Great Italian Cities (Winter)

You're in for a bellissimo journey through the spectacular cities of Italy, which kicks off in the 'Eternal City' of Rome. Join your fellow travellers and Travel Director for a delightful dinner. Your introduction to la dolce vita begins with an orientation drive past Rome's most magnificent sights. (D) Stay: Grand Palatino

We embark on a very special included Dive Into Culture sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist at the Vatican Museums. Admire the astonishing works of great men who were said to have been inspired by the divine. See the magnificent frescoed ceiling painted by Michelangelo in the serene Sistine Chapel, and his sorrowful Pietà during our visit to St. Peter's Basilica.

We tread in the footsteps of gladiators, slaves, merchants and royalty, crossing the Tiber River to Imperial Rome where we will see the ancient Colosseum, the largest amphitheatre in the Roman Empire. Imagine crowds of enthusiastic onlookers cheering their chariot racers to victory at the Circus Maximus before taking the rest of the afternoon at leisure, discovering more of the city or relaxing at a pavement cafe and watching the frenetic pace of Rome. 

This afternoon, choose to join an optional walking tour through Rome's enchanting squares to view some of the city's most iconic fountains and monuments. (B)

Enjoy a full free day to explore Rome your way, or consider an Optional Experience delving into the tragic history of Pompeii—the Roman city frozen in time by the devastating eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Your Local Specialist will bring its ancient story to life before you return to Rome, passing by the Abbey of Monte Cassino, a site of fierce fighting during the Second World War. (B)

Journey north through the rolling hills of Umbria to the birthplace of St. Francis of Assisi. Here, your Local Specialist will share the story of this revered figure during a visit to the Basilica of St. Francis, the final resting place of this famous saint and home to a wonderful series of frescoes by Giotto.

Later, continue your journey through the scenic Tuscan countryside to Florence. Tonight, enjoy dinner at a Be My Guest experience, set against the backdrop of picture-perfect olive groves and vineyards. (B/D) Stay: FH55 Grand Hotel Mediterraneo

Enjoy a leisurely encounter with the artistic and architectural marvels of Florence during your walking tour with a Local Specialist. Visit the striking Piazza della Signoria with its impressive sculptures and palazzi. Amble through the charming cobblestone lanes to the multi-coloured marble Duomo and Baptistery, before admiring the scenic view of the Ponte Vecchio straddling the Arno River.

Spend the rest of the afternoon sauntering through Florence's historic centre, shopping for the high-quality leather the city is famous, or admiring the artistic contribution of the Medici at every turn. (B)

After a morning at leisure in Florence, cross the fertile Arno Valley to Pisa and join a Local Specialist to visit the Square of Miracles, home to the incredible Leaning Tower and the iconic marble cathedral. See the ornate Baptistery and the Camposanto, a monumental cemetery built on sacred soil brought back from the Holy Land during the Crusades. (B)

Travel north, through the Apennines, to the medieval city of Bologna, perhaps best known for the delicious pasta sauce that bears its name. Your sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist includes views of the Kissing Towers which lean towards each other, seemingly poised to embrace. Then it's off to the romantic island city of Venice with its rich cultural and artistic heritage. Spend time at leisure gliding along its enchanting canals in a gondola or wander through the city's labyrinthine lanes, over bridges and into quiet campi. (B/D) Stay: Amadeus, Principe

Savour the iconic and unexpected highlights of Venice as you cruise by private launch to St. Mark's Square to admire the Bridge of Sighs, Palladian churches, Customs House, St. Mark's Basilica and the ornate Doge's Palace. This afternoon, enjoy a visit to one of the city's last remaining studios where you'll gain insights into the delicate Venetian art of glassblowing.

Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure admiring this city on water or consider an Optional Experience to the island of Burano where colourful fishermen's homes line the canals. (B)

Meet a passionate lagoon conservationist for an engaging discussion on safeguarding environmental conditions in Venice during a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Sites made famous in poetry, song and prose are explored today when you join a Local Specialist for a walking tour along the canals to the famous Rialto Bridge, where all the flavours of Italy come to life at a centuries-old food market. Amble through the narrow calli of Venice and admire the beautiful architecture.

Walk over the Rialto Bridge before spending the rest of the day discovering the sights of your choice. Your love affair with Italy's great Italian cities comes to an end this evening as you enjoy dinner. (B/D)

For now, it's time to say a fond arrivederci to Italy and newfound friends who have shared in the memorable sights, sounds and flavours. (B)