Best of Italy and Sicily

<h2>Day 1: Welcome to Rome  (Rome)</h2> <ul> <li>Arrival Transfer</li> <li>Welcome</li> </ul> <p>Explore this imperial city of emperors and senators, gods and goddesses, before joining your Travel Director for an introduction to the 'Eternal City' on an orientation drive. Arrive at Basilica Santa Maria in Cosmedin for a private after-hours visit to the Mouth of Truth. See the church, crypt and relics of the famous saint of love, Valentine, and learn about the legend of the Mouth of Truth. This evening, enjoy a Welcome Dinner with your travel companions. Arrival Transfer: Depart Leonardo da Vinci airport (FCO) at 09:30, 12:30, 15:30 Welcome Meet your Travel Director at 17:30</p> <p><strong>Accommodation:</strong> Una Hotel Rome/iH Hotels Roma Cicerone Rome</p> <p>Your hotel will be dependent on your departure date</p>

<h3><strong>Discover Ancient Rome and the Vatican City</strong></h3> <p>The Holy See takes center stage today as we join a Local Specialist for an included sightseeing tour in the Vatican Museums. Admire Michelangelo’s magnificent frescoed ceiling in the Sistine Chapel. See the marble masterpiece of the Pietà, housed in the Basilica before crossing the Tiber into Ancient Rome. We then enjoy a guided in depth walking experience around the walls of the Colosseum, before seeing Circus Maximus, once the site of celebrated chariot races. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore Rome. Indulge in an espresso in the Piazza Navona or clamber up the Spanish Steps.</p> <p><br /><strong>Accommodation:</strong> Una Hotel Rome/iH Hotels Roma Cicerone Rome<br /><strong>Included Meals:</strong> Breakfast</p>

<h3><strong>Day 3: Explore the Ruins of Pompeii and Sorrento</strong></h3> <p>We journey south to the well-preserved ruins of Pompeii. Here we join a Local Specialist who will share details of the devastation caused by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius as we wander through the ancient paved roads of a city that was frozen in time. Later, we arrive at our hotel in the clifftop town of Sorrento where we’ll dine tonight.</p> <p><br /><strong>Accommodation:</strong> Johanna Park Hotel Sorrento /Grand Hotel Cesare Augusto</p> <p><em>Your hotel will be dependent on your departure date</em><br /><strong>Included Meals:</strong> Breakfast | Dinner</p>

<h3><strong>Day 4: Cruise to the Isle of Capri </strong></h3> <p>We cross the Bay of Naples today by ferry to the glamorous Isle of Capri to visit some of its landmark sights. Wander past the chic boutiques and pavement cafés in Capri town in the company of a Local Specialist before taking your time to soak up the sophistication of this lovely island. Later, we return to the mainland.</p> <p><br /><strong>Accommodation:</strong> Johanna Park Hotel Sorrento /Grand Hotel Cesare Augusto</p> <p><em>Your hotel will be dependent on your departure date</em><br /><strong>Included Meals:</strong> Breakfast  </p>

<h3><strong>Day 5: Onwards to Assisi</strong></h3> <p>Marvel at the beauty of the Bay of Naples and mighty Vesuvius as you leave the Sorrento coastline. Glimpse the Benedictine Abbey of Cassino perched high on the mountain peak and featured as the site of the Battle of Monte Cassino in 1944 before heading north to the slopes of Mount Subasio. We arrive in the mystical town of Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis, under whose protection this medieval city is said to remain. We join our Local Specialist for a visit of Basilica of St. Francis, before some free time to explore this fascinating hilltop town. Tonight, we'll stay at one of Trafalgar’s Stays With Stories – a fully renovated old Franciscan monastery.</p> <p><br /><strong>Accommodation:</strong> Hotel Cenacolo Assisi</p> <p><em>Your hotel will be dependent on your departure date</em><br /><strong>Included Meals:</strong> Breakfast | Dinner</p>

<h3><strong>Day 6: Venture to Verona and Venice</strong></h3> <p>We cross the Bay of Naples today by ferry to the glamorous Isle of Capri to visit some of its landmark sights. Wander past the chic boutiques and pavement cafés in Capri town in the company of a Local Specialist before taking your time to soak up the sophistication of this lovely island. Later, we return to the mainland.</p> <p><strong>Accommodation:</strong> Biasutti Hotel Venice Lido</p> <p><strong>Included Meals:</strong> Breakfast  </p>

<h3><strong>Day 7:  St. Mark's and More in Venice </strong></h3> <p>Cruise your way through Venice by private launch to soak up the sights and sounds of what was once one of the world's greatest ports. Your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with the master craftsmen of Venice follows. Watch as they share their centuries-old glassmaking traditions. Your visit helps to preserve this delicate craft for which Venice is justifiably famous and you’ll want to remember your visit by purchasing a souvenir or two to display at home. From there, continue past the Bridge of Sighs and the Doge's Palace to St. Mark's Square where we will view the impressive square and Basilica. Consider an Optional Experience to see the colorful fishermen's houses on the Island of Burano or search for a cozy bacaro and indulge in some tasty Venetian treats, starting with that refreshing Venetian Spritz which is the local drink of choice.</p> <p><strong>Accommodation:</strong> Biasutti Hotel Venice Lido</p> <p><strong>Included Meals:</strong> Breakfast  </p>

