The Best of Italy (plus Sorrento)

Today, join our tour guide to se some of the most beautiful sights of Rome, such as the Pantheon, the beautiful Navona Square, the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain and other treasures of Rome. Take the rest of the day to explore on your own, or take advantage of an Optional visit of one of the Catacombs around the Eternal City. Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner at Lucky’s restaurant which includes a cooking exhibition, music and plenty of choice wine. Before returning to the hotel, enjoy an illumination tour of the Eternal City…a great way to accentuate your stay in Rome.

After checkout of the Rome hotel, board the motorcoach for Sorrento. Along the way, visit Pompeii, a perfectly preserved archeological site that was completely buried in ash by the cataclysmic eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 AD. Our private expert will guide you through this incredible city, frozen in time for nearly 2000 years. Then we take a short drive to the slopes of Vesuvius for a unique lunch and winetasting experience. Savor the famous Lacryma Christi (Tears of Christ) wines, produced only on this fertile volcanic soil. Later, arrive for check-in to our Sorrento hotel.

After breakfast and hotel checkout, depart for Rome, but not before visiting one of the most iconic structures in all of Italy, the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The tour director will lead the group to Miracle Square where you will admire the tower. Make sure to take dozens of corny photos of friends holding up the tower, preventing it from collapse. Pisa is poised along the Aurelian Way, an ancient trade route that leads to Rome and, our Rome hotel. After comfortably settling into the hotel, enjoy a pizza party at a near by Roman restaurant.

This morning, board a private boat and sail to the island of Murano to visit one of the world's oldest and famous glass blowing factories. Witness the expert craftsmanship of the artisans whose skills have been passed down hundreds of years. Proceed to the heart of Venice, cruising along the famous Grand Canal lined up with all the beautiful palazzi. Proceed to the heart of Venice, cruising along the famous Grand Canal lined up with all the beautiful palazzi. Enjoy an orientation tour of St Mark’s Square with the iconic Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Basilica & Tower, Bridge of Sighs and the Rialto Bridge. Take some free time to explore or take an optional gondola ride through the Venitian canals.

This morning, head out for an excursion along the Amalfi Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Have cameras ready for a spectacular view of Positano where there will be free time to shop and explore this beautiful seaside town, featured in many famous movies and magazines. Time and weather permitting, we will visit the towns of Amalfi and Ravello before returning back to the Villa Giovanna. Tonight, enjoy the “Ultima Cena” (Last Supper) in Sorrento. An outdoor barbecue will music and dancing will complete this unforgettable stay in Sorrento, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Upon arrival at the Venice Airport, you’ll be met by your Tour Director for a transfer to your Venetian manor where you will be staying just outside of Venice. Take some time to settle in and rest up before enjoying a visit to a local Prosecco vineyard and winery. You'll enjoy appetizers and sample a variety of local wines during the tasting. Then, join us for a welcome reception at the hotel before experiencing a delicious, full course Venetian dinner in the hotel restaurant with plenty of wine to culminate your very busy day. Rest up for a big day tomorrow.

Today, journey to the capital of Tuscany and the "Birthplace of the Renaissance", Florence. A local expert leads the group on a sensational walking tour through the area, renowned for its art and museums. Visit the Cathedral, Town Hall Square, The Old Bridge, the Holy Cross Church and the tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo, Joaquin Rossini, and Nicholas Machiavelli. The tour is highlighted with a visit to The Academy of the Fine Arts featuring Michelangelo's Statue of David. Later, enjoy a demonstration at a local leather factory. Take some free time to shop and explore before heading back to the hotel and dinner.

Today you are transferred by boat to the famous and beautiful island of Capri. A Wherever Tours representative at the hotel is available to offer any suggestions prior to your transfer so you can make the most out of your day. This tiny island which was once the playground of the ancient emperors will leave you breathless due to it’s limitless charm and historical sights. Take some time to shop and explore, and most of all, enjoy the spectacular views from above. Upon your return, take some time to wander the streets of Sorrento before retiring back to the hotel.

Sadly, today is time to say “arrivederci” to Sorrento and our amazing adventure through Italy. After breakfast, transfer to Naples airport for your onward journey.

This morning, travel by bus to Padua. Visit the cathedral of St. Anthony and spend some time in the shops, markets and bistros of this lovely town. Afterwards, take a short drive to Bassano del Grappa, a beautiful little town famous for its beauty...and Grappa. Have a taste of the wide variety of grappas. Lemon grapp may be your favorite? Take some time to stroll around this quaint little town highlighted by its covered bridge. Later, return to the hotel for dinner.

This morning take a short drive to the Italian Riviera and La Spezia. In La Spezia, board a ferry boat and cruise to one of the beautiful Cinque Terre cliffside villages. Take plenty of time to shop and explore. Stroll along the pristine shores of the Mediterranean. Board a classic train back to La Spezia while taking in breathtaking views of the seascape. Back at the hotel, take some time to freshen up before taking a short trip to Lucca. Takea brief, but interesting tour of a local vineyard and then enjoy a festive Tuscan dinner, with wine and music.

This is the last full day in Tuscany and "we've saved the best for last!" ... A visit to San Gimignano, a splendidly preserved, medieval town known for its towering structures. In fact it is known as Town of Fine Towers. There will be plenty of shopping and exploring opportunities in this gorgeous town, including. Likewise, there will be countless vantage points to photogrph the beautiful Tuscan countryside. Just outside the town, enjoy lunch and wine at a famous Tuscan winery. Siena is the last visit of the day before retiring back to the Montecattini hotel. Dinner is at leisure.

After a leisurely breakfast, depart for Tuscany. Along the way, visit the famous city of Modena for a visit to the Ferrari factory. Modena is also famous for being the home of Luciano Pavoratti. Then, visit a farm known for Balsamic vinegar. Enjoy a facinating demonstration of how it's produced and then enjoy the included lunch. Complete the day with our arrival in Montecattini, in the region of Tuscany, home for the next four days. Enjoy dinner at leisure in one of the local restaurants and possibly explore this beautiful city by night.

In the morningt, a local historian takes you to Vatican City, the smallest independent state in the world. First enter the Vatican Museums to witness some of the great art treasures of the Church. Then proceed into the Sistine Chapel and gaze in awe at the most famous and most painstaking masterpiece of Michelangelo. Upon entering the majestic St. Peter's Basilica, look to the right to admire another masterpiece of Michelangelo, the Pieta. This afternoon, take a guided tour inside the Roman Colosseum and visit the Roman Forum.