12-DAY ITALY

After breakfast, you’ll explore the scenic Roman countryside, starting in the charming town of Grottaferrata, known for the historic San Nilo Abbey. Next, stroll through Frascati for its beautiful views and local culture. You’ll then visit a family-run winery for a cellar tour led by a sommelier, including a wine tasting with local delicacies. Finally, return to your hotel in Rome for dinner and an overnight stay.

Start your day with a delightful breakfast before we visit the stunning St. Peter’s Basilica, the largest church in the world, and home to Michelangelo’s Pieta. Next, we’ll explore the Vatican Museums, where you’ll see incredible religious artifacts and art, including the Tapestry Gallery, Raphael Rooms, and the Sistine Chapel with Michelangelo’s “The Last Judgment.” We’ll also visit the tomb of Saint John Paul II. Our adventure continues along the historic Appian Way, featuring landmarks like the Domino Quo Vadis Chapel and the Catacombs of St. Callixtus, before concluding at the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls. End your day with dinner at a charming local restaurant and a restful night at your hotel.  

Today, we will join an authentic Italian gelato-making class, where you’ll learn to create your own gelato or tiramisù from scratch. Customize your gelato with seasonal fruits like Tuscan strawberries or Sorrento lemons, rich pistachios, dark chocolate from Perugia, or Nutella. While your gelato freezes, discover how to make the classic dessert, tiramisù. Afterward, you’ll have free time at Trevi Fountain for lunch before enjoying the afternoon at your leisure. The day concludes with dinner and an overnight stay in Rome.

Join us for a transfer to Naples, where you’ll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant featuring delicious Italian pizza. After lunch, embark on a guided sightseeing tour of the city with an English-speaking guide who will highlight key attractions. Following the tour, you’ll have some free time for individual activities or shopping. The day will conclude as you return to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

Start your day with a buffet breakfast at the hotel restaurant. Then, transfer to the historic ruins of Pompeii for exploration. Next, visit Mount Vesuvius for a wine tasting of Lacryma Christi, paired with lunch. This region’s rich history and unique cuisine are intertwined with the local wine culture. After a guided winery tour and lunch, you’ll head to Sorrento for free time to explore, followed by dinner and an overnight stay.

After breakfast, you’ll travel to Norcia in Umbria, known for its beautiful hills and vineyards, particularly in Montefalco, famous for Sagrantino and Rosso di Montefalco wines. You’ll enjoy panoramic views and visit an olive oil factory in Trevi for a production tour and tasting. Upon arriving in Norcia, famous for its cold meats like salami and porchetta and pecorino cheese (with or without Norcia truffle), you’ll also appreciate its connection to San Benedetto, a figure of austerity and hard work. Dinner and overnight accommodations will allow you to savor the local culture and cuisine.

Participants will take a cooking class to prepare their lunch, which will be enjoyed with wine. In the afternoon, a visit to Perugia’s chocolate factory and Chocolate Museum will provide insights into chocolate production and the city’s history. Dinner and overnight accommodations will follow.

Travelers in Tuscany should head south along the ancient Via Cassia to Montalcino and Montepulciano, two renowned wine-producing regions rich in history and culture. These towns offer experiences beyond wine, making them enjoyable for all visitors. Nearby Pienza showcases beautiful Renaissance architecture set against the iconic Tuscan landscape. After a day of exploration, returning to the Montecatini area for an overnight stay is recommended.

Take a scenic journey along State Road 222, which winds through the renowned towns of the Chianti region. Notable stops include Greve, Radda, and Castellina in Chianti, each of which is rich in winemaking history and features charming medieval villages. Be sure to indulge in wine tasting to experience the region’s famous offerings. After enjoying the highlights of Chianti, you can transfer to Rome for an overnight stay, ensuring a seamless continuation of your Italian adventure.

Following breakfast, we will proceed with check-out and prepare for your transfer to the airport in Rome.