COUNTRY ROADS OF ITALY

Your itinerary

16 Days ~ Italy ~ San Marino

Tour Pace

This tour is well paced with an exceptional three-night stay in Sorrento at the start of the tour and two-night stays in all other cities except Orvieto. The majority of the driving days are not too long, with convenient stops at places of interest along the way for refreshments and sightseeing.

DAY 1 – SAT – UK - ROME

Welcome to Rome! After your scheduled flight to Rome’s Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport, there are complimentary transfers to the tour hotel at 09.30, 12.30 & 15.30 hours. Then there is time to relax and begin to enjoy La Dolce Vita (the sweet life). Later, join your Tour Director and fellow passengers for a Welcome Drink. Hotel: Sheraton.

DAY 2 – SUN – ROME – SORRENTO

Visit the formidable Abbey of Monte Cassino which dominates the surrounding countryside from its mountain top. Stop at the nearby Commonwealth War Cemetery before continuing on to Pompeii. Here a local guide will walk you through the streets of this Roman resort buried by an eruption of Vesuvius in AD79. A cliff-top drive leads to Sorrento. Hotel: La Pace. (BB,D)

DAY 3 – MON – AMALFI COASTAL DRIVE

There are plenty of photo opportunities as you travel along Italy’s finest coastline, the Amalfi Coast. Stop for a bird’s-eye view of the terraced houses of Positano before boarding minibuses to explore the heart of the town. There’s time to be tempted by the boutiques before heading back to Sorrento. Consider dining at one of Sorrento’s top restaurants. (BB)

DAY 4 – TUE – ISLE OF CAPRI EXCURSION

For 2,000 years, Capri has beckoned visitors from Tiberius Caesar to Gracie Fields. Arriving at the Marina Grande by boat, ascend to Capri Town by funicular railway. There is time to browse in the elegant shops and enjoy the fabulous views. You can also join an optional excursion to Anacapri before returning to Sorrento. (BB)

DAY 5 – WED – SORRENTO – ORVIETO

Travel north to the celebrated wine town of Frascati and continue to Castel Gandolfo to see the Pope’s summer residence. Then to the hilltop town of Orvieto where an orientation tour shows you the Cathedral with its richly decorated façade. Hotel: Aquila Bianca. (BB)

DAY 6 – THU – ORVIETO – ASSISI – PERUGIA

After crossing the River Tiber, arrive at St Mary of the Angels Basilica, erected where St Francis died, before continuing on to hill-top Assisi to visit the Basilica. Stroll down the Via San Francesco to St Clare’s church, then see the Cathedral with its baptismal font where St Francis was christened. Take time to explore or shop before continuing on to the lovely city of Perugia for two nights. Hotel: San Gallo Palace. (BB,D)

DAY 7 – FRI – PERUGIA SIGHTSEEING

This morning a walking tour introduces you to the Exchange Building, Priors’ Palace, Great Fountain and Cathedral. Later there is time at leisure in this beautiful, historic town. (BB)

DAY 8 – SAT – PERUGIA – VENICE

A delightful mountain drive takes you through the heart of the Apennines to the independent Republic of San Marino, couched within medieval ramparts at the top of a dramatic cliff. Explore the old town, and perhaps shop at duty-free prices, before continuing to the renowned Venice Lido. Hotel: Mabapa. (BB,D)

DAY 9 – SUN – VENICE AT LEISURE

Cruise by private launch to St Mark’s basin to see the Bridge of Sighs connected to the Doges’ Palace. Stroll to St Mark’s Square to admire the Byzantine Basilica, before watching a glass-blowing demonstration. Enjoy a Highlight gondola ride through the canals. The rest of the day is at leisure in this remarkable city. (BB)

DAY 10 – MON – VENICE – FLORENCE

Journey to Florence, cradle of the Renaissance. On a walking tour, see the marble clad Cathedral, belltower and the Gates of Paradise on the Baptistery before continuing to Signoria Square. Visit the Basilica of Santa Croce to see Michelangelo’s tomb and finish with a Florentine leatherwork demonstration. Hotel: Sheraton. (BB,D)

DAY 11 – TUE – FLORENCE SIGHTSEEING

With a local guide, admire some of Michelangelo’s work in the Academy Gallery, including his original statue of David and the half-completed Four Slaves. Afterwards, relax, shop or continue sightseeing. (BB)

DAY 12 – WED – FLORENCE – CHIANCIANO TERME

A delightful drive leads to San Gimignano. Admire the Salucci Towers, Chigi Towers and Cathedral before continuing to Siena. Stroll through the cobbled streets with a local guide to the Campo Square to see the ‘Fonte Gaia’, then continue to the zebra-striped cathedral. Follow the Tuscan country roads to the spa town of Chianciano Terme. Hotel: Grand. (BB)

DAY 13 – THU – MONTEPULCIANO EXCURSION

Visit beautiful Montepulciano, one of Tuscany’s highest hill towns, its fortifications offering broad views over Umbria and Southern Tuscany. (BB,D)

DAY 14 – FRI – CHIANCIANO TERME – ROME

Visit Tarquinia’s Archeological Museum and view the Etruscan tombs on the return journey to Rome. The rest of the day is at leisure. Hotel: Cicerone. (BB)

DAY 15 – SAT – ROME SIGHTSEEING

With your guide, visit the vast collection of art in the Vatican Museums and the exquisite Sistine Chapel. Next door, tour St Peter’s Basilica, seeing Michelangelo’s masterpiece, the ‘Pieta’. On the opposite side of the Tiber explore ancient Rome as you visit the Colosseum and see the Forum. There is time in the afternoon to relax or explore. As night falls, visit the Piazza di Spagna dominated by the majestic Spanish Steps before a Highlight Dinner with wine. (BB,HD)

DAY 16 – SUN – ROME

The tour ends with transfers to Rome’s Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport at 07.00 & 09.30 hours. (BB)

Interested in this tour?

If you're interested in this tour, fill in the information below and we'll get back to you as soon as possible. Items marked with an asterisk (*) are required.