Compare 14 Day North Continental 2017 by Perillo Tours vs Great Italian Cities (Summer) by Trafalgar

Day 1 (Friday) - Depart USA

Boarding your overnight flight, you’re off on the adventure of a lifetime.

Day 2 (Saturday) - Arrive in Milan, Afternoon at Leisure

Benvenuti in Italia! We are pleased to offer complimentary transfers from the Milan airport to your hotel at scheduled times. Your Perillo representative will be at the airport to greet you.

This afternoon you will meet your tour guide who will have some excellent dining suggestions for your first night in Italy.

Whichever place you decide to eat, be sure to try the world famous “Risotto alla Milanese:” a creamy rich mixture that gets its rich color and flavor from saffron.

Day 3 (Sunday) - Milan, Lugano, Switzerland, Como, Milan

From Milan we enjoy an exhilarating excursion to Lugano. Here we can fill our eyes with beauty and our bags with gifts. We continue to Como, the place loved by the rich and famous. Wordsworth, Shelley, Byron and George Clooney.

Back in Milan, one of the world’s trendiest cities and one of the strongest bastions of traditional Italian cooking.

Day 4 (Monday) - Milan City Sightseeing, Sirmione, Venice

This morning we visit the mightiest Gothic building ever created- Milan’s Duomo, its capacity 40,000 people! Next we stroll through the spectacular glass-topped galleria-the world’s first shopping mall. Continue to Piazza Della Scala, home of the famed La Scala Opera House.

On the way to Venice, let’s stop at one of the most popular sights on Lake Garda - the peninsula of Sirmione. Crossing the drawbridge, we enter a peaceful world of hot springs, the medieval castles and phenomenal views of the Dolomites.

Our arrival in Venice is by boat. Venice is breathtaking with its misty lagoon and palaces seemingly floating on water. Nothing beats dining in a cozy Venetian restaurant enjoying local specialties and fine local wines.

Day 5 (Tuesday) - Venice, City Sightseeing

This morning we’ll meet our expert local guide for a walking tour of St. Mark’s Square, the great Byzantine Basilica, the Bridge of Sighs and an inside visit of the Doge’s Palace.

This afternoon you’ll have a chance to “get lost” in the city’s labyrinth of canals, bridges and tiny piazzas. Being a small island, it’s impossible to stray very far. But it won’t hurt to master the phrase “Dov’e’ Piazza San Marco?”

Tonight, instead of a traditional dinner, do as the Venetians do! Enjoy “cicchetti,” Venetian-style tapas, served in various pubs all over Venice.

Day 6 (Wednesday) - Venice, Padua, Florence

We’re off to Florence today with an inspiring stop along the way. Visitors to Padua are often surprised by a sense of deep spirituality. St. Anthony (patron Saint of lost objects) is interred here in the serene Basilica which dates back to the 1200s. Next to Florence! Home of Dante, Boccaccio, Botticelli, da Vinci, and some say, the best gelato in Italy!

Back at the hotel, our tour director is happy to offer this evening’s restaurant suggestions. Perhaps, world famous Florentine steak?

Day 7 (Thursday) - Florence, City Sightseeing including ‘The David’

Florence, the fountainhead of the Renaissance, awaits our inspection.

Our day of sightseeing includes the majestic Duomo built in 1296, Giotto’s Bell Tower and the Baptistery with its renowned “Gates of Paradise” doors.

We follow the medieval streets to the most striking square in Florence, Piazza della Signoria, home of Santa Croce Church, Michelangelo’s final resting place.

“Breathtaking” is the only word to describe one’s first view of Michelangelo’s David. Yes, it’s quite large and detailed. But the real magic is in how Michelangelo transformed a lifeless rock into a man - full of pride, wary of his adversary, yet quietly confident. All with just a hammer and a chisel.

You’ll be sure to find a perfect Florentine dinner spot tonight.

Day 8 - Friday - Florence, Pisa, Wine Tasting in Tuscany, Florence

The bell tower of Pisa is among the most instantly recognizable structures on earth. Architects say it would be world famous even if it were perfectly straight. This morning we’ll see for ourselves, along with the beautiful Cathedral and Baptistery.

