Italy Odyssey - 12 Days

Welcome to Italy!

Upon arrival your representative assistant will welcome you and show you the vehicle assigned for your comfort transfer to the hotel.

You will have free time to have lunch in the hotel or a nearby restaurant /Café.

01:30 PM: In the afternoon, meet with your guide & driver at the hotel lobby who will take you to Venice port, from where you will take a regular boat (water bus) to arrive at the St. Mark’s Square, on Venice Island. Your guide will bring you in front of many monuments and other architectural gems that made Venice one of the most powerful maritime Republics of Italy. You will marvel at the imposing Basilica of St Marks (visit inside), the Doge’s Palace (outside only), the romantic Piazza San Marco, the Bell Tower, the Clock Tower and many more elegant palaces. At the end of this wonderful experience, you will have some free time to explore the island & its alleys. Later, an assistant shall meet you, at a pre-decided time at an established meeting point, to take the regular boat for transfer back to your hotel.

Overnight: Venice - Hotel Ambasciatori Venezia Mestre – First Class

Situated in one of the main streets of Mestre, the Ambasciatori is an modern, elegant hotel with a fully equipped fitness center and gym. The Ambasciatori's Venetian-style rooms are soundproofed and include air conditioning plus a minibar. Each room has a marble bathroom with hair dryer. A sweet and savory American breakfast buffet is provided daily. The restaurant serves both regional and classic Italian dishes for dinner. Guests can enjoy a traditional Veneto aperitif in the hotel's Bisanzio Bar.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Meet your driver at the hotel lobby who will bring you to Tronchetto parking area, where your guide will join you & bring you to Venice port, to take a regular boat on the canals of Venice lagoon, to have a panoramic view of this unique city in the world.

You will continue on this boat to the 3 islands:

The first island visited is MURANO, recognized worldwide as the capital of blown glass it preserves today like once upon a time. The precious secrets of the antique glass manufacturing is passed down from generation to generation by the master glassmakers. We will stop by a historical factory to watch a glass blowing demonstration.

The second stop is at the picturesque island of BURANO, famous not only for its lace (“tombolo” embroiderers) but also for the fishermen's houses painted in bright colors, which made it easier for returning fishermen to find their homes in the thick fog of the lagoon. It is also said that the Burano residents favor the bright paint as a well of marking where one property ends and another begins.

Lastly, visit the third island TORCELLO or as it was said, “Turricellum”, the most ancient and prosperous settlement of the lagoon up to the rise of Venezia. Today it counts for only 15 inhabitants and its priceless archaeological heritage, which is still preserved.

After this approx. 4-hour tour, you will have free time for lunch (own expense) and we will bring you to the gondolas for an unforgettable ride on the inner canals (30 minutes).

Dinner at a restaurant, in Venice. Return to the hotel by boat and bus.

Overnight: Venice - Hotel Ambasciatori Venezia Mestre - First Class

Meals: B, D

Breakfast at the hotel.

07:00 AM: Proceed with your private coach, to the Cinque Terre region (355 km / 3.5 hrs). The Cinque Terre is so unique that the entire zone has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as a national park.

You will arrive at your hotel in La Spezia, where you will meet your guide from this region who will introduce you the magnificent beauties of each of the Five Lands and their history. You will take your private tour to go to the ancient village of Volastra, which is inside the Cinque Terre National Park. It is believed that this town, given its configuration, dates from the Etruscan era. Today this area is characterized by the local production of the Sciachetrà wine which is produced on the typical dry-walled terraces of Liguria.

You will have the opportunity to taste the typical wine with a local lunch.

Then, continue by bus to the Corniglia town, one of the least visited of Cinque Terre since it cannot be reached by the boat, however, it is one of the most impressive because it offers a dazzling view of the whole Gulf, being located on the top of the hill. Finally, the tour will end with a visit to Monterosso al Mare, the most western town in the Cinque Terre area and one of the most visited for its prized location, embraced by the sea and the rocks.

Return and have a dinner in La Spezia hotel.

