Welcome to Rome!
At 5 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (D)
Spend your day your way in Rome.
Explore more of Rome with your choice of included Globus Choice Excursions.
* For operational reasons, schedule changes for the Rome program cannot be excluded.
The Tilted Tower
Leave the hustle and bustle of Rome behind as you relax for a scenic drive past the olive groves and vineyards that extend over the rolling green hills of Umbria and Tuscany. En route to Florence, enjoy a stop in Pisa to visit the Square of Miracles, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and location of one of the most recognizable monuments in the world – the Leaning Tower of Pisa. (B) 280 mi / 450 km.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - HISTORIC SPOT: See architecture gone askew from the viewpoint of the Piazza dei Miracoli in Pisa. Take the ultimate selfie in front of the Leaning Tower with a tilt of the head or other popular poses to commemorate your visit to the site of medieval art in this beautiful piazza.
Fine Art in Firenze
Florence is one of Italy's most celebrated cities. Meet your local guide for a walk through the historic center, stopping to admire and learn more about the cathedral, Giotto's Bell Tower, the massive bronze doors of the Baptistry's “ Gates of Paradise,” the sculptures of Signoria Square, and the Ponte Vecchio. This afternoon free time to explore more of Florence “La bella.” (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - ART & ARCHITECTURE: Those lucky enough to visit the Tuscan capital are witness to some of the world's most magnificent art. Home to a wealth of Rennaissance masterpieces, Florence is famous for Michelangelo's Marble Masterpiece, David, standing ready for battle while Piazza del Duomo and Signoria Square offer spectacular sights of Florentine Gothic and Renaissance art, architecture, and monuments.
Italian Treasures
This morning drive to La Spezia, the starting point of your Cinque Terre adventure. Join a guided boat ride (weather permitting) to admire the dramatic scenery along the Cinque Terre coast. Arrive in Monterosso, one of the 5 villages, for some free time before boarding a train to continue your journey. Later, drive to Lake Maggiore. (B/D) 311 mi / 500 km.
LOCAL FAVORITE - EPIC RIDE: Take a stunning cruise on the coast of Cinque Terre for an exquisite look at sea, sky, and centuries-old seaside villages on the rugged Italian Riviera coastline.
Island Beauties
Relax on the peaceful shores of Lake Maggiore. Late afternoon, board a private boat to cross the calm waters to Isola Madre, the largest of the Borromean Islands. Enjoy a guided visit of the English-style botanical gardens before sitting down for dinner at a local restaurant on the island. (B/D)
LOCAL FAVORITE - PICTURE PERFECT: Isola Madre is one of the starring beauties of the Borromean Islands and transport those who cross Lake Maggiore into a reverie of Baroque palazzos and perfect gardens. On the island, a showcase of exotic botanical beauty surrounds the 16th-century Palazzo Borromeo with magnificent magnolias, myrtles, wisteria, and citrus groves. Enjoy dinner at the island restaurant combining good food and stunning views of the lake.
Swiss Views & A Scenic Cruise
Depart Italy this morning and cross the border into Switzerland. Visit the lakefront city of Lugano. Enjoy free time to admire the buildings and browse the stores in the pedestrian center or to stroll along the lakeside promenade. Continue to Venice Island and take a private boat ride. (B) 245 mi / 395 km.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - CITY SIGHTS: Discover the city of Lugano to see its mix of Italian and Swiss, style and culture reflected in its architecture and cuisine. Standing on the Lake northern shore, the city is surrounded by mountain peaks. Piazza della Riforma and pastel palazzos share the ambience of this lovely Swiss city with impressive architecture and bold and innovative street art.
Spend your day your way in Venice
Enjoy a private boat ride. On disembarkation walk to an historic vetreria (glass factory) to meet a local glassblower and learn how the world-famous Murano glass is created.
Explore more of Venice with your choice of included Globus Choice Excursions.
