Grand Tour of Italy

Board your overnight flight to Milan today.

Take a deep respiro, or breath—you’re in Italy! After arriving in Milan, you’ll transfer to your hotel in the Lake Como region. Relax and unpack before meeting your Tour Director and fellow travelers for a welcome dinner served with beer or wine.  

Start your morning in the city of Como, perched on the southwest end of Lake Como. Surrounded by a verdant hillside, Como is known for its scenic locale, Romanesque churches, and, of course, its sparkling lake views.   

• Spend free time this morning sightseeing, strolling through parks and gardens, and enjoying lunch on your own. We recommend trying a polenta dish made with bright yellow cornmeal 

• Join your fellow travelers and transfer to Villa Carlotta, a lush botanical garden and museum with striking panoramic views 

 Please note: From November through March, an ascent by funicular to the village of Brunate will replace the visit to Villa Carlotta—another breathtaking way to take in a panoramic view of Lake Como and the Alps. 

 Enjoy a free evening in the Lake Como region or add an excursion. 

It’s easy to fall in love in, and with, Verona and its maze of ancient Romanesque, Gothic, and Byzantine architecture tucked into the bends of the Adige River. No wonder it served as the backdrop for Romeo and Juliet. Join your Tour Director for a walk through this UNESCO-recognized city center. 

• Imagine your own “Oh, Romeo, Romeo” moment with a visit to Casa di Giulietta, site of the famous balcony built in honor of Shakespeare’s tale of the ill-fated lovers  
• Soak in the history in the oldest square in Verona, Piazza delle Erbe, then enjoy some free time to explore the less crowded Gothic architecture of Piazza Dante—named for Italian poet Dante Alighieri of The Divine Comedy fame 
• Marvel at the grandeur of the 2,000-year-old Verona Arena, still in use today, whose pink and white stones have stood witness to gladiator shows, opera productions, and modern concerts 
• Enjoy free time to explore Verona on your own  

Continue to Venice where you’ll wind down the day with your fellow travelers over an included dinner served with beer or wine. 

Surrender to the beauty of Venice’s labyrinthine canals, elegant bridges, and ornate Gothic and Renaissance architecture. Close your eyes and let the sound of lapping water and the passing gondolas soothe you, but not for too long—there’s so much to see! You’ll meet up with your local guide and explore the heart of Venice on foot and by vaporetto, or water taxi. 

• Feel the energy of St. Mark’s Square, with its thriving cafes and sumptuous buildings, before marveling at St. Mark’s Basilica’s mosaics and soaring domes 
• See the Bridge of Sighs, named after the suggestion that prisoners would sigh at their final view of their beloved Venice through the window before being taken down to their cells in the New Prisons 
• Watch a Murano glass blowing demonstration where artisans keep the Venetian glasswork tradition alive. Observe as they skillfully use the distinctive millefiori technique—where intricate patterns are created by fusing together tiny glass rods 

Spend a free afternoon exploring Venice’s canals or add an excursion. 

Sulla strada per Firenze (that’s Italian for “on the way to Florence”), stop in Ferrara, a city center wrapped in defensive walls and surrounded by agricultural land. You’ll immerse yourself in the Renaissance splendor of the city center as you wander along its cobblestone streets. Take in the majestic Este Castle—watch out for the moats—and the Palazzo dei Diamanti, named for the 8,000 pink and white diamond-shaped blocks that cover its facade. 

End the day in Florence and linger with your fellow travelers over an included dinner, served with beer or wine.  

Florence was the beating heart of the Renaissance period and is the final resting place of luminaries such as Galileo, Michelangelo, and Machiavelli.  

• Admire the architectural masterpiece of Florence Cathedral (Duomo) with its iconic dome, complemented by the Gothic beauty of Giotto’s Campanile—a freestanding bell tower adorned with colorful marble panels and detailed relief work  
• Wander across the iconic Ponte Vecchio, a medieval bridge lined with charming shops, offering stunning views of the Arno River 
• Explore the renowned Basilica of Santa Croce, a 13th-century Franciscan church containing magnificent frescoes depicting the life of St. Francis and the tombs of Michelangelo and Niccolo Machiavelli  

Enjoy free time in Florence or add an excursion. 

