Renaissance to Romance Italian Odyssey - 11 Days

Welcome to Rome! Upon arrival, we will arrange your transfer to the hotel, where you can settle in and unwind. This will be your opportunity to relax and explore at your leisure before the adventure begins. In the afternoon, you can head to the hotel reception to find detailed information about the start of our tour. Enjoy this time to begin soaking up the vibrant atmosphere of Rome, a city that seamlessly blends ancient history with modern charm. 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 begin with a captivating three-hour guided tour of the Eternal City. Our exploration will blend a walking tour through Imperial Rome with a panoramic bus ride, allowing us to delve into one of the greatest and most historically rich cities in Western civilisation. Along our route, we will encounter remarkable landmarks such as the Arch of Constantine, the exterior of the Colosseum, and the Imperial Forums. We will also pass iconic sights like the Circus Maximus, the Baths of Caracalla, the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, the Pyramid of Cestius, and Castel Sant'Angelo. Our tour concludes at the boundary of Vatican City around 11:00 a.m.

Following the tour, there will be an optional excursion to explore the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel�a magnificent testament to Renaissance art and ingenuity. Towards the day's end, we will transfer to the vibrant neighbourhood of Trastevere, renowned for its inviting restaurants and lively charm. You will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local ambiance until our return to the hotel at approximately 8:30 p.m.

Day three offers the perfect opportunity to explore Rome at your own pace. With a free day on your hands, you can choose to delve deeper into the vibrant culture and history of the city or partake in an optional excursion. From April to October, there's a chance to visit the stunning island of Capri, known for its dramatic landscapes and sparkling seas. Alternatively, from November to March, you might opt to explore the historical cities of Naples and Pompeii, where you can immerse yourself in the ancient ruins that remarkably tell stories of Roman life long ago. Whether you seek adventure or relaxation, the choice is yours to tailor the day to your interests.

Today, we'll journey into the heart of the Umbria region. Our adventure begins with a visit to Orvieto, a charming medieval town perched atop a plateau. You'll have the opportunity to take in the magnificent views from a nearby vantage point before we ascend to the town's historic centre via escalators. Here, we'll admire the stunning Orvieto Cathedral, a masterpiece of Italian Gothic architecture. Our next stop is the picturesque town of Castiglione del Lago, situated along the shores of Lake Trasimeno. You'll have time to explore at your leisure and enjoy lunch in this serene setting. In the afternoon, we'll continue our travels to Siena, a city celebrated for its iconic Piazza del Campo and impressive Duomo, where we'll spend the rest of the day soaking in its rich history and vibrant atmosphere.

Today begins with our departure from Siena as we head to the enchanting village of Monteriggioni. This picturesque medieval gem, encircled by towering ancient walls and lined with cobbled streets, offers a glimpse into Italy's storied past. Following our exploration there, we'll continue to the charming city of San Gimignano, renowned for its distinctive medieval towers that rise above the Tuscan landscape like the ancient skyscrapers they once were. After taking time to enjoy your midday meal, we will make our way to Florence, the vibrant capital of Tuscany, where we expect to arrive in the early afternoon. Here, you might choose to visit the renowned Uffizi Gallery or the Accademia Gallery�both home to masterpieces of Renaissance art�though do note they are closed on Mondays. We will conclude our day with a traditional local meal, allowing you to savour the authentic flavours of Italian cuisine.

Today begins with a visit to the Michelangelo viewpoint for a stunning panorama of Florence. From here, we will stroll to the city's historic centre for a guided exploration of Tuscany's capital, renowned as the birthplace of the Renaissance. Florence has inspired geniuses such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Raphael. Our tour includes the magnificent Gothic Cathedral, known as the Duomo di Firenze, the historic Ponte Vecchio with its array of goldsmith shops, and the bustling Piazza della Signoria, the city�s political core since medieval times. Following the tour, you�ll have the afternoon free to explore at your leisure. Please remember to wear comfortable footwear as you'll be navigating through Florence's picturesque streets.

Today, we journey to Pisa, where a quaint tourist train will whisk us to the Piazza dei Miracoli, home to the world-renowned Leaning Tower of Pisa. Following this, we will travel towards the stunning Ligurian Riviera, celebrated for its breathtaking coastline. Our destination is the Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site comprising five picturesque villages, which have become iconic for their unique charm and relative isolation from road access. We will reach one of these enchanting villages by train�typically Vernazza, unless tourism demand necessitates visiting the similarly delightful Manarola or Corniglia. Here, there's time for lunch amidst the captivating scenery. Later, we'll board another train to Levanto, where a bus awaits to take us to Genoa. In Genoa, you're free to wander through the historic city centre, a testament to its illustrious past as a formidable medieval republic. Please note, the train to Cinque Terre is a regular commuter service without reserved seating, so be prepared for possible standing during peak times, accompanied by occasional delays due to full trains.

Today, we'll head to the picturesque town of Santa Margherita Ligure, where we will set sail for Portofino, renowned as one of Europe's most exclusive destinations. Take a leisurely seaside stroll and enjoy some free time. After lunch, we'll proceed to Milan, a city famed for its blend of modernity and rich cultural heritage in northern Italy. Here, you have the opportunity to explore at your own pace. We recommend a visit to the magnificent Gothic cathedral in Piazza del Duomo and the historic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, dedicated to Italy's first king. Note that between 30th May and 2nd November, tourist buses are restricted from entering Santa Margherita Ligure. During this period, we will stop in the charming coastal town of Rapallo for our boat trip to Portofino. Additionally, please be aware that the boat service to Portofino may be suspended due to rough weather or during the winter months.

Today, we will venture into the breathtaking Italian Lakes, a region renowned for its stunning landscapes. Our first destination is Lake Orta, nestled in the charming medieval town of Orta San Giulio. We will take a short train ride to reach the medieval centre, where we will then board a boat to the serene Island of San Giulio, home to a monastery. Following this tranquil experience, we will make our way to Lake Maggiore, pausing in the picturesque town of Stresa. Here, you have the option to visit the enchanting Borromean Islands, with the splendid Isola Bella being the star attraction, known for its exquisite gardens and palace (note that the palace is closed in the winter). We will have time for lunch before we continue our journey to Verona.

Your day in Verona begins with time to explore this captivating city, famously known as the setting for the tale of Romeo and Juliet. After soaking in the romantic atmosphere, we depart for Venice, aiming to arrive around 1:00 p.m. Upon reaching the City of Canals, we'll embark on a scenic boat trip to the iconic St. Mark's Square. Here, you'll enjoy a guided walking tour, which includes a visit to observe the renowned Murano glassmakers at work. After the tour, take some leisure time to wander at your own pace�perhaps you'd like to indulge in a classic gondola ride along the serene canals. You'll stay overnight in the Mestre district, providing a convenient and comfortable ending to your Venetian adventure.

After enjoying breakfast, our tour concludes, leaving you with cherished memories of your adventure.