HIGHLIGHTS OF ITALY 10N/11D
DAY 1: Arrival in Rome – Begin Your Italian Adventure
• Arrive in Rome and settle into your centrally located hotel, perfectly positioned for exploring the city's iconic landmarks.
• Savour a traditional Italian dinner at a local restaurant offering stunning views .
• Dinner and overnight stay at your hotel in Rome
DAY 2: Arrival in Rome – Eternal City’s Evening Charm
• Arrive in Rome and transfer to your hotel located near the Historic Centre of Rome, a UNESCO World Heritage Site rich in ancient landmarks and vibrant piazzas.
• After check-in and some rest, set out for an evening walking tour of Rome’s most iconic sights:
Toss a coin for luck at the Trevi Fountain
Climb the elegant Spanish Steps
Soak in the lively atmosphere of Piazza Navona, with its stunning fountains and street performers
• Cap off your first night with a welcome dinner featuring live opera or a classical music performance, offering a taste of Italy’s rich cultural heritage.
Overnight stay: Rome
UNESCO Site: Historic Centre of Rome
DAY 3: Rome – Ancient Marvels & Vatican Treasures
• After breakfast, set off on a guided morning tour exploring the heart of Ancient Rome:
Walk through the mighty Colosseum, the legendary amphitheatre of gladiators
Stroll the historic Roman Forum, once the centre of Roman public life
Climb Palatine Hill for panoramic views and insights into imperial palaces
• In the afternoon, cross the Tiber to Vatican City for a deep dive into Renaissance and religious grandeur:
Marvel at the masterpieces in the Vatican Museums, including the Gallery of Maps and Raphael Rooms
Gaze upward at Michelangelo’s iconic frescoes in the Sistine Chapel
Visit St. Peter’s Basilica, the spiritual heart of Catholicism
• In the evening, enjoy an optional cultural experience: attend a traditional puppet theatre or a Commedia dell’arte performance, showcasing Italy’s rich theatrical heritage.
Overnight stay: Rome
Cultural Highlight: Puppetry or drama in local Roman theatres
DAY 4: Rome to Florence – Renaissance Splendour & Tuscan Traditions
• After breakfast, board a high-speed train from Rome to Florence (approx. 1.5–2 hours), gliding through the scenic heart of Italy.
• Arrive in Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance, and begin exploring its architectural and artistic wonders:
Admire the breathtaking Duomo di Firenze (Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore), crowned by Brunelleschi’s iconic dome
Step inside the ornate Baptistery, known for its golden mosaics and the "Gates of Paradise"
Climb or photograph Giotto’s Campanile for a striking view of the Florence skyline
• Continue your walking tour through the Piazza della Signoria, an open-air museum of Renaissance sculpture, and enjoy a stroll along the Ponte Vecchio, Florence’s famed medieval bridge lined with goldsmith shops.
• In the evening, immerse yourself in Tuscan culture with a folk music and dance performance over a traditional Florentine dinner.
Overnight stay: Florence
UNESCO Site: Historic Centre of Florence
Cultural Highlight: Live Tuscan folk music and dance
DAY 6: Florence – Day Excursion to Pisa
• Today offers a choice of unforgettable day trip, highlighting a different facet of Tuscany’s UNESCO-listed heritage:
Pisa – Iconic Architecture & the Leaning Tower
Travel to Pisa (approx. 1 hour by train) to explore the stunning Piazza dei Miracoli, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Climb the world-famous Leaning Tower of Pisa for panoramic views
Visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and the Baptistery, remarkable examples of Romanesque architecture
Return to Florence. Dinner & overnight at hotel in Florence
Day 11: Departure from Naples – Farewell with a Local Flavour
Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy a leisurely morning in Naples:
Treat yourself to a freshly baked Sfogliatella, Naples’ iconic layered pastry, with a strong Italian espresso
If time permits, visit the Capodimonte Museum, home to masterpieces by Caravaggio, Titian, and Raphael, set in a royal palace surrounded by lush gardens
• Transfer to Naples International Airport for your onward journey, carrying unforgettable memories of Italy’s art, history, and culture.
TOUR ENDS
DAY 7: Florence to Venice – Grand Canals & Cultural Elegance
• Board a high-speed train from Florence to Venice (approx. 2 hours), arriving in the enchanting city built on water. Transfer by vaporetto (water bus) or private boat to your hotel in the historic centre.
