Enjoy a little more time—and a lot more beauty—on this extended tour of Italy. Visit the most spectacular sights of Venice, Rome, and Florence with our Taste of Italy tour, then move on to the historic remains of the tragic city of Pompeii, and postcard-perfect seaside favorites, Sorrento and the Isle of Capri.
Authentic Local Experiences:
- View the amazing art collection at Florence’s Accademia Gallery, and marvel at Michelangelo’s sculptural masterpiece, David.
- See the glorious architecture of Venice as you take a walking tour with a local guide.
- Walk amid the ruins of Pompeii, an entire city where Mount Vesuvius still reigns and ghosts still whisper.
- Take a fast-jet ferry to luxuriate on the Isle of Capri.
Dining Experiences:
- 9 breakfasts (B), 2 lunches (L), and 5 dinners (D)
Trip Highlights:
- Accademia Gallery and Michelangelo’s David Sculpture
- Bologna
- Colosseum and Roman Forum
- Doge’s Palace
- Isle of Capri
- Orvieto Wine Tasting
- Pompeii
- Positano and Amalfi
- Venice City Tour
- Vatican Museums with Sistine Chapel and St Peter’s Basilica
Hotels:
- Avani Rio Novo, Venice (2)
- NH Firenze, Florence (2)
- NH Collection Roma Vittorio Veneto, Rome (2)
- Hotel Michelangelo, Sorrento (3)
Day 1: Venice Arrival & Welcome DinnerMeet your tour director at 4:00 PM for a welcome reception and take an orientation walk around the city known as the ‘Queen of the Adriatic.’ Enjoy a welcome drink and dinner with your fellow travelers.
Hotel: Avani Rio Novo Venice
Meals: (D)
Day 2: Murano Glass Factory & Venice City TourTake a scenic cruise around the Venetian Lagoon to Murano Island, known for centuries for its artisanal glass industry. Tour a factory and see a demonstration of the art of glass blowing. Cruise back to the splendid Piazza San Marco for a walking tour, with a visit to the Doge’s Palace. The rest of the day is yours to explore and dine independently.
Hotel: Avani Rio Novo Venice
Meals: (B)
Day 3: Bologna & FlorenceTravel to historic Bologna, a culinary haven known as “La Grassa” (The Fat One). With medieval architecture, the iconic Two Towers, and the oldest university in the Western world, Bologna offers a rich blend of history, culture, and exceptional cuisine. You’ll have free time for an independent lunch before moving on to your hotel in Florence’s city center. In Florence, take an orientation walk with your tour director and then savor time to discover this magnificent city, the capital of Tuscany and the birthplace of Renaissance art and architecture. Enjoy dinner with your group.
Hotel: NH Firenze
Meals: (B, D)
Day 4: Florence Walking Tour & Accademia GalleryTake a walking tour of Florence and marvel at the sights of the city center such as the Duomo, Palazzo Vecchio, and Piazza della Signoria. Visit the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo’s iconic sculpture of David. Savor a local lunch in the heart of Florence. After lunch you’ll have the rest of the day to explore the city at your leisure.
Hotel: NH Firenze
Meals: (B, L)
Day 5: Orvieto & Roman ColosseumYou’re off to the Eternal City – Rome. Along the way, stop in the scenic hill town of Orvieto for a delicious tasting of its renowned local wine. Visit the Colosseum, imperial Rome’s iconic structure, built between 72 and 80 AD. This engineering marvel could hold up to 80,000 spectators for gladiator battles and dramatic productions. Imagine the ghosts of the Caesars in the ruins of the Forum, the ancient heart of the Roman Empire. Enjoy a free evening.
Hotel: Nhow Roma Vittorio Veneto
Meals: (B)
Day 6: Independent Exploration & Vatican TourDiscover Rome independently this morning with free time to explore. In the afternoon visit the Vatican for a guided tour of the Museums, with entrance to the Sistine Chapel and St Peter’s Basilica. Then it’s off to dinner in a local restaurant.
Hotel: Nhow Roma Vittorio Veneto
Meals: (B, D)
Day 7: Pompeii & SorrentoDepart from Rome for the World Heritage site of Pompeii, a city frozen in time after a volcanic eruption in 79 AD. Learn about the city’s rediscovery in 1748 and excavation on a guided tour of this archaeological treasure. Savor lunch at an authentic Neapolitan pizzeria before arriving at your hotel in Sorrento, a resort town since Roman times, famous for stunning views of villas dotting the rocky cliffs along the coastline.
Hotel: Hotel Michelangelo Sorrento
Meals: (B, L, D)
Day 8: Isle of Capri & Independent ExplorationThis morning take a fast ferry across the Bay of Naples to the charming island of Capri. Enjoy the breathtaking sights as you explore this beautiful island independently. Capri is beloved as a day trip destination for its Roman ruins and colorful Blue Grotto, as well as its wonderful beaches. Return to Sorrento, where you’ll enjoy an evening free to dine and explore as you wish.
Hotel: Hotel Michelangelo Sorrento
Meals: (B)
Day 9: Positano & AmalfiTake a scenic drive from Sorrento to the chic village of Positano, one of the jewels of the Amalfi Coast. Stroll through the colorful, narrow streets, browsing the many fashion boutiques as you head down to the beach. Then cruise to Amalfi, passing fishing villages, clifftop churches, and stunning architecture. Amalfi is a beautiful resort town known for handmade ceramics, colorful tiles and the ancient craft of papermaking. You’ll have free time for sightseeing and lunch before returning to Sorrento for a farewell dinner with your group.
Hotel: Hotel Michelangelo Sorrento
Meals: (B, D)
Day 10: Tour Ends in SorrentoYour tour ends after breakfast in Sorrento.
Meals: (B)
Meal Abbreviations: B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner