That's Amore: Venice, Rome & The Amalfi Coast

Itinerary

1. Day 1 Arrival in Venice

   Venice is a legendary city with a charm and atmosphere all its own. The city was constructed on more than 100 islands connected by a series of canals, most of which are lined with gorgeous palaces, beautiful churches, and all sorts of impressive architecture. While the city isn’t huge, it is packed with pedestrian-only streets and quaint, winding alleys that will keep you exploring for days. The city is very popular with tourists year-round, so you certainly won’t be the only travelers walking through the streets with camera in hand. This being Italy, the cuisine in Venice is delicious, and we can especially recommend the Cicchetti of Venice tour. Cicchetti are Venetian tapas, and this tour will introduce you to some of the city’s most iconic eateries and its most delicious recipes. If it’s your first time in Venice, we can organize a tour to show you all the most important sites. And since no trip to the city of canals is complete without a boat ride, we offer a number of ways for you to get a new point of view of the city and its magnificent architecture. It’s easy to while away your time in Venice, discovering new secrets around every corner.

   Start your Venetian experience off in style by arriving in a private water taxi. We'll arrange a transfer by boat from Venice Marco Polo airport to the closest possible point to your hotel in Venice. Please note that porter assistance from the water taxi to the hotel is not included but can be arranged at extra charge.

   

   Welcome to Venice!

   Enjoy Venice from the very start! Depending on your preference, this can be a relaxing or active time. After that, enjoy an aperitif with a view of the Grand Canal at Erbaria (Rialto), where there are many bars with outdoor seating. Finally, dinner in one of the many restaurants in the Rialto area will definitely make your first evening in Venice a perfect one. If you arrive full of energy and ready to explore, head to the Zattere area and enjoy a stroll along the canal up to Punta della Dogana, where you can admire the view of San Marco and the Grand Canal. The walk to Santa Maria della Salute church is pleasant, and you can take the traghetto (a big gondola) to cross the canal.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

2. Day 2 Your First Full Day in Venice

   

   First Time in Venice Private Tour

   Discover Venice with this unique walking tour, which unfolds through the elegant Piazza San Marco, surrounded by the governmental buildings of the ancient Republic. You'll see the beautiful Saint Mark church, then stroll through the Castello district including the large campo Santa Maria Formosa. The square of San Giovanni e Paolo will be your next stop. Before reaching Rialto you'll pass by the Marco Polo house. From the top of the famous Rialto bridge you'll encounter all the splendours of the Grand Canal.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 3 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Venetian Tapas and Wine Tours

   You're in Italy, so good food isn't too far away if you know where to look. One of our favorite ways to get to know a city is by taking a food tour. We can highly recommend taking part in these small group tours and getting your culinary bearings set with an afternoon sampling cicchetti (Venetian tapas), accompanied by wine at Venice's best Bacari (traditional wine bars).

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 3 hours

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

3. Day 3 Your Second Full Day in Venice

   

   Private Gondola Ride

   A gondola ride is the most iconic and romantic way to experience Venice. Glide through enchanting canals, gently rocked by the water. Admire grand palaces, historic bridges, and hidden corners only visible from the water. Let your gondolier take you through breathtaking views and timeless beauty.

   • Activity Level : Easy
   • Duration : 25 minutes

   Included in your vacation package price

   Murano and Burano

   Central Venice is amazing, but sometimes it's good to get out of the center and see something different. We recommend venturing away from the usual path and embarking on a boat journey to traverse the water and discover two captivating islands. Murano boasts charming architecture similar to Venice, but its primary allure lies in the remarkable glassblowers. You can witness their ongoing creations at numerous factories and showrooms throughout the island. On the other hand, Burano, like the rest of the islands in Venice, is a delightful destination comprised of smaller interconnected islands via numerous bridges. The island immediately captivates visitors with its vividly painted houses, radiating a unique and vibrant energy. Predominantly inhabited by artists, Burano offers an inviting environment for exploration and discovery. Whether you prefer a group boat excursion or a private one, we can arrange tours to enhance your experience.

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

   

   Premium Lagoon Group Tour with Murano Glass Blowing, Burano & St. Erasmo Winery

   Apart from Venice itself, the Venetian Lagoon is dotted with tiny gems of islands and this incredible tour shows you around the charms of the two most known among them: Murano and Burano. In the company of your small group, you'll enjoy a relaxing ride on a private boat and be amazed by a private glassmaking demonstration within the walls of a beautiful old church.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 4 hours 15 minutes

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

   

   Grand Canal Private Tour with Stops at Murano and Burano

   Explore Venice by water with a private boat tour along the Grand Canal, led by a knowledgeable crew sharing insights into the city's history and legends. Immerse yourself in Venetian culture by visiting Murano for a mesmerizing glass-blowing demonstration and Burano to experience its vibrant, colorful streets.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 4 hours

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

4. Day 4 Traveling to Rome by Train / Arrival in Rome

   

   Today you're headed to the magical Eternal City. The high speed train service gets you there in a little under four hours. We've included standard class tickets in your package but can upgrade these to business class for an extra fee. We will arrange for water taxi to take you to Venice Santa Lucia Train Station in plenty of time for your train. Please note that porter assistance from the hotel to the water taxi is not included but can be arranged at extra charge.

   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.

   Upon arriving to Roma Termini train station, we'll arrange for our driver to pick you up from the terminal and take you to your centrally located accommodation.

   

   Go out for an "Aperitivo"!

