Buongiorno! Welcome to Italy, the land of world-class gastronomy, ancient architecture and some of the world's greatest works of art.
Begin your adventure at your Milan hotel, then, after checking in, perhaps grab an espresso at the plaza before meeting up with your tour guide and fellow travellers for a walking tour of this stylish city. Descend into the fascinating streets of Milan's historical centre to admire the famed La Scala theatre, elegant Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, mighty Sforzesco Castle and majestic Duomo di Milano.
Together with your group, conclude your tour with an exquisite Italian aperitif. The evening is yours to explore at your own pace.
A full-day tour of Lake Como and Bellagio awaits after a short coach trip to the famously scenic locale.
Your day starts with a walking tour of Como's city centre before admiring its splendid lakeside villas and gardens as you glide across the lake for an included boat cruise.
Later in Bellagio, the afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure. To round out an exciting day of sightseeing, enjoy a delicious three-course dinner back in Milan with your group.
Travel time: Driving – approx. two hours
After breakfast, board a high-speed train for a two-and-a-half-hour journey to Venice.
Throughout all train travel between major cities, you can expect the comforts of wider seats with more legroom in your first class carriage.
Transfer the short distance to your hotel on foot, comfortable knowing your bags will be waiting thanks to worry-free luggage service. Once checked in, you'll be met with a welcome drink to enjoy with your guide and group before embarking on a tour to discover the ancient and precious art of glass-blowing in a traditional furnace, followed by an included dinner to celebrate your stay in Venice.
Travel time: Railway – 2.5 hours
Spend today making the most of your included Vaporetto Pass, exploring the magnificent floating city of Venice. On a guided tour, you'll walk through the narrow alleys, over canals and small bridges, to discover the city's main attractions, including the Rialto Bridge, Piazza San Marco with its Basilica, the Doge’s Palace and the Bridge of Sighs.
Later, you're free to explore this glorious city's magical canals and twisting streets at leisure.
Optional activities:
- Doge’s Palace inside tour (included with the Explorer Package – Extended – see Fine Print for details).
- Shared Venice gondola ride (AU$79 per person).
In the morning, a two-hour high-speed train will take you to Florence.
Once there, start your guided tour on foot through the Florentine streets, admiring the beauty of the Uffizi with its Vasari Corridor, the monumental Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and Giotto’s belltower, famous for its bronze 'Gate of Paradise'.
Enjoy a three-course dinner in a local restaurant this evening.
Please note: No entrance tickets are included. You will visit the exterior of all sites.
Travel time: Railway – two hours
Optional activities:
- Academia Gallery tour (included with the Explorer Package – Extended – see Fine Print for details).
Today, spend your time freely discovering the fantastic charms and fabulous food of Florence, one of the culinary and cultural capitals of the world.
For those seeking a touch of adventure, you can join a full-day trip to the sparkling Cinque Terre as part of an optional Explorer Package (see Fine Print for details).
Optional activities:
- Full-day Cinque Terre tour (included with both Explorer Package – Standard or Extended – see Fine Print for details).
After breakfast, board a coach en route to Rome, stopping along the way to experience some of Tuscany's most breathtaking towns, where amazing views lie around every corner. Alighting in scenic Siena, discover the treasures of this beautiful city alongside your guide, who will accompany you through its ancient streets.
Continue toward a traditional farm and winery where you will learn about Italy's winemaking process from grape to glass. Indulge in a flavourful food and wine tasting for lunch, sampling fine Chianti wines and a spread of assorted local delights.
Later, continue on your journey south through the idyllic Italian countryside. On arrival in Rome, check in to your hotel and enjoy some time exploring at your own pace.
Travel time: Driving – approximately four hours
Once you’ve gathered your energy over breakfast, it’s time to step out for a guided tour through the city’s cobbled streets, admiring iconic sites such as Piazza Navona and the incredible Pantheon. Don't miss your chance to throw a coin into the legendary Fontana di Trevi and make a wish, before enjoying the remainder of the day at leisure.
Take advantage of included hop-on-hop-off bus passes to marvel at Rome's best sights, making your way to the astounding Vatican Museums. Included is a 'skip-the-line' pass, granting you direct access to the Sistine Chapel and Saint Peter's Basilica. Before stepping inside, your guide will give you all the fascinating history about this jaw-dropping architectural masterpiece and the artwork that has come to define it. In the silence of the chapel, you’ll be able to appreciate these unparalleled works with new eyes.
In the evening, meet your group for dinner at a local restaurant.
Today is yours to explore as you please, with an additional day of access to your hop-on-hop-off bus pass for easy access to Rome's best sights. Whether you choose to delve into the city’s archaeological wonderland, spend your time sampling the best gelati or discover the myriad works of Italy’s historic fine artists, be sure to do as the Romans do as you lose yourself in this romantic city's streets.
Board a high-speed train for a quick one-hour journey to Naples, where you will begin your day with a tour of the Sorrento Peninsula, stopping to explore the ruins of Pompeii, the eerily preserved city caught in the path of Mount Vesuvius’ historic eruption over 2,000 years ago.
Transfer to Sorrento where, upon arrival, your luggage will be waiting for you. Spend your evening relaxing in this picturesque locale.
Travel time: Railway – one hour / Driving – approx. one hour
After breakfast, ferry to the island of Capri for a day of discovery. On a guided tour, visit the village of Anacapri, located 550 metres above sea level. You might choose to take a chairlift to Monte Solaro to spend time exploring Villa San Michele.
Later, visit the Piazzetta, which offers outstanding views over the sparkling water. Then, walk through the beautiful streets to reach Augustus Gardens to gaze at the incredible Faraglioni.
At the end of your tour, you will embark on a hydrofoil (boat) ride to return to Sorrento.
Travel time: Boat/ferry – two hours
Enjoy one final full day at leisure to explore the beautiful surroundings of the Sorrento Peninsula. Marvel at stunning artworks at Museo Correale di Terranova, sip coffee and watch the world go by at Piazza Tasso or simply go for a stroll and take in coastal views.
Choose to take part in an optional guided half-day Amalfi Coast discovery cruise with an expert English-speaking guide as part of an Explorer package, or spend the afternoon at leisure.
Tonight, partake in an exciting cooking class and try your hand at simmering sumptuous Sorrentine cuisine.
Optional activities:
- Amalfi Coast driving tour (included with Explorer Package – Standard or Extended – see Fine Print for details).
After breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to this sunny corner of the world and make your way to your onward journey.