Italian Vistas

What's Included

• Welcome Dinner in Rome

  Join your fellow travelers for a special welcome dinner featuring regional delicacies and Italian wines.

• Locally Guided Tour of Classical Rome

  Discover the city on a locally guided tour of Classical Rome, including an in-depth visit to the Colosseum.

• Visit to the Academy Museum in Florence

  Visit the Academy Museum in Florence to see Michelangelo's famous statue of David.

• Boat Trip to Murano Island

  Enjoy a boat trip to Murano Island for a glass-blowing demonstration.

• Visit to a Tuscan Winery and Farm

  Visit a Tuscan winery and farm to enjoy lunch and sample the local wines.

• Savor Traditionally Produced Macaroni

  Savor traditionally produced macaroni during lunch at a family-owned pasta factory.

• Taste Balsamic Vinegar and Olive Oil

  Taste balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and local wines at a family-run wine shop in Stresa.

What's Not Included

• Optional Vatican City Tour

  Consider an optional trip to Vatican City to tour the Vatican Museums and St.
  
  Peter's Basilica.
  
  

• Optional Food Tour in Rome

  Perhaps you will join an optional food tour and taste your way around Rome's bohemian Trastevere district.
  
  

• Optional Excursion to Certosa Monastery

  Consider an optional excursion to the 14th-century Certosa monastery, featuring an after-hours tour and dinner in a popular Tuscan restaurant.
  
  

• Optional Gondola Cruise in Venice

  Consider an optional gondola cruise to experience Venice's most famous pastime.
  
  

Experiences

Get an in-depth tour of the famous Colosseum.Enjoy a boat trip to Murano Island for a glass-blowing demonstration.Relish la dolce vita as you take in the view of the Bay of Naples from Sorrento’s cliffs.

Options

Rome: The Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica The Vatican Museums are not only home to one of the world’s greatest collections of art, but also to the world-famous Sistine Chapel. Priceless artifacts from ancient Egypt, Etruscan Italy, and cultures around the world are preserved in the Vatican’s palaces, galleries, halls, and rooms. Follow a local expert guide on a three hour, in-depth visit through this vast collection. Highlights include the Gallery of Maps, the Gallery of Tapestries and, of course, a visit to the Sistine Chapel. The chapel’s famous ceiling frescoes took Michelangelo four years to complete. His brilliant Last Judgment, which rests on the altar wall, was a topic of controversy for centuries. Other walls feature paintings by Pietro Perugino, Sandro Botticelli, Cosimo Rosselli, and Domenico Ghirlandaio. Your final stop will be at St. Peter’s Basilica, one of the most important churches in Christendom, and until recently, the largest in the world. Duration approximately 4 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 15 passenger(s) is required to operate this option.

Please note, this option must be booked at least 90 days prior to departure, and availability is not guaranteed while on tour. Due to the nature of this option, it is non-refundable.
Price includes admission and the use of headphones inside the museum. Due to the unpredictable nature of the events' schedule at the Vatican, on certain dates it may be necessary to visit the Vatican Museums at a different time.

Rome: The Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica The Vatican Museums are not only home to one of the world’s greatest collections of art, but also to the world-famous Sistine Chapel. Priceless artifacts from ancient Egypt, Etruscan Italy, and cultures around the world are preserved in the Vatican’s palaces, galleries, halls, and rooms. Follow a local expert guide on a three hour, in-depth visit through this vast collection. Highlights include the Gallery of Maps, the Gallery of Tapestries and, of course, a visit to the Sistine Chapel. The chapel’s famous ceiling frescoes took Michelangelo four years to complete. His brilliant Last Judgment, which rests on the altar wall, was a topic of controversy for centuries. Other walls feature paintings by Pietro Perugino, Sandro Botticelli, Cosimo Rosselli, and Domenico Ghirlandaio. Your final stop will be at St. Peter’s Basilica, one of the most important churches in Christendom, and until recently, the largest in the world. Duration approximately 4 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 15 passenger(s) is required to operate this option.

Please note, this option must be booked at least 90 days prior to departure, and availability is not guaranteed while on tour. Due to the nature of this option, it is non-refundable.
Price includes admission and the use of headphones inside the museum. Due to the unpredictable nature of the events' schedule at the Vatican, on certain dates it may be necessary to visit the Vatican Museums at a different time.

