Best of Italy - From £2,515

Europe Italy
OVERVIEW
Discover the Best of Italy, from the ancient treasures of Rome to Renaissance Florence and everything in between. Imagine walking in the footsteps of St Francis in Assisi, lapping up the chic lifestyle on Capri, and taking a private guided visit to Pompeii to see a Roman city frozen in time.
EXPERIENCES
Assisi: With a Local Specialist, find out why the Basilica of St. Francis is considered to be one of the crowning artistic achievements of 13th-century Europe.

Capri: Join a Local Specialist for a guided walk through Capri’s elegant lanes and vibrant squares. Hear how this island has long attracted artists, writers and Hollywood icons. Visit historic landmarks and local boutiques, and discover how generations of islanders have lived alongside the glamour, from Roman emperors to the jet-set names of the 1950s and beyond.

Como: Enjoy free time in Como to explore your way. Known for its Alpine backdrop and lakeside setting, Como offers cafe-lined squares, quiet lanes and waterfront views. 

Enjoy an after-hours visit to the Basilica of Santa Maria in Cosmedin. Get up close to the legendary Mouth of Truth, an ancient Roman marble mask said to bite any liar who places their hand in the mask’s mouth. Dare to test the legend yourself and take one of the city’s most coveted photos.

Florence: Join a Local Specialist to view the multi-coloured marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery, adorned by Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise. Visit the political heart of the city, Signoria Square.

Florence: See the area around Santa Croce Basilica, famous for the quality of its luxury goods, and witness a gold and leatherwork demonstration.

Florence: Stop at the Florence American Cemetery and Memorial. Framed by wooded hills, view the memorial marked by symmetrical rows of 4, 392 headstones and towering pylon monument.

Milan: See Milan's central highlights.

Modena: Travel through the lush landscape of Emilia-Romagna, past hilltop towns and agricultural lands.

Pisa: In the Piazza dei Miracoli, see the baptistery, cathedral and the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.

Pompeii: Walk with a Local Specialist through the cobbled streets of this ill-fated town, frozen in time since the 1st century.

Rome: Be inspired by the magnificence of Michelangelo and Botticelli at the Vatican Museums.

Rome: Discover ancient treasures of Rome with a Local Specialist. See Circus Maximus and visit the mighty Colosseum, which bears witness to the limitless courage of the gladiators.

Rome: During an orientation with your Travel Director see the medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches scattered throughout the city.

Rome: In the Vatican City visit St Peter's Basilica with a Local Specialist. Witness the early genius of Michelangelo as you take in the Pietà.

