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Best of Italy

  • 10 to 14 Days | The Great Cities of Venice, Florence and Rome
    with San Gimignano and Cortona in Tuscany
    Options to Bellagio and Amalfi Coast

The Comfort of a Small Group.
The Freedom of Choosing Your Sightseeing.

Option: Expand the Journey with Lake Como or Amalfi Coast extensions!


Superior Tourist Package is perfectly-matched for the discerning adventurer.

Value fr. $2,769

Journey's itinerary provides you with the comfort of a small group tour and with the freedom of choosing your activities.

 
Savings
 
 
Meet the Best of Italy — 
It really is the best trip!
The Best of Italy Tour makes it way through the Great Cities of Italy and begins in amazing Venice. Step back in Florence's Renaissance past. Relax in Tuscany's sunny countryside. And finale with the grandeur of Rome. The comfort of a small group, the freedom of choosing your own experiences.
Remember, you can expand your Journey by adding Lake Como 2D/2N pre-tour extension (and/or the Amalfi Coast 2D/2N post-tour extension.

Jump to the Most Detailed Itinerary Online: Day-by-Day Itinerary

What's Included on the Best of Italy:

  • The comfort of an Authentic Small Group up to 16 Guests
  • The freedom of Choosing Your Own Sightseeing and Experiences: featuring Expert Italian Guides
  • Venice: Discovery Walk with Tour Director of Venice: Grand Canal, Piazza San Marco, Caffe Florian and Doge's Palace
  • Included Gondola experience in Venice
  • Florence: Discovery Walk of Florence with Tour Director: The birthplace of the Renaissance, Basilica, Markets, Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio, Leather Market
  • Tuscany: Discovery Walk of San Gimignano with free time: Epic city of Towers
  • Cortona: Discovery Walk of Cortona: Hilltop village, Under the Tuscan Sun
  • Included Winery Experience: Journey Exclusive Wine Tasting paired with delicious morsels.
  • Rome: Discovery Walk of Rome with Tour Director: See ancient Rome's Heart as it blends with Modern Rome: Colosseum, Pantheon, Spanish Steps, Emmanuel Vittorio II Monument
  • Special Kick-off Reception in Venice from a Journey exclusive location
  • Journey's Dining: All-included Welcome Dinner in Venice with unlimited Premium Beverages; 9 Continental Breakfasts, 1 Journey Style Dinner, Upgrade to other dinners along the way for $390 (10 or 12 Day) to $520 per person (14 Day).
  • WiFi, On Tour Transportation: Fast Train Venice to Florence, Comfy micro-coach Tuscany to Rome, Fast Train Milan to Venice for 14 Day
  • Skip-the-Long-Line Admissions, Special Access Sightseeing when selected
See the complete Day-by-Day Itinerary
Journey's Value-Packed Hotels

Journey's hotels are centrally located in and around the heart of the cities and villages. You may optionally upgrade your hotels in any city.

  • Consider our Pre-Tour option to Lake Como, and our Post-Tour option to the Amalfi Coast:

    OPTIONAL BEGINNING: LAKE COMO, 2 Days/2 Nights - $979 pp (Solo Supplement $390)
    BELLAGIO ON BEAUTIFUL LAKE COMO
    Expand your Great Cities with Lake Como!

    TOUR COMMENCES: VENICE, 2 Days/2 Nights
    CASANOVA, WINGED LIONS, VENETIAN PASSION
    The Republic of Venice soars again.

    FLORENCE, 2 Days/2 Nights
    BIRTHPLACE OF THE RENAISSANCE
    Michelangelo, Da Vinci, and other Masters come to life.

    THE TUSCAN COUNTRYSIDE, 2 Days/2 Nights
    UNDER THE TUSCAN SUN
    Frances Mayes had this place right: it's amazing.

