The Beauties of Italy

D01: ROME

The journey begins on Day 1 in Rome. Upon arrival, you will meet your guide, check into the hotel, and take a leisurely walk through Villa Borghese Park. From the Pincio Terrace, you will enjoy a beautiful view of Piazza del Popolo, before continuing along Via del Corso to see Palazzo Montecitorio, Palazzo Chigi, Piazza Venezia, and the Altar of the Fatherland. The day concludes with a local aperitivo and dinner.

D02: ROME

Day 2 begins at Rome's iconic amphitheater, The Colosseum, followed by a stroll through the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. In the afternoon, you will visit the Pantheon and the magnificent Trevi Fountain (don't forget your coin!). The walk continues to Piazza di Spagna, climbing the staircase to the Trinità dei Monti church. Afterward, enjoy an aperitivo at the famous Hotel Hassler. Dinner will be in the lively Trastevere district.

D03: ROME

Day 3 is dedicated to the independent state of Vatican City. The morning involves a comprehensive visit to the Vatican Museums, including the renowned Sistine Chapel, followed by an entrance into St. Peter's Basilica. After lunch, the tour continues along the Tevere River to Castel Sant'Angelo, concluding at the beautiful Baroque square of Piazza Navona. Dinner options include pizza in Campo de' Fiori or traditional cuisine in the historic Jewish Ghetto.

D04: ROME - ORVIETO - ASSISI - MONTALCINO

Day 4 transitions with an early morning transfer to Orvieto (Umbria), famous for being built on Tufo stone. You will explore the medieval city center, the network of underground tunnels, and the stunning Gothic Catedral (Duomo). After lunch, you will travel to Assisi, the birthplace of San Francesco, to visit the Basilica of San Francesco (UNESCO World Heritage site). The day concludes in Montalcino (Tuscany), where you will enjoy a free wine tasting and dinner at a family-run agriturismo.

D05: VAL D'ORCIA - PIENZA - SIENA

Day 5 is spent in the Val d'Orcia region of Tuscany. After a walk through Montalcino's old town, you will head toward Pienza, with a photo stop along the way to admire the famous "Gladiator Elysian Fields" landscape. Throughout the day, you will enjoy wine, olive oil, and cheese tastings. In the late afternoon, you will arrive in Siena for a walking tour of its enchanting medieval center. The evening features a special dinner as honored guests of the Contrada dell'Aquila.

D06: SIENA - SAN GIMIGNANO - VOLTERRA

On Day 6, you will delve into the history of Siena, visiting the magnificent Siena Cathedral (Duomo) and the Santa Maria della Scala Museum Complex (Spedale). In the afternoon, you will head to San Gimignano, the 'Medieval Manhattan,' and conclude the day with a visit to the historic Etruscan town of Volterra, where you will enjoy a relaxing walk and dinner featuring local products.

D07: VOLTERRA - PISA - LUCCA

Day 7 starts with a move toward Pisa to visit the magnificent Square of Miracles and its components: the Leaning Tower, Pisa Cathedral (Duomo di Santa Maria Assunta), and Baptistery. In the afternoon, you will spend time in Lucca, celebrated for its well-preserved Renaissance-era city walls. The walk includes the oval-shaped Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, the Lucca Cathedral, and the Basilica of San Frediano.

Day 8 involves an early transfer from Lucca to Florence, the capital of Tuscany. The extensive city tour includes the Uffizi Gallery, the historic Ponte Vecchio, the renowned Accademia Gallery, and a focus on the marvelous churches of the historic center: Santa Maria del Fiore (the Duomo), Giotto's Bell Tower, the Baptistery, Santa Maria Novella, and Santa Croce. Dinner is served at a local trattoria accompanied by fine wines.

D09: FLORENCE

Day 9 is devoted entirely to Florence. The morning begins with a trip uphill to Piazzale Michelangelo and the San Miniato al Monte Abbey terrace for stunning panoramic views. Afterward, you will stroll down to Piazza della Signoria and explore Palazzo Vecchio. The entire afternoon is left free for leisure, shopping, and personal exploration of the historic center.

D10: MODENA - VERONA

Day 10 involves traveling to Modena (Emilia-Romagna) to explore its historic city center and Duomo. You will also visit the Ferrari factory and museum. In the late evening, you will arrive in Verona (Veneto), the setting for Romeo and Juliet. You will visit Juliet's House, Piazza Bra, Piazza delle Erbe, and the magnificent Arena di Verona.

D11: VERONA - VICENZA - VENICE 

Day 11 starts with a relaxing morning in Verona before heading to Vicenza, the 'city of Palladio,' a UNESCO World Heritage site. You will visit magnificent Renaissance Villas and the iconic Teatro Olimpico. After dinner, you will transfer to your hotel near Venice.

D12: VENICE

Day 12 involves an early train to Venice. The tour immediately begins at Piazza San Marco to see its splendors: St. Mark's Basilica, the Doge's Palace, La Fenice Theater, and St. Mark's Campanile. After lunch, you will head toward the Rialto Bridge and explore the vibrant fish and produce market. A gondola ride is highly recommended. Dinner will be enjoyed in the less-touristed San Polo or Cannaregio districts, offering authentic Venetian dishes.

D13: VENICE 

Day 13 is dedicated to the artistic side of Venice. In the morning, you will take a vaporetto to Murano Island, famous for its glass factories. In the afternoon, you will return to Venice to visit the Accademia Gallery and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection of modern art in the Dorsoduro area.

D14: VENICE 

The final day, Day 14 in Venice, marks the end of the Italian journey, and you will be transferred to the airport for your safe journey home.