SOLO TOUR OF ITALY HIGHLIGHTS
- Wonderful three night stays in Venice and Rome
- A focus on quality Italian dining experiences with highlight lunches and dinners, enjoyed with a glass of wine
- Restaurants selected to showcase Italian cuisine
- A full day of visiting the Garda Lake region
- Verona guided tour; the city that features an impressive ancient arena
- In depth Venice discoveries
- A superb day discovering the delights of the Cinque Terre
- A Tuscan highlight lunch
- A sightseeing tour of Florence including a visit to see Michelangelo's original statue of ‘David'.
- Time in Assisi, a charming hilltop town of Umbria
- Enjoy a superb dinner in Assisi
- A guided tour of the Commonwealth Cemetery of Montecassino
- A day tour to Isle of Capri, off the Amalfi Coast
- An afternoon in Positano, Amalfi Coast
- An Italian pizza cooking class
- A guided tour through the cobble-stoned streets of the ill-fated town of Pompeii
- In Rome, visit the superb Vatican Museums and admire Michelangelo's ceiling of the Sistine Chapel
Pre Tour Stay
Consider arriving a day before the tour start, or enjoy a stopover. The cost of the additional night/s of stay applies. Ask our travel team about this option, and the additional costs.
Guided Tours with Headsets
Our travellers are provided with a headset each and a guide narrates using a radio microphone. This eliminates background noise, interruptions from other tour groups and offers a more intimate touring experience.
DAY 1
Milan
Welcome to Milan, Italy – internationally renowned, along with Paris, New York and London as one of the world’s most important fashion capitals. Milan is the start to your amazing discoveries ahead and your next two nights of stay. Early evening, meet with the group Tour Director for a welcome drink and tour briefing. The evening is at your leisure. You may like to head out with other group members and enjoy dinner together.
Meals: Welcome Drink
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Meet with your tour director and group 5:30PM for welcome drinks
DAY 2
Milan
After breakfast at our hotel we depart for a day trip to beautiful Lake Como.
Discover the timeless beauty of the Italian lakes. Take a walking tour of the chic lake town of Como with a local guide plus a Lake Como cruise to see snow-peaked mountains and luxury lakeside villas from the water. Visit the village of Bellagio; there is some free time for lunch and to explore.
By the end of the day return to Milan for a group welcome dinner for some Milanese cuisine.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- A day tour to near by Lake Como
- Group dinner
FREE TIME EXTRAS:
Time at leisure in Bellagio
DAY 3
Milan
After breakfast at our hotel we meet with a local guide for our Milan city tour including The Piazza del Duomo. There’s some time at leisure in Milan for lunch (or a spot of shopping). Later we depart for Garda Lake via Sirmione to enjoy the sunset.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Milan morning city sightseeing tour
- Visit Garda Lake for sunset
- Group dinner at our hotel
DAY 4
Garda Lake Area
Today, a full day excursion to Garda Lake including visits to several of Lake Garda’s idyllic towns such as Malcesine, Limone, Desenzano. Enjoy an early dinner in a typical winery in the Garda Lake region where the vines have been cultivated for centuries to produce wines with an unmistakable taste and flavour, which tell the story of the beauty and history of the place.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Full day tour Garda Lake
- Winery visit
- Winery early dinner
DAY 5
Garda Lake – Verona - Venice
Early this morning we depart for the elegant city of Verona on our way to Venice. We arrive and start out with a guided city centre walking tour in Verona. It includes entry to the Arena di Verona, an ancient Roman arena and venue for the opera each summer. We also see Juliet's house and the balcony (from the story of Romeo & Juliet).
Then onto the culturally rich city of Padua for a walking tour including entry to the beautiful Scrovegni Chapel, and the Padua Cathedral. See some of the most famous squares in the city, including Piazza delle Erbe, della Frutta and Piazza della Signoria, all of which overlook several important and majestic buildings. There is a light lunch in one of the typical restaurants near the squares. In the late afternoon we will proceed to Venice. On arrival to venice, transfer by water taxi to the hotel and this evening free time to wander the incredible destination, Venice.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Transfer to Venice, via Verona
- Verona guided walking tour
- Walking tour of the city of Padua
- Lunch in Padua
- Water taxi to our Venice hotel
DAY 6
Venice – Island Visits
An amazing day ahead – travel by water taxi to Murano, Burano and Torcello Island. On Murano Island visit a glass showroom for an interesting demonstration of the traditional craftsmanship of Murano glassware, unchanged for centuries. Leave Murano behind as you travel to the nearby island of Burano. Witness the quaint and colourful houses that dot the island and observe the lace makers at work. Become acquainted with their rare skill which is considered some of the finest worldwide. Stop for a bite to eat during your time in Burano and taste some of the local biscotti that are native to the island.
