12-Nights Italian Glory from $5,075

Trafalgar

OFFER ID 1478185

Italian Glory
Get set for one of our most glorious Italy trips, from the well-heeled streets of Milan to what was once the ‘Eternal City’ of Rome. Base yourself in the beautiful Italian Lakes for a few days of stunning scenery before the colorful Amalfi coast with its pretty cliffside villages and sun-kissed seaside vibe truly captures your heart.

Dining Summary

5 Dinner (D)
12 Breakfast (B)

Be My Guest

Florence: Join Count Miari Fulcis for dinner at his 15th-century organic olive oil estate, used as a location for many famous films like 'Room with a View' and 'Tea with Mussolini', and enjoy eight generations of history with plenty of stories.

Iconic Experience

Milan: Explore Italy's renowned fashion capital with your Local Specialist. See the magnificent facade of Milan Cathedral, La Scala Theater and the glass-vaulted shopping arcade of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, lined with luxury boutiques.
Verona: During an exploration of Verona, see Juliet's balcony in the courtyard of a Renaissance villa.
Florence: Join a Local Specialist to view the multi-colored marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery, adorned by Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise. Visit the political heart of the city, Signoria Square.
Florence: See the area around Santa Croce Basilica, famous for the quality of its luxury goods, and witness a gold and leatherwork demonstration.
Positano: Drive along the Amalfi Coast to visit this seaside town. See the pastel rainbow of colorful houses precariously stacked upon one another as if cascading from the hilltop to the water.
Pompeii: Walk with a Local Specialist through the cobbled streets of this ill-fated town, frozen in time since the 1st century.
Monte Cassino: See the abbey on Monte Cassino, founded by Saint Benedict in 529.
Vatican: Visit Vatican City and see St. Peter's Basilica with a Local Specialist. Witness the early genius of Michelangelo as you take in the Piet.
Rome: Discover ancient treasures of Rome with a Local Specialist. See Circus Maximus and the Ancient Forum, and stand beside the Colosseum, which bears witness to the limitless courage of the gladiators.
Rome: Experience Rome through the eyes of a local, as a passionate Roman guides you past the city's most iconic sites.

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

Venice: Discover the ancient skill of Venetian glassblowing and play a part in preserving this traditional craft. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Must-see Highlights

Explore Milan, Florence, Pompeii and Rome
Discover Como, Verona, Venice and the Amalfi Coast
Visit a glassblowing factory in Venice, Amalfi Town, the Colosseum and St. Peter's Basilica in Rome
View the Cathedral and La Scala Opera House in Milan, Lake Como, the Roman Arena and Juliet's Balcony in Verona, St. Mark's Basilica in Venice, the Duomo in Florence and the ancient sites of Rome
See the Abbey at Cassino
Scenic Cruise by private launch to St. Mark's Square in Venice

Whats Included

An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
All porterage and restaurant gratuities
All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
Optional Experiences and free time
On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.

12 nights from $5,075 per person

Itinerary

Trafalgar Tours: Italian Glory

Day 1 - Journey to the Italian Lakes Stays With Stories
Stylish Baveno is your launchpad to the Italian Lakes where you'll spend the first night of our leisurely jaunt through Italy. After arriving in Lake Maggiore, unwind and soak up the peaceful atmosphere. Admire the mesmerizing reflection of the surrounding peaks in the deep blue waters which make this one of Italy's most soul-stirring settings. Enjoy a leisurely stroll past exquisite lakeside villas and gardens before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travelers for dinner.
Accommodations: Simplon
Meals: Dinner