<h3><strong>Day 8: Stroll Around Milan</strong></h3> <p>Cross the lush green plains of Lombardy to sophisticated Milan, Italy's capital of design and fashion is our destination. An orientation tour takes us past the intricate Gothic Duomo, La Scala Opera House, and the famous Galleria. Later arrive in the Italian Lakes where we'll enjoy a Highlight Dinner with your fellow traveling companions.</p> <p><strong>Accommodation:</strong> Hotel Simplon Baveno<br /><strong>Included Meals:</strong> Breakfast | Dinner</p>

<h3><strong>Day 9: On to Como and Scenic Lake Maggiore</strong></h3> <p>Cross the lush green plains of Lombardy to sophisticated Milan, Italy's capital of design and fashion is our destination. An orientation tour takes us past the intricate Gothic Duomo, La Scala Opera House, and the famous Galleria. Later arrive in the Italian Lakes where we'll enjoy a Highlight Dinner with your fellow traveling companions.</p> <p><strong>Accommodation:</strong> Hotel Simplon Baveno<br /><strong>Included Meals:</strong> Breakfast | Dinner</p>

<h3><strong>Day 10: Admire Pisa and on to Florence</strong></h3> <p>Tuscany lures us across the forested Apennine Mountains, past the marble quarries of Carrara to the famous city of Pisa and its Square of Miracles where we will enjoy an opportunity to view the Leaning Tower. Our next stop is Florence, the 'Cradle of the Renaissance'.</p> <p><br /><strong>Accommodation:</strong> Grand Hotel Mediterra<br /><strong>Included Meals:</strong> Breakfast  </p>

<h3><strong>Day 11: Experience Art and Architecture in Florence</strong></h3> <p>Delve into the extravagant history of the Medici family, whose legacy of art and architecture is explored in the company of a Local Specialist. We visit Piazza della Signoria with its exquisite statues and palazzi and enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the beautiful skyline of Florence, dominated by the elegant Duomo and the almost 700-year-old Ponte Vecchio, from Piazzale Michelangelo. Later, learn about the quality and workmanship of two of this city's historic industries at demonstrations of Florentine leathercraft and 18-carat gold.</p> <p><br /><strong>Accommodation:</strong> Grand Hotel Mediterraneo Florence<br /><strong>Included Meals:</strong> Breakfast  </p>

<h3>Day 12: Treasures of San Gimignano and Return to Rome</h3> <p>This morning we stop at the Florence American Cemetery and Memorial. Continuing south, we visit the charming Tuscan hill-town of San Gimignano, with its extraordinary medieval architecture and rich history. Venture to the center of town to view the Piazza del Duomo, surrounded by medieval towers and 13th century city walls. This evening in Rome we enjoy a Farewell Dinner in the company of newfound friends and our Travel Director.</p> <p><br /><strong>Accommodation:</strong> Shangri-La Rome<br /><strong>Included Meals:</strong> Breakfast | Dinner</p>

<h3>Day 13: Journey to Venice</h3> <p>The magnificent marble Duomo, Santa Croce Basilica, Ponte Vecchio and Piazza della Signoria feature on your walking tour with a Local Specialist through Florence's historic streets. Later, journey north to Venice, the 'Queen of the Adriatic'.</p> <p><br /><strong>Accomodation:</strong> Hotel Le Boulevard Lido<br /><strong>Included Meals:</strong> Breakfast  </p>

<h3>Day 14: Cruise the Canals of Venice</h3> <p>Embark on an orientation cruise by private launch to the gateway of Venice, St. Mark's Square, which Napoleon once called the 'drawing room of Europe'. See the Doge's Palace, St. Mark's Basilica and the Bridge of Sighs, where prisoners would have one last look at their beloved city before facing imprisonment. Next, witness the centuries-old craft of glassblowing. Your unforgettable MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience helps keep alive this delicate tradition for which Venice is justifiably famous, and you’ll watch in awe as master craftsmen shape molten glass into the exquisite pieces that adorn homes all over the world.The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore more of the sights or consider an Optional Experience, navigating the city's elegant canals aboard a traditional gondola. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a Farewell Dinner and toast to shared memories that will linger long after the evening ends.</p> <p><br /><strong>Accommodation:</strong> Hotel Le Boulevard Lido<br /><strong>Included Meals:</strong> Breakfast | Dinner</p>

<h3>Day 13: Farewell Venice</h3> <p>For now, it's a fond ciao Venezia as you say goodbye to new friends and prepare to depart for your journey home.</p> <p><br /><strong>Departure Transfer:</strong> Arrive at the airport at 08:00, 09:30<br /><strong>Included Meals:</strong> Breakfast  </p>