Journey Through Italy

Welcome to Venice, Italy. This watery wonderland of bridges, towers, piazzas, canals, churches and gondolas – practically unchanged for 600 years – is literally sinking under the weight of its iconic sights. If you arrive early why not take a walk around the maze of streets behind San Marco square and begin to understand the complex canal system of Venice. The Grand Canal is a great place to start, as you can stroll over the Rialto Bridge and browse the endless amounts of boutique shops that sell Venetian masks and handmade Murano glassware. After tonight’s group meeting enjoy dinner with your fellow travel companions at a local restaurant.

Included Activities: Welcome meeting with Tour Leader

Included Meals: dinner

Today venture out and explore Venice. There are only two ways to get around this city – one of them is on foot. Together with a local guide, discover some of the more popular sights including Doge’s Palace, the Piazza and Basilica di San Marco and the Bridge of Sighs.

At the end of the guided tour, stop and board a gondola and travel in true Venetian style.

The remainder of the day is at leisure. Simply enjoy getting lost crossing the hundreds of bridges and uncovering your own slice of Venice. In the evening, perhaps join your fellow travellers for a group dinner at a local restaurant. Venice is famous for its specialities of fresh lobster and squid ink spaghetti dishes, so make sure you give one a try.

Included Activities: Guided walking tour of Venice, Gondola ride

Included Meals: breakfast

Spend a day travelling by train to the once important naval base of La Spezia, now the gateway to the gorgeous Cinque Terre, or ‘Five lands’ in English. The name comes from the five tiny villages – Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore – whose position, wedged into a series of coves between sheer cliffs, makes it one of the highlights of the whole of Italy. The journey usually takes between five and seven hours either via Milan or via Florence (depending on the best available connection), and is a very scenic trip through the north of Italy. On arrival in La Spezia there won’t be too much time to explore yet, but after checking into your hotel perhaps get your bearings of the area with a short walk around the pedestrian zone on Via del Prione to the gardens along the harbour, or head out for dinner with the group.

Included Activities: None

Included Meals: breakfast

Cinque Terre (translating as ‘Five Lands’ or ‘Five Villages’) is a region of Italy famed for its rugged coastline and the colourful villages that cling to it. The footpaths that run between the villages were once the only way to travel in the region. You can choose to walk just a few sections, which will still unveil a great amount of majestic scenery. There is a train that connects the villages as well, so if you prefer to enjoy a more relaxing day, you are welcome to take this option.

In the evening there’s no better way to refuel after the taxing walks than indulging in a delicious Mediterranean feast. Be sure to try the local pesto and focaccia, both specialties of the area.

Included Activities: Cinque Terre day trip

Included Meals: breakfast

After breakfast, travel by train to Florence. On arrival, check into the hotel and go for a guided walk around the city. Florence is one of the most culturally rich and beautiful cities in Italy, known to many as the beating heart of Tuscany. The Medicis, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Brunelleschi, Machiavelli, Donatello and Michelangelo all lived in Florence at the height of their creative reign. See David’s famous statue as part of your tour.

Food is a major part of the city’s identity, so perhaps explore some of the culinary delicacies on offer from across Tuscany. Regional specialities are noted for their simplicity and fine flavour, and the use of high-quality olive oil, cannellini beans and fresh herbs. Meat lovers should try the bistecca alla fiorentina, a huge T-bone steak that’s usually shared between two people, or ribollita, a thick delicious vegetable soup with bread, beans and greens. Panforte is the signature sweet treat.

Included Activities: Guided walking tour of Florence

Included Meals: breakfast

This morning, rise early and learn how to cook your own Italian food. Together with a local chef, create your own lunch during a hands-on cooking class.

The remainder of the day is at leisure.

It’s impossible to see everything in this Renaissance wonderland, however, so take your time and enjoy it. Be captivated by the culture-rich atmosphere of Florence, from family-run vineyards on the outskirts of the city to the Duomo’s magnificent marble facade. Maybe start with a visit to the Uffizi, one of the world’s oldest art galleries, or walk up to Piazzale Michelangelo, which is set on a hill on the south bank of the Arno River, to take in beautiful views of the city – a lovely way to while away the day. There are plenty of sights to see during your time in Florence.

Included Activities: Cooking class

Included Meals: breakfast, lunch

This morning you will start to make your way to your next hotel (the feature stay of this trip) in the Chianti Region, right in the heart of Tuscany. On the way, you will visit San Gimignano, the ‘Town of Fine Towers’. This medieval walled town is famous for its well-preserved tower houses which are now on the UNESCO World Heritage list. There will be time for you to explore the old town centre and its fine Gothic and Romanesque architecture. This region is renowned for its ancient Vernaccia grapes, which are the basis for one of Tuscany’s finest white wines. Relax in a local family’s garden surrounded by olive trees and vineyards and enjoy the local organic wine varieties produced by this family for centuries.

Arrive at your hotel in the afternoon. Relax by the pool or perhaps take a stroll through the vineyards that are part of the property.

Included Activities: Wine Tour and Tasting

Included Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Begin the day with a short drive to Monteriggioni, another Tuscan hill town that was built by the Sienese to defend their territory against the Florentines in the 13th century. Learn a little more about the circular walls and 14 towers which played a significant role in the attacks staged by the Bishop of Volterra. Continue to the medieval city of Siena. It is best known for the Piazza del Campo, the site of the twice-annual Palio (a horse race that goes around the edge of the oval square). Be sure to visit the small but stunning Siena Cathedral, and see the statue of the capitoline wolf which was brought here by the sons of Remus, the founder of Rome. It has been the city’s symbol ever since. After a 4 hour drive you will arrive into Rome in the early evening.

Included Activities: None

Included Meals: breakfast

From incredible ancient monuments to glamourous restaurants and boutiques, Rome is a city of great beauty and diversity. Today you will be taken on a guided visit of the Colosseum.

The rest of the day is free for you to explore this great city as you please. Make sure you take the opportunity to visit the majestic Vatican City and St Peter’s Basilica. The view from the dome of St Peter’s is breath taking. Roman food is world-renowned, and the trattorias that line the streets are the perfect place to sample the local pasta delights. A taste or two of the (very well priced) local wine is also a must. Enjoy a farewell dinner with your travel companions to end the trip.

Included Activities: Guided visit Colosseum

Included Meals: breakfast, dinner

There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart the accommodation at any time.

Included Activities: None

Included Meals: breakfast