Romantic Icons and Italian Beauty - 7 Days

Welcome to Milan! Upon arrival, we'll provide a transfer to your hotel, after which you'll have some free time to explore at your leisure. Take a stroll and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of this dynamic city. In the afternoon, be sure to check the information boards at the hotel reception for details about the start of your tour. Enjoy your first evening in Milan, a city renowned for its blend of historical charm and modern sophistication. 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 Day 2, we will explore one of Europe's most picturesque areas, the Italian Lakes Region. Our journey begins with a visit to Lake Orta in the charming medieval town of Orta San Giulio. We will take a delightful train ride to the town's historic heart, followed by a serene boat journey to San Giulio Island, home to a tranquil monastery. The tour continues to Lake Maggiore with a stop in the delightful town of Stresa. Here, you may choose to visit the Borromean Islands; in particular, Isola Bella is highly recommended for its exquisite gardens and palace�note that the palace is closed during the winter months. After enjoying some time for lunch, we will make our way to Verona, ready to delve into more Italian splendour.

You'll have the morning to explore Verona, a city bursting with romantic charm as the legendary setting for Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. Later, we'll make our way to Venice, arriving around 1:00 p.m. We�ll start with a scenic boat trip to St. Mark�s Square, offering you a picturesque introduction to this iconic city. From there, enjoy a guided walking tour of Venice, famously known as the City of Canals, which includes witnessing the art of glassmaking on the island of Murano. Following the tour, you'll have some free time to wander�perhaps indulge in a gondola ride for a unique perspective of the serene canal waters. We�ll then head to the Mestre district for your accommodation.

We commence our journey by setting off for Padua, a renowned destination steeped in spiritual significance, where we will visit the grand Basilica of St. Anthony. Continuing our itinerary, we head towards the splendid Adriatic coast, arriving in San Marino � a delightful independent republic perched on its mountainous fortifications. After enjoying lunch here, we will traverse the scenic Apennine Mountains, marvelling at the breathtaking vistas. Our adventure then leads us to Gubbio, a town noted for its remarkable Palace of the Consuls and the historic 12th-century cathedral. The day concludes as we arrive in the captivating city of Perugia.

We'll embark on a panoramic tour of Perugia, a historic city renowned for its chocolate. Accompanied by a local guide, we'll ascend the moving walkways that traverse the rocky landscape, offering an impressive introduction to this remarkable place. As we explore Perugia's medieval underground city, you'll be enchanted by its stone-paved streets and charming squares. Following our exploration, we'll head towards Rome, arriving in the afternoon. Enjoy the rest of your day discovering the vibrant capital at your leisure.

In the morning, we'll embark on a three-hour guided tour of Rome�one of the oldest and most influential cities in Western civilisation. Our tour will seamlessly blend a walking exploration of Imperial Rome with a panoramic bus ride. You'll have the chance to marvel at iconic landmarks that testify to Rome's rich history. We'll visit the Arch of Constantine, admire the exterior of the Colosseum, and stroll through the Imperial Forums. As we journey through the city, you'll witness the grandeur of the Circus Maximus, the opulence of the Baths of Caracalla, the historical significance of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, and the unique architectural structure of the Pyramid of Cestius. Our tour completes at Castel Sant'Angelo, concluding around 11:00 a.m. at Vatican City. After this, you're invited to join an optional visit to the Vatican Museums and behold the breathtaking frescoes of the Sistine Chapel. Later, we'll provide a transfer to the charming Trastevere neighbourhood, where you can savour a meal at one of the many cosy restaurants and soak up the vibrant atmosphere. We will return to the hotel at approximately 8:30 p.m.

Following breakfast, our tour concludes, and you are free to depart at your leisure. We trust you'll take with you fond and enduring memories of your travels.