Rome & Italian Discovery Extended Tour

Upon arrival at the airport, transfer to the hotel. A hop-on hop-off bus ticket is included for the day, offering a flexible way to explore Rome’s top attractions. Ride the Gray Line's "I Love Rome City Tour" open-top bus and take in panoramic views of the city's most iconic landmarks. With eight designated stops, passengers can board and disembark at their convenience, with audio commentary available in 12 languages. The rest of the evening is free to explore. Return to the hotel independently for overnight at San Martin/Diana Roof Garden or similar.

Departing at 7:15 am from the hotel by deluxe coach, the journey begins to Assisi, a charming medieval town surrounded by walls. Explore the Basilica of St. Francis, which houses masterpieces by Giotto and Cimabue. Afterward, there is free time for lunch (not included). The next stop is Siena, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for the Palio, the historical horse race in Piazza del Campo. The day concludes in Florence for dinner and overnight in Raffaello Hotel or similar. (B, D)

After breakfast, day to explore Florence, known as the "Cradle of the Renaissance", Florence flourished in the Middle Ages and reached artistic heights during the Renaissance, aided by Michelangelo's influence. Visit iconic landmarks such as Santa Maria del Fiore (the Duomo) with its impressive dome by Brunelleschi, the Campanile Tower, and the Baptistery with its bronze "Gates of Paradise" designed by Ghiberti. Continue to Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio, and the Basilica of Santa Croce. Enjoy lunch at a Tuscan restaurant in Piazza Santa Croce. In the afternoon, free time or take an optional excursion to Pisa to visit the Piazza dei Miracoli, the Leaning Tower, and the Baptistery. Overnight in Raffaello Hotel or similar. (B, L)

After breakfast, depart for Bologna. Explore the charming city center and its iconic porticos. Walking tour at Piazza Malpighi, leading to Piazza del Nettuno and Piazza Maggiore, home to the historic Palazzo Podestà and the Basilica of San Petronio, the largest brick-built Gothic church in the world. Discover why Bologna is known as Italy's gastronomic capital by exploring its vibrant street food scene. Stroll through medieval streets filled with markets offering a variety of traditional and contemporary delicacies. Enjoy a light street food lunch at a local eatery to experience the authentic flavors of Bologna. In the afternoon, continue the journey to Venice (Mestre) for overnight at Delfino Hotel/Tritone Hotel or similar. (B, L)

After breakfast, transfer to Piazza San Marco, and visit the most iconic places of the “Floating City”: the Palazzo dei Dogi and the legendary “Bridge of Sighs". After the walking tour, enjoy a spritz or a prosecco to conclude the visitto the highlights of Venice. Opportunity to enjoy a taste of the famous "cicchetti,"a Venetian variation of tapas (light lunch). Spend the afternoon roaming along Venice’s canals at own leisure and then return to the hotel for overnight at Delfino Hotel/Tritone Hotel or similar. (B, L)

After breakfast, departure from Piazzale Roma heading to Tuscany, world-known for its landscapes, its churches, castles and its delicious wines. Proceed to Val di Chiana with a stop in Montepulciano, a medieval town rich in history and art. Known for its “Nobile” wine, on purchase in local wine houses. Typical lunch in a restaurant is included. After lunch, free time. Arrive in Rome in the evening, overnight stay in San Martin/Diana Roof Garden or similar. (B, L) 

Between 7:45-8:00 am, after breakfast, depart from the hotel for a guided tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica with exclusive "Skip the Line" access. Upon arrival, the guide will lead you through one of the world’s most renowned art collections, including the Galleries of Tapestries and Geographical Maps, Raphael’s Rooms, and the magnificent Sistine Chapel. The tour concludes at St. Peter’s Basilica, the largest church in the world. Enjoy the rest of the day exploring the city at your leisure. Overnight in San Martin/Diana Roof Garden or similar. (B)

After breakfast, hotel pick-up is scheduled around 7:00 am for a coach journey heading south through the regions of Lazio and Campania. Upon arrival in Pompeii, enjoy a lunch featuring authentic Neapolitan pizza. Following lunch, enter one of the world’s most significant archaeological sites: Pompeii, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with Skip the Line access and a guided tour. Explore the ruins and experience life as it was in 79 AD before the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Afterward, travel along the scenic Sorrentine Coast, arriving in Sorrento for dinner (dress code: jacket for men) and an overnight stay at Michelangelo Hotel/Grand Hotel Vesuvio or similar. (B, L, D)

After breakfast, prepare for an exciting excursion to the island of Capri, one of the most exclusive summer destinations in the Mediterranean. Weather and sea conditions permitting, visit the enchanting Blue Grotto on a small rowboat. Afterward, enjoy free time for lunch (not included) and explore the island at your own pace. Upon returning to the mainland, relax over dinner and overnight in Michelangelo Hotel/Grand Hotel Vesuvio or similar. (B, D)

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy time at leisure for shopping or tasting local Limoncello. An optional short excursion to the Amalfi Coast is available (not included). In the afternoon, around 4:00 PM, depart for Rome. Check in at the hotel and enjoy an overnight stay. (B)

After breakfast, end of tour services. (B)