Italian Vistas

Ciao, Italy!
Hotel Name: Mediterraneo Hotel

Welcome to Rome. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a special welcome dinner featuring regional delicacies and Italian wines.
Dinner Included

Visit Area: Rome
Rome is the capital of modern Italy and the historical home of one of the great civilizations in history, the Roman Empire. The historical city was founded in 753 BC and has grown to a size of over 3 million inhabitants today. The city is home to major monuments like the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain and many more. The city was built on the seven ancient hills along the Tiber River. Today it is a collection of neighborhoods with vibrant shops, restaurants and museums just waiting to be explored.

Discover the city on a locally guided tour of Classical Rome, passing by the Baths of Caracalla as well as the remains of the ancient Circus Maximus. During an in-depth visit to the Colosseum, your guide recounts its rich history. Meander through Rome’s Renaissance district for a peek at the mythic Pantheon and the oval-shaped Piazza Navona, adorned with Baroque fountains. Spend the evening at leisure. Perhaps you’ll head to the medieval Monti neighborhood where the cobblestoned streets are lined with antique shops, independent boutiques and local restaurants.

Breakfast Included

Admittance: Colosseum
The Colosseum is one of the most recognizable structures of the Roman Empire. The structure was built in the first century AD as a place of celebration for Gladiator games and public spectacles. Today the structure has been preserved and is an open air museum that highlights the architectural expertise of the ancient Romans. Visitors can see the details of the recently cleaned facade made of Travertine marble and view the internal structure of this “Wonder of the World.”

Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore Rome’s cultural treasures. Your Tour Manager will be on hand to offer suggestions. Consider an optional trip to Vatican City to tour the Vatican Museums* and St. Peter’s Basilica. The evening is yours. Perhaps you will join an optional food tour and taste your way around Rome’s bohemian Trastevere district.

Breakfast Included
Hotel Name: Hotel Michelangelo

Visit Area: Ruins of Pompeii
The Roman city of Pompeii is located in the southern region of Campagnia, near Naples. The city was covered by volcanic material in 79AD and forgotten for centuries. When the city was excavated, archeologists found the city to be intact as it had been prior to the eruption. Today visitors walk on the original streets, complete with chariot ruts. The city was made up of a variety of different buildings, including theaters, homes, shops, thermal baths, and temples - all of which can be visited today. In addition everyday objects and precious artifacts have been preserved along with original mosaic and fresco decorations.

Journey to the brilliant Bay of Naples, where charming villages are built into hillsides above the blue sea. In Pompeii, it’s your choice! Soak in 2,000 years of history at your own pace. Pick between a leisurely paced tour of the highlights -OR- a faster paced visit of Pompeii's off-the-beaten-path gems. Pause in nearby Gragnano for a late lunch and visit to a pasta factory. Continue to the scenic resort town of Sorrento,** your home for the next 2 nights.

Breakfast Included
Lunch Included

Admittance: Iconic Pompeii Walking Tour or Leisurely Pompeii Walking Tour
During your visit to Pompeii you have a choice between two walking tours, both guided by a local expert. In both cases you will visit Pompeii's must-see locations such as the excavated ruins of the Forum and the Sanctuary of Apollo. Your first choice will move at a faster pace allowing you to explore also some of Pompeii's off-the-beaten-path gems, such as the vibrant frescoes of the Suburban Baths. Your second choice will move at a more leisurely pace, focusing exclusively on the highlights of this vast archeological site. Iconic Pompeii Walking Tour Activity Level: 3 Two hour walking tour over cobblestones and uneven terrain. Approximately 1.5 miles of walking. This walking tour takes travelers to the must-see sites of Pompei as well as some 'off the beaten path' sites such as the Suburban Thermal Baths. The group will move at a faster pace, allowing travelers to see more of this vast archeological site. Leisurely Pompeii Walking Tour Activity Level: 2 90 minute slow walking tour over cobblestones and uneven terrain. Approximately 0.9 mile of walking. This walking tour showcases all the must-see attractions of Pompeii at a slower pace, allowing more time to negotiate the inclines, large cobblestones and steep sidewalks of the ancient city.

Today, sail to the enchanting Isle of Capri.*** Upon arrival, admire the island’s iconic scenery on a panoramic cruise,*** passing by the steep cliffs, endless small caves, and the famous Faraglioni rocks, jutting out of the water. Spend time in Capri town with its world-famous piazzetta and explore this island paradise of chic boutiques, lush vegetation, and outdoor cafés. Return to Sorrento in the late afternoon for an evening at leisure.

Breakfast Included
Hotel Name: Grand Hotel Baglioni

Visit Area: Sorrento
The north side of the Sorrento peninsula is the Sorrento Coast, named after the largest city and tourist center, Sorrento. The Sorrento Coast is home to panoramic views of shear cliffs, small rocky beaches and terraced gardens of olive and lemon trees. The town of Sorrento is a tourist’s delight, complete with excellent shopping, quaint cafes and elegant restaurants.

