Day 1: Arrive in Rome Arrive at any time and enjoy the lively city of Roma. Enjoy the local architecture or get a taste of Italy by relaxing at one of its many typical bars or cafes.
Unquestionably Rome exudes history; from its Catacombs that entombed early Christians, to the Colosseum where gladiators battled to the death and on up to Palatine Hill, the traditional site of Rome’s founding. Located near the centre of the Italian peninsula on the Tiber River, it is both the capital of the Latium region and the country. Known as the Eternal City, it is the see of the pope, whose residence, Vatican City, is a sovereign state within the city of Rome.
The city is enthralling, with perhaps more to see than any other place in the world. Eating in Italy is deeply embedded in the country’s culture, and dining in Rome can seem to last forever and consist of many courses. The city offers a vibrant nightlife, and since Rome is devoid of liquor licensing laws, the night will last as long as you do.
Day 2: SienaEstimated Travel Time: 3 hours
This morning we will be heading north by train to Siena.
One of Italy's best preserved medieval towns, located in the heart of Tuscany, Siena is built on three hills and surrounded by well preserved walls, filled with fine examples of Gothic architecture and has one of the world's most unique piazzas - il Campo . Of course, the world-famous horse race Il Palio is an important part of Sienese identity, history and culture.
Siena's cathedral, the Duomo, begun in the Twelfth Century, is one of the great examples of Italian romanesque architecture. Its main façade was completed in 1380. Its campanile and baptistry make a fine group.
Inside is the famous Gothic octagonal pulpit by Nicola Pisano supported on lions, and the labyrinth inlaid in the flooring, traversed by penitents on their knees. Within the Sacristy are some perfectly preserved renaissance frescos by Ghirlandaio. Beneath the Duomo, in the baptistry, is the marvelous baptismal font with bas-reliefs by Donatello, Ghiberti, Jacopo della Quercia and other 15th-century sculptors. The Museo dell'Opera del Duomo contains Duccio's famous Maestà and various other works by Siennese masters. More Siennese paintings are to be found in the Pinacoteca.
The shell-shaped Piazza del Campo, the town square, which houses the Palazzo Pubblico and the Torre del Mangia, is another architectural treasure, and is famous for hosting the Palio. The Palazzo Pubblico, itself a great work of architecture, houses yet another important art museum.
Day 3-4: FlorenceEstimated Travel Time: 1.5 hours
Hopping on a local bus we head to Florence.
Florence (Firenze in Italian), was founded in the first century B.C., and personifies all that is beautiful in Italian civilization. It is the capital of the Tuscany region with a population of approximately half a million people. The fathers of Italian painting, Cimabue and Giotto lived here, along with many other prominent artists. It is the birthplace of the Italian language (Dante Aliguieri) and Europe’s richest cultural period, The Italian Renaissance. Florence’s cultural and historical impact attracts thousands of international travellers each year.
In the summer, life in Florence can be found in the streets and squares. Outdoor cinemas, music, dance and theatre enliven most squares every evening. Your days can be filled with visiting the marvellous multicoloured Duomo, the Uffizi Gallery, the medieval Ponte Vecchio or the Medici Chapels. Take a break at Piazza della Signoria with a gelato or a coffee before hitting the vivacious Piazza San Lorenzo to bargain for discounted woollen and leather goods. Florence has much to offer.
Day 5: LuccaEstimated Travel Time: 1 hour
Travel by train to the beautiful little Tuscan town of Lucca. Here the day is free to get to know the city and its history.
Lucca is a magical place surrounded by Renaissance walls and set above the surrounding countryside. This classic medieval city has been well preserved over the centuries, and contained within the 16th century walls you will find piazzas, towers, and copious white decorated churches. Today, Lucca is one of the wealthiest cities in Tuscany, a prosperity gained mostly through silk and olive oil production. This tranquil town is a brilliant place to stroll, promenade atop the tree-lined walls or enjoy the gastronomic delights distinguished by the use of local aromatic herbs.
Day 6-7: Cinque TerreEstimated Travel Time: 1 hour
Travel by train to Cinque Terre which represent one of the best preserved natural and semi-natural areas of the Mediterranean. Human activity and especially viticulture, have contributed to create a unique landscape, which, combined with the characteristics of a crystal clear sea, of architecturally interesting locations, of a varied and extensive network of paths, makes for fascinating exploration.
Walking the entire path (approximately 6 hours) gives you the best taste of the villages and countryside, terraced hills and vineyards sloping steeply down to the sea. Five little villages are built into the rocks between the beach and the hills. You can hike, swim, drink wine, and watch amazing Mediterranean sunsets. Centuries old footpaths and mule tracks, lead you through olive groves and vineyards, orchards and chestnut woods.
We will stop en route to Cinque Terre at the world famous Pisa Tower for a couple of hours.
Day 8: AstiEstimated Travel Time: 3 hours
We travel by train to Asti, a city and comune in the Piemonte region, in north-western Italy, about 80 kilometres east of Turin in the plain of the Tanaro River. A Medieval Town, it is the capital of the province of Asti.
Some of the most important Italian wines — including the renowned Barolo - are produced here. Monferrato, which includes the Province of Asti, is an important area for the production of fine wines. Perhaps the wine most famously associated with Asti worldwide is the sparkling Asti Spumante (DOCG). The name today is usually shortened to ‘Asti’ in order to avoid associations with the many wines of dubious quality which are labelled as Spumante. Asti is typically sweet and low in alcohol (often below 8%). It is made solely from the moscato bianco white muscat grape. Asti is also the best place to find 'white tartufo' (truffles), a unique and distinctive regional delicacy.
We will have an included visit to a local winery for a tour and of course a chance to sample their vintages
Day 9-10: ComoEstimated Travel Time: 4 hours
Just half an hour from Milan, Como is a jewel-like oasis of tranquillity, a magical combination of lush Mediterranean foliage and snowy alpine peaks. One of the best vantage points for this breathtaking view is in Piazza Cavour, on the banks of the lake in the town of Como.
A full day trip by boat is planned to explore Lake Como and its many elegant villas and towns, like Bellagio with its shops, restaurants and fine residences. Bellagio is located in the heart of Lake Como. The town's location is often said to be one of the most beautiful of all Europe. Bellagio lies on the westward side of the triangle in the mid-lake area of Lake Como. Villa Serbelloni, owned by the New York's Rockefeller Foundation, sits above Bellagio, and is well worth visiting the formal gardens. Also slightly south of Bellagio's center, is the Villa Melzi d'Eryl, where you can visit the outstanding gardens.
Day 11-12: VeniceEstimated Travel Time: 3.5 hours
A train journey brings us to Venice, one of the few cities in the world that can be truly described as unique. Over an extraordinarily long period, the city was embellished with monuments of rare splendour that today make it a tourist attraction like none other in the entire world.
Wonderful museums give us the opportunity to enjoy great painters of the renaissance like Jacoppo Tintoretto, Vittore Carpacio or Tiziano.
The "city of canals", don't miss a vaporetto (water-bus) ride along the Grand Canal, the old-world shops of the Rialto Bridge, the Palace of the Doge (ruler of Venice), the Piazza and Basilica of San Marco and the romantic Bridge of Sighs. There's also time for you to wander the narrow, cobblestone streets and spacious piazzas and cross the hundreds of tiny bridges or maybe have a ride in the the classical Venetian boat “the gondola”.
Day 13: Depart VeniceDepart at any time.
Back to the top