Italy Vacation Packages 2016: Customized Tours

A 13 day trip to Italy

Europe's richest culture will enchant you with its incredible sights and irresistible charm. Ancient ruins, beautiful cities and the mesmerizing Mediterranean await you. Amongst the Italy vacation packages on orient, this one is recommended for first-time visitors who want a wonderful mix of cities, countryside, and the coast. Rome, Florence, Tuscany, and the Amalfi Coast beckon with their spectacular scenery, rich culture, and delicious food. Specially designed for 2016, experience the best of Italy on this customized tour.

General Information

Photos
A golden moment in Florence that takes your breath away
A golden sunrise in Tuscany.
Detailed Itinerary

Departure Dates 

Dates are flexible and customizable for private departures.

Detailed Itinerary 

Day 1 - Arrive in Rome and See the Best of Rome's Sights

When you arrive in Rome, you'll be greeted by a driver who will transfer you to your hotel. After lunch, take a guided tour of Rome's highlights: the most famous squares, monuments, fountains and artists. This three-hour walking tour is a stroll through Rome's picturesque cobblestone alleyways and past the most famous must-see sites. Begin at the Piazza del Popolo, known as the northern 'door to Rome' where Santa Maria del Popolo was the first church that visitors to Rome would see.

The Spanish Steps, with its lively atmosphere and stunning views, offer a path down into the winding alleys of the historic center, where you'll reach the Trevi Fountain. The path continues with a stop at the Piazza Colonna'the column erected by Marcus Aurelius'considered by Romans to be the center of the city. You will also visit the Pantheon, which has been standing for over 2,000 years and never fails to impress. Nearby you'll explore Piazza Navona that features Bernini's famous' Fountain of the Four Rivers.' Next, the Campo de' Fiori gives you a taste a traditional Roman life, as this piazza is the location of the farmer's market where Romans do their grocery shopping.

After visiting Capitoline Hill, you'll conclude the tour with a grand finish. Enjoy a coffee stop at the Caffarelli Terrace with its magnificent view over the historic center of Rome.

Day 2 - Step Back in Time with a Tour of Ancient Rome

In the morning, enjoy a guided tour of Ancient Rome that will bring the world of antiquity to life! Your tour begins at the Colle Oppio with a panoramic view of the Colosseum, Rome's most recognizable landmark. Your expert guide will describe the bloody history of the amphitheater as you listen to tales about gladiators, executions and mock sea-battles. After a brief stop at the Arch of Constantine, you'll arrive at Palatine Hill'the most famous of the seven hills of Rome. Admire the views of the Roman Forum and Nero's Circus Maximus where chariot races were held in ancient times.

The tour continues with a walk through the 'Via Sacra' or 'Sacred Way,' the main path through the Roman Forum that once witnessed with celebratory festivals and triumphal processions. The tour ends at the Temple of Julius Caesar, where visitors from around the world still leave flowers and candles today.

Day 3 - Travel from Rome to the Seaside Resort of Sorrento

This morning, you'll take the train from Rome to Naples. Your driver will be waiting for you at the Naples train station and will provide a private transfer to Sorrento. After checking into your hotel, you'll have the afternoon to enjoy the beautiful city of Sorrento. With its picturesque bays, this sunny village perched above the sea is a lovely resort destination. It's the perfect place to slow down and enjoy your leisure time.

Flourishing with fragrant lemon trees, Sorrento is famous for its specialty liquor called limoncello that is made with fresh local lemons. Stroll through the beautiful main square and the public parks as you admire the Mediterranean Sea sparkling in the sunshine. Here you can see spectacular views the island of Capri in the distance. The town is filled with charming pedestrian streets in the old quarter where you can poke into boutiques and gelato shops. If you're looking, you'll see small shrines to the Virgin Mary hidden in tiny alters in small alleyways. The town also boasts an interesting Romanesque-facade cathedral with a lavish marble interior and beautiful frescoes. For dinner, try the local specialties like caprese salad and gnocchi alla sorrentina with spicy tomato sauce.

Day 4 - Visit the Archeological Sties of Pompeii and Vesuvius

After breakfast at your hotel, depart for your excursion to Pompeii. Your tour guide will help you explore this Roman city that was buried by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 A.D. The archaeological site is extensive and was well-preserved by volcanic ash, which makes Pompeii the only archaeological site that provides a realistic window into the daily life of the ancients. Among the rubble, archaeologists found barrels of wine and evidence of 'fast-food' stands. You can visit the Pompeii swimming pools and saunas. The 'locker room' even has cubbyholes where people left their towels and change of clothes!