Day 2 - Discover Fashionable Milan and Como
The runways of Milan take center stage today as you explore the fashion capital of Italy. Join a Local Specialist to see both the iconic and unexpected highlights of this hardworking city. Behold the exquisite Gothic architecture of the Duomo, decorated with over 3,400 sculptures, the neoclassical La Scala Opera House and ornate Galleria with its imposing iron and glass-domed roof—all in the company of the trendsetting Milanese. Head to the town of Como and stroll along the lakeside or wander the pretty streets, shop for silk scarves, or soak up the atmosphere in a caffè.
Accommodations: Simplon
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 - Venture to Verona and Venice
The tragic story of Shakespeare's star-crossed lovers is revealed during our visit to romantic Verona, where we will view the ancient Roman Arena, still in use today. Indulge in a leisurely cappuccino stop in the city's beautiful Piazza Bra, admiring the imposing bronze statue of King Victor Emanuel II. Or shop up a storm on trendy Via Mazzini before continuing to Venice, where you'll spend the next two nights.
Accommodations: Le Boulevard Lido
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4 - Explore the Floating City Make Travel Matter
Glide through the canals of Venice by private launch visiting some of the jewels in the crown of the 'Queen of the Adriatic'. On your unforgettable MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, you’ll witness the centuries-old Venetian tradition of glassblowing. Watch as the master craftsmen shape the molten glass into the exquisite works of art for which Venice is justifiably famous, then it's on to St. Mark's Square to admire the profound beauty of the Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica. See the Bridge of Sighs, so named because of the sound prisoners would make when taking one last longing look at their beloved city before being imprisoned. Later, you’ll have the rest of the day to indulge your inner explorer and discover the many treasures of Venice your way, or consider an optional experience to the island of Burano, renowned for its colorful fishermen houses.
Accommodations: Le Boulevard Lido
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 - Onwards to Florence
From Venice, cross the Apennine Mountains to Florence, the 'Cradle of the Renaissance'. Consider joining your Travel Director for a traditional Florentine dinner in the heart of the Chianti Hills.
Accommodations: Grand Mediterraneo
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6 - Ponte Vecchio and More in Florence Make Travel Matter Connect with Locals
This morning, join a Local Specialist on a leisurely walking tour to delve into the culture and history of Florence. You'll visit the Piazza del Duomo to view the multi-colored marble Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, Piazza della Signoria with its exquisite art and palazzi, and the Ponte Vecchio bridge that has straddled the Arno River for almost 700 years. Admire spectacular views of the city from Piazzale Michelangelo. Later, learn about the quality and workmanship of two of this city's historic industries at demonstrations of Florentine leathercraft and 18-carat gold. This afternoon, consider an optional experience to visit hilltop San Gimignano. Join your fellow travelers this evening for a Be My Guest experience set against the backdrop of Tuscan vineyards and olive groves.
Accommodations: Grand Mediterraneo
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7 - Off to the Sunny Amalfi Coast
Journey south through the Arno Valley, passing the Bay of Naples bound for Maiori on the Amalfi Coast, where you'll spend the next three nights. This evening, dine at your hotel.
Accommodations: San Pietro Maiori
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8 - Uncover the Treasures of Amalfi
This morning, travel to Amalfi, perched perfectly on this dramatic stretch of coastline. See the 10th-century Sant'Andrea cathedral with its beautifully striped Byzantine façade in the heart of the town and soak up the laid-back atmosphere. Continue your exploration of the Amalfi Coast by joining an Optional Experience to beautiful Positano.
Accommodations: San Pietro Maiori
Meals: Breakfast

Day 9 - Amalfi Coast Your Way
Relax at your hotel on the Amalfi Coast or wander past fragrant lemon terraces. You have a full free day to indulge in your heart’s desires – consider a fresh seafood lunch, from sea to table, or take a dip in the welcoming, warm Mediterranean waters.
Accommodations: San Pietro Maiori
Meals: Breakfast

Day 10 - The Ruins of Pompeii and on to Rome
Embark on a walking tour with a Local Specialist and discover the lost city of Pompeii, which was buried under volcanic ash when Mount Vesuvius erupted. Continue to the 'Eternal City' of Rome, enjoying views of the 6th-century Benedictine Abbey in Cassino en route. Spend the evening exploring the extraordinary heritage of Rome, which spans millennia, or consider an optional experience to see the exquisite art and architecture of this one-time capital of the world.
Accommodations: Il Cantico
Meals: Breakfast