• Spend your afternoon discovering the heart of Venice’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed treasures:
Admire the golden mosaics and Byzantine grandeur of St. Mark’s Basilica
Tour the opulent Doge’s Palace, once the seat of Venetian power
Walk across the legendary Bridge of Sighs, connecting history with romance
• In the evening, immerse yourself in Venice’s rich cultural traditions with a Venetian masquerade ball experience—complete with masks, period costumes, and classical music—or enjoy a baroque concert in a historic palazzo for a refined musical escape.
Overnight stay: Venice
UNESCO Site: Venice and its Lagoon
Cultural Activity: Venetian mask event or classical concert
DAY 8: Venice – Island Hopping & Hands-On Craft
• After breakfast, embark on a morning boat trip across the Venetian Lagoon to explore two of its most enchanting islands:
Murano – Discover the age-old art of glassblowing with a live demonstration at a traditional glass factory
Burano – Wander among the island’s vibrantly painted houses and observe the delicate tradition of lace-making, a time-honored Venetian craft
• Return to Venice in the afternoon for a unique Venetian carnival mask-making workshop. Learn from local artisans how to create your own decorative mask using techniques passed down through generations.
• Optional: End your day with a romantic gondola ride, drifting through the canals and under ancient bridges as the sun sets over the city.
Overnight stay: Venice
Cultural Activity: Island crafts & mask-making experience
DAY 10: Day Trip – Pompeii Ruins or Amalfi Coast Beauty
Today, choose between two iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites that showcase southern Italy’s rich cultural and natural heritage:
Pompeii & Herculaneum – Echoes of Ancient Rome
Step back in time with a guided tour of Pompeii, the remarkably preserved Roman city frozen by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius
Continue to Herculaneum, a smaller but more intimate archaeological site known for its vivid frescoes and detailed houses
Learn about daily life in ancient Rome while walking through streets, forums, and villas
• Return to Naples by evening and immerse yourself in local culture with a performance of Neapolitan music or a traditional puppet theatre show, featuring the iconic Pulcinella, a symbol of Neapolitan folk tradition.
Overnight stay: Naples
UNESCO Site: Pompeii & Herculaneum or Amalfi Coast
Cultural Highlight: Puppet theatre or Neapolitan folk music
TOUR SUMMARY
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Italy, where every day blends iconic landmarks with rich cultural experiences. From the Eternal City of Rome, marvel at ancient wonders like the Colosseum and Vatican City, then wander through Renaissance splendour in Florence, where world-class art meets timeless Tuscan charm. Whether you're admiring Michelangelo’s David, learning traditional crafts from local artisans, or dining under the stars to the sound of Italian folk music, each moment immerses you deeper into Italy’s living heritage.
Continue to the floating city of Venice, where gondolas glide past Gothic palaces and vibrant islands like Murano and Burano showcase age-old crafts. Then head south to Naples, the gateway to the ruins of Pompeii and the sun-drenched Amalfi Coast. From Roman ruins and scenic coastlines to Neapolitan puppet shows and fresh sfogliatella, this curated itinerary is a perfect balance of history, artistry, and soul-stirring beauty—designed for travelers who seek meaning behind every masterpiece and memory.
DAY 9: Venice to Naples (by train or flight)
Travel to Naples (5 hrs by train or 1 hr flight).
Visit:
Naples Historic Centre
San Gregorio Armeno (famous for nativity crafts)
Evening: Pizza-making class with local chef.
Overnight: Naples
UNESCO Site: Historic Centre of Naples
Cultural Activity: Culinary experience
Detailed Itinerary. Best time: April-June; September-October
DAY 5: Florence – Masterpieces & Artisan Traditions
• Begin your day immersed in Florence’s unparalleled artistic heritage:
Visit the world-renowned Uffizi Gallery, home to Renaissance treasures by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Caravaggio
Continue to the Accademia Gallery to stand before the awe-inspiring Michelangelo’s David, a masterpiece of sculptural perfection
• In the afternoon, delve into Florence’s living traditions with a hands-on artisan workshop:
Choose between leather crafting—a centuries-old Florentine specialty—or the art of marbled paper-making, a cherished local technique
• Enjoy a relaxed evening exploring Florence at your own pace—perhaps with a sunset walk to Piazzale Michelangelo or a quiet dinner in the Oltrarno district.
Overnight stay: Florence
Cultural Activity: Artisan workshop (leather or marbled paper)
