Taste of Italy

Welcome to Rome, where you’ll enjoy a two-night Special Stay. Known as the Eternal City, Rome is like an enchanting open-air museum, where ancient monuments and elaborate churches sit alongside busy cafes and designer boutiques. Today you’ll enjoy a guided walking tour of its iconic landmarks such as the 18th century Spanish Steps, Navona Square and Trevi Fountain, which was erected on the site of an ancient Roman water source.

This morning, you will visit the world’s smallest state, the Vatican City. Marvel at the Vatican Museum, the breathtaking Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica, the world’s largest church, which leads to the magnificent St. Peter’s Square. From there, you will continue to the Roman Forum, the ruins of an ancient district of temples, basilicas and public spaces, and the historic Colosseum.

An icon of the city, the Colosseum was built between 70 and 72 AD as an arena for gladiatorial games. After the fall of the Roman Empire, nearly two-thirds of the structure was destroyed by neglect and destructive weather, but in the 1990s it underwent an extensive restoration project.

Scenic Enrich: This evening, enjoy a private dinner hosted by a culinary connoisseur accompanied by a wine pairing. (B/D)

Today, drive past tranquil Lake Trasimeno to Siena. Enjoy a guided tour through this 15th century medieval city that sits on three hills and comprises a maze of tight alleyways full of shops and restaurants. Its main square Piazza del Campo is considered one of Europe’s greatest medieval squares. You’ll also enjoy a guided tour of the nearby 14th century Tuscan hillside town of San Gimignano. Continue to Florence for a two-night stay. Known as the Cradle of the Renaissance, Florence (or Firenze) is renowned for its artistic masterpieces and culinary Tuscan delights.

Scenic Enrich: Visit a Tuscan farmhouse and discover local wine and oil production techniques. Later, enjoy a tasty rustic lunch featuring the region’s wine and produce. (B/L)

Florence has many famous sites including the Duomo cathedral; the Uffizi Gallery, where you can see works such as The Birth of Venus; the medieval Ponte Vecchio, an enclosed arch bridge; and Michelangelo’s David.

Enjoy a walking tour of this art lover’s paradise, including a visit to the Academy of Fine Arts to admire the statue of David. Keep an eye out for wine windows, which were introduced during the 17th century when a plague swept through Europe for merchants to serve wine to customers. They were repurposed during the pandemic with many serving wine, gelato and the like. (B)

Travel to Pisa for a guided tour and see its famous 58-metre-high leaning tower. The tower – which took almost 200 years to build – began to lean soon after construction started in 1173. A stablisation project was implemented in the 1990s, halting the tilt at four degrees. Continue to the fishing village of Portofino on the Italian Riviera, where you will enjoy a scenic cruise.

Later, arrive in Rapallo for a two-night Special Stay at the Excelsior Palace Rapallo. This 19th-century town is nestled on the Italian Riviera and was frequented by literary luminaries W.B. Yeats, Ezra Pound and Ernest Hemingway. (B/D)

This scenic seaside town on the Italian Riviera has been a favourite of royals, writers and poets for more than a century. It’s also an ideal base to explore the rugged coastline of the World Heritage-listed Cinque Terre. The five villages of Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore are dotted along the cliffs and accessible only via walking paths, train or boat, which lends itself to the already considerable charm of these unique 11th-century settlements. Enjoy a full day exploring this picturesque coastline that is a mélange of pastel-coloured buildings clinging to cliffs and hillsides, with ocean views and postcard-perfect beaches lined with bright parasols. (B)

Your first stop today is Modena, a World Heritage-listed site recognised for its Romanesque architecture and culinary specialties, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and balsamic vinegar of Modena. Today you will visit a producer of traditional balsamic vinegar, including a tasting and light lunch.

Continue to Venice, a magical city built on a hundred islands connected by almost 500 bridges. Venice is a labyrinth of canals bustling with gondolas and small boats, car-free streets and alleyways that are magical to get lost in, and atmospheric squares lined with historic churches and palaces. Enjoy a two-night Special Stay at Monaco & Grand Canal Hotel. (B/L/D)

Enjoy an iconic gondola ride under ancient bridges and among Venice’s magnificent canals. Marvel at the colourful Grand Canal, glide under the Ponte dei Sospiri and explore the winding canals past ancient mansions and public buildings.

Scenic Freechoice: Choose your Scenic Freechoice experiences today. Explore the picturesque Dorsoduro district, ending with a guided visit of the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, which comprises some of the most renowned masterpieces of modern art in the world. Alternatively, discover Venice’s lesser-known gems on a walking tour. Visit the spectacular Doge’s Palace and see the majestic Basilica of San Marco. Stroll through the stalls of fresh produce at the Rialto Market, stopping at an osteria for a glass of wine and a few cicchetti. (B)

Bid farewell to your Tour Director and fellow travellers as you transfer to the airport. Take with you cherished memories of your time discovering the treasures of France and Italy.

The itinerary on this page is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the land journey or the cruise will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information. (B)