Take the ultimate tour of Italy on this comprehensive itinerary offered by Trafalgar that harmoniously blends culture, history and the beauty of the countryside. Enjoy guided exploration of historic sites in Rome, Pompeii, Venice and Florence as well as stops in Assisi, Verona, Pisa and more.
Engaging experiences and highlights include:
• In Rome, see the Vatican Musuems and Sistine Chapel on a private tour.
• Enjoy an exclusive Be My Guest dinner on a Lake Maggiore island.
• AAA Complimentary Inclusion: Drive the scenic Amalfi Coast to Positano.
$25 per person optional excursion credit
AAA Complimentary Inclusion: Excursion to Positano and the Amalfi Coast
AAA Vacations® Best Price Guarantee and 24/7 Member Care**
Your journey begins in the Eternal City of Rome where your local guide will take you to the Forum, the Colosseum, Circus Maximus, the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica and the stunning museums of Vatican City. Ascend the amazing staircase designed by famous architect Donato Bramante. Then venture to the coastal town of Sorrento where highlights include a guided tour of the fascinating city of Pompeii, buried in 79 AD by a volcanic eruption. Also take a day trip to the Isle of Capri, one of the most picturesque locations in Campania. And enjoy spectacular views along the Amalfi Coast en route to Positano, where you’ll walk the winding lanes of this picturesque town.
Depart north for Venice and en route stop in Assisi, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This medieval walled city is the birthplace of St. Francis who founded the Franciscan religious order here in 1208. A walking tour includes the Basilica of St. Francis featuring priceless medieval frescos of the saint. Arrive in Venice, a city of canals, graceful bridges and narrow winding walkways. Take a private launch along the Grand Canal followed by a walking tour of the city's most important monuments: Bridge of Sighs, St. Mark's Square, the Basilica and the imposing Ducal Palace. Visit Giudecca Island to see glass-blowing artisans in action.
Your whirlwind tour continues with a stop in Verona, home of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, and in Milan, where a local guide shows you the Duomo, La Scala Opera house and the famous Galleria. Enjoy a day excursion to Lake Como followed by an exclusive Be My Guest dinner on an island in Lake Maggiore; share a delicious meal as your local host regales you with stories about the region. After stopping in Pisa to see the famous Leaning Tower, conclude your adventure with two days in glorious Florence, birthplace of the Renaissance and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Your local guide brings the city's rich history to life as you take in the the main sights: the Piazza della Signoria, Santa Croce, the Duomo, the Campanile and Baptistery, Uffizi Gallery, Palazzo Vecchio and much more!
Price includes:
• 12 nights in first-class hotels: 3 nights in Rome, 2 nights in Sorrento, 1 night in Assisi, 2 nights in Venice, 2 nights in Lake Maggiore and 2 nights in Florence
• Daily breakfast, 1 lunch and 5 dinners, including a Be My Guest dinner
• Transportation by private luxury motor coach with air-conditioning, reclining seats and restroom
• Services of a professional Travel Director
• Excursion to Positano and the Amalfi Coast plus comprehensive sightseeing
• Airport hotel transfers on arrival and departure days (at specified times, conditions apply)
• All hotel service charges and tips, baggage handling fees and local taxes
• Travel wallet with your documentation plus keepsake photo and map
Day 1 - Depart the U.S.
Take an overnight flight to Rome.
Day 2 - Arrive in Rome, Italy
Welcome to Rome, the Eternal City! Check in to your hotel then spend the rest of the day relaxing or taking a leisurely stroll around the city. Join your companions and your Travel Director later for a Welcome Reception. Then enjoy an orientation drive to see St. Peter’s Basilica and other sights - a great introduction to this beautiful city.
Accommodation: Centrally-located Rome hotel - 2 nights
Day 3 - Rome Sightseeing
Your included sightseeing tour with a Local Guide begins at the Vatican Museums. Here, you’ll a unique experience when you ascend the smooth and step-less spiral staircase designed by famous architect Donato Bramante in a part of the Vatican not open to the public. Admire Michelangelo’s magnificent frescoed ceiling in the Sistine Chapel and then visit St. Peter’s Basilica to see his famous Pietà. Your tour continues in ancient Rome. View the Forum and see Circus Maximus, where chariot races were held. Visit the impressive Colosseum. There’s time afterwards to explore the city on your own or simply relax and watch the world go by!
Day 4 - Rome, Pompeii & Sorrento
Depart Rome for Sorrento. En route, visit the Commonwealth War Cemetery near Monte Cassino. Arrive in Pompeii, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where your Local Guide tells you all about the devastation caused to the city by the volcanic eruption of Vesuvius in AD 79 during your walking tour of the excavations. Arrive later at your hotel in Sorrento where you dine tonight. AAA Complimentary Inclusion: Enjoy spectacular views as we drive along the famous Amalfi Coast en route to the exclusive artists' paradise of Positano. Upon arrival, walk the winding lanes and peruse boutiques of renowned local fashions.