San Gimignano: Visit the medieval Manhattan of Italy as you explore the UNESCO-listed centre of San Gimignano and admire the city's distinctive towers. 
DEPARTURE DATES AND PRICES
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02/04/2027 14/04/2027 £3,950   Book
04/04/2027 16/04/2027 £4,250   Book
09/04/2027 21/04/2027 £4,250   Book
11/04/2027 23/04/2027 £3,555 Book
13/04/2027 25/04/2027 £3,595 Book
18/04/2027 30/04/2027 £3,577 Book
20/04/2027 02/05/2027 £3,595 Book
23/04/2027 05/05/2027 £3,950 Book
25/04/2027 07/05/2027 £3,975 Book
28/04/2027 10/05/2027 £3,555 Book
30/04/2027 12/05/2027 £3,950 Book
02/05/2027 14/05/2027 £3,555 Book
04/05/2027 16/05/2027 £4,025 Book
05/05/2027 17/05/2027 £3,555 Book
07/05/2027 19/05/2027 £3,995 Book
09/05/2027 21/05/2027 £3,622 Book
11/05/2027 23/05/2027 £4,050 Book
14/05/2027 26/05/2027 £3,995 Book
16/05/2027 28/05/2027 £3,555 Book
18/05/2027 30/05/2027 £4,025 Book
21/05/2027 02/06/2027 £3,950 Book
23/05/2027 04/06/2027 £3,555 Book
25/05/2027 06/06/2027 £4,025 Book
26/05/2027 07/06/2027 £3,995 Book
28/05/2027 09/06/2027 £3,975 Book
30/05/2027 11/06/2027 £3,595 Book
01/06/2027 13/06/2027 £3,995   Book
02/06/2027 14/06/2027 £3,950   Book
04/06/2027 16/06/2027 £3,555 Book
06/06/2027 18/06/2027 £3,577 Book
08/06/2027 20/06/2027 £4,025   Book
11/06/2027 23/06/2027 £3,555 Book
13/06/2027 25/06/2027 £3,577 Book
15/06/2027 27/06/2027 £4,025   Book
18/06/2027 30/06/2027 £3,555 Book
20/06/2027 02/07/2027 £3,950   Book
22/06/2027 04/07/2027 £3,577 Book
25/06/2027 07/07/2027 £3,925 Book
29/06/2027 11/07/2027 £3,555 Book
02/07/2027 14/07/2027 £3,875   Book
04/07/2027 16/07/2027 £3,487 Book
06/07/2027 18/07/2027 £3,950   Book
09/07/2027 21/07/2027 £3,875   Book
11/07/2027 23/07/2027 £3,505 Book
16/07/2027 28/07/2027 £3,875   Book
18/07/2027 30/07/2027 £3,487 Book
20/07/2027 01/08/2027 £3,925   Book
23/07/2027 04/08/2027 £3,825   Book
25/07/2027 06/08/2027 £3,465 Book
01/08/2027 13/08/2027 £3,465 Book
03/08/2027 15/08/2027 £3,895   Book
06/08/2027 18/08/2027 £3,825   Book
08/08/2027 20/08/2027 £3,487 Book
13/08/2027 25/08/2027 £3,825   Book
15/08/2027 27/08/2027 £3,465 Book
17/08/2027 29/08/2027 £3,925   Book
20/08/2027 01/09/2027 £3,825   Book
22/08/2027 03/09/2027 £3,465 Book
24/08/2027 05/09/2027 £3,895   Book
27/08/2027 08/09/2027 £3,505 Book
29/08/2027 10/09/2027 £3,975 Book
31/08/2027 12/09/2027 £4,325   Book
01/09/2027 13/09/2027 £4,195 Book
03/09/2027 15/09/2027 £3,735 Book
05/09/2027 17/09/2027 £3,735 Book
07/09/2027 19/09/2027 £4,250 Book
08/09/2027 20/09/2027 £4,195 Book
10/09/2027 22/09/2027 £4,150 Book
12/09/2027 24/09/2027 £4,150 Book
14/09/2027 26/09/2027 £4,250 Book
17/09/2027 29/09/2027 £3,735 Book
19/09/2027 01/10/2027 £4,150 Book
21/09/2027 03/10/2027 £4,225 Book
24/09/2027 06/10/2027 £4,150 Book
26/09/2027 08/10/2027 £3,735 Book
28/09/2027 10/10/2027 £4,195 Book
01/10/2027 13/10/2027 £4,150 Book
03/10/2027 15/10/2027 £3,735 Book
05/10/2027 17/10/2027 £4,195 Book
08/10/2027 20/10/2027 £4,150 Book
10/10/2027 22/10/2027 £3,735 Book
12/10/2027 24/10/2027 £4,150 Book
15/10/2027 27/10/2027 £4,150 Book
17/10/2027 29/10/2027 £3,735 Book
24/10/2027 05/11/2027 £4,150 Book
31/10/2027 12/11/2027 £3,150 Book
ITINERARY

Ciao Roma! Explore this imperial city of emperors and senators, gods and goddesses before joining your Travel Director for an introduction to the 'Eternal City'. Arrive at Basilica Santa Maria in Cosmedin for a private after-hours visit to the Mouth of Truth. See the church, crypt and relics of the famous saint of love, Valentine, and learn about the legend of the Mouth of Truth. This evening, enjoy dinner with your travel companions.

The Holy See takes centre stage today as you join a Local Specialist to explore the Vatican Museums. Admire the frescoed ceiling of the Sistine Chapel and see Michelangelo’s Pietà inside St. Peter’s Basilica. Then cross the Tiber into Ancient Rome for a guided visit to the Colosseum, once home to epic spectacles. View the Circus Maximus, where chariots once raced in front of thousands. This afternoon is yours to explore—relax at a sidewalk cafe, visit a local museum or enjoy a gelato in the Piazza Navona. Please note: On some departures, access to St. Peter’s Basilica may be restricted due to the Papal Audience. You’ll still have time to take in the atmosphere of St. Peter’s Square during your visit to Vatican City.

Journey south to the well-preserved ruins of Pompeii. Here you join a Local Specialist who will share details of the devastation caused by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius as you wander through the ancient paved roads of a city that was frozen in time. Later, arrive at your hotel in the town of Sorrento where you’ll dine tonight.

