11 days Italy Bellissimo ( 2018 )
The beauty and grace of Italy is a kaleidoscope of colours, fragrances and tastes, explored on a trip that ventures from the interior to the coast, and the sultry, sun-soaked island of Capri. Stay in an old Franciscan convent in the birthplace of St. Francis, Assisi. The convent was originally built for pilgrims to this peaceful hillside town, but its stone walls now hold slick modern décor.
| Day | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive Rome ( 2 nights ) | Take time to embrace the Italian passion for life on this grand adventure through Italy that starts and ends in the Eternal City of Rome. Spend the day exploring its ancient streets before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travellers this evening for a Welcome Reception and evening orientation drive to see the iconic St. Peter's Basilica. Hotel Grand Tiberio Meals Welcome Reception |
| 2 | Rome Sighteeing | Our captivating journey through Rome begins at the Vatican Museums where we join a Local Specialist for an unforgettable sightseeing tour to gaze at 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, celebrating the lives of gladiators and soldiers who entertained thousands in the mighty Colosseum and see Circus Maximus before spending an afternoon exploring the city on our own terms. Wander up Via Veneto on a shopping spree, soak up the coffee culture in one of Rome's generous piazze or discover the masterpieces of Rome in one of the city's many museums - the choice is yours. Meals Buffet Breakfast |
| 3 | Rome – Pompeii – Sorrento – Isle of Capri (2 Nights) | Venture south towards the ancient city of Pompeii that remains frozen in time following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius centuries ago. Here we join a Local Specialist who will share insights into the city's tragic history. Our next stop is beautiful Sorrento, where we will enjoy a Cultural Insight into fine local craftsmanship at an inlaid wood demonstration. Cruising across the Bay of Naples, against the backdrop of Vesuvius in slumber, we arrive at the captivating Isle of Capri, where we'll spend the next two nights in picture-perfect surrounds. Hotel Regina Cristina Meals Buffet Breakfast |
| 4 | Capri Orientation | Explore the glamour and rustic charm of Capri on a walking orientation with a Local Specialist that will include views of the Marina Piccola, where Ulysses was said to have been seduced by sirens. 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 explore the rugged coast and hidden grottos of this pretty island by private motor launch. Tonight, we dine at our hotel. Meals Buffet Breakfast Dinner with wine |
| 5 | Isle of Capri – Naples – Cassino – Perugia – Assisi | We sail back across the Mediterranean to the fiery southern capital of Naples and stop to celebrate the lives of brave soldiers at their final resting place in Cassino's Commonwealth War Cemetery, located in the valley below the town's 6th century Abbey. Venture northwards via Latium to the historic city of Perugia. The fascinating weaving tradition of Italy is explored during a TreadRight Cultural Insight and Join Trafalgar Heritage Initiative project Laboratorio Giuditta Brozzetti, one of the last remaining traditional wooden frame hand-weaving workshops in the country. Later, we arrive in the ancient hilltop town of Assisi where we will dine in our hotel tonight. Hotel Cenacolo Authentic Accommodation Meals Buffet Breakfast Dinner with wine |
| 6 | Assisi Sightseeing – Venice (2 Nights) | Rambling through the cobblestone streets of Assisi with our Local Specialist, we visit the Basilica of St. Francis, famous for Giotto's exquisite frescoes and 13th century stained glass windows, before travelling north past hilltop medieval villages and through picturesque farming plains towards Venice, Queen of the Adriatic. Enjoy your evening at leisure watching the sun set over the Venetian Lagoon or perhaps join an Optional Experience to encounter the splendour of this romantic city. Hotel Biasutti Meals Buffet Breakfast |
| 7 | Venice Orientation | The Winged Lion of Venice is your constant companion as your cruise by private launch to visit this enchanting island city. Enjoy a Cultural Insight into the delicate Venetian tradition of glassmaking that harks back to the 13th century before seeing the unforgettable sights of St. Mark's Square and Basilica, the ornate Doge's Palace and Bridge of Sighs, named for the sound made by prisoners taking one last look at their beloved city from the bridge before meeting their fate. Get lost in Venice this afternoon, meandering through the narrow alleyways and hidden campi that were the haunt of Casanova and Marco Polo centuries ago. Meals Buffet Breakfast |
| 8 | Venice – Pisa – Montecatini Terme (Tuscan Hills) (2 Nights) | This morning we travel to Pisa and to its Field of Miracles to view the famous Leaning Tower before arriving in the spa-resort of Montecatini Terme in Tuscany, your home for the next two nights. Hotel Minerva Palace Meals Buffet Breakfast |
| 9 | Florence Excursion | Explore one of the world's most cultural cities today - home of great masters, the ambitious legacy of the Medici family and the cradle of the Renaissance. 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. Learn about the quality and workmanship of two of this city’s historic industries at demonstrations of Florentine leathercraft and 18-carat gold. Enjoy some free time to meander across the Arno over Ponte Vecchio and enjoy magnificent views of the city skyline from Piazzale Michelangelo, or perhaps shop for high-quality leather goods in Florence's boutiques. This evening, we embark on an unforgettable Tuscan Be My Guest dining experience at a farmhouse set amidst beautiful olive groves in the countryside. Meals Buffet Breakfast Be My Guest Dining |
| 10 | Montecatini Terme (Tuscan Hills) – Siena – Rome | Today, we explore the medieval beauty of Siena, with its shell-shaped Piazza del Campo dominated by the rusty red Palazzo Publico and Torre del Mangia, the site of the biannual Palio horse race. Admire the hilltop town's extraordinary architecture, shop for beautifully hand-painted ceramics or relax with a gelato at a pavement café. This evening, we celebrate a magnificent Italian adventure with newfound friends at a Farewell Dinner. Hotel Sheraton Parco De Medici Meals Buffet Breakfast Farewell Dinner |
| 11 | Depart Rome | After breakfast, we say a fond farewell to Italy and prepare to return home after a memorable Italian journey of discovery. Airport transfers are available to Fiumicino airport. Conditions apply. Meals Buffet Breakfast |