Rome
Rome is the capital of modern Italy and the historical home of one of the great civilizations in history, the Roman Empire. The historical city was founded in 753 BC and has grown to a size of over 3 million inhabitants today. The city is home to major monuments like the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain and many more. The city was built on the seven ancient hills along the Tiber River. Today it is a collection of neighborhoods with vibrant shops, restaurants and museums just waiting to be explored.
Colosseum
The Colosseum is one of the most recognizable structures of the Roman Empire. The structure was built in the first century AD as a place of celebration for Gladiator games and public spectacles. Today the structure has been preserved and is an open air museum that highlights the architectural expertise of the ancient Romans. Visitors can see the details of the recently cleaned facade made of Travertine marble and view the internal structure of this “Wonder of the World.”
Ruins of Pompeii
The Roman city of Pompeii is located in the southern region of Campagnia, near Naples. The city was covered by volcanic material in 79AD and forgotten for centuries. When the city was excavated, archeologists found the city to be intact as it had been prior to the eruption. Today visitors walk on the original streets, complete with chariot ruts. The city was made up of a variety of different buildings, including theaters, homes, shops, thermal baths, and temples - all of which can be visited today. In addition everyday objects and precious artifacts have been preserved along with original mosaic and fresco decorations.
Iconic Pompeii Walking Tour or Leisurely Pompeii Walking Tour
During your visit to Pompeii you have a choice between two walking tours, both guided by a local expert. In both cases you will visit Pompeii's must-see locations such as the excavated ruins of the Forum and the Sanctuary of Apollo. Your first choice will move at a faster pace allowing you to explore also some of Pompeii's off-the-beaten-path gems, such as the vibrant frescoes of the Suburban Baths. Your second choice will move at a more leisurely pace, focusing exclusively on the highlights of this vast archeological site.
Iconic Pompeii Walking Tour
Activity Level: 3
Two hour walking tour over cobblestones and uneven terrain. Approximately 1.5 miles of walking. This walking tour takes travelers to the must-see sites of Pompei as well as some 'off the beaten path' sites such as the Suburban Thermal Baths. The group will move at a faster pace, allowing travelers to see more of this vast archeological site.
Leisurely Pompeii Walking Tour
Activity Level: 2
90 minute slow walking tour over cobblestones and uneven terrain. Approximately 0.9 mile of walking. This walking tour showcases all the must-see attractions of Pompeii at a slower pace, allowing more time to negotiate the inclines, large cobblestones and steep sidewalks of the ancient city.
Sorrento
The north side of the Sorrento peninsula is the Sorrento Coast, named after the largest city and tourist center, Sorrento. The Sorrento Coast is home to panoramic views of shear cliffs, small rocky beaches and terraced gardens of olive and lemon trees. The town of Sorrento is a tourist 's delight, complete with excellent shopping, quaint cafes and elegant restaurants.
Florence
Florence is the regional capital of Tuscany and home to countless Renaissance masterpieces. The city developed great wealth during the late Middle Ages and was the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance that produced great artists like Michelangelo, Raphael, Brunelleschi and many others. Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with numerous museums, stunning architecture and charming piazzas. The city offers something for everyone from culture, to great food and excellent shopping (like their famous gold or leather).
Leaning Tower of Pisa
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of four monuments built in Pisa 's “Field of Miracles.” The other monuments include Italy 's largest baptistry, a cemetery for Pisan Nobility, and the Cathedral. The famous leaning eight story high tower was built as the Cathedral 's bell tower. From the start the tower began to lean as it was built on unstable land. Visitors can admire the beauty of the Pisan Romanesque architecture and align a photo of themselves holding up the tower.
Tuscan Winery
Italy is famous for its wines. The Tuscany region is home to numerous vineyards producing a variety of different wines. Many of these wineries are small, family owned operations. The majority of the wine produced in Tuscany is red wine. During a tour of a local winery, guests can learn about the wine making process from vine to bottle. The family is onsite to answer questions.
Venice
Venice is the regional capital of the Veneto region in the northeast section of Italy. Venice has a unique design like no other city, built on over a hundred different islands in the center of the Venetian Lagoon. Early Venetians built their city on the islands to escape barbarian invaders. The islands of the city are separated by numerous small canals and connected by hundreds of small bridges. The city is famous for its romantic gondola-filled canals and ornate palaces that line the Grand Canal. The famous glass factories of Venice are located on Murano Island. Today the Murano Islands are home to a dwindling number of glass factories, whose artists are producing handmade Murano Glass.