This afternoon we’ll visit a typical Tuscan winery to learn about the grape, the “nose,” food pairings and most importantly – which glass to use!

Cin-Cin! We’ll return to Florence for some free time. Tonight, ask your tour director for a nearby spot to enjoy fresh Tuscan fare.

Day 9 - Saturday - Florence, Sorrento

Our journey to Sorrento takes us through the rolling hills, scenic vineyards and post-card perfect vistas of Tuscany and Umbria. Soon, we are in Sorrento, high on a beautiful plateau, greeted by the sapphire blue Gulf of Naples and majestic Mount Vesuvius.

When most Americans think of Italian food, they’re usually thinking of the dishes of Naples and Sorrento - spaghetti with tomato and basil, mozzarella and pizza are from this area.

Day 10 - Sunday - Sorrento, Capri, Sorrento

This morning you’ll be taken to Capri, the world’s most enchanting island. You can explore to your heart’s content on your own or your tour conductor may have other ideas.

You’ll be as captivated by Capri as Emperor Tiberius who used the Blue Grotto as his personal swimming pool.

Tonight, still glowing from the sun, it’s time to enjoy another fine gastronomic experience.

Day 11 - Monday - Sorrento - Pompeii - Rome

Pompeii – an entire city perfectly preserved as it was on that fateful day almost 2,000 years ago, when ash and lava literally stopped it in its tracks. You’ll see the tragic fossils of people attempting to escape along with children and dogs. 

Later this morning, we continue on to Rome, viewing the Bay of Naples on the way. 

A few hours later, we enter the gates of Rome and settle into our hotel.

Day 12 - Tuesday - Rome, Vatican Museum & Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica*, Afternoon at Leisure

This morning we visit Vatican City, “headquarters” for more than a billion Catholics worldwide. We begin at the Vatican Museum, a treasure trove of sculptures, paintings and tapestries. Our visit culminates in the Sistine Chapel,the room where the pope is elected. We enter in total silence, not wanting to disturb Michelangelo’s famed frescoes, depicting stories from the Bible and the “End of Times.” You’ll be fascinated by which of Michelangelo’s contemporaries he assigned to heaven and which to hell.

We’ll also visit St. Peter’s Basilica*. We’ll see Michelangelo’s Pieta, sculpted when he was just 24, and Bernini’s seven-story bronze canopy soaring high above the main altar.

This afternoon, Rome is all yours to explore!

Tonight, treat yourself to one of Rome’s fine restaurants for a fabulous dinner. May we suggest some Roman specialties Bucatini all’ Amatriciana; Spaghetti alla Carbonara; Roasted lamb with garlic and rosemary; stuffed artichokes ....is your appetite whet yet?

* Please note that the visit of St. Peter’s Basilica is subject to availability based on the events planned for the Jubilee 2016.

Day 13 - Wednesday - Rome Sightseeing, Afternoon at Leisure

Hail Caesar! All aboard our chariot for a panoramic tour of Imperial Rome including the Roman Forum, Largo Argentina, the Jewish Ghetto and the Circus Maximus.

Then we’ll enter the Colosseum, reliving the brutal entertainment of the gladiators and the lions, refereed by the Emperor himself.

This afternoon, Rome is all yours! Shop, fountain hop, explore to your heart’s content. Tonight, treat yourself to one of Rome’s fine restaurants for a delizioso dinner!

Day 14 - Thursday - Flight Home, Rome, USA

This morning you board your flight home. No tears. You’ll exchange e-mails with your new friends and make plans for the future. How about we all meet again on a Perillo tour to Hawaii!

Day 1: Welcome to Rome

You're in for a bellissimo journey through the spectacular cities of Italy, which kicks off in the 'Eternal City' of Rome. Join your travel companions and Travel Director for a delightful Welcome Dinner. Your introduction to la dolce vita begins with an orientation drive past Rome's most magnificent sights.

Grand Palatino

Dinner

Day 2: Explore Ancient Rome and the Vatican City Dive Into Culture

This morning we join our Local Specialist for a very special experience as we Dive Into Culture in the smallest nation on earth - Vatican City. Explore the extraordinary collections of the Vatican Museums and stand beneath Michelangelo’s sublime ceiling in the Sistine Chapel, admiring the artistry of great masters and walking in the footsteps of popes who have found peace within the walls of this enclave for centuries. Visit the expansive St Peter’s Basilica before continuing to the Pontifical Villas of Castel Gandolfo, where you’ll enjoy a tour of the lush gardens and lunch in its beautiful surrounds before returning to Rome.