The final stop is Torcello; see the historical landmarks such as the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, Attila's Throne, the Devil's Bridge, and the Bell Tower. We return to Venice island with another wonderful night to make your own discoveries.
Meals: Breakfast
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- A shared ferry/boat service to visit Murano Island, Burano Island and Torcello Island
DAY 7
Venice
After breakfast, we set out for a walking tour from the famous Piazza San Marco. You'll enjoy a guided sightseeing tour that includes entrance to the Doges' Palace, and visit the ornate St Mark’s Basilica.
This afternoon you have at leisure on Venice Island; a wonderful time to explore at your own pace, and maybe take a gondola ride!
This evening is a magnificent chance to explore more and enjoy local Venetian dining.
Meals: Breakfast
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- A walking tour of Venice
- Afternoon at leisure in Venice
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DAY 8
Venice – La Spezia
Today, it's a longer drive to cross the Italian peninsular and see from distance the quarries at Carrara, its milky white stone attracting everyone from Michelangelo to Mussolini before we arrive to La Spezia.
Along the way, an enjoyable deviation with a a stop in Bologna, and in Modena for a balsamic vinegar tasting. Bologna is a medieval town in northern Italy. Your tour director will take you on a short walking tour and then, you have time to wander at your leisure to absorb your surrounds. There’s also time to enjoy lunch - Bologna is often regarded as the culinary capital of Italy. You may like to visit the market in the city centre; it displays an impressive array of deli produce; cheeses, meats, fruits, vegetables and baked delights.
Dinner tonight is at your leisure
Meals: Breakfast
SNAPSHOT - WHAT'S INCLUDED:
- Travel by road to cross the Italian peninsular
- A stop in Bologna for a local walk
- Time at leisure for lunch in Bologna
- Balsamic vinegar tasting experience, Moderna
DAY 9
La Spezia
Today, is the highlight excursion to the Cinque Terre (or the five villages), which were for years only accessible by donkey. Luckily, today we take the train to explore the spectacular area.
Our tour leader will guide you around two postcard pretty villages, which both retain their charm and reputation for producing one of Italy's most sought after and exclusive wines. For the adventurous there is a hill side track which leads from one village to another. There's also the option to return by boat after the walk (which is spectacular) or you can choose to walk further to more of the five villages and then return by train to La Spezia. After an adventurous day, the rest of the day is at your leisure.
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 10
La Spezia - Florence
Today onto Florence as we depart La Spezia via Pisa. Your tour director will take you on a guided walk of Pisa and of course, see the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Along the way, a special stop for a highlight Tuscan lunch at a Tuscan farm and winery for some of the best of Tuscan cuisine. After lunch, travel onto Florence, arriving with the rest of the day to explore at your leisure.
Meals: Breakfast, Highlight Lunch
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Transfer to Florence via Pisa
- Guided walk of Pisa
- A highlight lunch at a Tuscan farm
DAY 11
Florence
In Florence this morning, take in a city tour which includes a visit to the Academy of Fine Arts, to show you Michelangelo's statue of ‘David' in the Academy Gallery. We continue, to visit the Cathedral and Baptistry, Giotto's 14th century Campanile (said to be the most beautiful bell-tower in the world), the ‘Gates of Paradise' and enjoy a view of Signoria Square, the political stage of the Florentines.
This afternoon, there's a wonderful excursion to Greve in the picturesque Chianti region including wine tasting. Returning to Florence after our dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Highlight Dinner
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- A guided city tour of Florence
- An afternoon excursion to Greve in the picturesque Chianti region including wine tasting.
DAY 12
Florence - Assisi
We depart Florence to make our way to Assisi for our two night stay. On our way, and in the heart of Tuscany, on a hilltop stands the majestic medieval walled town of San Gimignano. It has retained all its old streets, its walls, gates, palaces, strongholds and thirteen towers. There’s a guided city tour on foot to explore this many towered and very charming town with its squares and winding streets. This afternoon we travel onto Assisi with the rest of your day at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Transfer from Florence to Assisi
- Guided walking tour, San Gimignano
DAY 13
Assisi
This morning a guided city tour on foot to visit the Basilica of St Francis with its magnificent frescoes by the artist Giotto and other highlights of Assisi. The rest of the day is free to wander the cobblestone streets and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. We come together in the evening for a special & very memorable dinner, at a Michelin plated restaurant in Assisi.
