Wonders of Italy

Day 1 | Buongiorno Rome

Benvenuti a Roma! Open your heart to a whirlwind of fiery passion, antiquities and hearty flavours crafted by Italian mammas over centuries. Join your Travel Director for an introduction to the 'Eternal City' on an orientation drive to view some of the sights which await us tomorrow. Arrive at Basilica Santa Maria in Cosmedin for a private afterhours visit to the 'Mouth of Truth' without the crowds. See the church, crypt, and relics of the famous saint of love, Valentine. This evening, enjoy a light supper with your travel companions.

Meals: Dinner

Hotel: Il Cantico

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Day 2 | Discover Ancient Rome and the Vatican City

Enjoy an included sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist at the Vatican Museums. Admire the magnificent frescoed ceiling in the Sistine Chapel and the sorrowful Pietà inside St. Peter's Basilica. In Ancient Rome, you'll see the Circus Maximus and visit the mighty Colosseum before enjoying a free afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Il Cantico

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

Piazzas and Fountains - Discover the most enchanting areas of the city with a Local Specialist. Stroll through the maze of narrow streets and picturesque squares in Rome’s historic centre, uncovering famous landmarks and hidden gems in the Eternal City.

You will be offered one of the following two Optional Experiences depending on availability: Roman Evening with Dinner - Tonight, spend a lively evening with us in Rome. After a short drive, arrive at a characteristic trattoria to relax and enjoy a typical Italian meal, soaking up The Eternal City's unique atmosphere all the while.

Roman Delights with Dinner - Tonight, relax and enjoy typical Italian cuisine, soaking up Rome's unique atmosphere in a characteristic trattoria with drinks and music.

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Day 3 | Journey to Lucca

Travel north to Lucca for a sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist to admire the 14 -century San Martino Cathedral and Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, built on the site of an ancient Roman arena. In your free time, relax in Piazza San Michele or ascend one of the city's ancient towers for panoramic views.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Best Western Grand Guinigi

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

Dinner, Wine And Music In The Tuscan Hills - We drive through the Tuscan countryside to a charming family-run winery and olive oil farm, where regional favourites are served accompanied by a selection of local wines and music. A truly unforgettable experience, with an atmosphere that is the essence of all things Tuscan.

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Day 4 | Explore Cinque Terre and Pisa

A sea of pastel pink, yellow and blue houses cling dramatically to the Ligurian cliffs in the villages of the Cinque Terre UNESCO World Heritage Site, which you will explore today on your included excursion. Join a Local Specialist and delve into daily life in these picturesque fishing villages. Later, visit Pisa and its UNESCO-listed 'Square of Miracles' to view the architectural feat that is the Leaning Tower.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Hotel: Best Western Grand Guinigi

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Day 5 | Onwards to San Gimignano and Florence

The gentle Tuscan landscape leads us to our next destination, the hilltop town of San Gimignano, famed for its stunning medieval architecture and historic towers, which stand today as a testament to the wealth and power of aristocratic families who lived here centuries ago. Enjoy a Be My Guest experience in a beautiful familyowned vineyard overlooking the rolling Chianti Hills. You will join the Lenzi family for lunch and wine and olive oil tasting on their farm located on the ancient road between Siena and Florence. Later arrive in Florence for an evening at your leisure.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Hotel: FH55 Grand Hotel Mediterraneo

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Day 6 | Uncover the Treasures of Florence

Discover Renaissance treasures, extraordinary art and exquisite architecture in one of the cultural capitals of the world. Join a Local Specialist who will bring the legacy of the influential Medici family to life. Walk along narrow lanes into expansive piazzas, viewing the magnificent marble Duomo and a replica of the David statue in Piazza della Signoria. View the Ponte Vecchio, almost 700 years old, and admire the spectacular panorama from Piazzale Michelangelo. The rest of the day is yours to explore the 'Cradle of the Renaissance'. Visit the masterpieces of Michelangelo, wander through the architectural wonder of Palazzo Vecchio or shop for high-quality leather and gold.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: FH55 Grand Hotel Mediterraneo

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

You will be offered one of the following two Optional Experiences depending on availability: Michelangelo's 'David' & Accademia - Step inside the Accademia Gallery for a closer look at Michelangelo’s David, one of the world’s most celebrated sculptures. With guidance from your Local Specialist, discover how this Renaissance masterpiece was brought to life and hear the stories behind Michelangelo’s work and legacy in Florence.

