Discover the Romance of Italy - 12-day Escorted Tour

Note: your itinerary may change depending upon the day of the week you depart.

DAY 1, Tuesday - Arrive in Milan, Transfer to Como

Arrive in Milan and then transfer to your hotel in the town of Como, home to exquisite Lake Como, one of Italy's most romantic destinations. The rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Tonight, attend an orientation meeting at approximately 6 PM (exact time will be advised on tour arrival day) with your Tour Manager to discuss the upcoming journey that awaits you in Italy, followed by a Welcome Dinner with your fellow travellers

• Overnight: Como
• Meals: Dinner

DAY 2, Wednesday - Cross Lake Como to the Village of Bellagio

Today embark on a scenic morning cruise of the lake to the charming village of Bellagio, termed one of the most beautiful towns in Italy and "The Pearl" of Lake Como. Nestled amidst cypress groves, its earthy-coloured buildings climb up from the lakeside promenade. Wander along the narrow streets and alleyways, lined with craft shops, boutiques and cafés. Or, visit some of the gorgeous gardens with manicured lawns and fountains at Villa Melzi or Villa Serbelloni. Sail back to Como with time to experience the delights of this lakeside town with its spectacular mountain views, wonderful restaurants, and boutiques

• Overnight: Como
• Meals: Breakfast

DAY 3, Thursday - Verona Walking Tour, Travel to Venice

After breakfast, set out for Verona, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the richest cities in Roman remains, representing today one of the best examples of a fortified city. Its urban structure developed progressively and without interruption over the last 2000 years. Verona is also known worldwide as the setting of Shakespeare's famous play Romeo and Juliet. Participate in an orientation walking tour followed by free time to savour the atmosphere of this unique city. Continue to Venice and enjoy dinner together

• Overnight: Venice Lido
• Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 4, Friday - Boat Ride to Murano, Tour of Venice

The discovery of Venice begins with a boat ride to the Island of Murano, known for its artistic and colourful glassware. While here, visit a local factory to witness the art of glass blowing. Afterwards, continue to the main Venice Island and take a walking tour with your local guide through the maze of narrow alleyways and bridges before reaching St. Mark's Square. Upon reaching the square, stop to view its most prominent monuments, the pink marble Doge's Palace, Bridge of Sighs, and golden Basilica of San Marco. The Doge's Palace was the official residence of the Venetian ruler. The Bridge of Sighs offers one of the most notable scenes of this Romantic city. Marvel at the golden Basilica of San Marco, that is one of the city's most recognisable landmarks. It was built over several centuries in a fusion of Byzantine, Roman and Venetian architecture. The rest of the day is yours to explore Venice independently, or participate in this afternoon's optional Gondola Ride, offering a different perspective of this unique city built on water

• Overnight: Venice Lido
• Meals: Breakfast

DAY 5, Saturday - Tuscany & Pisa en route to Florence

Depart Venice and travel through the stunning golden landscape of Tuscany, dotted with olive and fig trees. Visit a local Tuscan farm in the countryside for a wine tasting coupled with delectable local specialties. On to Pisa to view the famous Piazza dei Miracoli with its Baptistery, the Duomo, the Monumental Cemetery, and its famous Leaning Tower, among the most instantly recognisable structures on earth. The four monuments on the extraordinary Piazza create a unique architectural blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles. Then, travel to the lively Renaissance city of Florence, with its priceless art and architecture for overnight

• Overnight: Florence
• Meals: Breakfast

DAY 6, Sunday - Tour of Florence

Today's walking tour of Florence begins with a visit to the Accademia of Fine Arts, where Michelangelo's David is housed; stand in awe of this glorious work of art. Walk by the Duomo, celebrated for its magnificent dome designed by Brunelleschi, and view the Baptistery's renowned "Gates of Paradise" by Ghiberti. Continue on a walk through the open-air art museum of Signoria Square, with its Palazzo Vecchio, first residence of the Medici family, today seat of the city government. On to the splendid Ponte Vecchio, also known as the "Old Bridge”. Florence is indeed the centre of the world's finest art and architecture. Spend the afternoon at leisure in this spectacular Renaissance city. This evening, travel through the Tuscan hills, where a sumptuous dinner with unlimited wine and entertainment awaits

• Overnight: Florence
• Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 7, Monday - Medieval Assisi City Tour en route to Rome

This morning, depart Florence and travel to the small medieval town of Assisi perched high on a hill in the Umbria region with its rugged, winding streets and sacred shrines. Participate in a walking tour of Assisi, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its significant art and architecture and best known as the birthplace of St. Francis of Assisi - patron saint of Italy. Its main attraction is the 13th-century Basilica di San Francesco, one of the artistic highlights of medieval Europe which contains the sacred relics of St. Francis and Giotto's amazing frescoes. Afterwards, continue to Rome - the astonishing city built on seven hills. Tonight, savour dinner together

• Overnight: Rome
• Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 8, Tuesday - Vatican Museum & Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel

