12-Nights Best of Italy from $5,695
Trafalgar
OFFER ID 1568118
Best Of Italy
Trace Italy's story from Rome's ancient grandeur to Florence's artistic brilliance. You'll soak up Capri's glamour, wander along Pompeii's frozen-in-time streets and explore the medieval towers of San Gimignano as Tuscan hills stretch out below.
Dining Summary
- 6 Dinner (D)
- 12 Breakfast (B)
- Fast-Track to the Vatican Museums
- Explore Rome, Pompeii, Capri, Assisi and Florence
- Discover Venice, Milan and San Gimignano
- Visit Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica, Rome's Colosseum, Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi, Lake Como and the Florence American Cemetery and Memorial
- View the ancient Roman arena and Piazza Br in Verona, St. Mark's Basilica in Venice, the Duomo and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II 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 By ferry to the Isle of Capri, private launch to St. Mark's Square in Venice
- Deluxe coach travel
- Selected hotel dinners plus a locally hosted meal
- 4-star stays
- Rome: During an orientation with your Travel Director see the medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches scattered throughout the city.
- Rome: Enjoy an after-hours visit to the Basilica of Santa Maria in Cosmedin. Get up close to the legendary Mouth of Truth, an ancient Roman marble mask said to bite any liar who places their hand in the mask’s mouth. Dare to test the legend yourself and take one of the city’s most coveted photos.
- Rome: Be inspired by the magnificence of Michelangelo and Botticelli at the Vatican Museums.
- Rome: In the Vatican City visit St. Peter's Basilica. Witness the early genius of Michelangelo as you take in the Piet.
- Rome: Discover ancient treasures of Rome with a Local Specialist. See Circus Maximus and visit the mighty Colosseum, which bears witness to the limitless courage of the gladiators.
- Pompeii: Walk with a Local Specialist through the cobbled streets of this ill-fated town, frozen in time since the 1st century.
- Capri: Join a Local Specialist for a guided walk through Capri’s elegant lanes and vibrant squares. Hear how this island has long attracted artists, writers and Hollywood icons. Visit historic landmarks and local boutiques, and discover how generations of islanders have lived alongside the glamour, from Roman emperors to the jet-set names of the 1950s and beyond.
- Assisi: With a Local Specialist, find out why the Basilica of St. Francis is considered to be one of the crowning artistic achievements of 13th-century Europe.
- Modena: Travel through the lush landscape of Emilia-Romagna, past hilltop towns and agricultural lands.
- Venice: Discover the ancient skill of Venetian glassblowing and play a part in preserving this traditional craft.
- Milan: See Milan's central highlights.
- Como: Enjoy free time in Como to explore your way. Known for its Alpine backdrop and lakeside setting, Como offers cafe-lined squares, quiet lanes and waterfront views.
- Pisa: In the Piazza dei Miracoli, see the baptistery, cathedral and the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.
- Florence: Join a Local Specialist to view the multicolored marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery, adorned by Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise. Visit the political heart of the city, Signoria Square.
- Florence: See the area around Santa Croce Basilica, famous for the quality of its luxury goods, and witness a gold and leatherwork demonstration.
- Florence: Stop at the Florence American Cemetery and Memorial. Framed by wooded hills, view the memorial marked by symmetrical rows of 4, 392 headstones and towering pylon monument.
- San Gimignano: Visit the medieval Manhattan of Italy as you explore the UNESCO-listed center of San Gimignano and admire the city's distinctive towers.
- Baveno: Hear about the intriguing history of Lake Maggiore as you’re welcomed by the Cinque family for dinner and wine at their home, Villa Toscanini.

12 nights from $5,695 per person
Itinerary Details
Trafalgar Tours: Best of Italy
Day 1 - Welcome to Rome
Ciao Roma! Explore this imperial city of emperors and senators, gods and goddesses before joining your Travel Director for an introduction to the 'Eternal City'. Arrive at Basilica Santa Maria in Cosmedin for a private after-hours visit to the Mouth of Truth. See the church, crypt and relics of the famous saint of love, Valentine, and learn about the legend of the Mouth of Truth. This evening, enjoy dinner with your travel companions.