    TOUR FINALE: ROME, 3 Days/3 Nights
    A THOUSAND ROADS LEAD ALWAYS TO ROME
    Heart of the Empire of Rome, Roman Holiday

    OPTIONAL FINALE: AMALFI COAST, 2 Days/2 Nights - $979 pp (Solo Supplement $835)
    SUNSHINE LEMONY AMAZEMENT
    You will want to add our amazing 2 Day Finale on the Amalfi Coast!
2023-2024 Best of Italy Tour
Dates & Pricing
2023 Tour Dates
Request a Reservation

Select your departure date. Prices in US Dollars and based on 2 guests in a room. Add Lake Como Beginning or Amalfi Coast Finale for $994 per person. Solo Supplement: $1328. 14 Day: $1828.
Trip Dates Best of Italy
Mar 21-30
 $2,775   REQUEST BOOKING
Italy in the Spring
This is one of the best times to be in Italy: No crowds, moderate temps averaging in the 60s, and some showers to bring May flowers!
Apr 11-20
 $2,875   REQUEST BOOKING
Apr 15-24
 $2,875   REQUEST BOOKING
Apr 25–May 4
 $2,875   REQUEST BOOKING
May: Near Perfect
It's difficult to beat Italy in May. Early May can see some showers, but mid to late May is the time for moderate crowds, great temps in the 70s, sunshine and La Dolce Vita!
May 9–18
 $2,875   REQUEST BOOKING
May 16–25
 $2,875   REQUEST BOOKING
May 20–29
 $2,875   REQUEST BOOKING
May 23–Jun 1
 $2,875   REQUEST BOOKING
June: Graduate to More Perfection
The weather is near perfect in June, that's why the volume of travelers is high. It's a great time to celebrate our graduate as well!
Jun 6–15
 $2,875   REQUEST BOOKING
Jun 20–29
 $2,875   REQUEST BOOKING
July & August: It's Summer in Italy!
The reminds one of the fresh, hot days of summer from the states —  but it's still a great time to explore Italy.
Jul 1–10

 $2,875   REQUEST BOOKING
Jul 11–20

 $2,875   REQUEST BOOKING
Jul 18–27

 $2,875   REQUEST BOOKING
Aug 8–17

 $2,875   REQUEST BOOKING
Aug 15–24

 $2,875   REQUEST BOOKING
September: Great Harvest
September is still considered high season these days and for good reason: The harvest in Tuscany and other areas is in swing and the weather is so very special. Highs in the 70s in mid to late September.
Sep 5–14

 $2,875   REQUEST BOOKING
Sep 12–21

 $2,875   REQUEST BOOKING
Sep 23-Oct 2

 $2,875   REQUEST BOOKING
Sep 26–Oct 5

 $2,875   REQUEST BOOKING
Italy in October
Though the hot summer temps are gone, October can still see some warm days. Highs in the 60s to low 70s.
Oct 3–10
 $2,875   REQUEST BOOKING
Oct 10–19
 $2,875   REQUEST BOOKING
Oct 17-26

 $2,875   REQUEST BOOKING
Oct 24–Nov 2

 $2,875   REQUEST BOOKING
Italy in November & December
Fall and winter time temps, with low crowd volume, make the holiday months a great time to visit Italy.
Nov 4–13

 $2,875   REQUEST BOOKING
Nov 11–20

 $2,875   REQUEST BOOKING
Nov 18–27

 $2,875   REQUEST BOOKING
Nov 25–Dec 4

 $2,875   REQUEST BOOKING
Dec 9–18

 $2,875   REQUEST BOOKING
Dec 12–21
Christmas Season
Holiday Time		 $2,575   REQUEST BOOKING
Dec 19–28
Christmas in Italy
Holiday Time		 $2,675   REQUEST BOOKING
Dec 22–31
Christmas Time in Italy
Holiday Time
 $2,675   REQUEST BOOKING
2024 Tour Dates
Request a Reservation

