Best of Italy

Today your adventure begins with a motorcoach transfer from Central Penn to a local international airport for an overnight flight to Rome, Italy.

Rome, the city of history, is where you’ll begin your adventure. After checking into the hotel and meeting with your Tour Director, you’ll head over to the Basilica of Saint Praxedes for a private visit.  Dine at a local restaurant featuring Roman specialties as you meet and get to know your fellow travelers. Hotel: Golden Tulip Rome Piram (Dinner with wine)

Today you’ll join a local expert for a tour of Vatican City to soak in the priceless art treasures collected over the centuries. Visit the Sistine Chapel to gaze in awe at Michelangelo’s famous ceiling and see St. Peter’s Basilica. You’ll then cross the river Tiber to ancient Rome, where you’ll be able to see such wonders as the Arch of Constantine and the famous Colosseum where gladiators once battled. Take time to view the countless fountains and amazing architecture of the city. (Breakfast)

Today you’ll drive through the beautiful landscape of the Chianti Hills on your way to Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance. Explore the city and watch craftsmen master their artworks with leather and gold, before enjoying a dinner at a local restaurant with authentic Florentine cuisine. Hotel: NH Firenze, Florence, Albani Firenze, Florence (Breakfast, Dinner with wine)

Today, it’s your choice, explore the beauty of Florence by either touring the Accademia Museum and gazing at works of art such as Michelangelo’s statue of David and the Piazza della Signoria  OR  stroll with your Journey Director to Piazza Santa Croce and enjoy some delicious Florentine cuisine with views of the Basilica and indulge in some shopping.  Later in the afternoon travel to visit the medieval towers of San Gimignano’s historic center. (Breakfast)

After breakfast, you’ll journey to Pisa and see the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, an architectural marvel. After our brief stop in Pisa, sit back and relax on a drive through the Apennine Mountains and gaze at the beautiful natural landscape on our way to the historic city of Venice, Italy.  Famous for its canals and gondola rides, this city is known as the floating city.  Relax this evening and enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. Hotel: NH Venezia Santa Lucia, Venice (Breakfast, Dinner with wine)

Today you’ll cruise by private boat to soak in the rich architectural history of Venice and see its many churches and palaces. Arrive close to St. Mark’s Square and see the famous Bridge of Sighs and the majestic Doge’s Palace. Afterward, board a traditional gondola for a romantic ride through the canals of Venice. (Breakfast)

Continue on your adventure to the peaceful Italian countryside town of Assisi, sprinkled with medieval churches, courtyards, and frescoes.  With your local expert you’ll step inside the huge Basilica of St. Francis, built in the 13th century, and experience this centuries-old structure.  In the afternoon, enjoy some leisure time to stroll around this quaint town on your own and explore some of the local shops. Hotel: Giotto Assisi (Breakfast, Dinner with wine)

We’ll continue south today, passing by Cassino, a historic battlefield site from World War II and a pivotal turning point during the war.  We’ll head to the stunning coastal resort town of Sorrento, where we’ll stop for the day as you overlook the Bay of Naples and the stunning waters of the Mediterranean Sea.  After checking in at the hotel, the day is yours to explore and relax as you wish. Hotel: Isabella, Sorrento (Breakfast)

Today you’ll take a boat across the Bay of Naples to the Isle of Capri, where a local expert will give you a tour through the narrow alleyways of this charming town. Explore the luxurious boutiques and soak up the island life before heading back to Sorrento to enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. (Breakfast)

Our journey takes us to Pompeii, home of the infamous Mount Vesuvius eruption that buried this ancient city and its inhabitants in volcanic ash.  A local expert will take you on a tour through the excavations to learn about ancient Roman life and to see some of the structures that have been uncovered through time.  Then, have the rare opportunity to sample an endangered fruit, the Piennolo Tomato, that can only be grown in this rich volcanic soil, at a local farm during a Farm-to-table lunch. Afterwards we continue on to Rome, where in the evening you’ll dine on an elegant four-course dinner with wine at a local Roman restaurant. Here you’ll be entertained by a private performance of Italian arias and songs as we soak in the last of our Italian adventure. Hotel: Kolbe, Rome, NH Roma Centro, Rome (Breakfast, Lunch with wine, Dinner with wine)

We bid arrivederci to Italy as we head to the airport for our flight back to Central PA, taking with us these truly memorable Italian experiences.  (Breakfast)

*Hotels and itinerary are subject to change at any time without advanced notice and or compensation.