Duration: 9 Days
Visit some of Italy’s most iconic, romantic, and stunning locations on this escorted tour of Italy: from legendary Venice to Florence, Rome, and Sorrento. With fewer crowds and lower pricing, you’ll enjoy your time in Italy even more. What better way to start your Escape than with a delicious welcome dinner in Venice? Your Venetian experience also includes a private boat ride, a guided walking tour; a visit to St. Mark’s Square, the Doges’ Palace, and the Bridge of Sighs. Also witness the age-old tradition of glassblowing performed by a local artisan. Travel to Pisa—home of the famous Leaning Tower—before continuing on to Florence, considered to be the “Cradle of the Renaissance.” Florence is an art-lovers dream, and your sightseeing highlights include Michelangelo’s David statue in the Academy of Fine Arts. You’ll also travel to Assisi to visit the Basilica of St. Francis—named after the saint who sought the virtues of humility, forgiveness, simplicity, and best known for his love of God’s creatures.
Spend two nights in Rome where your Local Guide takes you to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, where you will see Michelangelo’s The Last Judgment. You’ll visit St. Peter’s Square and Basilica—with the artist’s marble-sculpted masterpiece, La Pietà. Drive to the Imperial Roman Forum area to visit the Colosseum—ancient arena of the gladiators. Journey along the Highway of the Sun to Pompeii—the legendary city both destroyed and preserved by erupting Mount Vesuvius. Get a sense of life during Rome’s ruling era with your expert Local Guide, then, continue to Sorrento for two nights. You’ll enjoy a full day of leisure in this charming bayside resort. Your Tour Director will share suggestions for spending free time in Sorrento. This is one Italy holiday you’ll remember not for the crowds, but for the ease of discovering these beautiful cities and sites of Bella Italia and Sorrento!
Welcome to Venice! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travelling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)
Italian Beauties
VENICE Take a private Boat Ride on the canals. Guided walking tour includes St. Mark's Square and views of the Basilica, Doges' Palace and the Bridge of Sighs. Glassblower demonstration and free time. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SPOT Locals simply call Piazza San Marco 'la piazza.' As paired with the smaller Piazzetta, it forms the social, religious, and political hub of Venice, which Napoleon called 'the drawing room of Europe.' St. Mark's Basilica dominates the square, offering visitors a spectacular view of the great arches, marble embellishments, and the Romanesque carvings of its facade. Also gracing the square is Doge's Palace - a masterpiece of Venetian Gothic architecture. The enclosed Bridge of Sighs, connecting the palace with the prison, is named for the prisoners sighs at seeing their last view of the Rio di Palazzo on their walk to the prison rooms.
The Tilted Tower
PISA Take photos near the Leaning Tower en route to Florence. (B)
240 mi/ 420 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ART & ARCHITECTURE See architecture gone askew from the viewpoint of the Piazza dei Miracoli in Pisa. Take the ultimate selfie in front of the Leaning Tower with a tilt of the head or other popular poses to commemorate your visit to the site of medieval art in this beautiful piazza.
Fine Art in Firenze
FLORENCE Guided sightseeing includes Michelangelo's masterpiece, David, at the Academy of Fine Arts, Giotto's Bell Tower, the Baptistry's heavy bronze 'Gates of Paradise,' and Signoria Square. Then on to Assisi. (B,D)
112 mi/ 180 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ART & ARCHITECTURE Those lucky enough to visit the Tuscan capital are witness to some of the world's most magnificent art. Home to a wealth of Rennaissance masterpieces, Florence is famous for Michelangelo's Marble Masterpiece, David, standing ready for battle in the Academy of Fine Arts. Outside, the Piazza del Duomo and Signoria Square offer spectacular sights of Florentine Gothic and Renaissance art, architecture, and monuments.
The Patron Saint of Italy
ASSISI Globus Local Favourite Visit the Basilica of St. Francis. Free time this evening. (B)
112 mi/ 180 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ICONIC FOOTSTEPS Walk in the footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi with a visit to the Basilica named after the deacon, friar, and mystic, who became one of the most venerated religious figures in Christianity. Revered for his love of the Eucharist and the Earth, Francis found communion with God through nature here in this Italian village where he lived and died. Marvel at the magnificent frescoes by Italian master Giotto that adorn the Basilica where the saint is buried.
Roman Holiday
ROME Guided sightseeing includes the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Square and Basilica, and the Colosseum. Free afternoon. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
LEGENDARY LIVES Stand in awe and wonder amid one of mankind's greatest artistic achievements in the Sistine Chapel. Hear how in 1508, a young Michelangelo was commissioned by Pope Julius II to decorate the chapel's ceiling - a request not welcomed by the 33-year-old sculptor. Michelangelo's 4-year project was indeed one of physical pain and psychological distress, while painting from scaffolds high above the sanctuary floor. Nevertheless, he created what is considered the most famous ceiling in the world, depicting the Creation of Adam in striking fresco style.
Historic Proportions
POMPEII Take a guided walking tour of the excavations.
Scenic drive en route to Sorrento. (B)
170 mi/ 270 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
LEGENDS & LORE The fascinating archaeological site of Pompeii is a treasured glimpse into Roman life near the Bay of Naples. This once thriving and sophisticated Roman city was consumed by the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D., with its residents and structures buried beneath inescapable ash and stone. See the preserved site of excavated ruins that reveal remarkable frescoes, artwork, and artifacts within its streets and dwellings of the people who perished here.
Amore, Sorrento
SORRENTO Orientation walk. Free time this afternoon. Farewell dinner. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURAL GEMS Just as the sirens of Greek mythology lured sailors to the rocky shores of Sorrento, we are drawn to its alluring panoramas, sun-washed beaches, bistros, and boutiques. Take a seat in a sidewalk cafe to peruse the picturesque panoramas on the Bay of Naples.
Safe travels until we meet again!
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (The nearest airport is Naples) (B)