Select your departure date. Prices in US Dollars and based on 2 guests in a room. Add Lake Como Beginning or Amalfi Coast Finale for $994 per person. Solo Supplement: $1328. 14 Day: $1828.
Trip Dates Best of Italy
Mar 21-28
 $2,775   REQUEST BOOKING
Italy in the Spring
This is one of the best times to be in Italy: No crowds, moderate temps averaging in the 60s, and some showers to bring May flowers!
Apr 11-18
 $2,875   REQUEST BOOKING
Apr 15-24
 $2,875   REQUEST BOOKING
Apr 25–May 4
 $2,875   REQUEST BOOKING
May: Near Perfect
It's difficult to beat Italy in May. Early May can see some showers, but mid to late May is the time for moderate crowds, great temps in the 70s, sunshine and La Dolce Vita!
May 9-18 $2,875   REQUEST BOOKING
May 16-25 $2,875   REQUEST BOOKING
May 20-29 $2,875   REQUEST BOOKING
May 23-
Jun 1		 $2,875   REQUEST BOOKING
June: Graduate to More Perfection
The weather is near perfect in June, that's why the volume of travelers is high. It's a great time to celebrate our graduate as well!
Jun 6-15 $2,875   REQUEST BOOKING
Jun 27 -
Jul 5
 $2,875   REQUEST BOOKING
July & August: It's Summer in Italy!
The reminds one of the fresh, hot days of summer from the states —  but it's still a great time to explore Italy.
Jul 4-13

 $2,875   REQUEST BOOKING
Jul 18-27 $2,875   REQUEST BOOKING
Aug 15-24
 $2,875   REQUEST BOOKING
September: Great Harvest
September is still considered high season these days and for good reason: The harvest in Tuscany and other areas is in swing and the weather is so very special. Highs in the 70s in mid to late September.
Sep 5-14
 $2,875   REQUEST BOOKING
Sep 12-21 $2,875   REQUEST BOOKING
Sep 23-Oct 2 $2,875   REQUEST BOOKING
Sep 26 -
Oct 5		 $2,875   REQUEST BOOKING
Italy in October
Though the hot summer temps are gone, October can still see some warm days. Highs in the 60s to low 70s.
Oct 3-12
 $2,875   REQUEST BOOKING
Oct 10-19 $2,875   REQUEST BOOKING
Oct 17-26
 $2,875   REQUEST BOOKING
Oct 24 -
Nov 2		 $2,875   REQUEST BOOKING
Italy in November & December
Fall and winter time temps, with low crowd volume, make the holiday months a great time to visit Italy.
Oct 31-Nov 9

 $2,875   REQUEST BOOKING
Nov
7-16

 $2,875   REQUEST BOOKING
Nov
14-23
 $2,875   REQUEST BOOKING
Nov
21-30
 $2,875   REQUEST BOOKING
Nov 28-Dec 7
 $2,875   REQUEST BOOKING
Dec 12–21
Christmas Season
Holiday Time		 $2,875   REQUEST BOOKING
Dec 19–28
Christmas in Italy
Holiday Time		 $2,675   REQUEST BOOKING
Dec 22–31
Christmas Time in Italy
Holiday Time
 $2,675   REQUEST BOOKING
 
Are you ready for a No Obligation Trip Proposal or to Make Your Reservation Request?

GET PROPOSAL OR MAKE RESERVATION


Not quite ready to book the trip?
Chat to discuss your trip with a Journey Trip Planner:

CHAT WITH JOURNEY SPECIALIST

The Great Cities Route: Venice to Rome

ENJOY OUR UNIQUE APPROACH TO TRAVELING THROUGH ITALY
We don't do buses. We don't do large groups.

 
Best of Italy Trip Route through the Great Cities: Venice to Rome

Our Journey begins in Venice. Fast Train to Rome. Enjoy our micro-coach thru Tuscany to Rome (only a total of 4 hours on a vehicle the entire tour).

Great Cities of Italy Tour

 
 

Itinerary at a Glance

DAY 1-2 VENICE | DAY 3-4 FLORENCE | DAY 5-6 CORTONA IN TUSCANY| DAY 7-9 ROME | DAY 10: DEPARTURE

FIRST THINGS FIRST: Consider our Flight and Early Arrival Options
Your flight to Venice should land on Day 1 of the itinerary — this means you should depart your home airport the day prior — your round-trip travel time on this Journey is 11 Days including air travel not included (10 Day, 9 Nights Land). Many of our travelers arrive a "full day early" to recover from their overnight flight — inquire with us about a pre-tour overnight hotel room in Venice. Airfare is not included. Inquire about our Business Class and Premium Economy Airfare.

