Real Italy

Your launch pad to an epic Italian tour begins in the Eternal City of Rome. Tread in the footsteps of gods and goddesses, emperors and gladiators as you explore its ancient streets before joining your Travel Director for dinner.

Unlock local secrets on a tour of the Vatican Museums with a Local Specialist. Admire Michelangelo's frescoed ceiling in the Sistine Chapel. Later, cross the Tiber into Ancient Rome and enjoy a guided in depth experience visiting the Colosseum, before seeing Circus Maximus, once the site of celebrated chariot races. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore Rome on your own or relax in one of the city's piazzas watching the world go by.

Pass the hilltop towns of Orte and Orvieto as you cross the steep Apennine Mountains. Enjoy a refreshing lunch stop before arriving in Venice, the Queen of the Adriatic.

The culture of Venice springs to life as you watch the delicate craft of Venetian glassblowing at a glassblowing workshop on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Take a private cruise to St. Mark's Square, sharing the city's waterways with ferries, gondolas and yachts. Be dazzled by the Byzantine Basilica, the Bridge of Sighs and the ornate Doges' Palace before spending the rest of the afternoon on your own exploring the labyrinthine calli or enjoying a refreshing spritz.

The northern Italian city of Bologna’s vibrant, red-tiled houses and the combination of medieval and Renaissance structures take center stage today as your Local Specialist points out the key features. Tonight, opt for a one-of-a-kind experience in the picturesque Tuscan Hills to dine on delicious food and wine.

The birthplace of the Renaissance, with its world-class museums and Tuscan cuisine, Florence offers one remarkable sight after the next. Join a Local Specialist ticking off the must-sees of this epic city. See the multi-colored Duomo with its impressive dome engineered by Brunelleschi and the gilded doors of the Baptistery. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore a city that inspired artists, poets and painters to create masterpieces. Consider a visit to the Academy of Fine Arts to see Michelangelo's statue of David, enjoy spectacular views from Piazza Michelangelo or marvel at the Medici legacy at the Palazzo Vecchio. This evening, you'll visit a 12th-century castle for a Be My Guest experience.

Travel through the Campanian plains to the Bay of Naples, which lies in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius. Your home for the next two nights - and introduction to the Amalfi Coast - is the clifftop town of Sorrento. Admire the pastel rainbow of colorful houses stacked upon one another. Perhaps take a stroll overlooking the warm Mediterranean waters before dinner at your hotel.

This chic island playground is packed with sights you'll discover with a Local Specialist. Even better, you’ll arrive by a scenic ferry ride across the Bay of Naples. Consider an optional experience to Anacapri’s Villa San Michele for beautiful views of the Tyrrhenian Sea. This villa showcases the life story of the Swedish physician and author Axel Munthe, as well as the creation of the villa detailed in 'The Story of San Michele.' View his collection of Roman artefacts and stroll through the stunning garden, recently honored as Italy’s most beautiful private park. Admire Barbarossa Mountain and postcard-worthy views over the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius.

There’s no better place to learn about Italy’s ancient history than in Pompeii. Explore the tragic immortalisation of this civilization preserved by volcanic ash when Vesuvius erupted. Your Local Specialist reveals secrets on a walking tour as you learn about the day-to-day life of the city's former residents. Your Italian tour ends in Rome where you join your Travel Director and fellow traveling companions for dinner, celebrating in true Italian style.

It's time to bid Italy a fond arrivederci. Transfers are available to Rome Fiumicino Airport.