Real Italy

2025 marks a Jubilee Year, a momentous Roman Catholic event celebrated every 25 years, turning Rome into a centre of celebration between December 24, 2024, and December 31, 2025. As festivities unfold, itineraries may be adjusted to ensure you make the most of your time as you visit the Eternal City. Your launch pad to an epic Italian tour begins in the Eternal City of Rome. Tread in the footsteps of gods and goddesses, emperors and gladiators as you explore its ancient streets before joining your Travel Director for dinner.

Unlock local secrets on a tour of the Vatican Museums with a Local Specialist. Admire Michelangelo's frescoed ceiling in the Sistine Chapel. Later, cross the Tiber into Ancient Rome and enjoy a guided in depth experience visiting the Colosseum. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore Rome on your own or relax in one of the city's piazzas watching the world go by. Due to increased demand during the Jubilee year, access to the Vatican Museums may be limited. If tickets are unavailable during your visit, your sightseeing will instead explore the Capitoline Museums, home to the Capitoline Wolf, ancient Roman bronzes and Renaissance art. From its spot on Capitoline Hill, you'll have the chance to take in views of the Roman Forum.

Pass the hilltop towns of Orte and Orvieto as you cross the steep Apennine Mountains. Later arrive into Venice, the Queen of the Adriatic.

The culture of Venice springs to life as you watch the delicate craft of Venetian glassblowing at a glassblowing workshop on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience. Take a private cruise to St. Mark's Square, sharing the city's waterways with ferries, gondolas and yachts. Be dazzled by the Byzantine Basilica, the Bridge of Sighs and the ornate Doge's Palace before spending the rest of the afternoon on your own exploring the labyrinthine calli or enjoying a refreshing spritz.

The northern Italian city of Bologna's vibrant, red-tiled houses, and medieval Renaissance structures take centre stage today as your Local Specialist points out the key features. Tonight, opt for a one-of-a-kind experience in the picturesque Tuscan countryside to dine on delicious food and wine.

The birthplace of the Renaissance, with its world-class museums and Tuscan cuisine, Florence offers one remarkable sight after the next. Join a Local Specialist ticking off the must-sees of this epic city. See the multi-coloured Duomo with its impressive dome engineered by Brunelleschi and the gilded doors of the Baptistery. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore a city that inspired artists, poets and painters to create masterpieces. Consider a visit to the Academy of Fine Arts to see Michelangelo's statue of David, enjoy spectacular views from Piazza Michelangelo or marvel at the Medici legacy at the Palazzo Vecchio. This evening, you'll Connect with Locals on a Be My Guest experience.

Travel south towards Pompeii, once a thriving Roman town until it was buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Join a Local Specialist for a guided walk through the archaeological site, where you'll explore remarkably preserved streets, homes and public buildings and see how daily life was frozen in time. Continue to Sorrento, a southern town known for its views across the Bay of Naples and its long tradition of craftsmanship, from inlaid wood to handmade leather. You'll stay here for the next two nights. Settle into your hotel and enjoy a relaxed dinner, swapping stories with fellow guests over regional flavours.

Enjoy a slow start to the day with time to relax at your hotel, or choose to join an Optional Experience exploring the Amalfi Coast. If you opt in, you'll travel along one of Italy's most scenic drives and stop in Positano, known for its steep streets, pastel houses and sea views. Later, return to Sorrento for free time to explore. You might browse the local shops for hand-crafted leather and limoncello or find a cafe for a light lunch. This afternoon, you have two Optional Experiences to choose from. Dine at a family-run restaurant in town, where Neapolitan favourites are served with bold flavours and plenty of local character. Or head into the Sorrento countryside to a traditional farmhouse for a relaxed dinner.

Board a Jetfoil to Capri and meet a Local Specialist who'll introduce you to the island's culture, history and style. Walk through its elegant lanes and lively piazzas, hearing how this small island became a favourite of emperors, artists and celebrities. If you'd like to see more, join an Optional Experience boat cruise to view Capri from the water, including the iconic Faraglioni rocks and the White Grotto sea cave. Later, travel north to Rome for your final night. Tonight, enjoy a last dinner with your Travel Director and fellow guests, a relaxed chance to reflect on the places you've seen and the people you've met.

It's time to bid Italy a fond arrivederci. Transfers are available to Rome Fiumicino Airport.