 SIT Package Highlights include:• 13 nights in charming & distinctive accommodation
• Driver / Guide Companion
• All mini-coach transportation
• Local guide in Rome, Florence & Venice
• European breakfast daily
• Evening meals x 6
• Lake Como ferry
• Vaporetto transfer, Venice
• Entrance fees as listed:
- Catacombs, Rome
- Vatican Museum, Rome
- Duomo, Florence
- Leaning Tower of Pisa
- Cinque Terre ferry and walk
- Santa Croce, Florence
- La Scala museum, Milan
Please note:This tour involves a reasonable amount of walking and is only suitable for those who are reasonably fit.
Our HotelsRome - Hotel Nerva or somilar
Perugia - Hotel Fortuna or similar
Volterra - Hotel San Lino
Lucca - Albergo San Martino or similar
Venice - Locanda la Corte or similar
Como - The Grand Hotel Victoria or similar
Milan - Hotel Baviera or similar
Prices per person fromDouble $4985; Single $5950
Departure DatesMonday departures:
April 9th, 23rd; May 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th; June 11th, 25th; July 9th, 23rd;
August 6th, 20th; September 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th
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Carefully crafted to create an intimate, indulgent introduction to one of the world’s most popular peninsulas, this tour takes in all the major, must-see attractions. Breach the typical tourist barriers to become totally immersed in the history of Rome, the creativity of Florence, the romance of Venice, and the glamour of Milan. Then move beyond the signature cities to the rustic countryside regions, the Cinque Terre and the lakeside spectacle of Lake Como. Enjoy the splendours of Italy as you uncover the elegance of Italian culture, cuisine and history.
Day 1 Rome
As you make your way to the spectacular city of Rome, you have an opportunity to orientate yourself with this historic city before meeting the group this evening for the first of many delicious Italian meals in a local restaurant.
(D)
Day 2 Rome
Few cities have had such an influence on the world as Rome and, whilst it might not be 'caput mundi' (capital of the World), it remains a city of huge historical significance. We discover its illustrious antiquity as we explore its classical streets. Be dazzled by the plethora of famous sites and monuments as our local guide takes us through the city, which is more like an outdoor museum. We hear about the history of Rome as we explore those well known local sites including: the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain, the Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, the Roman Forum and the Colosseum. There will be free time this afternoon for you to further uncover this city at your own pace. Tonight is your own to enjoy the local culinary delights and appreciate the city alight in the night. (B)
Day 3 Rome
This morning we head out of the city for a guided tour of a famous and ancient site, the underground cemeteries known as the Catacombs. And then a great highlight as we visit the Vatican Museum, a complex of different pontifical museums, built to promote knowledge of the arts and history. Here we find some of the greatest artistic masterpieces in the world, spectacular archaeological finds and the rich Gallery of Tapestries. A must-see of course is Michelangelo’s monumental artistic achievement, the remarkable painted ceiling in the Sistine Chapel.
(B)
Day 4 Perugia
 It’s time to depart Rome as we travel the scenic route along the Via Salaria (the ancient salt route), stopping at historic towns along the way. Our first is the picturesque town of Rieti, whose cathedral dates back to the 12th century and features a Romanesque bell tower. We also visit Spoleto, the home of the arresting Albornozian Castle, whose hilltop position offers an incredible view over the town and surrounding valley. Later this afternoon we marvel at the Basilica of St Francis in Assisi, dating back to the 13th century and one of the most important places of Christian pilgrimage in Italy. Tonight we stay in Perugia, a lively medieval walled town, famous for its chocolates.
(B, D)
Day 5 Volterra
Today we once again admire the breathtaking countryside as we travel to the ravishing region of Tuscany, renowned for its exquisite art, food and wine. We head first to Siena where we explore its exquisite sites, such as the Palazzo Pubblico, a fine example of Italian medieval and Gothic architecture and of course the Piazza del Campo, arguably the most beautiful arena in Italy. Then on to medieval San Gimignano, known as “The Beautiful City of Towers” its 72 towers once symbolised its wealth and power. Only fourteen remain, however, they make for an impressive site and can be seen from miles around. This is one of Tuscany’s best preserved medieval towns, and even though is a popular with tourist its cobbled streets, historic centre and architecture make it a worthwhile visit. Finally we arrive in the traditional hilltop town of Volterra to enjoy the eye-popping views across the Tuscan hills. We settle into our comfortable hotel in the quiet part of town and then enjoy a delicious local dinner.