Accommodations: Una
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 - Discover Ancient Rome and the Vatican City
The Holy See takes center stage today as you join a Local Specialist to explore the Vatican Museums. Admire the frescoed ceiling of the Sistine Chapel and see Michelangelo’s Piet inside St. Peter’s Basilica. Then cross the Tiber into Ancient Rome for a guided visit to the Colosseum, once home to epic spectacles. View the Circus Maximus, where chariots once raced in front of thousands. This afternoon is yours to explore — relax at a sidewalk cafe, visit a local museum or enjoy a gelato in the Piazza Navona. On some departures, access to St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums may be restricted. You'll still enjoy the atmosphere of St. Peter's Square during your visit to the Vatican City, and if tickets are unavailable to the Vatican Museums, you'll instead explore the Capitoline Museums, home to iconic Roman art and archaeology.
Accommodations: Una
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 - Explore the Ruins of Pompeii and Sorrento
Journey south to the well-preserved ruins of Pompeii. Here you join a Local Specialist who will share details of the devastation caused by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius as you wander through the ancient paved roads of a city that was frozen in time. Later, arrive at your hotel in the town of Sorrento where you’ll dine tonight.
Accommodations: Johanna Park, Art Gran Paradiso
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4 - Cruise to the Isle of Capri
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 sidewalk cafes in Capri town in the company of a Local Specialist before taking your time to soak up the sophistication of this lovely island. Later, return to the mainland.
Accommodations: Johanna Park, Art Gran Paradiso
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 - Onwards to Assisi
Marvel at the beauty of the Bay of Naples and mighty Vesuvius as you leave the Sorrento coastline. Glimpse the Benedictine Abbey of Cassino perched high on the mountain peak, known as the site of the Battle of Monte Cassino in 1944, before heading north to the slopes of Mount Subasio. Arrive in the mystical town of Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis, under whose protection this medieval city is said to remain. Join your Local Specialist for a visit to the Basilica of St. Francis, before some free time to explore this fascinating hilltop town.
Accommodations: Grand Assisi
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6 - Venture to Verona and Venice
Journey through the glorious countryside of the Emilia Romagna region. This area is renowned for its gastronomy and is credited with being the origin of tortellini, mortadella and parmesan cheese. Travel to Verona, the home of Shakespeare's star-crossed lovers, to admire the ancient Roman arena and Piazza Br. Arrive later into beautiful Venice, the 'Queen of the Adriatic', to spend time admiring this unique city.
Accommodations: Biasutti
Meals: Breakfast
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. Discover the ancient skill of Venetian glassblowing at a workshop, where you'll watch master craftsmen use centuries-old techniques to shape the delicate glass pieces Venice is famed for. From there, continue past the Bridge of Sighs and the Doge's Palace to St. Mark's Square to view the impressive piazza and Basilica. Consider an optional experience to see the colorful fishermen's houses on the island of Burano or search for a cozy 'bacaro' and indulge in some tasty treats, starting with that refreshing Venetian Spritz, the local drink of choice.
Accommodations: Biasutti
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 - Stroll Around Milan and onto Lake Maggiore
Cross the green plains of Lombardy to sophisticated Milan, Italy's capital of design and fashion. See the intricate Gothic Duomo, La Scala Opera House and the famous Galleria. Later arrive in the Italian Lakes where you'll enjoy a dinner with your fellow traveling companions.
Accommodations: Simplon
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9 - On to Como and Scenic Lake Maggiore
The blue waters of Lake Como beckon this morning. Enjoy free time to take in the lakeside setting, or join an Optional Experience in Como to hear the stories behind Villa Olmo and the grand estates that line the shore, with time for a walk along the waterfront. Later, spend time in your lakeside resort or join an Optional Experience to discover the palace and gardens of Isola Bella. This evening, venture by private boat to a secluded island on Lake Maggiore to Connect with Locals over dinner at a Be My Guest experience. Join the Cinque family and hear the story of Villa Toscanini, once the hideaway of Arturo Toscanini, one of Italy’s most influential conductors.
Accommodations: Simplon
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10 - Admire Pisa and on to Florence
Tuscany lures you across the forested Apennine Mountains, past the marble quarries of Carrara to the famous city of Pisa and its Square of Miracles where you'll enjoy an opportunity to view the Leaning Tower. Your next stop is Florence, the 'Cradle of the Renaissance'.
