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Italy - La Dolce Vita

Venice, Milan, Varenna, Bologna, Florence, Sorrento, Rome
Best-Time
May - October
Stops
7
Experience
Beaches, City Life, Culture, Family, Honeymoon, Nature
Length
20 Days
Type
Tailormade

Highlights

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a country as diverse as Italy. From turquoise waters of the Amalfi Coast to the mighty mountains of Dolomites. From stunning Tuscan countryside to labyrinth-like canals of Venice. From colourful cliffside towns of Cinque Terre to architectural wonder-pieces of Rome. Italy is definitely enigmatic and there is something for everyone. A boot that fits.

What will you cover?

Suggested Itinerary

DAY 1
DAY 2
DAY 3
DAY 4
DAY 5
DAY 6
DAY 7
DAY 8
DAY 9
DAY 10
DAY 11
DAY 12
DAY 13
DAY 14
DAY 15
DAY 16
DAY 17
DAY 18
DAY 19
DAY 20

Day 1 : Venice Arrival

Arrive at Venice airport and a water taxi will transfer you to your hotel. Check-in and enjoy the day at leisure.

Venice aka The Floating City offers more than canals and Carnival—it’s also made up of bustling markets, delicate glass factories, and off-the-beaten-path neighborhoods beloved by locals. Visit historic landmarks, stroll through the Rialto Market, and engage with contemporary Venetian culture.


Where to rest your head ?

Accommodation in Venice

Day 2 : Venice

Today, explore the famous sites and hidden charms on a walking tour of Venice, followed by a ride through the city’s canals on an iconic gondola

Stroll through narrow back streets and alleyways while learning about Venetian history. Follow your local guide through a romantic maze of surrounding backstreets to discover some of Venice’s lesser-known gems. Learn the fascinating history of Venice as you wander through narrow alleys and over stone footbridges, and then hop aboard a Venetian gondola for a leisurely ride along the Grand Canal.


Where to rest your head ?

Accommodation in Venice

Day 3 : Venice

After breakfast, visit the islands of Murano and Burano from Venice.

Explore the intricacies of two famed Italian handicrafts with a day trip from Venice to the nearby islands of Murano and Burano. In Murano, visit the workshop of a local glassblower to watch delicate forms take shape from the molten glass through a combination of rolling, shaping with iron tools and blowing through a long metal tube. Enjoy some free time on the island to explore other workshops and perhaps pick up a souvenir to take home. Hop back on the boat for the scenic ride to Burano, where traditional lacemaking workshops are scattered among the island’s brightly coloured homes. Stroll through the winding streets of this charming island to admire the brightly painted houses and watch local craftswomen creating lace through a series of finely detailed weaving and stitching.


Where to rest your head ?

Accommodation in Venice

Day 4 : Venice - Milan

After breakfast, transfer to Venice station to catch your train to Milan. Arrive in Milan and transfer to the accommodation and check in.

Chic Milan is famous for its fashion industry, but this cosmopolitan city offers much more than cutting-edge couture. Home to one of the most striking Gothic cathedrals in Europe, a world-famous opera house, and Leonardo’s iconic The Last Supper, Milan offers more than enough to keep any art-and-architecture aficionado happy. Gourmands can get their fill by dipping in to the city’s vibrant food scene, from trendy street food to Michelin-starred restaurants packed to the gills with elegant Milanesi until the late hours.


Where to rest your head ?

Accommodation in Milan

Day 5 : Milan

Today visit Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper and explore Milan on a walking tour.

See Milan's main sights and landmarks and take advantage of the skip-the-line admission to Leonardo da Vinci's 'The Last Supper'. Follow your knowledgeable guide through the streets of Milan, stopping at spots like La Scala opera house, the magnificent gothic Duomo and Sforza Castle. And then stroll right past the line to see the Da Vinci masterpiece depicting Jesus and his disciples eating their last supper.


Where to rest your head ?

Accommodation in Milan

Day 6 : Milan - Varenna

After breakfast, transfer to Milan station to catch your train to Varenna, located on the Eastern shore of Lake Como. Upon arrival in Varenna, transfer to the accommodation and check-in.

Varenna is a great base to explore Lake Como and its villages. Spend your evening taking a leisure stroll along Riva Grande, the charming lake promenade. Walk among the colorful houses that brighten the village and stroll through the narrow streets.


Where to rest your head ?

Accommodation in Varenna

Day 7 : Varenna

Today, spend the day exploring Lake Como.

Take in the historical, cultural, and scenic highlights of Italy’s 3rd-largest lake. You can spend your day exploring hidden sights and beaches on a kayak or zoom into the mountains on the back of a motorbike. Don’t forget that Lake Como is a food- and wine lovers’ paradise thanks to its freshwater fish, northern Italian specialities, and the wine-growing areas of its northern sections. Spend some time sampling local wines and culinary staples or alternatively, book a cooking class with a local chef to master fresh pasta and other Lombard staples. Your trip to Lake Como is incomplete without a visit to its Pearl: Bellagio, one of the most beautiful places in the region of Lombardy. Walk through the tiny streets of Bellagio full of shops selling local food, leather goods, clothing, perfumes, and much more. Watch the sunset on a cruise before savouring dinner at a lakeside restaurant as darkness cloaks the lapping waters.


