This 12-day tour of Italy begins in stunning Venice. You’ll then stay in charming Florence, before visiting, Rome, Pompeii, Sorrento, the Amalfi coast, Capri, and Naples.
Trip Highlights
- Walking tour of Venice, including Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Cathedral, and the Bell Tower
- St. Mark's Square and optional gondola
- Visit to Pisa
- Villa in Florence
- Guided tour of Florence, including Michelangelo’s “David,” Santa Croce Church, and the tombs of Michelangelo, Dante, and Galileo
- Free day in Florence with excursions available to Cinque Terra or a cooking class at Villa Agape
- Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, and Pantheon
- Visit to Coliseum and Roman Forum
- Vatican Tour
- Day trip to Pompeii
- Winery visit, including tasting near Naples
- Ferry to Amalfi and Positano
- Visit a lemon farm in Sorrento
- Enjoy a limoncello tasting in Sorrento
- Visit the island of Capri
- Tour Naples with a visit to Naples Underground
- Experience a pasta-making class in Naples
Itinerary
Day 1 :
Tuesday, May 19, 2026: Depart
We will gather at the St. Louis airport for overnight flight to Venice, Italy (IF)
Day 2 :
Wednesday, May 20, 2026: Venice
On arrival in Venice, we will meet our tour director, and a local guide will take us on a walking tour of Venice, including inside visits to the Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Cathedral, and the Bell Tower. We will also visit St. Mark’s Square and the Bridge of Sighs. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore. We can shop in the famous market area around the Rialto Bridge, watch glass-blowing, take a gondola ride, or enjoy a coffee and some people-watching at St. Mark’s Square. We will have a Welcome Meal this evening. (IF/D) Overnight Mestre.
Day 3 :
Thursday, May 21, 2026: Florence
We will head to Florence via Pisa to visit the leaning tower. While here we will stop for lunch and drive to Florence to check into our villa/hotel in the afternoon. Enjoy free time to drink wine or just enjoy the beautiful scenery around the villa. We will have dinner together in Florence (B/D)
Day 4 :
Friday, May 22, 2026: Florence
Today’s day trip is to Florence, the Cradle of the Renaissance. On the way into the city, we will stop at Piazza Michelangelo for an amazing view of the city. A local guide will take us on a walking tour of Florence, including a visit to Academia to see Michelangelo’s incomparable David. We will see the beautiful Santa Croce Church with the tombs of many famous residents of Florence, including Michelangelo, Dante, and Galileo. We will see the famed Baptistry and the Duomo. Tickets will be available for those who want to climb Brunelleschi’s famous dome. We will have free time in the afternoon. (B)
Day 5 :
Saturday May 23, 2026: Florence
Today is a free day, with options like a cooking class at with wine tasting, a great way to engage with the culture and learn new cooking techniques. Other options will include a free day in Florence or a guided tour to Cinque Terre. (B)
Day 6 :
Sunday, May 24, 2026 Rome
This morning, we will say goodbye to Florence and travel to Rome to explore this famous ancient city, beginning with an inside tour of the Colosseum and continuing with a walk through the Forum and Palatine Hill. (B/D)
Day 7 :
Monday, May 25, 2026: Rome
Today, we will visit Vatican City and St. Peter’s Cathedral, home of the Roman Catholic Church and the largest building in Christianity. Also included is a visit to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, where we will see Michelangelo's stunning work, The Last Judgement, and the site of the papal conclave. In the afternoon we will have a walking tour of Baroque Rome, including the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, and the Pantheon. (B)
Day 8 :
Tuesday, May 26, 2026: Rome
This morning we will visit Pompeii, where, in AD 79, Mt. Vesuvius erupted, leaving the city preserved under layers of ash and pumice. This UNESCO HERITAGE SITE provides a glimpse of ancient Roman life. Afterwards, we will sit in the shadow of the volcano and enjoy a wine presentation/tasting and lunch. Afterwards, we will drive to Sorrento and check into our 4* hotel with time for exploring or swimming. Dinner is at a local restaurant in Sorrento. (B/L/D)
Day 9 :
Wednesday, May 27, 2026: Sorrento
Today, we tour the Amalfi coast, with ferry stops in Positano and Amalfi. You will enjoy the beautiful scenery, walk charming cobblestone streets, and shop at various open markets. (B)
Day 10 :
Thursday, May 28, 2026: Sorrento
This morning, we will visit the picturesque Isle of Capri and take the funicular to overlook the Gulf of Naples. The day will be spent sightseeing, swimming in the Mediterranean, and eating on the prom. When we return to Sorrento, we will visit a working lemon farm and enjoy one of Sorrento's most famous exports: Limoncello. (B).
Day 11 :
Friday, May 29, 2026: Naples
Today, we will visit the coastal city of Naples, a city famous for its history, pizza, and culture. In the afternoon, we will descend below Naples to see The Underground, which offers a glimpse into Naples' layered past, from ancient Greek and Roman ruins to World War II air raid shelters, all within a network of tunnels and caverns under this famous city. This afternoon, we will enjoy a pasta-making class and toast our adventures. (B/L/D).
Day 12 :
Saturday, May 30, 2026. Return
This morning, we will say goodbye to Italy and head back to the US with memories that will last a lifetime.
Included
- Land only in shared room
- Transportation in deluxe motor coaches
- Accommodation in 4 and 5 star centrally-located hotels
- All meals specified in itinerary
- Professional tour guide and local step-on guides
- All transfers as a group (additional cost for separate airport transfers)
- All tips and taxes
Not included
- Airfare
- Travel insurance
- Additional meals
- Single supplement ($)
- Personal costs such as passports
What about insurance?
You can choose your own insurance at SquareMouth Award-winning travel insurance specialists SquareMouth helps travelers search, compare, and buy the best travel insurance for the lowest price. They offer excellent customer support and can help you find the best policy for your trip. We recommend using the following filters: trip interruption, coronavirus pandemic, travel delay ($500), emergency medical ($100,000), medical evacuation ($100,000), baggage delay and baggage loss.
What is the flight itinerary?
Flights will be available from St. Louis, and we will share when they are available for purchase.
Airfare
Group airfare will be available for purchase when flights become available.
Hotels
https://www.leonardo-hotels.com/venice/leonardo-royal-hotel-venice-mestre
https://www.fhhotelgroup.it/it/hotel-villa-fiesole/index
https://www.leonardo-hotels.com/rome/nyx-hotel-rome
https://www.palazzoesedra.it/en/