Grand Palatino

Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3: Rome Your Way

Enjoy a full free day to explore Rome your way, or consider an Optional Experience delving into the tragic history of Pompeii - the Roman city frozen in time by the devastating eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Your Local Specialist will bring the ancient story of this city to life before you return to Rome, passing by the Abbey of Monte Cassino, the site of fierce fighting during the Second World War.

Grand Palatino

Breakfast

Day 4: Admire Assisi and on to Florence

Journey north through the rolling hills of Umbria to the birthplace of St. Francis of Assisi. Here your Local Specialist will reveal the story of this most venerated figure on a visit to the Basilica of St. Francis, the final resting place of this famous saint and home to a wonderful series of frescoes by Giotto. Later we continue our journey through the scenic Tuscan countryside to Florence. Tonight, we Connect With Locals over dinner at a Be My Guest experience enjoying delicious specialties against the backdrop of picture-perfect olive groves and vineyards.

Grand Mediterraneo

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5: Discover Renaissance Florence

Enjoy a leisurely encounter with the artistic and architectural marvels of Florence during your walking tour with a Local Specialist. Visit the striking Piazza della Signoria with its impressive sculptures and palazzi. Amble through the charming cobblestone lanes to the multi-colored marble Duomo and Baptistery, before admiring the scenic view of the Ponte Vecchio straddling the Arno River. Learn about the quality and workmanship of two of this city’s historic industries at demonstrations of Florentine leathercraft and 18-carat gold. Spend the rest of the afternoon sauntering through the historic center of Florence, shopping for high-quality leather for which the city is famous, or admiring the artistic contribution of the Medici at every turn.

Grand Mediterraneo

Breakfast

Day 6: Uncover Pisa’s Treasures Connect with Locals

After a morning at leisure in Florence, cross the fertile Arno Valley to Pisa and join a Local Specialist to visit the Square of Miracles, home to the incredible Leaning Tower and the iconic marble Cathedral. See the ornate Baptistery and the Camposanto, a monumental cemetery built on sacred soil brought back from the Holy Land during the Crusades.

Grand Mediterraneo

Breakfast

Day 7: Journey to Bologna and Venice

Travel north, through the Apennines, to the medieval city of Bologna, perhaps best known for the delicious pasta sauce that bears its name. Your sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist includes views of the Kissing Towers which lean towards each other, seemingly poised to embrace. Then it's off to the romantic island city of Venice with its rich cultural and artistic heritage. Spend time at leisure gliding along its enchanting canals in a gondola or wander through the city's labyrinthine lanes, over bridges and into quiet campi.

Amadeus, Principe

Breakfast

Day 8: Cruise Venice’s Canals Make Travel Matter

Savor the iconic and unexpected highlights of Venice as you cruise by private launch to St. Mark's Square to admire the Bridge of Sighs, Palladian churches, Customs House, St. Mark's Basilica and the ornate Doge's Palace. This afternoon, your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience will see you enjoy one of the city’s last remaining studios where you’ll gain insights into the delicate Venetian art of glassblowing. Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure admiring this city on water or consider an Optional Experience to the island of Burano where colorful fishermen’s homes line the canals.

Amadeus, Principe

Breakfast

Day 9: Experience Venice’s Food Market

Sites made famous in poetry, song and prose are explored today when we join a Local Specialist for a walking tour from our hotel along the canals to the famous Rialto Bridge, where all the flavors of Italy come to life at a centuries-old food market. Amble through the narrow calli of Venice and admire the beautiful architecture, walking over the Rialto Bridge before spending the rest of the day visiting the sights of your choice. Our love affair with Italy's great Italian cities comes to an end this evening as we enjoy a Farewell Dinner.

Amadeus, Principe

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 10: Farewell Venice

For now, it's time to say a fond arrivederci to Italy and newfound friends who have shared in the memorable sights, sounds and flavors.

Breakfast