A 10-Day Taste of Italy

Fly to Rome from the United States and get settled into your hotel. Many wonderful hotels in the city are close to tourist attractions. Once settled in, it's easy to explore on foot. Consider walking to see famous locations such as the Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona, or the Trevi Fountain. Don't forget to throw a coin over your shoulder into the fountain! In the evening, consider visiting Trastevere to enjoy wonderful restaurants, bars, and nightlife. I can plan a food tour for you or make some recommendations for a great dining experience.

Start your day with a tour of the Vatican, complete with a stop at St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. A private tour is a great way to explore the beauty and history of the smallest country in the world. If the Pope is in residence and you will be in Rome on a Sunday, consider visiting to see him come and bless the crowds. If you would like to explore more on foot, consider a walk to the Bridge of Angels (St. Angelo Bridge) and a tour of Castel San'Angelo to learn about the 2000-year history of Rome.

Today, travel back in time to see how the Ancient Romans lived. A private tour of the Colosseum and the Roman Forum is the way to go. Learn about the city's ancient history and visit the arena floor for a unique view. Some tours also offer the option of underground access. Then, don't miss the opportunity to tour the Ancient Forum. The architecture is pretty amazing and so is the history behind it.

Say goodbye to Rome today and hello to the gorgeous Amalfi Coast! Take a train ride from Rome to Naples. Your driver will meet you at the train station and take you to Pompeii where your guide awaits.to escort you through an ancient city frozen in time after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. After your tour, consider having dinner in one of the local restaurants or your driver will take you on to your hotel in Sorrento. Enjoy a beautiful sunset and stunning views of the Bay of Naples and walk around the main square in Sorrento.If you haven't eaten, there are many delicious dining options at your fingertips.

Today, take a 30-minute boat ride to the Island of Capri. Choose to see the island on land, on the water, or a combination of both. Take the funicular up to the main square of Capri and then explore the streets and the shops along the way. Head up to Anacapri to enjoy breathtaking views of the whole island and the Bay. If weather permits, the Blue Grotto is a one-of-a-kind beautiful experience and will often include a boat ride around the island!

Today, your driver will pick you up for a tour of the Amalfi Coast. A private tour means that you can customize the experience to your interests. I recommend stops in the three most iconic towns - Amalfi, Positano, and Ravello. Each one has its own unique vibe and charm. Positano is known for its picture-perfect postcard photo opportunities. Amalfi is the perfect spot to take a boat ride down the coast, and Ravello is home to the well-known Villa Rufolo and beautiful ceramics. If you enjoy being active, consider a hike with beautiful coastal views along the "Path of the Lemons" or the iconic "Path of the Gods". There is no shortage of restaurants either, including delicious farm-to-table experiences that you'll never forget!

Today we say goodbye to the Amalfi Coast and take the train to Florence. Your driver will take you to the Naples train station and you can enjoy a comfortable ride on the high-speed train for a direct, approximately 3-hour trip. Once you arrive, get settled in at your hotel and enjoy a walk through the city. The perfect start to your visit to Florence is a tour of Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze to see the statue of David. Florence is also very walkable! Consider a city tour that visits the key sights such as the Duomo - Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and Uffizi Gallery. If you'd like to do some shopping, consider a visit to Ponte Vecchio or Piazza Santa Croce.

The Tuscan Countryside is filled with rolling hills and beautiful vineyards. Today, journey into the country and visit a few different wineries, enjoy an included lunch and taste authentic Italian wines. You can even purchase some of your favorites to bring home!

Enjoy a day trip to the floating city of Venice. Take a train ride and then hop on a water taxi to Murano to see the Murano glass being made right in front of you. Then, head to Piazza San Marco, the perfect spot to begin exploring. From there, go to Doge's Palace and Saint Mark's Basilica. Don't miss seeing the iconic Rialto Bridge and then make sure you take a gondola ride! This is the best way to explore the canals and hidden gems of this beautiful city.

Enjoy a day trip to the floating city of Venice. Take a train ride and then hop on a water taxi to Murano to see the Murano glass being made right in front of you. Then, head to Piazza San Marco, the perfect spot to begin exploring. From there, go to Doge's Palace and Saint Mark's Basilica. Don't miss seeing the iconic Rialto Bridge and then make sure you take a gondola ride! This is the best way to explore the canals and hidden gems of this beautiful city.

It's time to say goodbye to Italy as you head back to the United States! Or, perhaps you want to say "See you again soon" and start planning another trip to Italy! Other highlights include: - Milan - Lake Como - Puglia - Sicily