Italy: Rome, Sorrento, Florence & Venice

14 Days of History, Beauty, Food & La Dolce Vita

Italy is a country meant to be savored, not rushed.

Over two wonderful weeks, we'll journey from the ancient streets of Rome to the sparkling Bay of Naples, along the breathtaking Amalfi Coast, into the heart of Tuscany, and finally to the canals and hidden corners of Venice.

Along the way, we'll experience some of Italy's greatest treasures—the Colosseum, Vatican City, Pompeii, Capri, Michelangelo's David, Florence and Venice—while still leaving time to linger over a cappuccino, wander down an inviting side street, enjoy a long Italian lunch, or simply watch the world go by.

This is Italy at an Amble On pace: the places you've dreamed of seeing, with time to actually enjoy being there.

Your Italian Amble: Rome to Venice has been thoughtfully planned so you can relax and enjoy the journey. Your tour includes:

• 13 nights’ accommodation in carefully selected hotels

• Daily breakfast, except on arrival morning

• 6 included meals — a selection of group lunches and dinners throughout the tour

• All ground transportation included in the itinerary, including train travel between our major destinations

• All scheduled transfers and transportation for included excursions and day trips

• Entrance fees to all attractions and sites included in the itinerary

• Guided tours and local guides as outlined in the itinerary

• All planned sightseeing and excursions, including Rome, the Vatican & St. Peter’s Basilica, Pompeii, the Amalfi Coast, Capri, Florence, Siena and Venice

Today we begin our journey to Italy!

Settle in for your overnight flight and get ready for two weeks filled with ancient cities, spectacular coastlines, Renaissance masterpieces, wonderful food, and plenty of Italian charm.

Overnight: In flight

Welcome to Rome!

After arriving in the Eternal City, we'll transfer to our hotel and give everyone time to settle in, unpack and recover from the journey.

Later, we'll head out together for a gentle orientation walk through our neighborhood, getting our first feel for Rome's lively streets, neighborhood cafés and unmistakable atmosphere.

Tonight is about easing into Italy. Perhaps your first aperitivo, your first plate of pasta—and almost certainly your first gelato.

Overnight: Rome

Today we step back nearly 2,000 years as we explore one of the world's most extraordinary ancient cities.

With our guide, we'll visit the legendary Colosseum and discover the stories of emperors, gladiators and everyday Romans who once walked these streets.

After our tour, the rest of the day is yours.

Explore more of ancient Rome, find a sunny piazza for lunch, toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain, or simply wander and see where Rome takes you.

Overnight: Rome

This morning we'll cross into Vatican City, the world's smallest independent country and home to an extraordinary collection of art, history and architecture.

With our guide, we'll explore the treasures of the Vatican Museums, culminating in the magnificent Sistine Chapel, where Michelangelo's breathtaking frescoes have captivated visitors for centuries.

We'll also visit St. Peter's Basilica, one of the most magnificent churches in the world and a masterpiece filled with centuries of history and art.

Afterward, the rest of the day is yours. Find a neighborhood trattoria for lunch, explore another corner of Rome, return to a favorite piazza—or simply sit with a gelato and watch Roman life unfold around you.

Overnight: Rome

Today we leave Rome behind and travel south toward the Bay of Naples.

We'll make our way to Pompeii, the remarkable Roman city frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. Walking its ancient streets gives us an extraordinary glimpse into everyday Roman life—from homes and shops to temples and public squares.

After our visit, we'll continue to beautiful Sorrento, perched high above the Bay of Naples.

Settle into our hotel and enjoy your first evening in southern Italy.

Overnight: Sorrento

Today we'll experience one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the world.

Our journey along the legendary Amalfi Coast takes us through dramatic mountains, terraced hillsides and tiny villages perched high above the brilliant blue Mediterranean.

We'll visit three of the coast's most celebrated villages.

First, Positano, tumbling down the cliffs in a cascade of pastel-colored houses toward the sea. We'll have time to wander its little streets and take in those famous views.

Then it's on to Amalfi, once the heart of a powerful maritime republic and today a lively seaside town centered around its beautiful cathedral and piazza.

Finally, we'll climb into the hills to Ravello, where gardens, villas and spectacular views stretch across the coastline far below.

There will be time along the way to wander, take photographs, enjoy a leisurely lunch and simply soak up the scenery.

This is a day when the journey itself is every bit as memorable as the destination.

Overnight: Sorrento

Today we take to the water for a visit to the glamorous island of Capri.

Rising dramatically from the Bay of Naples, Capri has attracted Roman emperors, artists, writers and travelers for centuries.

We'll have time to explore the island, take in its spectacular views and enjoy the wonderful atmosphere of this famous Mediterranean escape.

Return to Sorrento later in the day for a relaxed evening.

Overnight: Sorrento

No alarm clocks. No tour schedule. No place you have to be.

Today is completely yours.

Explore Sorrento's lanes and shops, sit at a café with a cappuccino, visit the marina, shop for local specialties, enjoy a leisurely lunch overlooking the Bay of Naples—or do absolutely nothing at all.

After several days of sightseeing, this is our chance to slow down and simply enjoy being in Italy.

Overnight: Sorrento

Today we leave southern Italy and travel north by train to Florence, birthplace of the Renaissance.

After checking into our hotel and having some time to settle in, we'll head out for an easy evening orientation walk.

We'll begin getting acquainted with Florence's beautiful streets, piazzas and landmarks while learning our way around the city we'll call home for the next few days.

Overnight: Florence

Today we'll discover the art, history and remarkable personalities that made Florence one of the most influential cities in Europe.

With our local guide, we'll explore the historic heart of Florence and visit Michelangelo's magnificent David, one of the world's most celebrated works of art.

The remainder of the day is free to explore.

Visit another museum, browse the shops and markets, walk along the Arno, hunt for the perfect leather bag—or find a café and simply enjoy Florence passing by.

Overnight: Florence

Today we'll venture beyond Florence into the beautiful Tuscan countryside for a visit to Siena.

With its medieval streets, warm brick buildings and magnificent Piazza del Campo, Siena feels wonderfully different from Florence.

We'll have time to discover its historic center, explore its winding lanes and enjoy the atmosphere of one of Tuscany's most beautiful cities.

And, of course, there will be time for lunch. We are in Tuscany, after all.

Later, we'll return to Florence for our final evening in the city.

Overnight: Florence

Today we board the train for one of the most extraordinary cities anywhere in the world: Venice.

Built across more than 100 islands and threaded with canals instead of roads, Venice is a place unlike anywhere else.

After arriving and settling into our hotel, we'll meet our local guide for an afternoon introduction to the city—its famous sights, fascinating history and the maze of lanes, bridges and canals that make Venice so enchanting.

Overnight: Venice

Our final full day in Italy is yours to enjoy.

Return to a favorite spot, visit a museum or church, browse tiny shops, take a vaporetto across the lagoon, enjoy a leisurely lunch—or simply wander.

Getting a little lost in Venice isn't a problem.

It's part of the experience.

Tonight we'll gather for our final evening in Italy, remembering the places we've seen, the meals we've shared and the adventures we've had along the way.

Overnight: Venice

After breakfast, it's time to say arrivederci to Italy and begin our journey home.

We'll leave with suitcases that may be a little heavier, cameras full of photographs, and memories of Rome's ancient streets, the blue waters of the Amalfi Coast, Tuscan hills and Venetian canals.

Until next time, Italy.