24-Day Best of Italy's Cities & Countryside

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Enjoy a rented e-bike for a full day and take a ride on the Garda cycle path that goes from Riva del Garda to Limone sul Garda, with some portions almost hung above Lake Garda. Cycling on the Ciclopista del Garda, the cycle path built 60 meters above the lake, 2.6 meters wide, will make you feel like floating on steep cliffs. In the late afternoon and evening, you'll have free time to spend as you wish to explore the area or relax at the hotel.

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On your way with a private driver between Torbole and Verona, your driver will take you to the most significant views of Verona for a short tour of about two hours in the city during which you'll visit the famous Juliet House and the Arena di Verona. You'll then board a train to Venice, a short 1.5-hour journey away. Upon arrival in Venice, you'll check into your hotel then have the rest of the afternoon and evening free to explore on your own.

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Along with your local guide, you will explore Venice. Your guide will show you the halls of power, taking you back to a very particular historical context: the European Middle Ages. You'll visit the Palazzo Ducale, that was, for centuries, the seat of Venetian political power. Admire its splendid rooms, plastered and packed with hundreds of masterpieces. You'll then move onto Saint Mark's Basilica, a masterpiece of Byzantine art.

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Today, you'll have plenty of free time to discover the city of Venice on your own. Venice is a magnificent city built on over 100 islands, often referred to as the 'floating city'. It is a winding route of canals and bridges accessed by long-tail boat, its creativity, history and architectural beauty will charm you into discovery. The city bursts with museums, bridges, piazzas, basilicas and beautiful houses to explore.

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Today, you'll begin your day by travelling by train from Venice to Bologna. Upon arrival, you'll hop on a bus to visit FICO Eataly World on a one-hour shared tour. FICO Eataly is a unique park focused on biodiversity and agriculture. It includes a 20,000-square-metre farm where cattle, stables and fields for vegetables can be visited where the main products are grown. Upon arrival at your hotel in Bologna, the rest of the day will be free to relax.

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Today, you'll get to know Bologna through one of its greatest passions - food! During this shared guided tour of a group no bigger than eight people, you'll start the day the Italian way, with 'cappuccino e cornetto' - a coffee and a croissant. You'll then visit a pasta factory and have a tasting of cured meat, Parmigiano and Aceto Balsamico. You'll sample three famous homemade pasta dishes at a typical trattoria and a slice of Roman pizza.

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This morning after breakfast, you'll catch a train from Bologna to Firenze (a short 40-minute journey). Upon arrival in Florence, you'll make your own way to your hotel where you'll check in and then have the rest of the day free to explore Florence however you wish. Florence is renowned as one of the most cultural and historical cities in the world and is packed full of amazing architecture and places of significance.

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This morning you'll join a small group guided tour of Florence and the Uffizi Gallery. With a local guide, you'll explore the heart of the Renaissance city and the Uffizi Gallery. Florence was a very powerful and rich city, home of the Medici family and many great artists such as Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. During this guided visit, you will learn about centuries of history from the Roman era to modern times.

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This morning, you'll pick up the pre-arranged rental car up in Florence. The car will be a Fiat 500X (or a similar example of a compact 5-door, petrol or diesel with air conditioning). You'll then drive two hours to your next destination, Volterra. Volterra is a pretty town in the province of Pisa where it is still possible to enjoy the atmosphere of an ancient medieval village, particularly known for its Etruscan origins and for the numerous archaeological finds belonging to this era.

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Everyone knows Pisa and its leaning tower, but you often forget that the tower is in fact the bell tower of the splendid Cathedral Santa Maria Assunta. Pisa has many other hidden treasures, its palaces and churches that you will discover along a stroll in its centre. You'll travel by private car form Volterra with your private guide to explore Pisa and Lucca. A charming Tuscan landscape will be the frame to your day, spent relaxing in the company of a knowledgeable guide.

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Today, you'll discover Tuscany and its beautiful landscape even more. The small town of San Gimignano is a remarkable example of medieval architecture in Tuscany. Known for its towers, of different heights because it was supposed to represent the importance of the family that ordered the construction, the silhouette of San Gimignano is unique. You'll taste from typical wine in Chianti, known as one of Italy's most famous wine-producing regions.

