A Taste of Italy with Cinque Terre

Welcome to Rome! After meeting your driver at the airport, you will be transferred to your hotel. After checking in, explore the Eternal City at your own pace.

A hop-on-hop-off daily ticket is at your disposal. Explore Rome by riding one of the Open-top Hop-on-Hop-off buses and see your favorite city landmarks from a different perspective! The open-top panoramic buses allow you to enjoy spectacular views of the most iconic monuments of the Eternal City. Simply hop on board, relax, listen to the audio commentary, and get on and off at any of the eight stops along the route. The included bus ticket will be valid for a day and offers audio commentary.

Accommodation at the Hotel St. Martin, Rome, or similar

Departing at 7:15 am from your hotel by deluxe coach, you will arrive in Assisi, ready to explore this tiny, walled town built in the Middle Ages at your own leisure. Take your time to visit the Basilica of St. Francis, where you will see masterpieces by Giotto and Cimabue. Afterward, enjoy some free time for lunch (not included). Next, board the bus to reach Siena, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for the Palio, the historic horse race around the shell-shaped Piazza del Campo. Then, you will continue to Florence, where you will check in at your hotel before enjoying dinner and a well-earned night of rest.

After breakfast, explore Florence, the Cradle of the Renaissance, where Italian art thrived under Michelangelo's influence. Marvel at the Duomo's exterior, the Campanile Tower, and the Baptistery with its renowned bronze doors. In the city center, visit Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio, and the Basilica of Santa Croce. Enjoy an included lunch at a traditional Tuscan restaurant in Piazza Santa Croce. In the afternoon, stroll Florence's cobblestone streets at your own pace or take an optional trip to Pisa, one of Italy's historical Marine Republics. Explore the Piazza dei Miracoli with its iconic Duomo, the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the majestic Baptistery.

After a delightful breakfast in Florence, depart for elegant Bologna. Upon arrival, explore the charming city center with its iconic porticos. Start your walking tour at Piazza Malpighi, leading to Piazza del Nettuno and Piazza Maggiore. Marvel at the historic Palazzo Podestà and the Basilica of San Petronio, the world's largest Gothic brick church. Discover why Bologna is hailed as Italy's gastronomic capital with a street food experience, exploring medieval streets lined with food stalls and markets offering traditional and contemporary treats. Enjoy a light lunch at a local eatery, sampling authentic flavors that define Bologna's culinary identity. In the afternoon, continue the journey to Venice (Mestre).

After breakfast, jump aboard a water taxi to the famous St. Mark’s Square, where you will visit the exterior of the Doge’s Palace, a symbol of the glory and authority of Venice. Nearby, see the legendary Bridge of Sighs before tasting a Venetian spritz or a prosecco with the company of your tour leader. As you relax in comfort and savor your drink, you'll also have the chance to indulge in the renowned "cicchetti," a Venetian take on tapas, offering a delightful light lunch option. Enjoy the afternoon at your own pace, strolling along Venice's enchanting canals, before returning to the hotel. Your Tour Leader will provide you with all the essential information for your return journey to the hotel in Mestre, by water taxi and local bus services. Please note that tickets for public transportation are not included.

After breakfast, depart for Tuscany, famous for its landscapes, churches, castles, and exquisite wines. Head to Val di Chiana with a stop in Montepulciano, a medieval town rich in history and art. Known for its Nobile wine, which you can purchase at local wine houses, Montepulciano also offers stunning panoramic views and a rich cultural heritage. Enjoy lunch at a traditional restaurant. Afterward, have some free time before continuing to Rome, where you are expected to arrive in the evening.

After breakfast, depart from the hotel for an included tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica with skip-the-line access. Upon arrival, your guide will lead you directly into the museums. Explore one of the world’s most important art collections, stroll through the beautiful Galleries of Tapestries and Geographical Maps, and marvel at Raphael’s Rooms and the stunning Sistine Chapel. After this incredible experience, the tour concludes in St. Peter’s Basilica, the largest church in the world.

Enjoy the rest of the day to explore the city at your leisure or opt for the Ancient Rome Tour with the Colosseum. Meals: B

Important: Please be aware that during the Jubilee Year, certain areas within the Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica may be inaccessible due to religious ceremonies.

After breakfast, transfer independently to the Rome train station to board a high-speed train to reach La Spezia. Upon arrival, make your own way to your hotel for the overnight stay with dinner included. Meals: B, D

Please note that the extension to the Cinque Terre is unescorted, allowing you to explore independently.

After breakfast, make the most of your Cinque Terre Card to explore the enchanting region of Cinque Terre, where vibrant villages nestle among the rugged cliffs like gems in a crown. This card grants you unlimited access to the train system and hiking trails, enabling you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. Prepare to be captivated by the breathtaking scenery! Meals: B, D

After breakfast, make your way to the train station and board your high-speed train to Rome. Upon arrival at the hotel, make your own way to the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Meals: B

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport. Arrivederci! Meals: B