Bravo Italia

 

Itinerary

DAY 1 Rome.

We meet our Trip Leader in the afternoon for our walking tour, taking in the major sights. Throw a coin over your shoulder into the magnificent Trevi Fountain, uncover the Roman Forum, climb the Spanish Steps and get down with emperors and gladiators at the Colosseum. (D)

 

DAY 2 Rome.

Pay a visit to St Peter’s in Vatican City, home to the Pope and the Catholic faith, not to mention the best 360 degree views of the city from the top of the Basilica. No trip to Rome would be complete without a stop at the Vatican Museums and Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel. Explore on your own or take an optional guided tour. (B)

 

DAY 3 Sorrento.

Today we head to stunning Sorrento, via the ancient buried city of Pompeii. Near modern day Naples, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was once a busy city until it was destroyed by eruptions from Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. (B,D)

 

DAY 4 Sorrento.

Carpe diem! Seize the day. You’re free to do your own thing for a full day in Sorrento. Why not take the local bus along the scenic Amalfi coast to Positano? Alternatively, take an optional full day excursion to the Isle of Capri to see the famous Blue Grotto. Finish your day with a glass of the local digestif – limoncello. (B)

 

DAY 5 Assisi.

Travelling through dramatic mountain scenery, we arrive in Assisi, birthplace of the Franciscan friars. With our local Italian guide we visit the Basilica of St Francis with its magnificent frescoes, many dating back to the 14th century. (B,D)

 

DAY 6 Florence.

Driving through the Tuscan Hills we visit the medieval city of Siena. Afterwards we visit a Chianti winery where we enjoy a tour before tasting the local ‘Classico’ wines, with a light al fresco dinner. Then off to Florence, capital of the Tuscan region. (B,D)

 

DAY 7 Florence.

During the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, Florence was famous for its art and culture and the powerful Medici family. Our walking tour with our local Italian guide takes in the Ponte Vecchio, Duomo Cathedral and the Uffizi Gallery. And while you’re in the neighbourhood make sure to say ‘ciao’ to one of the world’s most well-known statues – Michelangelo’s David. Tonight our mission is to track down the best Florentine steak as we find our own dinner. (B)

 

DAY 8 Cinque Terre.

First we visit Lucca, a spectacular walled town where we enjoy a tour with a local guide. Now it is time to strike a pose, whip out the cameras and get that perfect shot as we stop at the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Next we head to La Spezia, gateway to the stunning Cinque Terre on the Italian Rivera. (B,D)

 

DAY 9 Cinque Terre.

Today is ours to explore at our own pace, with a full day to savour the picturesque views of this unspoilt coastline. Jump on a train and check out the stunning Cinque Terre, five striking coastal villages where colourful houses cling to the cliff-side – simply beautiful. (B)

 

DAY 10 Venice.

First stop is Lake Garda, the largest lake in Italy, with time to take a cruise on the pristine waters. Next we stop in the tragically romantic hometown of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, Verona, before reaching Venice. (B,D)

 

DAY 11 Venice.

We have a full day in the “floating city”. Meander down the endless alleyways, over bridges and under arches. Our walking tour ends in famous St Mark’s Square, where we’ll see St Mark’s Basilica, the Doges Palace and the nearby Bridge of Sighs. Our vaporetto ride on the Grand Canal is the perfect way to see the city, while those wanting to experience a little more of the “City of Love” can take an optional gondola ride through the ancient watery streets. (B)

 

DAY 12 Rome.

Today we travel south, stopping to visit the city of Orvieto famous for its food, wine and dramatic location – on top of the flat summit of a large volcanic mound. We return to Rome for a farewell dinner. (B,D)

 

DAY 13 Rome.

Our trip finishes this morning after breakfast. Time to say ‘arrivederci’ to our trip mates and crew as we go our separate ways. (B)