The Italian Mosaic Tour is the best combination of Italy’s most iconic cities and landscapes. This tour features smaller relaxing towns. Highlights include the cities of Rome, Florence, Venice and Assisi. You will also visit historic Pompeii, Cinque Terre, Sorrento and Capri, as well as the magnificent Lake Maggiore area.
13 Days • fr. $4,199
Welcome to Rome! At 5 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at one of Rome’s lively restaurants.
Dinner
BEVERLY HILLS HOTEL
Guided sightseeing of the ‟Eternal Cityˮ starts with a visit to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with Michelangelo’s ceiling paintings and The Last Judgment, followed by a visit to monumental St. Peter's Square and Basilica to admire Michelangelo’s Pietà. Then, enjoy views of other major sites as you drive to the Roman Forum and visit the ancient Colosseum, where gladiators once fought. Afterward time at leisure; optional excursions are available.
Breakfast
BEVERLY HILLS HOTEL
Travel to Pisa and take the traditional picture pushing back the legendary Leaning Tower.
Then it's on to Florence, “Cradle of the Renaissance.” Tonight is your chance to join an optional dinner to try out Tuscan specialties.
Breakfast
NH FIRENZE HOTEL
Meet your Local Guide, and visit the Academy of Fine Arts with Michelangelo’s celebrated David. Continue your walking tour through the historic center and stand in awe in front of the the magnificent cathedral, admire Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistry’s heavy bronze “Gates of Paradise,” sculpture-studded Signoria Square, and take pictures of Ponte Vecchio. Afterward, you may wish to shop for Florentine leather goods and gold jewelry, sold by the ounce. To enhance your stay, consider an optional excursion to San Gimignano, Italy’s most picturesque medieval town.
Breakfast
NH FIRENZE HOTEL
Prepare for an exciting day: drive to La Spezia on the Mediterranean Coast and Globus Local Favorite start your excursion to Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, including a boat ride (weather permitting) with a Local Guide. The name dates back to the 15th century and is derived from five little medieval villages standing on stony spurs along five miles of the rocky coastline: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso.
From here, continue by train and coach to your hotel at beautiful Lake Maggiore, the largest of the three lakes in the popular Swiss-Italian Lake District.
Breakfast, Dinner
GRAND HOTEL BRISTOL
A leisurely day gives you the chance to join an optional excursion to the baroque palace and peacock gardens of enchanting Isola Bella and to relax or to spend some time at the pool. Later, join a scenic boat ride to Isola dei Pescatori, where dinner with local specialties awaits.
Breakfast, Dinner
GRAND HOTEL BRISTOL
Cross the nearby Swiss border and stop in Lugano, also beautifully located by its own lake. You have ample time to stroll along the pretty promenade and Via Nassa, or to sip an espresso on Piazza Riforma.
Return to Italy and catch glimpses of Lake Como, the third lake of the Lake District on your way to romantic Venice. Enter in style by private boat. Later, you may wish to join an optional gondola ride through the canals, a nice introduction to this amazing city that has always been a powerful magnet for romantics and art lovers from around the globe.
Breakfast
CARLTON HOTEL ON THE GRAND CANAL
Highlights of your guided walking tour are St. Mark's Square and the byzantine Basilica, lavish Doges' Palace, and the Bridge of Sighs. Then, watch a skilled glassblower fashion delicate objects in an age-old tradition. For those who wish, a wonderful optional excursion to colorful Burano Island is available.
Breakfast
CARLTON HOTEL ON THE GRAND CANAL
Arrive in peaceful Assisi, where your Local Guide takes you for a visit to St. Clare's Church and St. Francis' Basilica, built on top of his tomb and the hub of a religious order devoted to the ideals of humility, forgiveness, simplicity, and love for all God’s creatures. Hear about monastic life and admire the priceless frescoes adorning the walls of the church.
Breakfast, Dinner
HOTEL CENACOLO
Leave the region of Umbria and turn south to lovely Sorrento. Time to explore the charming, bayside resort at your own pace.
Breakfast
GRAND HOTEL VESUVIO
Speed across the bay by jetfoil to the Isle of Capri. Ride the funicular to Capri village for a guided visit. Walk through the splendid Gardens of Augustus, terraces overlooking the sea, offering a spectacular panoramic view, and taste a granita (semi-frozen drink). Free time to browse through the little shops on the piazzetta before returning to Sorrento. Don’t miss the optional excursion to the Amalfi Coast and Positano!
Breakfast
GRAND HOTEL VESUVIO
In nearby Pompeii, the Roman city both destroyed and preserved by an eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, join your Local Guide for an fascinating visit of the excavations. See a patrician home, public baths, and shops that give a striking picture of what day-to-day life was like in Rome at its apex of power.
This evening, back in Rome, a farewell dinner at a local restaurant is the proper way to say arrivederci Italia.
Breakfast, Dinner
BEVERLY HILLS HOTEL
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
Breakfast
All rates listed are per person based on double occupancy and are subject to change without notice. Your land package pricing will be confirmed and guaranteed once your deposit is received and applied to the booking, except where price increases may result from increases in government taxes or fees. Room configurations are subject to availability. Guests added to your party after the booking are priced at the prevailing rate at the time they are added.