Venice to Sorrento

Welcome to Venice, one of the world's most enchanting cities. Upon arrival, we reach our hotel overlooking the Grand Canal. We spend the afternoon exploring the magnificent St. Mark's Square, admire the glittering mosaics of St. Mark's Basilica, and wander through charming lanes leading to the iconic Rialto Bridge. Browse artisan boutiques selling Murano glass and Venetian masks before relaxing at a traditional café. As evening approaches, we enjoy an optional gondola ride through Venice's famous canals, offering a magical introduction to the city's timeless beauty and romantic atmosphere.

We spend the day uncovering Venice's extraordinary history and architecture. We visit the magnificent Doge's Palace, once the political heart of the Venetian Republic, before crossing the legendary Bridge of Sighs. Cruise the Grand Canal aboard a vaporetto, passing elegant palaces, historic churches, and bustling waterfronts. We continue exploring hidden courtyards, artisan workshops, and quiet neighbourhoods where traditional craftsmanship continues today. Sample Venetian seafood specialties and local wines while enjoying the unique atmosphere that has made Venice one of the world's most captivating destinations.

We travel by high-speed train and private transfer to the elegant lakeside town of Como. Upon arrival, we check into our hotel, a historic waterfront property overlooking Lake Como. Explore the magnificent Como Cathedral, one of northern Italy's finest Gothic-Renaissance landmarks, before wandering through the charming historic centre filled with boutiques, cafés, and lively piazzas. We end the day with a leisurely stroll along the beautiful lakefront promenade as the surrounding Alpine peaks reflect across the tranquil waters of Lake Como.

Today we discover the timeless beauty of Lake Como. We begin by riding the historic Como–Brunate Funicular to the hilltop village of Brunate, where sweeping views extend across Lake Como, the surrounding Alps, and the city of Como. Returning to the lakeshore, we stroll through the elegant village of Cernobbio, admiring the lakeside promenade and the renowned Villa d'Este, one of Italy's most prestigious historic hotels. In the afternoon, we embark on a scenic boat cruise across the lake, gliding past magnificent villas including Villa Erba, Villa Carlotta, and Villa del Balbianello, as well as picturesque villages such as Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio, before returning to Como.

Today we journey to the stunning Gulf of Tigullio on the Ligurian coast and check into our hotel. We spend the afternoon exploring the charming coastal town of Sestri Levante, wandering through colourful streets lined with cafés and boutiques before relaxing beside the famous Bay of Silence, renowned for its crystal-clear waters and peaceful atmosphere. As evening falls, we enjoy fresh Ligurian seafood while admiring unforgettable sunset views across the coastline.

Today we discover the stunning Gulf of Tigullio and the beauty of the Ligurian Riviera. We begin with a walk through the elegant seaside town of Santa Margherita Ligure before following the scenic coastal trail to Portofino Regional Natural Park, where panoramic viewpoints overlook the turquoise Mediterranean. In Portofino, we stroll around the colourful harbour lined with luxury yachts, explore Piazzetta Martiri dell'Olivetta, and walk up to Castello Brown for sweeping coastal views. Later, enjoy free time to browse boutique shops or relax at a waterfront café before returning by boat to Santa Margherita Ligure, taking in the spectacular coastline from the sea. This evening, savour Ligurian specialities including fresh seafood, handmade pesto, warm focaccia, and locally produced olive oil.

We board a comfortable high-speed train to Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, and check into hotel. We begin by exploring the city's magnificent historic centre by visiting the spectacular Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Brunelleschi's famous dome, and the lively Piazza della Signoria. We cross the iconic Ponte Vecchio, lined with historic jewellery shops overlooking the Arno River, before ending the day with authentic Tuscan cuisine accompanied by excellent Chianti wines.

Today is dedicated to Florence's extraordinary artistic heritage. We visit the world-renowned Uffizi Gallery, home to masterpieces by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael, before continuing to the Galleria dell'Accademia to admire Michelangelo's iconic David. Wander through the historic Oltrarno district, where skilled artisans continue centuries-old traditions of leatherworking, goldsmithing, and paper marbling. We browse elegant boutiques, relax in charming piazzas, and savour authentic Tuscan cuisine accompanied by regional wines. The city's remarkable concentration of art, architecture, and craftsmanship makes Florence one of Europe's greatest cultural capitals.

We board a high-speed train to Rome, Italy's magnificent Eternal City, and check into our hotel. We begin exploring the historic centre with visits to the spectacular Trevi Fountain, where tradition invites visitors to toss a coin for a future return to Rome, followed by the elegant Spanish Steps and the lively Piazza Navona, renowned for Bernini's magnificent Fountain of the Four Rivers. We wander through charming cobbled streets filled with cafés, boutiques, and historic buildings before enjoying an authentic Roman dinner at a traditional trattoria.

We spend today uncovering Rome's extraordinary historical legacy. Explore the magnificent Colosseum, once the largest amphitheatre of the Roman Empire, before walking through the remarkably preserved ruins of the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, where ancient Rome was founded. We continue to Vatican City to visit the magnificent St. Peter's Basilica, one of Christianity's holiest sites and an architectural masterpiece. Throughout the day, discover the fascinating stories behind Rome's remarkable monuments while experiencing the unique atmosphere where ancient history and vibrant modern life exist side by side.

We travel south by high-speed train to Naples before continuing by private transfer to the elegant seaside town of Sorrento. We check into our hotel overlooking the Bay of Naples. We spend the afternoon exploring Sorrento's charming historic centre, browsing artisan workshops famous for wood inlay, handmade ceramics, and locally produced limoncello. Wander through lively piazzas before admiring breathtaking panoramic views across the bay toward Mount Vesuvius while enjoying freshly prepared Mediterranean seafood.

Today offers the opportunity to explore the world-famous Amalfi Coast, one of Italy's most spectacular coastal regions. Join an optional excursion to colourful Positano, where pastel-coloured houses cascade dramatically down steep cliffs to the sea. We continue to the historic maritime town of Amalfi to visit the magnificent Cathedral of St. Andrew before travelling to elegant Ravello, celebrated for the spectacular gardens of Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone. Throughout the day, we enjoy breathtaking Mediterranean scenery, charming villages, and exceptional regional cuisine.

We enjoy a leisurely day exploring the relaxed charm of Sorrento and its beautiful surroundings. Wander through fragrant lemon groves, stroll along the scenic waterfront promenade, and browse boutique shops selling local crafts and gourmet products. Those wishing to explore further may choose an optional excursion to the glamorous island of Capri, famous for its dramatic cliffs and exclusive atmosphere, or visit the remarkably preserved archaeological site of Pompeii, offering fascinating insights into daily Roman life before the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Alternatively, we relax at the hotel, enjoying its panoramic sea views and outstanding hospitality.

After breakfast, our unforgettable Italian journey comes to an end. We depart via Naples International Airport for our onward flight, or choose to extend our stay and discover more of Southern Italy's spectacular coastline, charming villages, archaeological treasures, and world-renowned cuisine. We take with us unforgettable memories of Italy's magnificent cities, breathtaking landscapes, remarkable artistic heritage, and warm Mediterranean hospitality.