Where to rest your head ?

Accommodation in Varenna

Day 8 : Varenna - Bologna

After breakfast, transfer to Varenna station to catch your train to Bologna via Milan. Arrive in Bologna, transfer to the accommodation and check in.

A historic university city, culinary capital, and hub of architectural beauty, Bologna offers no shortage of attractions. Spend your day exploring the city up close. Visit the bustling Piazza Maggiore, the Basilica of San Domenico and the modern Manifattura delle Arti district. Bologna is also famous for its legendry culinary scene. Visit markets, bakeries, and traditional food stores to sample cheese, cured meats, gelato, and more.


Where to rest your head ?

Accommodation in Bologna

Day 9 : Bologna

Today, embark on a full-day Emilia-Romagna food and Ferrari Museo tour.

Combine culinary and car with this action-packed day-long tour of Italy's Emilia-Romagna region. Ride via minivan from the center of Bologna to the production centers of some of the area's most delicious and beloved treats: Parmesan cheese, balsamic vinegar and prosciutto. After sampling some of the edible delights, travel to the Ferrari Museum in Maranello where you can indulge yourself in the history of the prestigious car company and even test drive one (at own expense). Finally, conclude the tour with a 6-course lunch at a family-run restaurant, complete with wine and water and followed by coffee or a digestif. 


Where to rest your head ?

Accommodation in Bologna

Day 10 : Bologna - Florence

After breakfast, transfer to Bologna station to catch a train to Florence. Arrive in Florence, transfer to the accommodation and check in.

Capital of Tuscany and known as the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, Florence and its UNESCO-listed historic centre are home to some of the world's greatest artistic and architectural masterpieces. With its museums, gardens, architecture and sensational culinary scene, you will quickly understand why this city is a must-see when visiting Italy.


Where to rest your head ?

Accommodation in Florence

Day 11 : Florence

Today explore the best of Florence on a walking tour with Skip-the-Line access to Michelangelo’s ‘David’

Led by an expert guide, begin your walking tour with skip-the-line entrance inside the Accademia Gallery, home to Michelangelo’s David. Marvel at the lifelike contours of the 17-foot sculpture and see why this creation has become of the most iconic in the world. Afterward, continue on a walking tour of the city. Your guide will point out architecture from the Middle Ages and Renaissance, as well as provide historical commentary and local lore about the sites that you pass, such as the Florence Duomo, the medieval Palazzo Vecchio, the Church of Orsanmichele and the former Ancient Forum, now Piazza della Repubblica. Don't forget to rub the nose of the legendary boar statute, il Porcellino, promising your return to Florence! Your tour will conclude in Lungarno, facing the historic Ponte Vecchio bridge.


Where to rest your head ?

Accommodation in Florence

Day 12 : Florence

After breakfast, proceed to the Tuscany countryside on a full-day tour.

Art, history, countryside, food. Tuscany has it all. Explore the city of Siena and the cathedral, and then take to the Chianti hills for a Tuscan lunch and wine tasting. Roam the streets of San Gimignano, and travel to Pisa to admire the architectural drama of Cathedral Square — home to the UNESCO-listed Leaning Tower of Pisa.


Where to rest your head ?

Accommodation in Florence

Day 13 : Florence

Today, visit Cinque Terre on a full-day tour.

Experience the UNESCO-listed Cinque Terre in one day through the five idyllic fishing villages—Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, Monterosso and Riomaggiore—that form the national park.

Stop first in the southernmost village of Riomaggiore, which dates back to the 13th century. Beloved for its local wine and incomparable scenery, admire the pastel-colored buildings as you follow your guide along the cobblestone streets. Head to the tiny village of Manarola next, home to medieval relics and a plethora of grapevines. Stroll the harbor and take snapshots of the beautiful, bright buildings that cling to the cliff. Then, weather permitting, hop aboard your boat to travel to Monterosso. After a quick lunch, enjoy some time to explore independently. Unpack your bathing suit and hit the jewelled waters of Monterosso’s stunning beaches. Make a final stop in Vernazza, bordered by terraced olive groves that are said to produce some of the finest olive oil in Italy. Explore the bustling square and winding streets at your leisure, before returning back to Florence.


Where to rest your head ?

Accommodation in Florence

Day 14 : Florence - Sorrento

After breakfast, transfer to Florence station to catch your train to Naples. Upon arriving in Naples, transfer to the port to catch your ferry to Sorrento. Arrive in Sorrento and transfer to the accommodation and check in. Rest of the day is at leisure.

