Blaze a trail through la bella Italia – your epic journey begins in Rome, once the powerful capital of the world and 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 iconic and unexpected highlights.
Follow in the footsteps of the pilgrims who for centuries have flocked to Vatican City. Visit St. Peter's Basilica, one of the holiest sites in Christendom, joining a Local Specialist for an included sightseeing tour. See Michelangelo's magnificent Pietà, hewn from a perfect block of Carrara marble. Then, venture into Ancient Rome to see Circus Maximus, where the thundering noise of chariot races once filled the air. The afternoon is yours to explore at leisure. 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 excavations.
We travel east through the mountains of Campania to the orange and olive groves of Puglia on the Adriatic coast, our home for the next two nights. This evening, we enjoy a delicious local dinner at our hotel.
Enjoy a morning at leisure. Consider an Optional Experience or relax with a swim at your hotel. This afternoon, the conical limestone houses of Alberobello take centre stage during our guided tour with a Local Specialist. Here, we’ll see the UNESCO-listed collection of almost 1,500 trulli dating back to the 14th century. This evening, we Connect With Locals with a Be My Guest experience at a traditional masseria. Meet Signor Luciano for dinner on his Alberobello farm where you can taste seasonal produce, including fresh almonds, cherries, tomatoes and olive oil.
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 afternoon at leisure. Kick back and sip delicious Limoncello di Sorrento, enjoy lunch in this picture-perfect town or spend the afternoon soaking up la dolce vita. Tonight we dine at our hotel.
Cruise the deep blue waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea to the beautiful Isle of Capri. Enjoy a guided tour of Capri town, watching the beautiful people sip cappuccino in the glamorous piazzetta.
Explore the tragic history of the ancient lost city of Pompeii with a Local Specialist. Gain a deeper understanding of what life was like in this Roman settlement that lay buried for centuries after Mount Vesuvius erupted. Continue your journey through the rolling green and golden fields of Umbria, arriving at the mystical hilltop town of Assisi. Meet your Local Specialist for a visit of the stunning Basilica of St. Francis, featuring exquisite frescoes by Giotto. We'll stay at one of Trafalgar's Stays With Stories - a fully renovated old Franciscan monastery.
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 to the Adriatic coast this afternoon bound for Venice. Our home for the next two nights is one of Trafalgar’s Stays With Stories – Hyatt Centric hotel, preserving the tradition of Murano glass art.
This morning start the day by observing the delicate craft of Venetian glassblowing that spans centuries. Your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience helps to preserve the traditions that have been handed down through the generations and you’ll be inspired to buy a souvenir to remind you of the talent and skill shared enthusiastically by the master craftsmen. Next you’ll glide by private launch along busy waterways to view the Bridge of Sighs, Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica before exploring the city on your terms. Stroll beside the Grand Canal, nibble on delicious cicchetti at a cosy bacaro or cross the lagoon for an Optional Experience to the colourful fishermen's Island of Burano.
This morning we traverse the pastoral Veneto plains to the sophisticated town of Trento, surrounded by the Dolomites. Once part of the Austrian Empire, this 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. Consider sampling the delicious local apple strudel, then wander around Piazza Duomo before checking in to your hotel for the night.
Continue west through Italy's stunning Lakes District to the sophisticated powerhouse of Milan. You’ll have some free time to explore on your own after an orientation of the city's iconic 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 Baveno.
Enjoy a relaxed morning in the lakeside resort town of Stresa. Later, travel to the port city of La Spezia on the Ligurian Coast.
Indulge in a full free day to soak up the laid-back atmosphere. Stroll along the waterfront or consider joining an Optional Experience to Porto Venere and the Bay of Poets where you’ll embark on an encounter with the cliffside villages of the Cinque Terre. This evening, we dine locally.
Travelling south through the unforgettable scenery of Tuscany, we arrive in Pisa to view its famous Leaning Tower before continuing to the Renaissance city of Florence. This afternoon is yours at leisure to wander through the grand squares and labyrinthine lanes of Florence, whose connection with the Medici family saw this city become one of the world's most cultural centres. Consider a visit to the Academy of Fine Arts to see the Michelangelo's statue of David, amble along the Arno River or ascend the 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. Later, learn about the quality and workmanship of two of this city's historic industries at demonstrations of Florentine leathercraft and 18-carat gold. Then, spend the rest of the afternoon as you wish. Walk across the Ponte Vecchio which has straddled the Arno River for almost 700 years, or wander through the Renaissance Boboli Gardens, stopping for a slice or two of schiacciata along the way.