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Today, you'll explore the wonderful cities of Siena and Monteriggioni. Siena is one of the most famous cities of Tuscany. You'll visit, but may already know of, the Piazza del Campo and theatre of the famous Palio, where the famous horse race is held in the streets of the city. After a walk through the narrow streets of Siena, you'll have a look at the impressive and imposing Duomo, built in white and black stones. You'll then travel to Monteriggioni before heading back to Volterra.

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This morning you'll make your way to Assisi, your next destination. En route, you'll make several stops in various tuscan towns. The Valley of Orcia, south of Siena, is a concentrate of 'all things Tuscany': cypresses, white roads, hills covered with vineyards, and here and there pretty mansions that dominate the Tuscan countryside. It is also a region filled with remarkable small villages like Montepulciano, Pienza and San Quirico d'Orcia which you'll visit on this journey.

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Today, you'll discover the city of Assisi. Assisi stretches on the slopes of Mount Subasio, above the plain where the Topino and the Chiascio flow. Although it can boast a Roman origin, the present aspect of Assisi, both of the buildings and of the urban fabric, has certainly been determined by medieval development. You'll admire its many beautiful buildings and its church. The rest of the afternoon will then be free to spend as you wish.

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This morning you'll travel from Assisi to Rome. En route, you'll stop to visit and take a tour of the cities of Civita di Bagnoregio and Tivoli. Civita di Bagnoregio is a fine example of a late medieval village that has remained unchanged over time. It is located on a tuff hill at 443 metres above sea level, squeezed between the two ravines of Rio Chiaro and Rio Torbido. Next, you'll visit Tivoli where you'll explore the beautiful villas, Villa Hadrian and Villa d'Este before arriving in Rome.

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This morning, you'll return the rented car to the nearest office and then embark on a shared guided tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St Peter's Basilica. The Vatican Museums are a labyrinth of artworks, guiding visitors through building after building; masterpiece after masterpiece. You'll then head to the Sistine Chapel to lay eyes on the most famous ceiling completed by Michelangelo in 1512. You'll finish the tour at St. Peter's Basilica.

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This morning after breakfast, you'll head to a meeting point to join this shared guided tour of the key symbols of Rome. The tour starts at the Colosseum, where you will take a journey back through Roman history. After you're finished exploring the ancient theatre where gladiator games once took place, you'll visit the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Another two important iconic symbols of Rome that you may already recognise.

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Train from Rome Termini train station to Naples train station.

Visit Naples, the capital of southern Italy.

Explore the historic center and its small streets full of people, the place of the Plebiscito and the Palace, the theater S. Carlo, the oldest of Italy, the Gallery Umberto, the Castel Nuovo, the Castel dell'Ovo, the museum that houses the treasures found in Pompeii and Herculaneum ...

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Today, you'll travel to Sorrento, your next destination which is just a short distance from Naples. Here, you'll explore more hidden treasures. Sorrento is a coastal town in southwestern Italy, facing the Bay of Naples on the Sorrentine Peninsula. Perched atop cliffs that separate the town from its busy marinas, the historic centre is a warren of narrow alleys that's home to the Chiesa di San Francesco, a 14th-century church with a tranquil cloister.

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Today, you'll catch a train to explore the Pompeii Archaeological Park. In 79 AD, after centuries of rest, Mount Vesuvius awoke and a terrible eruption began. The explosions covered the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum with ash and pumice stones. For many centuries, the Roman cities remained buried until the eighteenth century, when they were discovered by chance during the construction of a well in Ercolano.

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This morning, you'll sail to the nearby island of Capri by hydrofoil. En route, you'll be able to admire the beautiful blue waters that surround the island. From the famous Piazzetta of Capri, you will discover the East Coast of the Island. Along alleys and paths, you admire the pretty white houses of the city and the splendid coast with these reefs. You'll also have the chance to visit the famed Blue Grotto or the other village on the island, Anacapri.

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This morning after breakfast, you'll take a boat from Sorrento to Amalfi. Amalfi, the ancient Maritime Republic is now a beautiful little town with white houses, built along the watercourse that passes under the city. The Duomo di Sant'Andrea overlooking the square is breathtaking for any traveller who enters the heart of Amalfi for the first time. You'll have plenty of time to explore this beautiful town as you'll spending your last night here.