Duration: 13 Days
On this Italy tour—our most popular vacation—not only will you visit the main Italian cities—Rome, Florence, Venice, and Assisi—you’ll also get to enjoy some of the smaller towns and scenic attractions. You’ll visit the must-see sights in the cities, such as the Vatican Museums in Rome, Michelangelo’s David in Florence, St. Mark’s Square and Basilica in Venice, and much more. One tour highlight is Pompeii, which was completely buried during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. This preserved town gives you an amazingly detailed look into life at the peak of the Roman Empire. Admire the paintings still on the walls, and look for the early fast-food restaurants beloved by ancient Romans.
You’ll have an opportunity to relax in the laid-back town of Sorrento, where you’ll stay two nights. Explore the cobblestone streets lined with shops and restaurants, delight in the amazing views, watch the sunset dip into the sea, and see Mount Vesuvius across the bay. You’ll also have time in beautiful Capri, where the celebrities go to “get away from it all.”
On this Italy tour, Globus has also arranged special experiences for you, such as a visit to Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a visit to the Gardens of Augustus in Capri. Here, you’ll have incredible views of the Tyrrhenian Sea from the tranquil gardens. At Lake Maggiore you’ll enjoy an exciting boat ride to Isola dei Pescatori, with dinner at a local restaurant; you’ll also cross the Swiss border and have a relaxing stop in subtropical lake-side Lugano.
From the relaxing towns of Sorrento and Stresa on Lake Maggiore to the faster-paced cities, this tour of Italy offers it all. You’re sure to have plenty of stories and photos to share with friends and family back home.
Welcome to Rome! At 5 pm, meet your Tour Director and travelling companions for a welcome dinner at one of Rome's lively restaurants. (D)
Guided sightseeing of the ‟Eternal Cityˮ starts with a visit to the VATICAN MUSEUMS and SISTINE CHAPEL with Michelangelo's ceiling paintings and The Last Judgment, followed by a visit to monumental ST. PETER'S SQUARE and BASILICA to admire Michelangelo's Pietà. Then, enjoy views of other major sites as you drive to the Roman Forum and visit the ancient COLOSSEUM, where gladiators once fought. Afterward time at leisure; optional excursions are available. (B)
Travel to Pisa and take the traditional picture pushing back the legendary Leaning Tower, then on to Florence, "Cradle of the Renaissance." Tonight is your chance to join an optional dinner to try out Tuscan specialties. (B)
Meet your Local Guide, and visit the ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS with Michelangelo's celebrated David. Continue your walking tour through the historic centre and stand in awe in front of the the magnificent cathedral, admire Giotto's Bell Tower, the Baptistry's heavy bronze "Gates of Paradise," sculpture-studded SIGNORIA SQUARE, and take pictures of Ponte Vecchio. Afterward, you may wish to shop for Florentine leather goods and gold jewellery, sold by the ounce. To enhance your stay, consider an optional excursion to San Gimignano, Italy's most picturesque medieval town. (B)
Prepare for an exciting day: drive to La Spezia on the Mediterranean Coast and start your excursion to CINQUE TERRE, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, including a BOAT RIDE (weather permitting) with a Local Guide. The name dates back to the 15th century and is derived from five little medieval villages standing on stony spurs along five miles of the rocky coastline: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso. From here, continue by TRAIN and coach to your hotel at beautiful Lake Maggiore, the largest of the three lakes in the popular Swiss-Italian Lake District. (B,D)
A leisurely day gives you the chance to join an optional excursion to the baroque palace and peacock gardens of enchanting Isola Bella and to relax or to spend some time at the pool. Later, join a scenic BOAT RIDE to ISOLA DEI PESCATORI, where dinner with local specialties awaits. (B,D)
Cross the nearby Swiss border and stop in Lugano, also beautifully located by its own lake. You have ample time to stroll along the pretty promenade and Via Nassa, or to sip an espresso on Piazza Riforma. Return to Italy and catch glimpses of Lake Como, the third lake of the Lake District on your way to romantic Venice. Enter in style by PRIVATE BOAT. Later, you may wish to join an optional gondola ride through the canals, a nice introduction to this amazing city that has always been a powerful magnet for romantics and art lovers from around the globe. (B)
Highlights of your guided walking tour are ST. MARK'S SQUARE and the byzantine BASILICA, lavish DOGES' PALACE, and the BRIDGE OF SIGHS. Then, watch a skilled GLASSBLOWER fashion delicate objects in an age-old tradition. For those who wish, a wonderful optional excursion to colourful Burano Island is available. (B)
Arrive in peaceful Assisi, where your Local Guide takes you for a visit to ST. CLARE'S CHURCH and ST. FRANCIS' BASILICA, built on top of his tomb and the hub of a religious order devoted to the ideals of humility, forgiveness, simplicity, and love for all God's creatures. Hear about monastic life and admire the priceless frescoes adorning the walls of the church. (B,D)
Leave the region of Umbria and turn south to lovely Sorrento. Don't miss the optional excursion to the Amalfi Coast and Positano! (B)
Speed across the bay by JETFOIL to the Isle of Capri. Ride the FUNICULAR to Capri village for a guided visit. Walk through the splendid GARDENS OF AUGUSTUS, terraces overlooking the sea, offering a spectacular panoramic view, and taste a granita (semi-frozen drink). Free time to browse through the little shops on the piazzetta before returning to Sorrento. Time to explore the charming, bayside resort at your own pace. (B)
In nearby POMPEII, the Roman city both destroyed and preserved by an eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, join your Local Guide for an fascinating visit of the excavations. See a patrician home, public baths, and shops that give a striking picture of what day-to-day life was like in Rome at its apex of power. This evening, back in Rome, a farewell dinner at a local restaurant is the proper way to say arrivederci Italia. (B,D)
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
