Italy South *

Your Wednesday morning starts at the ancient city of Pompeii, at the foot of Mount Vesuvius in the Gulf of Naples. Pompeii was buried in volcanic ash when the volcano erupted in 79 AD, until its excavation in the eighteenth century. Because of protecting volcanic ash, all buildings are almost completely preserved, so when you walk into this ancient city, you feel like you are experiencing ancient Roman life. After this you drive along part of the lemon-scented Amalfi coast, often referred to as the most beautiful in the world. You head on to Naples, the largest city in southern Italy and enjoy the city's attractions. Naples is the birthplace of pizza, and the best pizza in the world is made here.

In the early morning you will take the ferry to Capri, the island that was favoured by Roman emperors, artists, writers and celebrities. Nowadays, apart from the scenery, the island is also popular with tourists because of the wonders of the Blue Grotto. You will take a small boat to enter the cave, enjoy the blue reflection of the sunline shining through the water, an amazing sight. (Note: The Blue Grotto is a natural phenomenon, and is closed in case of wind and waves.) After Blue Grotto, you will have a short walk into Capri city centre. From Capri you will take the ferry to the beautiful town of Sorrento. The most popular area downtown is Tasso Plaza, where you find many special shops and restaurants and you can enjoy some free time. Sorrento is famous because of its song ‘Come Back to Sorrento’(Torna a Surriento) which describes the beautiful scenery and the joy and passion of its citizens.

Today you drive back to Rome in the morning, passing through the town of Castel Gandolfo to visit the Pope's Summer Palace. The villa stands high in the Alban hills, overlooking Lake Albano. It is a beautiful place for the Pope's holiday and to escape the summer heat. Since it belongs to the Vatican, and not to the Italian government, this place also enjoys extraterritorial rights. Former Pope John Paul II met with US President George W Bush at Castel Gandolfo. You arrive in Rome in the afternoon, and you can see Rome at your ease! Enjoy a lovely lunch or stroll around the shopping area of the Spanish Steps.

Your voyage of Italian gems continues in Bagnoregio, the place that inspired Japanese animation master Hayao Miyazaki to create 'The Castle in the Sky'. The ancient, 2,000-year-old city is built on the top of the mountain and is connected to the outside world by a long, narrow bridge. Seen from a distance this town really looks like a sky city. After this, you go to Assisi, a very high-profile world cultural heritage site. Assisi is the birthplace of the Catholic Franciscan founder Saint Francis of Assisi. This makes the town very important for all the pilgrims who come here to commemorate their saint. The square in front of the Basilica is full of spirits, the frescoes in the church are famous paintings in Italian art history. Even if you are not religious, Assisi is definitely worth a visit. In the afternoon, you head to the neighboring mountain city of Perugia, which has a long history. Because of its elegant environment and lively atmosphere, it was elected the European Capital of Culture 2019. You visit its beautiful church, square, fountain and aqueduct here.

In the morning, you drive through the world-famous Tuscany region. The coach takes you on country roads and through gentle rolling hills. From time to time, vineyards and picturesque villages and towns appear, adding splendid colors to the hills. Since the film 'Under the Tuscan Sun' came out, this region has become a tourist focal point. First you arrive in Pienza, a town overlooking the world heritage area of Val d'Orcia. You visit the Chapel of the Madonna di Vitaleta, and enjoy the view of endless pastoral hills and classic Tuscan landscape. Next you go to the San Quirico d'Orcia, an undiscovered castle town and a real Tuscan experience. Finally, you arrive in Montalcino, a village famous for its Brunello di Montalcino red wine. Maze-like streets, small shops, the simple and beautiful Abbey of Sant’Antimo, all make this a very Tuscan place.

In the morning, you head to Italy's most famous shopping village, The Mall. At this paradise of luxury, you can find famous Italian and international high-end fashion brands, while the Gucci Café offers a welcoming break. In the afternoon, you go back to Florence, birthplace of the Renaissance, and stroll to the city's famous places: the Santa Maria del Fiore cathedral, built in the thirteenth century, is the third cathedral in the world, while Ponte Vecchio is the arch bridge of the medieval Gold Exchange on the Anor River. Italian celebrities like Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci and the famous physicist Galileo are buried in the Basilica di Santa Croce. Florence is also the source of the world-famous Italian leather industry and leather working crafts. You will see a demonstration of the traditional craft of leather working, and you will also have the opportunity to purchase some of the high-quality leather items for which the city is famous.

In the morning you head to the eternal capital Rome. Your day in Rome starts with a visit to the smallest country in the world, the Vatican City. Here you will marvel at the world's biggest cathedral, St. Peter's Basilica, the great building from the European Renaissance. This most outstanding example of architecture and art in Italy took over 120 years to build. The cathedral’s dome is perfect and the square is magnificent and majestic. You also visit Italy’s unrivalled Roman relics, starting with the Colosseum built in 72 AD. After the Colosseum, you will visit the Arch of Constantine, the magnificent The Vittorio Emanuele II Monument and the Trevi Fountain known as the Fountain of Hope. Then you spend some free time enjoying Rome, sampling the rich and creamy delights of “gelato” Italian ice cream, finishing the day off with a leisure stroll around the Piazza Della Repubblica, the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels and the Martyrs. Optional: