From October 18 to October 31, 2023

13 Days - 2 Countries - Italy, Vatican City - 15 Cities

Discover the Best of Italy, from Renaissance Florence to the ancient wonders of Rome and everything in between. Think about taking a private guided tour of Pompeii to witness a Roman city frozen in time, as well as spending the night in a refurbished Franciscan monastery in Assisi and enjoying fashionable Capri.

Day 1 Greetings from Rome

Hello, Rome! Before joining your traveling companions and travel director for a welcome reception, explore this imperial metropolis of emperors, senators, and gods. An orientation tour in the evening to see some of the sights that will be there tomorrow serves as our introduction to the "Eternal City."

Cicerone/Una Hotel

Meals - Welcome Reception Included

Day 2

Discover the Vatican City and Ancient Rome.

As we accompany a Local Specialist on an included sightseeing tour of the Vatican Museums, the Holy See takes center stage. Explore Culture to see the Sistine Chapel's spectacular frescoed ceiling by Michelangelo and the Bramante Staircase, which was built for Pope Julius II in the early 16th century. Before crossing the Tiber into Ancient Rome, see Michelangelo's Pietà, a marble masterwork that is housed in St. Peter's Basilica. Visit the renowned Colosseum and the Circus Maximus, where renowned chariot racing formerly took place. Enjoy your free time this afternoon to explore Rome. Grab a cup of coffee at Piazza Navona or ascend the Spanish Steps.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3

Investigate the Pompeii and Sorrento Ruins.

We travel south to the admirably preserved Pompeii ruins. While strolling through the historic cobblestone streets of a city that was frozen in time, we meet a Local Specialist who will provide details about the destruction brought on by Mount Vesuvius' eruption. Later, we get to the clifftop village of Sorrento, where we stay and have dinner.

Hotel - Grand Parco del Sole/Johanna Park

Meals are Included: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 4

An Island of Capri Day

Today, we take a ferry across the Bay of Naples to the opulent Isle of Capri to see some of its iconic sites. In the company of a Local Specialist, stroll past the upscale shops and sidewalk cafés in Capri town before taking your time to enjoy this charming island's refinement. We later travel back to the mainland.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 5

Moving on to Assisi

Before continuing north to the slopes of Mount Subasio, visit the Benedictine Abbey of Cassino, which served as the backdrop for the 1944 Battle of Monte Cassino. We arrive in the ethereal village of Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis, whose guardianship is claimed to have preserved this medieval city. After seeing the Basilica of St. Francis with our local expert, we have some free time to further explore this intriguing hilltop town. We'll spend the night in one of Trafalgar's Stays With Stories, a historic Franciscan monastery that has been completely restored.

Cenacolo Hotel

Meals are Included: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 6

Learn about Verona and Venice.

We travel across the beautiful Emilia Romagna countryside. Tortellini, mortadella, and parmesan cheese are all said to have originated in this region, which is also well-known for its cuisine. Visit Verona, the setting for Shakespeare's star-crossed lovers, to see Juliet's balcony and the Roman arena. We'll have a regional dinner when we get to Venice, the "Queen of the Adriatic," later.

Hotel - Victoria Palace Lido/Biasutti Lido

Meals: Breakfast and Regional Dinner are Included

Day 7

Venice's St. Mark's and More

Take a private launch tour through Venice to take in the sights and sounds of what once was one of the greatest ports in the world. You'll Dive Into Culture as you observe the master craftsmen of Venice reveal their centuries-old glassmaking practices as part of your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. You'll want to remember your trip by purchasing a memento or two to show at home. Your visit will aid in the preservation of this delicate craft for which Venice is rightfully famed. Continue on past the Doge's Palace and the Bridge of Sighs to St. Mark's Piazza, where we will see the magnificent square and Basilica. Indulge in some delectable Venetian goodies, starting with that refreshing Venetian Spritz, which is the local drink of choice, or consider taking an optional experience to visit the vibrant fishermen's homes on the Island of Burano.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 8

Milan and the scenic Lake Maggiore are next.

Today, we travel through the verdant plains of Lombardy to chic Milan, the nation's center for fashion and design. We pass the ornate Gothic Duomo, La Scala Opera House, and the renowned Galleria on an orientation trip. Arrive at Lake Maggiore later; tonight's dinner will be served at our hotel.

Simplon/Grand Dino Hotel

Meals are Included: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 9

Circulate Lake Como

Today we are welcomed by the Lake Como's dazzling blue waves. We'll take advantage of some free time to explore the lakeside community and breathtaking surroundings that have mesmerized tourists for generations. Spend your morning visiting Como's old district, indulging in the region's delectable gelato, riding the funicular for breathtaking lake views, or thinking about taking a lake cruise. We take a private boat this evening to a remote island on Lake Maggiore where we'll dine with the locals and have a Be My Guest experience. Join the Cinque family and learn everything about the fascinating past of Villa Toscanini, a small, picturesque island home to one of the 19th century's most important musicians, the famous Italian maestro Arturo Toscanini.

Be My Guest and Breakfast Are Included

Day 10

Enjoy Pisa, then proceed to Florence.

Tuscany entices us via the marble quarries of Carrara and across the forested Apennine Mountains to the famed city of Pisa and its Square of Miracles, where we will get the chance to see the Leaning Tower. The "Cradle of the Renaissance," Florence, is where we will next stop.

Grand Mediterraneo Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 11

Explore Florence's architecture and art

Explore the Medici family's lavish history while being guided by a Local Specialist through their legacy of art and architecture. From Piazzale Michelangelo, we visit Piazza della Signoria and take in the magnificent panoramas of Florence's skyline, which is dominated by the gorgeous Duomo and the nearly 700-year-old Ponte Vecchio. Later, watch demonstrations of Florentine leathercraft and 18-carat gold to learn more about the excellence and craftsmanship of two of this city's traditional businesses.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Elective Experience

Day 12

San Gimignano's Treasures and a Trip Back to Rome

We visit the Florence American Cemetery and Memorial this morning. As we travel farther south, we stop in the picturesque Tuscan hill-town of San Gimignano, where one may see outstanding examples of medieval history and architecture. Explore the town's Piazza del Duomo, which is encircled by 13th-century city walls and medieval towers. We share a farewell dinner this evening in Rome with our travel director, new friends, and other guests.

The Shangri-La Hotel

Meals: Breakfast and Farewell Dinner are Included

Day 13

Goodbye, Rome

We have finished exploring the best of Italy. Contact us if you want more information.

Meals Included: Breakfast