Italian Delights - 12 Days

Welcome to Day One in Rome! Upon your morning arrival in Italy's vibrant capital, check into your hotel and meet your tour leader for a group welcome and orientation session. Once settled, you're free to begin exploring Rome's iconic sights. Discover ancient Roman architecture, admire medieval structures, and marvel at Renaissance masterpieces. Don't miss the chance to toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain to ensure your return to this enchanting city.

Tonight, enjoy an included dinner at a local restaurant, followed by a guided walking tour of the city. Highlights include the majestic Pantheon and the famous Spanish Steps—perfect starting points to immerse yourself in Rome's rich history and culture.

Set off towards the coast today as we depart Rome and head to Salerno on the Amalfi Coast. En route, we'll pause to marvel at the towering Mount Vesuvius before exploring the remarkably preserved ruins of Pompeii, a city frozen in time by a catastrophic eruption nearly two thousand years ago. After a guided exploration, we'll enjoy an included lunch.

Continuing on, we'll reach our hotel in Salerno, where we'll stay for the next two nights. The evening is yours to revel in Salerno's scenic beaches and historic centre. Alternatively, you can join an optional excursion into Salerno's Old Town, which features a visit to the dazzling Cathedral, complete with a traditional local dinner.

Today we explore the enchanting Amalfi Coast from Salerno. Use your free time to wander through the area, perhaps visiting the charming shops specialising in lacework, ceramics, and marquetry—a traditional craft of creating intricate designs with veneer.

Alternatively, embark on an optional excursion, ferry hopping between three picturesque coastal towns. Experience Positano's vibrant cliffside scenery, uncover Amalfi's historic Duomo Square, and enjoy a tasting of limoncello. Don't miss the chance to try the region's renowned Delizia al Limone, a delightful lemon pastry.

Today, we head north to Assisi, beginning with a visit to Montecassino. Here, we'll explore the renowned Abbey of Montecassino, which offers panoramic views of its picturesque hillsides. This area also bears historical significance as the site of fierce World War II battles.

We'll then continue to the beautiful Umbria region to reach Assisi, a medieval town celebrated as the birthplace of St Francis in 1181. Discover the captivating charm of this revered pilgrimage site and explore its historic churches and basilicas, remarkably well-preserved since the time of St Francis. This evening, we gather for an included group dinner.

Bid farewell to Assisi as we journey to Venice, stopping in San Marino, the third smallest state in Europe. Founded in the early 4th century by Saint Marinus, San Marino proudly claims to be the world's oldest surviving sovereign state.

It's a popular choice for travellers in the region, offering stunning hilltop vistas overlooking the Adriatic Sea. We continue to Venice, arriving early this evening. You may relax at the hotel or opt for an optional twilight water taxi cruise through the enchanting Venetian canals.

Explore Venice at your own pace today. A must-do is the iconic gondola ride, easily arranged through your tour leader. We also suggest an optional excursion to the vibrant islands of Murano and Burano, known for their glassmaking and colourful houses. To make the most of your Venetian adventure, consider participating in both of these experiences.

We begin our day in Verona, famous for its role in Shakespeare’s legendary tale of Romeo and Juliet. We'll visit the celebrated balcony where their storied conversation is said to have occurred. As we explore, you'll notice remnants of Verona’s dramatic past, from its Roman-era amphitheatre to the ancient city gates. Keep an eye out for these historical landmarks as we stroll through the city.

Next, we'll head to the picturesque Italian Lakes, an area that captivated literary greats like D.H. Lawrence and Ernest Hemingway. Upon reaching Sirmione, a charming town nestled on Lake Garda, you'll have the evening at leisure to discover its scenic beauty at your own pace.

Today, we depart the beautiful Italian Lakes and head to the renowned Cinque Terre, a stunning coastal region famed for its five charming villages—Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. These towns are connected by scenic hiking trails and a convenient rail line, offering a perfect blend of exploration on foot or by train. Spend a few hours taking in the unique atmosphere and colourful architecture.

Afterwards, we visit the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Here, capture some unforgettable photos of this iconic landmark. We then travel to Northern Tuscany, where we will enjoy dinner at our hotel.

Today, we journey to Florence and begin with an orientation tour led by a local guide. Discover the city's stunning Renaissance art and architecture that have captivated admirers for centuries. We then visit a renowned Italian leather shop to witness a demonstration of traditional leather crafting, highlighting why Italian leather remains a leader in the fashion industry.

This afternoon, you are free to explore more of Florence at your own pace. Alternatively, you can opt for the 'Taste of Tuscany' excursion, an exceptional culinary experience featuring traditional Tuscan cuisine.

Later, we settle into our hotel, where you can enjoy a complimentary Tuscan aperitivo, sampling top regional red and white wines paired with local delicacies.

Today, we journey through some of the world's most picturesque landscapes. As we travel, you'll see the charming Tuscan farms, flourishing vineyards, and lovely olive groves. Our first destination is San Gimignano, a hilltop town renowned for its well-preserved Romanesque and Gothic architecture. Known as the "Town of Fine Towers," it boasts 12 majestic tower houses.

Next, we visit Siena, a city celebrated for its stunning medieval architecture and the famous bi-annual Palio horse race, held in the city’s main piazza. After exploring Siena, we return to Rome.

This evening, we will gather for a final dinner together at our accommodation in Rome.

Today, immerse yourself in the wonders of Rome, famously known as the “Eternal City”. You have several optional excursions available: delve into ancient history with a tour of the iconic Colosseum and the Roman Forum or journey through art and spirituality with a guided visit to the Vatican Museums. If you prefer, you can combine these experiences into one comprehensive tour. Please ensure any tours are booked in advance.

Alternatively, enjoy a free day to explore Rome at your own pace. This could be your chance to visit Vatican City, the residence of the Pope, or admire the iconic Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps. Embrace the city’s vibrant atmosphere, perhaps by unwinding in a local café or browsing the shops.

In the evening, consider wandering through the historic district of Trastevere and indulging in authentic Roman cuisine.

Say "Arrivederci, Italia" today as we conclude our memorable 12-day Italian tour following breakfast. Don't forget to exchange contact details with your new travel companions before heading home. We look forward to seeing you on another adventure soon!