Bella Italia: 17-Day Grand Tour

Suggestion for the day:

• Start your day by visiting the town of Amalfi, the namesake of the Amalfi Coast and a former maritime power in the Mediterranean
• Explore the magnificent Cathedral of Saint Andrew, a 9th-century church that features a stunning bronze door, a bell tower, and a crypt that holds the remains of the patron saint of Amalfi
• Walk along the scenic coastline toward the charming fishing village of Atrani with its narrow alleys and colorful houses
• After lunch, take a short hike to the ancient town of Ravello, located on a hilltop overlooking the coast

Suggestion for the day:

• Throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain and make a wish, following the tradition of thousands of visitors before you
• Indulge in traditional Roman food like pizza, pasta, or gelato at a local trattoria or gelateria

Suggestion for the day:

• Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill:
  • Visit the Colosseum, one of the most iconic landmarks of Rome, and learn about its history and significance as a gladiatorial arena
  • Explore the Roman Forum, the center of political and social life in ancient Rome, and see the ruins of temples, basilicas, and market
  • Admire the Palatine Hill, the legendary birthplace of Rome, and enjoy the panoramic views of the city

• Enjoy a guided tour of the Vatican Museums, one of the largest collections of Catholic art
• Admire the Fontana della Pigna, an enormous bronze sculpture that once sprouted from water
• Explore the Pio Clementine Museum, home to Pope Julius II's Greek and Roman sculptures
• Contemplate Michaelangelo's most famous frescoes inside the Sistine Chapel
• Round off the tour at St. Peter's Basilica; marvel at Michaelangelo's “La Pietà” and Bernini's “Baldachino”

Suggestion for the day:

• UNESCO Jewels: Pompei City and Ruins:
  
  • Indulge your taste buds with a Neapolitan pizza lunch in Pompeii
  • Take a guided tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Pompeii, and its ruins
  •  Imagine the daily life of this once prosperous Roman town before witnessing heartbreaking plaster casts that were preserved in volcanic ash

Suggestion for the day:

• Visit Piazza della Signoria, an iconic square in central Florence. Here, admire the Palazzo Vecchio and the Loggia dei Lanzi, two significant buildings in the town

• Explore the iconic Duomo, Florence's famed cathedral with an expert guide
• Enjoy immediate access to its beautifully designed interior filled with 200 years of history, such as Vasari frescos and geometric marble floors
• Be amazed by the church’s vaulting ceilings and stained-glass windows
• Learn about the unique role this cathedral has played in the city's story 

Suggestion for the day:

• Take a walking tour of Bologna's historic city center
• Visit Piazza Maggiore, the heart of Bologna, and its iconic Fountain of Neptune

Suggestion for the day:

• Explore the Basilica di San Petronio, one of the largest churches in the world
• Climb the Two Towers of Bologna for a stunning view of the city
• Enjoy an aperitif (pre-dinner drink) and some light bites at one of the many cozy bars in the city center

Suggestion for the day:

• For a light activity, take a stroll through the narrow streets of the city's historic center and enjoy the local culture and street performers

Suggestion for the day:

• Boat Excursion to 3 Islands: Murano, Burano & Torcello:
  • Explore the island of Murano for 1.5 hours and watch a glass-making demonstration at a factory
  • Then visit Burano, where you will have 2 hours to explore its canals and colorful houses
  • Lastly, go to Torcello for an hour to admire the Venetian-Byzantine mosaics in the Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta, or see the Ponte del Diavolo bridge 

• Take a fun gondola ride through the Grand Canal and its hidden canals for incredible views of centuries-old palaces and bridges
• Explore the picturesque waterways and spots inaccessible by foot, as your guide narrates stories and histories of the old Palaces

Suggestion for the day:

• Take a leisurely stroll through Sempione Park and its surrounding areas
• Enjoy an early evening aperitivo (happy hour) at one of Milan's many bars and cafes
  
  

• An unmissable stop in Milan is the Santa Maria della Grazie, home to Leonardo da Vinci's renowned 'The Last Supper'
• Beyond 'The Last Supper', discover more of the history of this fashionable city on a guided walking tour: take a look at Sforza Castle, once home to Milan's rulers and now a series of museums; visit the awe-striking Duomo, an impressive Gothic cathedral decorated with 3,200 statues

Suggestion for the day:

• Verona and Lake Garda/Sirmione: 
  • Verona is a popular tourist destination full of romantic and historical landmarks, reminiscent of Shakespearean times
  • The cities around Lake Garda were first enjoyed by the Romans and have been praised for their beauty since their early days
  • Sirmione is one of the most romantic places on earth, boasting narrow medieval streets, a Moated Castle, Rocca Scaligera, and a grand Roman villa with archaeological delights

We trust you had a wonderful time on your tour of Italy. We appreciate your choice of Yes Getaways. Ciao, amigo!