CONSIDER EXPANDING YOUR JOURNEY
Expand the Journey: Join us to an amazing finale on the enchanted Amalfi Coast —  includes 2 days and nights with Ancient Pompeii Tour, Welcome Dinner and Sea View rooms on the cliffs of Sorrento. Inquire with your Journey Trip Planner about this magical ending!

 

 

Day-by-Day Itinerary

DAY 1: WELCOME TO BEAUTIFUL VENICE

Upon arrival to Venice Marco Polo Airport, you will make your way to our hotel on San Marco. Want us to meet you? Add our Arrival Transfer Meet & Greet Service and we'll meet you upon clearing customs at the airport and transport you to San Marco island via our Water Taxi ($149/person). Upon arrival, you will check-in, drop luggage and then relax until our Discovery Walk.

Later this afternoon you will enjoy a get-to-know-Venice Discovery Walk — a hallmark of the Journey style of traveling and exploring new destinations.

Your Journey Tour Director welcomes you to Venice with a toast for your arrival.

Discovery WalkDiscovery Walk: Venice

You will enjoy a get-to-know-Venice Discovery Walk — a hallmark of the Journey style of traveling and exploring new destinations hosted by your Journey Tour Director. We will take in the beautiful sights of Piazza San Marco, the "Campanile" or clock tower, the Grand Canal and more.

Enjoy some time at leisure before meeting tonight for a special 'Welcome to Venice' evening from one of our exclusive perspectives to see Venice.

Journey Dinners IconWelcome to Venice Dinner

We then make our way to our favorite restaurant in Venice where we will be delighted with cuisine from several regions throughout Italy including the Veneto, Lazio and Campania (all paired with delicious wines and premium beverages - and all included with Journey).

Journey Hotels IconAccommodation in Venice, 2 Nights with breakfast

San Marco: Hotel San Marco or Similar

DAY 2: EXPLORING VENICEVenice Canal

Sightseeing IconToday's Optional Adventure: Venice Secrets & Treasures

You may want to consider our optional Walking Tour of Venice's Secrets & Treasures ($155/person). This is Journey's unique touring experience through the dramatic and historic port city with our Local Guide. Learn of Venice's fascinating and colorful past, including everything from Napoleon to an exploration of her many back alleys and streets (called calles). Venice's character springs to life as we make our way through her nooks and crannies and mysterious alley ways.


Journey's professional local guide provides expert commentary as we enter the fascinating and colorful Basilica San Marco (St. Mark's Basilica). Then we go back in time with our visit to the Doge's Palace, the Old Prison (and yes, you will learn about the gentleman Casanova), and the famous Bridge of Sighs.

Sightseeing included in this option:

  • Doge's Palace: Skip-the-Line Entrance to the Doge's Palace (meaning Duke or Governor's Palace), the seat of the Republic of Venice's historic power.
  • Venice's Old Prison: The Prisons of Venice: Found inside the Doge's Palace, are the older and new prisons.
  • Bridge of Sighs: The bridge made famous for its window and last view of blue sky and freedom as prisoners are marched to their sentence.
  • Basilica San Marco: Enjoy the beautiful mosaics and how they reflect and dance in the light. Your Tour Captain "paints the picture" of the history and opulence that is the Basilica San Marco prior to entering. Once inside, enjoy 'silence' as you observe its beauty encased in Byzantine architecture.
  • Piazza San Marco: and our "Secret Treasures of Venice:"
  • Walking Delights: Learn about the Clock Tower (Campanile), Caffé Florian, Napoleon and the Winged Lion
  • Enjoy included admission/entrance to Museo Correr, Museo Archeologico Nazionale and Monumental Rooms of the Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana at your leisure.

Gondola IconSpecial Included Adventure: Venetian Gondola Experience
Just before sunset consider enjoying our Gondola ride through the canals of Venice with our professional musicians to make the ambiance perfect. On occasion inclement weather will prevent the gondola ride. In this scenario you will be refunded.

Enjoy the balance of the afternoon and evening at your leisure.

