12 daysItaly
Experience the food and fun of Italy on this 12-day guided tour. In Rome, see the Colosseum where gladiators fought to the death, then visit the Vatican Museums with a Local Specialist. Travel from Florence to the heart of Tuscany, stopping in scenic San Gimignano for a taste of gelato with a world-champion gelato maker; later, arrive at your hotel for a sampling of the region’s most robust red wines. Prop up the Leaning Tower of Pisa for a photo and see the UNESCO World Heritage Site Cinque Terre with a Local Specialist, who will join you for a sea-to-table feast in the medieval town of Monterosso. Allow yourself to be serenaded as you float along the canals of Venice in a traditional gondola, and watch a renowned craftsman blow Venetian glass into a masterful work of art.
Welcome to Rome, a glorious city filled with classic antiquities, medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches. Relax and settle in before joining your Travel Director and getting to know your fellow travelers over a delicious dinner with wine.
Enjoy a curated introduction to Rome’s iconic landmarks, starting with fast-tracked entry into Vatican City. With your Local Specialist, explore the vast Papal art collection housed in the Vatican Museums, then enter the Sistine Chapel to take in Michelangelo’s masterpiece. Continue to St. Peter’s Basilica, a triumph of Renaissance architecture. Later, cross the Tiber River into ancient Rome to see the Circus Maximus, once home to dramatic chariot races, and see the mighty Colosseum, the enduring symbol of Imperial power. On some departures, access to St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums may be restricted. You'll still enjoy the atmosphere of St. Peter's Square during your visit to the Vatican City, and if tickets are unavailable to the Vatican Museums, you'll instead explore the Capitoline Museums, home to iconic Roman art and archaeology.
Explore Florence with your choice. Choose to visit the Accademia Museum and see Michelangelo’s David. After, continue on foot to admire the multicolored marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery, where Ghiberti’s Gates of Paradise have been recreated in all their glory. Continue into the Piazza della Signoria, still the political heart of Florence and an open-air gallery of Renaissance masterpieces. Spend time gazing at statues such as Neptune and Hercules and Cacus along the front of the Palazzo Vecchio. Alternatively, take a stroll with your Travel Director to enjoy a typical Italian treat in a local cafe.
Spend time exploring the maze of alleyways and admire scenic views across the valley. Ascend serpentine alleyways to the artisan gelato parlor of world champion gelato maestro, Sergio Dondoli, for a taste of his finest frozen treats.
Drive through the patchwork of vines, olives and cypresses that typify the Chianti hills before continuing to Pisa and see the incredible Leaning Tower, from which Galileo is said to have conducted experiments on velocity and gravity. See the splendid cathedral and baptistery, decorated with mosaics and designs in solid marble. Next, journey to the sea and cruise along the rugged Ligurian coast to the elegant seaside village of Portofino, the epitome of la dolce vita (should weather permit). Finish your journey in the charming seaside resort of Santa Margherita Ligure, a true gem on the coast.
Head to Cinque Terre National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Italy’s most stunning landscapes. Cruise along the Cinque Terre coastline (weather permitting) with your Local Specialist, passing rugged cliffs and pastel-hued villages perched above the Ligurian Sea. Arrive by boat at one of the region’s historic fishing communities and enjoy a Sea-to-Table lunch, prepared with the day’s local catch. Afterwards, explore at your own pace — wander cobbled lanes, browse artisan boutiques or unwind at a cafe overlooking the village square.
Head north to the beautiful Italian Lake District, a favorite retreat of the rich and famous where Alpine scenery combines with lush vegetation. Relax and enjoy an afternoon at leisure at this popular resort and beautiful lake.
Travel through the stunning northern Italian countryside to one of the world’s most breathtaking wine regions. The vineyards around Conegliano Veneto produce Italy’s most prized sparkling wine. Be tempted with a taste of the crisp and aromatic flavor of prosecco. Continue through the Dolomites, where soaring peaks and breathtaking Alpine vistas accompany your journey to the elegant mountain resort of Cortina d'Ampezzo, nestled amid some of Italy's most spectacular scenery.
The whole day is free for you to explore the colorful peaks and sheer valleys of the Dolomites, one of the most impressive mountain ranges in the Alps. During summer, once the snow and ice have melted away, a breathtaking landscape is revealed. There are walking tracks through pristine alpine wilderness for the adventurous to explore. For a more relaxed pace, perhaps take an Optional Experience to the summit of one of the peaks for sweeping panoramic views? You may also choose an Optional Experience through the dramatic landscapes of the Dolomites for dinner at a local restaurant.
