Trafalgar
OFFER ID 1478156
Grand Italian Experience
A rare opportunity to see the extraordinary limestone trulli houses of Alberobello is the highlight of this journey. Discover Italy's delights during dinner with Signor Luciano, journey across the Bay of Naples to Capri, dream of star-crossed lovers in Verona and delight in the Italian Lake District sheltered by the southern Alps.
Dining Summary
16 nights from $4,888 per person
Trafalgar Tours: Grand Italian Experience
Day 1 - Welcome to Rome
Blaze a trail through la bella Italia – your epic journey begins in Rome, once the powerful capital of the world and yours to explore before meeting your travel companions and Travel Director for a light supper and orientation drive introducing you to some of the city's iconic and unexpected highlights.
Accommodations: Crowne Plaza St. Peter's
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 - Explore Ancient Rome and the Vatican City
Follow in the footsteps of the pilgrims who for centuries have flocked to Vatican City. Visit St. Peter's Basilica, one of the holiest sites in Christendom, joining a Local Specialist for an included sightseeing tour. See Michelangelo's magnificent Piet, hewn from a perfect block of Carrara marble. Then, venture into Ancient Rome to see Circus Maximus, where the thundering noise of chariot races once filled the air. The afternoon is yours to explore at leisure. Stroll down the Spanish steps or sit in an outdoor cafe on the famous Via Veneto or continue your encounter with Ancient Rome on Palatine Hill to see the Temple of Apollo and Flavian Palace, among other excavations.
Accommodations: Crowne Plaza St. Peter's
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 - Journey to the Alberobello Region
Travel east through the mountains of Campania to the orange and olive groves of Puglia on the Adriatic coast, your home for the next two nights. This evening, enjoy a delicious local dinner at your hotel.
Accommodations: Sierra Silvana
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4 - Admire Alberobello’s Iconic Architecture Connect with Locals
Enjoy a morning at leisure. Consider an optional experience or relax with a swim at your hotel. This afternoon, the conical limestone houses of Alberobello take center stage during our guided tour with a Local Specialist. Here, you’ll see the UNESCO-listed collection of almost 1,500 trulli dating back to the 14th-century. This evening, enjoy a Be My Guest experience at a traditional masseria. Meet Signor Luciano for dinner on his Alberobello farm where you can taste seasonal produce, including fresh almonds, cherries, tomatoes and olive oil.
Accommodations: Sierra Silvana
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 - Onwards to Sunny Sorrento
The fresh aroma of lemons is your constant companion in the stunning coastal town of Sorrento, your home for the next two nights. View the bustling Piazza Tasso and Corso Italia before spending the afternoon at leisure. Kick back and sip delicious Limoncello di Sorrento, enjoy lunch in this picture-perfect town or spend the afternoon soaking up la dolce vita.?This evening, dine in a local restaurant.
Accommodations: Grand Cesare Augusto
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6 - A Day on the Isle of Capri
Cruise the deep blue waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea to the beautiful Isle of Capri. Enjoy a guided tour of Capri town with a Local Specialist. After, explore or sip cappuccino in the glamorous piazzetta.
Accommodations: Grand Cesare Augusto
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 - Uncover Pompeii's Ruins and on to Assisi Stays With Stories
Explore the tragic history of the ancient lost city of Pompeii with a Local Specialist. Gain a deeper understanding of what life was like in this Roman settlement that lay buried for centuries after Mount Vesuvius erupted. Continue your journey through the rolling green and golden fields of Umbria, arriving at the mystical hilltop town of Assisi. Meet your Local Specialist for a visit of the stunning Basilica of St. Francis, featuring exquisite frescoes by Giotto. You'll stay at one of Trafalgar's Stays With Stories - a fully renovated old Franciscan monastery.
Accommodations: Cenacolo
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8 - Onwards to Venice Stays With Stories
Venture to the Adriatic coast on your way to Venice. A city like no other, you'll explore its canals and waterways during your time on the islands of the Venetian Lagoon, home to the artistic tradition of blown glass. Your home for the next two nights is one of Trafalgar’s Stays With Stories.
Accommodations: Hyatt Centric Murano
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9 - Cruise the Canals of Venice Make Travel Matter
This morning start the day by observing the delicate craft of Venetian glassblowing that spans centuries. Your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience helps to preserve the traditions that have been handed down through the generations and you’ll be inspired to buy a souvenir to remind you of the talent and skill shared enthusiastically by the master craftsmen. Next you’ll glide by private launch along busy waterways to view the Bridge of Sighs, Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica before exploring the city on your terms. Stroll beside the Grand Canal, nibble on delicious cicchetti at a cozy bacaro or cross the lagoon for an Optional Experience to the colorful fishermen's Island of Burano.