Accommodations: FH55 Grand Hotel Mediterraneo
Meals: Breakfast
Day 11 - Experience Art and Architecture in Florence
Delve into the extravagant history of the Medici family, whose legacy of art and architecture is explored in the company of a Local Specialist. 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.
Accommodations: FH55 Grand Hotel Mediterraneo
Meals: Breakfast
Day 12 - Treasures of San Gimignano and Return to Rome
This morning, stop at the Florence American Cemetery and Memorial. Continuing south, visit the charming Tuscan hill-town of San Gimignano, with its extraordinary medieval architecture and rich history. Venture to the center of town to view the Piazza del Duomo, surrounded by medieval towers and 13th-century city walls. This evening in Rome, enjoy dinner in the company of newfound friends and your Travel Director.
Accommodations: Shangri-La Roma
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 13 - Farewell Rome
Bid a fond ciao to your newfound friends as your discovery of the best of Italy comes to an end.
Meals: Breakfast
The most popular Lake Maggiore resorts are on the western shores of the lake. Stresa is a lovely town with beautiful villas and gardens (some open to the public), a good climate and lake views. From the town a cablecar takes you up Monte Mottarone, where from a height of over 4,000 ft you can enjoy views of the Alps and the other lakes.
If you spend time at Lake Maggiore, you will soon become familiar with the name of the Borromeo family, who still own the islands named after them. Their most celebrated scion, St Charles Borromeo, was born in the castle in Arona, at the southern end of the west shore. A gigantic statue in the town celebrates San Carlo; if you climb up inside the hollow structure, you can admire the view through the Saint's eyes.
The Borromean Islands are unmissable Lake Maggiore tourist attractions. There are three open to the public, containing beautiful gardens, small settlements and restaurants.
Excursions
Venice: Splendours of Venice Walking Tour - 4 hours
Venice: Splendours of Venice Walking Tour - 4 hours
Highlights:
- Admire the wonderful architecture of the Doge's Palace and St Mark's Basilica
Tour can Operate: Morning/Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Return private motorboat transfers between the harbour and central Venice
- An expert English-speaking guide (4 hours)
- Entrance fees to all named sights and museums
- All taxes
- All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs.
- Gratuities
Venice: Venice for Art Lovers Walking Tour - 4 hours
Venice: Venice for Art Lovers Walking Tour - 4 hours
Highlights:
- Admire the many art treasures on display in the Frari Church
- See the masterpieces on display in the Accademia Gallery
Tour Can Operate: Morning/Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Return private motorboat transfers between the harbour and central Venice
- An expert English-speaking guide (4 hours)
- Entrance fees to all stated sights and museums
- All taxes
- All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
- Gratuities
Venice: The Roman City of Verona - 7 hours
Venice: The Roman City of Verona - 7 hours
Highlights:
- Visit Verona's impressive Amphitheatre
- See Juliet's House and its famous balcony
Tour Can Operate: Mornings
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Luxury car or minivan transfers between Venice cruise terminal and Verona
- An expert English-speaking guide in Verona (3 hours)
- Entrance fees to the stated sightseeing
- All taxes
- All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
- Gratuities
Venice - St. Marks, Grand Canal and Murano - 6 hours
Venice - St. Marks, Grand Canal and Murano - 6 hours
- Introduction to the history of Venice
- Visit to private glass producer in Murano
- Tour of Grand Canal by private boat
- Reservations to St.Marks and Doge's Palace - no lines
Included:
- Private English speaking guide for the day and private boat.
- Clients are picked up and dropped off at the Port
Meals
Venice in a Day - 8 hours
Meet your private English-speaking assistant and private boat at the pier side of Venice port.
The tour will start with an hour cruise by private boat along the Grand Canal to see its beauty as it was intended to be seen by boat. Continue visiting the island of Murano: you will enter into a real working studio and see how the glass is blown and shaped with the original tools which have been used throughout history.
Next, you will come back to Venice and enjoy a ride by gondola: the symbol of Venice. Both if you are honeymooner or young people or well travelled tourist, you will be captured by the elegance and charm of this experience.
After lunch your private English speaking guide will meet you and take you on a walking tour, explaining the historical background of Venice, its origin and development. Visiting St. Mark's square with the Golden Basilica and the Doge's palace, you will come in touch with the most admired and well known artistic jewels, especially from a monumental & architectural point of view. The past splendours of the Serenissima will appear through palaces, churches, bell towers, well curbs, elegant renaissance and baroque facades.
