Dazzling Italy (2025)

Jour 1

Welcome to your tour with Europamundo!We´ll journey to Florence, the capital of Tuscany. Upon arrival, we´ll stop at the Michelangelo viewpoint for a photo opportunity, offering one of the most stunning views of the city. Following this, we´ll embark on a sightseeing tour with a local guide of this renowned city, one of Italy´s most visited destinations considered the cradle of the Renaissance and some of the most influential artists and thinkers in history, such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Raphael. Highlights of the tour include the Gothic cathedral Duomo di Firenze, the historic Ponte Vecchio, known for its goldsmith workshops along its paved streets and Piazza della Signoria, the city´s political heart featuring the medieval town hall.

Jour 2

Today, we’ll travel to Pisa. A little tourist train will take us to the Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles), home of the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. After this, we’ll head to the Ligurian Riviera, renowned for some of the prettiest coastlines in Europe. We’ll visit the Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This area comprises five villages, almost isolated by road, which live on fishing and tourism. We’ll arrive by train, tickets included, to one of its charming towns (normally Vernazza, but on busy tourist dates, it could be Manarola or Corniglia, very similar towns that are somewhat less crowded). We’ll have time for lunch. Afterwards, we’ll travel by train to Levanto, where we’ll take the bus to continue to Genoa. Its center reminds us that it was a thriving republic in the Middle Ages.Note: The train to Cinque Terre is a regular commuter service, not a tourist train. During peak tourism times, there can be long waits as trains may be full, and seat reservations are not available. In some cases, the journey might be done standing. If this happens, we recommend walking to the monumental site, which is approximately 900 meters away.

Jour 3

We’ll continue our journey to the nearby city of Santa Margherita Ligure, where we’ll embark for Portofino, one of the most exclusive places in Europe. Enjoy a stroll by the sea and time at leisure. After lunch, we’ll continue to Milan, the busy northern city where we recommend a visit to the cathedral.Note: During winter, weather conditions may prevent the boat to Portofino from operating. In such cases, we’ll spend more time in Santa Margherita. If you wish, you can take an urban minibus to Portofino (service quality may be poor, with long waits).

Jour 4

Today we’ll see one of the most beautiful scenic areas in Europe, the region of the Italian Lakes. First, we’ll travel to Lake Orta in Orta San Giulio, a well-preserved medieval city. We’ll take a train ride to reach the medieval center of the town and then a boat to the Island of San Giulio, a little island on the lake with a monastery. After this, we’ll go on to Lake Maggiore, making a stop in Stresa, where we’ll have the option to visit the Borromean Islands. The highlight is Isola Bella, featuring its gardens and palace (closed in the winter). We´ll have some time for lunch and then we’ll head to Verona.Note: During the winter months, the Orta train does not operate. If that is the case, you can access the medieval town by walking approximately 800 meters from the bus parking lot.

Jour 5

We’ll have time to explore Verona, the enchanting city of Romeo and Juliet, before departing for Venice, arriving around 01:00 p.m. A delightful boat trip to St. Mark’s Square is included, followed by a guided walking tour of the City of Canals, including a visit to see Murano glasswork. Afterwards, enjoy some leisure time—perhaps a gondola ride? Accommodation will be in the Mestre district.

Jour 6

We’ll embark on our journey to Padua, a revered destination for many pilgrims, where we’ll visit the magnificent Saint’s Basilica. Our adventure will continue to the stunning Adriatic coast, bringing us to San Marino, a charming independent country perched atop a fortified mountain. After lunch, we’ll traverse the picturesque Apennines, soaking in the breathtaking mountain scenery as we head to Gubbio, a beautifully preserved town known for the impressive Palace of Consuls and the 12th-century cathedral. Finally, we’ll arrive in the enchanting city of Perugia.

Jour 7

We’ll embark on a panoramic tour of the historic city of Perugia, famously known as the city of chocolate. Ascending to the city on its escalators that traverse the rocky hills, we’ll be captivated by its charming squares and cobblestone streets. Afterwards, we’ll head to Assisi, where we’ll have time for lunch and a visit to the Basilica of St. Francis. In the afternoon, we’ll continue our journey south (sometimes stopping in Rome to drop off passengers). We’ll arrive in Naples in the evening.

Jour 8

We’ll take a ferry to Capri, and after a 45-minute crossing, we’ll arrive on this island, famous for its natural beauty and luxurious lifestyle. If you’d like, you can take a boat to the Grotta Bianca or ride the cable car up to Capri town and visit the Gardens of Augustus for stunning panoramic views. We’ll then return to Naples, where you’ll have time for a walk and lunch. In the afternoon, we’ll visit Pompeii (admission and guided tour included), the once-thriving city that was buried under ash and rubble when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD. We’ll continue to Rome, arriving at the end of the day.

Jour 9

After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.