Duration: 8 Days
Explore hidden cobblestone streets, watch the world go by from a sidewalk cafe, sail across beautiful blue waters and delight at the local specialties on this incomparable Italian holiday. If you’ve envisioned it, you’ll see it, hear it, experience it, and taste it on this scenic and scintillating tour of Italy—from the historic Colosseum of Rome to the song-filled canals of Venice, the quiet back alleys of Assisi to the bold storefronts of Milan, and the sweet views of Lake Como to the bittersweet Aperol liqueur of Padua. Warm locals welcome you in each ancient city, medieval village, and indulgent resort, sharing with youth stories behind the architecture, the tales behind the sculptures, the meaning behind the brushstrokes, and if you’re lucky, the secret ingredients on your plate!
Traveller Notes
We’ve packed everything you need for the perfect holiday—from hand-selected hotels and dining to the friendly expertise of Globus Tour Directors and Local Guides (with headsets to hear every word), to seamless transportation between destinations and VIP access to the world’s most iconic sites! Touring by private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi.
Please note: Itinerary is based on 2024, and is subject to change. Full details will be confirmed in 2024.
Welcome to Rome!
At 5 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (D)
When in Rome
ROME Guided Sightseeing includes the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with Michelangelo's ceiling paintings and The Last Judgment. Visit St. Peter's Square and Basilica to see Michelangelo's Pieta and visit the Colosseum. Free time this late afternoon and evening. (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 Halls
ORVIETO Spend free time in Piazza del Duomo.
ASSISI Visit the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi. Free time this afternoon and evening. (B) 137 mi / 220 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.
Legendary Landmarks
FLORENCE Guided walking tour includes sights of the cathedral, Giotto's Bell Tower, the massive bronze doors of the Baptistry's "Gates of Paradise," and the sculptures of Signoria Square.
PADUA Take an orientation drive, followed by an [LF] Italian aperitivo (pre-dinner cocktail) at Cafe Pedrocchi. (B) 249 mi / 400 km
LOCAL FAVOURITE
LOCAL TASTES They say aperitivo is life. Indulge in the Italian specialties served at Cafe Pedrocchi with a traditional cocktail before dinner. From the Latin word for 'open,' aperitivi cocktails or wine are served between 6 and 9pm as an opener to the evening meal. Alla salute!
Benvenuti a Venezia
VENICE A private boat ride and guided walking tour, includes a visit to St. Mark's Square and Basilica, Doges' Palace, the Bridge of Sighs, and a glassblower demonstration. (B) 50 mi / 80 km
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 breathing in their last view of the Rio di Palazzo on their walk to the prison's interrogation rooms.
Ladies & Gentlemen of Verona
VERONA Walk to Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza Bra to admire the Arena.
MILAN Orientation walk includes stops at La Scala Opera House, the Galleria, and the Duomo. Free time for dinner. (B) 174 mi / 280 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURE & TRADITION Stroll through the grand piazzas of Verona, where the tradition of La Passeggiata (leisurely stroll) is alive and well near the site of the ancient forum. Where fruits, vegetables, and spices once filled the market squares, now eateries and shops share the space with the ancient arts of sumptuous fountains, monuments, architecture, and people-watching.
Life on the Lake
LAKE COMO Take a [LF] private boat ride to Bellagio.
MILAN Enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D) 106 mi /170 km
LOCAL FAVOURITE
EPIC RIDE Glide on the gorgeous waters of lago di Como on your private cruise to beautiful Bellagio - Lake Como's most loved village with narrow streets and stunning views. A magical experience to take in Italy's most famous lake.
Safe travels until we meet again!
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
