Wonders of Italy

Benvenuto a Roma! Open your heart to a whirlwind of fiery passion, fascinating antiquities and hearty flavours crafted by Italian mammas over centuries. Spend your first day meandering through the Eternal City before joining your travel companions and Travel Director for a Welcome Reception and orientation drive to see St. Peter's Basilica and the bustling cityscape by night.

Visit the Vatican for an included sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist at the Vatican Museums. Admire the works of great masters - the smooth, step-less spiral staircase designed by famous architect Donato Bramante and the magnificent frescoed ceiling in the Sistine Chapel and sorrowful Pietà inside of St. Peter's Basilica. In ancient Rome, we remember the brave gladiators who fought for supremacy at the Colosseum during our included visit and see the Circus Maximus where chariots thundered to the applause of thousands. This afternoon we have time to explore more of the city's sights, or relax in the Piazza Navona sipping cappuccinos and watching the world go by.

We leave Rome this morning and travel north to the city of Pisa, visiting its Square of Miracles to view the architectural feat of the Leaning Tower and picturesque UNESCO designated Piazza del Duomo with Italy's largest Baptistery. Continue onto Lucca with free time to meander through the medieval streets to admire the 14th Century San Martino Cathedral and the Piazza dell'Anfiteatro built on the site of an ancient Roman arena, relax in Piazza San Michele or ascend one of the city's ancient towers for panoramic views.

A sea of pastel pinks, yellows and blues cling dramatically to the Ligurian cliffs in the charming Cinque Terre (Five Lands) UNESCO World Heritage Site which we will have an opportunity to explore today on our included excursion. Join a Local Specialist and travel by train to experience unforgettable old-world charm in a picturesque fishing village that have enchanted visitors who have made the winding journey to this hidden treasure over centuries.

The gentle Tuscan landscape gives way to the hilltop town of San Gimignano, famed for its stunning medieval architecture and 72 historic towers which stand today as a testament to the wealth and power of aristocratic families that lived here centuries ago. We enjoy a Be My Guest lunch with wine in a beautiful family owned vineyard overlooking the rolling Chianti Hills, before arriving in Florence, our home for the next two nights.

Discover Renaissance treasures, extraordinary art and exquisite architecture in one of the cultural capitals of the world. We join a Local Specialist who will bring the legacy of the influential de'Medici family to life. Walk along the cobblestone lanes into expansive piazze, viewing the magnificent marble Duomo and the replica of the David statue in Piazza della Signoria. View the 400-year-old Ponte Vecchio and admire spectacular panoramic views from Piazzale Michelangelo. The rest of the day is yours to explore the Cradle of the Renaissance on your terms. Visit the masterpieces of Michelangelo, Botticelli and Da Vinci at Uffizi Gallery, wander through the architectural wonder of Palazzo Pitti or shop for high-quality leather and gold.

Shakespeare's star-crossed lovers are remembered today during our jaunt to the romantic city of Verona where we will view Juliet's Balcony and the 1st century Roman Arena, still used today to host spectacular operatic performances. We venture to Venice next, our home for the next two nights, spending the rest of the afternoon at leisure to meander through the city's labyrinthine calle in search of hidden treasures. Wander along the Grand Canal, watch the sun set over St. Mark's Square or take an Optional Experience to discover this beguiling city.

Breathe in the salty smell of the Adriatic and cruise by private launch to visit the city's most spectacular attractions. We cruise by private launch to the island of Giudecca to enjoy a unique Cultural Insight into the centuries-old tradition of Venetian glassblowing before seeing St. Mark's Basilica, the ornate Doge's Palace and the Bridge of Sighs, so named for the sound that prisoners being led to their fate would make upon seeing beautiful Venice for the very last time. This afternoon, sit back and relax at a cosy bacaro sipping the spicy citrus flavours of Spriz Veneziano or perhaps take a cruise across the lagoon to the colourful fishing island of Burano for delicious meal.

Travel through scenic countryside to the mystical town of Assisi, stopping en route in the city of Bologna to view its Kissing Towers that lean towards each other, seemingly poised to embrace. We continue to our hotel in Assisi where we will dine this evening.

Discover the legacy of St. Francis of Assisi in his home town on the slopes of Mount Subasio. Ambling Assisi's charming streets, we join a Local Specialist who will take us on a fascinating walking tour to visit the Basilica of St. Francis, renowned for its beautiful frescoes depicting the life of this much-loved saint. We continue to Tivoli for a guided visit with a Local Specialist of the UNESCO World Heritage terraced hillside Renaissance gardens of Villa d'Este. Wander past bubbling fountains, manicured hedges and ornate statues as you soak up the tranquil atmosphere against the panoramic views of this historic hill town. This evening we enjoy an early special Farewell Dinner with our fellow travellers and Travel Director before returning to Rome.

It's time to say a fond saluto to Italy and our newfound friends after a memorable journey. Transfers are available. Conditions apply.