Journey is Different: Your Journey Tour Director will invite you to an optional dinner after the Gondola ride, and they can also help you with dining reservations if you choose to explore lovely Venice on your own. 

DAY 3: ONWARD TO FLORENCEFlorence Panorama

This morning enjoy a leisurely start with breakfast and then join your Journey Tour Director as we transfer by boat to the Venezia Santa Lucia Train Station for the included Fast-train passage to Florence. Your bags are portaged separately so you can enjoy the ride.

We zip along the Italian countryside and arrive in Florence at the Santa Maria Novella Train Station where we deboard the train for our short walk to our hotels in the very heart of Florence.

After some time to freshen up, we begin our chapter in Florence.

Orientation Walk IconDiscovery Walk: Florence

On the Discovery Walk we will orient you to the very heart of historic Florence. In addition to seeing many of the major sites including Giotto's Campanile (Bell Tower) and the Baptistery, the Florence Cathedral, also known as the Duomo, we will enjoy entrance to Orsanmichele church and the church of Via Santa Margherita which was the parish of many Florentine families, such as Cerchi, Donati, Adimari and Portinari.


Enjoy the balance of the afternoon at leisure until our welcome dinner tonight.

Journey Dinners IconOption: Why not join us for the Welcome to Florence Dinner?

Your Journey Tour Director hosts an amazing welcome dinner in Florence with authentic Tuscan cuisine served by Fiorentini who love what they do. Florence welcomes us with a variety of regional culinary tastes, premium beverages, and ample portions of fine local wines from Toscana and Chianti. $90 per person.

Journey Hotels IconAccommodation in Florence, 2 Nights with breakfast

Florence: Hotel Mia Cara or Similar

DAY 4: EXPLORING FLORENCE

Sightseeing IconToday's Optional Adventure: Florence Secrets & Treasures

Florence Journeyers enjoying the afternoon sun.
Consider Journey's Florence Secrets & Treasures tour ($155/person) which boasts a variety of fine sights to see including Santa Maria del Fiore, the Baptistery's Bronze "Gate of Paradise," Giotto's Bell Tower, Signoria Square, and the Galleria dell'Accademia, where Michelangelo's David is housed. We will take our time walking through the Piazza della Repubblica, the famous Piazza Signoria with her old palace, Palazzo Vecchio, and make our way through the portico of the Uffizi complex before arriving at the Arno River and a visit to the "old bridge," or Ponte Vecchio. This was the only bridge in Florence to survive the World War II bombing raids.

Sightseeing Included in this Option:

  • Galleria dell'Accademia: Skip-the-Line admission to experience Michelangelo's David in the Academy Gallery.
  • Galleria dell'Accademia: The first art school of Europe.
  • Our tour includes the historic city center which is a World Heritage site that comprises the Baptistery, Campanile, and the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore – also known as the Duomo. The 14th-century dome was created by Brunelleschi.
  • See the magnificent Gates of Paradise on the Baptistery, so called by Michelangelo. Our Local Guide will comment on these impressive doors to the Baptistery created by Lorenzo Ghiberti. Until the 19th century, most Catholic Florentines were baptized here. The Baptistery and Giotto's Campanile whose perspective we enjoy from ground level are all part of the Duomo of Santa Maria del Fiori complex.
  • Entrance and tour of Orsanmichele: This church was originally built as a grain market in 1337 by Francesco Talenti, Neri di Fioravante, and Benci di Cione. Then converted into a church between 1380 and 1404.
  • Walking Delights: We explore Piazza della Repubblica, Piazza della Signoria and the Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge), the only bridge to survive World War II bombing.

Following our Secrets & Treasures adventure the balance of the day is at your leisure.

Interested in checking out the leather market? What about a climb of the Duomo? We can arrange visits, admissions and more for you in advance. Consider a visit to the Basilica di Santa Croce (Basilica of the Holy Cross) or just explore at your leisure. This Basilica is the principal Franciscan church in Florence, Italy, and a minor basilica of the Roman Catholic Church. It is the burial place of some of the most illustrious Italians, such as Michelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli, Foscolo, Gentile, Rossini, and Marconi, thus it is known also as the Temple of the Italian Glories (Tempio dell'Itale Glorie).

