Italian Renaissance and Natural Wonders Journey

Welcome to your tour! Upon your arrival in Rome, we will arrange a transfer to your hotel, allowing you some time to unwind and enjoy the city at your own pace. You can take this opportunity to explore nearby attractions or simply relax and acclimatise to your new surroundings. Later in the afternoon, be sure to check the information boards at the hotel reception for important details about the start of your tour. We hope you have a pleasant start to your adventure. Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.

On the second day of your Roman adventure, we’ll begin with an enlightening three-hour guided tour of the city, often referred to as the Eternal City. Our exploration will combine a walking tour of Imperial Rome with a panoramic bus ride, offering you glimpses into the rich history of one of the oldest and most influential cities in Western civilisation. Together, we'll visit architectural marvels such as the Arch of Constantine, view the majestic exterior of the Colosseum, and explore the historic Imperial Forums. The tour continues with sights of the Circus Maximus, the Baths of Caracalla, the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, the Pyramid of Cestius, and Castel Sant’Angelo. Our tour concludes at Vatican City around 11:00 a.m., where we offer an optional visit to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel for those interested in further immersing themselves in art and history.Later in the day, we’ll take you to the vibrant Trastevere district, renowned for its inviting restaurants and lively local atmosphere – a perfect spot to admire Roman life and enjoy a leisurely dinner. We'll head back to the hotel around 8:30 p.m., allowing you ample time to unwind and reflect on the day's adventures.

Today is yours to explore Rome at your leisure. If you'd like to embark on an optional excursion, you have intriguing opportunities available. From April to October, consider visiting the remarkable island of Capri, known for its stunning landscapes and vibrant village life. During the November to March period, an exploration of the historic sites in Naples and the ancient ruins of Pompeii could be a captivating choice. Enjoy the flexibility of this day to craft the perfect Roman adventure that suits your interests.

Today, we venture into the enchanting region of Umbria, beginning with a visit to Orvieto, a captivating medieval city perched on a flat summit. Before entering the city, we will pause to take in the stunning panoramic views from its viewpoint. An easy ride on escalators will bring us to the heart of the medieval centre, where we will admire the cathedral, a magnificent example of Italian Gothic architecture. Our journey continues to Castiglione del Lago, situated beside the picturesque Lake Trasimeno. Here, you will have time to leisurely explore and enjoy lunch. After, we will proceed to Siena in Tuscany, a city famed for its iconic Piazza del Campo and the illustrious Duomo. We'll spend the afternoon discovering the rich history and culture of Siena.

Today, we depart from Siena and make our first stop at Monteriggioni, a quaint medieval village known for its enchanting cobbled streets and ancient walls. This picturesque location is perfect for a leisurely morning exploration. Continuing our journey, we head to the charming town of San Gimignano, famous for its striking medieval towers. You'll have the chance to wander through its delightful streets and perhaps enjoy a local lunch. In the early afternoon, we proceed to Florence, the vibrant capital of Tuscany. Upon arrival, we recommend visiting either the Uffizi Gallery or the Accademia Gallery to appreciate some of the world's finest art collections (please note that both museums are closed on Mondays). Our day concludes with a traditional local dinner, offering you a taste of authentic Tuscan cuisine.

We start our day in Florence with a stop at the Michelangelo viewpoint, offering one of the city's most magnificent panoramas. After capturing the stunning view, we walk to the historic city centre for a guided exploration of Florence, Tuscany's captivating capital. Celebrated as the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence has been a source of inspiration for legendary figures such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Raphael. We will admire the Gothic splendour of the Duomo di Firenze, explore the ancient Ponte Vecchio with its distinctive goldsmith shops, and visit the political hub of the city, Piazza della Signoria, featuring a medieval town hall. Following the guided tour, you'll have leisure time to delve deeper into this culturally rich city. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes as you explore Florence's vibrant streets.