Accommodations: Hyatt Centric Murano
Meals: Breakfast
Day 10 - Journey to Verona, explore Milan and on to the Italian Lakes
Celebrate the epic tale of Romeo and Juliet during this morning's visit to the fair city of Verona and view the Roman arena build in the 1st century and famously used for opera these days. Later, experience the fashion capital of Milan. Enjoy free time to explore on your own after an orientation of the city's iconic sights. See the exquisite Gothic Duomo, La Scala Opera House and the Galleria, one of the world's oldest shopping malls. Arrive on the quiet shores of Lake Maggiore, soaking up the pleasant lakeside atmosphere and exploring Baveno. An optional experience takes you to dinner in an iconic setting on Lake Maggiore.
Accommodations: Simplon
Meals: Breakfast
Day 11 - Explore Lake Maggiore
Relax on the shores of Lake Maggiore or take an Optional Experience taking a scenic train ride through the Alps. This afternoon, the Borromean Islands optional experience is a wonderful way to soak up the incredible beauty of the Italian Lakes.
Accommodations: Simplon
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 12 - Onwards to La Spezia
Enjoy the sunrise reflected on the picturesque Lake Maggiore, or take a leisurely stroll before you leave your lakeside resort. Later, travel to the port city of La Spezia on the Ligurian Coast.
Accommodations: Firenze & Continentale La Spezia
Meals: Breakfast
Day 13 - La Spezia Your Way
Indulge in a full free day to soak up the laid-back atmosphere. Stroll along the waterfront or consider joining an Optional Experience to Porto Venere and the Bay of Poets where you’ll embark on an encounter with the cliffside villages of the Cinque Terre. This evening, dine locally.
Accommodations: Firenze & Continentale La Spezia
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 14 - Uncover Pisa and on to Florence
Traveling south through the unforgettable scenery of Tuscany, we arrive in Pisa to view its famous Leaning Tower before continuing to the Renaissance city of Florence. This afternoon is yours at leisure to wander through the grand squares and labyrinthine lanes of Florence, whose connection with the Medici family saw this city become one of the world's most cultural centers. Consider a visit to the Academy of Fine Arts to see the Michelangelo's statue of David, amble along the Arno River or ascend the stone steps up to Piazzale Michelangelo for spectacular views of the city.
Accommodations: Grand Mediterraneo
Meals: Breakfast
Day 15 - Discover Renaissance Florence
Join a?Local Specialist ?this morning to view the city's finest masterpieces – the magnificent Duomo, Giotto's Bell Tower and the 13th-century Santa Croce Basilica, the final resting place of Michelangelo, Galileo and Machiavelli. Later, learn about the quality and workmanship of two of this city's historic industries at demonstrations of Florentine leathercraft and 18-carat gold. Then, spend the rest of the afternoon as you wish. Walk across the Ponte Vecchio which has straddled the Arno River for almost 700 years, or wander through the Renaissance Boboli Gardens, stopping for a slice or two of? schiacciata along the way.
Accommodations: Grand Mediterraneo
Meals: Breakfast
Day 16 - All Roads Lead to Rome
Today we journey past the sprawling vineyards of Chianti and beneath the hill-towns of Umbria before arriving in Rome. Tour the extraordinary Vatican Museums with a Local Specialist, including views of Michelangelo's magnificent frescoed ceiling in the Sistine Chapel. This evening, Roman flavors and ancient ruins take center stage as you dine at Ristorante Pancrazio, located just a stone’s throw away from where the Emperor Julius Caesar is said to have been assassinated. Toast your travels over a selection of signature Roman dishes handed down over four generations.
Accommodations: Shangri-La Roma
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 17 - Journey Home
Your epic encounter with Italy has come to an end. Say?arrivederci to Rome and your newfound friends at the end of your Grand Italian Experience.
Meals: Breakfast
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.
Sorrento: The Ancient City of Pompeii - 6 Hours
Sorrento: The Iconic Amalfi Coast - 6 Hours
Sorrento: Capri Exploration by Private Motorboat – 8 hours
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.
Venice: Splendours of Venice Walking Tour - 4 hours
Venice: Venice for Art Lovers Walking Tour - 4 hours
Venice: The Roman City of Verona - 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:
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.