Best of Italy's North & South - 13 Days

Rome - Montecassino - Benevento - Ariano Irpino. Departing Rome this morning, we head south to serene Cassino. Perched atop a mountain, Montecassino Abbey, a working monastery and pilgrimage site, boasts a rich history of art, culture, and learning. It was also a pivotal World War II battle site. The entrance ticket is included, allowing us to explore the monastery and contemplate its war-torn past.

Next, we visit the overgrown ruins of San Pietro Infine before journeying through hilltop villages and mountains to Benevento. This ancient city is steeped in memories of Samnites, Romans, and Longobards. Legends even tell of witches gathering by an ancient walnut tree along the local river. After a day filled with history, legends, and stunning views, we continue southeast to Ariano Irpino where we stay overnight.

Please note: Pick up point for this tour is at 8:15 on day 1 (tour departs at 8:30) - Rome Pick Up, Sheraton Rome Parco de' Medic (Building 2), Viale Salvatore Rebecchini, Rome, 00148. This tour is combination of two tours, some passengers will depart after the first half and we will receive a new guide and driver.

Ariano Irpino - Trani - Alberobello - Lecce. Today we head south to Puglia, the 'heel' in Italy's boot. We begin our day with a journey south to Trani, known as the 'Pearl of Puglia.' This historic stone-built port and fishing town features a marina promenade, medieval churches, cathedral, and a historic Jewish quarter to explore. Next, we head to Polignano a Mare, an idyllic seaside town perched on cliffs. Enjoy lunch independently amidst sun-bleached stone buildings and watch brave cliff divers disappear into the Adriatic waters.

Our adventure continues in Alberobello, home to over 1,500 unique trulli houses, which are round and made of stone. They have been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status. Stroll through the charming streets and marvel at these photogenic dwellings. Finally, we head south to Lecce, which serves as our base for the next two nights.

Lecce - Otranto - Gallipoli - Lecce. This morning, there is free time after breakfast to explore Lecce's old town, admiring its unique Baroque architecture, often referred to as 'Lecce Baroque.' In the afternoon, we depart for the relaxed seaside towns of the Salento Peninsula. We travel through ochre-coloured fields and olive groves to Otranto, where we can stroll along the fortifications, harbour promenade, and sample local cuisine.

Continuing our journey, we head to the aptly named "beautiful city" of Gallipoli, a charming beachside town with crystal blue waters surrounding its old town. Here we take a leisurely walk before concluding our coastal exploration. Finally, we journey back to Lecce for the evening.

Lecce - Matera - Castelmezzano - Salerno. We leave Lecce for the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Matera, a city seamlessly integrated into rocky cliffs with a maze of ancient cave dwellings, houses, and churches. Here we explore its rich history by visiting churches adorned with stone cave wall paintings and discovering locations featured in Mel Gibson's "Passion of the Christ."

Our adventure continues as we journey into the heart of the Lucanian Dolomites, arriving at Castelmezzano, one of the Basilicata region's highest villages perched dramatically on a narrow ledge overlooking a gorge. We can discover its rich history and hike to the castle ruins that inspired its name. After an eventful day, we traverse the hills and mountains of Basilicata, heading towards the west coast of Italy, where we spend two nights in Salerno.

Salerno - Amalfi - Salerno. Today we indulge in the glamour of the Amalfi Coast, where pastel-hued houses, chic boutiques, and gourmet dining embody La Dolce Vita. We begin by exploring Sorrento, a town famous for its lemons and dramatic cliffs, which have inspired literary greats throughout history. We can wander sun-soaked piazzas and savour a glass of cold limoncello. Next we reach Positano, a vibrant and colourful, multi-tiered town clinging to the sea cliffs. Enjoy lunch at a scenic restaurant overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, and then peruse local boutiques, or descend to the beach for a swim and sunbathing.

After our Positano visit, we board a ferry for a leisurely cruise along the dazzling Amalfi Coast, with stops in charming towns and opportunities for photos. As the day winds down, we return to Salerno in the late afternoon. We recommend watching the sunset this evening with a drink in hand.

Salerno - Vesuvius - Pompeii - Rome. This morning we head north to find Mount Vesuvius, once considered divine and associated with Jupiter, the god of sky and lightning. Legends even speak of giants inhabiting the volcano, explaining its rumblings. Now dormant, we enjoy an unforgettable hike to its crater - remember to pack suitable walking shoes!

Following this, we visit Pompeii, a city frozen in time by Vesuvius' 79 AD eruption. We explore this archaeological site which offers a glimpse into ancient Roman life. Then we begin our journey back to Rome, leisurely travelling through Campania and Lazio. Arriving back in Rome in the early evening.

