Fantasia - 11 Days / 10 Nights

Day 1:

Arrival at the hotel at guests’ own expense. A daily ticket for the Hop On Hop Off tourist bus is at your disposal. Discover Rome aboard one of the open-top Hop On Hop Off buses operated by Gray Line (I Love Rome City Tour) and admire your favorite landmarks from a unique perspective. Our panoramic, open-top buses provide a spectacular view of the Eternal City’s most iconic monuments. Simply hop on, relax, listen to the informative audio commentary, and hop off at any of the eight available stops along the route. The bus ticket included in the package is valid for one day, offering eight stops and an onboard audio guide available in 12 languages. Enjoy the rest of the evening at your leisure. Return to the hotel independently and overnight stay.

Day 2:

Departure at 7:15 AM by Gran Turismo coach towards Assisi. Upon arrival, enjoy free time to explore this charming medieval town, surrounded by ancient walls. We recommend visiting the renowned Basilica of St. Francis, home to masterpieces by Giotto and Cimabue. (Free time for lunch, not included). Continuing along the north-south highway of the Italian Peninsula, we reach Siena—a stunning medieval city enclosed by formidable walls, renowned for hosting one of the most beautiful squares in the world: Piazza del Campo, where the famous “Palio delle Contrade” horse race takes place. We then proceed to Florence. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel, followed by dinner and overnight stay.

Day 3:

After breakfast at the hotel, embark on a guided tour of this magnificent city, where Italian genius is expressed in all its splendor. The city center, including the Bell Tower, the Baptistery, and the Cathedral, forms an extraordinary ensemble of white, green, and pink marble, marking the transition from medieval Florentine art to the Renaissance. Visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, symbolizing Florence’s wealth and power in the 13th and 14th centuries, featuring Brunelleschi’s Dome in contrast to Giotto’s elegant Bell Tower. Explore the Baptistery, famous for its Bronze Doors (including the “Gates of Paradise,” as named by Michelangelo), Piazza della Signoria, the austere Gothic-style Palazzo Vecchio, and the Basilica of Santa Croce, located in one of Florence’s oldest squares. Enjoy lunch at a traditional Tuscan restaurant in Piazza Santa Croce. The afternoon is free, with the option to join an excursion to Pisa. This small city preserves numerous traces of its former glory as an ancient Maritime Republic and a prestigious university town. Visit the exterior of Piazza del Duomo, also known as the "Field of Miracles," home to the Cathedral, the Leaning Tower, and the Baptistery. Overnight stay in Florence.

Day 4:

Following a delightful breakfast in Florence, depart for the elegant city of Bologna. Upon arrival, explore the charming city center, famous for its iconic porticoes. Begin your walking tour at Piazza Malpighi, leading to the heart of Bologna at Piazza del Nettuno and Piazza Maggiore, where you can admire the historic Palazzo del Podestà and the Basilica of San Petronio, the world’s largest Gothic church built in brick. Then, immerse yourself in Bologna’s renowned culinary scene, often regarded as Italy’s gastronomic capital. As you wander through medieval streets, discover vibrant food markets and street food stalls offering a delightful selection of traditional and contemporary delicacies. Enjoy an exclusive light lunch featuring authentic local flavors at a carefully selected eatery. In the afternoon, continue to Venice (Mestre) for check-in at the hotel and overnight stay.

Day 5:

After breakfast, transfer to St. Mark’s Square for a guided walking tour of the city. Explore St. Mark’s Square, the Doge’s Palace—a symbol of Venice’s former power, serving as the residence of the Doges, the seat of government, and the court of justice—connected to the Prison Palace by the famous Bridge of Sighs, where Casanova was once imprisoned. To conclude the tour, your guide will invite you to enjoy a traditional Venetian aperitif featuring the famous cicchetti (Venetian-style tapas) accompanied by a spritz or prosecco. The afternoon is free for independent exploration. Return to the hotel and overnight stay.

Day 6:

After breakfast, depart by coach from Piazzale Roma to the Val di Chiana region in Tuscany, famous for its exquisite wines. This picturesque area is characterized by rolling hills, vineyards, and ancient Romanesque churches. Visit the charming medieval town of Montepulciano, renowned for its internationally acclaimed Vino Nobile, a prestigious red wine available for purchase in local wineries and shops. Montepulciano also offers breathtaking panoramic views and a rich artistic heritage. Enjoy lunch at a traditional restaurant featuring local specialties. After lunch, enjoy some free time before continuing to Rome in the afternoon. Arrival in Rome and end of services.

Day 7:

Desayuno en hotel y por la mañana salida para la visita de los Museos Vaticanos, Capilla Sixtina y la Basilica de San Pedro. El guía te acompañará al interior de los Museos, que son una de las colecciones de arte más importantes del mundo. Pasearás por las diversas salas, visitando todos esos principales lugares que has escuchado como la Galería de los Mapas Cartográficos, la Galería de los Tapices, los Aposentos de los Borgia. El guía te contará todo acerca de las Estancias de Rafael y sus excepcionales pinturas, incluyendo la Escuela de Atenas, y te llevará a la Capilla Sixtina, cuyo techo está magníficamente decorado con frescos de La Creación y El Juicio Final. La excursión no podría estar completa y como broche de oro, sin visitar la la Basilica de San Pedro! La Basilica de San Pedro no solo es la iglesia más grande en el mundo, sino que contiene muchas obras de Bellas Artes: piensa en el Baldaquino diseñado por Gian Lorenzo Bernini o La Piedad de Miguel Ángel. El tour termina con la majestuosa Plaza de San Pedro, el espacio abierto ante la Basílica, rediseñado por Gian Lorenzo Bernini obra de arte arquitectónica de la época Barroca Tarde libre. Alojamiento en hotel.

Day 8:

After breakfast, depart at 7:00 AM by coach, traveling south along the “Autostrada del Sole” through the regions of Lazio and Campania. Along the way, admire breathtaking views of the Italian countryside and the stunning Amalfi Coast, where crystal-clear waters meet rolling hills dotted with lemon groves and picturesque villages. Upon arrival in Sorrento, the gem of the Amalfi Coast, explore its lively streets, artisanal ceramic workshops, and historic churches. After hotel check-in, enjoy the afternoon at leisure. Optionally, take an excursion to discover more of the spectacular Amalfi Coast. In the evening, savor a delightful dinner at the hotel (recommended dress code: jacket for gentlemen), followed by an overnight stay in Sorrento.

Day 9:

After breakfast, transfer to the port of Sorrento and board a boat to Capri, an island that has long enchanted visitors with its dramatic landscapes, mild climate, and lush vegetation. Upon arrival, embark on a smaller boat at Marina Grande to visit the Blue Grotto (weather permitting). Enjoy free time for lunch (not included) and explore Capri at your leisure, whether shopping or sightseeing. In the afternoon, return to the port for the journey back to Sorrento. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 10:

After breakfast, enjoy some free time for a final stroll through Sorrento. Around 1:15 PM (departure time to be confirmed by Carrani Tours staff), begin the last leg of your journey. Accompanied by an expert guide, head to Pompeii, where a professional local guide will lead a fascinating walking tour through this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover the remarkably preserved ruins of this ancient Roman city, frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. Enjoy skip-the-line access and personal audio headsets to ensure you don’t miss any details as history comes to life. After the visit, return to Rome.

Day 11:

Breakfast at the hotel and end of services.