Compare Rome, Florence, Venice, Milan 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! Overnight at your 4* hotel

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. Also you may choose between the many activities offered by us. Overnight at your 4* hotel.

Day 4 - 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 Venice

After breakfast, make your way to the train station and board your high-speed train to Venice. Check what platform is yours on boards, searching by train number; you will be in Venice in only 2 hours. Make your way and check-in at your high-quality 4* hotel personally selected by our staff. Thanks to the day at leisure you will have the chance to start exploring the floating city and lose yourself in its fascinating maze of alleys, canals and bridges. Immerse yourself into local life sipping some spritz drink with local specialties at ""bacari"", very traditional eateries. We offer many activities to do in Venice, choose from our proposals and we'll arrange it for you.

Day 6 - Venice

After breakfast it is time to discover Venice 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:

* Small-Group VIP Art & Food Venice Walking Tour with Traditional Tastings (starting time 9.00 am, duration 2.5 hours). Meet your guide and set the scene for your Venice walking tour visiting a historic café. While your guide introduces you to Venice’s unique features you will start experiencing the characteristic lifestyle enjoying a complimentary “colazione” : espresso (or cappuccino) and delicious taste of patisserie. Energized by the espresso discover the grandeur of St Mark’s Square and its Basilica. Admire the Doge's Palace, once seat of the government, Palace of Justice, prison, home to the Doge, which also houses the haunting Bridge of Sighs. During your Venice walking tour enjoy the chance to join the locals for traditional “Cicchetti”, luscious Venetian “tapas” made with local products, and refreshments. Admire the iconic Ponte di Rialto over the Grand Canale, and learn why it was once said that this beautiful daring structure was bound to fall (while it’s still standing after more than 400 years! ) Then see the fascinating Rialto Fish Market and crown your day with a final Venetian specialty tasting in the market (or local café on market closing days).

* Vip Grand Canal Tour: small group boat tour (starting time 2.00 and 4.30 pm , duration 1 hour) Constructed over many centuries, the incredible palaces enhance the Grand Canal with their elegance and sophistication. This mix of architecture makes it the unmissable and famous place it is today. Your local, and friendly guide will entertain you with stories of the palaces and their owners. Did you know the facades of these stunning buildings are only visible from the water and were built to be most appealing from that viewpoint? You will understand why the great writers Browning, Shelley, and Byron were so inspired by this city. On this tour, you will explore the quaint waterways, with their many picture-perfect bridges on the quieter side of Venice. This laid-back tour, in a motor boat gives you a comprehensive view of the city, covering areas that you would not otherwise visit.

* Venice walking guided tour & gondola Ride (starting time 3:00 pm, duration 2 hours ) Join our guided tour to discover Venice’s mesmerizing and prestigious monuments including Palazzo Contarini della Scala del Bovolo, the Fenice theatre and the Rialto Bridge. Meet your history expert local guide and depart from San Luca square to discover the hidden gems of the city. Admire the renown Ponte di Rialto over the Gran Canal, and learn why it was once said that this beautiful daring structure was bound to fall (while it’s still standing after more than 400 years! ) Then our guide will lead you to the beautiful Scala del Bovolo (Bovolo staircase), Gothic-Renaissance masterpiece located in a narrow square outside from the classic tourist city center itineraries. From there you will proceed to discover the area between Sant'Angelo square and the Fenice Theatre. At the end of the tour, go for a ride on a typical Gondola, the most iconic experience in Venice.

* Luxury Murano & Burano Panoramic Tour (starting time 10.00 am, duration 4,5 hours ) A fantastic excursion aboard an elegant boat, accompanied by the explanations of a hostess who will assist you during the journey, will take you to discovery the lagoon of Venice and its most beautiful islands: Murano and Burano. After visiting the city of Murano, you will have the opportunity to see a demonstration on the modeling of glass by the glassblowing masters who will give life to vases, glasses and many other beautiful objects from the local tradition. You will then head to Burano, famous for the colorful houses of the fishermen, who, according to legend, would have painted their houses with bright colors to be able to recognize them in the fog that is particularly thick during winter time. Walking through the city, you might see the old women of the island hand making the lace or taste the typical local sweet called bussolà.

Day 7 - Venice to Milan

After breakfast, make your way to the train station and board your high-speed train to Milan. Check what platform is yours on boards, searching by train number; you will be in Milano in only 2 hours and 25 minutes. Make your way and check in at your high quality 4* hotel personally selected by our staff. 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 to start exploring the city to familiarize yourself with it and delve into its atmosphere. 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! Overnight at your 4* hotel"

Day 8 - Milan

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

* Duomo Cathedral and its Rooftops (starting time 9.15 am and 2:15 pm, duration 2.5 hours). Live a memorable experience walking through the naves of the DUOMO CATHEDRAL, one of the largest churches in the world and the true symbol of the city of Milan, together with the chance to climb up to ITS ROOFTOPS and enjoy a fantastic panoramic view over Milan, and beyond, if the weather is right, to the distant “ring” of Alps surrounding the city. Enjoy an amazing and unique experience (no other church in the world offers this opportunity) walking on the rooftops of the majestic Duomo Cathedral, after having visited the inside: it’s definitely worth the Tour!

* Guided walk of Milan with skip-the-line entrance to the cathedral and La Scala theatre (starting time 9.30 am, duration 3,5 hours). Begin your tour from outside the great, medieval “Castello Sforzesco,” one of the most impressive urban castles in Europe! Your guide will dive into its eventful history: once a residence of the ruling Sforza family of Milan and a military fortress, it was partly destroyed in times of war. Next, your guide will head towards the majestic Cathedral of Milan, a fantastic expression of Gothic art in Italy. It is home to the famous, copper ""Madonnina"" as well as more than 3,200 statues in the center of its incredible facade. Inside the cathedral, you can find wonderful stained-glass windows and priceless masterpieces from the fourteenth century until present day. After discovering the Cathedral of Milan, you can enjoy a relaxing walk inside the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, full of trendy cafes and shops. Wander throughout the boutiques of Italy’s most renowned fashion designers and allow them to inspire you for the next season. The tour end at La Scala Theatre, where some of the world's greatest musicians and opera singers performed, such as Pavarotti, Maria Callas and Giuseppe Verdi and continues to be one of the symbols of Italy and Europe.

Day 9 - Milan: 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.