Italian Wonders Rome to Venice Odyssey - 11 Days

Upon your arrival in Rome, our team will provide a seamless transfer to your hotel, where you will have some free time to relax and explore at your leisure. In the afternoon, make sure to check the boards at the hotel reception for all the essential information regarding the commencement of your tour. 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 have the pleasure of embarking on a guided three-hour exploration of Rome, renowned as the Eternal City. This tour skillfully combines a walking excursion through Imperial Rome with a scenic bus journey, allowing us to uncover the historical grandeur of a city pivotal to Western civilisation. As we traverse the city, we encounter iconic landmarks including the Arch of Constantine, the exterior of the Colosseum, the Imperial Forums, and the Circus Maximus. Our path also takes us to the Baths of Caracalla, the exquisite Basilica of Saint Mary Major, the enigmatic Pyramid of Cestius, and the striking Castel Sant'Angelo.

Our morning adventure culminates at the Vatican City around 11:00 a.m., where your guide will extend an invitation for an optional visit to the Vatican Museums and the awe-inspiring Sistine Chapel. Later in the day, we include a transfer to the vibrant Trastevere district, famed for its inviting restaurants and lively atmosphere, providing the perfect spot to soak up the local charm. You'll return to the hotel at approximately 8:30 p.m.

On the third day in Rome, seize the opportunity to immerse yourself in the city's alluring blend of ancient history and vibrant modern culture at your own pace. Explore renowned landmarks, meander through charming neighbourhoods, or relax in one of Rome's picturesque squares as you absorb the city's unique ambience. Consider visiting iconic sites such as the Colosseum, the Pantheon, or the Roman Forum, or enjoy a leisurely stroll along the bustling streets lined with cafes and boutiques. This ample free time allows you to craft your perfect Roman experience, delving into the aspects of the city that fascinate you most.

Today, we bid farewell to Rome and head north, soaking in the picturesque landscapes en route to Florence. Our first stop in this enchanting city is the Michelangelo Viewpoint, renowned for its breathtaking panoramic views of the cityscape. After taking in this magnificent vista, we'll make our way to the historic city centre. You'll have some free time to enjoy lunch before joining us on a guided walking tour. As Tuscany's capital and the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is steeped in history and culture, having fostered some of history's greatest artists and thinkers, including Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Raphael. During our tour, we will explore key sites such as the Gothic splendour of the Duomo, the timeless Ponte Vecchio with its quaint goldsmith shops, and Piazza della Signoria, a political hub adorned with its medieval town hall. The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy at your leisure. Please note, we recommend you wear comfortable shoes for optimal exploration.

On day five, we begin our journey with a visit to Pisa. We'll take a charming tourist train to the Piazza dei Miracoli, home to the iconic Leaning Tower. Our travels then lead us to the picturesque Ligurian Riviera, renowned for its stunning coastlines. We will explore the famous Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These five villages, largely inaccessible by road, thrive on tourism. We'll arrive by train, with tickets included, to one of the enchanting towns, usually Vernazza; however, during peak tourist seasons, we might visit Manarola or Corniglia instead, which share a similar quaint charm but are less crowded.

There will be time set aside for you to enjoy lunch at your leisure. Following lunch, we'll board a train to Levanto, where a bus awaits to take us onward to Genoa. Upon arrival in Genoa, you'll have some free time to wander and soak up the historical atmosphere of this city, a testament to its grandeur as a flourishing republic during medieval times. Please note that the train to Cinque Terre is a local commuter service, not a dedicated tourist train, so you may experience busy carriages and standing room during peak periods.

We start our day by travelling from Genoa to the nearby Santa Margherita Ligure, where we'll board a boat to Portofino, a renowned and exclusive destination in Europe. Here, you can enjoy a leisurely walk along the picturesque seaside and have some free time to explore the area. Following lunch, we'll depart for Milan. This city, known for its blend of modernity and culture, offers ample opportunity for exploration. In your free time, we suggest visiting the magnificent Gothic cathedral in Piazza del Duomo, as well as the historic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a stunning arcade named after Italy's first king. Please note that from late May to early November, tourist buses cannot access Santa Margherita Ligure. During this period, we'll stop at Rapallo, another beautiful coastal town in the Liguria region, from where we will take the boat to Portofino. Also, the boat crossing may be cancelled in adverse weather conditions or during winter, affecting both Santa Margherita and Rapallo departures.

Today, we embark on a journey through one of Europe's most stunning scenic regions—the Italian Lakes. Our first stop is Lake Orta in the charming medieval town of Orta San Giulio. We'll take a train ride to the heart of this well-preserved town before heading out by boat to the Island of San Giulio. This quaint island hosts a serene monastery, offering a peaceful atmosphere and beautiful views of the lake.

Following this, we'll continue to the enchanting Lake Maggiore, where we'll pause in Stresa. Here, you have the option to visit the Borromean Islands, with Isola Bella being a standout attraction thanks to its magnificent gardens and palace (note that the palace is closed during winter). We'll have time to enjoy lunch amidst the lakeside beauty before making our way to the historic city of Verona.

Today, we'll begin our day with some free time to discover Verona, famously known as the city of Romeo and Juliet. You might wish to explore its romantic streets and charming landmarks before we set off for Venice, arriving around 1 p.m. Once in Venice, we'll enjoy a scenic boat trip to St. Mark's Square, immersing ourselves in the stunning sights of the City of Canals. A guided walking tour will introduce us to the intricate art of Murano glasswork, offering a glimpse into Venice's renowned craftsmanship. After the tour, you'll have some leisure time to indulge in the city's unique atmosphere – perhaps consider a gondola ride through its picturesque canals. Our accommodation for the night will be in the Mestre district.

We make our way to Padua, a significant pilgrimage destination renowned for its magnificent Saint's Basilica. Next, we'll journey along the stunning Adriatic coast to the enchanting San Marino, an independent republic perched on a fortified mountain. After enjoying lunch, we proceed through the picturesque Apennine Mountains, where the breathtaking scenery will accompany us to Gubbio. This beautifully preserved town is famed for its impressive Palace of Consuls and its 12th-century cathedral. Our day concludes with our arrival in the captivating city of Perugia.

Today brings an exploration of Perugia, a picturesque historic city often dubbed the 'city of chocolate.' With a local guide, we will ascend the inclined walkways cut into the rocky terrain, a unique experience that leads us to discover the captivating underground medieval city. Here, you'll find stone-paved streets and delightful squares that reveal the town's rich heritage. Following this adventure, we will journey back to Rome, arriving by the afternoon, where you can enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure.

Following breakfast, our journey reaches its conclusion, leaving you with cherished memories of your travels.