Take an exciting journey to the traditional cities of Rome, Florence, Venice and Stresa. Multiple-night stays in centrally-located hotels let you truly experience the local flavor of these popular Italian destinations. Beginning in Rome, visit such architectural delights as the Roman Forum, the Colosseum, and the Circus Maximus. You'll then travel along the Bay of Naples for a stop at the captivating Isle of Capri. Tour the excavated ruins of Pompeii and enjoy the panoramic views of the resort town of Sorrento. You'll travel the breathtaking Amalfi Coast before arriving in the northern region of Tuscany. A cultural treasure-trove, Florence is filled with artistic gems, many of which are housed in the Academy Gallery where you’ll see Michelangelo's impressive Statue of David. In the Piazza del Duomo, see the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, one of the largest in the Christian world. En route to Venice, you'll visit the dramatic Leaning Tower of Pisa and medieval Padua with its impressive six-domed Saints Basilica. Your final stay will be in Stresa, located in the picturesque Italian Lake District. A visit to Lugano, Switzerland, and a fabulous farewell dinner on Isola Bella, one of the scenic Borromean Islands, is a perfect ending to your vacation.
Itinerary:
Day #1 Overnight Flight - Ciao, Italy!
Day #2 Arrive Rome, Italy - Tour Begins - Arrive in Rome and join your fellow travelers for a special welcome dinner featuring regional delicacies and Italian wines.
Day #3 Rome - Classical Rome City Tour - A locally guided tour of Classical Rome features such sights as the Piazza Venezia, Trevi Fountain, the Roman Forum, the Circus Maximus, the Colosseum and the Arch of Constantine. The catacombs, burial place of early Christians, the mythic Pantheon and Piazza Navona are also featured.
Day #4 Rome - Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore Rome’s cultural treasures independently. Your Tour Manager will be on hand to offer suggestions.
Day #5 Rome - Naples - Isle of Capri - Vietri Sul Mare - LANGUAGE DISCOVERY: Your Tour Manager will help you discover the origin and history of the language(s) you will experience on your tour along with key words and phrases that will help you communicate with the locals. Journey south toward the brilliant Bay of Naples where charming villages are built into hillsides above a sparkling blue sea. A short boat ride* brings you to the enchanting Isle of Capri. Explore this island paradise of chic boutiques and outdoor cafes. End your day on the breathtaking Amalfi Coast.
Day #6 Vietri Sul Mare - Pompeii - Sorrento - Vietri Sul Mare - Soak in 2,000 years of history during your discovery of the excavated ruins of Pompeii. A local guide provides an in-depth view of this remarkably preserved archeological site. Continue to the scenic resort town of Sorrento for a demonstration of the art of inlaid wood making by a local artisan. Take some time to explore independently before returning to Vietri-sul-Mare.
Day #7 Vietri Sul Mare - Florence - Today Tuscany unfolds with its vista of vineyards and olive groves. Florence, the “Cradle of the Italian Renaissance” awaits, offering Italy's best art and architecture. Visit the Academy Gallery to see Michelangelo’s magnificent sculpture of David.
Day #8 Florence - Learn the traditional Italian techniques of leather making at a family-owned leather shop. A locally guided tour highlights the Piazza Del Duomo, with its Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, and the Church of Santa Croce, burial place of Michelangelo, Galileo and Machiavelli. You also view the Palazzo Vecchio and the Baptistery of St. John.
Day #9 Florence - Pisa - Venice - Visit the ancient maritime Republic of Pisa to discover the Piazza Dei Miracoli, the Duomo (Cathedral) and the famous Leaning Tower. A special stop is made at a Tuscan winery and farm to enjoy lunch and sample local wines and specialties. Next, cross the Apennine Mountains en route to Venice where 117 islands are connected by a latticework of 150 canals and 400 bridges.
Day #10 Venice - Murano Island - Venice - Embark on a boat trip* (weather permitting) to Murano Island for a glass-blowing demonstration. Return to St. Mark’s Square where a local expert takes you on a walking tour of the Basilica, Doge’s Palace and the legendary Bridge of Sighs. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore independently.
Day #11 Venice - Verona - Stresa - Depart Venice for Verona to stroll the streets that were the backdrop for Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. Arrive in the resort town of Stresa in the breathtaking Italian Lakes District, your home for the next two nights, and admire the beautiful views of Lago Maggiore.
Day #12 Stresa - Locarno, Switzerland - Isola dei Pescatori, Italy - Stresa - Cross into Switzerland and the picturesque lakeside resort of Locarno for magnificent views, excellent shopping and charming cafes. Tonight, travel by boat to Isola dei Pescatori for a farewell dinner while surrounded by beautiful scenery.
Day #13 Stresa - Tour Ends -