Day 1 - Arrival and Transfer to Como

You will be greeted by your English speaking assistant in Milan outside the airport arrivals hall. You will then be escorted to your private car and driver for your transfer from Milan to Lake Como. After check in at the hotel, the rest of your first day is free for you to relax and absorb the serene atmosphere of this stunningly beautiful resort area. Overnight at hotel.

Day 2 - Lake Como Tour

A picture perfect day awaits you as you start your tour of this stunning lake with your private guide. Traveling by boat (public ferry and hydrofoil), you will have the opportunity to see the lavish villas that dot the shoreline of the lake; holiday homes to the Italian nobility of the past as well as the rich and famous of the present, among which George Clooney is one of the more popular.You will stop in Bellagio for a chance to stroll down the streets of this famous lakeside retreat, and perhaps visit a local restaurant to sample the region's typical cuisine. In the afternoon, return to Como by hydrofoil for a short visit of the city where you will climb to the village of Brunate by funicular. From here, 500 M(1640 ft) above the lake you will enjoy an astonishing view. Return to the town centre and end your tour at the Duomo.

Day 3 - Como to Santa Margherita via Genova

After checking out of your hotel depart with your private driver from the Lakes area moving towards the Liguria Coast.Your first stop this morning is in Genoa, Italy's greatest seaport and native town of Christopher Columbus. You will have an orientation drive including Columbus' birthplace and the floral monument depicting Columbus' three-vessel fleet. You will then have some free time before continuing along the coast to Santa Margherita.

Day 4 - Cinque Terre Tour

Today our English speaking driver will meet you at the hotel after breakfast this morning to take you on your private tour of the Cinque Terre. You will head to Monterosso by car, then you will continue by train to Riomaggiore with stop and visit in Vernazza and Manarola.The Cinque Terre stretch of coastline is a National Park, and a Protected Marine Area, included on UNESCO's World Heritage List. The small villages have been for many centuries, practically inaccessible by land due to the harsh, steep terrain which juts up at their backs. During your day you can hike the famous "Via dell'Amore" or Path of Love, a short paved trail from Riomaggiore to Manarola (20 minutes between the towns).At the end of the tour your driver will transfer back to your hotel.

Day 5 - Liguria Coast and Portofino

After breakfast your private English speaking guide and driver will take you to Rapallo. You will go on a boat excursion (weather permitting), or by car, from Rapallo to Portofino, considered the "Pearl of the Liguria Coast". In the afternoon return by boat to Santa Margherita for a visit of Antiochus's Church and Villa Durazzo Centurione. Overnight at hotel.

Day 6 - Pisa, Florence

Check out from your hotel and continue your journey with your private driver to Florence. Your tour takes you through the fertile and picturesque Tuscan countryside towards the historic university city of Pisa. Together with a local English speaking guide you will visit the famous Piazza dei Miracoli and the Cathedral, an unequalled masterpiece of Romanesque art carried out between the 11th and 12th centuries, as well as the Baptistry and Piazza dei Cavalieri. Continue to Florence and your next accommodations.

Day 7 - Florence Tour

Depart with your English speaking guide from your hotel to for your private walking tour of the city. Florence's rich past as the cultural centre of the Italian Renaissance can still be seen today in the wealth of art gathered here, and in the preservation of its splendid architecture. The tour includes visits of the Duomo and the Baptistery, the Piazza della Signoria, the Ponte Vecchio, and the famous Accademia Gallery. Balance of the day at your leisure.

Day 8 - Florence, Siena, Rome

After check out, departure with your private English speaking driver/guide for Siena and Rome.In Siena, one of the most beautiful medieval cities in Tuscany, you will tour with your local guide visiting the main sights including the famous Piazza del Campo, sight of the Palio horse race. After the tour you will have time for lunch and some shopping or independent sight seeing before continuing on to Rome and your next hotel.

Day 9 - Ancient Rome Tour

A fascinating private half day tour of the wonders of the Ancient Romans transports you back to the days of the Caesars and the Roman legions.Together with your local guide you will visit the Circus Maximus, sight of Ben Hur style races, the Roman Forum and the incomparable Colosseum. Afternoon is at your leisure.

Day 10 - Vatican Tour

Your fascinating half day private tour of the Vatican starts in the galleries of the Vatican museum, home to the most celebrated art collection in Europe. The museum tour ends in the spectacular Sistine Chapel, the extreme expression of Michelangelo's genius. Last but not least, visit the largest sanctuary of Christianity, St. Peter's Basilica, where proportions appear to have been forgotten in an amazing triumph of marble, bronze and mosaic works. The balance of the day is at your leisure.

Day 11 - Arrivederci Italia

Our representatives will pick you up upon check out from the hotel this morning for your private transfer to the Rome airport for your departing flight.

Accommodations

Lake Como Hotel Terminus (or similar)

Santa Margherita Hotel Lido Palace (or similar)

Florence Hotel Grand hotel Cavour (or similar)

Rome Hotel Mascagni (or similar)

Sightseeing

Private full day guided tour Lake Como including ferry and funicular fees

Independent visit of Genoa

Private full day excursion to Cinque terre including entrance fee to park, local train and boat (weather permitting)

Classical Florence walking tour including Accademia Gallery and Santa Croce Church

Uffizi Gallery reservation in the afternoon

Private half day excursion to Portofino

Half day excursion to Pisa including local guide and entrance fees to Duomo and Baptistry

Visit of Siena with local guide

Private half day guided tour of Ancient Rome, including Colosseum entrance fees

Private half day guided tour of the Vatican, including Museum entrance fees

Transfers

All transfers are private from and to airports and rail stations with assistance

Private transfer from city to city as per itinerary with English speaking drivers

Meals

Breakfast at hotels daily

Services

Assistance from our Road to Italy office in Rome and local representative offices throughout Italy

Local emergency contact number daily

Does not include

Airfare

Travel Insurance (highly recommended)

Tips and gratuities to drivers and local guides

1) Consult with our tour designers

Contact our office by phone or e-mail and speak to one of our tour designers who will answer any question you have about our suggested tour. They will listen attentively to your ideas and plans and suggest changes to personalize the tour based on your interests and budget.

Tel: 416 964 7600
Toll: 1-800-848-8163
reservations@roadtoitaly.com

2) We send you a Proposal

Shortly after your initial contact with our tour designers, you will receive a draft proposal based on your earlier discussions, normally within 2 business days. This proposal is a no obligation draft for your review and comments. Any additions or modifications will be implemented and a new proposal will be forwarded to you for approval.

3) You like what you see!

Upon meeting your requirements and expectations, you will be requested to send a deposit in the amount of 25% of total. Final Payment is due 45 days prior to scheduled departure date.

4) Buon viaggio!

Approximately, 2 weeks prior to departure you will receive a personalized and detailed day by day itinerary booklet and the necessary vouchers for the services to be provided, along with a general information section on the various regions of Italy.

The booklet and vouchers will include all the important information; addresses, phone & mobile numbers for all your service providers, hotels as well as the phone number of our office in Rome.