Also worth a detailed visit is the lively area of Rialto's market, connecting the famous bridge to St. Mark's square through the well known Mercerie street: the remnants of Venice's magnificence will fascinate you.
We will ensure your timely return transfer to the Venice Port
Highlights:
-
Grand Canal, Murano island, Golden Basilica, Doge’s Palace, Bell Tower, main and -off the truck- highlights
Tour Duration: 8 hours
Tour can Operate: Morning
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Low
Inclusions:
· 3 hours Luxury private boat at disposal for the entire day
· English-speaking assistant at disposal for the entire day
· 4 hour private English-speaking guide
· No Line entrance fees for Basilica and Doge’s Palace
Exclusions:
· All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
· Gratuities
Venice: Lagoon Islands - 7 hours
Venice: Lagoon Islands - 7 hours
Today you will be met by your local English-speaking guide for a full day excursion by private motor-boat to explore the Lagoon Islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello.
Venice lies in the centre of a vast lagoon that stretches for about 30 miles from north to south, studded by numerous small islands, mostly deserted. This amazing environment is what drove the Venetians to establish their city here, a perfectly secure and inaccessible little world. Enjoy the beauty of a ride across the waters of the lagoon; visit the island of Murano, where glass has been made for over 700 years and where you can see the age-old techniques of glass blowing still in use today.
Continue to Torcello, to see the breathtaking mosaics in the Basilica di Santa Maria dell’Assunta, the oldest building on the lagoon. After a leisurely lunch (payable locally) you reach the island of Burano, a quaint and colourful fisherman island famous for its lace and charming architecture.
Highlights:
- Cruise across the lagoon to Murano, where glass has been made for over 700 years using the same techniques
- Explore Torcello and Burano, a colourful fishing village famous for its lace and charming architecture
Tour can Operate: Morning
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Low
Inclusions:
• Return private motorboat transfer between the harbour and the islands
• An expert local guide (7 hours)
• Entrance fees
• All taxes
Exclusions:
• All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
• Gratuities
The story of Murano and Burano
The story of Murano and Burano
Hop on a private boat and start sailing through the Venice lagoon! This unique tour will let you discover the authentic side of Venice by exploring two famous islands – Murano and Burano. First stop, Murano – an epicenter of the most sophisticated glass production in the world. “Il vetro di Murano”, the glass of Murano, is a special type of glass made for decades. You will visit one of the traditional factories and take part in a glass-blowing demonstration. Pretty exclusive, don’t you think?
Your next stop is Burano – a small, fishermen’s island, famous for its heritage of lace embroidery that it’s still today made by hand only. It is often mentioned as one of the prettiest towns in Italy and also one of the most unique thanks to two characteristics: its canals and its colorful houses that make the island a real rainbow of colors! This tour will surely let you remember the Venice Lagoon forever.
Highlights:
- Unique island experience
- Personal guide
Tour can operate: Morning or afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Private guide
- Private boat
- Lunch
- Drinks
- Gratuities
- Items purchased for personal use
The Canal Grande cruise followed by a walking tour of Venice
The Canal Grande cruise followed by a walking tour of Venice
Are you ready to start this tour with a private boat cruise down the most spectacular “boulevard” in the world? Yes, we are talking about The Canal Grande, Venice’s main artery. Just hop on your private boat and enjoy the scenic views of all the marvelous palaces and side alley’s canals. Sit back and relax while you absorb the breath-taking beauty and uniqueness of Venice. After the ride, the guide will take you through Calli, Callette, Ponti, Campi and Campielli. You will reach Rialto bridge, that was the only way to cross the great Canal on foot, for centuries. You can indulge in great experience of the famous local market filled with interesting products and learn more about the area that was once a significant place for trading goods.