Accommodation: Sorrento hotel - 2 nights
Day 5 - Isle of Capri Excursion
After breakfast, witness the art of inlaid woodworking for which Sorrento is famous at a woodworking demonstration. Later, embark on an included excursion by ferry to the Isle of Capri. See the local gardens and other sights during an orientation walk of Capri town. Then spend time exploring this lovely island on your own. Perhaps consider visiting the villa of the Swedish doctor, Axel Munthe.
Day 6 - Sorrento / Assisi
Today, we travel north to Assisi, a mystical town perched on the slopes of Mount Subasio overlooking the peaceful Umbrian landscape. Under the protection of St. Francis, the city is still enclosed by medieval ramparts. Your Local Guide takes you on a walking tour which includes a visit to the Basilica of St. Francis, famous for its frescos depicting the life of this much-loved saint. Spend time afterwards exploring on your own and shopping for souvenirs. Dine at your hotel this evening.
Accommodation: Assisi hotel - 1 night
Day 7 - Assisi, Classe & Venice
Leaving Assisi, we continue north and cross the Apennines to the Adriatic Coast and the town of Classe, famous for ancient mosaics and Byzantine architecture. Visit the Church of St. Apollinaris and admire the Romanesque Basilica of Pomposa. Arrive later in Venice, known as “Queen of the Adriatic” and one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.
Accommodation: Centrally-located Venice hotel - 2 nights
Day 8 - Venice Sightseeing
Your cruise by private launch to St. Mark’s Square is magical! View the Bridge of Sighs, the beautiful Doge’s Palace and the Basilica. Get an insider look at the Venetian arts at a traditional workshop on Giudecca Island where you will see glass-blowing artisans and other craftsmen in action. Then spend free time seeing the sights of your choice. You might like to see the house of Marco Polo or cruise across the lagoon to the Island of Burano and enjoy a delicious seafood lunch.
Day 9 - Verona, Milan & Lake Maggiore
This morning travel to Verona, the home of Shakespeare’s star-crossed lovers Romeo and Juliet. You’ll have a chance to admire the Roman arena and Juliet’s balcony. Then cross the plains of Lombardy to Milan for a walking tour of this fashionable city with your Local Guide. See the Gothic Duomo, La Scala Opera house and the famous Galleria. On to the shores of beautiful Lake Maggiore where you will dine tonight at your hotel.
Accommodation: Lake Maggiore hotel - 2 nights
Day 10 - Lake Como Excursion
Today we travel to beautiful Lake Como where you will have free time to explore or simply soak up the gorgeous Alpine scenery. This evening, take a private boat to an island on Lake Maggiore for a special “Be My Guest” dinner experience. Your host will share stories of the history of the island - which used to be a pirate’s hideaway! - followed by a delicious meal.
Day 11 - Pisa & Florence
Leaving Lake Maggiore, we cross the Plains of Lombardy, the forested Apennine Mountains, past the city of Genoa to Pisa. View the extraordinary Leaning Tower before arriving in Florence, birthplace of the Renaissance. Tonight, you might like to sample some local Tuscan cuisine.
Accommodation: Centrally-located Florence hotel - 2 nights
Day 12 - Florence Sightseeing
Today, your Local Guide brings this city’s rich history to life during your walking tour. See the Cathedral and Signoria Square and view Ponte Vecchio. Enjoy spectacular panoramic views of Florence from Piazzale Michelangelo. The spend free time exploring or shop for high quality leather and gold.
Day 13 - Siena & Rome
Today we leave Florence for Rome. En route, stop for a visit to Siena. Set in scenic Tuscan countryside, Siena is a medieval town famous for its exciting Palio horse race. Arrive in Rome and check in to your hotel. This evening, join your Travel Director and newfound friends for a Farewell Dinner.
Accommodation: Centrally-located Rome hotel - 1 night
Day 14 - Depart Rome
This morning after breakfast, say "arrivederci Roma" as your memorable vacation in Italy comes to an end. Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
*Prices are per person based on double occupancy, are subject to availability at time of booking, and may change without notice. Single supplement may apply. Except for packages including air transportation, unless stated otherwise, airfare, taxes and government fees are not included. Offers valid for new bookings only. Member Benefits are per person and apply to first and second traveler only. Member Benefits are available only with advertised fare and are subject to change without notice. Your travel arrangements may be modified or canceled subject to the travel providers’ policies. Blackout dates and other restrictions may apply. We make every effort for accuracy at time of printing but reserve the right to correct errors. AAA Travel strongly recommends the purchase of trip protection insurance. Except for packages including air transportation, fares may not reflect additional fuel supplement or port charges and vary by provider.
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