Tripology

I'll meet you at the airport and bring you in to our hotel, just steps from the Vatican. You'll have the early afternoon to settle in and freshen up, then we'll take a walk through the historic core, including visits to the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain (D).

First thing this morning we'll tour St. Peter's basilica, before the masses of tourists arrive. Afterwards we'll concentrate on ancient Rome sights, including the Roman Forum and the Colosseum. Late afternoon and evening free (B).

St. Peters Basilica, Rome
Today we'll tour the Vatican Museums, including the Michelangelo's incredible Sistine Chapel. Afternoon free for you to explore your own slice of the Eternal City (B).

Our first road trip takes us south to Sorrento, perched on the Bay of Naples. We'll stop along the way to tour Pompeii, the city stopped in its tracks when Mount Vesuvius erupted in the 1st century. We'll take plenty of time to explore this amazing place, before continuing on to Sorrento and our hotel with views of Mount Vesuvius across the Bay (B, D).

We'll spend the day exploring the Amalfi Coast. All along the Amalfi, tiny villages cling desperately to the hills. Rooftops become the floor and balcony for the house above, as they stair step their way up the rocky cliffs. The road connecting these villages is an engineering marvel, with enough narrow bends and twists to make California's famed Highway 1 look like a freeway. Late afternoon back in Sorrento (B).

Our longest drive of the trip takes us back north, past Rome and into the green heart of Italy, Umbria and Tuscany. Along the way we'll visit Pienza, a planned Renaissance village, before arriving in our own hill top village of Montalcino, known for producing some of the best red wine in Italy (B, D).

This southern portion of Tuscany is postcard perfect, and less touristy to boot. We'll spend the day exploring it, with a visit to a winery, a picnic in the country and a service at a 1200-year old monastery with Gregorian chant (B).

Leaving behind the small village of Montalcino we'll ease back into the modern world, first stopping in Siena before continuing on to Florence. We'll take a historical walk through Siena, known as the Gothic dream city, then leave some free time for lunch before continuing on to Florence. After dropping luggage at our hotel, we'll take a historic walk through the pedestrian center of the city, including stops at the cathedral, the Palazzo Vecchio (old palace) and the Ponte Vecchio (old bridge) (B, D).

This morning we'll see Michelangelo's David, then you'll have most of the afternoon free to visit more museums, shop, or just sit in a café and watch the people pass by. In the late afternoon we'll meet back up for a tour the Uffizi Gallery, home to some of the Renaissance's greatest masterpieces (B).

We'll start our day in the Mercato Centrale, Florence's huge, picturesque farmer's market. Afterwards we'll head off to the Italian Riviera, stopping to for a quick visit in Pisa to see the Tower lean. In the early evening we'll arrive in our isolated coastal village, part of the five villages known as the Cinque Terre (B, D).

We'll experience the best of these five isolated villages, starting with a 20-minute stroll on a path linking two of them. Energetic hikers can continue on a more demanding hike for an hour to the next village, while the weary can hop on a train to the next town before meeting in the middle. Late afternoon return to our village, with free time to stroll the beach or sit on the verandah with a cool drink in hand (B).

We'll swap the Italian Riviera for the lagoon of Venice, crossing Italy's vast Po River Valley. We'll stop in Verona for lunch on your own, and you'll have some free time to explore. The 1st century Roman arena, one of the best preserved in Italy, and "Juliette's House" are a few of the attraction, if the elegant shops don't distract you. In the late afternoon we continue on to Venice, where we'll take an orientation walk and have dinner (B, D).

This morning we'll tour St. Mark's Basilica, resting place of the author of the Gospel of Mark. We'll marvel up close at the dazzling mosaics, and the see the jewel encrusted altar piece before escaping from the crowds. Next we'll tour the Doge's Palace, official residence of the leader of Venice during its prime. It's virtually wallpapered with paintings by people like Titian and Veronese, but not all was sweetness and light in the Doge's realm. We'll also descend into the dungeon's, where a one-year sentence could mean life. Afternoon free to wander and explore on your own. Get as lost as you can before we meet up for our farewell dinner (B, D).

Transportation to the airport, or continue on in Europe on your own.