Picture Perfect Italy - 2022

Welcome to Venice. On arrival complimentary airport transfers are provided to your hotel, at 09.30, 12.30 and 15.30, and the rest of the day is yours at leisure. Later, meet your Travel Director and fellow travel companions for a delicious Welcome Dinner in a local restaurant.

Discover this fabled city with a Local Expert. Standing in the iconic Piazza San Marco, admire the grand Basilica and Doge’s Palace. See the Grand Canal and learn about the history and culture of “La Serenissima”. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Perhaps experience a romantic gondola ride or get a bird’s eye view of Venice from one of the bell towers.

Journey through the distinctive Dolomite Mountains, where rugged peaks take the form of towers, belfries or domes and visit the chic ski resort of Cortina d’Ampezzo.

Enjoy a full day at leisure. Perhaps ascend to the summit of one of the nearby peaks by cable car?

Head for magnificent Milan to see the impressive cathedral, the Duomo di Milano, its façade resplendent with pinnacles and spires. Then travel on to the enchanting Italian Lake District, where you will spend three nights by the water in beautiful Baveno.

Take to the waters of Lake Maggiore for a delightful cruise to the beautiful Borromean Islands. Visit Isola Bella renowned for its incredible palace and stunning Botanical Gardens.

Discover Bellagio – the pearl of Lake Como! Enjoy glorious water views and explore the narrow cobblestone alleyways, filled with luxurious boutiques. Visit the romantic gardens of Villa Carlotta. Built at the end of the 17th century, this botanic haven is famous for its art and is a photographer’s paradise. Next, embark on a scenic drive along the shores of the lake, past splendid villas set in the sub-tropical gardens with the Swiss Alps providing the backdrop. Cross into Switzerland to explore the fashionable resort of Lugano.

Leave the Italian Lake District and travel down the sunny, color-splashed Ligurian coast, better known as the Italian Riviera! Here, visit the exclusive fishing village of Portofino, the epitome of La Dolce Vita. Admire the gaily colored houses, browse the trendy boutiques, stay a while in the cafes on the piazetta and watch yachts bob in the harbor. Enjoy a short cruise (weather permitting) along the picturesque Ligurian coast, before this evening’s dinner - seafood fans are in for a treat!

Explore the quaint fishing villages that hug the cliff-face with a Local Expert. This idyllic spot is perfect for taking photographs and making memories. Enjoy some free time to soak up the atmosphere before returning to your hotel.

Enjoy a relaxed start this morning with time to further explore Rapallo. In the afternoon continue to San Gimignano, and to your charming hotel, nestled in the wine growing region.

Get your cameras ready for a scenic drive through the beautiful rolling countryside of Tuscany, past olive groves, old farmhouses, medieval towns, and rows of vineyards. Visit an estate in the heart of Tuscany to taste the finest wine and olive oil, before your cooking demonstration.
Enjoy the Tuscan lunch you prepared from antipasto to dessert, along with a glass of the famous wine, Salute!

Join a Local Expert in Florence and enjoy an animated commentary as you the walk from the burial place of Michelangelo at the Basilica of Santa Croce, to the Uffizi Gallery. Later, admire Signoria Square adorned with statues and fountains, and visit the Pitti Palace. Here you can take a moment to relax on the exquisite Boboli Garden terrace.

Drive to picturesque Orvieto, perched a cliff overlooking endless vineyards. Savor the distinctly medieval ambiance during your walking tour with a Local Expert, and admire the richly decorated façade of the cathedral in Piazza del Duomo. This evening, take in the flavors of the region over a delicious dinner with a glass of Orvieto Classico wine.

Drive south to the ancient city of Pompeii, preserved by the eruptions of Mount Vesuvius in A.D. 79. Walk with a Local Expert through the cobbled streets to explore the shops, villas, and temples. Continue to the artist's paradise of Positano on the breathtaking Amalfi coast - its Moorish flair and colourful houses make it one of the most photographed places in Italy. As evening descends, make the most of this beautiful setting with an imaginative dinner at a local restaurant.

Admire magnificent scenery at every turn as you travel along the Amalfi Coast to board your ferry to Capri – the “Isle of Dreams”. Arriving at the Marina Grande, take the funicular railway down to Capri Town. Browse the elegant shops before taking the spectacular Corniche road to Anacapri, with its magnificent views over the Mediterranean. Enjoy plenty of free time to explore before returning to the mainland.

Drive to the UNESCO listed gardens of Cardinal d’Este. In the 16th century, the cardinal diverted the River Aniene to feed hundreds of fountains for his fantasy garden which still function perfectly today! The day concludes with an arrival into The Eternal City of Rome.

Today, join a Local Expert and discover the full glory of ancient Rome. See the incredible Circus Maximus, get up close and personal with the beautifully preserved Arch of Constantine and walk on the ancient pavement. Learn about the history, the construction and the legends of the iconic Colosseum as you stroll around its exterior. Later, perhaps continue your exploration of Rome to see the Pantheon, toss a coin in Trevi Fountain and enjoy free time around Piazza Navona?
At the Celebration Dinner this evening, enjoy the regional flavors of Rome paired with local wines.

Bid farewell to the glories of Italy. Departure transfers arrive at Rome’s Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport at 07:00 and 09:30.