Day 1 - Alps + Lake Garda
Morning departure, drive across the Alps, spectacular mountain scenery. Mid-afternoon we reach the turquoise Lake Garda. Pizza dinner (approx. €12) at one of the lakeside restaurants. Evening arrival in Venice.
Day 2 - Venice
We take a ferry across the Lagoon to St Marc's Square, the historical center of Venice. See St. Marc's Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, the Bridge of Sighs and visit a glass-blowing workshop. Time for a gondola ride (€30). Afternoon departure, we travel south past olive groves and Chianti vineyards to Rome. Evening arrival at hotel.
Day 3 - Rome + Vatican
In the morning you may join a Vatican Tour (not incl.). The visit starts at the Vatican Museum, one of the world's finest art collections. View Michelangelo's amazing frescoes in the Sistine Chapel and marvel at St Peter's Basilica. After lunch we discover the classical sights of the Eternal City. See the Circus Maximus, the monumental Colosseum, the Roman Forum, Capitoline Hill and the Pantheon. At Trevi Fountain, throw a coin into the water and make a wish. Enjoy the flair of Piazza Navona. Tonight's dinner will be at a family style roman trattoria (not incl.).
Day 4 - Pompeii + Sorrento
Free day in Rome, or join a full day excursion to the Bay of Naples (not incl.). First visit Pompeii, buried by erupting Mt Vesuvius in 79 AD. The secrets of ancient Roman life are revealed by our guide as we tour the excavations. Short drive to Sorrento, a famed resort on the cliffs above the Mediterranean Sea. Time for lunch, then explore, shop around the quaint historical center. Later, we cruise per jet boat along the scenic coast to Naples. See the castle at the port, head back to Rome.
Day 5 - Florence
After breakfast we head north into Tuscany and arrive in Florence late morning. City sightseeing to the impressive Cathedral, Piazza Signoria and Santa Croce church which houses the tomb of Michelangelo. Time to shop for Italian fashion, leather, gold jewellery and tuscan specialties. Tonight, conclude the day with our Tuscan Gala dinner (€49) with live music entertainment and wine.
DAY 6 - PISA
Today’s highlight is the world-famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Set on the so called Field of Miracles, it is Italy’s architectural wonder. Heading back north, we pass the impressive marble quarries of Carrara, then via Switzerland back to Germany.
