ITALY'S BEST

Visit Italy

1 ARRIVE IN ROME, ITALY.

Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore this ancient capital. This evening, meet your Tour Director and travel companions.

2 ROME.

The "Eternal City" is steeped in history, vibrantly alive and exciting, and absolutely unique! Start the included introduction to Rome's landmarks from St. Peter's Square with a Local Guide. Enjoy a drive along the iconic landmarks of the city: the Tiber River, the Caius Cestius Pyramid, the Aurelian Walls and the Caracalla Baths. Complete the experience with a walk back in time from the Circus Maximus to the Arch of Constantine and to the fascinating Colosseum, symbol of the Roman Empire. * (B) * For operational reasons, schedule changes for the Rome program cannot be excluded.

3 ROME-PISA-MONTECATINI.

Vistas of rolling hills, rows of cypress trees, terraced vineyards, olive groves, and rural villages form the backdrop of your journey through beautiful Tuscany. Stop in Pisa and take a mini-train ride to see the Square of Miracles with the amazing Leaning Tower. Arrive in Montecatini. Today's Distance: 273 mi/ 440 km (B)

4 MONTECATINI. EXCURSION TO FLORENCE.

Today, enjoy an included excursion to Florence. Your Local Guide will show you the city highlights on the walking tour. You will see Piazza Santa Croce; beautiful Piazza Signoria; Palazzo Vecchio and its courtyard and Loggia dei Lanzi. To top it all, see Piazza del Duomo and the Cathedral with the Giotto Campanile, and the magnificent East Doors of the Baptistry, known as the "Gates of Paradise." Today's Distance: 81 mi/ 130 km (B,D)

5 MONTECATINI-LA SPEZIA-CINQUE TERRE-GENOA.

Travel towards La Spezia, where you'll hop aboard the train to discover some of the five spectacular Cinque Terre villages. The beauty of the rugged cliffs and romantic fishing villages once inspired poet Lord Byron. From Levanto, re-join the coach and head towards Genoa, birthplace of explorer Christopher Columbus. Today's Distance: 149 mi/ 240 km (B)

6 GENOA-MILAN-LAKE MAGGIORE.

Today's included guided tour is an excellent introduction to Genoa. A maze of squares and alleys, the city grew around the port, a natural inlet, and boasts the largest medieval historical district in Europe. Next, head north into the plains of Lombardy, and stop in Milan to marvel at its magnificent Gothic Duomo. Then, continue to Baveno on Lake Maggiore. Today's Distance: 155 mi/ 250 km (B)

7 LAKE MAGGIORE. EXCURSION TO LUGANO, SWITZERLAND.

Time to relax and get to know Lake Maggiore, one of Italy's largest lakes, located on the very edge of Alpine Switzerland. On clear days, you can see the peaks of the Alps. Take advantage of the included excursion to visit Lugano in Italian-speaking Swiss Canton Ticino. Today's Distance: 124 mi/ 200 km (B)

8 LAKE MAGGIORE-VERONA-VENICE AREA.

Travel across the fertile Po River plain. Stop in the romantic city of Verona for some time at leisure being awed by the Roman Arena, perfectly preserved and still hosting concerts and festivals during the summer, shopping, or tasting some of the excellent local wines. Continue to the Venice area. Today's Distance: 236 mi/ 380 km (B)

9 VENICE.

Venice is more like a romantic film set than a real-life city, with its crisscrossing canals, gondolas and water buses, arched bridges, palaces, and piazzas. The included orientation starts with a boat ride to St. Mark's Square, and is followed by time at leisure and a chance to watch Venetian glassblowers fashion their delicate objects as they did centuries ago. Don't miss out on the optional gondola trip, gliding along the picturesque canals with a local troubadour to serenade you. (B,D)

10 VENICE AREA-ASSISI-FOLIGNO.

Enjoy an interesting drive southward right across the Po Delta, through the Emilia-Romagna region to Assisi, enclosed by ramparts and little changed since the Middle Ages. This is the town of the deeply mystical and poetic St. Francis. See the Basilica of St. Francis with its famous frescoes by Giotto, with history brought to life by a Local Guide. Overnight in Foligno, a town in the green heart of the Umbria region. Today's Distance: 249 mi/ 400 km (B,D)

11 ASSISI AREA-POMPEII-SORRENTO COAST.

Travel to Pompeii, where time stopped for the rich, aristocratic town with the terrible eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD. On the included guided visit of the archaeological site, see the remains of luxurious villas, temples, theatre, and forum. Carry on to Sorrento, set on a plateau above the waters of the Bay of Naples. Wander the winding streets lined with shops and stalls, and sit with a glass of wine, absorbing the easy-going lifestyle of this charming resort. Today's Distance: 273 mi/ 440 km (B)

12 SORRENTO COAST. BOAT TRIP TO CAPRI.

Enjoy a day trip to the legendary island, surrounded by a rocky coastline where the crashing sea has formed awe-inspiring caves. The town with its pretty piazzetta, maze of streets, fashionable boutiques, and inviting restaurants, is a mecca for the jet set. Explore on your own or take an optional island tour. (B,D)

13 SORRENTO COAST-ROME.

Today, enjoy time at leisure or visit Positano on our exciting optional excursion, before returning to Rome. Today's Distance: 168 mi/ 270 km (B)

14 ROME.

Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

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