14-Day Lake Como, Venice, Florence, Amalfi Coast, Rome Italy Tour

14-Day Lake Como, Venice, Florence, Amalfi Coast, Rome Italy Tour Daily Itinerary

Day 1 – Depart United States for overnight flight

Depart the United States for an overnight flight to Italy. Destination airport is Milan.

Day 2 – Arrive Milan and Transfer to Lake Como

The 14-Day Italy tour begins with arrival in Northern Italy’s stylish Milan. From Milan Malpensa airport you’ll journey to the Italian Lake District’s historic town Como, situated on Lake Como.

Upon arrival you’ll have time at leisure. Take time to unwind, get your legs, and soak up the beauty of Lake Como.

This evening meet your tour director and travel companions at a welcoming reception.

Day 3 – Discover Fashionable Milan

Today journey from the Italian Lake district to the world fashion city Milan. In Milan you’ll join local tour guide who will escort you through Milan’s treasures.

The day includes seeing Gothic architecture of the Duomo, with its massive stained glass windows, decorated with over 3400 sculptures. You’ll also pass by the world’s most famous opera house La Scala. And you’ll visit Milan’s ornate Galleria with its imposing iron and glass-domed roof.

Day 4 – Venture to Verona and Venice

Today you’ll travel from Northern Italy’s famous Italian Lakes to its other highlight, Venice.

Along the way will be an excursion to Verona. Maybe most well-known by Shakespeare’s star-crossed lovers, Verona is also full of historic treasures. In addition to Juliet’s balcony, you’ll also see the ancient Roman Arena, still in use today.

Afterward you have time to indulge in a leisurely cappuccino stop in the city’s beautiful Piazza Bra, admiring the imposing bronze statue of King Victor Emanuel II. Or shop up a storm on trendy Via Mazzini.

Then, the tour continues on to Venice, where you’ll spend the next two nights.

Day 5 – Explore the Floating City

Glide through the canals of Venice by private launch visiting some of the jewels in the crown of the ‘Queen of the Adriatic’.

In Venice you’ll witness the centuries-old Venetian tradition of glassblowing. Watch as the master craftsmen shape the molten glass into the exquisite works of art for which Venice is justifiably famous.

Afterward, visit St. Mark’s Square to admire the profound beauty of the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica. See the Bridge of Sighs, so named because of the sound prisoners would make when taking one last longing look at their beloved city before being imprisoned.

Later, you’ll have the rest of the day to enjoy Venice at leisure. Get lost among its many bridges and canal. Along the way discover the many treasures of Venice.

You may also want to consider an Optional Experience to the island of Burano, renowned for its colorful fishermen houses.

Day 6 – Onwards to Florence

From Venice, we cross the Apennine Mountains to Florence, the ‘Cradle of the Renaissance’. Consider joining your Travel Director for a traditional Florentine dinner in the heart of the Chianti Hills.

Day 7 – Ponte Vecchio and More in Florence

This morning we join a Local Specialist on a leisurely walking tour to delve into the culture and history of Florence.

You’ll visit the Piazza del Duomo to view the multi-colored marble Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore. Then, on to Piazza della Signoria with its exquisite art and palazzi, and the Ponte Vecchio bridge that has straddled the Arno River for almost 700 years.

Afterward, head to Piazzale Michelangelo on a hill overlooking Florence. From there admire spectacular views of the city.

Later, learn about the quality and workmanship of two of this city’s historic industries at demonstrations of Florentine leathercraft and 18-carat gold.

This afternoon, consider an Optional Experience to the Fine Arts Academy to see Michelangelo’s ‘David’.

This evening dinner is included set against the backdrop of Tuscan vineyards and olive groves. During dinner you’ll learn all about the plot hatched by the Pazzi family within these very walls against the Medici rulers of Florence centuries ago. As you enjoy a delicious meal in the magnificent grand hall of the 12th-century castle, you’ll be captivated by the dedication and passion of your hosts, the Baj Macario family who are committed to running the estate in harmony with nature.

Day 8 – From Tuscany travel South to the Amalfi Coast

Today you will leave Florence to journey over the Tuscan Hills. Heading south through the Arno Valley, passing the Bay of Naples bound for Maiori, which is located on the Amalfi Coast.

You’ll spend three nights on the beautful Amalfi Coast. Upon arrival dinner is included at the hotel.

Day 9 – Uncover the Treasures of Amalfi

This morning travel to Amalfi, perched perfectly on this dramatic stretch of coastline. See the 10th-century Sant’Andrea cathedral in the heart of the town, with its beautifully striped Byzantine façade, and soak up the laid-back atmosphere. You’ll also have time to join an Optional Experience to Positano.

Day 10 – Amalfi Coast At Leisure

Relax at your hotel on the Amalfi Coast or wander past fragrant lemon terraces. You have a full free day to indulge in your heart’s desires – consider a fresh seafood lunch, from sea to table, or take a dip in the welcoming, warm Mediterranean waters.

Day 11 – The Ruins of Pompeii and on to Rome

Embark on a Small Group Sightseeing walking tour with a Local Specialist and discover the lost city of Pompeii, which was buried under volcanic ash when Mount Vesuvius erupted.

Afterward, continue to Rome the ‘Eternal City’. Upon arrival you’ll have free time. You may consider an optional experience to see the exquisite art and architecture of Rome.

Day 12 – Experience Ancient Rome and the Vatican City

Spend the morning in the Vatican City with a Local Specialist, visiting St. Peter’s Basilica to view Michelangelo’s most beautiful sculpture, the Pietà.

Afterward, you have free time to enjoy Rome. Alternatively, consider an optional experience to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel.

Later, you’ll cross the Tiber into Ancient Rome to see the Circus Maximus, once the site of exhilarating chariot races that entertained thousands. From here you’ll see the outside of the Colosseum.

This afternoon you have more time to explore Rome on our own terms. Stroll around its ancient streets. Enjoy its famous baroque piazzas. Have a gelato. Toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain to secure your return to Rome. Spend more time wandering around Piazza Navona and Campo dei Fiori.

Day 13 – Rome Your Way

Indulge in a full free day to explore the passionate embrace of the city and its zesty locals. Ease into la dolce vita, or consider an optional experience to Tivoli, where you can visit Villa d’Este with its magnificent Renaissance gardens and exquisite fountains.

This evening, you’ll enjoy a Farewell Dinner with newfound friends and your Travel Director before bidding arrivederci to Rome.