Highlights:
-
unique sightseeing experience
-
Personal guide
Tour Duration: up to 4h
Tour can operate: Morning / Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Easy
Inclusions:
- Private guide
-
No line entrance tickets for Doge’s Palace and St. Mark Basilic
Not Included:
- Lunch
- Tips
- Drinks
- Transfers
Assisi is a well-preserved medieval town that's, after the Vatican, Italy's
second most-popular religious-pilgrimage destination. Located high on a hilltop,
it has an air of mystical serenity in keeping with its history. Assisi was the
home of St. Francis (the founder of the Franciscan order of friars), and the
churches and crypt that bear his name draw a steady stream of pilgrims and sightseers
every year. Although the town was rocked by an earthquake in 1997, much of the
damage has been repaired. One of the most severely damaged buildings, however,
was the treasured Basilica of San Francesco, known for its vivid frescoes by
Giotto that depict the life of the saint. The upper basilica has recently reopened
and, though restoration continues, many of the beloved frescoes can be admired
again. The lower basilica and St. Francis' tomb are also open to the public.
Other places of interest include the Church of Santa Chiara, a medieval fortress
(La Rocca Maggiore), the Piazza del Comune (the old town center) and St. Peter's
church. Or just stroll the narrow, picturesque streets and listen to the musicians
practicing nearby (though they may be drowned out by construction noises --
many buildings are still under renovation).
You may want to visit during one of Assisi's numerous celebrations: the Feast
of Calendimaggio, a five-day coming-of-spring festival with medieval costumes,
dances and songs (around the first week of May); a month of folklore and musical
events in August; or the Feast of St. Francis (4 October), which celebrates
the saint's transition from this life into the next. During this two-day festival,
the entire town is illuminated by oil lamps. If you are going to Assisi at one
of these times, reserve accommodations well ahead of time -- the city will be
filled with pilgrims.
Excursions
Sorrento: The Ancient City of Pompeii - 6 Hours
Sorrento: The Ancient City of Pompeii - 6 Hours
Highlights:
- Visit the incredibly preserved Roman city of Pompeii
Tour Can Operate: Morning/Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Luxury car or minivan at your disposal during the tour
- An expert English-speaking guide at the Pompeii site (3 hours)
- Entrance fees to the Pompeii site
- All taxes
- All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
- Gratuities
Sorrento: The Iconic Amalfi Coast - 6 Hours
Sorrento: The Iconic Amalfi Coast - 6 Hours
Highlights:
- Drive along the magnificent Amalfi Coast, stopping at Positano, Amalfi and Ravello.
Tour Can Operate: Morning/Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Luxury car or minivan at your disposal during the tour
- An expert English-speaking driver-guide throughout the tour (6 hours)
- Entrance fees to the Villa Ruffolo
- All taxes
- All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
- Gratuities
Sorrento: Capri Exploration by Private Motorboat – 8 hours
Sorrento: Capri Exploration by Private Motorboat – 8 hours
Highlights:
- Private skippered motorboat to explore the beautiful island of Capri, including Marina Piccola and Marina Grande.
Tour can Operate: Morning
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- 34-foot (1-4 pax) or 43-foot (5-6 pax) private motorboat with English-speaking skipper (8 hours)
- All taxes
- All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
- Gratuities
Sprawled across seven legendary hills, romantic and beautiful Rome was one
of the great centers of the ancient world. Although its beginning is shrouded
in legend and its development is full of intrigue and struggle, Rome has always
been and remains the Eternal City.
Rome enjoyed its greatest splendor during the 1st and 2nd centuries when art
flourished, monumental works of architecture were erected, and the mighty Roman
legions swept outward, conquering all of Italy. These victorious armies then
swept across the Mediterranean and beyond to conquer most of the known world.
With Rome's establishment as capital of the western world, a new ascent to glory
began.
Today's Rome, with its splendid churches, ancient monuments and palaces, spacious
parks, tree-lined boulevards, fountains, outdoor cafes and elegant shops, is
one of the world’s most attractive and exciting cities. Among the most famous
monuments is the Colosseum. As you walk its cool, dark passageways, imagine
the voices that once filled the arena as 50,000 spectators watched combats between
muscled gladiators and ferocious animals.
Stop to see the remains of the Forum, once the city's political and commercial
center. In later times, Rome's squares were enhanced with such imposing structures
as the Vittorio Emanuele Monument and grandiose fountains like the Fontana di
Trevi. Join the millions who stand in awe of Christendom’s most magnificent
church and admire the timeless masterpieces of Michelangelo's frescoes in the
Sistine Chapel.
Rome jars the senses and captures the soul. Grasp all you can during the short,
precious time you have available in the Eternal City. With so much to see and
do, a day or two will only allow you a sampling of the city's marvelous treasures.