Cross the Bay of Naples today by ferry to the glamorous Isle of Capri to visit some of its landmark sights. Wander past the chic boutiques and pavement cafes in Capri town in the company of a Local Specialist before taking your time to soak up the sophistication of this lovely island. Later, return to the mainland.

Marvel at the beauty of the Bay of Naples and mighty Vesuvius as you leave the Sorrento coastline. Glimpse the Benedictine Abbey of Cassino perched high on the mountain peak, known as the site of the Battle of Monte Cassino in 1944, before heading north to the slopes of Mount Subasio. Arrive in the mystical town of Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis, under whose protection this medieval city is said to remain. Join your Local Specialist for a visit to the Basilica of St. Francis, before some free time to explore this fascinating hilltop town.

Journey through the glorious countryside of the Emilia Romagna region. This area is renowned for its gastronomy and is credited with being the origin of tortellini, mortadella and parmesan cheese. Travel to Verona, the home of Shakespeare's star-crossed lovers, to admire the ancient Roman arena and Piazza Brà. Arrive later into beautiful Venice, the 'Queen of the Adriatic', to spend time admiring this unique city.

Cruise your way through Venice by private launch to soak up the sights and sounds of what was once one of the world's greatest ports. Your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with the glassblowing artisans of Venice follows. Watch as they share their centuries-old glassmaking traditions. Your visit helps to preserve this delicate craft for which Venice is justifiably famous and you’ll want to remember your visit by purchasing a souvenir or two to display at home. From there, continue past the Bridge of Sighs and the Doge's Palace to St. Mark's Square to view the impressive square and basilica. Consider an optional experience to see the colourful fishermen's houses on the Island of Burano or search for a cosy bacaro and indulge in some tasty Venetian treats, starting with that refreshing Venetian Spritz which is the local drink of choice.

Cross the green plains of Lombardy to sophisticated Milan, Italy's capital of design and fashion. See the intricate Gothic Duomo, La Scala Opera House and the famous Galleria. Later arrive in the Italian Lakes where you'll enjoy a dinner with your fellow travelling companions.

The blue waters of Lake Como beckon this morning. Enjoy free time to take in the lakeside setting, or join an Optional Experience in Como to hear the stories behind Villa Olmo and the grand estates that line the shore, with time for a walk along the waterfront. Later, spend time in your lakeside resort or join an Optional Experience to discover the palace and gardens of Isola Bella. This evening, venture by private boat to a secluded island on Lake Maggiore to Connect with Locals over dinner at a Be My Guest experience. Join the Cinque family and hear the story of Villa Toscanini, once the hideaway of Arturo Toscanini, one of Italy’s most influential conductors.

Tuscany lures you across the forested Apennine Mountains, past the marble quarries of Carrara to the famous city of Pisa and its Square of Miracles where you'll enjoy an opportunity to view the Leaning Tower. Your next stop is Florence, the 'Cradle of the Renaissance'.

Delve into the extravagant history of the Medici family, whose legacy of art and architecture is explored in the company of a Local Specialist. Visit Piazza della Signoria with its exquisite statues and palazzi and enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the beautiful skyline of Florence, dominated by the elegant Duomo and the almost 700-year-old Ponte Vecchio, from Piazzale Michelangelo.

This morning, stop at the Florence American Cemetery and Memorial. Continuing south, visit the charming Tuscan hill-town of San Gimignano, with its extraordinary medieval architecture and rich history. Venture to the centre of town to view the Piazza del Duomo, surrounded by medieval towers and 13th-century city walls. This evening in Rome, enjoy dinner in the company of newfound friends and your Travel Director.

Bid a fond ciao to your newfound friends as your discovery of the best of Italy comes to an end.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
  • All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
  • All porterage and restaurant gratuities
  • An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
  • Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
  • Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
  • Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
  • Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
  • Must-see sightseeing
  • On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised
  • Optional Experiences and free time
  • Return cruise to the Isle of Capri
ACCOMMODATION
DAY 1: Una - Meals: Dinner
DAY 2: Una - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 3: Johanna Park, Art Gran Paradiso - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 4: Johanna Park, Art Gran Paradiso - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 5: Grand Assisi - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 6: Biasutti - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7: Biasutti - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 8: Simplon - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 9: Simplon - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 10: FH55 Grand Hotel Mediterraneo - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 11: FH55 Grand Hotel Mediterraneo - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 12: Shangri-La Roma - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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