Private Tour (ITA008) Grand Italy Europe Tour 9 Days 8 Nights

On our first day of travel, we will welcome you at Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport in Rome, Italy, before departing for Pompeii, a distance of 242 km taking about 2 hours and 50 minutes. Pompeii is an ancient Roman city that was buried under volcanic ash and pumice from Mount Vesuvius, disappearing overnight. Explore the excavated ruins, from buildings and homes to temples, markets, ancient theaters, and everyday artifacts, all uncovered by archaeologists in remarkably preserved condition.

Next, we continue our journey to Sorrento, just 27 km away—a romantic coastal resort town in southern Italy. After taking in the sights, we will board a ferry to the island of Capri, an idyllic paradise in southern Italy. Ride the funicular up to Capri town for panoramic views from above, stroll through the romantic streets, and take photos with the iconic sights of Capri: the Gardens of Augustus and the Faraglioni rock formations.

hotel Overnight Capri · example hotel Hotel San Michele ***

Today, we take you on a tour of Capri island to visit the Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra), one of more than 10 sea caves around the island. What sets it apart and makes it world-famous is the enchanting, glowing blue light inside, created by sunlight shining through an underwater opening and reflecting off the sea water. It is a magical spectacle that never fails to amaze visitors. To enter, visitors board small rowboats that pass through an entrance rising barely a meter above sea level. Visiting the cave therefore depends on the weather, tides, and sea conditions on the day.

Next, we depart Capri for Naples. Visit Piazza del Plebiscito, the city's grand central square, and the National Archaeological Museum, an elegant historic red building housing an extraordinary collection of ancient art and sculptures, mostly recovered from the ruins of Pompeii. The towering classical statues inside will truly make you feel humbled in scale. We then take a funicular up to Castel Sant'Elmo for sweeping high-angle views of Naples, followed by a visit to Naples Cathedral (Duomo di Napoli), which has long been the spiritual heart of the local Catholic community.

When the time is right, we journey back to Rome, the capital of Italy. The saying "All roads lead to Rome" rings true from antiquity to the present day, with Rome remaining one of the most visited cities in the world. Steoped in history for more than 2,800 years, this magnificent city welcomes you. We visit the Trevi Fountain, where tradition says that if you make a wish and toss a coin with your right hand over your left shoulder, you are destined to return to Rome again.

Afterward, visit the Spanish Steps, a famous gathering spot for locals and visitors alike, and enjoy shopping along the glamorous Via Condotti, home to Rome's most prestigious boutiques and luxury fashion houses.

hotel Overnight Rome · example hotel Hotel Giotto ***

Today, we visit Vatican City in Rome, the seat of the Pope, head of the Roman Catholic Church. It is recognized as the world's smallest sovereign state (0.44 sq km), centered around St. Peter's Basilica. Explore the Vatican Museums, an immense treasure trove of fine art, featuring the iconic Sistine Chapel adorned with Michelangelo's celebrated fresco, The Creation of Adam. Admire St. Peter's Square and St. Peter's Basilica, the grand landmarks of the Vatican, and climb the 551 steps to the top of the dome for a breathtaking bird's-eye view looking out over the magnificent square.

We then return to Rome to visit the Colosseum, the colossal ancient amphitheater in the heart of Rome once used for gladiatorial contests and wild animal hunts. Completed in 80 AD, this oval amphitheater measures 527 meters in perimeter, stands 57 meters tall, and could hold over 60,000 spectators. It was officially named one of the New 7 Wonders of the World in 2007 (BE 2550).

Next, we visit the Roman Forum, which served as the heart of ancient Rome for political assemblies, government affairs, religious ceremonies, and daily life. Spanning over 900 years in its development, today it stands as atmospheric ruins where you can still feel the grandeur of the Roman Empire. We also head up to the viewpoint on Palatine Hill for a splendid panoramic vista overlooking both the Roman Forum and the Colosseum.

Afterward, we depart for Siena, traveling 223 km (about 2.5 hours), where we will stay overnight.

hotel Overnight Siena · example hotel Hotel Sangallo Park ***

This morning, we explore Siena. In the morning, we visit Piazza del Campo, the grand public square at the heart of the city. We see the Fonte Gaia (Fountain of Joy), built in 1419. This spot marked the terminus of the aqueduct system bringing clean water into the city center for public use; the rectangular marble fountain is adorned with delicate carved reliefs. We visit Palazzo Pubblico, built in 1297, which served as the government seat in the Middle Ages for the Council of Nine. The exterior is a fine example of medieval architecture influenced by Gothic style, featuring a stone lower level topped with brick, and slightly recessed arches designed to echo the outward curve of Piazza del Campo. We also see the Torre del Mangia, built between 1325 and 1344, intentionally designed to surpass all towers in neighboring towns—especially those in Florence. Next, we visit Piazza del Duomo, showcasing Sienese art adapted from Gothic styles between 1215 and 1263, comprising three parts: the Duomo, Bell Tower, and Baptistery.

Next, we head to San Gimignano, a journey of 58 km taking about 1 hour. We take a walking tour of San Gimignano, an ancient hill town in Tuscany surrounded by historic city walls. Admire its 14 soaring medieval towers, visit the town cathedral, San Gimignano Duomo (Collegiate Church of San Gimignano) in Piazza del Duomo, and view the exterior of Palazzo del Popolo.