Day 11 - Experience Ancient Rome and the Vatican City
Spend the morning in the Vatican City with a Local Specialist, visiting the imposing St. Peter's Basilica to view Michelangelo's sorrowful Piet. Consider an optional experience to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with its exquisite frescoed ceilings crafted by Michelangelo. Then, cross the Tiber into Ancient Rome to see the Circus Maximus, once the site of exhilarating chariot races that entertained thousands. This afternoon, you'll have time to explore the city on our own terms. Perhaps toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain to secure your return to Rome, soak up the coffee aromas on Piazza Navona or wander through the ruins of Palatine Hill.
Accommodations: Il Cantico
Meals: Breakfast

Day 12 - Rome Your Way
Indulge in a full free day to explore the passionate embrace of the city and its zesty locals. Ease into la dolce vita, or consider an Optional Experience to Tivoli, where you can visit Villa d'Este with its magnificent Renaissance gardens and exquisite fountains. This evening, we enjoy a Farewell Dinner with newfound friends and your Travel Director before bidding arrivederci to Rome.
Accommodations: Il Cantico
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 13 - Arrivederci Italy
Our unforgettable encounter with Italy comes to an end today.
Meals: Breakfast

Featured Destinations

Lake Como

Venice

With a great historic past and incomparable art treasures, Venice is renowned as one of the world’s great cities. Its 118 islands are separated by more than 150 canals and spanned by 400 bridges. During Venice's artistic golden age many magnificent structures were erected to create world-famous masterpieces. One of the best sightseeing routes is along Grand Canal, with many palaces lining the famous waterway. St. Mark’s Square offers access to some of Venice’s most famed attractions - St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace. From Piazza San Marco, a maze of narrow streets are lined with shops, cafés and restaurants. A popular pastime is sitting at an outdoor café facing the square while people-watching and letting the whole marvelous scenario unfold. Venice’s Murano, Burano and Torcello Islands comprise an area famous as home of Venice’s glass-blowing industry and known for their charm, skilled lace-making and medieval monuments. Relax on a gondola ride, see art treasures in museums, churches and palaces, and have a sumptuous meal - all in this incomparable city.

Excursions

Venice: Splendours of Venice Walking Tour - 4 hours

Venice: Venice for Art Lovers Walking Tour - 4 hours

Venice: The Roman City of Verona - 7 hours

Venice: Lagoon Islands - 7 hours

Florence

Amalfi Coast

Rome

Sprawled across seven legendary hills, romantic and beautiful Rome was one
of the great centers of the ancient world. Although its beginning is shrouded
in legend and its development is full of intrigue and struggle, Rome has always
been and remains the Eternal City.

Rome enjoyed its greatest splendor during the 1st and 2nd centuries when art
flourished, monumental works of architecture were erected, and the mighty Roman
legions swept outward, conquering all of Italy. These victorious armies then
swept across the Mediterranean and beyond to conquer most of the known world.
With Rome's establishment as capital of the western world, a new ascent to glory
began.

Today's Rome, with its splendid churches, ancient monuments and palaces, spacious
parks, tree-lined boulevards, fountains, outdoor cafes and elegant shops, is
one of the world’s most attractive and exciting cities. Among the most famous
monuments is the Colosseum. As you walk its cool, dark passageways, imagine
the voices that once filled the arena as 50,000 spectators watched combats between
muscled gladiators and ferocious animals.

Stop to see the remains of the Forum, once the city's political and commercial
center. In later times, Rome's squares were enhanced with such imposing structures
as the Vittorio Emanuele Monument and grandiose fountains like the Fontana di
Trevi. Join the millions who stand in awe of Christendom’s most magnificent
church and admire the timeless masterpieces of Michelangelo's frescoes in the
Sistine Chapel.

Rome jars the senses and captures the soul. Grasp all you can during the short,
precious time you have available in the Eternal City. With so much to see and
do, a day or two will only allow you a sampling of the city's marvelous treasures.

