Italian Vistas

Ciao, Italy!

Welcome to Rome. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a special welcome dinner featuring regional delicacies and Italian wines. Today dinner will be included.

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. This evening, consider strolling through the Borghese Gardens for views of the city's skyline or meander through Rome's medieval Campo de' Fiori neighborhood where the cobblestoned streets are lined with antique shops, independent boutiques and local restaurants. Today breakfast will be included.

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. Today breakfast will be included.

*Due to the unpredictable nature of the events schedule at the Vatican, on certain dates it may be necessary to visit the Vatican Museums at a different time. For example, when the Vatican option falls on a Wednesday, the order of included and optional tours may be reversed in order to participate.

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. Today breakfast and lunch will be included.

**On occasion your hotel may be located in one of Sorrento's neighboring towns. In which case you will still visit Sorrento on the day you tour Capri.

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. Today breakfast will be included.

***Your boat trip to Capri may not be available due to inclement weather. If this happens, we will make alternate sightseeing arrangements. In case the scenic boat ride around the Isle of Capri cannot operate, you will visit Anacapri village instead.

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. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

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. Today breakfast will be included.

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. Today breakfast and lunch will be included.

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. Today breakfast will be included.

***Your visit to Murano Island may be substituted with a visit to a local glass factory in Venice in the event of inclement weather.

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. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

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. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

*Isola Bella and the Borromeo Palace are open from April 1 to October 31. On alternate dates, you will enjoy a scenic cruise of the Borromean Islands. *Due to inclement weather in the winter months, your farewell dinner at Isola dei Pescatori may not be possible. Alternate location will be Stresa.

Your Italian adventure comes to a close today. Today breakfast will be included.