Best Of Italy

Day Stops

• Rome, Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, Italy
• 00120, Vatican City

Hotel(s)

Grand Hotel Tiberio Rome

Meal(s)

Breakfast

The Holy See takes center stage today as we join a Local Specialist for an included sightseeing tour in the Vatican Museums. Dive Into Culture and admire the Bramante Staircase, created for Pope Julius II in the early 16th century, and Michelangelo's magnificent, frescoed ceiling in the Sistine Chapel. See the marble masterpiece of the Pieta, housed in the Basilica before crossing the Tiber into Ancient Rome. We then enjoy a guided visit to the Forum, and an in depth walking experience around the walls of the Colosseum, before seeing Circus Maximus, once the site of celebrated chariot races. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore Rome. Indulge in an espresso in the Piazza Navona or clamber up the Spanish Steps.

Day Stops

• Rome, Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, Italy
• 80045 Pompei, Metropolitan City of Naples, Italy
• 80067 Sorrento, Metropolitan City of Naples, Italy

Hotel(s)

Johanna Park Hotel Sorrento

Meal(s)

Breakfast, Dinner

We journey south to the well-preserved ruins of Pompeii. Here we join a Local Specialist who will share details of the devastation caused by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius as we wander through the ancient, paved roads of a city that was frozen in time. Later, we arrive at our hotel in the clifftop town of Sorrento where we'll dine tonight.

Day Stops

• Capri, Metropolitan City of Naples, Italy
• 80067 Sorrento, Metropolitan City of Naples, Italy

Hotel(s)

Johanna Park Hotel Sorrento

Meal(s)

Breakfast

We cross the Bay of Naples today by ferry to the glamorous Isle of Capri to visit some of its landmark sights. Wander past the chic boutiques and pavement cafés in Capri town in the company of a Local Specialist before taking your time to soak up the sophistication of this lovely island. Later, we return to the mainland.

Day Stops

• 80067 Sorrento, Metropolitan City of Naples, Italy
• 06081 Assisi, Province of Perugia, Italy

Hotel(s)

Hotel Cenacolo Assisi

Meal(s)

Breakfast, Dinner

See the Benedictine Abbey of Cassino, which featured as the site of the Battle of Monte Cassino in 1944, before heading north to the slopes of Mount Subasio. We arrive in the mystical town of Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis, under whose protection this medieval city is said to remain. We join our Local Specialist for a visit of Basilica of St. Francis, before some free time to explore this fascinating hilltop town. Tonight, we'll stay at one of Trafalgar's Stays With Stories – a fully renovated old Franciscan monastery.

Day Stops

• 06081 Assisi, Province of Perugia, Italy
• Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy

Hotel(s)

Hotel Principe Venice

Meal(s)

Breakfast, Dinner

We journey through the glorious countryside of the Emilia Romagna region. This area is also renowned for its gastronomy and is credited with being the origin of tortellini, mortadella and parmesan cheese. Arrive later in Venice, the 'Queen of the Adriatic', where we'll enjoy a dinner at your hotel.

Day Stop

• Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy

Hotel(s)

Hotel Principe Venice

Meal(s)

Breakfast

Cruise your way through Venice by private launch to soak up the sights and sounds of what was once one of the world's greatest ports. Your Make Travel Matter® experience with the master craftsmen of Venice follows. Watch as they share their centuries-old glassmaking traditions. Your visit helps to preserve this delicate craft for which Venice is justifiably famous and you'll want to remember your visit by purchasing a souvenir or two to display at home. From there, continue past the Bridge of Sighs and the Doge's Palace to St. Mark's Square where we will view the impressive square and Basilica. Consider an Optional Experience to see the colorful fishermen's houses on the Island of Burano or search for a cozy bacaro and indulge in some tasty Venetian treats, starting with that refreshing Venetian Spritz which is the local drink of choice.

Day Stops

• Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy
• Verona, VR, Italy
• Milan, Metropolitan City of Milan, Italy
• 22100 Como, Province of Como, Italy

Hotel(s)

Hotel Metropole Suisse Como

Meal(s)

Breakfast, Dinner

Travel to Verona, the home of Shakespeare's star-crossed lovers, then cross the lush green plains of Lombardy to sophisticated Milan, Italy's capital of design and fashion. An orientation tour takes us past the intricate Gothic Duomo, La Scala Opera House and the famous Galleria. Later arrive in the Italian Lakes where we'll enjoy dinner served tonight at our hotel.

Day Stop

• Lake Como, Italy

Hotel(s)

Hotel Metropole Suisse Como

Meal(s)

Breakfast

The glistening blue waters of Lake Como welcome us today. We'll enjoy some free time to explore the lakeside lifestyle and beautiful scenery which has enchanted visitors for centuries. Spend this morning exploring Como's historical quarter, relax with a cappuccino, take the funicular for spectacular views of the lake or consider a cruise on the lake.

Day Stops

• Lake Como, Italy
• Pisa, Province of Pisa, Italy
• Florence, Metropolitan City of Florence, Italy

Hotel(s)

Grand Hotel Mediterraneo Florence

Meal(s)

Breakfast

Tuscany lures us across the forested Apennine Mountains, past the marble quarries of Carrara to the famous city of Pisa and its Square of Miracles where we will enjoy an opportunity to view the Leaning Tower. Our next stop is Florence, the 'Cradle of the Renaissance'.

Day Stop

• Florence, Metropolitan City of Florence, Italy

Hotel(s)

Grand Hotel Mediterraneo Florence

Meal(s)

Breakfast, Dinner

Delve into the extravagant history of the Medici family, whose legacy of art and architecture are explored in the company of a Local Specialist. We visit Piazza della Signoria with its exquisite statues and palazzi and enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the beautiful skyline of Florence, dominated by the elegant Duomo and the almost 700-year-old Ponte Vecchio, from Piazzale Michelangelo. Later, learn about the quality and workmanship of two of this city's historic industries at demonstrations of Florentine leathercraft and 18-carat gold.

Day Stops

• Florence, Metropolitan City of Florence, Italy
• 53037 San Gimignano, Province of Siena, Italy
• Rome, Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, Italy

Hotel(s)

Shangri-La Rome

Meal(s)

Breakfast, Dinner

This morning we stop at the Florence American Cemetery and Memorial. Continuing south, we visit the charming Tuscan hill-town of San Gimignano, with its extraordinary medieval architecture and rich history. Venture to the center of town to view the Piazza del Duomo, surrounded by medieval towers and 13th century city walls. This evening in Rome we enjoy a Farewell Dinner in the company of newfound friends and our Travel Director.

Day Stop

• Rome, Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, Italy

Meal(s)

Breakfast

Our discovery of the best of Italy has sadly come to an end. Transfers are available to Rome Fiumicino Airport. Conditions apply.