Best of Italy

There is arguably no other city in the world with so much history as Rome. This morning consider joining your group leader on a orientation walk past some of the world-famous sights such as the Colosseum and Arch of Constantine, the Forum (centre of ancient Rome), the Victor Emmanuel Monument and Piazza Venezia, Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps. If you decide to not join the orientation walk consider a visit to Sistine chapel & museums of the famous Vatican City. Please refer to the optional activities section of the trip notes for more details on booking your visit to the Vatican. (Please note that the Vatican museums are closed on certain days). You may also choose to visit St Peter's Basilica, either instead of or after the Vatican Museums. Entry to the Basilica is free, and there is a small charge to climb the dome for the ultimate breathtaking panorama over bella Roma.

In the late afternoon on Day 2 you bid 'arrivederci' to Rome and board your train for Florence (approx. 2hrs).

This afternoon you take a train (approx. 2hrs) to Lucca, your base for the next three nights. Lucca is one of Italy's real hidden gems. You stay in our own apartments located within the city ramparts, providing easy access to the city centre and its centuries-old buildings, beautiful churches, charming piazzas and narrow streets. 

While in Lucca you will set off for a cycle ride winding along a scenic river through the Tuscan countryside (4km round the walls and 14km by the river - approx. 4hrs). With two full days there is also time to explore Lucca itself plus plenty of opportunities to sample traditional Tuscan cuisine!

You take a half day trip by train to the nearby city of Pisa. There's ample time for you to view the world-famous Duomo, Baptistry and Leaning Tower. 

Our accommodation in Lucca:
For nights 4, 5 and 6 you stay in some unique accommodation - our own private apartments. We have several separate apartments located near the city centre so you may be a short walk away from your other group members and your leader. It is an approximate 25 minute walk from the train station to our main apartment in Lucca. Should you wish to organise a taxi for yourself or your luggage to get to or from the station, your leader will be more than happy to assist in arranging this for you at your expense.

The apartments in Lucca are a real treat. Staying in the city centre allows easy access to all the sights and the restaurants and bars- it is all an easy stroll from your front door. This is your chance to look behind those facades. Each apartment has 2-3 rooms with a shared bathroom. The kitchen is fully equipped and you can choose to buy your own groceries and supplies for meals. Some of our groups make Italian feasts with local ingredients during their stay. Our apartments are not hotels, there is no reception, room service or cleaning service every day, no televisions or washing machines, but plenty of charm and you just cannot beat the location. Apartments - 3nts

You journey by train (approx. 6hrs) bringing you to one of the most unique cities of the world - Venice. You arrive in the mid afternoon and then set off on a brief orientation walk of the city and pass some of the famous sights - the Grand Canal, the old-world shops of the Rialto Bridge, the Palace of the Doge (ruler of Venice), the Piazza and Basilica di San Marco and the Bridge of Sighs. 

Day 14 is a free day to visit the major sights and wander the narrow, cobblestone streets and spacious piazzas and cross the hundreds of tiny bridges. There are shops, markets, galleries, museums, churches and stunning buildings around every corner. You could also choose to see Venice from a different perspective by taking a gondola ride along the canals or a vaporetto to surrounding islands. Hotel - 2nts