Rome: Trastevere Food Tour Follow your expert guide on an engaging tour of Rome’s more epicurean side. Your culinary journey takes place in the bohemian Trastevere district, where medieval architecture meets ivy-clung houses and the lively chatter from the many eateries sprinkled through the neighborhood echoes off the cobblestoned streets. Partake in the local tradition of aperitivo (pre-dinner drink) before tasting your way through Rome’s most representative street food, such as supplì (fried rice ball) and pastas. Top off your culinary exploration with a taste of artisanal gelato and learn how to tell a good one from a factory-made, ensuring you never eat a bad one again! Duration approximately 5 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 6 passenger(s) is required to operate this option.




Rome: Trastevere Food Tour Follow your expert guide on an engaging tour of Rome’s more epicurean side. Your culinary journey takes place in the bohemian Trastevere district, where medieval architecture meets ivy-clung houses and the lively chatter from the many eateries sprinkled through the neighborhood echoes off the cobblestoned streets. Partake in the local tradition of aperitivo (pre-dinner drink) before tasting your way through Rome’s most representative street food, such as supplì (fried rice ball) and pastas. Top off your culinary exploration with a taste of artisanal gelato and learn how to tell a good one from a factory-made, ensuring you never eat a bad one again! Duration approximately 5 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 6 passenger(s) is required to operate this option.




Florence: Tuscan Feast This evening, set off on a scenic drive to nearby Galluzzo, famous for its Carthusian monastery which rests upon one of the beautiful hills surrounding Florence. Prior to dinner, enjoy an after-hours visit to this 14th-century monastery – La Certosa.* Revel in the beauty that lurks inside and experience the monastery’s magnificence as you learn about monastic daily life. Then your evening of fun continues at one of the area’s most popular dining establishments. Experience an authentic and traditional dinner served family-style! Savor local wines and Tuscan food and enjoy the entertainment. It’s a memorable – truly Italian – evening out that you won’t want to miss! Duration approximately 4.5 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 15 passenger(s) is required to operate this option.

*Visit to the monastery may not be possible when weddings are taking place. Gratuities are included.


Venice: Venetian Serenaded Gondola Cruise Experience the romance that can only be found in Venice – La Serenìssima – while traveling on its famous waterways. Partake in one of Venice’s most famous pastimes – a gondola cruise. Take a pleasant stroll toward the Grand Canal to board your gondola. As you relax in your elegant watercraft, your gondolier navigates the Grand Canal as well as smaller side canals. Admire the scenery as you listen to the melodic voice serenading you in true Italian style – just like in those romantic Italian movies! Duration approximately 1 hour(s). Transportation is not included A minimum of 15 passenger(s) is required to operate this option.

This option operates weather-permitting.
Duration of the gondola cruise is approximately 30 minutes. Gondolas hold 5 to 6 guests. Transportation is not included and in most cases not required as the start of this excursion is usually within walking distance.

Culinaries

Visit a Tuscan winery and farm to enjoy lunch and sample the local wines.Savor traditionally produced macaroni during lunch at a family-owned pasta factory.Taste balsamic vinegar, olive oil and local wines at a family-run wine shop in Stresa.

Must See

Visit the Academy Museum in Florence to see Michelangelo's famous statue of David.Stroll the streets of Verona – the backdrop for Romeo and Juliet.Enjoy the magic of the Italian lakes in the captivating resort town of Stresa.

Choice Highlights

Rome Rome is the capital of modern Italy and the historical home of one of the great civilizations in history, the Roman Empire. The historical city was founded in 753 BC and has grown to a size of over 3 million inhabitants today. The city is home to major monuments like the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain and many more. The city was built on the seven ancient hills along the Tiber River. Today it is a collection of neighborhoods with vibrant shops, restaurants and museums just waiting to be explored.

Colosseum The Colosseum is one of the most recognizable structures of the Roman Empire. The structure was built in the first century AD as a place of celebration for Gladiator games and public spectacles. Today the structure has been preserved and is an open air museum that highlights the architectural expertise of the ancient Romans. Visitors can see the details of the recently cleaned facade made of Travertine marble and view the internal structure of this “Wonder of the World.”