Caution: As in many big cities and tourist destinations purse snatching
and pickpocketing is common. Valuable jewelry and excess cash are best left
in a safety deposit box in your hotel.
Shopping For most visitors shopping for beautiful Italian leather articles,
designer shoes, fashions for men and women, linens, knitwear, silk scarves and
ties is a favorite pastime. Except for tourist-oriented shops, the majority
of stores are closed on Sundays. Some of the department stores, such as Rinascente,
open in the late afternoon on Sundays.
Cuisine Rome's choice of restaurants is mindboggling as is the variety
of cuisine. Whether your meal is at a top-rated restaurant or a rustic trattoria,
you can be sure that you will enjoy your food, especially when accompanied by
wines from the hill towns surrounding Rome.
Other Sights Rome's attractions are endless, and depending on how much
time you have at your disposal a careful selection has to be made about what
to see. Be aware of horrendous traffic conditions and major construction work
all around the city in preparation of Jubilee 2000, the Holy Year. Some of the
sights not to be missed:
Piazza Venezia - This busy square is easily recognized by its imposing Vittorio
Emanuele II Monument. The white marble structure was inaugurated in 1911 as
a symbol of Italy’s unification.
The Forum - Once the civic heart of ancient Rome, today the remains include
a series of ruins, marble fragments, isolated columns and some worn arches.
Colosseum - No visit to Rome is complete without a stop at this awe-inspiring
theater, which is among the world’s most celebrated buildings. Here ancient
Rome flocked to see gladiatorial contests and numerous other spectacles.
Trevi Fountain - Take a stroll to Rome's famous fountain. A spectacular fantasy
of mythical sea creatures and cascades of splashing water, the fountain is one
of the city's foremost attractions. Legend has it that visitors must toss a
coin into the fountain to ensure their return to Rome.
St. Peter's Square - Part of Vatican City, this square created by Bernini
is considered one of the loveliest squares in the world. Twin Doric colonnades
topped with statues of various saints and martyrs flank either side of the square.
In the center stands an 84-foot obelisk, brought from Egypt in 37 A.D.
St. Peter's Basilica - At the head of the square stands Christendom's most
magnificent church, which was begun in 1452 on the site where St. Peter was
buried. Throughout the following 200 years, such Renaissance masters as Bramante,
Michelangelo, Raphael and Bernini worked on its design and created an unparalleled
masterpiece. Of special note are Michelangelo's Pieta and the bronze canopy
over the high altar by Bernini. The immense dome was designed by Michelangelo.
Vatican Museum - To see this museum's immense collection would take days.
As you enter, there are special posters that plot a choice of four color-coded
itineraries. They are repeated throughout the museum and are easy to follow.
It is a good idea to pickup a leaflet at the main entrance and concentrate on
exhibits of major interest. Of course, the Sistine Chapel is a must. Most likely
you may have to wait in line to enter.
Excursions
Rome Highlights and Vatican: 9 hours
Rome Highlights and Vatican: 9 hours
Meet your private English-speaking driver at the pier side of Civitavecchia port.
Rome is a mix of architecture styles, of antiques and new, of sacred and profane. In this full day tour you can enjoy a sample of this capital city. With your guide reach the Vatican city where you can visit the Museums, admiring its priceless collection of art and architecture: highlights include Raphael's Transfiguration, The Raphael Rooms, the Sculpture Garden featuring the famous Laokoon. Finally, the restored Sistine Chapel, famous all over the world for the breathtaking Michelangelo’s ceiling and the Last Judgment. From here you walk to St. Peter's Basilica to marvel at Michelangelo's Dome, his statue Pietà, Bernini's magnificent Baldacchino and the Tombs of the Popes. The tour will continue with a look at the ancient part of the Eternal city and its symbol: the Coliseum, where, jumping the lines, you will be able to enter in the magnificent Flavian Amphitheatre and admire where the gladiatorial duels, wild beast fights were arranged for the entertainment of Roman people.
The second part of the day will be dedicated to the visit of the city center, starting from Navona Square, the most important of Baroque Rome, where today it is possible to admire the monumental Fountain of the Rivers by Bernini. Continue your tour visiting the Pantheon, the jewel of Roman architecture, then Trevi Fountain, the most famous and beautiful fountain in Rome. End the tour at the Spanish Steps, built entirely in travertine in the 18th century.
