Amalfi, Apulia & Tuscany - 13 days

Rome - Cassino - Benevento - Ariana Irpino. This morning, you will be picked up from the designated meeting point at 08:15 AM before we travel south from Rome to Cassino. At Montecassino Abbey, a working monastery that was once a centre of learning and later the site of a decisive Second World War battle, we explore the cloisters and take time to reflect on its remarkable past, with entry included.

You will then have time in Cassino for lunch before we continue to San Pietro Infine. The haunting ruins of this village remain as a memorial to the destruction of war and the endurance of its people.

Our journey then takes us through mountain landscapes and traditional hilltop towns on the way to Benevento. This city carries layers of history from the Samnites, Romans, and Longobards, and folklore adds to its mystique with tales of witches gathering at a walnut tree near the river.

By evening, we arrive in Ariano Irpino, where we spend the night. The town offers wide views over the surrounding countryside and plenty of local charm. Your evening is free — you may wish to take a gentle walk at sunset or enjoy dinner in a trattoria with a glass of regional wine.

Meeting point: Hilton Rome Eur La Lama, Viale Europa 287, Rome, 00144 at 08:15 AM.

Please note: To arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before the pickup time, as the tour will depart at 08:30 AM. The itinerary and sightseeing are subject to change depending on operational or local factors. On some departures, the itinerary for this tour runs in a different order, with days 1 - 6 becoming days 8 - 13 and days 8 - 13 becoming days 1 - 6. All information and Tour Inclusions remain the same. If you wish to know which order a specific departure runs in, please contact us.

Ariana Irpino - Trani - Polignano a Mare - Alberobello - Leece. Today, we leave Campania behind and travel through the Apennine foothills, passing vineyards and traditional villages as we reach Apulia’s coast and the harbour town of Trani. Known as the Pearl of Apulia, Trani combines elegance with history. We explore the marina, wander the old town, and see its Romanesque cathedral, medieval churches and Jewish quarter.

We continue to Polignano a Mare, a clifftop town famous for its whitewashed houses and dramatic sea views. You will have time here to enjoy lunch and take in the Adriatic setting.

Our journey then leads us to Alberobello, home to over 1,500 trulli, the distinctive white stone dwellings with conical roofs that are unique to this part of Italy. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the town is unlike anywhere else. We wander its winding lanes and admire these striking buildings before travelling further south.

By evening, we arrive in Lecce, our base for the next two nights. Often called the Florence of the South, the city is celebrated for its elaborate baroque architecture and vibrant atmosphere.

Leece - Otranto - Gallipoli - Leece. We will start our day with some pasticciotto, the local breakfast pastry, before enjoying a free morning in Lecce. You can spend the time exploring the old town and its distinctive Lecce Baroque style. You may wish to visit Piazza Sant’Oronzo to see the remains of the Roman amphitheatre, or the Basilica di Santa Croce, whose façade is richly decorated with angels, floral motifs and biblical carvings.

At midday, we travel through olive groves and ochre fields to Otranto. You will have time here for lunch and the chance to explore at your own pace. Perhaps wander through the whitewashed streets and lively squares of the old town or walk along the harbour and fortifications with views across the Adriatic.

In the afternoon, we continue to Gallipoli, whose name means beautiful city. The historic centre sits on an island linked to the mainland by a bridge, surrounded by turquoise waters. We stroll its streets and enjoy the relaxed seaside atmosphere before returning inland.

By evening, we are back in Lecce, where your night is free. You may wish to dine outdoors in a lively square, attend a local performance, or simply wander the illuminated streets and enjoy the city’s charm after dark.

Lecce - Matera - Castelmezzano - Salerno. After breakfast, we leave Lecce and the coast of Apulia behind as we journey inland to Basilicata. This region, set between two seas and framed by rugged mountains, is one of Italy’s most authentic and less discovered areas.

Our first visit is Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where ancient cave dwellings, houses and churches are built into the cliffs. We explore rock-hewn chapels decorated with wall paintings, step inside cave houses from the eighteenth century and learn how the town has been used as a filming location for productions such as The Passion of the Christ and No Time to Die.

We then continue into the Lucanian Dolomites to reach Castelmezzano, a mountain village perched on a ledge above a deep gorge. Here we uncover the story of this settlement, and if you wish, you can walk up to the ruins of the medieval castle for sweeping views of the peaks.

By evening, we travel west through Basilicata’s hills to the Tyrrhenian coast and arrive in Salerno, where we stay for the next two nights. The city has a palm-lined promenade and plenty of inviting restaurants. Tonight, you are free to explore at your own pace. You might take a sunset walk by the sea or enjoy dinner in a trattoria with a glass of local wine.

