Take time to embrace the Italian passion for life on this grand adventure that starts and ends in the 'Eternal City' of Rome. Spend the day exploring on your own before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travellers this evening for a Welcome Reception and evening orientation drive.
Our captivating journey through Rome begins at the Vatican Museums where we join a Local Specialist to Dive Into Culture and admire Michelangelo's magnificent frescoed ceiling in the Sistine Chapel and his sorrowful Pietà in St. Peter's Basilica. We visit the enduring symbols of Ancient Rome, paying tribute to the gladiators who entertained thousands in the mighty Colosseum. See the Circus Maximus before spending the afternoon at leisure. Wander up Via del Corso on a shopping spree, soak up the coffee culture in one of Rome's lively piazze or discover the masterpieces of Rome in one of the city's many museums.
Venture south towards the ancient city of Pompeii which remains frozen in time since it was covered in ash during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius centuries ago. Here we join a Local Specialist who will share insights into the city's tragic history. Continue to the clifftop village of Sorrento where you will dine at your hotel this evening.
Cruise to the captivating Isle of Capri this morning and explore its glamour on a walking tour with a Local Specialist that will include views of the marina. Venture to the heart of the island and the legendary Piazzetta, where the locals come to people-watch. Spend free time shopping at elegant boutiques or perhaps join an Optional Experience and explore the rugged coastline and hidden grottos by private motor launch.
Venture north to the historic city of Perugia. Here we'll discover Italy's weaving tradition during an impressive MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at our visit to Laboratorio Giuditta Brozzetti, a TreadRight and JoinTrafalgar Heritage Initiative project. Explore one of the last remaining traditional wooden frame hand-weaving workshops in the country, before continuing to the ancient hilltop town of Assisi where tonight we stay at one of Trafalgar's Stays With Stories - a fully renovated old Franciscan monastery.
Join a Local Specialist and visit the Basilica of St. Francis, famous for Giotto's exquisite frescoes and 13th-century stained glass windows. Continue north past hilltop medieval villages and through picturesque farming plains towards Venice, the 'Queen of the Adriatic'. Enjoy a free evening watching the sunset over the Venetian Lagoon or consider joining an Optional Experience.
The Winged Lion of Venice is your constant companion as you cruise by private launch to your memorable MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience bringing to life the 13th-century tradition of Venetian glassblowing. Watch the talented master craftsmen use the same techniques that have been passed down through the generations, perhaps inspired to buy a souvenir or two to remind you of your visit. Next, you’ll continue on to St. Mark's Square where you’ll view the Basilica, the ornate Doge's Palace and Bridge of Sighs, so named because of the sound prisoners made as they took one last look at their beloved city from the bridge before meeting their fate. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore what was once the haunt of Casanova and Marco Polo, and you’ll want to relish every second experiencing life in this enchanting city.
This morning we travel to Pisa and to its Field of Miracles to view the famous Leaning Tower, before arriving in Florence, our home for the next two nights.
Explore one of the world's most cultural cities today - the former home of great masters and a testament to the ambitious legacy of the Medici family. Your Local Specialist shares all the sights, including views of the magnificent marble Duomo and Baptistery. We visit Piazza della Signoria, the heart of this flourishing city with its statues and stunning palazzi then view the Ponte Vecchio. Learn about the quality and workmanship of two of this city's historic industries at demonstrations of Florentine leathercraft and 18-carat gold. Later, enjoy some free time to stroll around the city and embrace this Renaissance gem. This evening, we Connect With Locals at a Be My Guest experience set against the backdrop of Tuscan vineyards and olive groves.
We admire the medieval beauty of Siena today, walking to its shell-shaped Piazza del Campo, the site of the Palio horse race, and dominated by the rusty red Palazzo Pubblico and Torre del Mangia. See the hilltop town's extraordinary architecture, shop for beautifully hand-painted ceramics or relax with a cappuccino at a pavement café. This evening, we celebrate a magnificent Italian adventure with newfound friends at a Farewell Dinner.
After breakfast, we say a fond farewell to Italy and prepare to return home after a memorable Italian journey of discovery. 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 center, leading to highlights such as the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon, as well as hidden corners of the Eternal City.
Adult Price: € 33
Tonight, relax and enjoy typical Italian cuisine, soaking up Rome's unique atmosphere in a characteristic trattoria with drinks and music.
Adult Price: € 51
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
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. Afterward, enjoy the authentic flavors 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 4
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: € 42
Available on Day 4
Take in amazing views of the 'jet-set' island of Capri. Experience spectacular cliffs, famous turquoise waters and white grotto the best way: by boat. Visit the villa of Swedish author Axel Munthe in Anacapri, whose gardens are rated amongst the finest in Europe.
Adult Price: € 65
Available on Day 5
A short drive through the Umbrian Valley will take us to our favorite local restaurant, situated in the center of the village of Spello, a true gem of the region. This is your chance to savor a selection of traditional local delicacies for which Umbria is renowned. The noble truffle and highly-regarded olive oil ensure this relaxing evening will be a most memorable experience.
Adult Price: € 58
Available on Day 6
Join us for a breathtaking cruise by private water taxi along Venice's Grand Canal. You'll admire the magnificent palazzi, as well as catch 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: € 76
Available on Day 7
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-colored houses - a photographer's paradise.
Adult Price: € 72
Explore the hidden maze of streets that 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 8
Take a scenic drive through the beautiful Tuscan countryside to a delightful regional restaurant set among the pines and cypress trees. Here a feast of gastronomic specialties awaits, accompanied by song and music.
Adult Price: € 64
Available on Day 8
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
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 9
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
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: € 47
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