13 days Italian Glory ( Summer 2018 )
From north to south, trace the Renaissance cities, lush countryside and ancient heritage of Italy's historic centres of Milan, Venice, Florence and Rome. Enjoy a leisurely break on the Amalfi Coast, exploring its medieval cliff-side fishing villages, café culture on the seaside promenade of Amalfi and the flavours of the local limoncello while watching the world go by.
| Day | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive Milan – Como (2 Nights) | Chic Milan is our launch pad to the Lake District where we spend the first night of our At Leisure jaunt through Italy. After arriving in Como, unwind and soak up the peaceful atmosphere - the hypnotic reflection of the surrounding peaks in the deep blue lake waters make this one of Italy's most picturesque settings. Enjoy a leisurely stroll admiring the exquisite lakeside villas and gardens before meeting your travel companions and Travel Director for a Welcome Reception. Hotel Barchetta Excelsior Meals Welcome Reception |
| 2 | Milan Excursion | The runways of Milan take centre stage today as we head to the fashion capital of Italy. Join a Local Specialist to see the iconic sights of this stylish city. View the exquisite Gothic architecture of the Duomo with its massive stained glass windows, the ornate La Scala and neo-classical Galleria with its imposing iron- and glass-domed roof, all of course in the company of the trendsetting Milanese. Meals Buffet Breakfast |
| 3 | Como – Verona – Venice (2 Nights) | The tragic story of Shakespeare's star-crossed lovers is remembered during our visit to romantic Verona where we will have an opportunity to view Juliet's Balcony and the ancient Roman Arena, still in use today. Indulge in a leisurely cappuccino stop in the city's beautiful Piazza Bra, admiring the imposing bronze statue of King Victor Emanuel II. Or shop up a storm on trendy Via Mazzini before meandering to Venice, where we will spend the next two nights. Hotel Quattro Fontane Meals Buffet Breakfast Dinner with wine |
| 4 | Venice Orientation and At Leisure | Glide through the canals of Venice by private launch visiting some of the jewels in the crown of the Queen of the Adriatic. We travel to Giudecca Island to enjoy a Cultural Insight into the centuries-old Venetian tradition of glassmaking before admiring the profound beauty of the Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica on bustling St. Mark's Square. See the Bridge of Sighs so named because of the sound prisoners would make at taking one last longing look at their beloved city before being imprisoned. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, or perhaps consider an Optional Experience to the colourful fishing island of Burano for some tasty dinner. Meals Buffet Breakfast |
| 5 | Venice – Florence (2 Nights) | From Venice, we cross the picturesque Apennine Mountains to Florence, the Cradle of the Renaissance and an exquisite cultural hub. Consider joining your Travel Director for a typical Florentine dinner in the heart of Chianti Hills. Hotel Grand Mediterraneo Meals Buffet Breakfast |
| 6 | Florence Sightseeing and At Leisure | This morning we join a Local Specialist on a leisurely walking tour to delve into the fascinating culture and history of Florence, venturing to the imposing Piazza del Duomo to view the multi-coloured marble Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, Piazza della Signoria with its exquisite art and palazzi, and the 400-year-old Ponte Vecchio bridge which straddles the Arno River. Follow in the footsteps of Dante up the Scalinata del Monte alle Croci to Piazzale Michelangelo for spectacular views of the city. This afternoon, spend some time shopping for high-quality leather and gold, or consider an Optional Experience to the Fine Arts Academy to see Michelangelo's 'David'. Join your fellow travellers for an authentic Be My Guest dinner at a family owned property with stunning views over the Tuscan vineyards. Meals Buffet Breakfast Be My Guest Dining |
| 7 | Florence – Amalfi Coast (Maiori) (3 Nights) | Meandering south through the picturesque Arno Valley which for centuries has featured in paintings, we pass the Bay of Naples arriving in Maiori on the Amalfi Coast where we will spend the next three nights. This evening we dine tonight at our hotel. Hotel San Pietro Meals Buffet Breakfast Dinner with wine |
| 8 | Amalfi Coast At Leisure | Brave the intoxicating call of the sirens and spend the day relaxing on this magnificent coastline. Wander past fragrant lemon terraces, enjoy fresh seafood flavours straight from the fisherman's boat or take a dip in the welcoming, warm Mediterranean waters - the choice is yours. Meals Buffet Breakfast |
| 9 | Amalfi Coast At Leisure or Amalfi Town and Isle of Capri Optional Experience | Relax at your hotel on the Amalfi Coast or consider joining a full day optional experience where the first stop today is the charming town of Amalfi, perched perfectly within the dramatic coastal landscape. We see the 11th century Sant'Andrea cathedral at the heart of the town with its beautifully striped Byzantine façade and soak up the laidback atmosphere before taking a boat to the Isle of Capri where we wander through the famous Piazzetta in Capri Town. Meals Buffet Breakfast |
| 10 | Amalfi Coast (Maiori) – Pompeii – Rome (3 Nights) | Discover the lost city of Pompeii buried under volcanic ash when Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD. Join a Small Group Sightseeing walking tour through a centuries-old time capsule that reveals what was once a vibrant Roman city. En route to the Eternal City of Rome, we enjoy views of the 6th century Benedictine Abbey in Cassino. Temples, cathedrals and monuments to gods and goddesses dot the capital's seven hills. Spend the evening exploring its extraordinary heritage spanning centuries or consider an Optional Experience to see the exquisite art and architecture of what was once the capital of the world. Hotel Grand Tiberio Meals Buffet Breakfast |
| 11 | Rome Sightseeing and At Leisure | We spend the morning in the Vatican City with a Local Specialist, visiting the imposing St. Peter's Basilica to view Michelangelo's sorrowful Pietà. Perhaps join an Optional Experience to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with its exquisite frescoed ceilings crafted by Michelangelo. We cross the Tiber into Ancient Rome to see Circus Maximus, once the site of exhilarating chariot races that entertained thousands, and visit the impressive Colosseum. This afternoon we have time to explore the city on our own terms. Perhaps toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain to secure your return to Rome, soak up the coffee aromas on Piazza Navona or wander through the ruins of Palatine Hill. Meals Buffet Breakfast |
| 12 | Rome At Leisure | A full day at leisure to enjoy the passionate embrace of the city and its zesty locals. Spend the day relaxing in the Piazza Navona soaking up la dolce vita, or consider an Optional Experience to Tivoli, where you can visit Villa d'Este and its magnificent Renaissance gardens and exquisite fountains, as well as the extensive ruins of Hadrian's Villa. This evening, we enjoy a Farewell Dinner with newfound friends and your Travel Director before bidding arrivederci to Rome. Meals Buffet Breakfast Farewell Dinner |
| 13 | Depart Rome | Our unforgettable encounter with Italy comes to an end today. Airport transfers are available. Conditions apply. Meals Buffet Breakfast |