The day is yours! Enjoy a free day in Florence or add an excursion to the Tuscan hill towns.  

Need inspiration for your day in town? Escape the crowds and wander through the Boboli Gardens, located behind the grand Pitti Palace. Explore the extensive greenery, hidden pathways, and stunning sculptures in this peaceful oasis. Dive into the vibrant Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio, serving locals for more than 100 years. Smaller than its more famous counterpart, the Mercato Centrale, you’ll get an intimate and authentic appreciation for how Florentines live. Browse through market stalls bursting with fresh produce, regional delicacies, and traditional wares. Join the locals for a coffee or a bite to eat at the market’s lively cafes. 

The route from Florence to Assisi takes you through the picturesque landscapes of central Italy. As you leave Florence behind, you’ll journey through rolling hills, vineyards, and idyllic Tuscan countryside dotted with cypress trees and quaint farmhouses. 

• Visit the Basilica of San Francesco d’Assisi  and admire the stunning frescoes by renowned artists, including Giotto, depicting the life of Saint Francis  
• Take in the serene and spiritual hilltop sights before ending the night with the included cena—dinner—served with beer or wine 

Please note: The Basilica of San Francesco d’Assisi is closed on Sundays for worship. 

You’ll be so glad that you have more time in Assisi. Take time to lose yourself in the medieval streets of Assisi’s historic center, characterized by stone buildings, piazzas, and alleyways. Discover local artisan shops, cozy cafés, and hidden corners you’ll treasure. Looking for more guided exploration? Join the optional excursion to Perugia, brimming with Renaissance art and architecture, where you’ll enjoy an expert-led tour, Umbrian cuisine, and a visit to a cave wine cellar—with a tasting, of course.  

On our way to the Sorrento peninsula, stop in Pompeii. Step into an ancient city frozen in time, where excavated ruins unveil the daily life and tragedy of a bygone civilization. Marvel at the well-preserved streets, houses, and public buildings that offer a glimpse into the life of ancient Romans.  

Continue to the Sorrento peninsula and sit down for an included dinner served with beer or wine. 

With the Sorrento peninsula as your stomping ground for the day, add an optional excursion to the resort island of Capri. Or, use this free day to journey to nearby Positano or Amalfi on your own for a hike up narrow, colorful streets or scenic coastal trails. Al fresco dining with a cliffside view is a must.  

Step into Rome, a living tapestry of contradictions where ancient ruins coexist with a vibrant, modern spirit. Lose yourself in a chaotic symphony of honking Vespas, busy markets, and secret alleyways.

• Immerse yourself in the grandeur of Imperial Rome, where history unfolds around every corner
• Experience the awe-inspiring Colosseum, the monumental amphitheater that echoes with the roar of ancient spectacles where you can walk in the footsteps of gladiators and feel the weight of history
• Traverse the evocative ruins of the Forum, once the pulsating heart of Roman life. Imagine the echoes of parades and gripping trials as you explore the remnants of this ancient marketplace
• See Palatine Hill, one of the oldest parts of the city and said to be the birthplace of Rome itself

On your free day in Rome, you can discover the hidden gem of Trastevere, a bohemian and mostly car-free neighborhood filled with narrow streets and delectable trattorias. Need a moment of respite? Visit the picturesque Aventine Hill, home to the peaceful Orange Garden (Giardino degli Aranci) and the famous keyhole view of St. Peter’s Basilica—which you can visit on an optional excursion if you extend your stay in Rome. The day is yours to seize.  

Finally, join your group at tonight’s farewell dinner, served with beer or wine. You’ll be treated to a multi-course traditional Italian meal and a lively helping of live traditional entertainment.  

Transfer to the airport for your flight home or resta ancora un po'—Italian for stay a little longer—to relish more of Rome’s unforgettable sites.