Overnight: Cinque Terre - Hotel NH La Spezia – First Class

Facing the Ligurian Sea, NH La Spezia offers rooms with free WiFi, and an on-site restaurant. The hotel is 150 m from the old town, and 5 minutes' walk from the harbour with links to the Cinque Terre UNESCO Site.Rooms are air conditioned and feature satellite TV, a minibar, and a private bathroom. Some rooms offer views of the sea, while others have a seating area.The restaurant of this NH hotel serves traditional local dishes and wines. A sweet and savoury buffet-style breakfast is available daily. Friendly staff is on call 24 hours a day.

Meals: B, L, D

Breakfast at the hotel.

Meet your local guide at the hotel, who will bring you to explore Cinque Terre by a public ferry (tickets included) – ferry operation is based on weather & sea conditions (alternate would be train travel).

Cinque Terre means “five villages” and consist of five coastal villages in eastern Liguria. The most popular trail, Sentiero Azzurro, runs along the water.

The first village we will see is Riomaggiore, the most southern village of the Cinque Terre. It was first mentioned in the 13th century. The founders of the village moved from the hills to the sea, and built 3-4-storey houses on the rocky, steep territory. The houses have two entrances, one at the front, and one at the back, usually higher up.

The houses are built close to one another, & not much sun enters the back alleys, so they are nice and cool even during the hot summer months. Riomaggiore is like a labyrinth of alleys and steps.

After a short visit, we will board our boat to the next village: Manarola. The houses are pastel, the water is turquoise, and the rock on which the town sits is black. Don't miss the “Lovers’ Path” that joins Manarola with Riomaggiore. You'll see some of the world's most thrilling scenery. This mile long path was cut from a rock overlooking the sea.

Next stop is in Vernazza, the most popular among the Cinque Terre; everyone wants to hang out here as it’s incredibly photogenic. Vernazza is a one-street town with a church built on the water. It has a castle, the remains of the old wall that protected against pirates, a gorgeous waterfront piazza and a harbor with a spit of sand, which you may even call a beach. A bigger beach was carved out by the floods in 2011 too — the only positive thing to come from that disaster.

Last stop is in Monterosso, the northernmost village & the biggest among the Cinque Terre. Monterosso has many streets and even a few cars driving around there. Its landscape isn’t as vertical as the other villages. Monterosso is made up of an old town, a new town, lots of sandy beaches and a long seaside promenade. Here you can avoid stairs and enjoy a more “resort” feel. In 2006, Forbes Traveler listed Monterosso among the 25 sexiest beaches of the world, along with Hawaii, Mexico and the Maldives.

Overnight: Cinque Terre - Hotel NH La Spezia – First Class

Meals: B, D

Breakfast at the hotel.

08:00 AM: This morning, you will depart by your private coach to Lucca (80 Km /1 hr), an important medieval city of Tuscany. We will meet our local guide upon arrival in Lucca & start with a beautiful walk along a stretch of the city walls, enjoy a wonderful overview on roofs, alleys, tower-houses, wonderful churches and aristocratic palaces of the city and then move into the historical town center, which is easy to visit because of its dimensions. Discover Piazza S. Michele, the heart of the city, with the splendid Basilica in white limestone (12th – 14th century) and the splendid Palazzo Pretorio. Pass by the characteristic shops overlooking the squares and narrow roads and reach Piazzadel Mercato where you can admire the particular shape built on the tracks of the Roman amphitheater dating back to the second century BC. Then visit the famous Gothic Cathedral of San Martino (11th century) with the sculptural masterpiece of the tomb of Ilaria del Carretto and discover the characteristic Torre Guinigi with a huge holm on the top.

You will continue on to Pisa (27 Km /approx.. 40 min) one of the most visited cities in Tuscany and it is famous for its Leaning Tower (we usually do not include the entrance fees to the tower, as visiting it requires a considerable amount of physical effort, the spiral staircase to reach the top has 251 steps). Also visit the magnificent Baptistery, the stunning Cathedral, and the Monumental Graveyard.

Depending upon the timing, we will stop for lunch either in Lucca or in Pisa. After visiting Pisa, we will continue to Florence (90 Km /approx.. 1hr 30min) & upon arrival, you will check-into your rooms.

The evening is spent at leisure. Return to hotel.

