Best of Italy

Ciao Roma! Explore this imperial city of emperors and senators, gods and goddesses before joining your Travel Director for an introduction to the 'Eternal City'. Arrive at Basilica Santa Maria in Cosmedin for a private after-hours visit to the Mouth of Truth. See the church, crypt and relics of the famous saint of love, Valentine, and learn about the legend of the Mouth of Truth. This evening, enjoy dinner with your travel companions.

Meals: Dinner
Hotel: Una
 

The Holy See takes centre stage today as you join a Local Specialist to explore the Vatican Museums. Admire the frescoed ceiling of the Sistine Chapel and see Michelangelo’s Pietà inside St. Peter’s Basilica. Then cross the Tiber into Ancient Rome for a guided visit to the Colosseum, once home to epic spectacles. View the Circus Maximus, where chariots once raced in front of thousands. This afternoon is yours to explore — relax at a sidewalk cafe, visit a local museum or enjoy a gelato in the Piazza Navona.
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.

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
Piazzas and Fountains - Discover the most enchanting areas of the city with a Local Specialist. Stroll through the maze of narrow streets and picturesque squares in Rome’s historic centre, uncovering famous landmarks and hidden gems in the Eternal City.
Adult: 50.00 EUR
Roman Evening with Dinner - Tonight, spend a lively evening with us in Rome. After a short drive, arrive at a characteristic trattoria to relax and enjoy a typical Italian meal, soaking up The Eternal City's unique atmosphere all the while.
Adult: 79.00 EUR
 

Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Una
 

Journey south to the well-preserved ruins of Pompeii. Here you join a Local Specialist who will share details of the devastation caused by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius as you wander through the ancient paved roads of a city that was frozen in time. Later, arrive at your hotel in the town of Sorrento where you’ll dine tonight.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: Johanna Park

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
Amalfi Coast and Positano - Take a scenic drive along the Amalfi Coast, one of Italy’s most iconic stretches of road. Stop in Positano, a cliffside village known for its steep streets, vibrant boutiques and Mediterranean views that have long drawn artists and travellers alike.
Adult: 81.00 EUR
 

Cross the Bay of Naples today by ferry to the glamorous Isle of Capri to visit some of its landmark sights. Wander past the chic boutiques and pavement cafes in Capri town in the company of a Local Specialist before taking your time to soak up the sophistication of this lovely island. Later, return to the mainland.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Johanna Park

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
Discover The Isle Of Capri - Experience a private, guided cruise along the beautiful southern coast to see spectacular cliffs, the famous Faraglioni Rocks and White Grotto sea cave with its small red coral. View the turquoise waters and private villas and hear the stories of Roman Emperors and famous people through history who have called Capri home before ascending to Capri town. This optional experience is weather dependent and may be replaced by a minibus tour of the Island with a visit to Anacapri and either the Villa San Michele or the Anacapri chairlift.
Adult: 60.00 EUR
You will be offered one of the following two Optional Experiences depending on availability:
Dinner Neapolitan Style - Dine at a family-run restaurant and enjoy an evening of Neapolitan specialities. Tuck into local dishes prepared with regional ingredients and generations of know-how.
Adult: 84.00 EUR
Sorrento Countryside and Farmhouse Meal - Join a local family at their farm in the Sorrento countryside. Walk through lemon groves, visit the olive oil mill and see how mozzarella is made. Sit down to a spread of home-produced cold cuts, marinated vegetables and fresh olives, all served with wine made from their own grapes.
Adult: 85.00 EUR
 

Marvel at the beauty of the Bay of Naples and mighty Vesuvius as you leave the Sorrento coastline. Glimpse the Benedictine Abbey of Cassino perched high on the mountain peak, known as the site of the Battle of Monte Cassino in 1944, before heading north to the slopes of Mount Subasio. Arrive in the mystical town of Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis, under whose protection this medieval city is said to remain. Join your Local Specialist for a visit to the Basilica of St. Francis, before some free time to explore this fascinating hilltop town.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: Grand Assisi
 

Journey through the glorious countryside of the Emilia Romagna region. This area is renowned for its gastronomy and is credited with being the origin of tortellini, mortadella and parmesan cheese. Travel to Verona, the home of Shakespeare's star-crossed lovers, to admire the ancient Roman arena and Piazza Brà. Arrive later into beautiful Venice, the 'Queen of the Adriatic', to spend time admiring this unique city.

Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Biasutti

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
Gondolas & the Grand Canal - Cruise by private water taxi along the Grand Canal, passing the city's iconic palazzi. Spot the Rialto Bridge and arrive near St. Mark's Square before switching pace with a gondola ride through Venice's quieter canals.
Adult: 96.00 EUR
 

Cruise your way through Venice by private launch to soak up the sights and sounds of what was once one of the world's greatest ports. Discover the ancient skill of Venetian glassblowing at a workshop, where you'll watch master craftsmen use centuries-old techniques to shape the delicate glass pieces Venice is famed for. From there, continue past the Bridge of Sighs and the Doge's Palace to St. Mark's Square to view the impressive piazza and Basilica. Consider an optional experience to see the colourful fishermen's houses on the island of Burano or search for a cosy 'bacaro' and indulge in some tasty treats, starting with that refreshing Venetian Spritz, the local drink of choice.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Biasutti