Ruins of Pompeii The Roman city of Pompeii is located in the southern region of Campagnia, near Naples. The city was covered by volcanic material in 79AD and forgotten for centuries. When the city was excavated, archeologists found the city to be intact as it had been prior to the eruption. Today visitors walk on the original streets, complete with chariot ruts. The city was made up of a variety of different buildings, including theaters, homes, shops, thermal baths, and temples - all of which can be visited today. In addition everyday objects and precious artifacts have been preserved along with original mosaic and fresco decorations.

Iconic Pompeii Walking Tour or Leisurely Pompeii Walking Tour During your visit to Pompeii you have a choice between two walking tours, both guided by a local expert. In both cases you will visit Pompeii's must-see locations such as the excavated ruins of the Forum and the Sanctuary of Apollo. Your first choice will move at a faster pace allowing you to explore also some of Pompeii's off-the-beaten-path gems, such as the vibrant frescoes of the Suburban Baths. Your second choice will move at a more leisurely pace, focusing exclusively on the highlights of this vast archeological site.



Iconic Pompeii Walking Tour

Activity Level: 3

Two hour walking tour over cobblestones and uneven terrain. Approximately 1.5 miles of walking. This walking tour takes travelers to the must-see sites of Pompei as well as some 'off the beaten path' sites such as the Suburban Thermal Baths. The group will move at a faster pace, allowing travelers to see more of this vast archeological site.



Leisurely Pompeii Walking Tour

Activity Level: 2

90 minute slow walking tour over cobblestones and uneven terrain. Approximately 0.9 mile of walking. This walking tour showcases all the must-see attractions of Pompeii at a slower pace, allowing more time to negotiate the inclines, large cobblestones and steep sidewalks of the ancient city.

Sorrento The north side of the Sorrento peninsula is the Sorrento Coast, named after the largest city and tourist center, Sorrento. The Sorrento Coast is home to panoramic views of shear cliffs, small rocky beaches and terraced gardens of olive and lemon trees. The town of Sorrento is a tourist’s delight, complete with excellent shopping, quaint cafes and elegant restaurants.

Florence Florence is the regional capital of Tuscany and home to countless Renaissance masterpieces. The city developed great wealth during the late Middle Ages and was the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance that produced great artists like Michelangelo, Raphael, Brunelleschi and many others. Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with numerous museums, stunning architecture and charming piazzas. The city offers something for everyone from culture, to great food and excellent shopping (like their famous gold or leather).

Statue of David The Statue of David by Michelangelo is one the most famous Renaissance sculptures in the world. The statue is housed in Florence’s Accademia Gallery along with other works by Michelangelo. The statue depicts the biblical hero David as a young man. It was commissioned at the turn of the 16th Century as part of a project for the Florence Cathedral, but it was instead placed in the public square. In the late 1800’s it was moved to its current home.

Leaning Tower of Pisa The Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of four monuments built in Pisa’s “Field of Miracles.” The other monuments include Italy’s largest baptistry, a cemetery for Pisan Nobility, and the Cathedral. The famous leaning eight story high tower was built as the Cathedral’s bell tower. From the start the tower began to lean as it was built on unstable land. Visitors can admire the beauty of the Pisan Romanesque architecture and align a photo of themselves holding up the tower.

Tuscan Winery Italy is famous for its wines. The Tuscany region is home to numerous vineyards producing a variety of different wines. Many of these wineries are small, family owned operations. The majority of the wine produced in Tuscany is red wine. During a tour of a local winery, guests can learn about the wine making process from vine to bottle. The family is onsite to answer questions.

Venice Venice is the regional capital of the Veneto region in the northeast section of Italy. Venice has a unique design like no other city, built on over a hundred different islands in the center of the Venetian Lagoon. Early Venetians built their city on the islands to escape barbarian invaders. The islands of the city are separated by numerous small canals and connected by hundreds of small bridges. The city is famous for its romantic gondola-filled canals and ornate palaces that line the Grand Canal. The famous glass factories of Venice are located on Murano Island. Today the Murano Islands are home to a dwindling number of glass factories, whose artists are producing handmade Murano Glass.

