Italian Escapade

Welcome to Rome, a glorious city filled with classic antiquities, medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches. Settle in before joining your Travel Director as you indulge in dinner with wine at a local restaurant.

Your day is devoted to the Eternal City. Join a Local Specialist for an in-depth visit to the Vatican Museums, full of priceless art treasures collected by the Popes. Visit the Sistine Chapel, where Popes are elected, to admire Michelangelo’s famous ceiling. Cross the Tiber River to enjoy ancient Rome and see the incredible Circus Maximus and iconic Colosseum. Later, perhaps continue your exploration of Rome to see the Pantheon, the stunning piazzas and fountains of Rome. Occasionally, access to the Vatican Museums is limited. If tickets are unavailable, you’ll instead explore the Capitoline Museums, home to iconic Roman art and archaeology.

Head north to Siena, where winding medieval streets lead you into the heart of the city at the vast Piazza del Campo. Stand where the thunder of hooves fills the square during the famed Palio horse race, then admire the Fountain of Joy before walking up to the marble-striped cathedral that dominates the skyline. Continue through Tuscany’s cypress-lined hills and sun-drenched vineyards to Florence, your base for the next two nights. Spend the evening your way — perhaps unwinding at the hotel, exploring the historic centre or joining an Optional Experience featuring a traditional Tuscan dinner paired with local wines.

This morning, join a Local Specialist for a walking tour through Florence’s Renaissance heart. With your choice, visit the Accademia Gallery to witness Michelangelo’s David up close before seeing the intricate marble façades of the Duomo, bell tower and baptistery, home to the gilded Gates of Paradise. Alternatively, join your Travel Director for a relaxed stroll to a nearby cafe to enjoy a traditional Italian treat. Continue through the Piazza della Signoria, where statues of Neptune, Hercules and Cacus stand guard over the historic centre of civic life. Enjoy free time to wander Florence’s historic streets. After a demonstration of Florence’s traditional leatherwork and gold craftsmanship — an enduring part of the city’s artisan legacy, perhaps join the excursion to San Gimignano, known as Tuscany’s ‘medieval Manhattan’. Admire its iconic towers, hear tales of rival families and explore centuries-old architecture. Your visit also includes a specially selected local delicacy.

Stop in Pisa to see the incredible Leaning Tower from which Galileo is said to have conducted experiments on velocity and gravity, as well as the splendid cathedral and baptistery, decorated with mosaics and designs in solid marble. Your journey continues, past the marble quarries at Carrara, used since the time of Ancient Rome, through the dramatic Apennine Mountains to the fertile valley of the River Po. Continue to your lakeside resort on beautiful Lake Maggiore. As night time draws in, why not work up an appetite before dinner with a traditional evening stroll, or passeggiata as they say in Italy?

Today is set aside for you to relax and enjoy all the fantastic sights of this beautiful lakeland area. For your Dine-Around evening, choose from a selection of hand-picked restaurants for your dining pleasure.

Follow the southern fringes of the European Alps to the vineyards of the Franciacorta wine region near the shores of Lake Iseo. Here, winemaking traditions run deep. Taste the delicious vintages produced by a master vintner at a family-owned estate. Continue to the unique city of Venice.

A private boat ferries you to St. Mark’s Square. Admire the Basilica, Doge's Palace and Bridge of Sighs. Join a visit to a traditional glassblowing workshop, where you’ll witness the artistry of master craftsmen in action. Watch in awe as they create beautiful, handcrafted glass pieces, preserving centuries-old techniques. Later, enjoy the classic Venetian experience of a gondola ride, where you’ll be serenaded as you glide through the city's romantic canals. Spend the afternoon at leisure, seeing Venice your way. As night falls, why not savour the magic of St. Mark’s square with its orchestras and al-fresco cafes?

Skirt the Venetian Lagoon and cross two of Italy’s most important rivers, the Adige and Po. The scenery will then change dramatically as you drive through the wild Apennines. Your destination is the stone-built, hilltop town of Assisi, home of St. Francis. See the Church of St. Mary of the Angels before continuing up Mount Subasio. Then, with our Local Specialist, visit the beautiful Basilica of St. Francis.

Journey along the clifftop road to the picturesque resort of Sorrento, perched upon the southern cliffs of the Bay of Naples and looking out to Mount Vesuvius. With the evening at leisure, why not try some of the local specialities during a regional dining experience?

In the morning, cruise to Capri, known as the Isle of Dreams. With your Local Specialist, explore the narrow alleyways of Capri town, browse in exclusive boutiques and wonder at the views over the Tyrrhenian Sea. Descend to the port by funicular railway and return to Sorrento for some relaxation time. Perhaps join an Optional Experience to Positano and the Amalfi Coast?

Journey north to the ancient Roman city of Pompeii, eerily preserved by the eruptions of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. Your Local Specialist walks you through cobbled streets to explore some of the shops, villas and temples. Witness the colourful frescoes that were hidden for centuries. Continue beneath the striking hilltop Abbey of Montecassino and back to Rome where your journey reaches its zenith in the evening. Take in the vibrant atmosphere of this charming neighbourhood as you indulge in fine food, wine, music and a private performance of enchanting operetta for your dinner.

As you leave Italy, its ancient cities, storied landmarks and changing landscapes remain vivid in your mind. So do the smaller moments: meals shared, flavours savoured and the final notes of opera over dinner in Rome.