Compare Rome,Florence, Cinque Terre, Rome: by train in 4* by Meet and Greet vs Seductive Southern Italy by Culture Trip

Day 1 - Rome

Make your way and check-in at your high-quality 4* hotel personally selected by our staff. Today’s time at leisure will give you the freedom to do whatever you want. We suggest starting exploring the city to familiarize yourself with it and delve into its atmosphere. Rome is an open-air museum, you will be impressed by the stunning beauty of its many squares, churches, and fountains as well as by the ancient Roma ruins. Also, you may choose between the many activities offered by us. We have a lot of ideas and proposals, just let us know what you want to do and we'll take care of everything!

Day 2 - Rome

After breakfast, it is time to discover the secrets of Rome, but who knows better than you what you would personally like to explore? You can choose among the following alternatives, only high-quality small group tours for a maximum of 20 participants operated by a qualified crew of selected licensed local guides:

* Rome walk of ages: a walk along 2000 years of history (starting time 9.00 am, duration 3 hours) Take an unforgettable promenade through the delightful ""centro storico"", the historic city center, a lively maze of picturesque flowered cobblestone streets and shop-lined alleys which lead to gorgeous squares, the famed Roman piazzas, and landmarks. Discover it all, including viewings of the Roman forum and the Colosseum, the beautiful Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, the most impressive and best preserved ancient Roman building, archetype of modern architecture. Enjoy then a flavorful espresso at the Italian Senators’ preferred coffee shop, right next door to the Senate building, before walking to Piazza Navona, the quintessential Roman piazza.

* Rome by the throat: a deliciously cultural tour for foodies (starting time: 10.00 am and 4.00 pm, duration 3 hours). Discover the Eternal City using your senses, dive into the local gastronomic heritage and taste traditional specialties during a wondrous ""Food Quest"" through two of the most charming districts of Rome. Start with the famous “Espresso e Cornetto” in Rome and learn the Italian tradition behind il caffè, “brown gold”. Stroll through the streets of the historic Trastevere district, and Campo de’ Fiori, and let your guide lead you to the ancient fornai (bakeries) and botteghe (local delis), browse through the shops, lose yourself among aromas and sensational flavors: your Food Tour in Rome, includes signature snacks, like scrumptious pizza bianca romana, crispy fragrant ciambelline al vino, supplì, and much more.

* Discovering Imperial Rome: Colosseum, Palatine Hill and Roman Forum (starting time: 10.00 am and 15.00 pm). Skip the line and discover the secrets of the most famous monument in the world: the Colosseum - an icon of Rome! Your history-loving guide will take you on a journey through time as they tell you the ancient stories of the exciting and violent events that took place here. After departing from the Colosseum, you will visit its surrounding ruins including the Palatine Hill with the Roman Forum archeological area. From above Palatine Hill, make sure you have your camera ready! You will be able to find amazing, panoramic views over the Roman Forum and Circus Maximus - these are worth a trip to Italy alone!

* Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel guided tour (starting time 10.30 am and 15.30, duration 3 hours). Learn how to make real Italian food in a “hands-on cooking” class and take back with you a piece of Italian food tradition! If you love Italian food you won't miss the chance to learn how to make the most famous Italian dish: Pizza, from an authentic Neapolitan Pizzaiolo! Led by a professional Italian pizzaiolo, the cooking class will be held in a typical Pizzeria, set in one of the most beautiful Roman areas. Using real fresh ingredients; tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, basil, and much more, you will learn how to prepare an authentic Italian pizza, in an easy and super fun way!

Day 3 - Rome to Florence

After breakfast, make your way to the train station and board your high-speed train to Florence. Check what platform is yours on boards, searching by train number; you will be in Florence in only 2 hours. Make your way and check in at your high quality 4* hotel personally selected by our staff. All our partner hotels are well located so that you would easily move to visit the city by walk or using public transportation. Furthermore, they have been selected by us for their quality standards, in order to offer the most pleasant stay to our travelers. A whole day at leisure. Stroll the historic city center of Florence, which is very small and easy to walk around. In a short walk you'll meet lots of attractions like the Duomo, Piazza della Signoria with the Loggia dei Lanzi and Ponte Vecchio. Treat yourself with some local specialties like a juicy Fiorentina steak and great red wine.

Day 6 - Florence

After breakfast it is time to discover the Capital of The Renaissance but who knows better than you what you would personally like to explore? You can choose among the following alternatives, only high-quality small group tours for a maximum of 20 participants operated by a qualified crew of selected licensed local guides:

* Florence Panoramic city tour to Michelangelo square, Fiesole and Accademia Gallery with priority (starting time 8.30 am, duration 3 h 45 min)* Begin your day of discovery with two of the most beautiful and romantic spots in the world: Piazzale Michelangelo and Fiesole, where your guide will point out the main monuments of the city from these magnificent panoramic terraces: the unmistakable Brunelleschi's Cupola, Palazzo Vecchio, and much more... Then you plunge into the city itself! Your first stop is the Accademia Gallery, famous for Michelangelo’s, “David” sculpture. The tour ends with a stroll through the historic streets of the city to arrive in Piazza Duomo, where you will see from the outside the impressive Duomo, the Giotto’s bell tower and the baptistry. *(Not available on Mondays)

