BEST OF ITALY

• Ciao Roma! Explore this imperial city of emperors and senators, gods and goddesses before joining your Travel Director for an introduction to the ‘Eternal City’. This evening, enjoy dinner with your travel companions.

Arrival Transfer: Depart Leonardo da Vinci airport (FCO) at 09:30, 12:30, 15:00

Welcome Meet your Travel Director at 17:00

• The Holy See takes centre stage today as you join a Local Specialist for an included sightseeing tour in the Vatican Museums.
• Admire Michelangelo’s magnificent frescoed ceiling in the Sistine Chapel.
• See the marble masterpiece of the Pietà, housed in the Basilica before crossing the Tiber into Ancient Rome.
• Enjoy a guided visit to the Colosseum, before seeing the Circus Maximus, once the site of celebrated chariot races.
• This afternoon, arrive at Basilica Santa Maria in Cosmedin for a private after-hours visit to the Mouth of Truth.
• See the church, crypt and relics of the famous saint of love, Valentine, and learn about the legend of the Mouth of Truth.
• Due to increased demand during the Jubilee year, access to the Vatican Museums may be limited.
• If tickets are unavailable during your visit, your sightseeing will instead explore the Capitoline Museums, home to the Capitoline Wolf, ancient Roman bronzes and Renaissance art.
• From its spot on Capitoline Hill, you’ll have the chance to take in views of the Roman Forum.

Included Experience: Rome Orientation, Study the Masterpieces of the Vatican Museums, Visit St Peter’s Basilica, Ancient Rome, Basilica of Santa Maria in Cosmedian Visit

Optional Experience: Piazzas and Fountains / Roman Evening with Dinner / Roman Delights with Dinner

• Journey south to the well-preserved ruins of Pompeii.
• Here you join a Local Specialist who will share details of the devastation caused by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius as you wander through the ancient paved roads of a city that was frozen in time.
• Later, arrive at your hotel in the clifftop town of Sorrento.

Included Experience: Visit Pompeii

Optional Experience: Dinner Neapolitan Style / Sorrento Countryside and Farmhouse Meal

• 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 cafes in Capri town in the company of a Local Specialist before taking your time to soak up the sophistication of this lovely island.
• Later, return to the mainland and enjoy dinner at your hotel.

Included Experience: Tour Capri Town

Optional Experience: Discover The Isle of Capri / Amalfi Coast and Positano

• Marvel at the beauty of the Bay of Naples and mighty Vesuvius as you leave the Sorrento coastline.
• Glimpse the Benedictine Abbey of Cassino perched high on the mountain peak, known as the site of the Battle of Monte Cassino in 1944, before heading north to the slopes of Mount Subasio.
• Arrive in the mystical town of Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis, under whose protection this medieval city is said to remain.
• Join your Local Specialist for a visit to the Basilica of St. Francis, before some free time to explore this fascinating hilltop town.

Included Experience: Visit the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi

• Journey through the glorious countryside of the Emilia Romagna region.
• This area is 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 ancient Roman arena and Piazza Brà.
• Arrive later into beautiful Venice, the ‘Queen of the Adriatic’ to spend time admiring this unique city.

Included Experience: Scenic Drive Through Emilia-Romagna

Optional Experience: Gondolas & the Grand Canal

• 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 colourful fishermen’s houses on the Island of Burano or search for a cosy bacaro and indulge in some tasty Venetian treats, starting with that refreshing Venetian Spritz which is the local drink of choice.

Included Experience: Learn about the History and Ancient Skills on Venetian Glassblowing

Optional Experience: Venice’s Secret / Lagoon Cruise to Burano with Food and Drinks

• Cross the green plains of Lombardy to sophisticated Milan, Italy’s capital of design and fashion.
• See the intricate Gothic Duomo, La Scala Opera House and the famous Galleria.
• Later arrive in the Italian Lakes where you’ll enjoy a dinner with your fellow travelling companions.

Included Experience: Milan Orientation

Optional Experience: Treasures of Milan

• The glistening blue waters of Lake Como beckon this morning.
• We’ll enjoy some free time to explore the lakeside lifestyle and beautiful scenery which has enchanted visitors for centuries.
• Explore Como’s historical quarter, indulge in the area’s delicious gelato, or consider a cruise on the lake.

Included Experience: Explore Como

Optional Experience: A Taste of Switzerland / Discover Lake Como

• 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’.

Included Experience: See Pisa’s Landmarks

Optional Experience: Dinner in the Tuscan Countryside / Tuscan Dinner at Villa Machiavelli

• 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.
• This evening we’ll Connect With Locals over dinner at a Be My Guest experience.

Included Experience: Florence Leather Demonstration, Florence City Tour, Enjoy a Traditional Tuscan Buffet at the 12th-Century Castle of Trebbio

Optional Experience: Michelangelo’s ‘David’ & Accademia / Discover Palazzo Vecchio

• 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 centre 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.

Included Experience: Florence American Cemetery and Memorial Visit, Visit San Gimignano

• Bid a fond ciao to your Travel Director and fellow travellers as your discovery of the best of Italy comes to an end.

Departure Transfer: Arrive at Leonardo da Vinci airport (FCO) at 07:00, 09:30