Taste of Italy with Sorrento

Meet your tour director at 4:00 PM for a welcome reception and take an orientation walk around the city known as the ‘Queen of the Adriatic.’ Enjoy a welcome drink and dinner with your fellow travelers. (D) 

Take a scenic cruise around the Venetian Lagoon to Murano Island, known for centuries for its artisanal glass industry. Tour a factory and see a demonstration of the art of glass blowing. Cruise back to the splendid Piazza San Marco for a walking tour, with a visit to the Doge’s Palace. The rest of the day is yours to explore and dine independently. (B)  

Travel to historic Bologna, a culinary haven known as “La Grassa” (The Fat One). With medieval architecture, the iconic Two Towers, and the oldest university in the Western world, Bologna offers a rich blend of history, culture, and exceptional cuisine. You’ll have free time for an independent lunch before moving on to your hotel in Florence’s city center. In Florence, take an orientation walk with your tour director and then savor time to discover this magnificent city, the capital of Tuscany and the birthplace of Renaissance art and architecture. Enjoy dinner with your group. (B, D) 

Take a 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 local lunch in the heart of Florence. After lunch you’ll have the rest of the day to explore the city at your leisure. (B, L) 

You’re off to the Eternal City – Rome. Along the way, stop in the scenic hill town of Orvieto for a delicious tasting of its renowned local wine. Visit the Colosseum, imperial Rome’s iconic structure, built between 72 and 80 AD. This engineering marvel could hold up to 80,000 spectators for gladiator battles and dramatic productions. Imagine the ghosts of the Caesars in the ruins of the Forum, the ancient heart of the Roman Empire. Enjoy a free evening. (B) 

Discover Rome independently this morning with free time to explore. In the afternoon visit the Vatican for a guided tour of the Museums, with entrance to the Sistine Chapel and St Peter’s Basilica. Then it’s off to dinner in a local restaurant. (B, D) 

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 since Roman times, famous for stunning views of villas dotting the rocky cliffs along the coastline. (B, L, D) 

This morning take a fast ferry across the Bay of Naples to the charming island of Capri. Enjoy the breathtaking sights as you explore this beautiful island independently. Capri is beloved as a day trip destination for its Roman ruins and colorful Blue Grotto, as well as its wonderful beaches. Return to Sorrento, where you’ll enjoy an evening free to dine and explore as you wish. (B) 

Take a scenic drive from Sorrento to the chic village of Positano, one of the jewels of the Amalfi Coast. Stroll through the colorful, narrow streets, browsing the many fashion boutiques as you head down to the beach. Then cruise to Amalfi, passing fishing villages, clifftop churches, and stunning architecture. Amalfi is a beautiful resort town known for handmade ceramics, colorful tiles and the ancient craft of papermaking. You’ll have free time for sightseeing and lunch before returning to Sorrento for a farewell dinner with your group. (B, D) 

Your tour ends after breakfast in Sorrento. (B) B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner>