Have you ever hungered for a heart-warming homemade pasta with a glass of local chianti? Or daydreamed about meandering through the olive groves and vineyards of the Tuscan countryside? It sounds like Italy’s calling your name. Maybe it’s time to stop wondering and start wandering. Not sure where to start? Let us get the ball rolling for you. Italy is the next stop in our Collette Travel series and boy, is the “Italian Vistas” tour a delight for the senses.
Across 10 unforgettable days, you’ll roam the Tuscan and Umbrian countryside through miles of vineyards, eat like royalty enjoying wonderful local food and wine, make pasta in a country farmhouse, see how the local cheese is made and tour award-winning wineries. This tour will take you beyond your wildest daydreams and exceed your expectations at every turn.
Sound tempting? Take a look at the itinerary…
Day 1: Rome, Italy – Tour Begins
Ciao, Italy! Welcome to Rome. Tonight, join your fellow travellers for a special welcome dinner featuring regional delicacies and Italian wines. Today dinner will be included.
Day 2: Rome – Classical Rome City Tour
A locally guided tour of Classical Rome will allow you to discover famous sights such as the Baths of Caracalla, the legendary Aventine and Palatine Hills, the ancient Circus Maximus and the Arch of Constantine. During an in-depth visit to the Colosseum, your guide will recount its rich history. The catacombs, burial place of early Christians, the mythic Pantheon, and Piazza Navona are also featured. Today breakfast will be included.
Day 3: Rome
Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore Rome’s cultural treasures. Your tour manager will be on hand to offer suggestions. Perhaps a trip to Vatican City, with an optional tour to the Vatican Museums and St Peter’s Basilica, will be on your personal sightseeing list. Today breakfast will be included.
Day 4: Rome – Pompeii – Sorrento Coast
Journey south towards the brilliant Bay of Naples where charming villages are built into hillsides above a sparkling blue sea. Soak in 2000 years of history during your discovery of the excavated ruins of Pompeii. A local guide provides an in-depth view of this remarkably preserved archaeological site. Continue to the scenic resort town of Sorrento and take some time to explore the city independently. You may wish to visit the Duomo, a Romanesque cathedral with inlaid woodwork, a famous local Sorrento craft. End your day on the breathtaking Sorrento Coast. Today breakfast will be included.
Day 5: Sorrento Coast – Isle of Capri – Sorrento Coast
A scenic boat ride* brings you to the enchanting Isle of Capri. Upon arrival, take a panoramic ride to the island’s highest town, Anacapri. Spend time in Capri town with its world-famous piazzetta and explore this island paradise of chic boutiques, lush vegetation and outdoor cafés before returning to the Sorrento Coast. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
*In case of inclement weather, another activity will be supplemented.
Day 6: Sorrento Coast – Florence
Tuscany unfolds with its panorama of vineyards and olive groves. Florence, the “Cradle of the Italian Renaissance”, awaits and offers Italy’s best art and architecture. Visit the Academy Gallery to see Michelangelo’s magnificent sculpture of David. Tonight, enjoy regional Italian cuisine at a local restaurant. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 7: Florence
A locally guided tour highlights the Piazza del Duomo, with its Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, and the famous Gates of Paradise on the Baptistery of St John. You’ll also view the magnificent Piazza della Signoria with its imposing Palazzo Vecchio. Today breakfast will be included.
Day 8: Florence – Pisa – Venice
Visit the ancient maritime Republic of Pisa to discover the Piazza Dei Miracoli, the Duomo (Cathedral), and the famous Leaning Tower. A special stop is made at a Tuscan winery and farm to enjoy lunch and sample local wines and specialities. Next, cross the Apennine Mountains en route to Venice where 117 islands are connected by a latticework of 150 canals and 400 bridges. Today breakfast and lunch will be included.
Day 9: Venice – Murano Island – Venice
Embark on a boat trip** to Murano Island for a glass-blowing demonstration. Then we make our way to St Mark’s Square where it’s your choice! Join a local expert who will take you on a walking tour of this famous square to view the Basilica and visit the impressive Doge’s Palace, along with the legendary Bridge of Sighs – OR – step off the beaten path and explore the Castello Sestiere district with a local expert; see for yourself how the locals live as you walk canal by canal through the narrow streets lined with churches and historic buildings. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Today breakfast will be included.
**Your visit to Murano Island may be substituted with a visit to a local glass factory in Venice in the event of inclement weather.
Day 10: Venice – Verona – Stresa
Depart Venice for Verona to stroll the streets that were the backdrop for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Arrive in the resort town of Stresa in the breathtaking Italian Lakes District, your home for the next two nights, and admire the beautiful views of Lago Maggiore. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 11: Stresa – Lugano, Switzerland- Isola Dei Pescatori, Italy-Stresa
Today, cross into Switzerland and the picturesque lakeside resort of Lugano for magnificent views, excellent shopping and charming cafés. Tonight, we travel by boat to Isola dei Pescatori for a farewell dinner while surrounded by beautiful scenery. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 12: Stresa – Tour Ends
Your Italian adventure comes to a close today. Today breakfast will be included.
The Collette difference
When you travel with a Collette guide, you’ll discover things about Italy you might not otherwise find. You’ll see all the famous sites, and you’ll discover some hidden gems, too. And you’ll always skip the line. You’ll sample regional cuisine, stay in centrally located hotels and meet friendly locals who’ll help you connect with new and captivating cultures.
More choice
Have your adventure your way with the great options Collette offers to personalise your trip, such as additional night stays, tour extensions, built-in free time and It’s Your Choice excursions.
If you always said you’d travel someday, make someday today by getting in touch with one of Collette’s helpful travel consultants. Call 1300 792 196 or visit the Collette website to see this itinerary and 160 more across seven continents to start planning your trip of a lifetime.
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