17 Days ~ Italy

Tour Pace
This tour is well paced with an exceptional three-night stay in Sorrento at the start of the tour and two-night stays in all other cities except Orvieto. The majority of the driving days are not too long, with convenient stops at places of interest along the way for refreshments and sightseeing.

DAY 1 – FRI – DEPART USA
Overnight flight to Rome.

DAY 2 – SAT – ROME AT LEISURE
Welcome to Rome! On arrival at Rome’s Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport, there are complimentary transfers to the tour hotel. Then there is time to relax and begin to enjoy La Dolce Vita (the sweet life). Later, join your Tour Director and fellow passengers for a Welcome Drink.
Hotel: Sheraton.

DAY 3 – SUN – ROME – SORRENTO
Visit the formidable Abbey of Monte Cassino, carefully rebuilt after the epic battle of 1944, and still dominating the surrounding countryside from its mountain top setting. Stop at the nearby Commonwealth War Cemetery before continuing on to Pompeii. Here a local guide will walk you through the streets of this Roman resort buried by an eruption of Vesuvius in AD79. A cliff-top drive leads to Sorrento.
Hotel: La Pace. (BB,D)

DAY 4 – MON – AMALFI COASTAL DRIVE
There are plenty of photo opportunities as you travel along Italy’s finest coastline, the Amalfi Coast. Stop for a bird’s-eye view of the terraced houses of Positano before boarding minibuses to explore the heart of the town. There’s time to be tempted by the boutiques before heading back to Sorrento. Consider dining at one of Sorrento’s top restaurants. (BB)

DAY 5 – TUE – ISLE OF CAPRI EXCURSION
For 2,000 years, Capri has beckoned visitors from Tiberius Caesar to Gracie Fields. Arriving at the Marina Grande by boat, ascend to Capri Town by funicular railway. There is time to browse in the elegant shops and enjoy the fabulous views. You can also join an optional excursion to Anacapri before returning to Sorrento. (BB)

DAY 6 – WED – SORRENTO – ORVIETO
Travel north to the celebrated wine town of Frascati and continue to Castel Gandolfo to see the Pope’s summer residence. Then to the hilltop town of Orvieto where an orientation tour shows you the Cathedral with its richly decorated façade.
Hotel: Aquila Bianca. (BB)

DAY 7 – THU – ORVIETO – ASSISI – PERUGIA
After crossing the River Tiber, arrive at St Mary of the Angels Basilica, erected where St Francis died, before continuing on to hill-top Assisi to visit the Basilica. Stroll down the Via San Francesco to St Clare’s church, then see the Cathedral with its baptismal font where St Francis was christened. Take time to explore or shop before continuing on to the lovely city of Perugia for two nights.
Hotel: San Gallo Palace. (BB,D)

DAY 8 – FRI – PERUGIA SIGHTSEEING
This morning a walking tour introduces you to the Exchange Building, Priors’ Palace, Great Fountain and Cathedral. Later there is time at leisure in this beautiful, historic town. (BB)

DAY 9 – SAT – PERUGIA – VENICE
Travel through the Apennine Mountains to the city of Ravenna, the meeting point of Roman, Christian and Byzantine cultures. Visit the church of St Apollinaris in Classe to see the dazzling mosaics, before continuing along the Adriatic coastal plain to your hotel on the renowned Venice Lido.
Hotel: Hungaria Palace. (BB,D)

DAY 10 – SUN – VENICE AT LEISURE
Cruise by private launch to St Mark’s basin to see the Bridge of Sighs connected to the Doges’ Palace. Stroll to St Mark’s Square to admire the Byzantine Basilica, before watching a glass-blowing demonstration. Enjoy a Highlight gondola ride through the canals. The rest of the day is at leisure in this remarkable city. (BB)

DAY 11 – MON – VENICE – FLORENCE
Journey to Florence, cradle of the Renaissance. On a walking tour, see the marble clad Cathedral, belltower and the Gates of Paradise on the Baptistery before continuing to Signoria Square. Visit the Basilica of Santa Croce to see Michelangelo’s tomb and finish with a Florentine leatherwork demonstration.
Hotel: Sheraton. (BB,D)

DAY 12 – TUE – FLORENCE SIGHTSEEING
With a local guide, admire some of Michelangelo’s work in the Academy Gallery, including his original statue of David and the half-completed Four Slaves. Afterwards, relax, shop or continue sightseeing. (BB)

DAY 13 – WED – FLORENCE – CHIANCIANO TERME
A delightful drive leads to San Gimignano. Admire the Salucci Towers, Chigi Towers and Cathedral before continuing to Siena. Stroll through the cobbled streets with a local guide to the Campo Square to see the ‘Fonte Gaia’, then continue to the zebra-striped cathedral. Follow the Tuscan country roads to the spa town of Chianciano Terme.
Hotel: Grand. (BB)

DAY 14 – THU – MONTEPULCIANO EXCURSION
Visit beautiful Montepulciano, one of Tuscany’s highest hill towns, its fortifications offering broad views over Umbria and Southern Tuscany. (BB,D)

DAY 15 – FRI – CHIANCIANO TERME – ROME
Visit Tarquinia’s Archeological Museum and view the Etruscan tombs on the return journey to Rome. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Hotel: Cicerone. (BB)

DAY 16 – SAT – ROME SIGHTSEEING
With your guide, visit the vast collection of art in the Vatican Museums and the exquisite Sistine Chapel. Next door, tour St Peter’s Basilica, seeing Michelangelo’s masterpiece, the Pieta. On the opposite side of the Tiber explore ancient Rome as you visit the Colosseum and see the Forum. There is time in the afternoon to relax or explore. In the evening, enjoy a last night celebration Highlight Dinner with your new-found friends. (BB,HD)

DAY 17 – SUN – RETURN TO USA
The tour ends with transfers to Rome’s Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport. (BB)