Let your love affair with Europe and Italy begin – a feast for the senses (and taste buds) as you travel from Florence the cradle of the Renaissance to Pisa and Sienna, with architecture still standing from their Medieval heyday to the splendor of Rome. Wend your way south along the Amalfi Coast and come face to face with Riviera sunshine and the pleasures of Sorrento, Capri, and Positano. In Pompeii walk back in time, then enjoy the exuberance of Naples, a cultural melting pot for centuries. This in-depth tour of Italy is amore!
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive in Florence
Arrive in Florence* and transfer to our hotel. This evening, enjoy a walking tour of the Historic Center followed by a welcome dinner at a local restaurant featuring regional specialties and our first taste of fine Italian wines.
*Please arrive by 2:00pm
Day 2 - Pisa, Italy
This morning, we explore Pisa and it’s leaning tower. Later, we return to Florence for a historical tour: Piazza Santa Croce, Palazzo Vecchio, Cathedral of Santa Maria Dei Fiori, and the famous “Gates of Paradiso” are included. Of course, we visit the Accademia Museum to see the original Statue of David.
Day 3 - Siena
Our morning begins as we head into Tuscana! We enjoy a guided tour of the renaissance-era city of Siena including the Siena Dome. After, lunch at local Tuscan “Agriturismo” (Italian Farm) where we will indulge in authentic Tuscan fare featuring regional specialties and wines. Following our fest, we visit San Gimignano and have time at leisure to explore. We return to Florence for the evening where dinner can be experienced in many of the local restaurants.
Day 4 - Florence - Rome
After Breakfast, we say goodbye to Florence and travel to Rome. After arrival, check-in and some down-time, we have our first glimpse of this historical capital through a guided motor-coach tour of the Historic Center featuring Quirinale, Piazza Navona, Pantheon, & Campo dei Fiori. We complete our tour with a visit to the infamous Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain. For the evening, we sample the dining atmosphere Rome is known for.
Day 5 - Rome
This morning, we visit the Vatican City which includes entrance to the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel followed by The Colosseum. For the evening, we delight in a true Roman dinner at a traditional restaurant.
Day 6 - Rome - Sorrento
Our day begins traveling to Italy’s coast and the beautiful town of Sorrento. After check-in and a brief orientation, the remainder of the day is yours to relax and enjoy this seaside paradise at leisure. This evening, we get together for dinner.
Day 7 - Capri
This morning, we take the high speed ferry over to Capri for a guided tour of the island. Arriving back in Sorrento, we have free time to explore (and shop!) before this evening’s dinner.
Day 8 - Positano
Our day starts with a guided tour of the picturesque coastal village of Positano. We then board the bus for a scenic motor-coach tour of the Amalfi Coast with included entry to the Amalfi Dome Closter. Back in Sorrento, we have some down time before dinner.
Day 9 - Pompeii
Today, we take a preserved step back in time as we journey to Pompeii. The eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. preserved the site and it features excavated ruins of streets and houses that we can freely explore.
Day 10 - Depart Sorrento
After breakfast, you can depart anytime. Ciao!