Grand Adventure: Rome, Venice, Tuscany & the Italian Riviera

Known as “The Floating City,” this fairy-tale destination is built on the Venetian Lagoon of northern Italy, an enclosed bay off the Adriatic Sea. Our guided tour includes a famed gondola ride with sights of the stunning Rialto Bridge and renowned attractions like St. Mark’s Square, the filming location for three James Bond movies and many others. During leisure time, be sure to explore more of the central square (Piazza San Marco), indulge in a scoop of fresh gelato, and soak up the relaxed atmosphere with no cars or roads – just plenty of beautiful canals and gondolas.

Known as the birthplace of the Renaissance, this city was the world capital of art in the 15th century! On our walking tour, we admire one of the most famous sculptures in the world, Michelangelo’s David, and observe the architectural beauty of the Duomo. See how it dominates Florence’s skyline and view Giorgio Vasari’s fresco painting, Last Judgment, beneath the dome. We also spend time shopping at the famous Ponte Vecchio Bridge, a medieval arched bridge constructed of stone that was astonishingly spared during World War II.

Formerly the heart of one of the most powerful ancient empires, Rome is now the enchanting capital of Italy and renowned for its famous historical sites that draw in tourists from all over. Marvel at the largest amphitheatre ever built and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, the Colosseum. Learn about its fascinating history and become immersed in the past while setting foot on the grounds that mighty gladiators once walked. We also visit the grand Roman Forum that was previously the governmental, financial, and religious center of the city. Be amazed by the open-air public meetings, criminal trials, and more that took place long ago.

Travel inside the walled borders of Vatican City for a guided tour through centuries of Renaissance masterpieces and Roman sculptures. Visit the world-renowned Sistine Chapel and marvel at the intricate ceiling, painted by Michelangelo, which features nine scenes from the Book of Genesis to depict the powerful story of creation. Just outside of the Vatican walls, you’ll find St. Peter’s Square and St. Peter’s Basilica, designed in part by Michelangelo and the largest church ever built.

Step back in time while exploring this medieval hilltop town that predates the 8th century with ancient fortress walls. Visit the Palazzo dei Priori to see medieval frescoes and a bell tower with unbeatable views, admire the cathedral’s marble entrance, and wander the well-preserved Roman Theatre from the 1st century BC. We also watch a skilled alabaster carving, a centuries-old tradition that involves sculpting exquisite works of art from translucent rock!

Cinque Terre, meaning “Five Lands,” is a collection of five coastal villages perched on terraced hillsides high above the Ligurian coast. Together, they make up a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s famous for its natural and cultural history. Arrive by rail on the Cinque Terre Express to visit the villages of Riomaggiore, Vernazza, and Monterosso al Mare. Discover pastel and brightly painted buildings, picturesque harbors filled with traditional fishing boats, winding cliff pathways, and quaint, cobbled streets. During leisure time, you may enjoy walking along clear-water beaches or sipping a local dry white specialty wine from a patio overlooking the sea. 

Take a relaxing boat ride to the Pearl of The Italian Riviera. Located on its own peninsula, this popular resort town boasts bright vegetation, pastel-colored houses, high-end boutiques, and a small harbor. Time at leisure can be spent seeing the yellow-bricked Church of San Giorgio, the castle and hanging gardens at Castello Brown, the lighthouse beside the Gulf of Tigullio, and the 14th-century Gothic Oratory of Santa Maria Assunta.