Today we explore Rome's timeless wonders with a free day in the Eternal City. We can opt for a hop-on hop-off bus tour to maximize our time, or follow a map to iconic sites like the Colosseum, Pantheon, and Roman Forum. After delving into history, we can indulge in the city's culinary delights at a charming piazza and soak up the vibrant atmosphere. Take a leisurely stroll along the Tiber River, capturing photos of Castle Saint Angelo and the Spanish Steps, before treating ourselves to gelato by the Trevi Fountain. Toss a coin into the water to make sure you’ll return here and start getting excited for the next leg of our adventure.

Please note: In Rome, some members of your group may be ending their tour, and others may join. You may also meet a new guide for the next part of your trip, and change vehicle.

Rome - Orvieto - Bologna. Meet your new guide and group in the hotel lobby at 8:15am today, to begin the second part of the tour. We leave Rome's hustle and bustle for the serene charm of Orvieto, an idyllic Italian village known for its traffic-free streets and exquisite wines. Visit the vibrant cathedral and explore at your own pace. Next, venture through Parco Naturale Le Balze, a landscape that inspired Leonardo da Vinci, with striking balze rock formations, sulphur streams, and stunning vistas.

We make a lunch stop in the quaint hamlet of Piantravigne, offering authentic Italian cuisine. Satisfied and reinvigorated, we continue our journey to the enchanting city of Bologna, where we spend the night.

Bologna - Ravenna - Bologna. In the morning, you can opt for a half-day trip to Ravenna, renowned for its mosaic masterpieces and unique blend of early Christian and Byzantine architecture. With eight UNESCO-listed sites, it's an unforgettable destination and the final resting place of Dante Alighieri.

After lunch, we return to Bologna, and the afternoon is at leisure. This Renaissance city, a hub of art and intellectual innovation, boasts the western world's oldest university. Stroll along the extensive UNESCO-listed porticos, uncover the university's secrets, or savour the flavours of Ragu alla Bolognese.

Bologna - Po Delta - Venice. It's time for a sun-soaked adventure as we begin in Porto Tolle. There is an optional boat trip along the Po Delta. The Po is Italy's longest river, which offers a chance to spot rare migratory birds. Returning to solid ground, we journey to Este, a picturesque town with a 3,000-year history. Here we enjoy free time to stroll along city walls or visit the moated Medieval castle.

Next, we venture to the floating city of Venice, one of Italy’s most captivating destinations and our home for the next two nights. There’s something magical about Venice after dark—the crowds thin, the noise fades, and the city’s ghost stories seem to drift through the quiet canals and winding streets.

Today, we explore Venice, known as 'the Floating City,' with its 177 canals, 350 gondoliers, and unparalleled cityscape.

Venice's history is rich with wealth, trade, and power. Built on 118 islands, it hosts world-famous festivals and boasts a unique painting style and architecture, making it a Renaissance masterpiece on par with Rome and Florence. Upon arrival, we enjoy a two-hour guided walking tour, taking in highlights such as St Mark's Square. There is then free time for you to further explore at your own pace. From an excursion on one of the city's famous gondolas, to exploring renowned galleries, use this time as you wish. In the early evening, we return to Venice.

Venice - Valdobbiadene - Padua. Our first stop of the day is Villa Pisani, where we explore fantastic art exhibitions within this prime example of late baroque architecture. This grand estate was once owned by Napoleon, who gifted it to his stepson. Entrance to Villa Pisani is included. Next, we head to Valdobbiadene, where we can savour the region's finest prosecco. An exclusive optional tasting awaits, promising the freshest prosecco you've ever experienced.

Our indulgent journey continues in Bassano del Grappa, offering a chance to sample sweet and potent Grappa. If you've had your fill of spirits, admire the castle and the town's famous old bridge instead. Our day concludes as we head to Padua for the evening, where centuries of spiritual devotion and scientific innovation come together. It’s here that St. Anthony found his final resting place, and where brilliant minds once reshaped the world during the Renaissance.

Padua - Verona - Garda - Milan. We begin our final day with a visit to Verona, the backdrop of famous William Shakespeare play, Romeo and Juliet. Spend time reminiscing at the famous balcony, marvel at a grand Roman Colosseum, and stroll through ancient piazzas at your leisure. Next, we head to Lake Garda, cherished by artists, poets, and travellers for its crystal-clear waters and Dolomite vistas since Roman times. Take in the incredible views of this Italian lake before we continue to Milan, where our tour ends.

Please note: This tour finishes at 19:00 - AC Hotel Milan Sesto 4*, Via Luciano Lama, 10, 20099 Milano MI, Italy.