   If you want to experience a quintessential Italian past time, well, it's time for an "aperitivo"! This is the equivalent of "happy hour", and locals commonly meet with friends and family before dinner, anywhere from 6:30 - 8 PM, to enjoy a spritz, prosecco, bear or wine, along with some munchies, before dinner (some people opt for one before lunch, though!). The food offerings vary from buffets to "à la carte" menus to the establishment bringing something scarce, such as potato chips and olives, to a complete meal of small pizzas, sandwich bites, rice and pasta salads, and more! Some great places to go for an aperitivo are: Freni e Frizioni (Trastevere), Doppiozeroo (Ostiense), and Rec23 (Testaccio - a few steps from Circo Massimo), but all bars (cafes) offer them as well. From June to September, along the Tiber River (Lungo Il Tevere), there are many stands and places where you can go right next to the water on the sidewalk.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

5. Day 5 Your First Full Day in Rome

   

   Premium Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill Group Tour

   Explore the captivating tales of lions, gladiators, and emperors on a comprehensive journey through Ancient Rome. Skip the lines and enjoy express entry to the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. With an expert guide leading a small group of no more than 15 individuals, immerse yourself in an intimate and enjoyable tour of these three iconic sites, delving into the rich history of Ancient Rome.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 3 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Gelato, Espresso and Tiramisu Group Walking Tour

   This 2.5-hour tour will be a sweet indulgence! Meet your small group at Piazza della Minerva at the statue of the elephant, and get ready to taste the best coffee, gelato, and tiramisu in Rome! Combining Italy’s famous coffee with desserts that have become world-famous, this personalized tour will take you through lovely neighborhoods.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 2 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

6. Day 6 Your Second Full Day in Rome

   

   Vatican Early Morning Small Group Tour

   Your semi-private early morning Vatican tour begins near the entrance of the Vatican Museums, where you will meet your expert guide. Explore the Pinecone Courtyard, Octagonal Courtyard, and galleries filled with masterpieces, including the Laocoön, Apollo Belvedere, and the Belvedere Torso. Visit the Sistine Chapel, where you can admire Michelangelo’s breathtaking ceiling frescoes and “The Last Judgement” before the crowds arrive. The tour continues through the Raphael Rooms and St. Peter’s Basilica, where you will see Michelangelo’s Pietà, Bernini’s Baldacchino, and the grandeur of Piazza San Pietro.

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

   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

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7. Day 7 Traveling to Sorrento by Private Transfer / Arrival in Sorrento

   

   Today you will be traveling from Rome to Sorrento. A driver will pick you up at your accommodation and take you to Sorrento. On the way you will have a chance to enjoy a guided tour in Pompeii.

   The genteel resort town of Sorrento on the southern end of the Bay of Naples is clearly designed for comfort. Complete with a solid portfolio of three to five star hotels, plenty of restaurants and gelaterias it's a typical slice of the Italian riviera. It makes for an easily accessible and affordable base for boat trips to Capri, a visit to Naples, Pompeii and Vesuvius or a jaunt to the other side of the Sorrentine peninsula to the Amalfi Coast. In Sorrento itself you'll enjoy all the advantages of a small town with a sizeable year-round population and a cosy Centro Storico packed with bars, antique shops, churches and grand old palazzos.

   Your driver will bring you straight to your accommodation in Sorrento.

   

   Indulge alla Sorrentino

   Even though limoncello is the most famous product in this area, there are many other foods and specialties to try in Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast. Some of the most famous are Provolone del Monaco di Sorrento, a sort of semi-hard cow's milk cheese that has a smooth texture and mild smoky flavor, which goes great with local wine. The tomatoes here are also very special. There are many different varieties, and each is rich in flavor. They all taste excellent when they are sliced thick and topped with extra virgin olive oil, basil, and a dash of salt for a perfect bruschetta. Of course, the list wouldn't be complete without mozzarella! There are many places to try this famous cheese, but our favorite is the Caseificio Apreda Francesco, a traditional producer with many delicious varieties.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

8. Day 8 Your First Full Day in Sorrento

   

   Amalfi Coast Private Day Trip from Sorrento

   The Amalfi Coast boasts many picturesque marvels characterized by its breathtaking scenery. This eight-hour tour, guided by an English-speaking driver well-versed in the region's nuances, stands out as the optimal means to acquaint oneself with its splendor. Amalfi and its proximate counterpart, Positano, abound in captivating coastal architecture, their renowned harbors steeped in the historical legacy of once-thriving maritime republics. Furthermore, Amalfi garners recognition for its esteemed lemons, boasting the coveted IGP designation within Italy. Visitors are encouraged to seize the opportunity to savor locally crafted artisanal limoncello during their vacation in the region.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 8 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

9. Day 9 Your Second Full Day in Sorrento

   

   Group Boat Excursion to Capri

   Experience the beauty of Capri on a full-day excursion starting from the Sorrento port. Sail along the picturesque Sorrento coastline and marvel at iconic landmarks like the Green Cave, the White Cave, and Faraglioni Rocks. Enjoy stops for refreshing swims in crystal-clear waters and explore Capri and Anacapri during four hours of free time, discovering charming spots like Piazza Umberto I. Conclude your unforgettable journey with a return to the Sorrento port, having savored the essence of "la bella vita".

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 7-8 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

10. Day 10 Departure Day

    It's time to say a teary arrivederci to Sorrento. We will arrange for a driver to pick you up from your accommodation and take you to Naples airport for your departing flight.