Great Italian Cities with Oberammergau

Itinerary

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 memorable Welcome Reception. Your introduction to la dolce vita begins with an orientation drive past Rome's most magnificent sights.

Day 2: Explore Ancient Rome and the Vatican City
We embark on a very special included Dive Into Culture sightseeing tour with our Local Specialist at the Vatican this morning. Skip the queue and wander through its Museums and the Sistine Chapel, admiring the artistry of great masters and walking in the footsteps of popes who have found peace within its beautiful green landscapes for centuries. Visit St. Peter 's Basilica before continuing to the Pontifical Villas of Castel Gandolfo, where you 'll enjoy a tour of its gardens and lunch in its beautiful surrounds before returning to Rome.

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 when you explore a Roman city frozen in time by the devastating eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Your Local Specialist will bring ancient Roman history to life before you return to Rome, passing the Abbey of Montecassino, the site of an epic battle in 1944.

Day 4: Admire Assisi and on to Florence
Journey north to the birthplace of St. Francis of Assisi where your Local Specialist will take you to the Basilica of St. Francis, the final resting place of this famous saint where we will see Giotto's enchanting frescoes. Later we continue our journey through the scenic Tuscan countryside to Florence.

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-coloured 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 centre of Florence, shopping for high-quality leather for which the city is famous, or admiring the artistic contribution of the Medici at every turn.

Day 6: Uncover Pisa 's Treasures
After free time 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 beautifully sculpted marble Cathedral. See the ornate Baptistery and the Camposanto, built on sacred soil brought back from the Holy Land during the Crusades. Your unforgettable encounter with Tuscany continues this evening as you Connect With Locals over dinner at a Be My Guest experience, joining the Landi family at their home near Florence, set within a garden of oak trees against the backdrop of Tuscan vineyards and olive groves where they produce olive oil and wine.

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.

Day 8: Cruise Venice 's Canals
Savour 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 Dive Into Culture at 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 colourful fishermen 's homes line the canals.

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 Small Group Sightseeing walking tour from our hotel along the canals to the famous Rialto Bridge, where all the flavours 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.

Day 10: On to Alpine Innsbruck
This morning, say arrivederci to Italy as you cross the Brenner Pass into the Austrian Tyrol. Arriving in Innsbruck we see the Golden Roof, enjoy free time before checking into your hotel.

Day 11: Onwards to Oberammergau
After a leisurely start to your day, explore Innsbruck on your terms and discover the city's ties to the Winter Olympic Games. Later, travel to the Bavarian town of Oberammergau where devout villagers perform their once-in-a-decade Passion Play. This evening, dine at your hotel.

Hotel - See 'Trip Notes'

Day 12: Experience the Oberammergau Passion Play Performance
Witness a Trip Highlight and a display of enduring faith - a performance that has given thanks to God's grace every ten years since 1634, when the villagers of Oberammergau pleaded to God to spare them from the ravages of the plague. Take your premium seats for this poignant performance depicting the life and death of Jesus Christ. Dine at a local restaurant this evening, before returning to your seat for the captivating second half of this performance as night falls.

Day 13: Farewell Germany
Say farewell to your fellow travellers at the end of a spiritual journey. Transfers are available to Munich Airport. Find out more about your free airport transfer at trafalgar.com/freetransfers.