10 days Taste of Italy with Sorrento
Enjoy a little more time—and a lot more beauty—on this extended tour of Italy. Visit the most spectacular sights of Venice, Rome, and Florence with our Taste of Italy tour, then move on to the historic remains of the tragic city of Pompeii, and postcard-perfect seaside favorites, Sorrento and the Isle of Capri. ITALY IS AN ACTIVE DESTINATION: Visiting Italy requires the ability to walk on cobblestones and uneven terrain, climb stairs and vehicle steps, and walk or stand for several hours at a time. Traffic restrictions often require coaches to drop off passengers a substantial distance away, with a 20-minute walk to the attraction. Some tours include activities in late evening. Typical tour days may require five miles of medium-paced walking.
Trip Highlights:
Isle of Capri
- Pompeii
- Gondola Ride in Venice
- The Vatican, with the Sistine Chapel & St Peter’s Basilica
- Orvieto Wine Tasting
- Roman Colosseum & the Forum
- Michelangelo's David
Hotels:
- Hotel Bonvecchiati Venezia
- StarHotels Tuscany Florence Hotel
- The Tribune Hotel
- Carlton International Hotel
B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner
| Day | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Venice | Welcome Dinner | Meet your tour director at 4:00 PM for a welcome drink, and take a one-hour orientation walk around the city known as the "Queen of the Adriatic." Spend a couple of hours exploring on your own before gathering again for an ample dinner with your fellow travelers. (D) |
| 2 | Day 2 Venice Tour | Gondola Ride | Take a guided walking tour of Venice, "La Serenissima," the most serene of cities, with its glorious architecture, and its charming bridges and canals. Visit the magnificent Doge’s Palace and the acclaimed Piazza and Basilica of San Marco. Journey along the canals for a view of the city from a gondola. Delight in an evening of exploring and dinner on your own. (B) |
| 3 | Bologna | Florence | Take a private group water taxi from your hotel to your coach and travel on to Florence. During your journey you’ll stop for free time and lunch on your own at the lively historic foodie city of Bologna. Arrive at your hotel outside Florence’s city center. Take a break, then depart for a short orientation walk in this beautiful city. Enjoy a typical Tuscan dinner with your group at a local Florence restaurant. (B, D) |
| 4 | Florence Tour | The Accademia Gallery | Take a guided walking tour of Florence and marvel at the sights of the city center such as the Duomo, Palazzo Vecchio, and Piazza della Signoria. Visit the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo’s iconic sculpture of David. Savor a locally-sourced lunch in the heart of Florence. After lunch you’ll have the rest of the day to explore this magnificent city at your leisure. (B, L) |
| 5 | Orvieto | Roman Colosseum | This morning you’re off to the Eternal City with a special and delicious stop in Orvieto for a local wine tasting. They say that all roads lead to Rome, and today yours will certainly do so as you are immersed in Italy’s natural beauty and surrounded by breathtaking vistas. Visit the historic Colosseum, the iconic structure of imperial Rome constructed between 72 and 80 AD. This engineering marvel could hold between 50,000 - 80,000 spectators of public spectacles, gladiator battles, and classical dramas. Imagine the ghosts of the Caesars in the ruins of the Forum, the ancient heart of the Roman Empire. Your hotel tonight is located in Rome’s historic center. (B) |
| 6 | Independent Exploration | The Vatican | The morning is yours to discover Rome in your own way. Take a short break for lunch before your visit to the Vatican, with a guided tour of the Museums and entrance to the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica.* Then enjoy dinner with your group in a charming Roman neighborhood. (B, D) *The Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica are subject to occasional closure by the Vatican. Itinerary timing could change on Day 6 due to Vatican availability. |
| 7 | Pompeii | Sorrento | Depart from Rome for the World Heritage site of Pompeii, a city frozen in time after a volcanic eruption in 79 AD. Learn about the city’s rediscovery in 1748 and excavation on a guided tour of this archaeological treasure. Savor lunch at an authentic Neapolitan pizzeria before arriving at your hotel in Sorrento, a resort town famous for stunning views from the rocky cliffs along the coastline. |
| 8 | Isle of Capri | This morning take a fast ferry across the Bay of Naples to the charming island of Capri. Enjoy the breathtaking sights of this picturesque island. Once there, you’ll have time to explore on your own. Take a chairlift for views of the colorful waters from Anacapri, explore the Roman ruins, opt for a spa treatment or just take a leisurely stroll along the winding lanes. The choice is yours. Return to Sorrento in the afternoon for an evening at leisure. (B) |
| 9 | Sorrento | The day is yours in Sorrento, a town popular with tourists since the days of the 19thcentury Grand Tour. You might also choose to visit the Amalfi Coast. You can explore one of the scenic small towns along the coastal drive such as Positano, Amalfi, or Ravello. Or you may choose to take a culinary class to learn how to make some of the region’s specialties. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with your group. (B, D) |
| 10 | Tour Ends in Sorrento | Your tour ends after breakfast. Nearest international airport is Naples. (B) |