We flew on Air Canada from Toronto to Rome on September 4-5 arriving at noon.
September 5 Rome
We arrived at the airport at noon and at Hotel Tiberio at 2:00, checked in.
September 6 Rome
We had the full day on our own.
The Trafalgar tour group met for dinner.
Trafalgar Tour: Italy Bellissimo
Day 1 | Welcome to Rome
Take time to embrace the Italian passion for life on this grand adventure that starts and ends in the ‘Eternal City’ of Rome. Spend the day exploring on your own before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travelers this evening for a light meal and evening orientation drive.
Meals: Dinner
Hotel: Grand Tiberio
Day 2 | Explore Ancient Rome and the Vatican City
Your captivating journey through Rome begins at the Vatican Museums, where you’ll join a Local Specialist to admire Michelangelo’s magnificent frescoed ceiling in the Sistine Chapel and his sorrowful Pietà in St. Peter’s Basilica. See the enduring symbols of Ancient Rome, including the Circus Maximus and visit the Colosseum, before spending the afternoon at leisure. Soak up the coffee culture in one of Rome’s lively piazzas or discover the city’s masterpieces in its many museums.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Grand Tiberio
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
Piazzas and Fountains – Discover the most enchanting areas of the city with a Local Specialist. Stroll through the maze of narrow streets and picturesque squares in Rome’s historic center, uncovering famous landmarks and hidden gems in the Eternal City.
Adult: 49.00 EUR
You will be offered one of the following two Optional Experiences depending on availability:
Roman Delights with Dinner – Tonight, relax and enjoy typical Italian cuisine, soaking up Rome’s unique atmosphere in a characteristic trattoria with drinks and music.
Adult: 67.00 EUR
Roman Evening with Dinner – Tonight, spend a lively evening with us in Rome. After a short drive, arrive at a characteristic trattoria to relax and enjoy a typical Italian meal, soaking up The Eternal City’s unique atmosphere all the while.
Adult: 77.00 EUR
Day 3 | Admire Pompeii and on to Capri
Our Italy travel itinerary continues south towards the ancient city of Pompeii, which remains frozen in time since it was covered in ash during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius centuries ago. Here, you’ll join a Local Specialist who will share insights into the city’s tragic history. Cruising across the Bay of Naples next, arrive at the Isle of Capri, where you’ll spend the next two nights in picture-perfect surroundings.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Regina Cristina
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
Lunch in Sorrento – Relax and enjoy a delicious meal of local specialties. The Chef will delight our senses and the exquisite hospitality will delight our souls.
Adult: 68.00 EUR
Sorrento Countryside and Farmhouse Meal – Join a local family at their farm in the Sorrento countryside. Walk through lemon groves, visit the olive oil mill and see how mozzarella is made. Sit down to a spread of home- produced cold cuts, marinated vegetables and fresh olives, all served with wine made from their own grapes.
Adult: 75.00 EUR
Day 4 | A Day on the Isle of Capri
Explore the glamour of Capri and see views of the marina on a walking tour with a Local Specialist. Venture to the heart of the island and the legendary piazzetta, where the locals come to people-watch. Spend free time shopping at elegant boutiques or perhaps join an optional experience to explore the rugged coastline and hidden grottos by private motor launch. Tonight, we dine at our hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: Regina Cristina
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
Best of Capri – Take in amazing views of the ‘jet-set’ island of Capri. Experience spectacular cliffs, famous turquoise waters and white grotto the best way: by boat. Visit the villa of Swedish author Axel Munthe in Anacapri, whose gardens are rated amongst the finest in Europe.
Adult: 85.00 EUR
*In the event of inclement weather and the boat is unable to run, there will be a reduction in price.
Day 5 | Onwards to Assisi
Sail back across the Mediterranean to Naples and venture north to the historic city of Perugia. Here, you’ll discover Italy’s weaving tradition during an impressive MAKE ® TRAVEL MATTER Experience at our visit to Laboratorio Giuditta Brozzetti, a TreadRight and JoinTrafalgar Heritage Initiative project. Explore one of the last remaining traditional wooden frame hand-weaving workshops in the country, before continuing to the ancient hilltop town of Assisi where tonight we stay at one of our hotels that overlooks the old town.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Valle di Assisi/Hotel Cenacolo Assisi
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
Umbrian Dinner – A short drive through the Umbrian Valley will take us to our favorite local restaurant, situated in the centre of the village of Spello, a true gem of the region. This is your chance to savour a selection of traditional local delicacies for which Umbria is renowned. The noble truffle and highly-regarded olive oil ensure this relaxing evening will be a most memorable experience.
