Best of Italy

Day 1
Welcome to Rome
Ciao Roma! Explore this imperial city of emperors and senators, gods and goddesses, before joining your companions and Travel Director later for a Welcome Reception. Our introduction to the 'Eternal City' is an evening orientation drive to view some of the sights which await tomorrow.

Hotel - Cicerone/Una
Welcome Reception

Day 2
Discover Ancient Rome and the Vatican City
The Holy See takes centre stage today as we join a Local Specialist for an included sightseeing tour in the Vatican Museums. Dive Into Culture and admire the Bramante Staircase, created for Pope Julius II in the early 16th century, and Michelangelo’s magnificent frescoed ceiling in the Sistine Chapel. See the marble masterpiece of the Pietà, housed in St. Peter's Basilica before crossing the Tiber into Ancient Rome. Visit the famous Colosseum and see Circus Maximus, once the site of celebrated chariot races. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore Rome. Indulge in an espresso in the Piazza Navona or clamber up the Spanish Steps.
Breakfast

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCE
Piazzas and Fountains of Rome
Discover the most charming areas in the city with a Local Specialist. Wander through the labyrinth of narrow streets and beautiful squares of Rome's historic centre, leading to highlights such as the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon, as well as hidden corners of the Eternal City.

Adult Price: €33.00*

* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCE
Roman Evening with Dinner
On this easy-going evening in Rome we visit one of our favourite restaurants, where you'll enjoy a warm welcome and delicious dinner of local cuisine with drinks and music.

Adult Price: €62.00*

* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.

Day 3
Explore the Ruins of Pompeii and Sorrento
We journey south to the well-preserved ruins of Pompeii. Here we join a Local Specialist who will share details of the devastation caused by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius as we wander through the ancient paved roads of a city that was frozen in time. Later, we arrive at our hotel in the clifftop town of Sorrento where we’ll dine tonight.

Hotel - Johanna Park/Grand Parco del Sole
Breakfast, Dinner

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCE
Amalfi Coast and Positano
Come with us for a drive along the famous Amalfi Coast. You’ll have a chance to visit the exclusive artists’ paradise of Positano, which is magnificently positioned on the Mediterranean coast.

Adult Price: €56.00*

* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.

Day 4
A Day on the Isle of Capri
We 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 cafés in Capri town in the company of a Local Specialist before taking your time to soak up the sophistication of this lovely island. Later, we return to the mainland.
Breakfast

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCE
Neapolitan Dinner and Dance
Join us for an evening of Neapolitan specialities at one of our favourite family-run restaurants. While you’re wined and dined, enjoy a cultural experience performed by local artists who'll take centre stage and demonstrate the famous Tarantella dance.

Adult Price: €61.00*

* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCE
Discover The Isle Of Capri
Experience Capri's spectacular cliffs, famous turquoise waters and white grotto the best way - by boat with a first-class view of this unique coastline. After the cruise, we ascend to Capri town, where there is time to take a stroll in this jet set haven and enjoy a local treat. In case of inclement weather, we'll take you on a mini bus tour of the island to Anacapri, and visit Villa San Michele.

Adult Price: €42.00*

* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCE
Sorrento Countryside and Farmhouse Meal
Enjoy a beautiful drive into the Sorrentino countryside, where you'll explore the gardens of a traditional local farm. During a tour of its lemon, orange and olive groves, your hosts will show you how mozzarella and other cheeses of the region are made. And then you'll get to try cheeses, salamis and marinated vegetables, washed down with local wine and homemade bread.

Adult Price: €51.00*

* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.

Day 5
Onwards to Assisi
See the Benedictine Abbey of Cassino, which featured as the site of the Battle of Monte Cassino in 1944, before heading north to the slopes of Mount Subasio. We arrive in the mystical town of Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis, under whose protection this medieval city is said to remain. We join our Local Specialist for a visit of Basilica of St. Francis, before some free time to explore this fascinating hilltop town. Tonight, we'll stay at one of Trafalgar’s Stays With Stories – a fully renovated old Franciscan monastery.

Hotel - Cenacolo
Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6
Discover Verona and Venice
We journey through the glorious countryside of the Emilia Romagna region. This area is also 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 Roman arena and Juliet's Balcony. Arrive later in Venice, the 'Queen of the Adriatic', where we'll enjoy a Regional Dinner.

Hotel - Biasutti Lido/Viktoria Palace Lido
Breakfast, Regional Dinner

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCE
Gondolas and the Grand Canal
Join us for a breathtaking cruise by private water taxi along Venice's Grand Canal. You'll admire the magnificent palazzi, as well as catching a glimpse of the Rialto Bridge and St. Mark's Square. Later on, you'll glide gracefully on a gondola along Venice's dreamy, narrow waterways.

Adult Price: €76.00*

* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.