We will ensure your timely return transfer to the Civitavecchia Port
Access to the Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica is allowed only to properly attired visitors.
Highlights:
- Vatican Museums, Ancient Rome, main highlights
Tour can Operate: Morning
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Physical Activity Level: low
Inclusions:
· Luxury Mercedes minivan at disposal for the entire day
· English-speaking driver at disposal for the entire day
· 6 hour private English-speaking guide
· No Line entrance fees for the Vatican Museums and Colosseum
Exclusions:
· All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
· Gratuities
Tivoli: Villas in the Countryside - 8 Hours
Tivoli: Villas in the Countryside - 8 Hours
A trip out to Tivoli, just east of Rome, makes for a perfect and relaxing day, when you need a little rest from extensive sightseeing in the city. On your way out, you will pass the Travertine marble quarries from which so many of Rome’s important buildings were constructed. Tivoli itself is a very pleasant town, perched on a hill but its main claim to fame lies in its country villas, Hadrian’s Villa and the Villa d’Este. The emperor Hadrian was very well traveled and when he decided to build a country villa, he was greatly influenced by some of the spectacular sights he’d seen on his travels. The result was probably the largest and most sumptuous villa in the Roman Empire and by any standards, it is huge and covers an area that would normally be occupied by a small town. The site became a sort of retirement home for Hadrian, from 135AD until his death three years later. Here you will see the remains of peaceful and romantic gardens, pools, a theater and baths, which were of course an essential part of any Roman villa. From here, you will visit the stunning Villa d’Este, built for Cardinal Ippolito d’Este in the mid-16th century. Its gardens and fountains are legendery but the restored ground floor apartments have some stunning frescoes.
Duration: 8 hours
Pricing: Please Inquire
Ostia Antica - 6 Hours
If you can’t fit in a trip to Pompeii, Ostia Antica makes a very worthwhile substitute and even though it is right by the airport, it is largely overlooked by the majority of tourists and never suffers from crowds. Ostia Antica was the main port for the city of Rome and consequently, where goods from all over the Empire were unloaded. You will see warehouses, high rise apartments for the workers and sumptuous villas for the nobility as well as baths complete with mosaics and the odd bar or two. Even the public lavatories have survived! Just outside the town, lies the beautiful castle of Pope Julius II, largely built from recycled bricks from Ostia Antica.
After the visit of the archaeological site, driving back towards the port, you will have the chance to stop for lunch in a great fish restaurant overlooking the sea.
Duration: 6 hours
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Roman Castles - 8 Hours
The Castelli Romani (Roman castles) are a mere 35 minutes from Rome, but you could be hours away. Beautiful green hills, topped with ancient towns, a couple of volcanic lakes, delicious cuisine and abundant wines, the most famous being Frascati; all explain why Romans have been building their summer villas here for centuries. The most famous of these being Castel Gandolfo, the summer residence of the Pope. Frascati is the largest of these towns, while Nemi, the smallest gives its name to one of the lakes. The route out of Rome is worthwhile too, as you will pass the remains of the aqueducts that once carried water into the city and other imposing ruins.
Duration: 8 hours
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Lake Bracciano and the Monster Park - 8 Hours
Lake Bracciano and the Monster Park - 8 Hours
You will start the day by being driven to Lake Bracciano, a delightful spot and much favored by Romans escaping from the heat of the city by having a refreshing swim in the lake. It burst onto the world stage in 2006, when Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes got married in the local castle.
After a stroll around the town, you will be taken to Viterbo where at nearby Bomarzo is a most extraordinary garden, known as the Parco dei Mostri, the Monster Park. This makes a great day out for children. Created by the hunchbacked Duke of Orsini in 1552, he set out to mock the Mannerist gardens of the time by deliberate vulgarity. At the entrance to the park stands a giant warrior, tearing apart a woodcutter, while deeper into the park, you will come across an English prince pouring the brains of a madman down an elephant’s trunk. The surprises continue to come; mossy sculptures of tortoises, elephants, a whale, dragons, nymphs and butterflies, to name but a few. After Orsini’s death, the park became very neglected but has now been restored to its former glory.
Duration: 8 hours
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Vacation Details
* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
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