Rome to Milan Italian Highlights Journey - 7 Days

Welcome to your tour! Upon your arrival in Rome, we will arrange your transfer to the hotel, offering you some leisure time to relax or explore at your own pace. In the afternoon, you'll find essential details about the commencement of your tour on the notice boards in the hotel reception area. This is a great opportunity to familiarise yourself with the itinerary and the exciting experiences that lie ahead. Enjoy your first taste of Rome and prepare for the adventures to come. 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 start with a captivating three-hour guided exploration of Rome, also known as the Eternal City. Our journey will seamlessly blend a walking tour through the remnants of Imperial Rome with a panoramic bus tour, allowing us to admire one of Western civilisation's most historically significant cities. During our tour, we'll visit key landmarks, including the Arch of Constantine, the majestic exterior of the Colosseum, and the iconic Imperial Forums. We'll also pass by the historic Circus Maximus, the impressive Baths of Caracalla, and the magnificent Basilica of Saint Mary Major. As we continue, we'll view the distinctive Pyramid of Cestius and the historic Castel Sant'Angelo. Our tour concludes at the gates of Vatican City around 11:00 a.m. For those interested, our guide will offer an optional excursion to explore the renowned Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, home to some of Michelangelo's masterpieces.

In the evening, we'll arrange a transfer to the vibrant Trastevere neighbourhood. Known for its inviting restaurants and energetic atmosphere, Trastevere provides the perfect backdrop for you to enjoy dinner at your leisure. We aim to return to the hotel around 8:30 p.m.

On the third day, you have the freedom to explore Rome at your own pace. This is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the city's rich history and vibrant atmosphere. Whether you choose to wander through its ancient streets, visit monumental landmarks, or savour the local cuisine, the day is yours to create unforgettable memories. Enjoy discovering the unique charm and character of Rome's memorable sites on your leisurely adventure.

Today we depart from Rome, travelling northwards through picturesque landscapes en route to Florence. Upon arrival, we head straight to the Michelangelo Viewpoint, where you'll be treated to a breath-taking panoramic view of the city. Following this, we will stroll to the historic city centre. You'll have some free time to enjoy lunch at your leisure before embarking on a guided walking tour with a local expert. As we explore Florence, the renowned cradle of the Renaissance, you'll learn about its rich history and see landmarks associated with greats like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Botticelli. Highlights of our tour include the striking Gothic cathedral, known as the Duomo, the iconic Ponte Vecchio with its traditional goldsmith shops, and Piazza della Signoria, the city's political heart. You'll have the rest of the afternoon to enjoy the city at your own pace. Remember to wear comfortable shoes for the day's explorations.

On Day 5, we set off for Pisa, where a charming tourist train will transport us to the iconic Piazza dei Miracoli, home to the famously tilted Leaning Tower of Pisa. Continuing our adventure, we'll journey to the stunning Ligurian Riviera, celebrated for its breathtaking coastal scenery. Our destination is the Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its five picturesque villages, once almost inaccessible by road and now thriving on tourism. Travelling by local train – tickets included – we'll arrive at one of these enchanting towns, typically Vernazza, though during peak tourist times, we might explore Manarola or Corniglia instead, each offering its own unique charm with fewer crowds. You’ll have the opportunity to savour a leisurely lunch before we hop back on the train to Levanto, where a bus awaits to take us to Genoa. In Genoa, you'll have some free time to wander the historic city centre, a testament to its rich history as a dominant maritime republic during the Middle Ages. Note: The train through Cinque Terre operates as a regular commuter service and not a tourist train, so do expect potential waits due to high demand and the possibility of standing during the journey, particularly during busy travel periods.

We'll journey onwards to Santa Margherita Ligure, a picturesque coastal town where we will board a boat to Portofino, renowned for its exclusivity and beauty. Take a leisurely stroll by the sea and enjoy some free time to explore. Following lunch, we'll proceed to Milan, offering you an opportunity to delve into the elegance of this modern cultural hub in northern Italy. You might want to visit the impressive Gothic cathedral in Piazza del Duomo or the historic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, named after the first king of unified Italy. Please note that from 30th May to 2nd November, tourist buses do not have access to Santa Margherita Ligure; instead, we'll use Rapallo, another charming coastal spot in Liguria, as our embarkation point for Portofino. Be advised that the boat service to Portofino may be unavailable during bad weather or in winter months.

After breakfast, our adventure concludes, leaving you with cherished memories of a memorable journey.