* The Accademia is not available on Mondays due to weekly closure day.

Discover Palazzo Vecchio - Marvel at the legacy of the Medici as you visit Palazzo Vecchio, the symbol of Florence's political power for over seven centuries. With your Local Specialist, visit the magnificient 'Hall of the Five Hundred' dedicated to the Medici popes. You’ll also visit rooms decorated with masterpieces by famous artists of the Renaissance, like Michelangelo and Donatello.

Tuscan Dinner at Villa Machiavelli - Through the Chianti hills, you'll drive past vineyards to a delightful hamlet. Our destination is the ancient stone house of Machiavelli, where the great political theorist wrote his immortal work, ‘The Prince'. After a welcome drink and a visit of the villa and its wine-cellars, enjoy the best of Tuscan cuisine accompanied by great music and drinks, including of course, Chianti from the Villa's own vines.

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Day 7 | Admire Verona and on to Venice

Shakespeare's star-crossed lovers are remembered today during our jaunt to the romantic city of Verona where you'll view the 1st-century Roman arena, still used today to host spectacular operatic performances and wander along cobbled streets in the city of star-crossed lovers. Then, venture to Venice, spending your leisure time searching for hidden treasures. Watch the sun set over the Venetian lagoon or perhaps join an optional experience.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Le Boulevard Lido

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

Gondolas & the Grand Canal - Cruise by private water taxi along the Grand Canal, passing the city's iconic palazzi. Spot the Rialto Bridge and arrive near St. Mark's Square before switching pace with a gondola ride through Venice's quieter canals.

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Day 8 | Discover the Floating City

On this morning’s MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience, witness the centuries-old tradition of Venetian glassblowing that has been passed down from generation to generation. You may wish to buy a souvenir to remind you of the talent and skill of the master craftsmen who delight in sharing with visitors how they’re preserving this local craft. You’ll see St. Mark's Basilica, the ornate Doge's Palace and the Bridge of Sighs next, imagining how prisoners felt when they gazed over Venice for the very last time before being imprisoned. Cruise by private launch to see the city's most iconic attractions before enjoying free time to explore the city on your terms. Wander through alleys, over ornate bridges and into quiet campi as you indulge your inner explorer and get lost in this enchanting city on water.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Le Boulevard Lido

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

Venice's Secrets - Explore the hidden maze of streets which make up this unique city as your Local Specialist gives you a fascinating insight into Venice's past and present. You’ll discover tucked away squares and back streets local Venetians use to side-step the tourist throng and give you a sense of authentic life on the island of Venice.

Lagoon Cruise to Burano with Food and Drinks - Cruise across the Venetian Lagoon to Burano, a small island known for its brightly coloured houses and strong fishing traditions. Wander along quiet canals and browse shops selling handmade lace, a craft passed down through generations. Then sit down to a relaxed dinner featuring local flavours and regional wine, surrounded by the island’s cheerful character and laid-back charm.

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Day 9 | Off to Bologna and Assisi

Travel through scenic countryside to the mystical town of Assisi, stopping en route in the city of Bologna to view its Kissing Towers that lean towards one another, seemingly poised to embrace. Continue to your hotel in Assisi for your Stays With Stories experience – a fully renovated old Franciscan monastery.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Hotel: Cenacolo

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Day 10 | All Roads Lead to Tivoli and Rome

Discover the legacy of St. Francis of Assisi in his home town on the slopes of Mount Subasio. Join your Local Specialist for a visit to the Basilica of St. Francis, renowned for its beautiful frescoes depicting the life of this beloved saint. Then, continue to Tivoli for a guided visit with a Local Specialist of the UNESCO-listed terraced hillside Renaissance gardens of Villa d'Este. Wander past bubbling fountains, manicured hedges and ornate statues as you soak up the tranquil atmosphere of this historic hill town. This evening, enjoy dinner with your fellow travellers and Travel Director.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Hotel: Precise House Mantegna

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Day 11 | Farewell Rome

It's time to say a fond arrivederci to Italy and your

newfound friends after a memorable journey.

Meals: Breakfast