Today, visit the Vatican Museums and Michelangelo's masterpiece, the Sistine Chapel. Stroll through one of the most important art collections of the world. Admire the Gallery of Tapestries and the Geographical Maps before arriving to the Sistine Chapel, with its great frescoes by Michelangelo. Continue to St. Peter's Square, passing Bernini's famous colonnade to view St. Peter's Basilica*, built on the burial site of Saint Peter, with the most famous Michelangelo's Pieta. Spend the afternoon at leisure or join the optional walking tour of the Eternal City's grand piazzas that begins at the Spanish Steps and continues to the legendary Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, and the baroque Piazza Navona. Tonight, explore on your own and choose one of the numerous restaurants offering delicious local cuisine

• * Due to Religious events, the opening times of St. Peter's Basilica are subject to change without notice. In these cases, you will visit the Vatican Library instead of the Basilica

• Overnight: Rome
• Meals: Breakfast

DAY 9, Wednesday - Tour Ancient Rome

The historic tour of ancient Rome begins with a walk along the uneven and irregular paths of the Roman Forum, the original central plaza of the city from which ancient Rome developed. Next, view the triumphal Arch of Constantine, erected by the Roman Senate to commemorate Constantine’s tenth year of leadership over the Eternal City. On to the mighty Colosseum, the largest amphitheater built in the Roman Empire that seated over 50,000, where gladiatorial contests and public events were attended by the rich, the poor and by the Emperor himself. Discover the delights of Rome this afternoon on your own. Tonight, embark on a scenic drive through the city before stopping for dinner in a local restaurant with wine and music

• Overnight: Rome
• Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 10, Thursday - Pompeii Tour en route to Sorrento

Travelling south to Sorrento, at a distance, you can view the magnificent Abbey of Montecassino perched high on the mountaintop (weather permitting). This was the scene of a huge battle near the end of World War II in which the Abbey was completely destroyed, but has since been lovingly restored. As you pass the Bay of Naples, majestic Mt. Vesuvius marks your way to Pompeii. Visit the city that was frozen in time under a thick carpet of volcanic ash almost 2,000 years ago. Walk through the original sloping streets of Pompeii and view the tragic fossils of people attempting to escape beside their children and dogs, along with the preserved ruins of the Temples of Apollo and Jupiter, and the Forum. Spectacular panoramic views and the sapphire blue waters of the Gulf of Naples welcome you to Sorrento. Tonight, a lovely dinner together highlights your arrival in Sorrento

• Overnight: Sorrento
• Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 11, Friday - Full Day in Sorrento

Spend the day at leisure in picturesque Sorrento, strikingly beautiful with its seaside setting and soaring cliffs plunging into the sea. As you stroll along the coastal road and through the charming town, you will understand why this town has long been loved by poets and artists. Don't miss the optional full day tour to the enchanting and picturesque Isle of Capri by boat - it will be a highlight! Here, you'll walk through the narrow lanes of Anacapri, with its chic boutiques and shops offering tastings of the island's famous limoncello. Then continue on to La Piazzetta, where everyone gathers to socialise, and to the Gardens of Augustus a natural paradise from where you can see splendid views of the sea and the famous Faraglioni rock formations, one of the island's natural wonders. After a lovely day in Capri, return to Sorrento. Tonight enjoy dinner together

• Overnight: Sorrento
• Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 12, Saturday - Depart Italy

This morning after breakfast your tour will come to an end. Call our team on 1300 414 198 today for a price included return international airfares & airport transfers!

• Meals: Breakfast

*Not Included: Optional tours and gratuities.

2020 Departure Dates & Prices:

Book by 29 Feb & SAVE 20% per person!

Was $4,669 pp, NOW from $3,735 pp twin share

• Tue, Jul 21

Was $4,899 pp, NOW from $3,919 pp twin share

• Sat, Jun 20
• Sun, Aug 16

Was $4,979 pp, NOW from $3,983 pp twin share

• Sat, Jul 11
• Sat, Aug 22

Was $5,589 pp, NOW from $4,471 pp twin share

• Fri, May 08
• Fri, May 15
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• Fri, Jun 05
• Sat, Jun 06
• Tue, Oct 06

Was $5,669 pp, NOW from $4,535 pp twin share

• Tue, Apr 07
• Sat, May 02
• Tue, Jun 23
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• Fri, Oct 02
• Sun, Oct 04
• Sun, Oct 11

Don't see a departure date that works for you? Call our team today on 1300 414 198 and they can provide a prices on alternative dates.

Your tour includes 11 nights in 4 star accommodation.

Is This Trip Right for You?
This program is active. Walking is done over cobbled streets, uneven surfaces, stairs, steps, and significant slopes. Expect most of the sightseeing to require three to four hours of walking as well as a considerable time standing. Many historical cities have specific driving regulations, with set drop off and pick up points, that result in extra walking to and from the sights. The pacing is active as many sites are included.

Additional Information:
Land only price does not include arrival/departure transfers.

Entry Requirements:
Passengers traveling abroad require a passport valid for six months beyond their travel dates. All travellers are responsible to check if a visa is required for all countries on their itinerary.