Day 1 | Welcome to Rome
Ciao Roma! Explore this imperial city of emperors and senators, gods and goddesses, before joining your companions and Travel Director for a Welcome Reception. Our introduction to the ‘Eternal City’ is an evening orientation drive to view some of the sights which await us tomorrow.

Day 2 | Discover Ancient Rome and the Vatican City
The Holy See takes centre stage today as we join a Local Specialist for an included sightseeing tour in the Vatican Museums. Dive Into Culture and admire the Bramante Staircase, created for Pope Julius II in the early 16 century, and Michelangelo’s magnificent frescoed ceiling in the Sistine Chapel. See the marble masterpiece of the Pieta, housed in the Basilica before crossing the Tiber into Ancient Rome. We then enjoy a guided visit to the Forum, and an in-depth walking experience around the walls of the Colosseum, before seeing Circus Maximus; once the site of celebrated chariot races. In the afternoon, enjoy free time to explore Rome. Indulge in an espresso in the Piazza Navona or clamber up the Spanish Steps.

Day 3 | Explore the Ruins of Pompeii and Sorrento
We journey south to the well-preserved ruins of Pompeii. Here we join a Local Specialist who will share details of the devastation caused by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius as we wander through the ancient paved roads of a city that was frozen in time. Later, we arrive at our hotel in the clifftop town of Sorrento where we’ll dine tonight.

Day 4 | A Day on the Isle of Capri
We cross the Bay of Naples today by ferry to the glamorous Isle of Capri to visit some of its landmark sights. Wander past the chic boutiques and pavement cafés in Capri town in the company of a Local Specialist before taking your time to soak up the sophistication of this lovely island. Later, we return to the mainland.

Day 5 | Onwards to Assisi
See the Benedictine Abbey of Cassino, which featured as the site of the Battle of Monte Cassino in 1944, before heading north to the slopes of Mount Subasio. We arrive in the mystical town of Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis, under whose protection this medieval city is said to remain. We join our Local Specialist for a visit of Basilica of St. Francis, before some free time to explore this fascinating hilltop town. In the evening, we’ll stay at one of Trafalgar’s Stays With Stories – a fully renovated old Franciscan monastery.

Day 6 | Discover Venice
We journey through the glorious countryside of the Emilia Romagna region. This area is also renowned for its gastronomy and is credited with being the origin of tortellini, mortadella and parmesan cheese. Arrive later in Venice, the ‘Queen of the Adriatic’, where we’ll enjoy a dinner at your hotel.

Day 7 | St. Mark’s and more in Venice
Cruise your way through Venice by private launch to soak up the sights and sounds of what was once one of the world’s greatest ports. Your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience with the master craftsmen of Venice follows. Watch as they share their centuries-old glassmaking traditions. Your visit helps to preserve this intricate craft for which Venice is famous for; you’ll want to remember your visit by purchasing a souvenir or two to display at home. From there, continue past the Bridge of Sighs and the Doge’s Palace to St. Mark’s Square where we will view the impressive square and Basilica. Consider an Optional Experience to see the colourful fishermen’s houses on the Island of Burano or search for a cosy bacaro and indulge in some tasty Venetian treats, starting with that refreshing Venetian Spritz, which is the local drink of choice.

Day 8 | On to Verona, Milan, and the Scenic Italian Lakes
Travel to Verona, the home of Shakespeare’s star-crossed lovers, then cross the lush green plains of Lombardy to sophisticated Milan, Italy’s capital of design and fashion. An orientation tour takes us past the intricate Gothic Duomo, La Scala Opera House, and the famous Galleria. Later, arrive at the Italian Lakes where we’ll enjoy a Highlight Dinner with your fellow travelling companions.

Day 9 | Stroll around Lake Como
The glistening blue waters of Lake Como welcome us today. We’ll enjoy some free time to explore the lakeside lifestyle and beautiful scenery which has enchanted visitors for centuries. Spend this morning exploring Como’s historical quarter, relax with a cappuccino, take the funicular for spectacular views of the lake or consider a cruise on the lake. This evening we venture by private boat to a secluded island on Lake Maggiore where we’ll Connect With Locals over dinner at a Be My Guest experience. Join the Cinque family and hear all about the intriguing history of Villa Toscanini situated on a tiny romantic island which was the hideaway of the great Italian conductor Arturo Toscanini one of the most influential musicians of the 19th century.

Day 10 | Admire Pisa and on to Florence
Tuscany lures us across the forested Apennine Mountains, past the marble quarries of Carrara to the famous city of Pisa and its Square of Miracles where we will enjoy an opportunity to view the Leaning Tower. Our next stop is Florence, the ‘Cradle of the Renaissance’.

Day 11 | Experience Art and Architecture in Florence
Delve into the extravagant history of the Medici family, whose legacy of art and architecture are explored in the company of a Local Specialist. We visit Piazza della Signoria with its exquisite statues and palazzi and enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the beautiful skyline of Florence, dominated by the elegant Duomo and the almost 700-year-old Ponte Vecchio, from Piazzale Michelangelo. Later, learn about the quality and workmanship of two of this city’s historic industries at demonstrations of Florentine leathercraft and 18-carat gold.

Day 12 | Treasures of San Gimignano and Return to Rome
This morning we stop at the Florence American Cemetery and Memorial. Continuing south, we visit the charming Tuscan hill-town of San Gimignano, with its extraordinary medieval architecture and rich history. Venture to the centre of town to view the Piazza del Duomo, surrounded by medieval towers and 13 century city walls. This evening in Rome we enjoy a Farewell Dinner in the company of newfound friends and our Travel Director.

Day 13 | Farewell Rome
Our discovery of the best of Italy has come to an end

Accommodation
12 nights accommodation in cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted.
Food
12 Breakfasts, 1 Be My Guest, 6 Dinners

Included Sightseeing

• VIP Admission to the Vatican Museums
• Explore Rome, Pompeii, Capri, Assisi and Florence with a Local Specialist
• Discover Venice, Milan, and San Gimignano
• Visit the Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel in Rome, the excavations at Pompeii, the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi, a glassblowing factory in Venice, Lake Como and the Florence American Cemetery and Memorial
• View Juliet’s Balcony in Verona, St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice, the Cathedral and La Scala Opera House in Milan, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the Duomo in Florence
• See the ancient sites of Rome and the Abbey on Monte Cassino
• Scenic Cruise to the Isle of Capri and by private launch to St. Mark’s Square in Venice

Lead in price:
From $6,296 pp
(based on twin share, land only, on 24 April Aug Departure)
Room Configuration: Twin Share/Double
Tour Operator

Full payment due 120 days prior to departure or at time of booking if booked within 120 days of departure; whichever comes first. Prices are in AUD, are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and are subject to availability. If guests change to another tour or date not on sale, they are responsible to pay the difference and adhere to different payment conditions. Savings are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. May be combined with 5% Global Tour Rewards savings only, not combinable with group discounts, Future Travel Credit carry forward discount or any other discount or promotion. Other conditions may apply.