Classic Journey - Italian Lakes to Rome

Your tour departs from your hotel in the heart of Milan at 2 pm. Set out for a panoramic city tour with a local guide and discover this cosmopolitan city’s historic role as a capital of art, fashion, and finance. The highlight of your tour will be a visit to the magnificent Duomo di Milano, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. This cathedral, one of the world’s largest, took nearly seven centuries to complete after construction began in 1386. Enjoy a welcome drink and dinner with your group. (D)  Please Note: Many of Italy’s attractions are not easily accessible by the coach, and drop-off and pick-up points are limited by local regulations. This fast-paced itinerary  requires standing and walking throughout the day,  including uneven surfaces, stairs and slopes.    There may be some changes in daily itinerary due to the availability of attractions; your tour director will advise you.  

Depart Milan for a scenic day trip to Lake Como, renowned for its dramatic alpine backdrop and elegant villas. Enjoy free time in Como to explore independently. You might choose to relax by the sparkling waters, take a cruise to one of the charming lakeside villages, or stroll through the lush gardens of historic villas. Indulge in local cuisine at a waterfront café as you wish, and soak in the breathtaking mountain views. Return to Milan for a free evening. (B)   

Travel to Sirmione, a picturesque town of fairytale architecture and natural beauty known as “the pearl of Lake Garda.” Enjoy a short orientation tour of the lively town center with its Roman ruins, medieval churches, thermal springs, and a moat-surrounded castle. Enjoy free time for lunch. Continue towards Verona to your hotel near the city. In the evening, venture into the Valpolicella wine region for a tour of a renowned winery and its cellars, followed by dinner. (B, D)   

Start the day with a walking tour of Verona, famed as the setting of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet,” then enjoy time to explore independently. The town center is filled with historic architecture from Roman, medieval, and Renaissance times, as well as lively piazzas and scenic river views. Travel on to Venice and dine with your group at your hotel. (B, D)   

Start your morning by crossing the Venetian Lagoon to Murano Island to explore its centuries-old glassmaking tradition by watching a demonstration by artisans at a historic factory. Return to Venice for a guided walking tour. The rest of the day is yours to discover the city’s enchanting canals, romantic architecture, and labyrinthine streets independently, and savor local cuisine as you please. (B)   

Stroll through Bologna on a walking tour with your tour director and discover this vibrant city, celebrated for its medieval towers and a legendary food scene. With free time for an independent lunch, you’ll have an opportunity to taste why Bologna is known as the culinary capital of Italy. Continue to Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance, where you’ll dine with your group at your hotel. (B, D)   

Discover this amazing city of art, architecture, and genius, beginning with a guided visit to the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo’s David. Continue on a walking tour with a local guide, passing highlights like the Duomo, Piazza della Signoria, and Ponte Vecchio. Enjoy a Tuscan lunch in the heart of the city. The afternoon and evening are free for you to explore and dine as you please. (B, L)   

  Travel south through the rolling landscapes of Tuscany and the green hills of Umbria to Rome, where you will visit the Vatican Museums with a local guide. Marvel at Michelangelo’s iconic frescoes in the Sistine Chapel and his Pietà inside St. Peter’s Basilica. Your evening is free to savor Roman cuisine and stroll the historic streets as you wish. (B)   

Discover the wonders of Rome as you explore with a local guide, seeing evocative ruins, glorious architecture, and hidden piazzas. Tour the legendary Colosseum, where gladiators once battled before roaring crowds. The afternoon is yours to experience this magnificent city as you please, before joining up again with your group for a farewell dinner. (B, D)   

Your tour ends after breakfast. (B)>