Italy's Iconic Cities and Lakes

Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore this ancient capital with the help of the CosmosGO app. This evening, meet your Tour Director and travel companions.

Steeped in history, the “Eternal City” is vibrantly alive and exciting, and absolutely unique! Start the included introduction to Rome's landmarks from St. Peter's Square with a Local Guide. Enjoy a drive along the iconic landmarks of the city: the Tiber River, the Caius Cestius Pyramid, the Aurelian Walls, and the Caracalla Baths. Complete the experience with a walk back in time from the Circus Maximus to the Arch of Constantine and to the fascinating Colosseum, symbol of the Roman Empire.* (B)

Vistas of rolling hills, cypress trees, terraced vineyards, olive groves, and charming villages form the backdrop as you journey into the heart of Tuscany. Stop in Pisa to enjoy a mini-train ride to the Square of Miracles and see the legendary Leaning Tower. Then, head east to magnificent Florence, “Cradle of the Renaissance.” Everything tastes better in Tuscany! See for yourself with an optional culinary experience in the Tuscan countryside to indulge in authentic traditional dishes—with wine, of course! Today's Distance: 284mi/ 457 km (B)

Today, discover the wonders of Florence, starting with a guided walking tour, featuring some of the city's greatest attractions. See Piazza Santa Croce; world-famous Signoria Square; 13th-century Palazzo Vecchio; Loggia dei Lanzi; the unique Duomo with Giotto's Gothic Bell Tower and the Baptistry's ornate bronze door known as the “Gate of Paradise.” (B)

Travel north and cross the Po River to Verona, setting for Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet. Marvel at the ancient Roman Arena, built for gladiator fights but now still used as a popular venue for festivals and concerts; shop in Via Mazzini, or just wander the cobblestone streets of the city center. Continue to the Venice area. Do you believe in magic? An optional evening boat ride on Giudecca Canal, dinner in a local restaurant, and St. Mark's square at night will remove all doubt! Today's Distance: 245mi/ 395 km (B)

Venice is a place of unmatched beauty and a feast of fantastic sights. View the delightful crisscrossing canals, the gondolas, arched bridges, palaces, and piazzas. Your included orientation features a boat ride to St. Mark's Square and a visit to a Venetian glassblowing workshop. You'll have time to explore at leisure on your own or join one of our wonderful optional excursions. Otherwise, just relax, sipping a cappuccino or the typical Venetian drink called “spritz” at one of the many bars or cafés. (B/D)

Check into your hotel in Milan, the vibrant city of fashion and design (B)

Free day to explore Milan on your own.* (B)

Start the day with an orientation tour of Milan, stopping to admire the famous Gothic-style Duomo. Travel east through the Po Valley and stop at Lake Garda to discover Sirmione. This is a Spa town rich in thermal waters and ancient charm situated on a long peninsula surrounded by breathtaking views. Among its highlights, a medieval castle, the famous Roman villa and grottoes of Catullo. Spend the evening in Verona, the "city of love". Today's Distance: 112 mi/ 180 km (B)

In the morning, a Local Guide takes you through the old cobblestone streets of the old part of Verona telling the stories behind the old buildings and how this beautiful city inspired Shakespeare. Spend the afternoon shopping, visiting, or taking a stroll along the Adige River banks, or sip and see with delightful wines and water views on an optional excursion to Valpolicella. Discover delicious local vintages, such as Valpolicella and Amarone, followed by time to relax on the shores of Lake Garda in Lazise. (B)

This morning, say goodbye to the romantic city of Verona and continue to fascinating Lake Como, where you'll spend two nights. Stroll around the narrow alleys of the city center and the “lungolago” (lake promenade) and maybe taste some fabulous local gelato. Today's Distance: 158 mi/ 255 km (B)

Inspiring everyone from Roman senators and great composers to Hollywood actors, Como is the glamorous image of the lakes. Its cobalt-blue waters are lined with magnificent mountains, lush gardens, and grand villas. Join the included boat trip to Bellagio, set in one of the most scenic locations in all of Italy, and Varenna, an old fishing village. (B)

Depart Lake Como and cross the border into Switzerland. Head towards beautiful Lake Lugano and the stylish city that bears its name. Time to stroll along the lakeside promenade, window shop on refined Via Nassa, or sip an espresso on the Piazza Riforma. Leave Switzerland and cross back into Italy, driving to Lake Maggiore. Today's Distance: 50 mi/ 80 km (B)

Set between Piedmont, Lombardy, and Switzerland, Lake Maggiore is a paradise of crystal waters, backed by towering mountains and surrounded by lush countryside. The day is yours to relax or to enjoy some of the many activities available around the lake. Breathtaking views are a shore thing with an optional boat trip to the Borromean Islands, with time to visit the extravagant Borromeo Palace, built like a ship anchored just off the shoreline. (B/D)

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (The nearest airport is Milan Malpensa.) (B)