Italian Grand Tour Rome to Venice Adventure - 15 Days

Upon arrival in Rome, we'll provide a smooth transfer to your hotel, allowing you some leisure time to start your exploration or simply relax. In the afternoon, check the hotel's reception area where you will find details about the commencement of your tour. Enjoy your initial moments absorbing the ambience of this timeless city.

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.

Begin your day in Rome with a captivating three-hour guided exploration of this legendary city, often referred to as the Eternal City. Our journey will combine both a walking tour through the remnants of Imperial Rome and a panoramic bus trip, showcasing some of the most renowned landmarks in Western history. We�ll take in the imposing Arch of Constantine, admire the exterior grandeur of the Colosseum and the sprawling Imperial Forums, and view the historic Circus Maximus. Along the way, we�ll glimpse the Baths of Caracalla and the architectural splendour of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major. Our route will also pass by the distinctive Pyramid of Cestius and the storied Castel Sant�Angelo. The morning tour will conclude around 11:00 a.m. near Vatican City, offering the perfect opportunity for those interested to further explore the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel on an optional excursion led by our guide. Later in the day, we'll provide a transfer to the vibrant Trastevere neighbourhood, known for its delightful eateries and dynamic atmosphere. The day wraps up with a return to your hotel around 8:30 p.m.

Day 3 offers you the freedom to explore Rome at your own pace. Should you fancy an excursion, you have the option to embark on a seasonal adventure. From April to October, consider visiting the picturesque island of Capri, renowned for its enchanting landscape and vibrant history. Alternatively, from November to March, you might want to discover the rich cultural heritage of Naples and the captivating ruins of Pompeii. These optional excursions provide a deeper insight into Italy's diverse history and scenic beauty, allowing you to tailor the day to your interests.

Today, we�ll embark on a captivating journey through Umbria, beginning with a visit to the charming town of Orvieto, perched atop a striking plateau. Before entering, we�ll pause to take in the panoramic views from its vantage point. Using the escalators that link the lower town with the medieval centre, we�ll make our way to the magnificent cathedral�an exquisite example of Italian Gothic architecture. Our adventure continues to Castiglione del Lago, nestled on the shores of Lake Trasimeno, where you'll have the opportunity to savour a leisurely lunch and enjoy a stroll along the scenic lakeside. In the afternoon, we will proceed to Siena in Tuscany, famed for its iconic Piazza del Campo and its stunning Duomo, which offer a quintessential Tuscan experience.

Today, we depart from Siena and make our way to the enchanting village of Monteriggioni, renowned for its charming cobbled streets and intact medieval walls. After soaking in the atmosphere, we proceed to San Gimignano, a delightful town famous for its iconic medieval towers. Here, you�ll have time to explore and perhaps enjoy some local specialities for lunch. Later, we journey to Florence, the heart of Tuscany, arriving by early afternoon. Once settled, you might consider visiting the Uffizi or the Accademia Gallery (note that both are closed on Mondays). In the evening, we�ll enjoy a traditional Tuscan meal, rounding off our day in this vibrant city.

On the sixth day, we start by capturing a memorable photograph at the Michelangelo viewpoint, which offers one of the most stunning vistas of Florence. Following this, we�ll stroll into the historic city centre for a guided tour of this illustrious city�widely recognised as the cradle of the Renaissance. Florence has deeply inspired numerous iconic artists and thinkers, including Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Raphael. During our exploration, we�ll admire the majestic Gothic Cathedral (Duomo di Firenze), the iconic stone bridge known as Ponte Vecchio, lined with exquisite goldsmith shops, and the vibrant Piazza della Signoria, which serves as the political heart of Florence with its historic town hall. After the tour, you will have some free time to explore. Please remember to wear comfortable shoes to navigate the cobbled streets of Florence with ease.

Today, we will journey to Pisa, where a quaint tourist train will whisk us to the Piazza dei Miracoli, the celebrated home of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Following this, we�ll venture to the Ligurian Riviera, famous for its stunning coastlines, to explore the captivating Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Consisting of five picturesque villages almost cut off by road, this area is now a cherished destination for travellers. Included train tickets will transport us to one of these charming towns, often Vernazza, though on busier days we may visit Manarola or Corniglia, which offer a similar enchanting experience with potentially fewer crowds. Enjoy time for lunch amid these splendid surroundings.

Afterwards, we'll depart by train to Levanto, before continuing by bus to Genoa. There, you�ll have free time to wander the city centre, a striking testament to Genoa's historical significance as a prosperous medieval republic. Please note that the train to Cinque Terre is a regular service, which can be quite busy, especially during peak tourist seasons, leaving some of the journey potentially standing due to the lack of reserved seating.

