Italy Uncovered

Day 3 is a long travel day (approx. 8hrs) as you take several trains followed by a short bus ride inland into Umbria and the medieval hill town of Gubbio. 

Here you'll find streets with stone houses and orange-tiled roofs against a mountain backdrop. You take a short orientation walk up through the streets of the town to Gubbio's unique cable car, a 15 minute and 1,000 metre high ride to the Basilica of Sant'Ubaldo which contains the mummified body of the town's patron saint. From up here you can marvel at the amazing vistas of the Umbrian valleys and mountains plus get a great roof top view of Gubbio itself. 

You also take a short hike from the top of Mt Ingino to admire the Umbrian countryside and stunning view down to Gubbio (approx. 2-3hrs). The afternoon and evening are free for you to explore the delights of Gubbio at leisure. Perhaps take in the Civic Museum, the Duomo or the Palazzo Ducale, or relax into the Umbrian pace of life and enjoy the local foods.

There's the opportunity to explore Gubbio and then enjoy a variety of excellent restaurants featuring renowned local cuisine - maybe try one of the dishes that Umbria is famous for; pecorino cheese, game meat and mushrooms all feature on the menus. Hotel - 2 nts

You travel by train (approx. 4hrs) to Rome - a city crowded with ancient ruins and religious significance, yet pulsing to the beat of a modern political capital and packed with designer shops, restaurants, cafes and exciting nightlife.

This afternoon there is time for you to head off and explore the sights including the Colosseum and Arch of Constantine, the Forum (centre of ancient Rome), the Victor Emmanuel Monument, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, the Piazza Navona, the Spanish Steps, Via Condotti and Piazza Venezia. Grab a gelato while you stroll around the city's many sights or duck into a bar for a shot of Italy's famous espresso.

The Vatican Museum:
The Vatican Museum is closed on some days including Sundays unless it is the last Sunday of the month, in which case it is open and free (but expect large crowds). Check the Vatican website for these dates. www.vatican.va
Tickets for the Vatican Museum or alternatively the Galleria Borghese can be booked online at www.en.roma.waf.it 

As this is a combination trip please note that your group leader and the composition of your group may change on day 8 as some travellers leave and others arrive. Hotel - 2 nts

This morning you store your bags at your hotel and then catch a bus up the mighty Mount Vesuvius. The final ascent of the volcano can only be done on foot, up a steep but well-made trail of volcanic ash and gravel. The ascent takes around 45 minutes. 

Please note that the itinerary over these days is subject to change and may be swapped for reasons such as weather, bus timetables or public holidays.

You then proceed to Sorrento. Your base in Sorrento is in the peaceful adjoining town of Sant'Agnello. Sant'Agnello is quieter than it's close neighbour Sorrento but all the attractions of the resort are easily reached on foot (30 minutes), or by local bus or train. 

Day 12 is free for you to make the most of this delightful area. A day trip to Capri is always popular and your leader will be able to help with advice and timetable information. Catch a ferry back to Naples, or to one of the other islands (seasonal variations permitting). Otherwise just explore the myriad attractions of Sorrento, with its lemon groves and clifftop views. Hotel - 2 nts