Day 1:ARRIVE IN ROME, ITALY Your Small Group Discovery Begins! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (D)
Day 2:ROME A Little Romance Join your group for an informative orientation tour to get to know the Eternal City with striking views of its legendary landmarks. Work up an appetite for a food tour of romantic Roma! (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTSMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE Time stands still with a small group walk through the Eternal City. Join your personal Local Guide to be amazed by the monumental, artistic, and religious buildings of Rome. Along the way, stop in three local venues that are perfect for small groups to taste local specialties.Day 3:ROME-NARNI-PERUGIA Small Pleasures in Perugia Enjoy an intimate walking tour to explore the sights of the ancient hilltop town of Narni. Next, visit a local frantoio farm for a special olive-oil tasting and light lunch in the 14th-century city of Perugia—one of the most beautiful and beloved villages in Italy. (B,L)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTOLIVE YOU, ITALY! For generations, the same family has cared for hectares of fertile ground in the green hearth of Umbria. Take in the scent and the color of the excellent olive oil in this timeless mill as the family shares their history of cultivating Frantoio olives to achieve the authentic characteristic of its delicious flavor. Day 4:PERUGIA-PIENZA Sweet Expectations Enjoy the sweet experience of a guided walking tour, including an exclusive chocolate-tasting experience in Perugia. Keep the samples coming with a savory Pecorino cheese-tasting in Pienza. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTCHOCOLATE IS LIFE The town of Perugia is widely known for its love affair with chocolate. Every year, this beautiful capital of Umbria hosts the annual Eurochocolate festival when chocolate enthusiasts from around the world gather and indulge in chocolate tastings and special events. ACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHTSMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE Settle in with your small group to enjoy two nights in the serenity of The Relais Chiostro di Pienza hotel. This former 13th-century Monastery of St. Francis combines austere elegance with Tuscan luxury in the center of the historic hamlet of Pienza.Day 5:PIENZA-EXCURSION TO BAGNO VIGNONI A Toast to Tuscany Visit the small village of Bagno Vignoni in the Val D 'Orcia region of Tuscany, renowned for its unique thermal baths which have been used since Roman times. [LF] Join your small group for a unique wine tasting in the Montepulciano region. (B)
LOCAL FAVORITENEW TRADITIONS A big advantage of small groups becomes clear when enjoying unique experiences like a visit to a sustainable and organic winery in the heart of Montepulciano region. Learn about local winemaking traditions that produce exceptional wines while caring for the environment and preserving the local ecosystem. Day 6:PIENZA-MONTERIGGIONI-SAN GIMIGNANO-FLORENCE Secret Recipes Stop this morning in Monteriggioni and enjoy some free time to explore this medieval gem. En-route to San Gimignano visit a local farm for a private cooking class, followed by lunch. In San Gimignano, join your group for an enlightening orientation walking tour. (B,L)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTTABLE MANNERS Roll up your sleeves with a personal, professional chef to learn the techniques of preparing an authentic Tuscan meal. Master the secret methods of creating your own mouthwatering dishes using fresh, seasonal, and organic ingredients.Day 7:FLORENCE Fashionably Great Take a guided walking tour through the historic center of Florence to admire the elegant piazzas and monuments. Visit the Ferragamo Museum in Palazzo Spini Feroni, dedicated to the famous fashion designer and his collections, before celebrating in syle with a typical Italian aperitif at a renowned local caffè. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTSMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE Those lucky enough to visit the Tuscan capital are witness to some of the world 's most magnificent art and architecture. Follow your Local Guide through a maze of must-see sights and legendary landmarks. Discover more about one of Italy 's great fashion designers, Salvatore Ferragamo, with a captivating visit to the Ferragamo Museum. Then mix with the locals as you relax and enjoy an aperitif. Cincin!Day 8:FLORENCE-VENICE Via Venezia Travel to Venice via high-speed train. Later, grab your favorite few for a private Gondola ride followed by a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT MOORS & OARS Enjoy the quintessential Venetian experience with a Gondola ride on the iconic canals. Glide through the narrow waterways with the expert of your gondolier who effortlessly steers with just a single oar—while possibly offering a serenade or two. Get a new perspective of the city sights, architecture, picturesque bridges, and bustling waterfronts from the comfort of your private water taxi. Mamma mia!Day 9:VENICE-NAPLES Food for Thought Sit back and relax for a scenic train journey through Italy to the vibrant city of Naples. A local host will meet you on arrival at Naples train and accompany you to the overnight hotel. After check-in, enjoy free time to discover more of this vibrant city. This evening why not try one of Naples ' most famous inventions - the pizza margherita! (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT CULTURE & TRADITION Naples delivers Old World charm in spades as one of Italy 's oldest cities. From its regal Palazzo Reale to the 13th-century Duomo di San Gennaro 's frescoed masterpieces, to nearby Mount Vesuvius, to the most famous pizza in the world served throughout the city in Neapolitan style. A stroll along the promenade beside the Bay of Naples reveals why locals and visitors choose this spot to soak in the sunset on the Mediterranean Sea.Day 10:NAPLES (EMBARKATION) City Symbols A relaxing morning to discover more of Naples before boarding your small cruise ship. Enjoy a welcome cocktail and dinner before your first night onboard. