Welcome to Milan! Your European journey begins today. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel to check in and rest for the night.
Begin your once-in-a-lifetime adventure to Europe as you experience Milan’s city highlights. Get to see the Colonne di San Lorenzo and visit the famous Duomo di Milano as you go. This Gothic cathedral is the largest church in the country and the fifth largest in the world, taking nearly six centuries to complete. Afterwards, make a stop at Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, Italy's oldest active shopping gallery and a major landmark in Milan. Then, explore more of the city on your own, as the rest of the day is yours.
Today's journey starts with a departure to the charming town of Como. Stroll through this picturesque lakeside town on a guided visit and see Lake Como, famous for the natural beauty of its setting and for the handsome villas on its shores. After a relaxing stop, head back to Milan.
Today, prepare for another road trip from Milan to Venice. There are a lot of picturesque views to see along the way, so don't miss this one! Then, upon arrival, check into your hotel and spend the night.
Enjoy the romantic city of Venice throughout the day. Begin your journey by cruising through the Palladian churches to St. Mark's Square. See the outside of Doges' Palace and discover the part of the palace where the city's administration worked, as well as Casanova's jail. Then, pay a visit to the Basilica, a landmark distinguished by its depth of history as well as the majesty of its exterior and interior. At a Venetian glass-blowing factory, watch one of the few remaining masters blow molten glass into a one-of-a-kind artwork. You have the option of feeling the unique atmosphere while cruising along the Venetian canals by gondola.
On this day, explore more of Venice. Prepare to be enthralled as you cruise through the island of San Giorgio Maggiore, the Public Gardens, the point of Sant'Elena, and the famed Lido beach resort. The boat lands at Murano, known throughout the world for its glass manufacturing industry. Upon disembarking, visit a glass factory to see a demonstration of glass blowing and the factory's showroom to admire the high quality of glass produced on the island. Then, proceed to the picturesque island of Burano, famous not only for its lace but also for the fishermen's houses painted in bright colors. Then, after a short cruise, head on to Torcello, the earliest center of civilization in the estuary. Only the cathedral and the Santa Fosca church stand as remnants of the city's previous magnificence.
Take a morning drive to Florence and explore one of the liveliest and most creative cities in Europe. Here, discover some of the world's greatest works of art and magnificent buildings as you walk around its old town, including stops at Piazza Michelangelo, Giotto's Bell Tower, the Florence Baptistery, and the Duomo complex. After that, proceed to your hotel to check in and stay overnight.
Today, enjoy some retail therapy as you head next to Leccio for a one-of-a-kind shopping experience and great deals at the Mall Outlet.
Get away from the hustle and bustle of Florence and see more of Tuscany's gems. Visit the UNESCO-listed medieval and historic towns of Siena and Pisa. You will be free to explore Pisa upon arrival. Then, when you enter the Square of Miracles and the renowned Leaning Tower of Pisa, Pisa Cathedral, and Baptistery come into full view, make sure to have your camera ready! You don't want to miss out on these iconic views. After that, arrive in Siena. Visit its cathedral, Piazza del Campo, one of Europe's greatest medieval squares, and the Duomo di Santa Maria Assunta, which are all worth seeing.
Take on another road adventure from Siena to the Eternal City of Rome. Enjoy the atmosphere and marvel at the sights the road has to offer. Then, upon arrival, check into your hotel and spend the night.
Take pleasure in today's excursion as you explore the riches of the Vatican City, the smallest independent sovereign state in the world. In the Vatican Museum, you'll be shown a fine collection of antiquities, including the Sculpture Museum, the fascinating Tapestry Gallery, the Gallery of Maps, and the world-famous Sistine Chapel decorated by Michelangelo. The excursion will then proceed to the Basilica of St. Peter, where you will see the art treasures of the largest Roman Catholic Church in the world, including Michelangelo's Pieta. The rest of the day is for you to explore this smallest city at your own pace and time.
Begin the day with a full-city visit to the famous and historical landmarks that make Rome so well-known around the world. On this day, visit the famous Colosseum and find out everything about the gladiators' lives and fights inside the amphitheater. Then proceed to the Roman Forum, which was once the center of ancient Rome. Following that, go to the Pantheon to see the tomb of the Renaissance artist Raphael. Head on over to the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps next and marvel at the beauty of these famous landmarks. The rest of the day is yours to explore on your own.
Naples, or Napoli to the Italians, is a major port city in southern Italy's Campania region. Today, prepare for a journey heading to this city that has a history of about 3000 years and is one of the culturally richest cities in Europe! Once you arrive here in the afternoon, enjoy free time to explore the winding paths of Naples on your own.
After breakfast, prepare for another road adventure as you travel towards the ancient city of Pompeii, widely considered among Italy’s most important historic sites. In the afternoon, explore the site and learn about life there during the Roman era. See key sites of interest and hear how the bustling streets were silenced by the heavy downpour of ash and molten rock. After that, head to Sorrento to check out the town's historic landmarks and winding alleyways. Don't miss out on a scenic view of this city's pristine waters. So, head to the panoramic viewpoint in Meta di Sorrento to enjoy the beautiful sight of the bay overlooking the sea. Then, head back to Naples to cap off the day of adventure.
Begin the day as you depart for Positano, the most picturesque town on the Amalfi Coast, which resembles a waterfall cascading down to the sea. Then, take a walk to Belvedere. Visitors descend narrow pathways, perusing artisan workshops offering ceramics, fabled lemon products, and the distinctive local style of dress. Then onwards to Amalfi. The gem of Amalfi is the oldest of Italy’s maritime republics. Whitewashed homes dotting the hillside are illuminated by the abundant sunshine that bathes the city. The basilica’s cupola is a reference to the Sicilian-Arabic influence that once dominated the area. The journey ends at Ravello, where affluent mansions preserve the opulence of a bygone era. Perched high on a hillside plateau, Ravello has stunning views of the Amalfi Coast, overlooking Minori, Maiori, and beyond. After a full-day adventure, head back to Naples to spend the night.
Enjoy a drive to Rome, the Eternal City of Europe. Take in the sights you will see along the way. Then, upon arrival, proceed to check in at your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to explore this marvelous city on your own.
Today marks the end of your experience in Italy. After breakfast, prepare for your transfer to the airport for your flight back home.
Access Travel made planning our birthday trip seamless and stress-free!
Rose, our agent, was very patient with our infinite questions and made sure all our requests were met. The hotels were carefully selected, the transfers were well coordinated, and the tours were thoughtfully organized - leaving us to just soak the experience in. And boy, was it good!
I’m excited to #travelwithaccess again, because if this trip is any indication, all future vacations will surely be inspired and unforgettable. Thanks to the team!