A Taste of Cinque Terre

Itinerary

1. Day 1 Arrival in Rome

   The capital of Italy is a vibrant, energetic and stylish city. While thoroughly modern in sensibility, Rome is also home to some of the world’s most important works of classic art and architecture. This city has been an epicenter for culture, politics and religion for more than 2,500 years. From the Spanish Steps to the Vatican, there are more than enough sights to keep even the most active tourists busy and even somewhere as popular as Rome you can find places just off the tourist trail and bustling with locals. But it’s also nice to slow down and enjoy Rome’s famous cafes and restaurants, which can be just as beguiling as the buildings. Lounge with an espresso on the Campo de Fiori and watch the changing light on the fountains and the facades. Visit the Vatican and explore some of the world’s most beautiful churches. Rome really comes alive at night, when restaurants and wine bars bring a renewed vitality to the city. You’ll also have opportunities for day trips to local vineyards, olive groves, and other places producing regional delicacies. No matter what your interests, or what kind of holiday you’re looking for, Rome will be an enjoyable destination.

   After you land at Rome's Fiumicino airport you will be met in the arrivals hall by a driver holding a sign with your name on. The journey to your accommodation in the center of Rome should take around an hour.

   Our representative will then meet with you to answer any questions you have and to get you settled for the rest of your trip.

   

   Eat and Drink Your Way Through the Lens of Iconic Films

   Film lovers, we suggest kicking off your Roman adventure by following the footsteps of the stars! Begin with a leisurely stroll and a quintessential "aperitivo" at Bar San Calisto in Trastevere, a beloved spot immortalized in La Grande Bellezza, where you must try their famous caffè granita with cream. Fans of The Talented Mr. Ripley will recognize Cafe Latino (the Vesuvio nightclub) and the charming café in Piazza Navona, just opposite Bernini's Fountain of the Four Rivers. If you liked Julia Robert's Eat, Pray, Love,, indulge in the film’s culinary highlights with gelato at San Crispino, a meal at Old Bear Restaurant, or a cozy dinner at Santa Lucia Trattoria.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

2. Day 2 Your First Full Day in Rome

   

   First Time in Rome

   Get ready to experience the very best of Rome in a quirky and fun way! Roam around the historic center of the Eternal City in a private golf cart and marvel at iconic landmarks, such as the Pantheon, the Spanish Steps, and the Trevi Fountain, while your guide narrates unique stories of the city and its people.

   • Activity Level : Easy
   • Duration : 3 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   Gourmet Experiences

   There's no better way to explore Italian cuisine than by taking gourmet tours which will give you a deep cultural experience. You can learn how to make gelato and tiramisu, enjoy a luxury gourmet dinner with a wine tasting in a private cellar, or be part of a small group food crawl. Choose any of these experiences and we can guarantee you'll want more.

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

   

   Guided Group Wine & Food Pairing Dinner Near the Pantheon

   This 2.5-hour tour and degustation is perfect for foodies. You'll start with an aperitif as you soak up the atmosphere. Then you'll head for dinner, enjoying sumptuous Roman specialties while you get the special treatment from the owners of the restaurant. We can't think of a better way to enjoy a Roman dinner!
   

   • Activity Level : Easy
   • Duration : 2 hours 30 minutes

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

   

   Group Food Tour - Campo de' Fiori, Jewish Ghetto, Trastevere

   Food lovers, here's your chance to experience Rome’s enchanting squares and neighborhoods while tasting your way through some of the city’s best shops, restaurants, and markets, discovering the secrets of Italian cuisine. Meet your friendly, local expert food connoisseur in the city center, and get ready to stroll through a number of neighborhoods to visit the most famous food markets, groceries, coffee shops, ice cream shops, and restaurants. Taste some of the delicious food and wines the city is famous for, including pizza bianca, mortadella, gelato, and supplì. From fried artichokes or zucchini flowers in the Jewish ghetto to spices and vegetables in Campo de Fiori, you'll ignite your senses and burn some calories while you enjoy walking amongst the beauty around you.