Strategically located between the Bay of Naples and the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento is the ideal basecamp for exploring the Italian coast. Explore this coastal town by heading out of the city along the Sorrentine Peninsula and jumping out to admire the views at Masa Lubrense and Sant'Agata sui Due Golfi. Stroll through Villa Comunale park and ride the lift down to Marina Grande for a meal at an oceanfront seafood restaurant. Later, walk along the lively Piazza Lauro and Piazza Tasso, and browse the shops along Corso Italia perhaps picking up Sorrento’s famous limoncello (lemon liqueur) to take home.


Where to rest your head ?

Accommodation in Sorrento

Day 15 : Sorrento

Today, visit the island of Capri by boat on a full-day tour.

Cruise around the island to soak up views of unique coastal formations like the Blue and Green Grottoes and the famed Faraglioni rocks, and stop to swim or snorkel in the Mediterranean waters right off the boat. Go ashore for free time to explore Capri’s old town, where you can stroll around Piazza Umberto I and wander ancient cobblestone streets.


Where to rest your head ?

Accommodation in Sorrento

Day 16 : Sorrento

After breakfast, proceed to explore the Amalfi Coast by bus

Explore the dramatic Amalfi Coast and its picturesque towns on a small group, full-day tour from Sorrento, traveling by air-conditioned coach.

Following a pick-up from your hotel, drive to Positano to enjoy some free time strolling the artistic streets tumbling down the hills. Pop into little souvenir stores to discover some of the colourful pottery of the area. Continue to Amalfi on the Gulf of Salerno, and reawaken your senses in the old town centre at sights such as the Cattedrale di Sant'Andrea. Marvel at the cliffs at the mouth of the deep ravine at the foot of Monte Cerreto. Drive through beautiful villages, such as Praiano, Furore, and Conca dei Marini. End in the hilltop town of Ravello, described by notable travellers as a magical land and "Spiritual Homeland." Along the way, meet local artists and craftsmen of the “Carta d'Amalfi” (a typical hand-made paper of the region), before returning to Sorrento.


Where to rest your head ?

Accommodation in Sorrento

Day 17 : Sorrento - Rome

After breakfast, transfer to Sorrento port to catch a ferry to Naples. Upon arriving in Naples, head to the train station and catch a train to Rome. Arrive in Rome, transfer to the accommodation and check in.

Spend your day exploring Rome. This Eternal City dazzles with iconic Roman ruins, a wealth of art and architecture, and lively historic squares. Admire the famous Spanish Steps, which lead up to the Trinita dei Monti church, and then walk to the Trevi Fountain, perhaps Rome’s most famous fountain, known for its legend that states if you throw a coin in the water, you will return to Rome someday. Continue to the square that ancient Romans considered to be the centre of the city, Piazza Colonna, and then visit the stately Pantheon. Walk through lively Piazza Navona, where street artists show off their talents and visitors mingle around the baroque fountains.


Where to rest your head ?

Accommodation in Rome

Day 18 : Rome

Today, visit Colosseum's underground chambers, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill with a skip-the-line ticket.

Begin below ground to explore the Colosseum’s tunnels, chambers and pits. This section of the amphitheatre is only open to a select number of visitors each day, so enjoy this exclusive chance to see more than most people do. While you walk through the underground passageways, listen to stories about the wild animals who were held down here and the Roman gladiators who prepared for their battles here. Next, head upward, stopping on the arena floor level. Most visitors are restricted to walk only around the edge, but you have access to walk on the floor itself, standing on the same spot where the battles took place. Not much of the original floor remains, but you can peer down through the gaps to see the underground chambers. 
Upon exiting the Colosseum, walk with your guide over to the Roman Forum, once the political heart of the city. Take in the sprawl of ancient ruins, and walk up Palatine Hill, once home to Ancient Rome’s wealthy residents, for a view of Circus Maximus, where chariot races took place


Where to rest your head ?

Accommodation in Rome

Day 19 : Rome

Today, enjoy priority access to Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica

Discover the Vatican on a tour of St. Peter’s Basilica, Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Museums. This experience includes admission through a special entrance, so there are no lines whatsoever. Navigate the vast complex of rooms, artwork, and history with a guide, who brings the ancient collection to life. Skip all the entrance lines to explore halls such as the Gallery of the Maps and Raphael’s Rooms; step inside the Sistine Chapel to admire ‘The Creation of Adam’ by Michelangelo; and hear little-known tales about sacred St. Peter’s Basilica.


Where to rest your head ?

Accommodation in Rome

Day 20 : Rome Departure

After breakfast, a private vehicle will transfer you to Rome airport where you can catch your flight back home.


Where to rest your head ?

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Inclusions

accommodation
Hotels & Apartments
meals
Daily Breakfast
sightseeing
Tours & Excursion
transfers
Private Airport Transfers
transport
Intercity Trains & Ferries
visa
Italy Visa
travel insurance
20 Days

Exclusions

flights
International Flights
meals
Food & Drinks

Starting from
198000 per person