Roman Ruins to Swiss Peaks Adventure - 9 Days

Welcome to Rome! Upon your arrival, we�ll arrange your transfer to the hotel. Later, our guide will greet you, providing essential information for your stay. You can also find additional details on the information board at the hotel reception. In the evening, we'll introduce you to the vibrant city with a visit to Via Cavour. This bustling area is a perfect start to your Roman adventure, with a wide array of restaurants offering Italian, Indian, Chinese, and international cuisine. 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 will embark on a three-hour tour of Rome, experiencing the rich history and magnificent architecture of this iconic city. Our exploration includes a walking tour through Imperial Rome and a scenic bus ride through the city. Along the way, we will visit renowned landmarks such as the Arch of Constantine, observe the Colosseum's exterior and the Imperial Forums, and drive past the Circus Maximus and the Baths of Caracalla. The tour also includes stops at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, the Pyramid of Cestius, and Castel Sant'Angelo, offering a glimpse into Rome's historical grandeur. We conclude at Vatican City around 11:00 a.m. Here, our guide will provide an optional tour of the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel for those interested.

In the evening, we will transport you to the vibrant Trastevere neighbourhood, famed for its inviting restaurants and lively ambiance, where you can choose from various dining options. We will return to the hotel around 8:30 p.m., concluding an enriching day in one of the world's most fascinating cities.

Today, we depart from Rome, heading north to Florence while enjoying the beautiful scenery en route. Upon arrival in Florence, we will go straight to the magnificent Piazzale Michelangelo, offering unparalleled views of the cityscape. From there, we will proceed on foot towards the historic centre, where you will have time for lunch amidst the captivating atmosphere. Our local expert will then guide us on a walking tour through Florence�s historic heart, exploring iconic sites such as the Ponte Vecchio, the impressive Duomo, and the vibrant Piazza della Signoria, all set against the backdrop of this open-air museum of a city. Afterward, you�ll have free time to delve deeper into Florence at your own pace. In the evening, you will find a multitude of dining options available, with restaurants serving a wide array of international cuisines.

Today, we will traverse the picturesque Apennines, taking in the splendid mountain landscapes as we make our way to the enchanting city of Venice. Upon arrival, we will embark on a boat across the Giudecca Canal to reach the heart of the island. In Venice, accompanied by a local guide, we will visit the magnificent St. Mark's Square, renowned for its stunning architecture and vibrant atmosphere. Following this, we shall tour the Murano Glass Factory, where you'll have the opportunity to witness the intriguing traditional glass-blowing techniques that the Venetian artisans have mastered over centuries. Later, you'll have some free time to wander and discover Venice's charm at your own pace. Our accommodation tonight will be in the Mestre district, providing convenient access to both the island and mainland attractions.

We leave Venice behind and journey towards Austria. Upon reaching Innsbruck, you�ll have the opportunity to explore the enchanting historic centre of this charming alpine city. Enjoy some leisure time for lunch amidst the stunning architecture and mountain views. Afterwards, we continue our drive through the picturesque Tyrolean landscapes, crossing into Switzerland, and eventually reaching Zurich.

Today, you'll experience the dramatic beauty of Switzerland's views, with mountainous landscapes and serene lakes in the Interlaken region. Our first destination is Grindelwald, where we'll pause for a coffee before ascending the mountain via cable car. At the top, you'll have the option to traverse a scenic path leading to a suspended bridge, boasting spectacular vistas of the surrounding glaciers for those who choose to cross. Also included is a delightful lunch on the mountain.

Following our descent, we proceed to Lucerne, celebrated as one of Switzerland's most picturesque cities. Here, you'll have free time to explore and soak in the charming cityscape. Later, we reconvene for our return journey to Zurich. For those interested, our guide offers an optional morning excursion to Mount Titlis, where you can ride a rotating cable car to over 3,000 metres above sea level, providing stunning views of glaciers and the Alps.

We will depart Zurich early in the morning, traversing the scenic Alps to reach the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland. Our first destination is Bellinzona, a city famed for its trio of medieval castles, all recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These magnificent fortifications, perched high above the city, boast a rich historical legacy as key defensive positions in the Alps. You will have some leisure time to explore the charming streets of Bellinzona's centre at your own pace.

Our journey then takes us into Italy, where we stop at the delightful town of Como for lunch. Known as the jewel of Lombardy, Como is celebrated for its enchanting lakeside gardens and its stunning cathedral, which provides a captivating backdrop. After enjoying the beautiful surroundings and a relaxing meal, we proceed to Milan. There, our guide will introduce us to the impressive Piazza del Duomo, allowing you some time to wander and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of this iconic square. Afterwards, we'll transfer you to your hotel for a restful evening.

Today, we will journey on to Pisa, an essential stop on our itinerary. Upon arrival, we'll hop onto a charming little tourist train that will whisk us to the splendid Piazza dei Miracoli, where you'll have the chance to marvel at one of Italy's most renowned art complexes. This iconic square is home to the equally famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, which offers a dazzling sight for photographers and history enthusiasts alike. Following our visit to Pisa, we�ll continue on to Rome, reaching the city later in the day, ready to explore even more of its wonders.

As your journey concludes, you'll enjoy breakfast in Rome, reflecting on the unforgettable experiences and memories you've gathered along the way. From the historical wonders of the Eternal City to the serene landscapes of Switzerland and the vibrant culture of Italy, we hope this adventure has inspired and delighted you. Safe travels and we look forward to welcoming you on another journey in the future.