Italy Odyssey

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.

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.

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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