Taste of Italy Christmas

Wave arrivederci to Rome and travel towards Venice today! En route, travel through the mountainous Umbria region which is famous for its local produce and cuisine. Stop over in the small city of Orvieto which is perched on volcanic rock and boasts breathtaking views. Take the funicular up to the city centre and enjoy some time to explore Corso Cavour, the town’s main street. Be sure to check out the exquisite 14th century Orvieto Cathedral and the impressive Albornoz Fortress. Later, arrive in Venice - Italy’s magical floating city! Enjoy a free evening to relax or join your tour leader on the Venice by Night optional excursion which features a twilight water taxi cruise along Venice’s iconic canals.

After breakfast, the day is free to explore Venice at your leisure. Of course, one of the best things to do in Venice is to take a traditional gondola ride! This optional activity can be organised with your tour leader as well as an optional lagoon tour which visits Murano and Burano. These colourful islands are famous for their glass-blowing and lace-making crafts respectively. Alternatively, spend the day visiting top Venice attractions such as the Bridge of Sighs and Doge’s Palace or just wander around and admire the Christmas decorations.

Depart Venice this morning and head towards Italy’s Tuscany region! Along the way, get your cameras ready for a stop in the resort town of Sirmione on the banks of Lake Garda. Later, arrive in Florence and embark on a walking tour with an expert local guide. Florence is known as the “Jewel of the Renaissance” and is home to both Renaissance masterpieces and Roman ruins. After the tour, enjoy free time to see top sights like the Florence Cathedral, Ponte Vecchio, Palazzo Vecchio and the Basilica of Santa Croce. Florence is teeming with architectural and artistic wonders just waiting to be explored! Enjoy an included dinner in Florence before heading to tonight’s accommodation in Montecatini, a Tuscan spa town.

Experience Christmas Eve in Italy and venture to one of the country’s most beautiful regions. This morning, head to La Spezia, the gateway to Cinque Terre. Five picturesque seaside villages along the rugged Italian Riviera coastline. These towns, Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore, have banned motorcycles and cars making it very pleasant to explore them by foot or train. In the afternoon, drive back to the Tuscan region and enjoy a stop in Pisa. See the legendary, 800-year-old Leaning Tower of Pisa and be sure to snap a fun picture with this classic Italy travel highlight! Tonight, see more of Montecatini and enjoy a Tuscan dinner with tonight’s optional excursion.

Buon Natale! This Christmas morning, travel through Tuscany and admire some of the most stunning countryside landscapes in the world! Marvel at quaint Tuscan farmhouses, sweeping vineyards and olive groves while along the way. Stop in San Gimignano, a charming medieval Tuscan hilltop town. Discover its exceptional Romanesque and Gothic architecture and skyline of well-preserved medieval tower houses. Then, enjoy a wine tasting accompanied with antipasto! Next, head to the Tuscan city of Siena. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Siena is famous for the biannual Palio horse race held in the Piazza del Campo and its striking medieval brick buildings. Then, head back to Rome for a Christmas dinner with the group.

Today is free to spend as you wish in Rome! Hit the streets and see more of the Italian capital. There is so much to see, from ancient Roman ruins and medieval buildings to designer stores and trendy restaurants! Why not join the Colosseum & Roman Forum optional excursion to walk in the footsteps of Gladiators and uncover fascinating age-old history? Due to popularity, this optional must be booked prior to the start of the tour -  contact us to book now! Today could also be a great time to visit the Vatican City. Home to the Pope, the Vatican is especially beautiful during the Christmas season and is famous for its Christmas tree and Nativity scenes.