Italy Seasonal Explorer - 10 Days

Welcome to Rome! This morning, our Italy in Low Season tour begins in the heart of one of the world's most iconic capital cities. After meeting your tour leader and group and checking into the hotel, you'll receive an overview of the itinerary before we head out to explore Rome.

Use your free time to savour the city or opt for an optional guided tour of the Colosseum and Roman Forum—an opportunity to delve into ancient Rome's fascinating history. Following this, we'll embark on a guided walking tour to see essential sights, including the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon.

In the evening, gather with your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner to toast the start of our adventure.

Experiences:

• Discover Rome on a walking tour.
• Enjoy a welcome dinner in Rome.

Meals:

• Dinner

This morning, we depart Rome and head towards Florence, making a stop in the charming town of Orvieto in Umbria. Perched on a cliff, this hidden gem offers breathtaking views. We'll take the funicular to the city centre, where you can explore at your leisure. Be sure to admire the striking Cathedral of Orvieto and the Papal Residence.

Next, our journey continues into the picturesque Tuscan region. En route, we pause to savour one of Tuscany's finest specialities—wine. We'll visit a local winery to enjoy a tasting session of regional wines, accompanied by olive oils and charcuterie.

The day concludes with our arrival in Florence, where we check into the hotel. Settle in and prepare for another day of exploration tomorrow.

Experiences:

• Explore Orvieto, a historic city atop a rocky cliff
• Enjoy a Tuscan wine tasting

Meals:

• Breakfast

Start your day in splendid Florence, often dubbed the "Jewel of the Renaissance". As Tuscany's capital and a major centre of Italian art, it boasts a wealth of cultural treasures. We will embark on a guided tour covering key attractions such as the Ponte Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria, and the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. Subsequently, we'll visit a local leather factory to see craftsmanship in action.

The afternoon is yours to explore at leisure. You might choose to participate in the optional Tiramisu Experience, where you'll enjoy a demonstration and tasting of this beloved Italian dessert. In the evening, consider joining an optional excursion for a communal feast highlighting Tuscan culinary delights.

Meals:

• Breakfast.

After breakfast, we bid farewell to Florence and make our way to one of Italy’s iconic landmarks – the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Here, you can capture that quintessential photo with this world-famous structure.

Next, we head to Parma, a renowned university city celebrated for its Parma ham and Parmesan cheese. However, its appeal goes beyond culinary delights. We will take a guided tour through the charming, historically rich city centre, admiring its stunning architecture. Then, we indulge in a Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese and Prosciutto di Parma tasting and demonstration, experiencing the authentic flavours of the region.

Finally, we travel to Milan, where we will settle into our accommodation for the night.

Experiences:

• Visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa
• Explore Parma's historic centre
• Taste authentic Parma ham and Parmesan cheese

Meals:

• Breakfast

Awaken in Milan, a global hub of fashion and style. We begin our day with a captivating guided tour led by a knowledgeable local, offering insights into the city’s iconic landmarks. Marvel at the Duomo di Milano, an impressive example of Gothic architecture and one of the largest churches in the world. We will also visit the elegant Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, renowned as one of the oldest shopping galleries globally, along with the illustrious La Scala opera house and the historically significant Piazza Mercanti.

After the tour, you have the freedom to explore Milan further at your own pace. Alternatively, you may opt for a half-day trip to Lake Como, where breathtaking lakeside vistas await.

Experiences:

• Guided tour of Milan

Meals:

• Breakfast

Today, we begin with a visit to the charming town of Sirmione, nestled at the southern edge of Lake Garda, a true highlight of the Italian Lake District. Explore its scenic landscapes and delve into its rich historical tapestry.

Our journey then takes us to Trento, set against the magnificent backdrop of the Dolomite Mountains. We'll ascend via funicular to the mountain village of Sardagna, offering unparalleled views of both Trento and the snow-capped peaks.

In the evening, we'll savour a delightful dinner at a restaurant in the heart of Trento.

Experiences:

• Enjoy the stunning scenery of Sirmione on Lake Garda
• Admire the majestic Dolomite Mountains in Trento

Meals:

• Breakfast
• Dinner in Trento's city centre

After breakfast, we bid farewell to Trento and set off for a day brimming with Italian highlights. Our first stop is Verona, famously known as the setting of Shakespeare’s "Romeo and Juliet". Explore this romantic city with a visit to Juliet's balcony, the historic city gates, and the UNESCO-listed old town.

In the afternoon, we journey to Venice, home to iconic sites such as St. Mark’s Square, Doge’s Palace, and the bustling Rialto Market. This evening, you have the option to join an unforgettable excursion, "An Evening in Venice". Experience the city from the water with a water taxi and gondola ride, followed by a delightful dinner at a local restaurant.

Experiences:

• Visit Juliet's balcony in Verona and explore Venice, Italy’s floating city.

Meals:

• Breakfast

This morning, we’ll depart Venice, bidding it “arrivederci” as we set off to uncover more treasures of Northern Italy. Our first stop is Ferrara, renowned for its stunning Renaissance architecture and rich medieval past. We’ll wander through the UNESCO-listed historic centre, visit the impressive 14th-century Castello Estense, and admire the Duomo di Ferrara.

In the afternoon, we'll arrive in Bologna, the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region. Known both for having Europe’s oldest university and its reputation as a culinary hub, Bologna is a city brimming with artistic and architectural charm. You’ll have leisure time to explore further and delve into the city's vibrant culture at your own pace this evening.

Experiences:

• Discover the UNESCO-listed historic centre of Ferrara
• Explore Bologna, the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region

Meals:

• Breakfast

After breakfast, we bid farewell to Bologna and journey towards the Umbria region. Our first stop is Perugia, the regional capital, where we'll admire the formidable defensive walls and explore the medieval Priori Palace, a magnificent example of Gothic architecture. Stroll through the charming streets of the Centro Storico district, rich with history and character.

We then proceed to Assisi, famed as the birthplace of St. Francis in 1181, making it a major religious pilgrimage site in Italy. Here, we’ll marvel at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Basilica of St. Francis and visit the idyllic Piazza del Comune.

Finally, we return to Rome for our last evening, where we will gather for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant to celebrate our journey.

Experiences:

• Visit Perugia, the capital of the Umbria region
• Explore the historic sites of Assisi, home of St. Francis
• Enjoy a farewell dinner in Rome

Meals:

• Breakfast
• Dinner

This morning, savour one final breakfast with the tour group as our remarkable 10-day journey through Italy concludes. Be sure to exchange contact details to stay connected with your new friends. Wishing you a pleasant journey home!

Meals:

• Breakfast