You will be met at Fiumicino Airport and transferred to your centrally located hotel. (Please schedule flights to arrive before midday). Our first excursion today is an afternoon walking tour to see many famous sights for which Rome is renowned, including the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain and Piazza Navona. This evening see the city illuminated by night on the way to our welcome dinner.
Two Night Special Stay: Rome
We begin today’s sightseeing at the Vatican City. See the huge wealth accumulated through the centuries during our visit to the Vatican Museums and the breathtaking Sistine Chapel. The highlights here are Michelangelo’s Last Judgement and Old Testament Frescoes. We then enter the world’s largest church, St. Peter’s Basilica and emerge into St. Peter’s Square. We continue to the Forum and walk to the mighty Colosseum.
This morning we leave the Eternal City and venture to Pompeii, which lay buried under tonnes of ash following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. Our tour enables us to appreciate the incredible level of civilisation enjoyed by the ancient Romans. We continue on to Sorrento, perched dramatically on cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. SCENICENRICH Tonight we will enjoy dinner at the famous Francischiello’s family restaurant and enjoy the wonderful panorama of the bay of Naples and Mt Vesuvius, while mama makes fresh pasta in the kitchen.
Two Night Special Stay: Sorrento
We make the short hydrofoil trip across the gulf of Sorrento to Capri. SCENIC FREECHOICE Today choose from: (1) a funicular ride to Capri town for a journey around the island; or (2) visit the Blue Grotto, followed by a funicular ride to Capri town; or (3) join a fishing boat at sea and enjoy lunch before returning to Sorrento. For those selecting (1) or (2) above, there is time to relax before we enjoy a light lunch prior to our return to Sorrento. Once back, there is time to shop in the squares of Sorrento, or simply unwind at your hotel.
We view medieval hill towns, olive groves and vineyards which characterise the central Italian landscape en-route to Tuscany. Famous red grape varieties are grown in the renowned Chianti region around Siena, which we visit. Enjoy the sights of this well-preserved medieval city including the Torre della Mangia, the Duomo and the famous heart of the town, the Piazza del Campo. We make a short but pleasant journey to medieval San Gimignano, famous as the city of 14 towers.
Overnight Stay: San Gimignano
Our orientation tour of San Gimignano will feature the main square, dominated by the Communal Palace and the Duomo. SCENICENRICH We visit a Tuscan farmhouse where we will be shown the cantina and learn the techniques of wine and oil production used in the area. A typical rustic lunch will feature the local produce and wines. A brief journey to Florence brings us to our next centrally located hotel.
Two Night Special Stay: Florence
Today we enjoy a guided walking tour of the city, starting at the Academy of Fine Arts to admire Michelangelo’s David. We then visit the Duomo with its spectacular exterior of marble panels. A walk onto the stunning Ponte Vecchio and through Piazza della Signoria will take us back to the historic centre. SCENIC FREECHOICE This afternoon choose from: (1) a guided tour of the Uffizi Gallery featuring works by Giotto, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael and Michelangelo; or (2) an excursion to Pisa to see the Leaning Tower. This evening we enjoy exquisite Italian cuisine in one of Florence’s fine restaurants.
SCENICENRICH A truly memorable day awaits as we journey to the Cinque Terre. We start from Manarola along the Via dell’Amore (the Lover’s Pathway) to Riomaggiore, then by boat and train to Monterosso, visiting the stunning villages along the way. We continue through the Italian Riviera before heading to the town of Stresa, situated on the shores of Lake Maggiore.
Two Night Stay: Stresa
This morning we transfer across Lake Maggiore to the Borromean Islands. We visit the Isola Bella, featuring outstanding gardens and the summer palace of the Borromean family. The stately residence contains priceless Lombard paintings and Flemish tapestries. SCENICENRICH We continue our cruise of the tranquil waters to the tiny and picturesque fishermen’s island, Isola delle Pescatore, for a delightful traditional lunch. We cruise back to Stresa where your afternoon is at leisure.
We pass pine trees and rolling hills this morning as we approach Verona, famous as the home of the tragic lovers, Romeo and Juliet. With our local guide we visit the amazingly intact Roman arena, built in the first century AD and still in use. We will also see Juliet’s balcony, the Piazza Bra and the ornate tombs of the Scaligeri family. Then on to Venice – the most unique city in the world, built on 117 low-lying islands. We cruise up the Grand Canal by private motor launch past ornate Palazzos and Palladian churches to our superbly located hotel. SCENICENRICH Tonight we enjoy a romantic gondola serenade as we enjoy this iconic Venetian experience whilst gliding under ancient bridges amongst the breathtaking canals towards Antico Pignolo, a traditional restaurant located alongside one of the city’s canals.
Two Night Special Stay: Venice
With our local guide this morning we survey the stunning 17th century St. Mark’s Square with its cafés. We visit St. Mark’s Basilica with its incredible Byzantine architecture and enter the gothic Doges’ Palace, after which we view the famous Bridge of Sighs. SCENIC FREECHOICE This afternoon choose from: (1) a private lagoon island cruise; or (2) take a walking tour to visit the Fine Arts Academy.
Our journey continues to the city of Modena, famous for its balsamic vinegar and sparkling Lambrusco wine. We learn how these specialties are made and enjoy a sample of each product during a visit to a local producer. We travel past rustic villages before arriving in Perugia. We view the Fontana Maggoire and the monuments around the site of the Roman Forum – the Duomo and the Palazzo dei Priori, Umbria’s finest palace.
Overnight Stay: Perugia
A short drive this morning takes us to the hilltop medieval village of Assisi, home of St Francis. We enjoy a walking tour and visit the Basilica of San Francesco, built in the 13th century after the saints death. We then journey through the gentle Umbrian landscape to the west coast, where the Tyrrhenian Sea and Rome awaits us.
Overnight Special Stay: Rome
After breakfast, transfer* to Rome airport for your onward or homebound flight.
*Check transfer entitlements with your travel agent. For passengers who have already received documentation - refer to your booking summary.
Brochure: DS/ITA/AUD1011
Tour code: ITA.1