Grand Italian Experience

Blaze a trail through la bella Italia - your epic journey begins in Rome, once the powerful capital of the world with a history spanning millennia that is yours to explore before meeting your travel companions and Travel Director for a Welcome Reception and orientation drive introducing you to some of the city's spectacular sights before your adventure kicks off.

Follow in the footsteps of the pilgrims who for centuries have gazed in wonder at the inspiring Vatican City and visit St. Peter's Basilica, one of the holiest sites in Christendom. This morning we embark on an included sightseeing tour in the company of a Local Specialist, where we will see Michelangelo's magnificent Pietà, hewn from the most "perfect" block of Carrara marble. We venture into Ancient Rome to see Circus Maximus, where the thundering noise of chariot races once filled the air, and visit the imposing Colosseum. The afternoon is yours to explore the city on your own terms. Sit on the Spanish Steps, shop up a storm on Via Veneto or continue your encounter with Ancient Rome on Palatine Hill to see the Temple of Apollo and Flavian Palace, among other fascinating excavations.

We meander east through the spectacular Campania Mountains and the orange and olive groves of the charming Puglia region near the Adriatic coast, our home for the next two nights. This evening, we settle in to simple coastal living and enjoy a delicious local dinner at our hotel. 

Fairy-tale conical limestone houses take centre stage during our guided tour with a Local Specialist in the town of Alberobello. This town was granted UNESCO World Heritage because of its unique collection of almost 1,500 trulli dating back to the 14th century. This afternoon is yours to explore magical Puglia. Perhaps consider an Optional Experience to enjoy the fascinating culture of this magical land, indulge in delectable flavours at a local trattoria or ramble through the quaint streets to the Basilica dedicated to the martyr saints Cosmo and Damiano. This evening, we enjoy a special Be My Guest dinner in a traditional masseria.

The fresh aroma of lemons is your constant companion in the stunning coastal town of Sorrento, your home for the next two nights. View the bustling Piazza Tasso and Corso Italia before spending the rest of the day exploring this magical town. Kick back and sip delicious Limoncello di Sorrento, enjoy lunch at the picture-perfect Marina Piccola or spend the afternoon soaking up la dolce vita. Tonight we dine at our hotel in Sorrento.

The exquisite craft of inlaid wood is explored this morning during a Cultural Insight at a local Sorrento workshop before cruising the deep blue waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea to the beautiful Isle of Capri. We enjoy a guided tour of Capri Town, watching the beautiful people sip their cappuccinos in the glamorous Piazzetta.

Explore the tragic history of the ancient city of Pompeii, which lay buried for centuries after Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD. We wander through the lost city in the company of a Local Specialist who will provide fascinating insights into this well-preserved UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue your journey through the beautiful rolling green and golden fields of Umbria, arriving at the mystical hilltop town of Assisi. Meet your Local Specialist for a captivating walking tour of Assisi, including a visit to the Basilica of St. Francis, featuring exquisite frescoes by Giotto. Tonight, we dine in our hotel.

Celebrate the epic tale of Romeo and Juliet during this morning's visit to the fair city of Verona where you will view Juliet's Balcony and the Roman Arena built in the 1st century. We venture north to the Adriatic coast this afternoon to the intoxicating city of Venice where we will spend two nights.

The delicate craft of Venetian glassblowing that spans centuries is celebrated during a Cultural Insight this morning. Glide by private launch along the bustling waterways of this enchanting city to view the Bridge of Sighs, ornate Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica before spending free time exploring the city rambling along the Grand Canal, nibbling on delicious cicchetti  at a cosy bacaro or crossing the lagoon to experience the colourful fishing heritage of Burano Island.

This morning, we traverse the pastoral Veneto plains to the sophisticated town of Trento nestled in the Adige River valley surrounded by the Dolomites. Once located within the Austrian Empire, the town exudes both classical Italian elegance and cultural influences from the north, which you can enjoy at one of its many beer halls or cafés where you can indulge in the delicious local apple strudel. Wander around the magnificent Piazza Duomo before checking in to your hotel for the night.

Travelling north through Italy's stunning Lakes District, we arrive in the sophisticated powerhouse of Milan and enjoy some free time after an orientation of the city's key sights. See the exquisite Gothic Duomo, La Scala Opera House and the Galleria, one of the world's oldest shopping malls. We spend this afternoon on the quiet shores of Lake Maggiore, soaking up the pleasant lakeside atmosphere and exploring the quaint town of Baveno. Enjoy a leisurely drink watching the waves lap up against the elegant marina.

Today travel to the Ligurian Riviera. We cruise to the quaint fishing village of Portofino (weather permitting) before returning to our seaside retreat in Santa Margherita. Dine tonight at your hotel.

Spend the day on your terms, walking along the picturesque promenade, wandering through the Old Town shopping for souvenirs or consider joining an Optional Experience to beautiful Porto Venere and the Bay of Poets where we'll admire the seductive UNESCO-protected Cinque Terre. 

Travelling south through the unforgettable scenery of Tuscany, we arrive in Pisa to view its famous Leaning Tower before travelling onwards to the Renaissance city of Florence. This afternoon is yours at leisure to ramble through the picturesque boulevards and labyrinthine lanes of Florence, whose connection with the de' Medici family saw it become one of the world's most cultural cities. Visit the Academy of Fine Arts to see the Michelangelo's statue of David, amble along the Arno River or ascend the picturesque stone steps up to Piazzale Michelangelo for spectacular views of the city. 

Join a Local Specialist this morning to view the city's finest masterpieces - the magnificent Duomo, Giotto's Bell Tower and the 13th century Santa Croce Basilica, the final resting place of Michelangelo, Galileo and Machiavelli. Learn about the quality and workmanship of two of this city’s historic industries at demonstrations of Florentine leathercraft and 18-carat gold. We spend the rest of our afternoon at leisure. Walk across the 400-year-old Ponte Vecchio, visit the Uffizi Gallery or wander through the Renaissance Boboli Gardens, stopping for a slice or two of schiacciata along the way. 

Past the sprawling vineyards of Chianti, past the hill-top towns of Umbria before arriving in Rome. This evening we enjoy an exclusive Farewell dining experience among the stunning artistry of Museo Gregoriano Profano, centuries of Roman and Ancient Greek sculptures and antiquities or the magnificent surrounds of the Salone di Raffaello in the Pinacoteca, with access to the Museum available pre-dining. This will be followed by a guided evening tour of the Vatican Museums with a Local Specialist, including a visit to view Michelangelo’s magnificent frescoed ceiling in the Sistine Chapel when it is less crowded.

Our epic encounter with Italy has sadly come to an end. We say arrivederci  to Rome and our newfound friends at the end of our Grand Italian Experience. Transfers are available. Conditions apply.