After lunch, you'll visit Mount Vesuvius where the eruption took place. If you'd like, you can choose to take a guided walk to the summit. Mount Vesuvius dominates the Bay of Naples and at the top of the crater, you can see the entire gulf of Naples, from the Sorrento peninsula to the island of Ischia. On your way back, you'll have the chance to visit a cameo or ceramics workshop, typical of this area.

Day 5 - Spend the Day on the Beautiful Island of Capri

After breakfast, you'll sail away to the island of Capri. Only a half-hour ferry ride from Amalfi, this evocative island is often the highlight of an Italian vacation. Just the ride in itself is breathtaking, as you sail past the Sorrento Coast to the Campanella Cape though the mesmerizing blue waters. When you arrive in Capri, you'll be greeted by a local tour guide.

Bask in the Mediterranean sunshine as you stroll through Anacapri, and visit the Villa San Michele, an ancient imperial villa with spectacular views of the sea from its beautiful shady garden. After lunch, you'll take a tour of the Garden of Augustus, where you'll enjoy a picture-perfect outlook onto the famous 'Faraglioni' rocks that distinguish Capri's coastline. In the see-and-be-seen town of Capri, you'll have a chance to people-watch at a chic open-air cafe on the main square. Piazza Umberto I, also known as 'the Piazzetta' could be the most fashionable square in the world! You might even spot a movie star or the paparazzi on the hunt for vacationing celebs. Surrounded by the lovely whitewashed Church of San Michele Arcangelo, this beautiful piazza offers sensational views of the sea and is steps away from Capri's upscale boutiques. You'll have some free time to browse at the exclusive and elegant shops. In the late afternoon, you'll return by ferry to Amalfi and be taken by private transfer to your hotel.

Day 6 - Discover the Amalfi Coast and Visit Positano

Today you'll take a breathtaking drive along the Amalfi Coast, which is often described as the most beautiful coastline in the world with incredible views at every turn. You'll make a stop to visit the town of Sorrento, a popular seaside resort since Roman times. Surrounded by rolling hills covered in vines perched above the sea, Sorrento offers a gorgeous view of picturesque bays and the Isle of Capri.

Sure to be a highlight of your tour, a visit to Positano delights with its stunning sea views and charming pastel-colored houses. Stroll through the narrow alleyways, stop into the artisan ceramics shops, and visit the beautiful beaches of this ancient fishing port. Positano gives you a taste of the la dolce vita, or the sweet life! You'll also visit the town of Amalfi, once a major naval power. With its labyrinth of cobblestone lanes that climb the surrounding hills, the town features the typical Mediterranean architecture with houses that appear to be piled one on top of the other. Visit the Arabian-style 'Paradise Cloister' built in the 13th century.

Next visit to the town of Ravello, sitting high up above the Amalfi Coast. At the Villa Cimbrone, take in the incredible views from the 'Terrace of Infinity'. You'll enjoy a lunch at a favorite local restaurant, where you'll taste the best fresh homemade pasta and the finest regional wines.

Day 7 - Travel from Naples to Florence; Leisure Time in Florence

After breakfast, enjoy a private transfer to the Naples train station and take a train ride to Florence. Your driver will be waiting at the train station to take you to your hotel. This afternoon is free for you to enjoy Florence. Take a step back in time as you explore this Renaissance city where Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci gained fame. A wealthy merchant and banking center since the Middle Ages, Florence has flourished as a center of art and culture since the 14th century.

Begin with a visit to the Duomo cathedral, the third-largest church in the world and a marvel of engineering. At the city's main square, Piazza della Signoria, you'll see famous statues and fountains as well as a lively local scene. This is the perfect spot for a gelato or caffe. Stroll along the Arno River to the Ponte Vecchio in the afternoon as the sun is setting and the buildings' golden reflections glow. For dinner, try the local specialties of rustic ribollita bean soup or bistecca alla fiorentina made from the region's special breed of Chianina cattle. The hearty cuisine pairs well with the local Chianti red wines.