Head through Tuscany, with its landscape of vineyards and olive groves. Experience Florence, the “Cradle of the Renaissance.” Home to Italy's best art and architecture, here you’ll visit the Academy Gallery to see Michelangelo’s renowned sculpture of David. Tonight, enjoy regional Italian cuisine at a local restaurant.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included

Visit Area: Florence
Florence is the regional capital of Tuscany and home to countless Renaissance masterpieces. The city developed great wealth during the late Middle Ages and was the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance that produced great artists like Michelangelo, Raphael, Brunelleschi and many others. Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with numerous museums, stunning architecture and charming piazzas. The city offers something for everyone from culture, to great food and excellent shopping (like their famous gold or leather).

Embark on a locally guided tour of Florence, highlighting the Piazza del Duomo and the famous Gates of Paradise on the Baptistery. Wander through the Piazza della Signoria and stand in awe before the imposing Palazzo Vecchio. The rest of the day is yours. Consider an optional excursion to the 14th-century Certosa monastery, featuring an after-hours tour and dinner in a popular Tuscan restaurant.

Breakfast Included
Hotel Name: NH Venezia Santa Lucia

Admittance: Statue of David
The Statue of David by Michelangelo is one the most famous Renaissance sculptures in the world. The statue is housed in Florence’s Accademia Gallery along with other works by Michelangelo. The statue depicts the biblical hero David as a young man. It was commissioned at the turn of the 16th Century as part of a project for the Florence Cathedral, but it was instead placed in the public square. In the late 1800’s it was moved to its current home.

Visit the ancient maritime Republic of Pisa to discover the Piazza Dei Miracoli and the famous Leaning Tower. A special stop is made at a Tuscan winery and farm to enjoy lunch and sample local wines and specialties. Next, cross the Apennine Mountains en route to Venice, where 117 islands are connected by a latticework of 150 canals and 400 bridges.

Breakfast Included
Lunch Included

Visit Area: Leaning Tower of Pisa
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of four monuments built in Pisa’s “Field of Miracles.” The other monuments include Italy’s largest baptistry, a cemetery for Pisan Nobility, and the Cathedral. The famous leaning eight story high tower was built as the Cathedral’s bell tower. From the start the tower began to lean as it was built on unstable land. Visitors can admire the beauty of the Pisan Romanesque architecture and align a photo of themselves holding up the tower.

Embark on a boat trip**** to Murano Island for a glass-blowing demonstration. When you return, step off the beaten path and see for yourself how the locals live. Explore the Castello district with a local expert, walking canal by canal through the narrow streets all the way to St. Mark’s Square. Admire the stunning Basilica and the ornate façade of the Doge’s Palace. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Consider an optional gondola cruise to experience Venice’s most famous pastime.

Breakfast Included
Hotel Name: Regina Palace Hotel

Admittance: Tuscan Winery
Italy is famous for its wines. The Tuscany region is home to numerous vineyards producing a variety of different wines. Many of these wineries are small, family owned operations. The majority of the wine produced in Tuscany is red wine. During a tour of a local winery, guests can learn about the wine making process from vine to bottle. The family is onsite to answer questions.

Depart Venice for Verona and stroll the streets that were the backdrop for Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. Arrive in the resort town of Stresa in the breathtaking Italian Lakes District, your home for the next two nights, and admire the beautiful views of Lake Maggiore.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included

Visit Area: Venice
Venice is the regional capital of the Veneto region in the northeast section of Italy. Venice has a unique design like no other city, built on over a hundred different islands in the center of the Venetian Lagoon. Early Venetians built their city on the islands to escape barbarian invaders. The islands of the city are separated by numerous small canals and connected by hundreds of small bridges. The city is famous for its romantic gondola-filled canals and ornate palaces that line the Grand Canal. The famous glass factories of Venice are located on Murano Island. Today the Murano Islands are home to a dwindling number of glass factories, whose artists are producing handmade Murano Glass.

Today, it’s your choice! Take a boat across Lake Maggiore to Isola Bella, where you’ll join an expert guide and venture into the Borromeo Palace and gardens***** -OR- cross into Switzerland as your motor coach climbs up the Simplon Pass for a taste of the Swiss Alps. Tonight, travel by boat to Isola dei Pescatori****** for a farewell dinner surrounded by beautiful scenery.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included

Visit Area: Murano Island
Murano is located in northern Italy and houses important attractions such as, the Church of Santa Maria e San Donato, the chapel of the Ballarin family, and artworks by Giovanni Bellini. The island is primarily known for their history in glass production. It became Italy’s glass art capital in 1291. The community of glassblowers was relocated by the government to Murano. Glass making originally began in Venice; however, because the houses were made out of wood, the government deemed it too risky because of the kilns constantly going.

Your Italian adventure comes to a close today.

Breakfast Included

Visit Area: Verona
Verona is a charming city in northern Italy, built along the Adige River. The city is the setting of Shakespeare’s famous Romeo and Juliet. A small stone house in the city center is said to be the home of the fictional heroine. In the courtyard of the home, below a small balcony, is a bronze statue of Juliet that tourists pose with for a photo. The city is also home to a mix of beautiful buildings ranging from a Roman amphitheater to medieval palaces.