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTCULTURAL GEMS Neapolitan culture has collected a lot of superstitions over time. The “cornicello” a small red horn that is a symbol of luck and fortune, can be seen everywhere around Naples, including worn as jewelry or hanging from car mirrors. Another symbol is Pulcinella, a classic puppet character that symbolizes the voice of the people, it is considered to bring good luck if you rub the nose of the statue. Probably the most anxiously awaited symbol of fortune is connected to San Gennaro, the patron saint of Naples. At the Cathedral there is a vial of the saint 's dried blood. Three times a year the archbishop holds up the vial, if the blood liquefies it is a sign of good fortune for the city.Day 11:NAPLES-CAPRI-CRUISING Islands in the Sun Stunning views await as you approach the breathtaking island of Capri. Once docked, rub shoulders with the jet set as you explore the villages of Capri and Anacapri, browse the boutiques, try the local delicacies, and admire the incredible views of the iconic Faraglioni rocks from the Augustus Gardens. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTNATURAL WONDERS The natural beauty and climate of Capri has been drawing visitors for centuries; it is thought that the trend was started by the Emperor Augustus. Marvel at the kaleidoscope of vibrant natural colors on the island; from the lush green vegetation to the purple flowers of the bougainvillea, the pastel-colored buildings, and the bright azure waters of the blue grotto.Day 12:LIPARI Islands of Wind After breakfast, drop anchor at Lipari, the largest of the Aeolian Islands. A full day is yours to explore the island or join an optional excursion to see the main highlights. Tonight, set sail for Taormina. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTMYTHS & LEGENDS Originally submarine volcanoes, the Aeolian Islands have weather related links in mythology. They are said to be where Aeolus, king of the islands and a Greek prince, stored violent winds, only releasing them when the gods requested. It is also said that he was an early weatherman as he could predict the weather based on the shape of cloud above the volcanoes.Day 13:TAORMINA Dramatic Destinies Taormina is a sight to behold, located on a hill overlooking the sea. Enjoy a leisurely day, perhaps visit the ancient Greek Theater and try out the exceptional acoustics, take a stroll along stylish Corso Umberto, browse the boutiques, and enjoy a leisurely lunch. This evening, back on board, enjoy a wine tasting experience with dinner. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT ART & ARCHITECTURE The Greek Theatre of Taormina is considered one of the most impressive examples of auditorium engineering and architecture for its superb natural setting and acoustical design. This ancient marvel was dug into the hard rock slopes of Mount Tauro in the 3rd-century BC, with seating to accommodate thousands of spectators. The Teatro Antico di Taormina was built in the Greek tradition of incorporating the natural surroundings to become part of the performance, with light and air permeating the columns to become part of the story.Day 14:TAORMINA-CATANIA The Black City After breakfast disembark to discover Catania, a vibrant port known as “the black city” - its streets are built of black lava stone from nearby Mount Etna. Free time to stroll around the main square, Piazza del Duomo, browse the stores along Via Etnea, and try some of the delicious local specialties such as arancini and cannoli. Alternatively join an optional excursion to Mount Etna. (B,L)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT CULTURE & TRADITION Catania is an ancient port city on Sicily's east coast. It sits at the foot of Mt. Etna, Europe 's tallest volcano. The city's wide central square, Piazza del Duomo, features the whimsical Fontana dell ' Elefante statue and richly decorated St. Agata Cathedral. Nearby, La Pescheria weekday fish market is a rowdy spectacle surrounded by seafood restaurants.Day 15:SYRACUSE World Stages Syracuse has lots to offer. Spend your day independently exploring Ortigia Island in the historic center or marveling at the largest collection of Greek ruins outside of Greece, located in the Archaeological Park. If you prefer a deeper insight into Syracuse, join an optional guided tour. This evening, the chef will share a traditional recipe with you and the captain will invite you to his Italian Night dinner. Later tonight, set sail for Gozo Island. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT ARCHITECTURE & ARCHAEOLOGY Discover the extraordinary evidence of history found at Neapolis Archaeological Park of Siracusa. The stars of this show are the magnificent ancient ruins of the Greek Theatre and remarkable Roman Amphitheatre which are revered as one of the greatest archaeological sites in all of Italy.Day 16:GOZO ISLAND, MALTA-VALLETTA Land of the Giants This morning, enjoy a refreshing swim before arriving at Gozo in time to discover one of the local restaurants for a lunch of local flavors. Plenty of time to explore the island, famed for its UNESCO-listed Ggantija temples. Later set sail for Valletta, the capital of Malta and enjoy dinner on board. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT ANCIENT ARCHAEOLOGY Even older than the Egyptian pyramids, Ggantija is a megalithic temple complex dating back around 5,500 years. They are the oldest freestanding structures in the world. Locals claim the site was built by giants, hence the name “Ggantija.”Day 17:VALLETTA The Gardens of Grand Harbour This morning, arrive in Valletta and disembark your ship after breakfast. Transfer to your overnight hotel and spend the day at leisure exploring Malta 's UNESCO-listed capital city, often compared to an “open air museum.” (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTHISTORIC SPOT Enjoy superb views over the whole of the Grand Harbour, with the Three Cities in the background from the Barakka Gardens. Perched atop the Grand Harbour, these colonnaded gardens were created in 1661 and were actually the private gardens and exercise grounds of the Knights of the Langue of Italy, whose auberges lie very close by.Day 18:VALLETTA Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
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