Italy's Iconic Cities and Scenic Wonders - 9 Days

Welcome to your tour! Upon arrival in Rome, we will transfer you to your hotel. Once settled, you will have some free time to start your exploration of the captivating city. In the afternoon, please check the information boards at the hotel reception for details about the commencement of your tour. Enjoy your first taste of Rome, a city that seamlessly blends history with a vibrant modern culture. 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, we invite you to join us on a three-hour guided exploration of Rome, famously known as the Eternal City. Our journey begins with a walking tour of Imperial Rome, followed by a panoramic bus ride to discover one of the most storied cities in Western civilisation. We'll encounter some of the city's most iconic sites, including the Arch of Constantine, the exterior of the majestic Colosseum, and the Imperial Forums. Our tour will also cover the Circus Maximus, the ancient Baths of Caracalla, the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, the Pyramid of Cestius, and the historically significant Castel Sant'Angelo. We conclude the tour at Vatican City around 11:00 a.m., where you can opt for an additional visit to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, renowned for Michelangelo's stunning frescoes. In the evening, we include a transfer to the vibrant Trastevere neighbourhood, celebrated for its cosy restaurants and lively atmosphere. We'll return to the hotel at approximately 8:30 p.m., rounding off an enriching day in Rome.

On Day 3, you'll have the entire day to yourself, allowing you to leisurely explore the captivating city of Rome at your own pace. This is your chance to immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere, wander through its historic streets, and perhaps discover some hidden gems. Whether it�s revisiting the iconic sites or uncovering new favourites, the day is yours to enjoy and make unforgettable memories in this remarkable city.

On day four, we depart from Rome, travelling north through Italy's picturesque landscapes. Our journey brings us to Florence, where our first stop is the Michelangelo Viewpoint, offering breathtaking views of the city renowned as the birthplace of the Renaissance. Here, you'll have time to soak in the vistas before we descend to the historic city centre.

After a leisurely lunch, we embark on a guided walking tour of Tuscany's capital, a city that inspired artistic greats like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Botticelli. Our exploration includes the city's significant highlights: the impressive Gothic cathedral known as the Duomo, the iconic Ponte Vecchio with its quaint goldsmith shops, and the vibrant Piazza della Signoria, home to the city's medieval town hall and a hub of political life.

The remainder of the afternoon is yours to enjoy at your own pace, allowing the opportunity to delve deeper into Florence's rich cultural atmosphere. We recommend wearing comfortable footwear for today's activities.

Today, we journey to the iconic city of Pisa. Our visit begins with a ride on a charming tourist train to the Piazza dei Miracoli, where the famed Leaning Tower of Pisa awaits. After taking in this architectural wonder, we head to the stunning Ligurian Riviera, celebrated for its breathtaking coastlines. Our destination is the Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its five picturesque villages, which remain largely untouched by roadways.

Our adventure continues with a train ride to one of these delightful villages�typically Vernazza, though during peak tourist periods, we may visit the equally enchanting towns of Manarola or Corniglia to avoid the crowds. Here you will have free time for lunch and to soak up the vibrant atmosphere. Our exploration of Cinque Terre culminates with a train journey to Levanto, where we'll board a bus to continue to Genoa.

In Genoa, you'll have free time to discover the city centre, steeped in the history of its days as a powerful medieval republic. Please note that the train to Cinque Terre utilises a standard commuter service; seats are not reservable, and during busy times, it is possible that standing may be required.

Today, we set off to the nearby town of Santa Margherita Ligure, where we embark on a boat journey to the exclusive haven of Portofino. Here, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy a leisurely seaside walk, taking in the serene atmosphere and indulging in some free time. After lunch, our journey continues to Milan. In this vibrant city, you'll have free time to explore its blend of modernity and rich culture. We recommend visiting the breathtaking Gothic cathedral at Piazza del Duomo and the historic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, dedicated to Italy's first king. Please note that between 30th May and 2nd November, tourist buses cannot directly access Santa Margherita Ligure. Instead, the stop will be in Rapallo, another beautiful coastal town in Liguria, where we will board the boat for Portofino. Additionally, weather conditions, particularly in winter, may affect the boat crossing to Portofino.

Today, we'll immerse ourselves in the breathtaking landscapes of the Italian Lakes, known for their stunning beauty and serene ambiance. Our adventure begins at Lake Orta in the charming medieval town of Orta San Giulio. Here, we'll enjoy a scenic train ride leading us to the heart of the town's medieval centre. Following this, we'll board a boat to the tranquil Island of San Giulio, home to a historic monastery.

Continuing our exploration, we'll make our way to Lake Maggiore, stopping at the picturesque town of Stresa. You may choose to visit the Borromean Islands from here, with Isola Bella being the jewel of the trio, renowned for its exquisite gardens and palace�note that it's closed during winter months. We'll pause for lunch amid this glorious setting before proceeding to our next destination, Verona, later in the day.

Today, we'll begin our day with some time to discover Verona, renowned as the romantic setting of Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet". Wander through its charming streets and soak in the historic atmosphere. By afternoon, we will set off for the mesmerising city of Venice, with our arrival anticipated around 1 p.m. We will board a boat to St. Mark�s Square, offering a picturesque introduction to the City of Canals. Following this scenic journey, a guided walking tour will unveil the wonders of Venice, including a visit to a Murano glass workshop, showcasing the artistry of traditional Venetian glassmaking. You'll then have some free time to explore at your own pace; perhaps take an iconic gondola ride for a unique perspective of this enchanting city. Tonight, we will stay in the Mestre district, providing a perfect base for your Venetian adventures.

After breakfast, our journey concludes, leaving you with a treasure trove of wonderful memories from your travels.