gimignano: Prepare to be impressed by the views from this hilltop Tuscan town! San Gimignano’s medieval streets are home to impressive Romanesque and Gothic architecture and 12 well-preserved tower houses.

Visit Siena: This historic city is famous for hosting the 'Palio' horse race which is held twice a year in the main piazza, or public square. In addition to the Palio, Siena boasts incredible medieval architecture including the magnificent Duomo of Siena, and is widely loved for its great local culture, food and wine!

Farewell dinner in Rome: Make a toast to the last night on tour at the final group dinner. Enjoy great food, and swap memories from an incredible Italian adventure. 

Enjoy a full free day in Rome, Italy’s “Eternal City”! Explore more of the city’s top sights, go shopping or simply stroll through the buzzing streets, and soak up the atmosphere. Join the optional excursion to the fascinating Colosseum and Roman Forum for a locally guided tour of these iconic ancient sights. You could also use this free day to explore at your leisure. Head to the Vatican City, home of the Pope, or revisit some of the spots visited on your first day in Rome, such as the Trevi Fountain or Spanish Steps (which are gorgeous at sunset). Spend some time exploring the city’s top sights in depth or simply relax at a café or do some shopping.