Fully Escorted Tours
AJ Travel, Inc. is proud to offer the finest travel companies specializing in Full Escorted Tours such as Tauck, Insight, Globus and Trafalgar.
Sample Itinerary: Best of Italy
Day 1: DEPART USA
Overnight flight to Rome.
Day 2: ARRIVE ROME (2 NIGHTS)
Welcome to Rome, the Eternal City! Spend the rest of your day relaxing or take a leisurely stroll around the city. Join your companions and your Travel Director later for a Welcome Reception. Then enjoy an orientation drive to see St. Peter’s Basilica and other sights – a great introduction to this beautiful city.
Day 3: ROME SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME
Your included sightseeing tour with a Local Expert begins at the Vatican Museums. Experience a Unique Insight in the Vatican when you ascend the smooth and step-less spiral staircase designed by famous architect Donato Bramante. Admire Michelangelo’s magnificent frescoed ceiling in the Sistine Chapel and then visit St. Peter’s Basilica to see his famous Pietà. Your tour continues in ancient Rome. View the Forum and see the Circus Maximus, where chariot races were held. Visit the impressive Colosseum. There’s time afterwards to explore the city on your own, or simply relax and watch the world go by!
Day 4: ROME – POMPEII – SORRENTO (2 NIGHTS)
Visit the Commonwealth War Cemetery near Monte Cassino. Your Local Expert tells you all about the devastation caused by the eruption of Vesuvius in AD 79 during your walking tour of Pompeii. Arrive later at your hotel in Sorrento where you dine tonight.
Day 5: ISLE OF CAPRI EXCURSION
Witness the art of inlaid wood-working, a Local Speciality for which Sorrento is famous. Later, embark on an included excursion by ferry to the Isle of Capri. See the local gardens and other sights during an orientation walk of Capri town. Spend time exploring this lovely island on your own. Perhaps consider visiting the villa of the Swedish doctor, Axel Munthe.
Day 6: SORRENTO – ASSISI
Assisi is a mystical town perched on the slopes of Mount Subasio overlooking the peaceful Umbrian landscape. Under the protection of St. Francis this city is still enclosed by medieval ramparts. Your Local Expert takes you on a walking tour, which includes a visit to the Basilica of St. Francis, famous for its frescoes depicting the life of this much-loved saint. Spend time afterwards exploring on your own and shopping for souvenirs. Dine at your hotel this evening.
Day 7: ASSISI – VENICE (2 NIGHTS)
Today, enjoy the glorious countryside and historic architecture of the Emilia Romagna region. The area is also renowned for its cuisine such as Tortellini, Mortadella and Parmesan cheese, which you could sample during your lunch stop. Arrive later in Venice, Queen of the Adriatic.
Day 8: VENICE SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME
Your cruise by private launch to St. Mark’s Square is magical! View the Bridge of Sighs, the beautiful Doge’s Palace and the Basilica. Watch a Local Speciality demonstration of the ancient art of glass-blowing at a traditional workshop on Giudecca island. Spend free time seeing the sights of your choice. You might like to cruise across the lagoon to the Island of Burano and enjoy a delicious seafood meal.
Day 9: VENICE – VERONA – MILAN – LAKE MAGGIORE (2 NIGHTS)
This morning travel to Verona, the home of Shakespeare’s star-crossed lovers, to admire the Roman arena and Juliet’s balcony. Cross the plains of Lombardy to Milan for a walking tour of this fashionable city with your Local Expert. See the Gothic Duomo, La Scala Opera house and the famous Galleria. Dine tonight at your hotel.
Day 10: LAKE COMO EXCURSION
Travel to the beautiful Lake Como with free time to explore or simply soak up the scenery. This evening, take a private boat to an island on Lake Maggiore for a special Be My Guest dinner experience.
Day 11: LAKE MAGGIORE – PISA – FLORENCE (2 NIGHTS)
Cross the Plains of Lombardy, the forested Apennine Mountains, and pass by Genoa to Pisa. View the extraordinary Leaning Tower before arriving in Florence, birthplace of the Renaissance. Tonight, you might like to sample some local Tuscan cuisine.
Day 12: FLORENCE SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME
Your Local Expert brings the city’s rich history to life during your walking tour. See the Cathedral and Piazza della Signoria and view Ponte Vecchio. Enjoy spectacular panoramic views of Florence from Piazzale Michelangelo. Spend free time exploring or shop for high quality leather and gold.
Day 13: FLORENCE – SIENA – ROME
Set in scenic Tuscan countryside, visit the medieval town of Siena, famous for its exciting Palio horse race. This evening in Rome, join your Travel Director and new found friends for a Farewell Dinner.
Day 14: ROME – USA
Say ‘arrivederci Roma’ at the end of your memorable vacation in Italy. Transfers are available to Rome Fiumicino Airport. Conditions apply.
