Italy's Best

Overview

Experience the essence of Italy following a route packed with highlights of history and inspiring views. Beginning in Rome, venture to Cinque Terra, Florence and Lake Maggiore before heading via Venice, Ravenna and Assisi to the picturesque coastal town of Sorrento.

UK - Rome

Fly to Rome where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel.

Your tour starts today. The rest of the day is free for you to explore this ancient capital. This evening, meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers.

Rome

The “Eternal City” is steeped in history, vibrantly alive and exciting, and absolutely unique! Included sightseeing with a local guide starts with St. Peter’s Square and Basilica. Other highlights are the iconic Coliseum, the largest amphitheatre ever built; the Roman Forum; Piazza Venezia, and Campidoglio. An optional visit is available to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, world famous for Michelangelo’s impressive fresco of The Last Judgement.

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 to visit the Square of Miracles and see the amazing Leaning Tower. Arrive in Montecatini.

Montecatini - Florence - Montecatini

Today, enjoy an included excursion to Florence. Your local guide will show you most of the city highlights on the walking tour. You will see Piazza Santa Croce; beautiful Piazza Signoria; Palazzo Vecchio and its courtyard; Loggia dei Lanzi; and, to top it all, Piazza del Duomo and its cathedral with the Giotto Campanile, and the magnificent East Door of the Baptistery, known as the “Gate of Paradise.”

Montecatini - La Spezia - Cinque Terre - Genoa

Travel towards La Spezia, a province in Italy’s Liguria region. Then, hop aboard the train to discover some of the five spectacular Cinque Terre villages. Here, the beauty of the rugged cliffs and romantic fishing villages once inspired poet Lord Byron. From Levanto, head towards Genoa, birthplace of explorer Christopher Columbus.

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 centre in Europe. Some of the highlights include the remains of the city’s 17th-century fortifications. 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.

Lake Maggiore - Lugano - Lake Maggiore

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 Swiss Alps. Take advantage of the included excursion to visit Lugano in Italian-speaking Canton Ticino.

Lake Maggiore - Verona - Venice Area

Travel across the Po River plain and stop in the romantic city of Verona to see Romeo and Juliet´s balcony, and enjoy some time at leisure marvelling at the Roman amphitheatre. Carry on to the Venice area.

Venice

Venice is more like a marvellous film set than a real-life city, with its criss-crossing 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 glass blowers 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.

Venice - Ravenna - Assisi - Perugia

An interesting drive southwards right across the Po Delta to Ravenna, renowned for its treasure of byzantine mosaics, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue 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, brought back to life by a local guide. Overnight in beautiful nearby Perugia, capital of Umbria.

Perugia - Pompeii - Sorrento

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, 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 life of this charming resort.

Sorrento - Capri - Sorrento

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

Sorrento - Rome

Today, time at leisure or enjoy an optional excursion to Positano before returning to Rome.

Rome - UK

Your tour ends with breakfast this morning

Transfer from the hotel to the airport for your return flight to the UK.