BEST OF ITALY

Your morning tour takes you to Michelangelo Square for a panoramic view of the city. Then visit: the Accademia to see Michelangelo’s original “David” statue, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistery with its “Gates of Paradise” doors, Signoria Square and Santa Croce Church. Enjoy your afternoon exploring the treasures of Florence on your own or embark on an optional tour to Pisa featuring dinner at an authentic farmhouse and winery in the enchanting Tuscan countryside. (B)

The day is yours to discover the city of Florence, to shop for some local goods or to take an optional excursion to Siena and San Gimignano. Medieval Siena, known for its famed Palio horse races and expansive central Il Campo Plaza, awaits your exploration. Visit Siena’s Duomo, considered to be one of the finest Gothic cathedrals in Italy. In San Gimignano, stroll the old-world center and take in the fascinating architecture and towers that offer amazing views of the city and the surrounding valley. Tonight, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)

Morning departure for Rome. Drive through the serene Tuscan and Umbrian countryside, passing by the shores of Lake Trasimeno with a stop at a local winery where a wine expert will lecture on the vinification process. After a delicious tasting of the varieties of wines produced there and a light lunch, continue to Assisi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to enjoy your guided tour of St. Francis Basilica. Arrive in Rome in the late afternoon. (B,L)

This morning, embark on a guided tour of Classical Rome. Stroll along cobbled laneways, stop by the Spanish Steps, one of Rome’s most recognizable landmarks immortalized in countless postcards and films, toss a coin in the magnificent Trevi Fountain to ensure a return to Rome, see Piazza Navona, one of the finest Baroque masterpieces in papal Rome, and imagine it as the Ancient Stadium of Domitian capable of holding 30 thousand spectators in the ancient times. Afternoon at leisure to discover the Eternal City on your own, for some shopping or to join an optional tour of the Roman Forum and Colosseum. (B)

This morning, experience a very special privately guided tour of the priceless collection of art and treasures in the Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museum. Rest of the day at leisure to relax or discover why Roman trattorias are famous for their fine cuisine. Tonight, bid arrivederci to Rome at a special festive dinner with wine and music in one of the most famous restaurants in Trastevere. (B,D)

This morning, before heading to Sorrento, stop in Pompeii, the ancient city covered by volcanic lava 2,000 years ago, for a guided tour of the remarkably preserved ruins of temples, houses, gardens and public buildings. Then, drive along the spectacular coast road of the Bay of Naples to Sorrento, the famous resort town of orange and lemon groves. Dinner at your hotel restaurant is included. (B,D)

Today, enjoy a guided excursion to the world-renowned Amalfi Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This coastal road along the southern edge of Italy's Sorrentine Peninsula offers breathtaking views of a rugged shoreline dotted with picturesque fishing villages, small beaches, terraced vineyards, and lemon groves. After a brief stop at the Belvedere for a unique view of Positano's Moorish architecture blended with pastel color houses, continue to the lovely towns of Amalfi and Ravello. Lunch is included at a local restaurant. (B,L)

A morning jetfoil whisks you across the blue Bay of Naples to the fabled Isle of Capri, where you will ascend to the Piazzetta, visit the Floral Gardens of Caesar Augustus, and still have free time for lunch and some shopping before returning to Sorrento. Tonight dinner is at a local restaurant. (B,D)