Overnight: Florence - Hotel Leonardo da Vinci - First Class

Offering classically styled rooms with air conditioning and free Wi-Fi, Hotel Leonardo Da Vinci is just outside the Fortezza da Basso exhibition centre. Firenze Santa Maria Novella Train Station is 300 m away. Each room is equipped with a LED TV with satellite channels, spacious bathroom with bath or shower, and elegant parquet or tiled floors. Some rooms feature modern furniture and furnishings. The buffet breakfast is served in a breakfast room and includes fresh fruit, pastries, cheese, ham and hot-dog sausages. It is available from 07:00 to 10:00.

Meals: B, L

Breakfast at the hotel.

This morning, you will enjoy a classic walking tour to discover the most popular sights of Florence, the tumultuous history, the legends and the short stories. See most fascinating masterpieces and learn from our experienced tour guide about the making and molding of this fabulous city while strolling around the narrow alleys.

Visit the marvelous Accademia Gallery with its treasure: Michelangelo’s David. Continue to Piazza della Repubblica, the ancient Roman forum that later became the city’s Jewish ghetto. Top it all off with a stroll on the Ponte Vecchio, one the most picturesque bridge in all of Florence. At Piazza della Signoria, admire the towering Palazzo Vecchio, visiting the original site for Michelangelo’s ‘David’, where an exact replica stands.

Later you will have the incredible opportunity to discover Florence Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore cathedral), entering with a skip-the-line ticket to the symbol of the city. Designed by Arnolfo di Cambio, the cathedral is the third largest church in the world (after St. Peter's in Rome and St. Paul's in London) and it was the largest church in Europe, when it was completed in the 15th century. The numerous different styles that you will encounter in the building bear witness to changing tastes over the long period of time that elapsed between its foundation and its completion. Discover masterpieces such as Paolo Uccello’s clock, Vasari’s frescoes and Bandinelli’s marble choir.

Learn how the massive self-standing cathedral dome was built and how it can still firmly dominate Florence skyline after 600 years, withstanding earthquakes and the passage of time. With his astonishingly innovative approach in vaulting the dome space without any scaffolding, Brunelleschi changed the rules of architecture forever, by inventing the way to defy gravity and reach eternity.

Next, our Enriching Lives experience, will bring us to The Venerable Arch-confraternity of the Misericordia of Florence. It represents one of the most long-lived city institutions, having been born during the 1200s. Since its origins, the Archconfraternity has worked to transport patients to hospitals and funeral services; but his commitment was profuse in a wider work of relief, also taking care to equip poor girls, free prisoners from prison for debts, provide subsidies to poor patients and provide for the burial of the poor. Today the institution offers a series of services ranging from health and social transport to the residences for the elderly, family counseling, center to the specialist outpatients, civil protection, a counseling anti-usury center, a supply center to health equipment and food aid.

During the 19th century the Confraternity was particularly active in the work of preventing epidemics. The activity of the Misericordia was extremely important during armed conflicts and, above all, during the two World Wars.

The Misericordia has a collection of objects for health care, including equipment, mainly medieval, for transporting the wounded and the ill. In the four rooms of the library are about 2,800 folders of hand-written documents.

Overnight: Florence - Hotel Leonardo da Vinci - First Class

Meals: B

Breakfast at the hotel.

07:30 AM: Check-out of your hotel and get onboard your bus to be transferred to the Tuscany countryside, with a quick visit of Siena (70 Km /approx.. 1hr 30min), one of the best-preserved examples of medieval Italian architecture in the world. Spared by German bombing in World War 2, this time capsule of ancient, precarious-looking buildings is home to the Palio, one of the greatest and most dangerous horse races in the world. Your expert tour leader will immerse you in the unique history and culture of Siena as you explore its narrow streets before escorting you to the doors of the breathtaking Siena Cathedral.

Continue onward to your next destination Laticastelli (30 Km /approx.. 1 hr), a lovely small medieval Tuscan village that has been transformed into a beautiful Country Relais retaining the old charm and beauty. It combines history with exclusive services, like the wonderful Panoramic Swimming Pool and spectacular views.

