Italy's Wonders Rome to Naples Expedition - 14 Days

Welcome to your tour in Rome! Upon arrival, we�ll arrange your transfer to the hotel, allowing you some free time to settle in and explore at your leisure. In the afternoon, be sure to check the hotel reception boards for essential information about the commencement of your adventure. Enjoy your first taste of the enchanting Eternal 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.

On the second day of our adventure in Rome, we commence with a captivating three-hour guided tour of the Eternal City. You'll delve into the heart of Imperial Rome, where the past mingles with the present. Our walk takes us past iconic landmarks such as the Arch of Constantine and the majestic exterior of the Colosseum, alongside the remnants of the Imperial Forums. As we explore, our journey continues by bus, granting us panoramic views of the historic Circus Maximus and the impressive Baths of Caracalla. We'll also see the stunning Basilica of Saint Mary Major, the distinctive Pyramid of Cestius, and the formidable Castel Sant'Angelo. The morning�s exploration concludes around 11:00 a.m. at Vatican City. Afterward, you may choose to join an optional excursion to the Vatican Museums and the exquisite Sistine Chapel.

In the evening, we include a transfer to Trastevere, a vibrant neighbourhood renowned for its warm ambience and delightful restaurants. You can enjoy the lively atmosphere and perhaps savour some authentic Italian cuisine. We�ll head back to the hotel around 8:30 p.m. to rest and prepare for another exciting day ahead.

On Day 3, you have a full day at your leisure to further explore the endless wonders of Rome. This is your opportunity to delve into areas of personal interest, whether that's browsing the illustrious galleries, enjoying authentic Italian cuisine at a local trattoria, or simply wandering through the charming streets and discovering hidden gems at your own pace. Make the most of this free day to immerse yourself in the history and culture of the Eternal City.

Today, we embark on a delightful journey through the picturesque region of Umbria. Our first destination is the historic city of Orvieto, perched majestically on a flat summit. We'll pause before entering to enjoy the stunning views from its vantage point. From here, we'll ascend using the escalators that link the town's lower section to its medieval heart, where you can admire the magnificent cathedral, a prime example of Italian Gothic architecture.

Our travels then take us to Castiglione del Lago, beautifully situated on the shores of Lake Trasimeno. Here, you have the opportunity for a leisurely stroll and a spot of lunch. Following our break, we continue to the renowned city of Siena in Tuscany, famous for its iconic Piazza del Campo and the striking Duomo. The remainder of the afternoon will be spent exploring the delights of Siena.

Today, we�ll depart from Siena and make our way to the enchanting medieval village of Monteriggioni, where you can wander its quaint cobbled streets and admire the impressive ancient fortifications. As we continue our journey, we'll head to the picturesque town of San Gimignano, famed for its stunning array of medieval towers that dominate its skyline. Here, you can savour lunch at your leisure. Later, we'll proceed to Florence, the renowned capital of Tuscany, arriving in the early afternoon. We suggest using this time to explore the cultural treasures of the Uffizi Gallery or the Accademia Gallery, though please note that both are closed on Mondays. As the day winds down, you can look forward to enjoying a traditional Tuscan meal, which is included in your journey.

Today begins with a visit to the Michelangelo viewpoint, offering an unparalleled panorama of Florence. We then venture into the historic heart of this Renaissance city for a guided tour. As one of Italy's most visited locales, Florence has been an artistic haven for luminaries such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Raphael. We will take in the splendour of the Gothic Cathedral, known as the Duomo di Firenze. You'll also witness the charm of the Ponte Vecchio, with its distinctive goldsmith shops, and explore Piazza della Signoria, which serves as the city's political hub with its medieval town hall. Following the tour, you'll have free time to delve further into the delights of Florence at your leisure. Remember to wear comfortable shoes for navigating the city�s historic streets.

Today, we set off for Pisa, famed for its Leaning Tower located in the Piazza dei Miracoli. We will board a tourist train to reach this iconic site. Following our visit, our adventure continues as we journey to the Ligurian Riviera, celebrated for its stunning coastal landscapes. We will head towards the captivating Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site made up of five picturesque villages nestled against dramatic cliffs, accessible primarily by train. Our train journey, with tickets included, will typically bring us to the charming town of Vernazza; however, during peak tourist periods, we might stop in Manarola or Corniglia for a less crowded experience. Lunch is on your own in this scenic area. Later, we will travel by train to reach Levanto, where our bus awaits to transport us to Genoa. In this historically significant city, once a powerful maritime republic, you will have free time to discover its lively centre. Please note that the train service to Cinque Terre is a regular commuter service, so during high season, expect possible delays, limited seating, and, in some situations, standing may be necessary.

