Italian Grand Odyssey Rome to Venice - 11 Days

Welcome to your tour! Upon arrival in Rome, we will provide your transfer to the hotel, allowing you time to unwind and explore your surroundings at your leisure. This afternoon, be sure to check the information boards at the hotel reception to find out details about the beginning of your tour. Enjoy your time settling into the vibrant atmosphere of this remarkable city, where history and modernity blend seamlessly. Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.

In the morning, we'll embark on a three-hour guided exploration of Rome, famously known as the Eternal City. Our adventure begins with a walking tour through Imperial Rome, highlighting iconic sites such as the Arch of Constantine, the exterior of the Colosseum, and the Imperial Forums. To offer a broader perspective of this ancient city � once the heart of Western civilisation � a panoramic bus ride will guide us past landmarks including the Circus Maximus, the Baths of Caracalla, the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, the Pyramid of Cestius, and Castel Sant'Angelo. Our tour concludes around 11:00 a.m. at Vatican City. Here, you can opt for an additional visit to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, which are home to some of the world's most exquisite art. As the day draws to an end, we'll arrange a transfer to the vibrant Trastevere neighbourhood. Known for its inviting eateries and animated atmosphere, it's the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy local cuisine. We'll return to the hotel at approximately 8:30 p.m.

Enjoy a day at your leisure in Rome. For those seeking adventure, an optional excursion is available. From April to October, you can visit the enchanting island of Capri, famed for its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant atmosphere. Alternatively, from November to March, embark on a journey to discover the rich history of Naples and the ancient ruins of Pompeii, providing a glimpse into Italy's captivating past.

Today, we depart from Rome and journey north, taking in the picturesque scenery en route to Florence. Upon arrival, we head straight to the Michelangelo Viewpoint for a stunning panoramic view of the city. Following this, we will stroll into Florence's historic centre. You'll have some free time to enjoy lunch at your leisure before we commence a guided walking tour. Florence, the heart of Tuscany, is renowned as the cradle of the Renaissance and has been home to some of the most notable artists and thinkers, including Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Raphael. During our tour, we will explore the city's highlights, such as the majestic Gothic cathedral, the famed Ponte Vecchio with its quaint goldsmith shops, and Piazza della Signoria, the political epicentre adorned with the medieval town hall. Afterwards, the remainder of the afternoon is yours to explore or relax. We suggest wearing comfortable shoes for your day in Florence.

We'll depart from Florence early in the morning, travelling north and traversing the picturesque Apennine Mountains en route to Venice. Upon arrival, we'll board a boat to reach the heart of the city, where we'll embark on a guided walk through the historic San Marco district. Here, you will have the chance to admire the stunning Basilica and the iconic Campanile. We'll also take a trip to a Murano Glass Factory to observe the fascinating traditional techniques of glass-making. Our accommodation for the night will be in the Mestre area, providing convenient access to explore the city further at your leisure.

Today, you have the freedom to explore the enchanting city of Venice at your own pace. Wander through its picturesque streets, perhaps losing yourself amongst the winding canals and vibrant piazzas. Take the opportunity to discover hidden gems and admire the stunning architecture that makes Venice so unforgettable. This day is yours to savour the city�s unique charm and create your own memorable experiences.

This morning, we set off to Padua, renowned as a spiritual centre, where we'll visit the impressive Basilica of Saint Anthony. Continuing on, our journey takes us along the picturesque Adriatic coast to the unique nation of San Marino. Set high on a fortified mountain, this small, independent country offers captivating views and a glimpse into its rich history. After enjoying a leisurely lunch here, we make our way through the scenic Apennine Mountains, admiring the stunning landscapes en route to Gubbio. Known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, Gubbio is home to the striking Palace of the Consuls and a 12th-century cathedral, which you may choose to explore. We then continue on to the charming city of Perugia, where our day concludes.

We will begin the day with a panoramic tour of Perugia, a stunning historic city famed for its rich chocolate heritage. With the guidance of a local expert, we will ascend through the moving walkways that traverse the rocky landscape and reveal the medieval underground city. Here, you'll wander along the stone-paved streets and explore charming squares. Afterwards, we head to Assisi, where you�ll have time for lunch and a visit to the awe-inspiring Basilica of St. Francis. In the afternoon, we continue our journey south, occasionally stopping in Rome for passenger transfers before reaching Naples in the evening.

Following breakfast, our day begins with a ferry ride from the port of Naples to the enchanting island of Capri. Here, we suggest taking the funicular up to Capri town. You can leisurely explore this charming area and take in its picturesque views. After enjoying lunch, we will reboard the ferry to Sorrento, a delightful town nestled at the base of stunning cliffs. In Sorrento, you'll have the freedom to stroll around and discover its many charms at your own pace. Our journey then proceeds to the Gulf of Salerno, where we'll spend the night in the city of Salerno.

We begin the day exploring the ancient marvel of Pompeii, where you're invited to delve into its fascinating ruins, a city once buried under the ash of Mount Vesuvius. The guided tour and entrance tickets are included, ensuring you make the most of this remarkable archaeological site. Our journey then takes us to Naples, one of Italy's most intriguing cities, steeped in history and culture. Naples' historic centre is one of Europe's largest and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. You�ll have the opportunity to wander its vibrant streets and savour a leisurely lunch. From Naples, we proceed to Cassino, where you may choose to visit the awe-inspiring abbey, famed for its pivotal role in World War II. Our day concludes as we return to Rome, arriving by evening.

After breakfast, our journey concludes as we bid farewell to Italy, carrying with us a wealth of cherished memories. As your tour comes to an end, take a moment to reflect on the incredible experiences you've collected throughout your travels.