Italian Concerto

Embrace excess on this leisurely jaunt through the highlights of Italy, beginning in Rome. Spend the day soaking up the vibrant atmosphere before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Reception. We enjoy a leisurely orientation through the city this evening, venturing into Ancient Rome as our journey through Italy begins.

Explore Vatican City this morning with a Local Specialist who will reveal all the highlights of St. Peter's Basilica. Perhaps join an Optional Experience to visit the awe-inspiring Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. We continue to Ancient Rome and admire the Circus Maximus, where exhilarating chariot races were once held. Enjoy some free time this afternoon to explore on your own. From Roman ruins to Renaissance palazzi - Rome has it all.

Discover why the Italians say 'it is sweet doing nothing', spending your day watching Rome's beautiful people embrace life lived to its fullest in the exquisite city. Delve into its treasures spanning millennia – the museums, churches, gardens and architecture that remain as enduring symbols of a powerful city. Or perhaps consider an Optional Experience to Tivoli, site of the magnificent Villa d'Este Gardens.

Today we pay homage to the thousands of brave souls whose final resting place is the Commonwealth War Cemetery in Cassino. View the 6th-century Abbey that was destroyed during World War II, before venturing south to Pompeii, a city frozen in time. Join a Local Specialist through the excavations that yield the tragic story of a once vibrant city engulfed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Wander down the stone avenues past such sights as the Forum and Temple of Apollo. We arrive later at our hotel on the iconic Mediterranean Amalfi Coast where we'll dine tonight.

Indulge in a full free day at leisure. Consider joining an Optional Experience along the Amalfi Coast to the beautiful seaside village of Positano, a true painter's paradise. You could also choose to soak up the extraordinary beauty of the village of Ravello which has long inspired musicians, writers and artists. Smell the fresh scents of lemons as you relax in this picture-perfect setting. After a day of sightseeing, perhaps you could spend a relaxing evening sipping limoncello and watching the Mediterranean sky light up in glorious pinks, yellows and blues.

This morning we journey along the coast to the medieval town of Amalfi. See the 10th-century Romanesque Cathedral of Sant'Andrea and the Campanile, before setting sail to the glamorous island of Capri. On arrival, ascend to Capri town by funicular for a guided walking tour with a Local Specialist who will share views of the piazzetta - the heart and soul of this beautiful town. Later, we return to the mainland.

From the Amalfi Coast, we travel north through the rolling green and golden landscape of Umbria into scenic Tuscany before arriving in the Renaissance city of Florence. You’ll have a free evening to amble along the Arno River, admire the famous city skyline at night from Piazzale Michelangelo, or indulge in the finest antipasti in town.

Delve into the history of a city renowned for its art, architecture and cultural treasures. Join your Local Specialist for a walking tour, including views of the exquisite marble Duomo, Baptistery and Ponte Vecchio. Wander through the Piazza della Signoria, the center of Florentine political life since the 14th century with its prominent Palazzo Vecchio. Learn about the quality and workmanship of two of this city's historic industries at demonstrations of Florentine leathercraft and 18-carat gold. Join your fellow travelers this evening to Connect With Locals over a Be My Guest dinner set against the backdrop of Tuscan vineyards and olive groves.

After a leisurely start to the day, continue north, bound for Venice, the 'Queen of the Adriatic' and our home for the next two nights.

We cruise by private launch past many of the city's most prominent sights, enjoying views of the Bridge of Sighs, St. Mark's Square, St. Mark's Basilica and the ornate Doge's Palace. Next up is an unforgettable MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience where you’ll witness first-hand the intricate craft of glassblowing. Watch how master craftsmen use the same techniques their forefathers did to shape the delicate glassworks for which Venice has become justifiably famous, perhaps choosing to buy a souvenir of your own. Inspired by the artistry you’ve just witnessed, you’ll soak up the pageantry and elegance of Venice on your own terms before enjoying a Farewell Dinner with our Travel Director and newfound friends to toast to the delicious flavors of Italy.

For now our leisurely encounter with an extraordinary destination has come to an end.