Italian Lakes to Eternal Rome Adventure - 8 Days

Welcome to Milan, the starting point of our adventure. Upon arrival, we'll transport you to your hotel, giving you the opportunity to settle in and relax. You can spend your free time as you wish�explore the vibrant streets of Milan, perhaps take a leisurely stroll to absorb its unique charm or find a cosy caf� to unwind. Later in the afternoon, you can find important information about the beginning of our tour on the notice boards located in the hotel's reception area. Rest assured, we are just at the start of what promises to be an exciting journey. 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.

On the second day of our journey, we delve into the enchanting Italian Lakes area, celebrated for its stunning scenery. Our first stop is Lake Orta, nestled in the charming medieval town of Orta San Giulio. We�ll travel via train to the town's medieval centre, followed by a delightful boat ride to San Giulio Island. Here, you can explore the island's serene monastery.

Next, we make our way to the majestic Lake Maggiore, where we'll pause in the picturesque town of Stresa. Here, you have the opportunity to visit the Borromean Islands, a highlight of which is Isola Bella, renowned for its splendid gardens and stately palace�though these remain closed during winter months. You'll have some time here to enjoy lunch and soak in the lakeside beauty. Afterwards, we continue our journey, heading towards the romantic city of Verona.

We begin the day immersing ourselves in the charms of Verona, the fabled city that serves as the backdrop for Romeo and Juliet's timeless tale. As we explore its picturesque streets, the echoes of its romantic history are palpable. Following this, we travel to the magical city of Venice, arriving around 1 p.m. Upon our arrival, a delightful boat trip will whisk us to the iconic St. Mark�s Square � the heart of Venice. Here, a guided walking tour will unveil the wonders of this unique city, renowned for its mesmerising canals and the exquisite craft of Murano glass. Afterwards, you'll have some leisure time to discover Venice at your own pace � perhaps you'll opt for an enchanting gondola ride on the canals. This evening's accommodation will be in the Mestre district, providing a perfect base to rest and reflect on the day�s experiences.

On the fourth day, we set off for Padua, a significant pilgrimage destination, where we�ll visit the splendid Basilica of Saint Anthony. From Padua, we journey along the beautiful Adriatic coast to San Marino, a unique and charming independent microstate nestled on a fortified mountaintop. Here, you�ll have the opportunity to explore and enjoy lunch amidst its picturesque surroundings. Our adventure continues across the striking landscapes of the Apennines, offering breathtaking mountain views. We then arrive in Gubbio, a town renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture, including the majestic Palace of the Consuls and its 12th-century cathedral. Our day concludes as we reach Perugia, an enchanting city awaiting your exploration.

Our day begins with a panoramic tour of Perugia, a city renowned for its picturesque landscapes and rich chocolate heritage. Accompanied by a local guide, we�ll ascend the rocky outcrop using the city's moving walkways, marvelling at the medieval underground streets and quaint squares. Following this, we proceed to Assisi, where you'll have time to enjoy lunch and visit the beautiful Basilica of St. Francis, a significant spiritual and architectural site. In the afternoon, we continue our southward journey�sometimes with a brief stop in Rome to drop off passengers�and aim to reach Naples by evening.

In the morning, after a hearty breakfast, we will make our way to the port of Naples to catch a ferry to the enchanting Island of Capri. Upon arrival, it's recommended you take the funicular to Capri town, where you can leisurely explore the beautiful streets and take in the breathtaking views. Enjoy lunch at your leisure before we reconvene and travel to Sorrento. This delightful resort town is nestled at the foot of breathtaking cliffs, offering you free time to wander its charming streets. Our journey then continues to the Gulf of Salerno, where we will overnight in the historic city of Salerno.

We start our day by exploring the ancient wonder of Pompeii, where you'll be captivated by the well-preserved remains of this Roman city, engulfed by ash from the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Your visit includes tickets and a guided tour, ensuring you uncover the fascinating history of this archaeological marvel. Afterward, we journey to Naples, a city overflowing with history and charm as one of Italy's oldest continuously inhabited areas. The historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, invites you to wander at your leisure and indulge in a delightful lunch. Our adventure then takes us to Cassino, where you have the option to visit the striking abbey, a place of significant historical importance due to its role in one of World War II's most intense battles. We wrap up our day by making our way to Rome, set to arrive by evening, ready for the next chapter of our journey.

After breakfast, our tour concludes, marking the end of an unforgettable journey through Italy. As you prepare to leave, you'll carry with you treasured memories of the experiences and sights you've encountered along the way. We hope these lasting impressions inspire future adventures. Safe travels!