Meals: Breakfast, Highlight Dinner
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- A guided city tour on foot to visit the Basilica of St Francis and other highlights of Assisi.
- Free time to wander the streets of Assisi
- A special dinner, at a Michelin plated restaurant in Assisi
DAY 14
Assisi - Naples
This morning it’s a scenic drive from the hill town of Assisi, home of St Francis as we make our way south to Naples. We travel via Caserta VISIT The Royal Palace of Caserta (Reggia di Caserta), famous for its massive size and opulent style, is a triumph of late Italian Baroque architecture. The largest royal residence in the world, the palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, shares a number of features with the Palace of Versailles and is one of the most-visited monuments in southern Italy
We will proceed to Naples, with some free time to enjoy the city and this evening a pizza making class (for dinner)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner (pizza)
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Transfer to Naples
- Visit The Royal Palace of Caserta
- Dinner with pizza making class
DAY 15
Naples - (via Isle of Capri) - Sorrento
Today we travel to the Amalfi Coast. We get off to an early start to first reach Pompeii where an expert local guide will walk you through the streets of this Roman resort buried by an eruption of the volcano Mt Vesuvius in AD79. From Pompeii we will return to Naples to take the hydrofoil to the Isle of Capri and around the Isle to appreciate the isle’s beauty from the water. There will be some free time on the Isle of Capri and then we make our way back by boat to the mainland and transfer to Sorrento.
Meals: Breakfast
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Stop and visit Pompeii with a local expert guide
- Transfer Naples to Sorrento
- Hydrofoil to Isle of Capri
- Visit Ana Capri
FREE TIME EXTRA:
On the Isle of Carpi, by boat, visit the Blue Grotto
(subject to suitable weather conditions), then returning for a tour to Ana Capri
Cost applies
DAY 16
Sorrento
Today, discover the famous beauty of one of Italy’s most iconic shorelines with this full-day tour of the Amalfi Coast from Sorrento. Along spectacular coastal roads, stopping to visit the region’s three most popular and beautiful villages; Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello. At the end of the day we return to Sorrento for dinner in a local restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast, Highlight Dinner
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Amalfi Coast full day excursion
- Highlight dinner, Amalfi Coast
DAY 17
Sorrento – Rome
We depart first thing to make our way to Rome, for a womdeful three night stay. A few hours along the way, we enjoy a guided city tour on foot at the Commonwealth Cemetery of Montecassino. This afternoon you have time at leisure to enjoy your choice of sightseeing, shopping or relaxing in Rome.
In the late afternoon you will enjoy an exclusive activity that consists of cooking class with a Roman Chef, in a two hour hands on class, learning how to cook two typical Italian dishes and after the preparation you will eat what you cooked with wines, coke, water included.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner (part of cooking class)
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Guided tour of Commonwealth Cemetery of Montecassino
- Italian cooking class with dinner
DAY 18
Rome
This morning there’s a guided walking tour of Rome. You will be escorted by an expert local guide, as you visit Rome's iconic landmarks and places of interest including entrance to The Colosseum and Roman Forum, to explore ancient Rome. Enjoy the afternoon at your leisure. Shop till you drop, explore more of Rome or you may be tempted to throw another coin into the famous Trevi Fountain to ensure your return one day!
The evening is at your leisure and this evening the chance to make your own local discoveries for a dinner spot. We suggest you ask your tour director for recommendations.
Meals: Breakfast
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
DAY 19
Rome
Today another discovery of the city including a group reservation (no queues) for our guided tour of the Vatican Museums to see Michelangelo's ceiling in the Sistine Chapel plus visit St Peter's Basilica * built around the tomb of St Peter, and designed by some of history's greatest architects, Bramante, Bernini and Michelangelo.
This afternoon you have time at leisure to enjoy your choice of sightseeing, shopping or relaxing in Rome. The evening we will celebrate the end of our amazing tour with a farewell diner in a typical restaurant in Rome with music.
Meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Guided city tour, Rome
- Group reservation at The Vatican museums
- Farewell highlight dinner
SPECIAL NOTES
shorts or short skirts not permitted at Vatican museums
DAY 20
Rome
Our memorable Italian tour comes to an end after breakfast. Or feel free to extend your stay with additional nights in Rome.
Meals: Breakfast
Itineraries may be subject to change, due to circumstances outside of our control. If there is any itinerary change prior to departure of significance, we aim to inform you prior to travel. Itinerary changes while on tour will be informed by your tour leader/guide while on tour.
