The sensations of Italy come from traditions ingrained within the soil of the countryside and rising up through the towns and villages. On this 14-day tour through the north and south of the country you will find the most beautiful scenery displayed in Italy’s natural majesty. Climb through medieval villages and find the hidden waterfalls of Umbria, revel in the Tuscan hills and visit the marvelous art of the Renaissance. From natural magnificence to humanity’s endless striving for beatific perfection,...
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
It Started with a City
The tremendous city of Rome spreads out before you and is filled with an endless energy that you can feel rushing around. You are met at the airport by a private transfer and taken to your stunning hotel within the city center. The surrounding history is almost unimaginable, dating back millennia. The air is rich with antiquity, bringing the classic in touch with the neo-classic, while the modern world forms itself around them. In the afternoon you will embark on a walk through the historical center that will display the marvels of the city’s past while maneuvering through Rome’s present.
A short distance from the Renaissance-era center you will find Palatine Hill, the oldest street in all of Rome. Once the most fashionable place to live in the entire Republic, it is also the most central hill in the city’s celebrated Seven Hills due to the belief that Romulus and Remus were found there. The hill ascends over 120 feet above the Roman Forum, offering a remarkable view of the ancient plaza on one side. The plaza is filled with sensational remains of the ancient central life of the city and is a place where you can imagine the immense spectacle of markets and trials, and the epicenter of speeches and celebrations. Now what remains are pillars and pediments and the rising awe of visitors, inspired by the past, present, and presence of what remains.
What's Included:
Day 2
Staring at the Ceiling
Day 3
Southern Marvels
Day 4
Under Dust and Coastlines
Day 5
Towns at the Heart
Day 6
Overseeing History
Day 7
Amidst Decadent Fare
Day 8
Standing Over the Township
Day 9
A Most Beautiful Venice
Day 10
Made for Casanova
Day 11
Symbols Outside
Day 12
Within Lavish Facades
Day 13
Within the Tuscan Hills
Day 14
Towns and Villages Continue
Trip Highlights
- Witness the grandeur of the Eternal City, from its antiquity to its modern opulence
- Visit the sensational city of Pompeii, preserved in volcanic ash for millennia
- Explore Umbria, the majestic Heart of Italy in the often overlooked countryside
- Experience the wonderful piety and the stunning food of Assisi
- See the Renaissance up close and in person in the charming city of Urbino
- Stroll beside the iconic canals in Venice
- Revel in the masterworks of Italy with a visit to the Accademia and the Uffizi, housing the works of Michelangelo and da Vinci
- Journey through the famous Tuscan countryside
- Travel the celebrated Amalfi Coast winding along incredible cliffs
Detailed Description
It is not a question of Italy’s beauty but of which towns and villages to explore; on this custom tailored tour through the cityscape and countryside you will visit the unparalleled landscapes that enrapture villages and towns, cities and countryside. From marvelous medieval townships standing atop a jutting summit to breathtaking vistas that lookout over sapphire shores, stunning Roman ruins to Byzantine churches, you will find the remarkable splendor from the north to south, hidden within vast cities and located within tiny niches of museum corners. All you have to decide is which pillar of beauty you want to see first.
Your exquisite journey begins in Rome, the Eternal City that has fallen and risen from the ashes numerous times throughout history, from Cicero to the Visigoths, and during World War II. The city always becomes stronger and the history becomes richer. You will have a brief tour of the outdoor museum at the city center before enjoying a delightful dinner. The following day you will step into the famed antiquity of Rome visiting wonders such as the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Basilica of Saint Peter and the Sistine Chapel. En route to Naples you will visit the stunning Abbey of Montecassino. Arrive in the capital of the south where charm is always just around the corner, hidden within the picturesque “Spaccanapoli,” the straight, narrow street that traverses the historic city center. Find yourself in the legendary city of Pompeii exploring the ancient streets before cruising along the cliffs that make up the celebrated Amalfi Coast.
In Umbria you will find a perfect blend of nature and culture, where the landscape and the cityscapes combine, demonstrated perfectly at Valnerina. Vallo di Nera will give you a taste of the black truffle and local cured meats. Spoleto overlooks the wondrous valley below, holding an inspiring bridge and grand fortress ever looming. Witness the prestigious ateliers of Deruta. Follow in the footsteps of St. Francis in his hometown of Assisi and taste luxurious pecorino cheese and famous Sagrantino wine in Montefalco. Savor the decadent white truffle at the National Center of Truffle Cultivation in Sant’Agnelo. Once in Urbino you will not only see the birthplace of Raphael but also witness the city born of the Renaissance. The Montefeltro Castles will give you a mixture of history and storybooks. At Gradara drawbridges and arrow slits are combined with Renaissance residences and literature, and in San Leo you can see the fortress built on a spurring rock formation that overlooks the valley.
Step into the coveted city of Venice, where the canals wind through the fantastic cityscape. Find the picture-perfect icons of the city close by, from the Rialto Bridge to Doge’s Palace. The next morning you will venture out into the city to find the hidden walkways known to the locals and rarely experienced by visitors, including the Church of Frari that houses works by Tiziano and Donatello, after which you will board a gondola and drift through the city by waterway. Find yourself in Florence, a city open to art and culture, enraptured within medieval walls and grandiose history. After a tour through the sensational architecture you will view the masterwork of Michelangelo’s David. In the morning you will be guided along the other side of the Arno River through artisan workshops, making your way back and eventually coming to the Uffizi Gallery. The gallery houses many of the masterpieces known throughout Italy, including The Birth of Venus. As you journey back to Rome you will find the extraordinary beauty of the Tuscan hillside, strolling through the medieval center of Siena and sampling the exceptional flavors of Val d’Orcia. After your final evening in Rome you will awaken and make your way to the airport and continue onward towards home.
You may be interested in reading reviews of luxury tour companies on Zicasso. You will discover what real travelers enjoyed while on their customized vacations.
Starting Price
$6,300 per person (excluding international flights)
Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
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