Day 8 - See the Highlights of Renaissance Art in Florence

This morning enjoy a guided tour of the Gallerie dell'Accademia. The highlight of your visit is the famous sculpture of the 'David' by Michelangelo. Created by Michelangelo when he was just the young artist, 'David' was carved from a huge block of rough marble over a period of three years. This imposing sculpture of absolute beauty is the icon of the Renaissance. One interesting detail to notice: Michelangelo's David is portrayed in moment just before making his move towards Goliath and not afterwards as in many other artists' representations. Michelangelo depicted a magnificent young man at the height of his physical prowess with an intense expression of strength and courage. This statue became the symbol of power and invincibility of the Florentine Republic at the time. In the afternoon, take a tour of the Uffizi Gallery, one of the most important art museums in the world. Here you'll see masterpieces by Botticelli, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Raffaello, Giotto, Cimabue, Masaccio.

Day 9 - Tour of Siena, San Gimignano and the Tuscan Countryside

After breakfast, go on a full-day tour of Siena and San Gimignano. This excursion takes you through the delightful hills of the Chianti countryside, with picture-perfect scenery of vineyards and olive trees. In Siena, take a guided tour of the old city center. Walk along the small medieval streets, admiring the impressive palaces and ending up at the cathedral where you can visit the splendid vibrant interior. Your tour will conclude in the Piazza del Campo, a beautiful piazza surrounded by buildings that date to the Middle Ages. After lunch, you'll depart for San Gimignano, a tiny hilltop city famous for its numerous towers, frescoes and other art treasures. You'll have free time to explore the fascinating corners of this city. On your return journey, you'll see the fortified village of Monteriggioni completely enclosed by its ancient stone walls.

Day 10 - Winery Tour and Wine-Tasting in the Chianti Region

This morning you'll have leisure time to discover Florence and do some shopping. Visit the famous stationery stores that specialize in Florentine style papers or the artisan shops selling leather goods. In the afternoon, you'll take a guided excursion to the Chianti region. One of the most beautiful areas of Tuscany, the Chianti countryside is world-famous for its wine. You'll visit a magnificent castle with lovely gardens and a splendid wine cellar filled with barrels of the Chianti Classico wine. Stop for wine tasting and a snack, followed by a visit to the most beautiful Romanesque church in the region. For dinner, enjoy a typical hearty meal served with excellent Chianti wine. You'll dine in the magical atmosphere of a medieval hilltop village'sure to be an unforgettable experience!

Day 11 - Explore the Eternal City of Rome

Today you'll travel from Florence to Rome by train with private transfer to your hotel.

Welcome to one of the world's most amazing cities! Begin your exploration by wandering the ancient streets to get your bearings and discover the local culture. Walk through the Roman Forum in the steps of emperors and imagine what it was like to live in Rome over 2,000 years ago. Be sure to 'do as the Romans do!' Soak up the sun as you relax at an outdoor caffe and stroll through the piazzas with a gelato in hand. For dinner, try the hopping Piazza Navona, with its lively nightlife, illuminated fountains and sidewalk musicians. The piazza is filled with outdoor restaurant tables, and it's easy to find a traditional osteria that serves authentic Roman cuisine.

Day 12 - Guided Tour of the Vatican City

After breakfast, you'll take a half-day tour of the Vatican City. With your knowledgeable guide, you'll visit the Vatican Museums, which boasts more than 2,000 rooms that are filled with some of the most famous art in the world. Literally lined with masterpieces, the museums brim with art treasures and history. You'll also see Michelangelo's incredible' Creation of Adam' ceiling painting in the Sistine Chapel. Next you will be awe-struck by Saint Peter's Basilica, with its imposing beauty and spiritual significance. Here you can view another of Michelangelo's masterpieces, the life-size 'La Pieta' sculpture. Outside the basilica in the magnificent Saint Peter's Square, watch as your guide points out Bernini's ingenious use of optical illusion. In the afternoon, explore the other sights of Rome on your own. Be sure to visit the Pantheon and the Roman Forum. Make a stop at the Trevi Fountain to toss in a coin, which is said to ensure a return to Rome.

Day 13 - Depart Italy for your Return Flight Home

After breakfast at your hotel, you'll take a private transfer to Fiumicino airport for your departure flight. Arrivederci Italia!

Price

Price 

Orient-Travelrecommends the following guidelines for customized Italy tour packages, excluding international flights:

  • 5-star: USD $450 - $1,000+ per person per day
  • 4-star: Minimum USD $350 per person per day
  • 3-star: Minimum USD $300 per person per day

The customized package will include hotels, airport transfers and other transportation within Italy, guided tours or activities, unique experiences, trip planning, and 24X7 support during your trip.

Please inquire for a custom quote. The price is customized based on final hotel choices, travel dates, and other custom preferences.