Medieval Marvels
Scenic drive through the Apennine Mountains to the stunning hilltop town of Assisi, an important center for both religion and art, and birthplace of St. Francis. Meet the local guide for a walking tour in the medieval center which includes a visit to the Basilicas of St. Clare and St. Francis. (B/D) 261 mi / 420 km.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - ICONIC FOOTSTEPS: Walk in the footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi with a visit to the Basilica named after the deacon, friar, and mystic, who became one of the most venerated religious figures in Christianity. Revered for his love of the Eucharist and the Earth, Francis found communion with God through nature here in this Italian village where he lived and died. Marvel at the magnificent frescoes by Italian master Giotto that adorn the Basilica where the Saint is buried.
Italian Vistas
Watch the changing scenery as you drive south, from the lush green hills of Umbria, through drier mountainous areas until you arrive at the dramatic Sorrentine coastline that hugs the Bay of Naples. (B) 267 mi / 430 km.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - PICTURE PERFECT: Join the ranks of holiday-goers on the sun-kissed cliffs of Sorrento, where literati like Byron, Goethe, Dickens, and Tolstoy soaked in the sun and took their inspiration from atop the gateway to the Amalfi Coast. Here, in the town of lemons, you can give in to the sweet temptations of lemon gelato and limoncello to toast the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Coves, Cliffs & The Clear Blue Sea
Relax on a jetfoil as you cross the Bay of Naples to the captivating island of Capri. Join your Local Guide for a funicular ride from the harbour to Capri village followed by a guided sightseeing. Visit the Augustus Gardens, enjoy a granita (semi-frozen drink) and admire the incredible views of the iconic Faraglioni rocks. Return to the mainland for free time this afternoon and evening. (B)
LOCAL FAVORITE - NATURAL WONDERS: Nestled high above the sea on the island of Capri lie the exquisite Gardens of Augustus. This natural paradise promises 180-degree panoramic views and a kaleidoscope of botanical brilliance on the cliffs overlooking the island and the sapphire sea below. Toast the view with a glass of granita for a frozen treat amid the sun-washed monuments and mesmerizing vistas.
Time Standing Still in Pompeii
This morning, together with a local guide, visit the incredible excavations of Pompeii. As you walk along the ancient streets, hear about day-to-day life under the Roman Empire and the events surrounding the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. After some free time for lunch, return to Rome and join your traveling companions for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B/D) 193 mi / 310 km.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - LEGENDS & LORE: The fascinating archaeological site of Pompeii is a treasured glimpse into Roman life near the Bay of Naples. This once thriving and sophisticated Roman city was consumed by the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D., with its residents and structures buried beneath inescapable ash and stone. See the preserved site of excavated ruins that reveal remarkable frescoes, artwork, and artifacts within its streets and dwellings of the people who perished here.
* For operational reasons, schedule changes for the Rome program cannot be excluded.
Transfer to Palermo (B)
* Tour Director and travel companions will change for the second part of the itinerary.
Free day to esplore the Sicilian biggest city. (B/D)
Sicilian Sights
Your introduction to Palermo starts this morning with a guided sightseeing tour of Palermo's highlights, including a visit to the cathedral. Take a scenic drive to Monreale for a panoramic view of the Conca d'Oro and a visit to the Norman Cathedral. This afternoon and evening, enjoy free time to see more of Palermo. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - LEGENDARY LIVES: The story of the splendid Monreale Cathedral began as Arabs took control of Palermo. They transformed the cathedral into a mosque and banished the Bishop of Palermo from town. Not wishing to venture too far from his beloved cathedral, the bishop settled in a small village in the hills overlooking Palermo, the site of modern-day Monreale. There, he built a modest church to keep the flame of local Christian worship alive. Today the cathedral is known for its stunning mosaics that cover an area of over 64.500sq ft.
Sweet & Salty Sicily
Stop at the medieval hilltop town of Erice. Enjoy some free time to meander the narrow, cobbled streets and admire the views. Drive to the coastal town of Marsala, learn about one of its oldest industries with a guided visit of a Salt Mill. Later, try the famous Marsala wine during a tasting experience. (B) 99 mi / 160 km.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - CULTURE & TRADITION: Lagoons, salt pans and windmills can be found along the coastline near Marsala. Learn all about the production of salt when visiting one of the original salt mills.