Salerno - Sorrento - Positano - Amalfi Coast - Salerno. This morning, we set out to explore the Amalfi Coast, one of Italy’s most famous and beautiful stretches of shoreline. For fifty kilometres the road winds along dramatic cliffs with views of bays, vineyards and orchards, and the sparkling Mediterranean Sea.

Our first stop is Sorrento, a town overlooking the Bay of Naples. From here, we can see the outline of Mount Vesuvius before taking a walk along the waterfront and into the old centre. Its narrow streets are filled with cafés, shops and restaurants. You may wish to try a refreshing gelato or sample the region’s traditional limoncello.

We continue to Positano, a colourful village that tumbles down the cliffs towards the sea. You will have time here to explore as you wish. Perhaps browse the boutiques, relax on the Spiaggia Grande or enjoy a leisurely meal by the water.

From Positano, we take a boat along the coast to Amalfi. Once a powerful maritime republic, it is now a charming town with lively piazzas and narrow streets. You can stroll among the colourful buildings, admire the views or simply relax with another gelato while soaking up the atmosphere.

Later in the day, we return by ferry to Salerno. Your evening is free and you may wish to enjoy one of the local dishes such as buffalo mozzarella in a traditional trattoria or on the lively seafront promenade.

Salerno - Pompeii - Rome. Today, we travel north to Mount Vesuvius, the volcano that dominates the Bay of Naples. Once regarded as sacred and linked with legends, it now lies quiet but still impresses with its scale. With our entry included, we walk the steady path up towards the crater. The climb is suitable for most visitors and rewards us with far-reaching views over the bay and surrounding countryside, as well as the stark sight of the volcanic crater itself.

We then continue to Pompeii, destroyed by Vesuvius in 79 CE and preserved beneath layers of ash. With entry included, we explore its streets, houses, and temples, gaining an extraordinary insight into life in a Roman city. Walking through this archaeological site is both moving and unforgettable.

In the afternoon, we journey north through the hills of Campania and Lazio, passing vineyards and olive groves before reaching Rome in the evening.

Please note: This is the end of the first leg of your tour so say goodbye to your group and get ready for a free day in Rome exploring on your own. You will join the second leg of the tour on day 8.

After breakfast, you will have a free day to explore Rome at your own pace. There is no guide with you today, allowing you to discover the Eternal City in your own way.

Rome’s historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with iconic landmarks. You may wish to take a hop-on on hop-off bus to cover more ground, or set out on foot with a map in hand. Highlights include the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and the Roman Forum, once the heart of political and social life.

When you are ready for a break, choose a café or trattoria in one of the city’s grand piazzas and enjoy a traditional Roman meal. Later, you could stroll along the River Tiber, admire Castel Sant’Angelo, climb the Spanish Steps, or toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain to ensure your return.

As evening falls, Rome comes alive with atmosphere. You might enjoy dinner outdoors, sip cocktails in a lively bar or even take an evening tour of the Catacombs. Or simply treat yourself to a gelato as you wander the illuminated streets.

Rome - Orvieto - Siena - Florence. Today, you will meet your new driver guide and fellow travellers in the hotel lobby at 8:15 AM as we begin the next stage of our journey. Leaving Rome behind, we travel north through Lazio and Umbria, where the scenery changes from city streets to rolling hills lined with vineyards and olive groves.

Our first stop is Orvieto, a striking town set high on volcanic rock. Its Gothic cathedral is considered one of the finest in Italy, and beneath the streets lies an extensive network of caves and tunnels. We stroll through the medieval centre, browse the shops and cafés, and perhaps pause to enjoy a glass of local wine.

We then continue to Siena, a city renowned for its red brick buildings and Gothic architecture. At its heart lies the shell shaped Piazza del Campo, famous for the Palio horse race and featured in a James Bond film. Exploring the square and surrounding streets offers a true taste of Siena’s lively heritage.

By evening, we arrive in Florence, where we stay for the next two nights. Known locally as Firenze, the city is surrounded by gentle hills and vineyards and is celebrated for its art, architecture and cuisine. Tonight is free for you to explore at leisure. You may wish to wander past the domes and bridges that make Florence so iconic or enjoy dinner in a courtyard trattoria with a plate of ragu di cinghiale and a glass of Chianti.

Please Note: You will transfer to a new mini coach and travel with a new guide and group from day 8 onwards.

Enjoy a free day in the "Birthplace of the Renaissance," where you have the freedom to choose your activities. Marvel at the awe-inspiring Duomo, the city's iconic Cathedral dominating the skyline. Explore the Uffizi Gallery to see masterpieces like "The Birth of Venus," (we recommend you book in advance!) and visit the Galleria dell'Accademia to admire Michelangelo's masterpiece, David. Of course, Florence offers more than just art. Sample local delicacies like handmade pasta, pizza, pastries, wine, and gelato to refuel.