   Just so you know, this tour includes approximately 3.5 km (2.17 miles) of walking.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 3 hours 30 minutes

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

   Watch the video

3. Day 3 Your Second Full Day in Rome

   

   Boldly go to Ancient Rome

   You'll have the chance of going where very few tourists have gone before, on a small group tour that features VIP access to the closed-off areas of the Colosseum so you can get a unique perspective on this most iconic of Ancient Roman sites. You'll visit the Colosseum underground, walk on the arena floor and admire the views from the third tier. Aside from these limited-access areas you'll also be touring the main parts of the Colosseum (with the plebeians!) along with the Roman Forum and Palatine hill, all with an expert guide.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 3 hours 30 minutes

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

   Watch the video

4. Day 4 Traveling to Monterosso Al Mare by Private Transfer / Arrival in Monterosso Al Mare

   Your time in the capital has come to an end and it's time to visit Cinque Terre! Our driver will pick you up from your accommodations in Rome and take you to Monterosso Al Mare. The journey will take approximately 5 hours depending on the traffic.

   As the northern-most of the Cinque Terre villages, Monterosso-al-Mare (literally the red mountain by the sea) is the most accessible of five. Road, rail and ferry links, and a wide choice of hotels make this an excellent base for visiting all the other villages and neighboring towns as well. This choice and accessibility comes at a price – it is the least pretty of the five. Yet that will hardly seem to matter when you're looking out to sea, or hiking the steep trail to Vernazza, the next village. Monterosso has the largest and best equipped beach of all the Cinque Terre villages so if some sun worship is on your vacation agenda, this is the perfect spot. As well as the opportunity to hike in the Cinque Terre national park between some of the villages you can also take the regular trains or if seas allow, the ferry service to the other villages. Private and boat day trips provide another way to admire the villages from their most natural aspect, the sea.

   We will provide instructions on how to reach your accommodation from the train station.

   

   The Best Sunset

   Finally - Cinque Terre! After arriving at Monterosso, we're sure you'll be eager to go out and enjoy the area's legendary beauty. This calls for a nice stroll along the beach promenade, perhaps combined with a drink or dinner. If there's time, you can even enjoy a short swim! If you don't mind a bit of uphill walking, head to Porto Roca Hotel (if you're not staying there already) and enjoy the perfect sunset view from their terrace while enjoying a cold aperitivo.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

5. Day 5 Your First Full Day in Monterosso Al Mare

   

   Explore Cinque Terre by Foot, Train, or Sea

   Since cars are not allowed in the protected area of the Cinque Terre, we recommend discovering these stunning landscapes and the scenic villages either by short trips on the local trains or by hiking along natural trails under olive trees and across coastal vineyards. Don't miss the opportunity to explore one of the most colorful corners of Italy! We would recommend using a professional local guide for your maximum enjoyment and safety.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 6 hours

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

   

   Sunset Group Boat Tour with Dinner on Board

   Sail from Monterosso for an unforgettable sunset voyage along the Cinque Terre, exploring the dramatic coastline from Punta Montenero to the breathtaking panoramas of Punta Mesco. You can enjoy a refreshing swim in a secluded cove or try fishing from the deck, all while keeping an eye out for dolphins playing in the golden evening light. The experience concludes with a delicious Italian aperitif featuring local specialties, and for those who wish to extend the adventure, a longer lunch option with more time for swimming is available for an additional fee.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 3 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

6. Day 6 Traveling to Florence by Private Transfer / Arrival in Florence

   Today you're leaving the Italian Riviera and heading to Italy's art gallery, Florence. We will arrange for a driver to pick you up from your accommodations and transfer you to Florence. The drive takes a little over 2 hours without stops, but there are several potential places to stop along the way, which we can arrange for an extra fee. For anyone with a love of motoring or chocolate, the town of Pontedera offers up the choice of the Amedei chocolate factory or the Piaggio museum. Even if you haven’t heard of Piaggio, you’ve certainly seen a few of their signature Vespas during your time in Italy, but they originally started out as an aeronautics company. Alternatively, if you aren't taking a day trip to Pisa while in Florence, then this is your chance. Although most just stop to gawk at the leaning tower, the Duomo and Baptistery are worth your time as well.