We then continue to Pisa, traveling 177 km (about 1 hour and a quarter). Pisa was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. We visit the small church of Santa Maria della Spina along the Arno River, followed by the world-famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Completed in 1350 after 177 years of construction, this 8-story cylindrical white marble tower stands 55 meters tall with 293 steps, leaning approximately 3.9 meters off center at the top. It was never intended to lean; the tilt began during the construction of the third floor due to soft underlying ground. In the same complex, we visit the Duomo di Pisa (Pisa Cathedral) and the Baptistery to the west of the cathedral, featuring a central baptismal font. In Pisa, this circular baptistery served as a place for religious instruction and baptism.

hotel Overnight Pisa · example hotel Calamidoro Hotel ****

Today, we take you on a journey to Florence (Firenze in Italian), a distance of 90 km taking about 1 hour and 20 minutes. Florence is a renowned city of art on the banks of the Arno River, once a bustling center of commerce and the birthplace of various Renaissance arts and architecture. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982. We visit Piazzale Michelangelo, a panoramic viewpoint offering sweeping vistas over Florence, characterized by uniform terracotta-tiled rooftops and the majestic dome of the Duomo rising above them—especially striking when illuminated at night.

Admire the grand Duomo, and nearby, visit Ponte Vecchio, the iconic bridge spanning the Arno River. Unlike ordinary bridges, it is lined with shops on both sides; originally home to butcher shops, it is now bustling with art and jewelry boutiques.

We visit Piazza della Signoria and Santa Maria Novella church near the railway station, noted for its facade of patterned white and green marble. We also explore Piazza del Duomo, a public square filled with quintessential Renaissance landmarks, and Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral, the 4th largest cathedral in Europe.

hotel Overnight Florence · example hotel Ih Hotels Firenze Business ****

Today, we travel to Venice, a journey of 256 km taking about 2 hours and 40 minutes. The island city of Venice is situated in the Adriatic Sea and is one of Italy's most famous destinations. Built on islands supported by wooden pilings, it faces the threat of submersion in coming decades. This unique city of water has no roadways for cars—only canals and gondolas. Ancient residences, islands, bridges, markets, churches, and palaces come together in a magnificent setting.

We take a boat ride along the Grand Canal, followed by a walking tour of Venice's top highlights: St. Mark's Basilica, the premier cathedral of Venice. The basilica's roof features domes reminiscent of Islamic mosques, with the largest central dome. The basilica is adorned with shimmering gold mosaics from ceiling to floor, earning it the title “Church of Gold”. We also admire the Doge's Palace, a Venetian Gothic palace once home to the Duke of Venice, richly adorned inside with gold and masterwork paintings.

See the famous Rialto Bridge, one of the most photographed spots in the city, alongside two other renowned historic bridges: Accademia Bridge and Scalzi Bridge, with Rialto being the oldest across the canal.

We ascend St. Mark's Campanile (bell tower), standing 98 meters tall in front of St. Mark's Basilica. This is another favorite photo spot for travelers and offers a wonderful vantage point to climb up and admire the scenic views of Venice.

Enjoy leisure time for shopping at your own pace, and optionally attend a musical concert in the evening if you wish.

hotel Overnight Venice: Hotel example: Smart Hotel Holiday **** (or equivalent)

Today, we take you to Verona, a drive of 112 km taking about 1 hour and 10 minutes. Verona is a UNESCO World Heritage city in northern Italy, second in size only to Venice in the region, and widely renowned from the story of Romeo and Juliet. We view the Arena di Verona, an ancient Roman amphitheater dating back to the 1st century, surpassed in size only by the Colosseum in Rome and the Arena of Nîmes in France. We stroll through the grand Piazza delle Erbe, take photos outside Juliet's House—a medieval townhouse at No. 23 Via Cappello—and visit Verona Cathedral.

Next, we head to Sirmione, a journey of 53 km taking about 40 minutes. Sirmione sits along the shores of Lake Garda, Italy's largest lake. It is a picturesque, historic town dating back more than 2,000 years and one of the most popular lakeside destinations. The town forms an eye-catching peninsula extending gracefully into the lake; its historic core, surrounded by clear waters, has an enchanting charm. Enjoy a leisurely walk through the old town and along the lakeside promenade.

In the evening, we take you to Milan, a drive of 145 km taking nearly 2 hours, where we stay overnight.

hotel Overnight Milan · example hotel Centro Siloe Residence ****

Today, we take you on a journey to Lake Como, located 84 kilometers from Milan, taking about 1 hour and 40 minutes to travel. Situated in northern Italy near the Swiss border, Lake Como served as a filming location for James Bond movies and is the third largest lake in Italy. We will explore the most charming and renowned towns around the lake, such as Bellagio and Varenna, and take a water taxi to admire the lakeside villas. If time permits, we will visit famous villas on the shores and lake area, including Villa Carlotta and Villa del Balbianello, or you may choose to explore the town of Lenno instead.

We return to Milan, the fashion capital of the world. We will take you to experience the grand magnificence of the Milan Cathedral (Duomo), the largest Gothic cathedral in the world. Construction began in 1386 and took 427 years to complete. Built almost entirely of marble, it stands 157 meters high and 92 meters wide. The roof and exterior facade feature 135 spires sculpted with various saints, topped at the highest point by a 4-meter-tall statue of the Virgin Mary coated entirely in gold.

Stroll around Piazza del Duomo in front of the cathedral, which features an equestrian statue of King Vittorio Emanuele II (Victor Emmanuel II) standing in the center of the square. He was the founder of the Kingdom of Italy, who unified the various regions into the nation of Italy.

Enjoy shopping at Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a luxurious and opulent building that is one of the world's oldest shopping malls. Built in 1865 and named in honor of King Vittorio Emanuele II, it features a glass-vaulted iron structure with a central dome, marble and granite floors, and walls adorned with beautiful mosaics and stucco work. It houses numerous fashion boutiques, especially renowned Italian designer brands, as well as restaurants and cafes.

There is no tour scheduled for the rest of today; we will transfer you to Milan Airport according to your departure schedule.

hotel Overnight Milan · example hotel Centro Siloe Residence **** 9 Milan Airport