After check in, you will discover the secrets of the Tuscan Cuisine. You will learn step by step the recipes and the mystery of the local ingredients and products. You will cook together with the chef preparing your own lunch.

Overnight: Tuscany - Hotel Laticastelli Country Relais - First Class

Laticastelli is a resort perched on the top of a Tuscan hill with an impressive view of the surrounding countryside, on the road to a park with cedars and flowers. At the bottom of valley, close to the River Ombrone that limits the property, there is a polo field; farther away olive trees, vineyards and grain fields. The woods with winding paths make it an ideal place to ride, walk or just relax. Originally the building was a 13th century castle part of a medieval village and nowadays it is an exclusive 60 hectare resort. Enjoy the unique combination of an historic location combined with the art, culture and exceptional landscapes of Tuscany.

Meals: B, L

Breakfast at the hotel.

07:15 AM: Check-out from your hotel and transfer to the wonderful Amalfi coast (approx 4.5 hr drive).

On the way, you will be astonished by the panoramic views that the Italian regions can offer. Arrival at one of the ports in the region (possibly Sorrento or Naples), we will get onboard of a regular boat with a local guide to visit the island of Capri and its spectacular surrounds. We will have lunch at a local Italian restaurant in Capri.

You will have the opportunity to get close to the most attractive villas and grottos that have made Capri an icon destination of natural beauty and luxury. Arriving on the island of Capri you will enjoy a guided tour supported by typical public bus transport (included) plus a funicular experience to Mt. Montesolaro (funicular tickets included) to reach the peak mountain of the isle from where it is possible to enjoy one of the best views for the photographers.

After your explorations on Capri, you will return by the regular boat to reach the port where the bus takes you to your hotel in Maiori.

Overnight: Maiori - Hotel Pietra di Luna - First Class

Located in the centre of Maiori and only 30 metres from the beach, Hotel Pietra di Luna offers free access to its private beach with loungers and parasols. Wi-Fi in public areas and parking on site are free. The classic rooms come with air conditioning, a satellite TV and bathroom with a hairdryer. Some rooms feature a full or partial Mediterranean Sea view.Breakfast is served buffet style and consists of sweet and savoury food. The hotel’s restaurant serves regional and international cuisine and is open daily.Pietra di Luna Hotel also features a sun terrace with tables and chairs and an outdoor swimming pool with loungers and parasols. A sauna is available upon request.

Meals: B, L

Breakfast at the hotel.

This morning you will discover the Amalfi coast with your local guide. You will be astonished at every stop along this spectacular coastal road, thanks to the impressive views offered at every curve. The experience will be enriched by visits to the region’s three most popular and beautiful villages: Positano, Amalfi and Ravello.

Hear the best comments of the tour guide at every stop, or spend memorable time for independent inside visits like in the Paradiso Cloister of Amalfi (not included), or Villa Rufolo of Ravello (not included) or the Amalfi’s Dome and the Positano’s Abbey. Admire the unique artisan heritage, the colored fishermen’s houses and the inimitable craft shops that characterize each town.

At the end of the tour return to your Amalfi area hotel and have some free time to enjoy this magical sea town.

Overnight: Maiori - Hotel Pietra di Luna - First Class

Meals: B

Breakfast at the hotel.

08:00 AM: Check-out of your hotel and you will be transferred to Rome by your private coach. (approx: 271 km / 3.5 hrs)

Upon your arrival, in Rome, we will stop at a local restaurant for lunch (own expense), before visiting the most imposing work of the Imperial Rome, the Colosseum - one of the most famous monuments in the world. Our expert guide will tell us stories about the brutal events that were once held here, like executions and gory gladiator battles. As you stroll around the perimeter of the amphitheater, try to image the ancient crowd of up to 50,000 spectators who cheered as gladiators’ fates were decided by power-hungry emperors.

Next, exit the Colosseum and walk over to the Roman Forum, once the political heart of the city. Get an up-close view of ancient remains like the House of the Vestal Virgins and the Temple of Julius Caesar, and then walk up Palatine Hill for another perspective of the ruins, including Circus Maximus, where chariot races once took place.

We will check-in at the hotel, followed by a Heart of Rome walking tour (historic center).