* Small-Group Uffizi Masterclass by an Art Expert (starting time 3:00 pm, duration 3,5 hours) *

Learn, explore and capture the essence of artistic talent and enchantment with an exclusive brand-new Florencetown experience: a unique Masterclass in the Uffizi of Florence with an Art Expert! Learn about Florence's history, discover the secrets of the Vasari Corridor, the Medici family's secret aerial passageway, and discover the true beauty and creative talent encompassed in the Florence Uffizi collection. From Leonardo's genius and Giotto's one-of-a-kind touches, to Botticelli's magical flower-filled "Primavera" and striking "Venere", you will enjoy the rare privilege of diving into each work of art, grasping its meaning and seeing it come to life for your eyes only.*(Not available on Mondays)

* Pizza and Gelato Making (starting time 6:00 pm, duration 3 hours) Learn to master the most delicious of all Italian arts from the pros. Discover the tricks of the trade and make authentic, genuine pizza and gelato! Our expert "pizzaiolo", he will illustrate, and demonstrate, the secrets which lie behind picture-perfect, scrumptious pizza. During this pizza course in Florence our chef will show you how to make pliable paper-thin yeast dough, kneading it to perfection. He will give you tips on how to prepare a zesty, yet light tomato sauce to spread on top. Then hear all about the history and tradition of Italian ice-cream. Discover the raw ingredients, learn where the best are produced and what natural colors can be used from our entertaining and knowledgeable chef. You'll get to know about the heating and freezing techniques, and, of course, give your taste buds a real treat tasting exquisite artisan-made gelato.

* Walk in Florence and then meet David (starting time: 10.00 am, duration 4,5 hours including free time)* Our guide will take you to some of the most important spots where the greatest minds and artists have stood and been inspired: Piazza della Signoria, the Duomo, the Baptistery, Santa Trinita and Orsanmichele Church, Pontevecchio Bridge, the secret Vasari Corridor and much much more.Then enter the Accademia Gallery museum with a fast-track priority entrance ticket and discover the original Michelangelo's masterpiece that has become the symbol of Renaissance splendour. The David. Admire also Michelangelo's famously unfinished sculptures - Prigioni and San Matteo. *(Not available on Mondays)

Day 5 - Florence to Cinque Terre

After breakfast, proceed on your own to the Florence train station to take regional train to Pisa. Once arrived at the Pisa Central Station leave your luggage at the luggage deposit in front of the station (reservation and cost are included) and discover on your own Campo dei Miracoli (the Square of Miracles in English) and the Leaning Tower of Pisa undeniably one of the world’s most recognizable structures. Once done, make your way back to Pisa Central Station to catch your train to La Spezia / Cinque Terre; If you don’t want to visit Pisa to arrive in La Spezia / Cinque Terre as early as possible, just let us now and you will simply have to stay on board of your morning train from Florence. Make your way and check in at your high quality 4* hotel personally selected by our staff

Day 6 - Cinque Terre

After breakfast take advantage of your 5 Terre Trekking and Train Card to reach the enchanted area of Cinque Terre, where colorful villages are embedded among the rocks like pearls in a jewel, Italy. The card allows you to make an unlimited number of trips by rail to fully enjoy the Cinque Terre and offers you following services: Access to the Park area Guided tours according to schedule, Poetic Naturalist Routes Eugenio Montale and Cinque Terre Literary Park according to schedule, bus service operated by ATC within the villages, free use of pay toilets in the Municipalities of Riomaggiore, Vernazza and Monterosso, WI-FI internet navigation in the Park’s Hot Spots. Overnight at your 4* hotel.

Day 7 - Cinque Terre to Rome

After breakfast, make your way to the train station and board your train to Rome. Check what platform is yours on boards, searching by train number; you will be in Rome in 4 hours. Make your way and check in at your high quality 4* hotel personally selected by our staff. Rest of the day at leisure.

Day 8 - Rome: end of the services

After breakfast, end of services. Feel free to add some extra nights or a private transfer to reach the next airport or railway station for your return.

Day 1: Arrive in Naples

Accommodation: Hotel Palazzo Salgar

Activities Included: Welcome dinner

Touch down in Naples and make your way to the hotel where you’ll be greeted by our Local Insider, who will accompany the group throughout the trip. At 6pm, join your fellow travellers for a welcome drink. Later on, head out for a three-course Neapolitan meal together – an ideal opportunity to get to know each other. After that, you might be tempted by a nightcap in a local bar – otherwise head back to the hotel for a good night’s rest ahead of your first full day.