(B, D)
Day 6 Volterra
From Volterra it is a dramatic drive to Florence, the home of Renaissance art and architecture. We experience a wonderful walking tour with a local guide, which takes us to some of the city’s most remarkable sites. We see the Ponte Vecchio (the medieval bridge over the River Arno), the Duomo Cathedral, the Uffizi Gallery and Santa Croce – the burial place of some of the most illustrious Italians, including Michelangelo, Galileo and Machiavelli. There will be some time free for you to further explore the treasures of Florence at your leisure before we head back to Volterra in the late afternoon.
(B)
Day 7 Lucca
This morning we journey to ancient Pisa. Its famous Leaning Tower needs no introduction. This 12th century freestanding bell tower seems to defy gravity and has been attracting visitors for many years. We view the adjoining cathedral, the Baptistery and the decorated Campo Santo, or ‘Holy Field.’ Get your cameras ready as we travel to the charming city of Lucca, probably the most spectacular walled town in Italy. Explore the ancient walls with your guide, before discovering the house where Puccini was born, the quirky Torre Guinigi and much more! Tonight we enjoy another delicious evening meal together in this captivating medieval town.
(B, D)
Day 8 Lucca
Today we travel to the Italian Riviera and explore its rugged coastline which includes the five captivating villages that make up the Cinque Terre, back-dropped by breathtaking sea views. There will be plenty of time to take in the beguiling vista as we admire the villages from the famous walking track through the National Park. Alternatively, access the villages via boat or train and discover the secrets of this stunning UNESCO World Heritage site.
(B)
Day 9 Venice
Today we take the back roads and enjoy a dramatic drive over the Apennine Mountains to Ravenna, where you might want to take an optional tour of San Vitale and see its fabulous Byzantine mosaics. We then reach the incredible city of Venice, rising out of the lagoon. Venice is best travelled on the water, so sit back and enjoy a vaporetto ride to our hotel, located on Venice island itself. Tonight after dinner you might want to take a delightful evening stroll through this romantic city, or perhaps you might choose to take a gondola ride on the magnificent Grand Canal.
(B, D)
Day 10 Venice
This morning we fully immerse ourselves in this splendid city as we explore its iconic sites and monuments on a guided walking tour. We watch daily Venetian life pass by in the bustling St Mark’s Square, visit the gleaming Basilica, the most famous cathedral church in the city, view the Campanile (bell tower) and the Gothic Doges Palace. Venice is a labyrinth of canals crossed by beautiful bridges, and we shall visit some of its most attractive, including the Bridge of Sighs and the Rialto Bridge as we wind through this city. This afternoon is free for you to continue your enthralling exploration of the city.
(B)
Day 11 Lake Como
Leaving Venice, we head to romantic Verona, famous for Juliet’s Balcony from Shakespeare’s play Romeo & Juliet and its many well preserved archaeological sites. We explore the city, including its colossal Roman amphitheatre, the Arena, the picturesque Piazza delle Erbe, the Madonna Verona fountain and Tower Lamberti. This afternoon offers a contrast from the bustle as we enter the serene lakes region of northern Italy nestled in the foothills of the Alps. This region boasts impressive scenery as the mountains roll into the deep lakes. Lake Como is a popular holiday destination for local Italians looking for a summer retreat, evident by the beautiful old villas scattered alongside the lake. We will take a ferry ride on the lake, and tonight we will settle into our own lakeside hotel with marvellous views, making it a perfect setting for this evening’s meal.
(B, D)
Day 12 Lake Como
This morning we head across the border into Switzerland to explore the lakeside town of Lugano, not only an important Swiss financial centre, but also a delightful town of parks, flowers and villas. On our way back we will briefly visit the town of Como, an ancient walled town on the lake front full of lively cafes and interesting shops. On our return you are free to relax and enjoy Lake Como, an oasis of tranquillity with arresting views across the pristine lakes and surrounding majestic mountains, an area which continues to attract celebrities and movie-makers alike.
(B)
Day 13 Milan
En route to Milan we have time to visit the historic walled town of Como, where we have some time to explore the old town and its 400-year-old buildings and ancient churches. Milan is Italy’s famous fashion capital; the city is as beautiful as its people. We take a guided walking tour of the city, appreciating the city’s glamour as we pass through the city centre and see its impressive Gothic cathedral, and its famous church, Santa Maria delle Grazie, where Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper hangs. Nearby is La Scala, one of Italy’s famous Opera Houses. The afternoon is at your leisure - wander through the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the world’s most beautiful shopping mall, or maybe an opera?
(B)
Day 14 Milan
Your tour finishes after breakfast. Depending on when your flight leaves, there is an opportunity to shop or for further sightseeing.
(B)
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