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
Venice's Secrets - Explore the hidden maze of streets which make up this unique city as your Local Specialist gives you a fascinating insight into Venice's past and present. You’ll discover tucked away squares and back streets local Venetians use to side-step the tourist throng and give you a sense of authentic life on the island of Venice.
Adult: 51.00 EUR
Lagoon Cruise to Burano with Food and Drinks - Cruise across the Venetian Lagoon to Burano, a small island known for its brightly coloured houses and strong fishing traditions. Wander along quiet canals and browse shops selling handmade lace, a craft passed down through generations. Then sit down to a relaxed dinner featuring local flavours and regional wine, surrounded by the island’s cheerful character and laid-back charm.
Adult: 90.00 EUR
 

Cross the green plains of Lombardy to sophisticated Milan, Italy's capital of design and fashion. See the intricate Gothic Duomo, La Scala Opera House and the famous Galleria. Later arrive in the Italian Lakes where you'll enjoy a dinner with your fellow travelling companions.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: Simplon

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
Treasures of Milan - A fantastic opportunity to take in some of the highlights of elegant Milan. Amongst other sights, you'll visit La Scala, the world's most famous opera house, where Giuseppe Verdi, Maria Callas and others have left their mark. Your wonderful Local Specialist will bring the city’s eventful past to life.
Adult: 54.00 EUR
 

The blue waters of Lake Como beckon this morning. Enjoy free time to take in the lakeside setting, or join an Optional Experience in Como to hear the stories behind Villa Olmo and the grand estates that line the shore, with time for a walk along the waterfront. Later, spend time in your lakeside resort or join an Optional Experience to discover the palace and gardens of Isola Bella. This evening, venture by private boat to a secluded island on Lake Maggiore to Connect with Locals over dinner at a Be My Guest experience. Join the Cinque family and hear the story of Villa Toscanini, once the hideaway of Arturo Toscanini, one of Italy’s most influential conductors.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: Simplon

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
Discover The Borromean Islands - Take a private launch across Lake Maggiore to explore Isola Bella. Join a Local Specialist for a guided tour of the island’s Baroque palace and gardens, home to white peacocks, terraces and sweeping views across the lake. Look out to Isola Madre and Isola dei Pescatori as you uncover this Borromean gem.
Adult: 69.00 EUR
* This optional is only able to be operated between mid-March and the end of October.
Lake Como: Shoreline Views and Villages - Travel along Lake Como's shores and hear the stories behind Villa Olmo and the grand estates from your Local Specialist. Then stretch your legs on a lakeside walk, taking in views across to Brunate and passing the Tempio Voltiano, before enjoying a local treat in Como.
Adult: 51.00 EUR
 

Tuscany lures you across the forested Apennine Mountains, past the marble quarries of Carrara to the famous city of Pisa and its Square of Miracles where you'll enjoy an opportunity to view the Leaning Tower. Your next stop is Florence, the 'Cradle of the Renaissance'.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: FH55 Grand Hotel Mediterraneo
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
Dinner in the Tuscan Countryside - This evening, take a scenic drive to experience a fun and relaxed evening at a friendly, typical restaurant in the countryside. The chef will delight our senses with regional dishes, made with freshly-bought ingredients from the local farmers' markets. Your delicious meal will be accompanied by excellent wines from the vineyards for which this area is so well known. In short, a Tuscan dream come true in an authentic setting.
Adult: 80.00 EUR
 

Delve into the extravagant history of the Medici family, whose legacy of art and architecture is explored in the company of a Local Specialist. Visit Piazza della Signoria with its exquisite statues and palazzi and enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the beautiful skyline of Florence, dominated by the elegant Duomo and the almost 700-year-old Ponte Vecchio, from Piazzale Michelangelo.

Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: FH55 Grand Hotel Mediterraneo

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
You will be offered one of the following two Optional Experiences depending on availability:
Michelangelo's 'David' & Accademia - Step inside the Accademia Gallery for a closer look at Michelangelo’s David, one of the world’s most celebrated sculptures. With guidance from your Local Specialist, discover how this Renaissance masterpiece was brought to life and hear the stories behind Michelangelo’s work and legacy in Florence.
Adult: 66.00 EUR
* The Accademia is not available on Mondays due to weekly closure day.
Discover Palazzo Vecchio - Marvel at the legacy of the Medici as you visit Palazzo Vecchio, the symbol of Florence’s political power for over seven centuries. With your Local Specialist, visit the magnificent Hall of the Five Hundred, dedicated to the Medici popes. You’ll also explore rooms decorated with masterpieces by Renaissance artists such as Michelangelo and Donatello. Note: Due to temporary exhibitions, on certain dates the Hall of the Five Hundred may be viewed from the balcony.
Adult: 56.00 EUR
 

This morning, stop at the Florence American Cemetery and Memorial. Continuing south, visit the charming Tuscan hill-town of San Gimignano, with its extraordinary medieval architecture and rich history. Venture to the centre of town to view the Piazza del Duomo, surrounded by medieval towers and 13th-century city walls. This evening in R

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: Shangri-La Roma
 

Bid a fond ciao to your newfound friends as your discovery of the best of Italy comes to an end.
Meals: Breakfast
This document was last updated 12 October 2026. While all information is correct at the time of publication, occasionally details or timings may differ. Please refer to our website or speak to your Travel Director for the latest updates.