Overview
Itinerary
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 visits to the Doge’s Palace and St Mark’s Basilica. Journey along the canals for a view of the city from a gondola. The evening 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) Please Note: Italy is an active destination that requires the ability to walk on cobblestones and uneven terrain, climb hills, stairs, and vehicle steps, and walk or stand for several hours at a time. A typical tour day may require up to five miles of medium-paced walking.
Trip Inclusions
- Positano: Stroll through the colorful streets of the chic village of Positano
- Isle of Capri: Enjoy the breathtaking sights and the scenic views of sparkling lapis and turquoise-hued waters on the Isle of Capri.
- Pompeii: See this perfectly preserved ancient Roman city, which was buried in the ash of Mount Vesuvius nearly two thousand years ago.
- Gondola Ride in Venice: Explore the incredible Venetian architecture as you wander through its romantic canals.
- The Vatican, with the Sistine Chapel & St Peter’s Basilica: Tour the world's largest church and Michelangelo's magnificent Sistine Chapel frescoes in the Holy See. Visits Subject to availablity
- Orvieto Wine Tasting: Step into the mysteries and culinary traditions of this ancient walled city that rises above the surrounding landscape
- Roman Colosseum & the Forum: Visit the impressive ruins of the centers of ancient Roman life.
- Michelangelo's David: Head to Florence's Accademia Gallery to gaze at Michelangelo's masterpiece.
- Doge’s Palace, Venice: This masterpiece of Gothic style is one of the most beloved landmarks of Venice. Built in 1340, it was once the residence of the Doge of Venice, the supreme authority of the Venetian Republic.
- Bologna: Explore one of the most food-centric cities in Italy, where Bolognese sauce was invented.
- Cruise to Amalfi: Pass by fishing villages, clifftop churches, and stunning architecture on your way to this beautiful resort town, renowned for its distinctive cuisine, handmade ceramics, and a centuries-long tradition of papermaking.
- 9 Breakfasts (B), 2 Lunches (L), and 5 Dinners (D)
- Avani Rio Novo Venice (4 Stars)
- NH Firenze (4 Stars)
- NH Collection Roma Vittorio Veneto (4 Stars)
- Hotel Michelangelo Sorrento (4 Stars)
- Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
- Only single or double/twin rooms are available on this tour.
Brochure
CIE Ireland & Britain (2025)
Availability
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by CIE Tours. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from CIE Tours. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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