Bel Viaggio

Welcome to Nice, on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, where you’ll spend two relaxing days at a magnificent property, and get to explore the charming Côte d’Azur region.

With a beautiful old town and picturesque seaside promenade, Nice will delight and surprise. Enjoy some free time before taking a scenic journey to neighbouring Monte Carlo in Monaco. Here you’ll visit the Prince’s Palace of Monaco, including the Palace State Apartments with ornate furnishings and elaborate décor.

Bidding adieu to France, you begin your Italian discovery by travelling along the beautiful Mediterranean coast, stopping in historic Genoa, the birthplace of Christopher Columbus. A former European Capital of Culture, this Italian Riviera city boasts a multitude of hidden gems in its labyrinth of quaint alleyways. Enjoy an orientation tour followed by time at leisure before your afternoon arrival in Rapallo. You’ll enjoy another orientation tour before checking in for a two night stay at your exquisite hotel on the coast of the beautiful Ligurian Sea.

The rugged coastline known as the Cinque Terre, or ‘Five Lands’, is a World Heritage-listed Site that comprises the five villages of Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. They’re accessible only via walking paths, train or boat, but this only lends to the already considerable charm of these unique 11th century villages. Today, you’ll enjoy a full day exploring this picturesque coastline and you’ll very quickly come to appreciate why it’s one of Italy’s most visited regions.

Travel to Pisa and explore the town on a walking tour before visiting the Square of Miracles for a view of the legendary ‘Leaning Tower’. It may be famous for its leaning tower, but Pisa has a wealth of historic churches, palaces and bridges. After spending a little time discovering this historic maritime republic, you’ll travel to San Gimignano to discover the Communal Palace and Duomo, among other wonderful attractions. This afternoon, you’ll arrive at your hotel in Florence, the jewel in the crown of Italy’s alluring Tuscany region.

Florence is often called the ‘capital of arts’, and for good reason. According to UNESCO, sixty percent of the world’s most important works of art are located in Italy and half of those are in beautiful Florence. Enjoy a walking tour of the city, starting at the Academy of Fine Arts, where you’ll get to admire Michelangelo’s David. You’ll also see the Duomo, Giotto’s Belltower, and get to walk on the Ponte Vecchio.

Tonight, feast on fine Italian cuisine at one of Florence’s renowned restaurants.

Traverse the Tuscan countryside this morning to Rome, where you’ll be introduced to many famous sights, including the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain and Piazza Navona. You’ll stay at a centrally located hotel.

Begin today’s sightseeing in the world’s smallest country, the Vatican City, where you’ll visit the Vatican Museum, the breathtaking Sistine Chapel, and the world’s largest church, St. Peter’s Basilica, before emerging into St. Peter’s Square. Officially the Vatican City State, it’s one of Europe’s last six remaining absolute monarchies, and consists entirely of one walled enclave within the city of Rome.

From there you’ll continue to the Roman Forum, surrounded by the ruins of several important ancient government buildings in Rome’s centre, before concluding your tour at the mighty Colosseum. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore Rome’s magnificence before a special farewell dinner with newfound friends in Italy’s alluring capital city. What a wonderful way to celebrate such a fabulous holiday.

After breakfast, your discovery of the beautiful treasures of France and Italy concludes. Transfer to Rome airport for your onward or homebound flight.