   Florence is the capital of Tuscany and home to the region’s greatest Renaissance art and architecture. The Renaissance actually started here, and today the city’s numerous cathedrals and art galleries show the evidence of this rich and inspiring period. You’ll want to see the Duomo Cathedral and the Galleria dell’Accademia, which houses Michelangelo’s “David.” Botticelli and Da Vinci's works are here too, at some of the city’s other amazing galleries. But there’s more to do in Florence than simply admire the art. It’s a beautiful, romantic place, and even a stroll through the streets is charming. Add world-class restaurants, delectable local wine and cuisine, and a warm Tuscan welcome, and you have a destination unlike any other. Florence is also an ideal base for exploring Tuscany, with its picturesque hills and vineyards in the heart of Italy.

   Upon arriving to Florence's main station, Santa Maria Novella, we'll arrange for our driver to pick you up from the train station and take you to your centrally located accommodation.

   

   A Different View on Florence

   Enjoy a relaxing stroll through Florence city center, walk by the famous Duomo and the bell tower, Piazza della Signoria and continue to Ponte Vecchio, the famous old bridge from there you can enjoy a great view of the city on both sides of the river. End your night on a rooftop bar, Sesto on Arno is a great option, where you can enjoy your drink while admiring the city from above.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

7. Day 7 Your First Full Day in Florence

   

   Florence City Private Walking Tour

   Sometimes Florence feels like an outdoor museum. There's so much to see in every direction, it can be a little overwhelming. That's why this three-hour city walking tour is so great: in a short time you'll explore the most important bridges, alleys, medieval markets and Renaissance palaces, so you can appreciate the best of this unique city. You'll be picked up from you accommodation and your guide will lead you through the city streets.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 3 Hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   The Cradle of the Renaissance

   Florence hosts some of the most interesting and popular museums in the world. The Accademia is most famous for Michaelangelo's David, and the Uffizi Gallery has must-see works from the Renaissance. Thanks to the quality and amount of artwork in each museum, we suggest visiting one per day, ideally with a private guide (which will also allow you to skip the long lines) in combination with a walking tour of the historical center.

   Other great museums include the Palazzo Pitti, a magnificent Renaissance complex, and the largest museum complex in Florence, which includes the Museum of Costume and Fashion.
   

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

   

   Uffizi Gallery Private Tour

   This tour of the Uffizi Gallery is a great way to experience the rich artistic culture and history of Florence. You'll meet your guide at your hotel or at the gallery, then walk through the gallery together. There are numerous world-famous masterpieces on display that you're sure to recognize.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 3 hours

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

   

   Florence Walking and David Visit Private Tour

   With this tour, you'll make the most of your time in Florence: you'll be picked up from your accommodations by your guide, who will lead you through the city streets. You'll explore the most important bridges, alleys, medieval markets, and Renaissance palaces so you can appreciate the best of this unique city. Together, you will then reach the Academia Gallery. The statue of David is definitely the most famous work on display, but it's certainly not the only thing worth seeing. Have your questions ready!

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 3 hours

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

8. Day 8 Your Second Full Day in Florence

   

   Explore Tuscany: San Gimignano, Siena, and Tuscany

   One of the best things about Florence is how easy it is to get into the surrounding Tuscan countryside. Unless you have your own car, a group excursion departing from Florence in the morning provides the perfect opportunity to cover a lot of ground without spending too much money. A splendid excursion recommended for those without many days to dedicate to the region includes San Gimignano, AKA the "Medieval Manhattan," thanks to its 14 towers, and splendid Siena, famed for the horse race that takes place on its main square. No visit to Tuscany is complete without a visit to a winery, where you can have lunch and taste some of the local wines.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 10 hours

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

9. Day 9 Departure Day

   A driver will pick you up at your accommodation based on your flight time and transfer you to Florence airport for your departure.