Timeless Temples
This morning, enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Mazara del Vallo which includes a visit to the cathedral and old town. Appreciate the Arabic influence on the town when you follow a Local Guide through the alleyways of the Kasbah. Later, continue to Agrigento, location of a real cultural treasure, the UNESCO nominated Valley of the Temples. Join your Local Guide for a walk through this remarkable archaeological site to see the beautiful Greek temples. (B/D) 93 mi / 150 km.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - ANCIENT ARCHAEOLOGY: The ruins of Akragas remain Sicily's most amazing archaeological site. The impressively well-preserved Tempio della Concordia sits in a spectacular setting upon a ridge where it served as a beacon for homecoming sailors and today draws enthralled visitors to revel in the remarkable Valley of the Temples.
Ancient Artistry in Sicily
Travel through Central Sicily and stop in Piazza Armerina for a guided visit of the Villa Romana del Casale, housing one of the largest and richest collections of Roman mosaics, including the famous “Ancient Bikini Girls.” Later, continue your journey to Ragusa. (B/D) 118 mi / 190 km.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - ART & ARCHITECTURE: Explore the extraordinary example of Roman power in one of the most luxurious villas of its kind in the Italian countryside. Marvel at the magnificently preserved mosaics that embellish the Villa Romana del Casale, designed and installed by African mosaic workers and the strength of the Roman influence and power throughout the Mediterranean region.
Spend your day your way in Ragusa.
This morning, join a Local Guide for a walking tour of Ibla, Ragusa's historic center and admire the Baroque buildings. Visit the 19th century Giardini Iblei, and St. George's Cathedral.Explore more of Ragusa with your choice of included Globus Choice Excursions.
World Stages
Enjoy free time in Noto, a town famed for its Baroque architecture. Walk along the Corso Vittorio Emanuele and admire San Nicolò Cathedral. Drive to Syracuse for a guided visit of the Archeological Park featuring the Greek Theater, the Roman Amphitheater, the Ear of Dionysus, and the Cordmakers' Cave. (B) 56 mi / 90 km.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - ARCHITECTURE & ARCHAEOLOGY: Discover the extraordinary evidence of history found at Neapolis Archaeological Park of Siracusa. The stars of this show are the magnificent ancient ruins of the Greek Theatre and remarkable Roman Amphitheatre which are revered as one of the greatest archaeological sites in all of Italy.
Coastal Treasures
Drive to the bustling city of Catania. After an orientation walk, enjoy free time in the main square, Piazza del Duomo, and to browse the stores along Via Etnea. Try some of the delicious local specialties such as arancini and cannoli. Later, drive to the Taormina Riviera for free time this afternoon and evening. (B) 75 mi / 120 km.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - CULTURE & TRADITION: Catania is an ancient port city on Sicily's east coast. It sits at the foot of Mt. Etna, Europe's tallest volcano. The city's wide central square, Piazza del Duomo, features the whimsical Fontana dell 'Elefante statue and richly decorated St. Agata Cathedral. Nearby, La Pescheria weekday fish market is a rowdy spectacle surrounded by seafood restaurants.
Frozen in Time
This morning visit Savoca, one of the film locations for “The Godfather.” After an orientation walk enjoy a Granita (semi-frozen drink) and brioche tasting at Bar Vitelli. Later, join an orientation walk in Taormina with a visit to the ancient Greek theatre. Free time to explore the town, stroll along stylish Corso Umberto and enjoy a leisurely lunch. This evening, join your travel companions for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.(B/D) 56 mi / 90 km.
LOCAL FAVORITE - LOCAL TASTES: Not quite the same as sorbet, the Sicilian invention of granita is Sicily's take on frozen concoctions that varies with the delightful tastes of lemon, mandarin orange, jasmine, almond, mint, coffee, or berries. A frozen blend of Sicilian pistachios is also a tempting way to enjoy this traditional treat.
Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. The nearest airport is Catania. (B)
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18 Days Rome Valletta
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