Day 7
St. Mark's and More in Venice
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. Your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with the master craftsmen of Venice follows and you’ll Dive Into Culture watching them share their centuries-old glassmaking traditions. Your visit helps to preserve this delicate craft for which Venice is justifiably famous and you’ll want to remember your visit by purchasing a souvenir or two to display at home. From there, continue past the Bridge of Sighs and the Doge's Palace to St. Mark's Square where we will view the impressive square 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 Venetian treats, starting with that refreshing Venetian Spritz which is the local drink of choice.
Breakfast

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCE
Venice's Secrets and St. Mark's Basilica
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 visit the majestic Basilica of St Mark, where you’ll have a chance to view some of the prized trophies looted by the Venetians in their rise to power.

Adult Price: €38.00*

* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCE
Lagoon Cruise to Burano with Food and Drinks
Join us as we discover the Venetian Lagoon by private boat. You will enjoy a delicious meal with a selection of drinks on the fishermen's island of Burano, famous for its multi-coloured houses - a real photographer's paradise.

Adult Price: €72.00*

* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.

Day 8
On to Milan and Scenic Lake Maggiore
Today we cross the lush green plains of Lombardy to sophisticated Milan, Italy’s capital of design and fashion. An orientation tour takes us past the intricate Gothic Duomo, La Scala Opera House and the famous Galleria. Later arrive at Lake Maggiore where we'll enjoy dinner served tonight at our hotel.

Hotel - Simplon Grand Dino
Breakfast, Dinner

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

Adult Price: €45.00*

* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.

Day 9
Stroll around Lake Como
The glistening blue waters of Lake Como welcome us today. We’ll enjoy some free time to explore the lakeside lifestyle and beautiful scenery which has enchanted visitors for centuries. Spend this morning exploring Como's historical quarter, indulge in the area’s delicious gelato, take the funicular for spectacular views of the lake or consider a cruise on the lake. This evening we venture by private boat to a secluded island on Lake Maggiore where we’ll Connect With Locals over dinner at a Be My Guest experience. Join Signor Telli for colourful stories of pirates and princes and a delicious local fare in this family-run restaurant.
Breakfast, Be My Guest dinner

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCE
Discover Lake Como
Enjoy views of elegant villas and gardens as you cruise with your Local Specialist along Lake Como, one of the most beautiful spots in the Italian Lake District.

Adult Price: €45.00*

* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCE
Discover The Borromean Islands
We've organised a private launch to take you to the beautiful islands of Lake Maggiore. Here, with your Local Specialist, you'll see the Isola Madre, the Isola dei Pescatori, and on the Isola Bella we visit the magnificent palace of the Borromean Princes (this optional is only operated between mid March and the end of October).

Adult Price: €45.00*

* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.

Day 10
Admire Pisa and on to Florence
Tuscany lures us across the forested Apennine Mountains, past the marble quarries of Carrara to the famous city of Pisa and its Square of Miracles where we will enjoy an opportunity to view the Leaning Tower. Our next stop is Florence, the 'Cradle of the Renaissance'.

Hotel - Grand Mediterraneo
Breakfast

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCE
Dinner and Wine in the Tuscan Hills
This evening we’ll 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 Price: €65.00*

* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCE
Tuscan Dinner at Villa Machiavelli
Through the Chianti hills, we'll drive past vineyards to a delightful hamlet. Our destination is the ancient stone house of Machiavelli, where the great political theorist wrote his immortal work, ‘The Prince'. After a welcome drink and a visit of the villa and its wine-cellars, we'll enjoy the best of Tuscan cuisine accompanied by great music and drinks, including of course, Chianti from the Villa's own vines.

Adult Price: €68.00*

* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.

Day 11
Experience Art and Architecture in Florence
Delve into the extravagant history of the Medici family, whose legacy of art and architecture are explored in the company of a Local Specialist. We 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. Later, learn about the quality and workmanship of two of this city's historic industries at demonstrations of Florentine leathercraft and 18-carat gold.
Breakfast

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCE
Discover Palazzo Vecchio
Adult Price: €42.00*

* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.

Day 12
Treasures of San Gimignano and Return to Rome
This morning we stop at the Florence American Cemetery and Memorial. Continuing south, we visit the charming Tuscan hill-town of San Gimignano, where one finds extraordinary examples of medieval architecture and history. Venture to the centre of town to view its Piazza del Duomo, surrounded by medieval towers and the town's 13th-century city walls. This evening in Rome we enjoy a Farewell Dinner spent in the company of newfound friends and our Travel Director.

Hotel - Shangri-La
Breakfast, Farewell Dinner

Day 13
Farewell Rome
Our discovery of the best of Italy has come to an end.
Breakfast

All optional experiences for this trip - book with your travel director when you travel.