Today we journey past the sprawling vineyards of Chianti and beneath the hill-towns of Umbria before arriving in Rome. This evening we Dive Into Culture on a tour of the extraordinary Vatican Museums with a Local Specialist, including views of Michelangelo's magnificent frescoed ceiling in the Sistine Chapel. Afterwards, we gain exclusive access to the Vatican's Anima Mundi Museum for an exclusive farewell dining experience surrounded by art from around the world as we toast to our adventure.
Our epic encounter with Italy has come to an end. We say arrivederci to Rome and our newfound friends at the end of our Grand Italian Experience. Find out more about your free airport transfer at trafalgar.com/freetransfers.
Prices shown are per person based on two people sharing a twin room. To request a personalized travel quote, click "Request Quote" and a Travel Specialist will send your custom quote including airfare if requested.
Optional Experiences are subject to change. Your Travel Director will supply you with a final list of Optional Experiences available on your trip. Optional Experiences cannot be booked online; they can be purchased during your trip through your Travel Director.
Available on Day 2
Discover the most charming areas in the city with a Local Specialist. Wander through the labyrinth of narrow streets and beautiful squares of Rome's historic centre, leading to highlights such as the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon, as well as hidden corners of the Eternal City.
Adult Price: € 37
Available on Day 2
Tonight, spend a lively evening with us in Rome. After a short drive, we'll arrive at a characteristic trattoria to relax and enjoy a typical Italian meal, soaking up The Eternal City's unique atmosphere all the while.
Adult Price: € 62
Available on Day 3
Visit the ancient Sabine town of Tivoli with our Local Specialist to enjoy the gardens and fountains of the Villa D’Este. We'll see its grottos and pavilions, the Avenue of a Hundred Fountains, and the Dragon Fountain of the Organ.
Adult Price: € 46
Note: On occasion, the price of this optional may increase due to group size.
Available on Day 4
With its stark, white-washed buildings, narrow cobbled streets and arched stairways, Ostuni is reminiscent of a North African Arab Medina. Set against three hills, 'The White Town' is a photographer's delight - and we'll get to explore it all with our Local Specialist on this exceptional trip.
Adult Price: € 35
Available on Day 5
Come with us for a drive along the famous Amalfi Coast. You’ll have a chance to visit the exclusive artists’ paradise of Positano, which is magnificently positioned on the Mediterranean coast.
Adult Price: € 59
Available on Day 6
Join us for an evening of Neapolitan specialties at one of our favourite family-run restaurants. Savour local dishes all served up with the famous Neapolitan hospitality, music and zest for life.
Adult Price: € 65
Available on Day 6
Experience the spectacular cliffs and famous turquoise waters of Capri during a relaxing cruise to the most beautiful part of the island, the southern side. View the beautiful grottoes and unique coastline before ascending to Capri town. This optional experience is weather dependent and may be replaced by a minibus tour of the Island with a visit to Anacapri and the Villa San Michele.
Adult Price: € 47
Available on Day 6
Join us at a traditional farm in the Sorrento countryside, where you'll visit the lemon groves, olive oil mill and see first-hand how mozzarella is made. Afterwards, enjoy the authentic flavours of home-produced cold cuts, marinated vegetables, fresh olives and more - all washed down with the local wine. The atmosphere is informal, as the family are welcoming you into their home.
Adult Price: € 53
Available on Day 8
Join us for a breathtaking cruise by private water taxi along Venice's Grand Canal. You'll admire the magnificent palazzi, catching a glimpse of the Rialto Bridge and St. Mark's Square. Later on, you'll glide gracefully on a gondola along Venice's dreamy, narrow waterways.
Adult Price: € 79
Available on Day 9
This afternoon, discover the Venetian Lagoon by private boat. You'll enjoy a delicious meal, with a selection of drinks, on the fisherman's island of Burano, famous for its multi-coloured houses - a photographer's paradise.
Adult Price: € 72
Available on Day 9
Explore the hidden maze of streets which make up this unique city as your Local Specialist gives you a fascinating insight into Venice's past and present. You’ll visit the majestic Basilica of St Mark, where you'll admire magnificent mosaics in one of the most ornate churches in the world.