On our seventh day, we will venture to Pisa, where a quaint tourist train will transport us to the iconic Piazza dei Miracoli, renowned for the Leaning Tower of Pisa. We'll then set off towards the picturesque Ligurian Riviera, famed for its stunning coastline. Our destination is the Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site comprising five picturesque villages, almost isolated by road and thriving on tourism. Train tickets are included, and we will typically visit Vernazza unless it is particularly crowded, in which case Manarola or Corniglia will be our alternative destinations. Here, you'll have an opportunity to enjoy lunch amidst scenic surroundings. Afterward, we will catch another train to Levanto before continuing by coach to Genoa, one of Italy’s most historically significant cities. Upon arrival, you will have some leisure time to explore the city centre, a testament to Genoa's historical prominence as a formidable maritime republic during the Middle Ages. Please note that the train service to Cinque Terre operates as a regular commuter service, especially during peak times when seating might not be guaranteed, and standing may be necessary.

Today we journey to Santa Margherita Ligure, where we set off by boat for Portofino, one of Europe's most exclusive destinations. Here, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll by the sea and take in the scenic beauty. After lunch, we continue to Milan, a city synonymous with modernity and culture in northern Italy. You'll have free time to explore the city's highlights, including the magnificent Gothic cathedral in Piazza del Duomo and the historic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, named after Italy's first king. Note that from 30th May to 2nd November, tourist buses are redirected to Rapallo due to access restrictions in Santa Margherita Ligure. In Rapallo, we'll board the boat to Portofino. Be advised that the boat crossing may not be operational during adverse weather conditions or in winter.

Today, we'll explore one of Europe's most picturesque areas—the Italian Lakes. Our first destination is Orta San Giulio, a charming medieval town on the serene Lake Orta. We will take a scenic train ride to the heart of the town, followed by a boat trip to the tranquil Island of San Giulio, which is home to a quaint monastery. Then, we journey to the majestic Lake Maggiore and make a stop in the elegant town of Stresa. Here, you'll have the opportunity to visit the enchanting Borromean Islands, with a highlight being Isola Bella, renowned for its stunning gardens and opulent palace, though it's important to note that the palace closes during the winter months. After enjoying some free time for lunch, we'll continue travelling to the historical city of Verona.

On Day 10, spend a leisurely morning in Verona, renowned as the romantic setting for Romeo and Juliet's tale. As you explore this enchanting city, soak up its rich history and iconic architecture. By early afternoon, we will set off for Venice, where you will arrive around 1:00 p.m. Here, we include a captivating boat trip, offering splendid views as we make our way to the famous St. Mark’s Square. Once you arrive, join us for a guided walking tour of this magical City of Canals, which includes a fascinating visit to witness the exquisite art of Murano glassmaking. After the tour, you have some free time to enjoy Venice at your own pace – perhaps tempt yourself with a classic gondola ride through the narrow waterways. The day's accommodations are arranged in the Mestre district, ensuring a comfortable stay as you reminisce about the day's adventures.

On Day 11, we shall begin our journey to the historic city of Padua, a revered pilgrimage site known for the striking Basilica of Saint Anthony. Here, you will have the opportunity to explore this remarkable piece of ecclesiastical architecture. Following our visit, we continue to the stunning Adriatic coast, arriving at San Marino, an enchanting independent republic nestled atop a fortified mountain. After enjoying lunch with panoramic views, we'll drive through the picturesque Apennines, soaking in the breathtaking mountain landscapes, as we head towards Gubbio. This beautifully preserved town is famed for the impressive Palace of Consuls and its 12th-century cathedral, offering a glimpse into medieval splendour. Our day will conclude in the captivating city of Perugia, where you will have leisure time to absorb the unique ambience of this historic area.

Our day begins in the charming city of Perugia, renowned for its rich history and celebrated as Italy's own "City of Chocolate". With a local guide, we'll embark on a captivating panoramic tour. You'll ascend the city's steep terrain via innovative moving walkways, uncovering the medieval underground network and its enchanting stone streets and delightful squares. Later, we'll journey to the spiritual town of Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis. Here, you'll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in its serene atmosphere and explore its revered basilica. Our adventure concludes in the afternoon as we make our way back to Rome, where the vibrant city awaits your explorations.

After enjoying breakfast, it's time to conclude our tour. As we part ways, we hope you cherish the wonderful memories and experiences from this journey. Safe travels!