Enjoy the balance of the afternoon and evening at your leisure.

Journey is Different: Your Journey Tour Director will invite you to an optional dinner tonight or you can explore Florence at leisure.

DAY 5: GOOD MORNING TUSCANYTuscan Hills

Sightseeing IconToday's Adventure: Tuscan Glory

It's a great day to explore further into the Tuscan countryside.

Our first stop is the hilltop village of San Gimignano. One of San Gimignano's most impressive sights is the medieval skyline made up of 13 remaining towers dating back from the 11th century. San Gimignano rises on a hill dominating the Elsa Valley. The town increased in wealth and developed greatly during the Middle Ages thanks to the "Via Francigena", the trading and pilgrim's route that crossed it. Once in San Gimignano, we enjoy free time to explore the city of towers. San Gimignano also has several distractions for shopping - so dig in and enjoy!

Exclusive IconJourney Included Exclusive: Winery Experience

Enjoy our in-depth tasting experience at our winery estate in the heart of Tuscany - simply stunning. You will enjoy a tour of the production facilities and cellars, followed by a delightful wine-tasting paired with perfect morsels for lunch. Buon Appetito!Vineyards in Tuscany

Our lunch palate-pleasing appetizers, including pecorino cheese, bruschetta, and other local farm-to-table delights. You'll get your fill of classic Chianti and Super Tuscan varieties along with delicate cuisine hand-made by the chef.

Special Sightseeing today Includes:

  • San Gimignano: Sightseeing and free time in the Tuscan hill town known for its towers.
  • Exclusive Winery: Admission, Tour and Wine Tasting at our Estate located in the heart of Tuscany. Beautiful Property with stunning views, delicious varieties paired with sumptuous delicacies. You won't want to leave.
  • Tuscany's Wine Road: Winding through the Tuscan hills, the wine road offers remarkable beauty, characterized by vineyards, wine cellars, distant rolling landscapes, and villages up in the hills.

To Cortona
Should you opt for the Winery Experience you will arrive Cortona mid to late-afternoon. We will enjoy the leisurely drive to the delightful hill town of Cortona for our next chapter in the very heart of Tuscany.

In the mid to late Tuscan afternoon we will arrive at our villa hotel in Cortona.

Discovery Walk IconDiscovery Walk: Cortona

On the Discovery Walk of Cortona we make our way to its very heart to learn about its fascinating past with Etruscans and Romans, as well as Hollywood. Your Journey Tour Director welcomes you to the Tuscan countryside and tonight's special Italian experience.


We continue our walk as we explore Via Nazionale up to Piazza Garibaldi and finally into Piazza della Repubblica where you will Learn about the plains of Trasimeno and of the amazing battle of the same name: The Roman-Carthaginian Battle. Soak up the afternoon sunshine as we slow down and enjoy a typical Tuscan evening.

Journey Dinners IconOption: Journey Exclusive: Special Apericena in Cortona

Tonight consider joining your Journey Tour Director for a Journey exclusive welcome "aperitivo" called Apericena by the modern Italians, $75/person.

It's the perfect complement for your palate after a day of great cuisine and wine. Our dinner aperitivo provides a just-right, light meal finale to our beautiful day in the Tuscan countryside and in the magical ambiance of this delightful hill town.

Afterwards, enjoy the balance of the evening at your leisure.

Journey Hotels IconAccommodation in Cortona, 2 Nights with breakfast

Cortona: Hotel Italia or Similar


DAY 6: EXPLORING CORTONA AT LEISURECortona in Tuscany, Italy

Enjoy a full free day at your leisure in beautiful Cortona.

Many options are available from Cooking Classes to a day trip to Siena and more. Today, enjoy Tuscany at your leisure - perhaps it's a thorough exploration of delightful Cortona, a cooking class, horse-back riding, Vespa rental and much more.

