Taste of Italy

Welcome to Venice – a truly magical destination. With its grand palazzos, marble palaces and elaborate churches perched on a series of islands threaded with canals, it’s a place of incomparable beauty and fascinating history. A world of wonder awaits with a two-night Special Stay. Your haven of luxury in this busy city offers a wonderful place to relax before your journey begins. (D)

Today, explore this timeless city from the water. Enjoy a gondola ride along magnificent canals and underneath ancient bridges. Marvel at the colourful Grand Canal, the main waterway that divides the city in two. Glide under the famous Ponte dei Sospiri, built almost 500 years ago, and explore the winding waterways that pass crumbling mansions and ornate public buildings.

Scenic Freechoice:

• Dorsoduro & the Peggy Guggenheim Collection: Explore the picturesque Dorsoduro district, the city’s cultural heart. Finish with a private guided tour of the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, a world-renowned modern art collection.
• Walking Tour: Discover Venice on foot, visiting the spectacular Doge’s Palace and the majestic Basilica of San Marco. Stroll through the Rialto Market, stopping at an osteria for a glass of wine and a few cicchetti (snacks). (B)

Your first stop today is Modena, one of Italy’s great gastronomic destinations. More relaxed than Venice or Rome, Modena is home to some of the world’s best restaurants and is said to be the birthplace of tortellini, lasagna, parmesan cheese and balsamic vinegar. The centre of the city is a World Heritage-listed site, recognised for its grand cathedral, beautiful piazza and well-preserved Romanesque architecture. Visit a producer of traditional balsamic vinegar for a tasting and light lunch.

This afternoon, travel on to Rapallo for a two-night Special Stay. (B/L/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. Bask in a full day exploring this picturesque coastline. (B)

Travel to Portofino, a gorgeous fishing village also on the Italian Riviera. Brightly coloured buildings sit against crystal-clear water with lush pine-covered hills in the distance. Enjoy a scenic cruise around the spectacular bay.

Then continue to Pisa to enjoy 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. It continued to worsen until the 1990s, when a stablisation project was implemented, halting the tilt at four degrees. Later, arrive in Florence for a two-night Special Stay. (B/D)

Known as the Cradle of the Renaissance, Florence (or Firenze) is renowned for its artistic masterpieces and culinary Tuscan delights. Enjoy a walking tour of this art lover’s paradise, including a visit to the Academy of Fine Arts to admire Michelangelo’s David.

In the afternoon, depart for Siena and enjoy a guided tour through a medieval city where time seems to have stood still. The 15th century city 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.

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

Welcome to Rome, where you’ll enjoy a two-night Special Stay. Known as the Eternal City, this ancient city was founded in 753BC. Like an enchanting open-air museum, there is history at every turn, with ancient monuments and elaborate churches sitting alongside busy cafes and designer boutiques.

Today you will enjoy a walking tour of its historic centre, where your expert local guide will show you iconic landmarks such as the 18th century Spanish Steps, the Navona Square and Trevi Fountain, which was erected on the site of an ancient Roman water source. (B/L)

This morning, 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. In the 1990s it underwent an extensive restoration project.

Scenic Enrich: This evening, enjoy a private farewell dinner. (B/D)

Your journey ends this morning as you bid a fond farewell to Rome and the new friends you have made along the way. Take with you lifelong memories of the wonders you have seen in this stunning part of the world.

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