Great Italian Cities

You're in for a bellissimo journey through the spectacular cities of Italy, which kicks off in the 'Eternal City' of Rome. Join your travel companions and Travel Director for a memorable Welcome Reception. Your introduction to la dolce vita begins with a short walk this evening to see the timeless Roman Colosseum and the ancient centre of Rome - the Forum.

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 Bramante's spiral staircase, 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 into Imperial Rome to visit 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 café and watching the frenetic pace of Rome.

Enjoy a full free day to explore Rome your way or consider an Optional Experience delving into the tragic history of Pompeii when you explore a Roman city frozen in time by the devastating eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Your Local Specialist will bring ancient Roman history to life before you return to Rome, passing the Abbey of Montecassino, the site of an epic battle in 1944.

Journey north to the birthplace of St. Francis of Assisi where your Local Specialist will take you to the Basilica of St. Francis, the final resting place of this famous saint where we will see Giotto's enchanting frescoes. Later we continue our journey through the scenic Tuscan countryside to Florence.

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. Learn about the quality and workmanship of two of this city's historic industries at demonstrations of Florentine leathercraft and 18-carat gold. Spend the rest of the afternoon sauntering through the historic centre of Florence, shopping for high-quality leather for which the city is famous, or admiring the artistic contribution of the Medici at every turn.

After free time 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 beautifully sculpted marble Cathedral. See the ornate Baptistery and the Camposanto, built on sacred soil brought back from the Holy Land during the Crusades. Tonight, we Connect With Locals over dinner at a Be My Guest experience enjoying delicious specialities against the backdrop of picture-perfect olive groves and vineyards.

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.

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, Dive Into Culture and gain insights into the delicate Venetian art of glassblowing. Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure or consider an Optional Experience to the island of Burano.

Sites made famous in poetry, song and prose are explored today when we join a Local Specialist for a Small Group Sightseeing walking tour from our hotel 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, walking over the Rialto Bridge before spending the rest of the day visiting the sights of your choice. Our love affair with Italy's great Italian cities comes to an end this evening as we enjoy a Farewell Dinner.

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. Find out more about your free airport transfer at trafalgar.com/freetransfers.