Cortona is a small but fascinating hill town in the province of Arezzo, Tuscany. It is situated on a commanding hill that overlooks Lake Trasimeno, known for the infamous rout of the Romans by Hannibal and the Carthaginians. Its cyclopean walls, still preserved in great part, are said to be 3000 years old. It was one of the twelve cities of Etruria.

Soak in the morning: enjoy a walk through the vineyards, or a hike up to the castle or a leisurely stroll through the piazza and streets.

Journey is Different: Your Journey Tour Director will invite you to an optional dinner tonight or choose to enjoy your last night in Cortona at your leisure.


DAY 7: ONWARD TO ROMEPantheon in Rome, Italy

As we make our way to Rome, we find ourselves going back in time as our surroundings begin to slowly turn into the very center of ancient Rome.

You will arrive at the hotel, check in, freshen up and then meet for the Discovery Walk.

Orientation Walk IconDiscovery Walk: Rome

You will meet the Journey Tour Director for a walk through the very heart of Old Rome.

We begin our exploration of Rome beginning with an elephant and continue to immerse ourselves in over 2000 years of history of the 'Empire. We enter the amazing Pantheon and learn of its interesting history and continue our walk to soak up Piazza Navona, once a site where mock naval battles were held. We continue with our Discovery Walk as we pass through Campo de Fiore (field of flowers) - do you know the name of the figure whose likeness is crafted in the statue in this amazing campo? We walk by Largo di Torre Argentina and learn of Julius Caesar's fate. We will also see a village of modern Roman felines.

Journey Dinners IconOption: Consider our Welcome to Rome Dinner

Tonight you will join your Journey Tour Director as they escort you to our welcome to Rome dinner complete with two Premium Beverages (wine or soda). $75 per person.

Journey Hotels IconAccommodation in Rome, 3 Nights with breakfast

Rome: Hotel Marco Polo or Similar

BACK TO TOP

DAY 8 EXPLORING THE VATICANVatican City, Rome, Italy

Sightseeing IconToday's Optional Adventure: Vatican City

Consider this optional tour of the Vatican ($165/person). Enjoy a visit of the Vatican museums to see the amazing tapestries, the Sistine Chapel and its iconic ceiling, and St. Peter's Basilica and Square as the majestic Vatican City comes to life. After our experience is complete we will exit at St. Peter's Square where you see the multi-color uniformed Swiss Guard on display as they guard the Vatican and the expanse of the beautiful piazza.

Journey's transports are waiting nearby when we're ready to head back to our hotels.

Sightseeing Included in this Option::

  • St. Peter's Basilica and Square: Admission and Guided Tour to St. Peter's Basilica: By design, we enjoy early admission around 8:15 am to avoid the large cruise and tour groups that arrive later in the morning. Enjoy Skip-the-Line special access with Admission Included.
  • Sistine Chapel: Admission and Guided Tour of the Sistine Chapel: You will find inside the chapel The Last Judgment painting by Michelangelo, which he painted during the years 1535 to 1541. The work, designed on a grand scale, spans the entire wall behind the Sistine Chapel altar.
  • Vatican Museums: Admission and Guided Tour of the Vatican City Museums: The Museums boast some of the most impressive tapestries and other works of art and sculpture found in the world.

Enjoy the balance of the afternoon and evening at your leisure.

Journey is Different: Your Journey Tour Director will invite you to an optional dinner tonight or you can explore Rome at your leisure.

DAY 9 EXPLORING MODERN & IMPERIAL ROMERoman Forum, Italy

Sightseeing IconToday's Optional Adventure: Imperial Rome

Consider our amazing walking tour of Ancient Rome ($165/person). You will see ancient elements intertwined perfectly with present-day apartment buildings, and discover how the modern Romans have intertwined their vast history into present-day experience. We're making our way to the Colosseum and Roman Forum, the town center of the Roman Empire, for our special access, in-depth touring experience, complete with admissions.