Descend through the mountains to the romantic city of Venice. A private boat glides you past canals lined with ornate palaces to St. Mark's Square. See the Basilica, the Doge's Palace and Bridge of Sighs, before checking into your luxurious hotel. Join a visit to a Venetian glassblowing workshop, where you’ll see how beautiful, handcrafted glass is made by expert artisans, preserving this centuries-old tradition. With the rest of the afternoon at leisure, why not cruise the Lagoon to the island of Burano for a meal of local specialties and wine?
This morning, on your romantic gondola serenade, glide along the atmospheric canals exploring the intimate and hidden parts of this unique city while musicians set the mood with traditional songs. Later, enjoy the magical atmosphere of this incredible city at your own pace. Mingle with the locals at the open air markets near the Rialto Bridge and explore the back lanes and squares where Venetians go about their day. This evening, indulge in traditional Venetian dishes that are enriched with inspiration from seasonal produce during a magical dinner.
Your departure transfer arrives at Venice Marco Polo Airport. Here, you’ll say goodbye to your Travel Director and fellow travelers as your unforgettable Italian journey comes to an end.
Rome, Italy
2 nights
Between Rome’s National Library and Piazza Indipendenza, this four-star hotel offers smart, well-appointed rooms alongside a fitness area, bar and Mediterranean restaurant. Its central setting provides a convenient base for exploring the capital, with the Baths of Diocletian and Piazza della Repubblica nearby.
Hotel Restaurant, Bar, Room Service, 24-hour Front Desk
Room Air Conditioning, TV, Tea & coffee facilities, Safe, Wi-Fi
San Gimignano, Italy
2 nights
Nestled in the rolling hills of San Gimignano, Cappuccina Country Resort & Spa offers breathtaking views of the green hills of Chianti, dotted with vineyards and olive groves, and combines historic charm with modern amenities.
Hotel Restaurant, Bar, Concierge, Room Service, Laundry, Pool, Spa, Business Centre, Safe deposit box, 24-hour Front Desk, Roof Terrace
Room Air Conditioning, Safe, Telephone, TV, Mini Bar, Hairdryer, Wi-Fi
Santa Margherita Ligure, Italy
2 nights
A modern hotel boasting fantastic panoramic views of the surrounding coast.
Hotel Restaurant, Bar, Concierge, Room Service, 24-hour Front Desk, Foreign Currency Exchange, Gym, Pool, Beach Access
Room Air Conditioning, Safe, TV, Wi-Fi
Baveno, Italy
1 night
Situated in the charming lakeside town of Baveno and directly on the lake, Grand Hotel Dino is surrounded by elegant Italian-style gardens offering incomparable views of Lake Maggiore. After exploring the nearby lakeside, simply relax by the pool or enjoy a massage at Dino’s health club.
Hotel Restaurant, Bar, Business Centre, Room Service, Laundry, Pool, Foreign Currency Exchange, 24-hour Front Desk
Room Air Conditioning, Safe, TV, Wi-Fi
Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy
2 nights
The oldest hotel in Cortina, the De La Poste started in 1804 as post station and later becoming an inn. Run by the Manaigo family from its early years, today it is honoured by the exclusive recognition of the “Historical Places of Italy”.
Hotel Restaurant, Bar, Business Centre, Gym, Pool, Spa, 24-hour Front Desk
Room Bathrobes and Slippers, Safe, TV, Wi-Fi
Venice, Italy
2 nights
The Splendid Venice - Starhotels Collezione is perfectly located in the heart of Venice, a stone's throw away from all the sights. The elegant guest rooms, private pier and rooftop terrace ensure you have an enjoyable stay in this charming city.
Hotel Restaurant, Bar, Concierge, Business Centre, Laundry, Room Service, 24-hour Front Desk
Room Air Conditioning, Safe, Bathrobes and Slippers, TV, Tea & coffee facilities, Wi-Fi
Piazzas and Fountains
Paid on tour
Dinner in the Tuscan Countryside
Paid on tour
Discover The Borromean Islands
Paid on tour
Dinner on Isola dei Pescatori
Paid on tour
Grand Tour Of The Dolomites
Paid on tour
Dinner in the Mountains
Paid on tour
Lagoon Cruise to Burano with Food and Drinks
Paid on tour
Hidden Venice & St. Mark's Basilica
Paid on tour
Magical Venice
Paid on tour
Per person, twin share
