A Different Kind of Italy: 11-Day Tour

Board a comfortable international flight to Rome, Italy. Dinner will be served onboard.

Arrive in Rome and transfer by private coach to Pompeii. Explore the ancient ruins from the Roman Empire — founded around 600 BC, Pompeii was once the Empire’s second-largest city after Rome. In 79 AD, the city was buried under four lava flows and three ash clouds in just 18 hours, lying hidden underground for centuries. Walking through the squares, streets, temples, markets, and town hall, you can still sense its former glory. Continue on to Naples. After dinner, check in at Holiday Inn or a similar hotel in Naples.

After breakfast, take a boat to Capri, the most famous spot along the Amalfi Coast. With its hillside buildings, mild climate, and stunning coastlines, Capri is truly enchanting. On arrival, switch to a small boat to visit the magical Blue Grotto — its shimmering blue light and reflections feel like a dream. This mystical sea cave is the perfect escape from daily life, like stepping into paradise. Afterwards, visit Capri Town, known for its charming boutiques and cozy cafés, offering breathtaking Mediterranean views. (Note: If the sea is too rough and small boats can’t operate, an alternative program will be arranged in place of the Blue Grotto; substitutions are not open to objection.) In the afternoon, return by boat to Naples. Visit Piazza del Plebiscito, the city’s largest square. After dinner, overnight in Naples at Holiday Inn or a similar hotel.

After breakfast, drive to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Matera, an ancient city built of stone, world-famous for its historic cave dwellings. This cave city dates back as far as 9,000 years ago to the Stone Age and was also a filming location for the movie The Passion of the Christ. Continue on to another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Alberobello, known as the “fairy-tale town” for its unique traditional houses. After dinner, stay overnight at Hotel La Chiusa Di Chietri or a similar hotel.

After breakfast, head to Alberobello, known as the “fairy-tale town,” where traditional houses with distinctive features are preserved. Unlike other Italian towns, the cone-shaped rooftops are extremely rare. The town’s famous trulli architecture is recognized worldwide, and stepping into the village feels like entering a fairy-tale world — truly a paradise for photography lovers. In the afternoon, drive to Caserta. After dinner, stay overnight at Caserta Hotel or a similar hotel.

After breakfast, visit the Royal Palace of Caserta, an architectural masterpiece paired with vast gardens. Inside, its elegant furnishings and magnificent materials leave a lasting impression. In 1997, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then drive to Civita di Bagnoregio, known as the “Sky City.” Centuries ago, due to natural erosion, the land around the ancient town collapsed, making access difficult. Eventually, the only connecting bridge was abandoned, forcing residents to move away. Later, the local government built a new bridge so people could walk up to the town again. When covered in mist, the ancient city appears to float in the sky, and it even inspired the animated film Castle in the Sky. Continue to the Tuscan province and the medieval hill town of Siena, surrounded by rolling hills. The rich blend of history and culture here nurtured the Renaissance and gave rise to beautiful hilltop towns. Overnight at Four Points by Sheraton Hotel or a similar hotel.

After breakfast, explore the world-renowned Piazza del Campo, the Town Hall, the historic Cathedral, and other landmarks. After lunch, continue to San Gimignano, famed as the “City of Towers.” Stroll through the town while admiring the stunning Tuscan countryside, a view that lifts the spirit. Travelers may also enjoy tasting gelato at the charming town square—famous for winning the title of “World’s Best Gelato” for consecutive years. The shop draws endless lines of visitors every day, a sight in itself. Overnight at Grand Hotel Guinigi or a similar hotel.

After breakfast, proceed to La Spezia Railway Station and take a local tourist train to visit the Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well as an Italian National Park. These five ancient fishing villages were built along the rugged coastline, surrounded by mountains and caressed by sea breezes, making the Italian Riviera a world-famous holiday destination. Our experienced professional tour leader will introduce the most scenic villages and recommend the best photo spots. (Note: Cinque Terre can only be accessed by train, as tourist coaches are not permitted.) After dinner, continue to Bologna. Overnight at NH Hotel or a similar hotel.

After breakfast, head to the “country within a country” — San Marino, the oldest surviving sovereign state in the world. It was founded in A.D. 301 by a Christian stonemason named Marinus, who fled persecution of Christians under Roman Emperor Diocletian. San Marino covers an area of only 61 square kilometers and has a population of about 32,000. Upon arrival, visit the Basilica of San Marino, Liberty Square, and the Palazzo Pubblico (Public Palace). After lunch, continue to visit a renowned balsamic vinegar factory in Modena, Italy, where you will enjoy a tasting of this famous vinegar and experience its unique flavor. After dinner, check in to CTC Hotel or a similar hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast, explore the UNESCO World Heritage city of Verona, famous for its arena that can hold 20,000 spectators and for being the setting of Shakespeare’s tragic love story “Romeo and Juliet”, where you can visit Juliet’s House. Wander through the charming streets of the old town, lined with shops of unique character. Later, continue to the famous Burano Island, also known as the “Colorful Island” of Venice, which has been ranked among the Top 10 must-visit destinations in life. This picturesque island is renowned for its brightly painted fishermen’s houses, creating a vibrant scene where the entire island feels like a work of art, as if stepping into a fairytale. After dinner, check in to Move Hotels Nord or a similar hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast, transfer by private coach to the airport and board your Air Canada flight back to Toronto.