12-Nights Best of Italy

12 nights from: $5,125

Best Of Italy
Discover the Best of Italy, from the ancient treasures of Rome to Renaissance Florence and everything in between. Imagine walking in the footsteps of St Francis in Assisi, lapping up the chic lifestyle on Capri, and taking a private guided visit to Pompeii to see a Roman city frozen in time.


Dining Summary

• 6 Dinner (D)
• 12 Breakfast (B)

• Baveno: Hear about the intriguing history of Lake Maggiore as you’re welcomed by the Cinque family for dinner and wine at their home, Villa Toscanini.

• Rome: During an orientation with your Travel Director see the medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches scattered throughout the city.
• : Enjoy an after-hours visit to the Basilica of Santa Maria in Cosmedin. Get up close to the legendary Mouth of Truth, an ancient Roman marble mask said to bite any liar who places their hand in the mask’s mouth. Dare to test the legend yourself and take one of the city’s most coveted photos.
• Rome: Be inspired by the magnificence of Michelangelo and da Vinci at the Vatican Museums.
• Vatican: In the Vatican City visit St. Peter's Basilica with a Local Specialist. Witness the early genius of Michelangelo as you take in the Piet.
• Rome: Discover ancient treasures of Rome with a Local Specialist. See Circus Maximus and visit the mighty Colosseum, which bears witness to the limitless courage of the gladiators.
• Pompeii: Walk with a Local Specialist through the cobbled streets of this ill-fated town, frozen in time since the 1st century.
• Capri: Join a Local Specialist on a walk through elegant Capri to gain insight into the island's local culture and historic landmarks.
• Assisi: With a Local Specialist, find out why the Basilica of St. Francis is considered to be one of the crowning artisitic achievements of 13th-century Europe.
• Modena: Travel through the lush landscape of Emilia-Romagna, past hilltop towns and agricultural lands.
• Verona: During an exploration of Verona, see Juliet's balcony in the courtyard of a Renaissance villa.
• Milan: See Milan's central highlights on an orientation tour with your Travel Director.
• Como: Take in exquisite views of the lake and its alpine backdrop as you enjoy an orientation of this magnificent town.
• Pisa: During an orientation, your Travel Director will show you the baptistery, cathedral and the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.
• Florence: Join a Local Specialist to view the multi-colored marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery, adorned by Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise. Visit the political heart of the city, Signoria Square.
• Florence: See the area around Santa Croce Basilica, famous for the quality of its luxury goods, and witness a gold and leatherwork demonstration.
• Florence: Stop at the Florence American Cemetery and Memorial. Framed by wooded hills, view the memorial marked by symmetrical rows of 4, 392 headstones and towering pylon monument.
• San Gimignano: Visit the medieval Manhattan of Italy as you explore the UNESCO-listed center of San Gimignano and admire the city's distinctive towers.

• Venice: Discover the ancient skill of Venetian glassblowing and play a part in preserving this traditional craft. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

• Fast-Track to the Vatican Museums
• Explore Rome, Pompeii, Capri, Assisi and Florence
• Discover Venice, Milan and San Gimignano
• Visit Vatican Museums, St. Peter's Basilica, the Colosseum and the Sistine Chapel in Rome, the excavations at Pompeii, the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi, a glassblowing factory in Venice, Lake Como and the Florence American Cemetery and Memorial
• View Juliet's Balcony in Verona, St. Mark's Basilica in Venice, the Cathedral and La Scala Opera House in Milan, the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Duomo in Florence
• See the ancient sites of Rome and the Abbey on Monte Cassino
• Scenic Cruise Ferry to the Isle of Capri, private launch to St. Mark's Square in Venice

• An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
• Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
• All porterage and restaurant gratuities
• All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
• Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
• Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
• Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
• Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
• Return cruise to the Isle of Capri
• Optional Experiences and free time
• On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.

Assisi is a well-preserved medieval town that's, after the Vatican, Italy's second most-popular religious-pilgrimage destination. Located high on a hilltop, it has an air of mystical serenity in keeping with its history. Assisi was the home of St. Francis (the founder of the Franciscan order of friars), and the churches and crypt that bear his name draw a steady stream of pilgrims and sightseers every year. Although the town was rocked by an earthquake in 1997, much of the damage has been repaired. One of the most severely damaged buildings, however, was the treasured Basilica of San Francesco, known for its vivid frescoes by Giotto that depict the life of the saint. The upper basilica has recently reopened and, though restoration continues, many of the beloved frescoes can be admired again. The lower basilica and St. Francis' tomb are also open to the public.

Assisi Travel Travel Agents

Jenna Zeh

Independent Travel Consultant

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Melissa Adams

Hi! I am Melissa

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Sarah Bellin

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Gail Mauck

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Lindsy Bragg

Lindsy Bragg

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Channing Rockwell

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Other places of interest include the Church of Santa Chiara, a medieval fortress (La Rocca Maggiore), the Piazza del Comune (the old town center) and St. Peter's church. Or just stroll the narrow, picturesque streets and listen to the musicians practicing nearby (though they may be drowned out by construction noises -- many buildings are still under renovation).

You may want to visit during one of Assisi's numerous celebrations: the Feast of Calendimaggio, a five-day coming-of-spring festival with medieval costumes, dances and songs (around the first week of May); a month of folklore and musical events in August; or the Feast of St. Francis (4 October), which celebrates the saint's transition from this life into the next. During this two-day festival, the entire town is illuminated by oil lamps. If you are going to Assisi at one of these times, reserve accommodations well ahead of time -- the city will be filled with pilgrims.