Essence of Italy

Arrival at Rome Fiumicino airport, transfer to the hotel by a private car and check-in. Remainder of the day is at leisure to explore the Eternal City. The best way to discover the Eternal City is by an expert local guide who will reveal the city’s most iconic sights. In the afternoon, we recommend a guided tour of the Vatican Museums, to admire Michelangelo’s famous Sistine Chapel and other masterpieces of the Italian Renaissance. It is possible to participate in a series of other optional activities, such as a cooking lesson to learn how to make pizza or pasta and ice cream. For dinner we suggest trying a typical Roman restaurant. Overnight at Hotel Diana Roof Garden or similar. 

Optional Experiences: Guided tour of the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel.

After breakfast, another day dedicated to discovering the city. Enjoy a tour of Imperial Rome, to closely admire the monuments of the Roman Forum, enter the Colosseum and listen to our guide’s presentation of the evocative history of ancient Rome and the gladiators’ fights that took place there. The afternoon is at leisure, perhaps join an excursion to visit Rome Catacombs. For the evening, we recommend a nice walk in the Trastevere district, full of local restaurants. Overnight at Hotel Diana Roof Garden or similar. (B)

This morning, take a high-speed train to Naples. Upon arrival, meet our driver and proceed to Pompeii where you will enjoy a 2-hour stop to visit the archaeological area (tickets included – guide not included but possibility to add it). This ancient Roman city was destroyed when Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD and buried it, preserving it under a sea of volcanic ash for nearly 1700 years. Transfer to Sorrento, famous for its picturesque old town center and characteristic fisherman’s village of Marina Grande, one of the most authentic treasures of the city. Overnight Hotel Michelangelo or similar. (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. Today you will participate in a small group tour (max 20 pax) to Capri, with a visit to the famous Blue Grotto included (weather permitting). Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore the beauties of this wonderful island. Lunch at leisure. In the afternoon, return to Sorrento by ferry. Once you arrive at the port, return to the hotel independently. Overnight Hotel Michelangelo or similar. (B)

After breakfast, private transfer to Napoli centrale rail station, to board the high speed train to Florence. After arriving, check-in and enjoy free time to explore the city ‘cradle of the Renaissance’. We would suggest a guided tour of one of the main museums: the Uffizi Galleries, with the masterpieces of the masters of the Italian Renaissance, or the Accademia Gallery, which houses the original of Michelangelo’s famous statue of David, or a half day visit to Pisa and its famous leaning tower. Overnight at Hotel Executive or similar. (B)

Breakfast at the hotel followed by a half day tour to discover two thousand years of history of the cradle of the Renaissance through the eyes of an expert local guide, who will take you in an unforgettable journey to discover the most beautiful squares and monuments of Florence. Admire with your own eyes the sites and monuments that have made Florence one of the most visited destinations in the world. Afternoon at leisure to continue exploring. Overnight at Hotel Executive or similar. (B)

After breakfast, board a high-speed train to Venice S. Lucia. The journey takes about 2h 15’. After arriving, check-in, enjoy a 30-minute “gondola ride” with commentary via app on your mobile phone. Before dinner in Venice, it is traditional to have an aperitif based on “cichéti” (small snacks) in one of the many “bacari” (taverns) scattered along the “calli” (that is what the Venetian streets are called): a must experience to try! Overnight at Hotel Princie or similar. (B)

Breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a full day at leisure to discover Venice or its lagoon. Take a guided walking tour through the most famous places in the city (Piazza San Marco with the Basilica and the Clock Tower, the Rialto Bridge, Campo Santa Maria Formosa) and others less known; or a skip-the-line guided tour of the Doge’s Palace, with the Doge’s luxurious apartments and the famous Bridge of Sighs. Alternatively, you can go on a boat trip to the islands of the Venice lagoon: Murano, known all over the world for its famous glass craftmanship; Burano, famous for the picturesque fishermen’s houses all painted in bright colours; and Torcello, the first settlement centre in the lagoon. Overnight at Hotel Princie or similar. (B).

Optional: Venice Walking tour with Doge’s Palace & St. Mark’s Basilica

Breakfast at the hotel, check-out and end of the services. Possibility to book a private transfer to the airport as an additional service, or to continue the journey by joining another tour. (B)