In the afternoon, you could uncover the power and secrets of the Medici family as you explore Palazzo Pitti, their grand palace housing some of the Renaissance's greatest treasures. To cap off your day, visit the enchanting Boboli Gardens, adorned with statues, fountains, ponds, and hidden mazes. It's your second night in Florence, so savour the evening by immersing yourself in the lively squares, excellent restaurants, and bars.

Florence - La Spezia - Cinque Terre - Pisa. Today, we leave Florence and travel through the Tuscan countryside to the Ligurian coast.

Our first stop is La Spezia, a lively port that serves as the gateway to Cinque Terre. From here, your train ticket allows you to explore the five famous villages of Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso.

The afternoon is yours to enjoy these postcard perfect towns. Each village has its own character, from the sandy beach at Monterosso and the colourful harbour at Vernazza to Corniglia’s terraced vineyards, Manarola’s local wines, and the cobbled streets of Riomaggiore. Wherever you go, expect stunning sea views and narrow lanes filled with charm.

Later, we continue to Pisa. This evening is free for you to explore at your own pace. You may wish to see the Piazza dei Miracoli at dusk, stroll along the River Arno, visit the Camposanto Monumentale or admire one of Pisa’s historic churches. You can also enjoy a traditional dinner before settling in for the night.

Pisa - Lucca - Volterra - Montepulciano. Today, you will have some free time this morning in Pisa to capture that classic photo with the Leaning Tower before we continue into the Tuscan countryside.

Our first stop is Lucca, a walled city with Renaissance ramparts and shaded promenades. You may wish to walk along the city walls, visit Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, or explore the Cathedral of San Martino.

In the afternoon, we travel to Volterra, a medieval town set on a hilltop with sweeping views across Tuscany. You might choose to learn about the Etruscan past at the Museo Etrusco, visit the grand Palazzo Incontri Viti, or simply relax in Piazza San Giovanni and enjoy the atmosphere.

Later, we drive along country roads lined with vineyards, olive groves and cypress trees before reaching Montepulciano, our base for the next two nights. This hill town is famous for its Renaissance architecture and fine wines. Your evening is free, and you may like to enjoy dinner in a trattoria paired with a glass of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.

Montepulciano - Pienza - Bagno Vignoni - Montepulciano. You will have the morning at leisure in Montepulciano. You may wish to enjoy an espresso and pastry in a local café, or take a walk up to Piazza Grande to admire the Palazzo Comunale and the views across the Val d’Orcia. However you spend your morning, it is the perfect chance to enjoy the atmosphere of this beautiful town.

Later, we set out to explore the Val d’Orcia, beginning with Pienza. This Renaissance gem has a UNESCO-listed centre and is full of historic charm. You will have time here for lunch and to explore at your own pace. Perhaps visit the Duomo with its striking stained glass, browse the Diocesan Museum with its collection of artworks from the twelfth to seventeenth centuries, or simply wander the lanes and take in the views.

We then continue to a local winery, where we enjoy a tour and tasting of Tuscany’s celebrated wines. Afterwards, we visit Bagno Vignoni, a village renowned for its thermal waters. Here we see the ancient baths and follow the spring waters through the archaeological park.

By evening, we return to Montepulciano. Your night is free to enjoy the town. You might take a stroll through the medieval streets at sunset or relax with a glass of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano as you savour the charm of this hilltop setting.

Montepulciano - Sovana - Capodimonte - Rome. After our final breakfast, we leave Montepulciano and travel south into the Maremma region, which spans Tuscany and Lazio. This area is rich in the legacy of the Etruscans, a civilisation that thrived long before the rise of Rome. Known for their artistry, engineering, and deep respect for nature, they left behind a wealth of sites that we uncover today.

Our first stop is Sovana, a small medieval town with roots that reach back more than two thousand years. Here, you may wish to visit the Etruscan Necropolis, where tombs carved into soft tuff rock reveal intricate designs and beliefs about the afterlife. Alternatively, you could walk along the atmospheric Via Cava, an ancient road system carved into the rock. After exploring, you will have time to enjoy lunch and soak up the charm of the town.

We then continue to Capodimonte, a lakeside town on the shore of Lake Bolsena, the largest volcanic lake in Italy. You have free time here to stroll along the waterfront, explore the Rocca Farnese fortress or perhaps take a short boat trip on the lake.

Later in the afternoon, we journey through Lazio and return to Rome, arriving at around 7pm.

Drop-off point: Hilton Rome Eur La Lama, Viale Europa 287, Rome, 00144 at approximately 7 PM.