Connect with some of the world’s greatest cultural highlights on a two-week exploration of Italy. Get in touch with the ancient past alongside an archaeologist amid the ash-preserved ruins of Pompeii, marvel at Renaissance treasures in iconic Venice and enchanting Florence, and stop and smell the lemons in the quaint cliff-side villages of the Amalfi Coast. La dolce vita is sweet indeed.
Day 1: VeniceArrive at any time.
Day 2: VeniceTake an orientation walk through the local markets and neighbourhoods of Venice. Opt to visit museums, churches, the Doge's Palace, or take a gondola ride.
Day 3: Venice/Cinque TerreHead to Cinque Terre, one of the most beautiful areas of the Mediterranean. Visit Monterosso al Mare, a charming village nestled in the hillside. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore the villages along the crystal clear Ligurian Sea.
Day 4: Cinque Terre/FlorenceEnjoy a free morning in Cinque Terre before travelling to Florence, the capital of the Tuscany region in the afternoon. Take an orientation walk with our CEO through the lively yet ancient streets and enjoy an included aperitivo (pre-dinner alcoholic beverage) experience at a local bar.
Day 5: FlorenceEnjoy a free day with a multitude of options including a day trip to the beautiful Tuscan town of Lucca, a visit to the Duomo, the Uffizi Gallery, the medieval Ponte Vecchio, and the Medici Chapels, or take an excursion to Pisa.
Day 6: FlorenceEnjoy a free day with a multitude of options including a day trip to the beautiful Tuscan town of Lucca, a visit to the Duomo, the Uffizi Gallery, the medieval Ponte Vecchio, and the Medici Chapels, or take an excursion to Pisa.
Day 7: Florence/NaplesCatch the train to Naples with the option to enjoy a fantastic meal in the birthplace of pizza. Opt to visit the National Archaeological Museum.
Day 8: Naples/SorrentoThe day begins with an excursion to the ruins of ancient Pompeii with an archaeologist. Continue by private bus to Sorrento, where you're welcomed to the south by panoramic views of the sea before settling in for the night.
Day 9: SorrentoEnjoy a free day in Sorrento. Opt to visit the nearby islands of Capri or Ischia.
Day 10: Sorrento to Amalfi CoastVisit an organic lemon farm to see how limoncello is made from beginning to end. Stroll through fragrant lemon groves and enjoy a taste of this delicious liqueur. Travel to the stunning Amalfi coast for lunch at a local agriturismo that specializes in home grown, delicious produce. Meet the family and tour the property — a converted 17th-century monastery. Head into the fields and gardens to learn about local produce and herbs, then sit down to a wonderful meal of local fare surrounded by lush greenery, open terraces, and groves overlooking the Mediterranean. Continue to the hotel, which offers spectacular views of the coastline.
Day 11: Amalfi CoastHike the famous "Path of the Gods," (weather permitting) following ancient paths and trails linking isolated farms, villages, churches, and monasteries
Day 12: Amalfi Coast to RomeTravel to Rome and take an orientation walk with the CEO.
Day 13: RomeEnjoy a free day to explore Rome. Opt to visit the Colosseum and Roman Forum, the Vatican, or just wander the streets and palazzi, taking time for a caffè or gelato.
Day 14: RomeDepart at any time.