A Different Kind of Italy: 11-Day Tour

Board a comfortable international flight to Rome, Italy. Dinner will be served onboard.

Arrive in Rome and transfer by private coach to Pompeii. Explore the ancient ruins from the Roman Empire — founded around 600 BC, Pompeii was once the Empire’s second-largest city after Rome. In 79 AD, the city was buried under four lava flows and three ash clouds in just 18 hours, lying hidden underground for centuries. Walking through the squares, streets, temples, markets, and town hall, you can still sense its former glory. Continue on to Naples. After dinner, check in at Holiday Inn or a similar hotel in Naples.

After breakfast, take a boat to Capri, the most famous spot along the Amalfi Coast. With its hillside buildings, mild climate, and stunning coastlines, Capri is truly enchanting. On arrival, switch to a small boat to visit the magical Blue Grotto — its shimmering blue light and reflections feel like a dream. This mystical sea cave is the perfect escape from daily life, like stepping into paradise. Afterwards, visit Capri Town, known for its charming boutiques and cozy cafés, offering breathtaking Mediterranean views. (Note: If the sea is too rough and small boats can’t operate, an alternative program will be arranged in place of the Blue Grotto; substitutions are not open to objection.) In the afternoon, return by boat to Naples. Visit Piazza del Plebiscito, the city’s largest square. After dinner, overnight in Naples at Holiday Inn or a similar hotel.

After breakfast, drive to Matera — a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its ancient stone cave dwellings. The cave city dates back 9,000 years to the Stone Age and was featured in The Passion of the Christ. Next, head to Alberobello, another UNESCO site known as the “Fairy Tale Mushroom Village.” After dinner, overnight at Hotel La Chiusa Di Chietri or a similar hotel.

After breakfast, explore the charming town of Alberobello. Its traditional Trulli houses with cone-shaped roofs are unique and unlike anything in other Italian towns — a true photography paradise that feels straight out of a fairy tale. In the afternoon, drive to Caserta. After dinner, overnight at Caserta Hotel or a similar hotel.

After breakfast, visit the Royal Palace of Caserta. This grand palace, with its elegant interior and magnificent gardens, is stunning in every detail and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. Then, drive to Bagnoregio — the famous “Sky City.” Due to erosion over centuries, the surrounding land collapsed, isolating the town. The original bridge fell into disrepair and residents had to leave until a new pedestrian bridge was built, reconnecting the ancient village. On foggy days, the town appears to float in the sky, inspiring the famous animated film Castle in the Sky. Continue on to Siena in the Tuscany region, famous for its medieval charm and Renaissance heritage. Overnight at Four Points Sheraton Hotel or a similar hotel.

After breakfast, visit Siena’s famous sights, including Piazza del Campo (the “Shell Square”), the Town Hall, and the historic cathedral. After lunch, head to San Gimignano — the “City of a Hundred Towers.” Stroll through the medieval streets and enjoy stunning views of Tuscany’s hills. You can also try award-winning gelato in the old town square — the shop draws long lines every day. Overnight at Grand Hotel Guinigi or a similar hotel.

After breakfast, transfer to La Spezia and board a local sightseeing train to explore Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Italian national park. These five ancient fishing villages, nestled between mountains and sea breeze, make the Italian Riviera a beloved holiday spot. Your experienced guide will show you the best towns and photo spots. (Note: Cinque Terre is only accessible by train; tour buses cannot enter.) After dinner, overnight in Bologna at NH Hotel or a similar hotel.

After breakfast, visit the Republic of San Marino — the world’s oldest surviving republic, founded in 301 AD by a Christian stonemason named Marino, who fled Roman persecution. Covering just 61 square kilometres with a population of 32,000, it’s full of history. Visit San Marino Cathedral, Liberty Square, and the Government Palace. After lunch, stop by Modena to tour a famous balsamic vinegar factory and enjoy a tasting. After dinner, overnight at CTC Hotel or a similar hotel in Verona.

After breakfast, tour Verona — a UNESCO World Heritage City. See the Roman Arena, which can seat 20,000 people, and Juliet’s House from Shakespeare’s timeless love story Romeo and Juliet. Wander the charming streets lined with unique shops. Next, head to Venice’s famous Burano Island, also known as the “Colourful Island” — voted one of the top ten must-visit spots in a lifetime. The vibrant fishermen’s houses make the whole island look like a living piece of art, straight out of a fairy tale. After dinner, overnight at Move Hotels Nord or a similar hotel.

After breakfast, transfer by private coach to the airport and board your Air Canada flight back to Toronto.