Adult Price: € 38
Available on Day 10
Come with us as we follow the Adige Valley to Bolzano, capital of the southern part of the Tyrol, with our Local Specialist. You'll have time to shop in the arcaded streets, before taking a cable car to the top of the Renon. Boarding a century-old Alpine train, we'll enjoy incredible panoramas from this famous mountain plateau.
Adult Price: € 62
Available on Day 11
A fantastic opportunity to take in some of the highlights of elegant Milan. Amongst other sights, we'll visit La Scala, the world's most famous opera house, where Giuseppe Verdi, Maria Callas and others have left their mark. Our wonderful Local Specialist will bring the city’s eventful past to life.
Adult Price: € 45
Available on Day 12
We've organised a private launch to take you to the beautiful islands of Lake Maggiore. Here, you will meet with your Local Specialist to do a tour of the beautiful palace. You will explore the baroque gardens with its white peacocks and from where you can see the Isola Madre and the Isola dei Pescatori.
Adult Price: € 49
Note: This optional is only able to be operated between mid-March and the end of October.
Available on Day 12
Tonight we'll go off the beaten track to the alluring medieval town of Sarzana, a hidden gem. We’ve chosen an elegant venue, where you’ll enjoy dinner with drinks. Its distinctive ambiance is brimming with charm and unique character which make it a firm favourite with the locals.
Adult Price: € 68
Available on Day 12
Near the ancient Via Aurelia, we'll visit a winery to learn about "vermentino" grapes, the pride of Liguria. We'll taste several wines paired with local morsels and tour the 18th-century country farm house. Then, we'll continue exploring the area, as we drive up to Sarzana, a small village found by the Romans with rich history and heritage.
Adult Price: € 49
Available on Day 13
Today, with our Local Specialist, we’ll visit the Bay of Poets and the beautiful Porto Venere, where we can admire the UNESCO-protected Cinque Terre. Still to this day, the villages retain their charm and reputation for producing some of Italy's most exclusive wines. In inclement weather, Porto Venere cannot be visited.
Adult Price: € 63
Available on Day 14
This evening we'll take a scenic drive to experience a fun and relaxed evening at a friendly, typical restaurant in the countryside. The chef will delight our senses with regional dishes, made with freshly-bought ingredients from the local farmers' markets. Your delicious meal will be accompanied by excellent wines from the vineyards for which this area is so well known. In short, a Tuscan dream come true in an authentic setting.
Adult Price: € 65
Available on Day 14
Through the Chianti hills, we'll drive past vineyards to a delightful hamlet. Our destination is the ancient stone house of Machiavelli, where the great political theorist wrote his immortal work, ‘The Prince'. After a welcome drink and a visit of the villa and its wine-cellars, we'll enjoy the best of Tuscan cuisine accompanied by great music and drinks, including of course, Chianti from the Villa's own vines.
Adult Price: € 68
Available on Day 15
Enjoy an insight into the world of Michelangelo and his masterpiece, David. We'll visit the Academy of Fine Arts and its Michelangelo collection, where you'll learn all about the life and works of this immortal Renaissance genius through the expert commentary of our Local Specialist.
Adult Price: € 49
Note: This optional is subject to availability and involves reservations and entrance prepayments. If you decide to cancel this optional, a 50% cancellation fee will be incurred.
Available on Day 15
Join us today for a visit to the Bargello museum, housed in one of the oldest and most intriguing buildings of Florence. As you'll learn from your Local Specialist, there was rarely a dull moment in this former barracks and prison! Learn how the Bargello has witnessed crucial episodes of history including fires, sieges and political executions. This fascinating building is now home to the National Museum and boasts awe-inspiring works by Donatello, Brunelleschi and Michelangelo to name but a few.
Adult Price: € 42
Available on Day 15
Marvel at the legacy of the Medici as you visit Palazzo Vecchio, the symbol of Florence's political power for over seven centuries. With our Local Specialist we’ll visit the wonderful "Hall of the Five Hundred", dedicated to the Medici popes. We’ll also visit rooms decorated with masterpieces by famous artists of the Renaissance like Michelangelo and Donatello.
Adult Price: € 42
Available on Day 15
Join us for a panoramic drive to the nearby hilltop town of San Gimignano. Magnificently preserved from the Middle Ages, this little town, known as the 'Medieval Manhattan', is one of the most beautiful in Italy - a true gem. You'll also be treated to a delicious local gelato.
Adult Price: € 36
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