Europe Private Tour (ITY007) Grand Italy 8 Days 7 Nights

Welcome at Milan Airport - Milan, the fashion capital of the world. Take you to admire the grandeur of Duomo Cathedral, the largest Gothic cathedral in the world. Begun in 1386, it took 427 years to complete. Built almost entirely of marble, it stands 157 meters high and 92 meters wide. The roof and exterior feature 135 spires adorned with statues of various saints, crowned at the highest point by a 4-meter-tall gilded statue of the Virgin Mary.

Stroll through Piazza Duomo in front of the cathedral, home to the equestrian monument of King Vittorio Emanuele II (Victor Emanuel II in English) standing at the center of the vast square—the monarch who unified the regions to establish the nation of Italy.

Shop at Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, an opulent and luxurious structure that is one of the world's oldest shopping malls. Built in 1865 and named in honor of King Vittorio Emanuele II, it features an iron and glass structure with a central dome, marble and granite floors, and walls adorned with exquisite mosaics and stucco reliefs. It is filled with numerous fashion boutiques, particularly prestigious Italian luxury brands, as well as restaurants and cafes.

Today, we take you on an excursion to Lake Como, located 84 kilometers from Milan with a travel time of 1 hour and 40 minutes. Situated in northern Italy near the Swiss border, Lake Como is Italy's third-largest lake and a filming location for James Bond films. Explore the most famous charming towns around Lake Como, such as Bellagio and Varenna, and take a water taxi to view villas on the lake. If time permits, tour renowned lakeside villas including Villa Carlotta and Villa del Balbianello, or you may choose to explore the town of Lenno instead.

After breakfast, travel to Tronchetto Pier and take a boat to the island of Venice, arriving at St. Mark's Square (Piazza San Marco). Located in the Adriatic Sea, Venice is Italy's most famous travel destination. The city was built on islands supported by wooden pilings, facing the threat of sinking in the coming decades. Known as the City of Water, its unique charm features no cars—only canals and gondolas. Ancient buildings, islands, bridges, markets, churches, and grand palaces blend together in magnificent style.

Take a boat cruise along the Grand Canal, then explore the highlights of Venice on foot, including St. Mark's Basilica, the most important church in Venice. The roof of St. Mark's Basilica features Islamic mosque-style domes, with the central dome being the largest, adorned with glittering gold mosaics from ceiling to floor, earning it the nickname "Church of Gold." Visit the Doge's Palace, a Venetian Gothic palace once home to the Duke of Venice, decorated with gold and numerous paintings inside. See the famous Rialto Bridge, the most popular photo spot for visitors, along with the other 2 famous bridges: Accademia Bridge and Scalzi Bridge, with the latter being among the oldest. Ascend St. Mark's Campanile, rising 98 meters tall in front of St. Mark's Basilica—another iconic landmark favored for photography and a vantage point where visitors can walk up to enjoy breathtaking views of Venice. Enjoy free time for shopping at your leisure.

In the morning, after breakfast, we take a boat to the colorful island of Murano, renowned for its centuries-old tradition of artisanal glassblowing. You can visit a glassmaking museum on Murano and shop for local handicrafts. Next, take a boat to Burano to admire its delightfully colorful houses and visit the lace museum on this charming island famous for exquisite handcrafted lace.

After breakfast, we will take you along the western coast of Italy to explore the Italian Riviera—the 5 coastal villages of Cinque Terre—and La Spezia.

Travel to La Spezia and board a boat or train to explore the stunning UNESCO World Heritage site of the 5 coastal villages of Cinque Terre, located along the Italian Riviera. CINQUE TERRE translates to "FIVE LANDS," comprising 5 villages: MONTEROSSO AL MARE, VERNAZZA, CORNIGLIA, MANAROLA, and RIOMAGGIORE. Riomaggiore and Manarola are especially charming. These coastal villages boast breathtaking, magnificent, and unforgettable scenery. Spend the full day visiting each village as time permits. Afterward, head to La Spezia for an overnight stay, or you may choose to stay in one of the coastal villages, though accommodations are limited, compact, and less convenient. If time permits, you can also explore La Spezia, one of Italy's key commercial and naval harbors.

Travel to Florence, the capital of Tuscany and the heart of Italian art, situated along the banks of the Arno River. Once a major commercial hub and the birthplace of various arts and architecture, it has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1982. Visit Piazzale Michelangelo, a scenic viewpoint offering panoramic views over Florence, with its warm orange rooftops spanning the city and the dome of the Duomo standing out prominently, looking even more magnificent when illuminated at night.

Admire the grand Duomo, and nearby, visit Ponte Vecchio, the iconic bridge spanning the Arno River. Unlike typical bridges, it features shops lining both sides—originally home to butcher shops, but today filled with art and jewelry stores.

Explore Piazza della Signoria and visit Santa Maria Novella Church near the train station, with its striking facade of patterned white and green marble. Discover Piazza del Duomo, a square showcasing iconic Renaissance architecture, and admire Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral, the 4th largest cathedral in Europe.

Enjoy breakfast, then travel to Rome, the capital of Italy. The saying "All roads lead to Rome" rings as true today as it did in antiquity, with Rome remaining one of the world's most visited and historically significant cities, boasting over 2,800 years of history. Visit the Colosseum, the grand open-air amphitheater in central Rome once used for gladiatorial contests and wild beast hunts. Completed in 80 AD, this elliptical arena measures 527 meters in circumference and 57 meters in height, with a capacity of over 60,000 spectators, and was named one of the New 7 Wonders of the World in 2007. Next, visit the Roman Forum, the ancient heart of political, administrative, and religious life in Rome, built over a span of 900 years; though now in ruins, its monumental grandeur remains awe-inspiring. Take in the panoramic views from Palatine Hill overlooking the Roman Forum and Colosseum. Continue to Vatican City, located within Rome, the papal residence and spiritual center of the Roman Catholic Church. Recognized as the world's smallest independent state (0.44 sq km), its center is St. Peter's Basilica. Explore the Vatican Museums, housing vast collections of world-renowned art, highlighted by the Sistine Chapel with Michelangelo's famed fresco, The Creation of Adam. Walk through St. Peter's Square and St. Peter's Basilica, the definitive symbol of Vatican City. Climb the 551 steps to the top of the dome for a breathtaking aerial vista looking back over the grand piazza below.

After breakfast, enjoy any remaining sightseeing in Rome as time allows. Transfer to Rome Airport for VAT refund processing and check-in for your flight back to Thailand.