Day 2: Join a street food tour of Naples

Accommodation: Hotel Santa Lucia, Minori

Activities Included: Naples street food tour

Learn all about the history of Neapolitan food and its importance to the city culture on a street food tour. Naples is of course synonymous with pizza and pasta, but there are many other local specialities such as sfogliatelle (a flaky, shell-shaped pastry typically filled with sweetened ricotta) and aubergine parmigiana (aubergine baked with layers of tomato sauce and mozzarella), which are well worth trying. Explore the city at leisure in the afternoon before taking a private transfer to the Amalfi Coast – your next stop.

Day 3: Cruise along the Amalfi Coast

Accommodation: Hotel Santa Lucia, Minori

Optional Activities: Amalfi Coast private boat tour

Today, the choice is yours. You could embark on a private boat tour of the Amalfi Coast to explore one of the most alluring stretches of coastline in Europe – or take the public ferry to either Amalfi or Positano and spend the day as you wish. Think pastel-coloured fishing villages set against the backdrop of dramatic cliffs and forests overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea. Whether you want to swim, relax on the beach or wander leisurely around the streets and piazzas of these picturesque villages, you won’t be short of options. Return to Minori in the evening.

Day 4: Explore the winding streets of ancient Matera

Accommodation: Corte San Pietro

Activities Included: Matera walking tour

Today we cross into the Basilicata region to reach Matera – known for its ancient hillside cave dwellings in the Unesco-listed Sassi area. Weave your way through the narrow, winding streets on a guided walking tour and discover why it was crowned 2019 European Capital of Culture. You may well recognise it from the latest James Bond movie, No Time to Die.

Day 5: Cycle through the Itria Valley by e-bike

Accommodation: Cala Ponte Hotel

Activities Included: Alberobello guided tour, Locorotondo visit, Itria Valley e-bike tour

You’ll continue eastwards into the Itria Valley – a particularly scenic part of the Puglia region. Marvel at the extraordinary trulli (traditional limestone dwellings with conical roofs) on a guided tour of Alberobello, and navigate the labyrinth of whitewashed alleyways and piazzas in Locorotondo, often regarded as one of the most photogenic towns in Puglia. Keen cyclist? You’ll also have the opportunity to hop on an e-bike and glide through a dreamy patchwork of olive groves and vineyards. Refuel with lunch in Locorotondo before heading to Polignano a Mare on the Adriatic coast – your home for the next two nights.

Day 6: Relax on the beaches of Polignano a Mare

Accommodation: Cala Ponte Hotel

Today is yours to spend as you wish. After a leisurely breakfast, why not head into the old town and soak up the laid-back atmosphere with a coffee in the main square, Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II? If you fancy catching rays, pack your beach towel and sprawl out at Lama Monachile (also known as Cala Porto), a secluded white-pebble beach sandwiched between craggy cliffs and bordered by a Roman-era bridge. As evening rolls in, make your way to the Pietra Piatta or Balconata sul Mare for wonderful views of the town and Adriatic Sea.

Day 7: Visit the Castellana Caves and taste Puglian olive oil

Accommodation: Arthotel & Park Lecce

Activities Included: Castellana Caves visit, Olive oil tasting & Ostuni walking tour

Wave goodbye to Polignano a Mare as you travel down the heel of the Italian boot to Lecce. Your first stop is at the Castellana Caves for a guided tour of karst chambers 70m (230ft) underground. You’ll then continue to Il Frantoio olive farm where you can taste the area’s famed olive oil from the source, before visiting the nearby hilltop town of Ostuni, nicknamed La Città Bianca (the White City) for its whitewashed buildings. Here, you’ll enjoy a guided walking tour followed by lunch at a masseria (traditional Puglian farmhouse).

Day 8: Explore Otranto and Santa Maria di Leuca

Accommodation: Arthotel & Park Lecce

Activities Included: Otranto private tour, Santa Maria di Leuca private tour

Your day starts with a guided tour of the Salento peninsula – the southernmost part of Puglia, home to some of the best beaches in Italy and baroque towns. First, you’ll be shown around Otranto, a city that bears strong Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Norman architectural influences; highlights include an 11th-century cathedral with an elaborate mosaic floor and the Aragonese Castle. It’s then time to explore Santa Maria di Leuca, known for its hilltop lighthouse and the Basilica De Finibus Terrae. Bring your camera to these vantage points to capture panoramic views of the town and coastline, where the Adriatic and Ionian seas merge.

Day 9: Admire the extravagant architecture of Lecce on a walking tour

Accommodation: Arthotel & Park Lecce

Activities Included: Lecce walking tour & Farewell dinner

Begin the final full day of your southern Italy adventure with a walking tour of Lecce, nicknamed the Florence of the South due to its honey-coloured baroque churches and palaces, with elaborately decorated façades, dotted throughout the old town. Spend the rest of your day at leisure, exploring independent craft shops, street cafés and cosy wine bars, as well as a superb selection of authentic Puglian restaurants. Come nightfall, cap off your trip with a memorable farewell dinner in the company of your fellow travellers.

Day 10: Depart from Lecce

It’s time to bid farewell to your new friends as your trip comes to an end. Check out of the hotel and make your way to Salento Airport to catch your flight home – or choose to extend your stay and experience what else Italy has to offer.