Murano Island Murano is located in northern Italy and houses important attractions such as, the Church of Santa Maria e San Donato, the chapel of the Ballarin family, and artworks by Giovanni Bellini. The island is primarily known for their history in glass production. It became Italy’s glass art capital in 1291. The community of glassblowers was relocated by the government to Murano. Glass making originally began in Venice; however, because the houses were made out of wood, the government deemed it too risky because of the kilns constantly going.

Verona Verona is a charming city in northern Italy, built along the Adige River. The city is the setting of Shakespeare’s famous Romeo and Juliet. A small stone house in the city center is said to be the home of the fictional heroine. In the courtyard of the home, below a small balcony, is a bronze statue of Juliet that tourists pose with for a photo. The city is also home to a mix of beautiful buildings ranging from a Roman amphitheater to medieval palaces.

Lake Maggiore Is a large lake located on the south side of the Alps which goes through both Italy and Switzerland. The climate, both in the winter and summer is mild enough to products Mediterranean vegetation, with many gardens growing rare and exotic plants. Many islands overlook the lake, including the Borromean Islands, the Brissago Islands, Castelli di Cannero, and Isolina Partegora.

Stresa The famous town is located on Lake Maggiore in the Gulf of Borromeo, which is the main attraction for the town because it overlooks the eponymous islands. Visitors can travel via cable cars to get an aerial view of Stresa. Stresa has also been renowned for its culture and music. The history of Stresa officially appeared in documents in AD 998. In the 15th century it grew into a fishing community and then came under control of the Borromeo family. The town is home to about 5,000 inhabitants. In 1918, Ernest Hemingway visited Stresa, and he later made it the setting for part of his novel A Farewell to Arms.

Isola Bella & Palazzo Borromeo Tour or Swiss Mountains: Simplon Pass Day Trip In Stresa, you have the choice between two activities. Your first option is to take a boat across Lake Maggiore to Isola Bella, where you’ll join an expert guide and venture into the Borromeo Palace* followed by time on own to explore the terraced formal gardens of this beautiful island. Your second choice is to cross into Switzerland and ride up to the Simplon Pass for a taste of the Swiss Alps, admiring the Simplon Hospice dominating the landscape of alpine meadows and peaks.





*Isola Bella and the Borromeo Palace are open from April 1 to October 31. If you are travelling between November 1 and March 31, you will enjoy a scenic cruise of the Borromean Islands and a visit to Pallanza village instead.



Isola Bella & Palazzo Borromeo Tour

Activity Level: 3

Take a boat ride from Stresa to Isola Bella. Agility required to board/alight at the piers. Walk uphill for 500 feet from the pier to the Borromeo Palace on Isola Bella. The Palace tour requires walking and standing for 50 minutes straight with NO possibility to sit. Travelers have to be able to climb about 30 steps in the Palace during the tour. To visit the gardens - on own - travelers must be able to walk for 30 to 60 minutes and climb up to 4 flights of steps.



Swiss Mountains: Simplon Pass Day Trip

Activity Level: 2 (note elevation)

This tour reaches 6500 feet above sea level and is a 1.5 hour bus drive each way. This scenic trip can be very cold up at the Simplon Pass: dress in layers, bring a hat, scarf, gloves (hat and scarf even in May-September --- can be low 50Fs). Crossing into Switzerland, a passport will be required. (Tour Manager will remind travelers day prior.) Bring a credit card (no need to exchange to Swiss Francs as everyone accepts cards). Not too much walking: nice to get off the bus at the Simplon Pass, take photos, enjoy the scenery.

Mode of Transport

Travel through Italy with ease, enjoying scenic journeys from Rome to Sorrento, Florence, Pisa, Venice, and Stresa. Experience a boat trip to Murano Island and a panoramic cruise around the Isle of Capri, ensuring a memorable and diverse travel experience.

Accommodation

Stay in comfort at the Mediterraneo Hotel in Rome, the Hotel Michelangelo in Rome, the Grand Hotel Baglioni in Sorrento, and the NH Venezia Santa Lucia in Florence. Enjoy the luxurious Regina Palace Hotel in Venice and relax in the charming town of Stresa.