Italy’s Treasures
When we think of Italy many things come to mind, such as food, wine, history, art and friendly people. This tour focuses on those very things that make this country so special. The regions you will visit on this tour are amongst the most beautiful in Italy, featuring rolling hills, olive groves, vineyards, castles, villas, history, and charming historic centers.
Select your Own Departure Date
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Rome: guided walking tour of Colosseum and Roman Forum or Panoramic Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Tour
- Florence: Guided tour of the Duomo, Piazza della Signoria, local markets, viewpoint
- Tuscany: Time to Enjoy the Tuscan Countryside (with your own rental car)
- Winery: Visit with Tastings (with your own rental car)
- Amalfi/Sorrento: Time to Enjoy Sorrento and explore the Amalfi Coast
- Venice: visits to St. Mark’s Square, Grand Canal, and Rialto Bridge.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival Day, Rome
- Arrive Rome Fiumicino Airport, arrival transfer to hotel.
- Check-in to your city center hotel (if room is not available for early check in, bags may be at reception area).
- Time with a quick bite nearby (suggestions will be offered).
- TOUR WITH LOCAL GUIDE. Head out for a panoramic tour of Rome and get off in as many locations as you like to explore the major site. Or you can choose to take part in a guided Colosseum tour and Roman Forum tour.
- Afterwards you may wish to continue your walk towards the Trevi Fountain, Piazza di Spagna with its Spanish Steps, the Pantheon, and Piazza Navona.
- Return to the hotel to freshen up before dinner.
- Dinner on your own.
Day 2 - Rome
- Breakfast at hotel.
- We recommend a self-guided visit to the Vatican Museums (with audio guide systems) and St. Peters Basilica.
- Time to explore the area and visit Castel Santangelo and the Tiber River nearby.
- Return to the hotel.
- Dinner at leisure this evening but recommendations will be offered.
Day 3 - Rome – Pompeii- Sorrento
- Breakfast at hotel.
- Depart for Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast (pick up rental car).
- Upon arriving in the Bay of Naples, you may choose to stop in Pompeii to experience this ancient Roman city and learn about Roman life prior to the famous eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 78 A.D.
- With Mt. Vesuvius as the backdrop, begin your journey towards the Amalfi Coast.
- Arrive Sorrento, check in at hotel, and time to take a stroll down its charming colorful and panoramic streets.
- Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant this evening by the port area or in town with beautiful views of the Bay of Naples (suggestions will be offered).
Day 4 - Sorrento- Capri
- Breakfast at hotel.
- Today you may wish to visit the nearby island of Capri with an optional guided tour from Sorrento. Start off with a scenic ferry ride from Sorrento, and then explore both Capri and Anacapri, along with its scenic squares and beautiful boutiques.
- Stop for lunch at one of the many pizzerias or trattorias (suggestions will be provided, not included). You may also choose to visit the lush Gardens of Augustus, overlooking the Amalfi Coast after lunch.
- Or you can enjoy the day in Sorrento and admire the gorgeous panoramic view. Venture into the historic center with time for shopping and an afternoon passeggiata, as the Italian's do.
Day 5 - Sorrento- Amalfi Coast
- Breakfast at hotel.
- Take the day to explore the charming towns along the Amalfi Coast, including the elegant Positano, Amalfi, and even some of the smaller ones, like Minori with time to enjoy lunch at one of its many restaurants (suggestions will be offered). If you don't want to drive yourself, we can set you up with an optional guided tour departing from Sorrento.
- Try some of the local gelato or limoncello at one of the many stops along the way!
- Return to Sorrento to enjoy a free afternoon.
Day 6 - Sorrento-Sienna- Tuscany
- Breakfast at hotel.
- Depart for Tuscany this morning with a scenic drive across 4 of Italy most picturesque regions: Campagna, Lazlo, Umbria, and Tuscany!
- Before arriving at your hotel, you may want to stop in Siena, one of Tuscany most spectacular hill towns. Discover the beauty and culture of this city, with visits to the shell-shaped Piazza del Campo, the cathedral or Duomo (entrance optional), and other historic gems.
- Head towards Figline Valdarno and check into your hotel in the beautiful Chianti countryside.
- You may wish to enjoy a Tuscan dinner this evening at the Villa restaurant, featuring some of the region's best dishes and Tuscan wines.
Day 7 - Florence
- Breakfast at hotel.
- Take the train or drive over to Florence.
- Spend the day in Florence, where you well meet a local guide and visit the main attractions, such as the Piazza della Signoria, Piazza del Duomo, the Ponte Vecchio, and the cities great handicraft and food markets.
- Visit Michelangelo David at the Accademia Museum during your free time (optional).
- Enjoy lunch at one of the many restaurants in the heart of the city before returning to your hotel at leisure (suggestions will be provided).
- If you drove in, we may suggest an early evening visit to Fiesole for an aperitivo (before dinner drink), and if you wish, time to dine at one of the town's authentic Tuscan restaurants (not included).
- Return to your Tuscan hotel.
Day 8 - Tuscany- Chianti Winery- Venice
- Breakfast at hotel.
- Meet a local expert this morning that will take you on a Vaporetto (boat) ride along the Grand Canal and introduce you to places like St. Marks Square, the Doges Palace (entrance optional), the Rialto bridge, and tucked away places between bridges and canals.
- Enjoy the rest of the day to visit such places as the Murano (optional), famous for its glassworks, one of the city's main museums, or simply shop its many tiny streets.
- We will offer recommendations for your farewell dinner this last evening.
Day 9 - Venice
- Breakfast at hotel.
- Meet a local expert this morning that will take you on a guided walking tour in St.Mark's Square,the Doges Palace (entrance optional), the Rialto bridge, and tucked away places between bridges and canals..
- Enjoy the rest of the day to visit such places as Murano (optional), famous for its glassworks, one of the city's main museums, or simply shop along its many tiny streets.
- Dinner recommendations will be offered.
Day 10 - Departure
- Breakfast at hotel
- Flight departs out of Venice