Real Italy

Your launch pad to an epic Italian tour begins in the Eternal City of Rome. Tread in the footsteps of gods and goddesses, emperors and gladiators as you explore its ancient streets before joining your Travel Director for a Welcome Dinner and orientation past some of the city's most iconic sights.

Unlock local secrets on a tour of the Vatican Museums with a Local Specialist. Ascend the spiral staircase designed by Donato Bramante and admire Michelangelo's frescoed ceiling in the Sistine Chapel before visiting St. Peter's Basilica to see his sorrowful Pietà. Later, in ancient Rome, explore the historic Circus Maximus. There's time to explore on your own or relax in one of the city's piazzas watching the world go by.

Pass the hilltop towns of Orte and Orvieto as you cross the steep Appenine Mountains. Enjoy a refreshing lunch stop before arriving in Venice. Here in the Queen of the Adriatic, enjoy a three-course Regional Dinner of pasta followed by main course and decadent dessert.

The culture of Venice springs to life as you watch the delicate craft of Venetian glassblowing at a glassblowing workshop on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Take a private cruise to St. Mark's Square, sharing the city's waterways with ferries, gondolas and yachts. Be dazzled by the Byzantine Basilica, the Bridge of Sighs and the ornate Doges' Palace before spending the rest of the afternoon on your own exploring the labyrinthine calli or enjoying a refreshing spritz.

The northern Italian city of Bologna’s vibrant, red-tiled houses and the combination of medieval and Renaissance structures take center stage today as your Local Specialist calls out the key features. Tonight, opt for a one-of-a-kind experience in the picturesque Tuscan Hills to dine on delicious food and wine.

Birthplace of the Renaissance, world-class museums and Tuscan cuisine. Florence brings one remarkable sight after the next. Join a Local Specialist ticking off the must-sees of this epic city. See the multi-colored Duomo with its impressive dome engineered by Brunelleschi and the Baptistery’s gilded doors. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore a city that inspired artists, poets and painters to create masterpieces. Consider a visit to the Academy of Fine Arts to see Michelangelo's statue of David, enjoy spectacular views from Piazza Michelangelo or marvel at the Medici legacy at the Palazzo Vecchio. This evening Connect With Locals over dinner at an exclusive Be My Guest experience.

Travel through the Campanian plains to the Bay of Naples which lies in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius. Your home for the next two nights - and introduction to the Amalfi Coast - is the clifftop town of Sorrento. Admire the pastel rainbow of colorful houses stacked upon one another. Perhaps take a stroll overlooking the warm Mediterranean waters before dinner at your hotel.

This chic island playground is packed with sights you'll discover with a Local Specialist. Even better, you’ll arrive by a scenic ferry ride across the Bay of Naples. Consider an Optional Experience to Anacapri’s Villa San Michele for beautiful views of the Tyrrhenian Sea. This villa showcases the Swedish physician and author Axel Munthe’s life story and the creation of the villa in The Story of San Michele. View his collection of Roman artifacts and stroll through the stunning garden, recently honored as Italy’s most beautiful private park. Admire Barbarossa Mountain and postcard-worthy views over the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius.

There’s no better place to learn about Italy’s ancient history than in Pompeii. Explore the tragic immortalisation of this civilization preserved by volcanic ash when Vesuvius erupted. Your Local Specialist reveals secrets on a walking tour as you learn about the day-to-day life of the city's former residents. Your Italian tour ends in Rome where you join your Travel Director and fellow traveling companions for a Farewell Dinner celebrating in true Italian style.

It's time to bid Italy a fond arrivederci. Transfers are available to Rome Fiumicino Airport.