Day 01: Arrival To Rome
Arrival at the airport in Rome. You will be greeted by our local representatives after exiting the customs and transferred to your hotel in Rome. The rest of your day is free for you to relax or start your exploration of the Eternal City.

Day 02: Discover Ancient Rome and the Vatican City
The Holy See takes centre 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 Pietà, housed in St. Peter’s Basilica before crossing the Tiber into Ancient Rome. Visit the famous Colosseum and see 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 03: Explore the Ruins of Pompeii and Sorrento
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 04: A Day on the Isle of Capri
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 05: Onwards to Assisi
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 the 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 06: Discover Verona and Venice
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. Travel to Verona, the home of Shakespeare’s star-crossed lovers, to admire the Roman arena and Juliet’s Balcony. Arrive later in Venice, the ‘Queen of the Adriatic’, where we’ll enjoy a Regional Dinner.

Day 07: St. Mark’s and More in Venice
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. Dive Into Culture and watch talented craftsmen share their centuries-old glassmaking traditions. 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 colourful fishermen’s houses on the Island of Burano or search for a cosy bacaro and indulge in some tasty Venetian treats.

Day 08: On to Milan and Scenic Lake Maggiore
Today we 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 at Lake Maggiore where we’ll enjoy dinner served tonight at our hotel.

Day 09: Stroll around Lake Como
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, indulge in the area’s delicious gelato, take the funicular for spectacular views of the lake or consider a cruise on the lake. This evening we venture by private boat to a secluded island on Lake Maggiore where we’ll Connect With Locals over dinner at a Be My Guest experience. Join Signor Telli for colourful stories of pirates and princes and a delicious local fare in this family run restaurant.

Day 10: Admire Pisa and on to Florence
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 11: Experience Art and Architecture in Florence
Delve into the extravagant history of the Medici family, whose legacy of art and architecture are explored in the company of a Local Specialist. The elegant Duomo dominates the skyline as we visit Piazza della Signoria with its exquisite statues and palazzi. Enjoy spectacular panoramic views of Florence and 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 12: Treasures of San Gimignano and Return to Rome
This morning we stop at the Florence American Cemetery and Memorial. Continuing south, we visit the charming Tuscan hill-town of San Gimignano, where one finds extraordinary examples of medieval architecture and history. Venture to the centre of town to view its Piazza del Duomo, surrounded by medieval towers and the town’s 13th-century city walls. This evening in Rome we enjoy a Farewell Dinner spent in the company of newfound friends and our Travel Director.

Day 13: Depart Rome
Transfer to airport for flight back to home.

Day 01: Arrival To Rome
Arrival at the airport in Rome. You will be greeted by our local representatives after exiting the customs and transferred to your hotel in Rome. The rest of your day is free for you to relax or start your exploration of the Eternal City.

Day 02: Rome – Assisi – Siena – Florence
Breakfast at your hotel. Departure around 7:30 am from your hotel for a short drive to Assisi where you will explore at leisure this historical town surrounded by walls built in the Middle Ages. Take your time to visit the Basilica of St. Francis, where you will see masterpieces by Giotto and Cimabue. Lunch at leisure. In the afternoon, continuation to Siena, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for the Palio, an historical horse race around the shell-shaped town square Piazza del Campo. You will have some free time in Siena to discover the medieval city center and then you will continue to Florence, where you will check in at your hotel before enjoying dinner and a well-earned night of rest.

Day 03: Florence
After breakfast at the hotel, you will meet your local guide and start an interesting tour of Florence, dubbed as “The Cradle of the Renaissance” where with the help of Michelangelo, Italian art reached its pinnacle. Based on Etruscan-roman origins, the city flourished in the Middle Ages as a free “commune” and was further refined by the Renaissance. You will be fascinated by its uncountable monuments, churches, and buildings such as Santa Maria del Fiore, more commonly referred to as the Duomo. During your visit, you will be amazed by its magnificent dome built by Filippo Brunelleschi, its campanile tower designed by Giotto and its baptistery with its bronze doors that Michelangelo dubbed the “Gates of Paradise”. In the heart of the city, you will also see the Piazza Della Signoria, the Palazzo Vecchio and the Basilica of Santa Croce.