Murano Island
Murano is located in northern Italy and houses important attractions such as, the Church of Santa Maria e San Donato, the chapel of the Ballarin family, and artworks by Giovanni Bellini. The island is primarily known for their history in glass production. It became Italy 's glass art capital in 1291. The community of glassblowers was relocated by the government to Murano. Glass making originally began in Venice; however, because the houses were made out of wood, the government deemed it too risky because of the kilns constantly going.
Verona
Verona is a charming city in northern Italy, built along the Adige River. The city is the setting of Shakespeare 's famous Romeo and Juliet. A small stone house in the city center is said to be the home of the fictional heroine. In the courtyard of the home, below a small balcony, is a bronze statue of Juliet that tourists pose with for a photo. The city is also home to a mix of beautiful buildings ranging from a Roman amphitheater to medieval palaces.
Lake Maggiore
Is a large lake located on the south side of the Alps which goes through both Italy and Switzerland. The climate, both in the winter and summer is mild enough to products Mediterranean vegetation, with many gardens growing rare and exotic plants. Many islands overlook the lake, including the Borromean Islands, the Brissago Islands, Castelli di Cannero, and Isolina Partegora.
Stresa
The famous town is located on Lake Maggiore in the Gulf of Borromeo, which is the main attraction for the town because it overlooks the eponymous islands. Visitors can travel via cable cars to get an aerial view of Stresa. Stresa has also been renowned for its culture and music. The history of Stresa officially appeared in documents in AD 998. In the 15th century it grew into a fishing community and then came under control of the Borromeo family. The town is home to about 5,000 inhabitants. In 1918, Ernest Hemingway visited Stresa, and he later made it the setting for part of his novel A Farewell to Arms.
Isola Bella & Palazzo Borromeo Tour or Swiss Mountains: Simplon Pass Day Trip
In Stresa, you have the choice between two activities. Your first option is to take a boat across Lake Maggiore to Isola Bella, where you 'll join an expert guide and venture into the Borromeo Palace* followed by time on own to explore the terraced formal gardens of this beautiful island. Your second choice is to cross into Switzerland and ride up to the Simplon Pass for a taste of the Swiss Alps, admiring the Simplon Hospice dominating the landscape of alpine meadows and peaks.
*Isola Bella and the Borromeo Palace are open from April 1 to October 31. If you are travelling between November 1 and March 31, you will enjoy a scenic cruise of the Borromean Islands and a visit to Pallanza village instead.
Isola Bella & Palazzo Borromeo Tour
Activity Level: 3
Take a boat ride from Stresa to Isola Bella. Agility required to board/alight at the piers. Walk uphill for 500 feet from the pier to the Borromeo Palace on Isola Bella. The Palace tour requires walking and standing for 50 minutes straight with NO possibility to sit. Travelers have to be able to climb about 30 steps in the Palace during the tour. To visit the gardens - on own - travelers must be able to walk for 30 to 60 minutes and climb up to 4 flights of steps.
Swiss Mountains: Simplon Pass Day Trip
Activity Level: 2 (note elevation)
This tour reaches 6500 feet above sea level and is a 1.5 hour bus drive each way. This scenic trip can be very cold up at the Simplon Pass: dress in layers, bring a hat, scarf, gloves (hat and scarf even in May-September --- can be low 50Fs). Crossing into Switzerland, a passport will be required. (Tour Manager will remind travelers day prior.) Bring a credit card (no need to exchange to Swiss Francs as everyone accepts cards). Not too much walking: nice to get off the bus at the Simplon Pass, take photos, enjoy the scenery.
From the ancient ruins of Pompeii to the chic charm of the Sorrento Coast, embark on a spectacular Italian getaway. Enjoy multiple-night stays in Rome, the charming coastal town of Sorrento, Florence, Venice, and Stresa in the Lake District. Discover the treasures of Classical Rome, including the Colosseum. Walk in the footsteps of the ancient Romans in Pompeii. Take a boat to the enchanting Isle of Capri. See the gems of the Renaissance in Florence, a veritable open-air museum. Marvel at the Leaning Tower of Pisa and stroll the streets of Verona. Stop at a Tuscan winery and farm for a lunch of regional specialties and wines. Tour Venice and walk the Castello district. Cruise to Isola dei Pescatori, one of the scenic Borromean Islands. Delve deeper into its history and culture as you visit some of the world 's most beautiful locales.