Adult: 70.00 EUR
Day 6 | Journey to Venice
Join a Local Specialist and visit the Basilica of St. Francis, famous for Giotto’s exquisite frescoes and 13th century stained glass windows. Continue north past hilltop medieval villages and through picturesque farming plains towards Venice, the ‘Queen of the Adriatic’. Enjoy a free evening watching the sunset over the Venetian Lagoon or consider joining an optional experience before retiring at your Stays With Stories hotel, once a beloved home- away-from-home for Romantic poet, Robert Browning.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: Albergo Quattro Fontane Lido
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
Gondolas & the Grand Canal – Cruise by private water taxi along the Grand Canal, passing the city’s iconic palazzi.
Spot the Rialto Bridge and arrive near St. Mark’s Square before switching pace with a gondola ride through Venice’s quieter canals.
Adult: 93.00 EUR
Day 7 | Cruise the Canals of Venice
The Winged Lion of Venice is your constant companion as you cruise by private launch to your memorable MAKE ® th TRAVEL MATTER Experience bringing to life the 13 – century tradition of Venetian glassblowing. Watch the talented master craftsmen use the same techniques that have been passed down through the generations, perhaps inspired to buy a souvenir or two to remind you of your visit. Next, you’ll continue on to St. Mark’s Square where you’ll view the Basilica, the ornate Doge’s Palace and Bridge of Sighs, so named because of the sound prisoners made as they took one last look at their beloved city from the bridge before meeting their fate. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore what was once the haunt of Casanova and Marco Polo, and you’ll want to relish every second experiencing life in this enchanting city.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Albergo Quattro Fontane Lido
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
Venice’s Secrets – Explore the hidden maze of streets which make up this unique city as your Local Specialist gives you a fascinating insight into Venice’s past and present. You’ll discover tucked away squares and back streets local Venetians use to side-step the tourist throng and give you a sense of authentic life on the island of Venice.
Adult: 50.00 EUR
Lagoon Cruise to Burano with Food and Drinks – Cruise across the Venetian Lagoon to Burano, a small island known for its brightly colored houses and strong fishing traditions. Wander along quiet canals and browse shops selling handmade lace, a craft passed down through generations. Then sit down to a relaxed dinner featuring local flavours and regional wine, surrounded by the island’s cheerful character and laid-back charm.
Adult: 86.00 EUR
Day 8 | Discover Pisa and the Tuscan Hills
Wondering what’s next on our Italy trip itinerary? This morning, travel to Pisa and visit its Field of Miracles to view the famous Leaning Tower before arriving in the spa-resort of Montecatini Terme in Tuscany, your home for the next two nights.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Minerva Palace
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
Dinner, Wine and Music in the Tuscan Hills – Take a scenic drive through the beautiful Tuscan countryside to a delightful regional restaurant set among the pines and cypress trees. Here a feast of gastronomic specialties awaits, accompanied by song and music.
Adult: 73.00 EUR
Day 9 | Off to Renaissance Florence
Explore one of the world’s most cultural cities today – the former home of great masters and a testament to the ambitious legacy of the Medici family. Your Local Specialist shares all the sights, including views of the magnificent marble Duomo and Baptistery. Visit Piazza della Signoria, the heart of this flourishing city with its statues and stunning palazzi, then view the Ponte Vecchio. Later, enjoy some free time to stroll around the city and embrace this Renaissance gem. This evening, you’ll enjoy a Be My Guest experience with the Callistri family at their borgo for a delicious Italian dinner, olive oil tasting and leisurely walk through their olive groves and lemon orchards.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: Minerva Palace
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
You will be offered one of the following two Optional Experiences depending on availability: Michelangelo’s ‘David’ & Accademia – Step inside the Accademia Gallery for a closer look at Michelangelo’s David, one of the world’s most celebrated sculptures. With guidance from your Local Specialist, discover how this Renaissance masterpiece was brought to life and hear the stories behind Michelangelo’s work and legacy in Florence.
Adult: 62.00 EUR
*The Accademia is not available on Mondays due to weekly closure day.
Discover Palazzo Vecchio – Marvel at the legacy of the Medici as you visit Palazzo Vecchio, the symbol of Florence’s political power for over seven centuries. With your Local Specialist, visit the magnificient ‘Hall of the Five Hundred’ dedicated to the Medici popes. You’ll also visit rooms decorated with masterpieces by famous artists of the Renaissance, like Michelangelo and Donatello.
Adult: 54.00 EUR
Day 10 | Venture to San Gimignano and Rome
Admire the medieval beauty of San Gimignano today, walking to the triangular Piazza della Cisterna, the hub of this historic town. See the extraordinary architecture of this hilltop ‘medieval Manhattan’, shop for local products or relax with a gelato at a sidewalk cafe. This evening, celebrate a magnificent Italian adventure with newfound friends at dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: Shangri-La Roma / Gran Tiberio
Day 11 | Arrivederci Rome
After breakfast, say a fond farewell to Italy and prepare to return home after a memorable Italian journey of discovery.
Meals: Breakfast
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