Today, we venture towards Santa Margherita Ligure, where we will board a boat to Portofino, one of Europe's most prestigious destinations. Enriched by its serene coastal surroundings, you'll have the chance to enjoy a leisurely walk along the shoreline and savour some free time. Following lunch, our journey takes us to Milan, a city renowned for its sophistication and modernity in northern Italy. Here, you'll have ample opportunity to explore � we suggest visiting the magnificent Gothic cathedral at Piazza del Duomo and the splendid Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a tribute to Italy�s first king. Please note that from 30th May to 2nd November, tourist buses cannot access Santa Margherita Ligure. During this period, we will stop instead at Rapallo, another picturesque Ligurian coastal spot, from where we will catch the boat to Portofino. Additionally, due to adverse weather or in winter, the boat crossing to Portofino may be subject to change.

Today, we venture into one of Europe's most picturesque regions, the Italian Lakes. Our first destination is Lake Orta, where you'll find the immaculate medieval town of Orta San Giulio. We begin with a train ride into the town's historic centre, followed by a serene boat trip to the Island of San Giulio. This small island hosts a monastery, offering a glimpse into its tranquil life. After exploring, we continue to Lake Maggiore, pausing in the charming town of Stresa. Here, you have the option to visit the Borromean Islands, with Isola Bella being a highlight for its exquisite gardens and opulent palace�note that these are closed in winter. After enjoying lunch, we'll make our way to Verona, the city of romance and elegance.

Today, we begin with some time to explore Verona, the romantic city famously associated with Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, where you can immerse yourself in its rich history and charm. Later, we will travel to the enchanting city of Venice, with an expected arrival around 1:00 p.m. Our visit will include a scenic boat trip to St. Mark's Square, offering stunning views as we approach the heart of Venice. Once ashore, we will embark on a guided walking tour through the City of Canals, during which we�ll have the opportunity to witness the fascinating Murano glassmaking process. The afternoon affords you some free time to explore further�perhaps indulge in the quintessential Venetian experience with a gondola ride. Tonight, we will stay in the Mestre district, providing convenient access for tomorrow�s explorations.

Our day begins with a visit to Padua, a renowned pilgrimage site. Here, we will explore the magnificent Saint�s Basilica, a must-see for visitors. As we continue our adventure, we'll head towards the stunning Adriatic coast, arriving in San Marino. This charming and independent country sits atop a fortified mountain, offering picturesque views and a wealth of history. After enjoying lunch, our path will take us through the inviting landscapes of the Apennines, where we will be captivated by the breathtaking mountain scenery. Our journey continues to Gubbio, famed for its Palace of Consuls and the 12th-century cathedral. As the day draws to a close, we will make our way to Perugia, a city known for its enchanting medieval charm, where we will rest for the night.

Today, we begin with a panoramic exploration of Perugia, a city steeped in history and famed for its chocolate. Accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide, we ascend via the unique moving walkways that traverse the city's rocky outcrop, unveiling an intriguing medieval subterranean world filled with stone streets and delightful squares. Our journey then takes us to Assisi, where you'll have time to enjoy lunch and explore the awe-inspiring Basilica of St. Francis, a revered landmark. In the afternoon, we set off southwards, occasionally pausing in Rome for those continuing their travels. By evening, we will arrive in Naples, ready to discover more of Italy's rich cultural tapestry.

Today, we embark on a delightful ferry ride to the enchanting island of Capri, known for its breathtaking scenery and opulent charm. The crossing takes about 45 minutes, delivering us to this idyllic haven. Once there, you have the option to take a boat to explore the Grotta Bianca or ascend via cable car to Capri town. While in Capri town, the Gardens of Augustus offer a perfect spot to marvel at stunning panoramic vistas. We then return to Naples, where you can enjoy a leisurely stroll and lunch amidst the vibrant atmosphere. Our afternoon is dedicated to exploring the ancient city of Pompeii, a once-flourishing metropolis that met a sudden fate when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD. Admission and a guided tour of this remarkable archaeological site are included. Concluding our day, we'll head to Rome, arriving in the evening.

As our tour concludes, we�ll enjoy a final breakfast in Rome, providing an opportunity to reflect on the remarkable journey and memories created. Feel free to explore the city a bit more before bidding farewell. We hope the experiences and sights you've encountered during our trip leave you with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation of Italy's rich culture and history. Safe travels onwards!