Caution: As in many big cities and tourist destinations purse snatching
and pickpocketing is common. Valuable jewelry and excess cash are best left
in a safety deposit box in your hotel.

Shopping For most visitors shopping for beautiful Italian leather articles,
designer shoes, fashions for men and women, linens, knitwear, silk scarves and
ties is a favorite pastime. Except for tourist-oriented shops, the majority
of stores are closed on Sundays. Some of the department stores, such as Rinascente,
open in the late afternoon on Sundays.

Cuisine Rome's choice of restaurants is mindboggling as is the variety
of cuisine. Whether your meal is at a top-rated restaurant or a rustic trattoria,
you can be sure that you will enjoy your food, especially when accompanied by
wines from the hill towns surrounding Rome.

Other Sights Rome's attractions are endless, and depending on how much
time you have at your disposal a careful selection has to be made about what
to see. Be aware of horrendous traffic conditions and major construction work
all around the city in preparation of Jubilee 2000, the Holy Year. Some of the
sights not to be missed:

Piazza Venezia - This busy square is easily recognized by its imposing Vittorio
Emanuele II Monument. The white marble structure was inaugurated in 1911 as
a symbol of Italy’s unification.

The Forum - Once the civic heart of ancient Rome, today the remains include
a series of ruins, marble fragments, isolated columns and some worn arches.

Colosseum - No visit to Rome is complete without a stop at this awe-inspiring
theater, which is among the world’s most celebrated buildings. Here ancient
Rome flocked to see gladiatorial contests and numerous other spectacles.

Trevi Fountain - Take a stroll to Rome's famous fountain. A spectacular fantasy
of mythical sea creatures and cascades of splashing water, the fountain is one
of the city's foremost attractions. Legend has it that visitors must toss a
coin into the fountain to ensure their return to Rome.

St. Peter's Square - Part of Vatican City, this square created by Bernini
is considered one of the loveliest squares in the world. Twin Doric colonnades
topped with statues of various saints and martyrs flank either side of the square.
In the center stands an 84-foot obelisk, brought from Egypt in 37 A.D.

St. Peter's Basilica - At the head of the square stands Christendom's most
magnificent church, which was begun in 1452 on the site where St. Peter was
buried. Throughout the following 200 years, such Renaissance masters as Bramante,
Michelangelo, Raphael and Bernini worked on its design and created an unparalleled
masterpiece. Of special note are Michelangelo's Pieta and the bronze canopy
over the high altar by Bernini. The immense dome was designed by Michelangelo.

Vatican Museum - To see this museum's immense collection would take days.
As you enter, there are special posters that plot a choice of four color-coded
itineraries. They are repeated throughout the museum and are easy to follow.
It is a good idea to pickup a leaflet at the main entrance and concentrate on
exhibits of major interest. Of course, the Sistine Chapel is a must. Most likely
you may have to wait in line to enter.

Vacation Details

Valid Date Ranges

10/01/2024 - 10/13/2024

from $5,075 per person *

* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.

Prices Start At

from $5,075 per person

Length

12 Nights

Air City

Call for airfares from your city.

Vacation Rating

Deluxe
Fine dining, on-site bars or lounges and room service with extended hours are characteristic of deluxe establishments. Guest services usually include valet parking, concierge services, baggage assistance and laundry services. Other on-site facilities often include shops and boutiques, full service spas, full fitness facilities with pools and tennis courts. Business amenities may include available up-to-date technology and support staffs available for services. Attention to detail is apparent in the guestrooms which typically have stylish furnishings, quality bedding and bath products and often provide an evening turn down service.

Remarks

Trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discounts. Trip prices and discounts are subject to change. Airfare is additional. Tour prices, dates and itineraries are correct at the time of the website going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. Other restrictions may apply.

All fares are quoted in US Dollars.

OFFER ID

1478185

Reference this number when contacting our agency so we may better serve you. Also keeping this number handy will allow you to locate this document again quickly.

EJS Travel LLC

(616) 214-8995