Including Sicily!
Active pace with longer touring days. Expect intermittent walking at a moderate pace for 2–3 hours over a variety of terrain, including cobblestones, hills and uneven pavements. Must be able to negotiate stairs of varying heights, sometimes without handrails. Can tolerate periods of standing during guided tours and be able to climb in/out of various modes of transportation. Some days may include 5–7 km of walking over the course of the day.
We depart for Milan, via Rome.
We arrive in Milan and transfer to our hotel. This evening is our Welcome Dinner.
We have a brief tour of Milan before departing for Lake Garda, where we will take in the magnificent scenery with views of the Alps and picturebook villages along the shore. We will enjoy a boat trip on the lake and visit medieval Sirmione—known as the “Jewel of the Lake” and one of the prettiest villages in Italy. A spa town since Roman times, Sirmione features narrow, cobbled lanes, a medieval castle and well-preserved Roman ruins.
We proceed through the cypress-clad hills to Verona, where we see the Roman Arena and Juliet's famous balcony. A short drive brings us to the university town of Padua, home of many great Italians including Dante and Galileo as well as numerous art treasures. We visit the famous Basilica of St. Anthony and then continue to Jesolo, near Venice, for a 2-night stay.
We cross the Venetian lagoon by boat and spend a full day in the magical city of Venice. We see classic Venetian sites including St. Mark’s Square, the Bridge of Sighs and the Doge’s Palace.
We drive through the picturesque hills to Florence, “Cradle of the Renaissance”. Our walking tour will take in the multi-coloured marble cathedral, Signoria Square, Santa Croce Basilica and more. We then proceed to Lucca for our overnight near Pisa.
This morning we visit Pisa and the famous Leaning Tower. Our guided tour will also show us the Duomo and the Baptistry. After some free time in Pisa we’ll proceed to our hotel near Siena.
After a walking tour of medieval Siena, site of the historic horse race, we continue on to the pink stone city of Assisi, which is under the protection of St. Francis. The city is still enclosed by medieval ramparts. Our tour includes St. Francis Basilica, well known for its fresco paintings. After our visit we continue on to Rome.
Our touring in Rome begins in Vatican City - official residence of the Pope. We’ll visit St. Peter’s Basilica, one of the holiest Catholic sites, and the Vatican Museum, site of the Sistine Chapel. The afternoon is free to explore Rome’s many museums, shops and cafes.
Our visit to Rome continues with the Roman Forum; the Arch of Constantine; Circus Maximus; the Spanish Steps and an opportunity to visit the Coliseum. We then proceed to Sorrento on the beautiful Sorrentine Peninsula, which is characterized by majestic cliffs, terraced vineyards, orange groves, and a striking rocky shoreline. We stay in Sorrento area for 2 nights.
A day at leisure to explore this beautiful coastal city. Your Tour Manager will be on hand with suggestions.
Today we visit fascinating Pompeii, the imperial city buried by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD. We then proceed to Naples for a panoramic tour of the old city with its Gothic and Baroque churches. Later we board our ferry bound for Sicily. As we depart the Bay of Naples, be on deck for the breathtaking views of Naples and Mount Vesuvius.
We arrive in Palermo, a fascinating city with a mix of Latin, Byzantine and Islamic buildings. We may have an opportunity to visit one of the huge and colourful markets with its riveting display of fruits, vegetables and other goods. We then drive through the scenic hills to Agrigento with its magnificent works of Doric architecture dating from the 6th century BC. In the evening the site is beautifully illuminated.
This morning we visit the famed Valley of the Temples (formerly a Greek stronghold) and visit the temples of Juno, Concord and Hercules - beautifully-preserved Greek ruins. Then it’s on to the Taormina area with stunning views of the sea and Mt. Etna, Europe's tallest volcano.
This charming town has long been a favourite international resort thanks to is pretty parks, gardens and ancient Greek theatre. From Piazza Garibaldi one can enjoy the best views of Mt. Etna and the beautiful Ionian coastline. We enjoy a morning orientation tour, and an afternoon at leisure. Our Farewell Dinner tonight will be at a local restaurant featuring Sicilian foods and wine, of course!
We fly back to Canada, via Rome
You may cancel your tour up to 60 days prior to departure (90 days prior for tours requiring a visa, cruises or rail journeys) for any reason, and receive a full refund of your deposit / payment (less the $75 administration fee).
Cancellation & trip interruption insurance included!
Included in the cost of your tour is our Cancellation Insurance Policy, which provides coverage in case of emergency injury or illness (including Covid), right up to your date of departure (terms and conditions apply).
Our Manulife Out-of-Country Health Insurance Plan covers expenses related to Trip Interruption in case of emergency injury or illness. For tours within Canada, Senior Discovery Tours will cover such expenses (terms and conditions apply to all policies).
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