We embark on our day with a short journey to Santa Margherita Ligure. From here, we'll set sail for the renowned Portofino, one of Europe's most exclusive locales. You'll have the opportunity to enjoy a leisurely walk along the seaside and explore at your own pace. After enjoying a local lunch, we continue our adventure to Milan. This vibrant city, renowned for its blend of modernity and cultural heritage, offers you free time to wander. We suggest a visit to the magnificent Gothic cathedral located in Piazza del Duomo, or perhaps a stroll through Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a stunning homage to Italy's first king. Please note, between 30th May and 2nd November, tourist buses are restricted from entering Santa Margherita Ligure, and we will instead stop in the equally charming Rapallo, another beautiful coastal destination in Liguria. Here, we will board the boat to Portofino. Also, consider that adverse weather conditions or winter months can affect our boat trip to Portofino, and modifications to the plan might occur.

Today, we delve into one of Europe's most picturesque regions, the Italian Lakes. Our first destination is Lake Orta, where we'll explore the medieval charm of Orta San Giulio. A short train ride delivers us to the town's historic centre, from where we'll embark on a tranquil boat trip to the Island of San Giulio, home to a beautiful monastery surrounded by serene waters.

Following this, our journey continues to Lake Maggiore, where we'll pause in the delightful town of Stresa. You'll have the option to visit the Borromean Islands, with Isola Bella's magnificent gardens and opulent palace as the highlight (note that the palace is closed during winter). After some free time for lunch, we press onward to the romantic city of Verona, renowned for its enchanting ambience.

Today, you'll begin by immersing yourself in the enchanting city of Verona, famously linked to the timeless tale of Romeo and Juliet. Explore its romantic streets and historic architecture at your own leisurely pace. As the morning unfolds, we'll make our way to Venice, arriving at approximately 1:00 p.m. On arrival, enjoy a scenic boat trip to St. Mark�s Square, where a guided walking tour awaits to introduce you to the iconic City of Canals. Witness the exquisite artistry of Murano glasswork during your exploration. Later, you can explore Venice at your own pace � perhaps a gondola ride through the canals is on your list? We'll be staying in the Mestre district tonight for your comfort and convenience.

Today, we set off for Padua, renowned as a pilgrimage site, where we�ll explore the magnificent Basilica of Saint Anthony. Our travels continue along the picturesque Adriatic coast to the enchanting Republic of San Marino, an independent country uniquely positioned on a fortified mountain. After enjoying lunch with scenic views, we proceed through the rugged beauty of the Apennines towards Gubbio. This town is celebrated for its historical charm, home to the impressive Palace of Consuls and a striking 12th-century cathedral. Our day concludes in the captivating city of Perugia, where we settle for the evening.

On Day 12, we'll embark on a panoramic tour of Perugia, renowned for its historic architecture and famed as the city of chocolate. Accompanied by a local guide, we'll ascend using the moving walkways that traverse the rocky terrain, allowing us to marvel at the medieval underground city with its stone-paved streets and picturesque squares. Following this exploration, we�ll journey to Assisi, where you'll have time to enjoy lunch and visit the Basilica of St. Francis, a significant spiritual and artistic site. In the afternoon, our travels will take us south, with a possible stopover in Rome to drop off some passengers, before finally reaching Naples in the evening.

Following breakfast, we will make our way to the port of Naples and set sail for the enchanting Island of Capri. Once there, we suggest taking the funicular to Capri town for a leisurely stroll and to soak in the breathtaking views. After lunch, we will board the ferry again to continue our journey to Sorrento. This delightful coastal town, nestled at the foot of a cliff, offers you ample free time to explore its charming streets at your own pace. Our day will culminate with a drive to the picturesque Gulf of Salerno, where we will stay overnight in the city of Salerno.

Our day begins with a captivating visit to Pompeii, where you'll explore the fascinating ruins of this ancient Roman city, famously preserved by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. We've included tickets and a guided tour to enhance your experience. Following our exploration of Pompeii, we'll journey to Naples, a city teeming with history and charm. Located among the oldest continuously inhabited urban areas in Europe, Naples boasts a historic centre that is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll have the opportunity to wander its vibrant streets and savour a leisurely lunch. In the afternoon, we'll continue to Cassino to visit its impressive abbey, which stands as a poignant reminder of one of World War II�s most intense battles. Our day concludes with our arrival in Rome in the evening.

Following breakfast, our journey reaches its conclusion. We hope you take with you a wealth of unforgettable memories from your time with us.