Sightseeing included in this Option:

  • Colosseo: Flavian's amphitheater known popularly as the Colosseum. Admission and Guided Tour of the Colosseum: Heart of The Empire. Enjoy Skip-the-Line entrance.
  • Foro Romano: Admission and Guided Tour of the Roman Forum ~ We walk through the archaeological dig for unique perspectives of the Old Town Center of Rome, Palatine Hill, Capitoline Hill, Caesar's Palace, Curia or the Senate House, Temple of the Vestal Virgins, and the Triumphal Arches.
  • Capitoline Hill: We ascend this amazingly sculptured and architecturally inspirational locale.
  • Walking Delights: Views of Trajan's Market, Palatine Hill, Caesar's Palace, Curia known as the Senate Building, the Vittorio Emanuele II National Monument, the Jewish Ghetto, and other historic landmarks. 

Journey Dinners IconOption: Join us to celebrate our time in Italy: Farewell to Rome Dinner

Tonight join your Journey Tour Director for our included 'Farewell to Rome' event. $95/person.

Our days have been filled with new sights, tastes and discoveries - tonight enjoy reflecting on the incredible journey we've had together. It has been a Journey of Adventure and Discovery, along with making new friends!

Tomorrow we will say, 'Arrivederci Roma!' but tonight we sing and make melody in the very heart of Rome. 

Day 10: DEPARTURE DAY: Arrivederci Italy!

Breakfast is included this morning should you have time before your departure. Most of our guests seriously consider extending your vacation to the Amalfi Coast for the perfect ending —  it's 2 days and nights and includes Pompeii and treasures of the Amalfi Coast. See our optional extension below for proper temptation!

BACK TO TOP

 

Does your Journey end in Rome?
We highly recommend the enchanted Amalfi Coast 2 day/2 night extension. Amalfi Coast, Italy

NAPLES, POMPEII, THE SORRENTO PENINSULA & AMALFI COAST
Say goodbye to Rome as you join our extension to the amazing Amalfi Coast and Sorrento Peninsula. We make our way to Naples and the modern city of Pompei, where we find Pompeii (note the two i's) which is the ancient Roman city we will visit with our expert guide this morning.

Sightseeing IconToday's Adventure: Pompeii Ancient Site

On our tour of the World Heritage Site of Pompeii we find out the city was lost for nearly 1700 years before its rediscovery in 1748. Enjoy the commentary of our Local Guide as you learn of its colorful history and tragic end.

After our experience we make our way to Sorrento, our home to explore the amazing Amalfi Coast.

Journey Dinners IconWelcome to Sorrento Dinner

Your Journey Tour Director hosts an amazing welcome dinner in Sorrento. The owner, Mario, and Chef Lena and their family welcome us to dinner tonight. Get ready for a wonderful evening of Sorrentina cuisine and hospitality.

Journey Hotels IconAccommodation in Sorrento, 2 Nights

Sorrento: Hotel Minerva Sorrento

OPTIONAL EXTENSION: DAY 11: EXPLORING THE AMALFI COAST AT LEISUREAmalfi Coast, Italy

You will have today completely at your leisure to explore Sorrento or consider one of our optional adventures.

OPTION TO THE ISLE OF CAPRI & AMALFI COAST - $355
Highly Recommended: Enjoy our optional experience departing this morning and enjoy a boat trip to the Isle of Capri to enjoy free time on the Island. We make our way to Positano for late afternoon before the amazing Amalfi Coast highway drive back to Sorrento.

Your Journey Tour Director will give you great ideas on what to do while you're on island. Occasionally, and weather permitting, we are able to provide an experience that includes (in addition to round-trip service to and from Capri) time on the boat around the island with stops at various Grottos for viewing and swimming if you desire. We only "stop" at the Blue Grotto, we do not go inside the Blue Grotto as this usually takes the majority of the day.

Then later, again weather and seas permitting, we continue to Positano and the Amalfi Coast. We will spend some time in Positano at leisure and then continue along the Amalfi Coast drive back to Sorrento.

Prosecco IconOur Special Journey Finalé

After returning to our hotel, enjoy some leisure time and then meet on the terrace for our special Apericena to celebrate our time together. It has been a Journey of Adventure and Discovery, along with making new friends! Until our next Journey — Arrivederci!


OPTIONAL EXTENSION: Day 12: DEPARTURE DAY: Arrivederci Italy!

Breakfast is included this morning should you have time before your departure.


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