Following lunch at a typical Tuscan restaurant located at the Piazza Santa Croce, spend the afternoon at leisure strolling the cobblestone streets of Florence (return transfer to the hotel is not included) or opt for an optional trip to Pisa (approximately 45 euros per person payable in cash directly at destination). Pisa is one of the four main historical marine republics of Italy. You will tour the Piazza dei Miracoli with the Duomo, Pisa’s world-famous “Leaning Tower” and the Baptistery. Dinner at leisure and overnight in Florence.

Day 04: Florence – Bologna – Padova – Venice
Breakfast at the hotel. Departure toward Bologna where you will discover the elegant city center with its almost 40km-long porticoes that are one of the defining features of the city’s architecture. From the Piazza Malpighi, you will walk to the Piazza del Nettuno and the Piazza Maggiore in the heart of the city, then you will see the Palazzo Re Enzo constructed in the 13th century as an extension to the Palazzo Podestà and finally the Basilica of San Petronio, one of the biggest in the world. Bologna is a real gourmet’s heaven so don’t miss a tasty meal for your lunch at leisure.

In the afternoon, you will continue toward Padova where you will see the Basilica di Sant’Antonio da Padua, one of the most visited churches of the Catholic world. Later in the afternoon, you will arrive in Venice, “The City of love”, one of the most romantic cities in the world and undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities on Earth! Dinner and overnight at your hotel in Venice.

Day 05: Venice
After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a private water-taxi transfer to the Piazza San Marco with ‘’Skip the line’’ tickets to visit the splendid St. Mark’s Basilica. The rest of the day is free for you to roam along Venice’s canals and palaces (return transfer to the hotel is not included). Wander the winding streets and explore the most iconic places of the “Floating city”: the Palazzo dei Dogi, symbol of Venice’s glorious past and the legendary Rialto Bridge, the oldest of four bridges spanning the Grand Canal, bustling with gondolas. Dinner at leisure and overnight in Venice.

Day 06: Venice – Montepulciano (Tuscany wine region) – Rome
Breakfast at the hotel and departure toward Tuscany, a beautiful region celebrated for its scenic landscapes, its churches and castles, and its world-renowned wines. You will proceed to val di Chiana with a stop in Montepulciano, a medieval town with a rich history. Famous for its “Vino Nobile”, available for purchase in local wine houses, Montepulciano also hosts an annual jazz and wine festival every July. The lunch will be included in a typical restaurant. After your lunch, enjoy some free time to relax before heading to Rome. Dinner at leisure and overnight in Rome.

Day 07: Rome.
After breakfast at the hotel, around 8:00 am, departure for a morning tour of the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica with “Skip the Line” ticket. Upon arrival, your local guide will lead you into the museums where you will visit one of the most important art collections in the world. You will walk along the beautiful Galleries of Tapestries and Geographical Maps before admiring Raphael’s Rooms and the amazing Sistine Chapel, completed in the 16th century. Then, you will be taken through a privileged door to St. Peter’s Basilica, the largest church in the world and one of the most stunning. The tour will end on St. Peter’s Square.

Enjoy the rest of the day to explore the city at your own pace (return transfer to the hotel is not included). You can opt for an “HOP ON HOP OFF – I LOVE ROME” bus ticket (approximately 30 euros per person payable in cash directly at destination) to reach the major sites of the Ancient Rome such as the Colosseum and the Roman Forum and get closer to your hotel. In the evening, relax on the patio of a local restaurant and enjoy an aperitivo before your dinner (not included). Overnight in Rome.

Day 08: Depart Rome.
Transfer to airport for flight back to home.