Discover the incredible city built by Popes and thanks to the talents of Bernini, Borromini, Michelangelo, Cellini and many others. In the seventeenth century, the city of Rome became the consummate statement of Catholic majesty and triumph expressed in all the arts. Start from Piazza del Popolo, walk along Via del Corso, then see Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Piazza Navona and the Italian Parliament.

You will begin your discovery walking in Piazza di Spagna, places of the famous staircase of Spanish Steps leading to Trinita' dei Monti. Piazza di Spagna has long been the Anglo-American center of Rome; the British Consul used to have his office here, and the brick Anglican church lies just a few blocks down Via del Babuino.

By walking a short distance we will arrive at Trevi Fountain, the Baroque style fountain where, as the legend says, you can toss the coin to ensure that you will one day return to Rome! Really beautiful is the Parliament or “Palazzo Montecitorio”, the seat of the Italian Chamber of Deputies. The building was originally designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini for the young Cardinal Ludovico Ludovisi, nephew of Pope Gregory XV. It was completed by the architect Carlo Fontana, who modified Bernini's plan with the addition of a bell gable above the main entrance.

Afterwards, we will enter the beautiful Baroque church Saint Ignazio and experience an optical illusion frescoed on the ceiling by Andrea Pozzo, a master of perspective. Here you will find a celebrated cafè where is served the best espresso coffee in the city.

Next stop is Pantheon, first an Ancient temple in Rome, then transformed in a church. Here you will be astonished by its architectural technique secrets, by the big open hole in the ceiling and you will see the important funeral monuments of the Italian Kings and of the painter Raphael.

Just a few minutes and you will find San Luigi dei Francesi church, with the unique Chapel of Saint Matthew decorated by the genius of Caravaggio (please note this is closed on Thursday afternoons). The tour will end in Piazza Navona, one of the most beautiful squares of Rome where in the center stands the huge Four Rivers Fountain, the Baroque masterpiece designed by the artist Bernini.

Overnight: Rome - Hotel Trevi - First Class

Just 50 m from Rome’s most famous fountain, Hotel Trevi is composed of several buildings and offers air-conditioned rooms with satellite TV and a minibar. Breakfast is served buffet style on the hotel's rooftop terrace.Rooms have a modern design, and some include wood-beamed ceilings and views of nearby rooftops. Some rooms are located in separate buildings 50 to 100 m away.The extensive buffet breakfast includes cold cuts, cheese, salads, eggs and fresh fruit.This hotel is in the heart of Rome's historical centre, a few steps from the Trevi Fountain. It is surrounded by ice cream parlours, restaurants and shops, and is only 5 minutes' walk from the Spanish Steps.

Meals: B

Breakfast at the hotel.

This morning, we will visit the Vatican Museums that contain the most extensive collection of art in the world.

Walk through the Gallery of the Maps and Gallery of Tapestries as you listen to tales of Vatican intrigue. Gaze at artifacts such as timeworn yet fascinating Italian maps, and admire the sculptures and candelabras of the Gallery of Candelabras. Stop for photos in front of the Pigna statue in the Pinecone Courtyard, designed by Dontao Bramante. Raphael’s Rooms are a series of galleries that highlight the talent of the lauded Renaissance artist himself. Pass through the rooms, and then step inside the Sistine Chapel — the pope’s personal place of worship and a highlight of any Vatican trip. Stand beneath Michelangelo’s The Creation of Adam, which cloaks the ceiling, and admire The Last Judgement, his colorful mural that adorns a wall. After your Sistine Chapel visit, continue to St Peter’s Basilica, the symbolic heart of the Catholic church. Learn about its history and see more Vatican art including Michelangelo’s La Pietà, which was sculpted when the maestro was only 24 years old. Gaze at the Baldachino by Bernini.

After this exciting leap in the past, we will be transferred back to the our hotel, where the rest of the day is at leisure.

Overnight: Rome - Hotel Trevi - First Class.

Meals: B

Breakfast at the hotel.

After breakfast, this morning final transfer to Rome Airport for your return flight to Canada. Just say Arrive derci to Italy (“see you again”) as you will surely be back one day!

Meals: B

Bon Voyage!

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