Inside Italy

National Geographic Expert
Writer Tim Jepson is a passionate and lifelong devotee of Italy. Since graduating from Oxford he has spent many years living in and writing about the country, including 15 books, two articles for National Geographic Traveler, and five National Geographic guidebooks to Italy's cities and regions. In addition, Tim has worked on programs about Italy for the BBC and for commercial television. A keen hiker, Tim also takes pleasure in studying the food, wine, art, and culture of the region.

Meals as stated in itinerary

Days 1 & 2 — U.S./Pisa, Italy/Portovenere
Depart for Pisa and arrive the next morning. Drive to our hotel in the charming town of Portovenere on Italy's Ligurian coast. Check in and enjoy a stroll through town before our welcome reception and dinner. Grand Hotel Portovenere (D)

Day 3 — Cinque Terre
Nestled in the folds of a rugged coastline, the five pastel-hued villages of Cinque Terre tumble picturesquely from the rocky cliffs to the sea. Travel through steep, vine-covered hills to Manarolo, and set out along a coastal walking path that links the villages. Follow the trail as it winds along the hillside to Riomaggiore, offering incomparable views, and learn about the history and geology of this rugged region from our guide. In Riomaggiore, board a local ferry and cruise north to Vernazza to take in the stunning coastline from a different perspective. Enjoy lunch on your own in Vernazza — a village open only to pedestrians. This afternoon, take a more vigorous hike or return to Portovenere for time at leisure. Grand Hotel Portovenere (B,D)

Day 4 — Carrara/Lucca/Florence
Begin the day in Carrara, home to the marble quarries where Michelangelo selected the massive blocks that he transformed into masterpieces. Here, walls of shining white marble soar skyward, cut out of the mountains and accessible only by narrow switchbacks. Continue to the lovely walled city of Lucca and set out on a walking tour highlighting its Romanesque churches. Ride a bicycle atop the city walls or take advantage of free time to explore the town. Arrive in Florence, and enjoy an evening on your own. Hotel Brunelleschi (B)

Day 5 — Florence
Set out on a morning walking tour of the historic center of Florence. In Piazza della Repubblica, discover the city's beginnings as a Roman settlement. Stroll through narrow streets past the fortified houses and towers that marked the medieval town, and emerge onto the open Piazza della Signoria, the political center of the city since the middle ages. Immerse yourself in the world of Michelangelo this afternoon. Visit San Lorenzo, the parish church of the Medici family — Michelangelo's patrons — to view the Medici Tombs and the Chapel of the Princes. Finally, encounter Michelangelo's peerless "David" and the evocative "Prisoners" at the Accademia. Hotel Brunelleschi (B,D)

Day 6 — Florence/Gargonza
Travel south into the Chianti region, stopping to explore some of its most charming villages. Visit the renowned Badia a Coltibuono vineyard for a wine tasting and lunch. Then continue to Gargonza, a medieval hamlet superbly situated in the Tuscan countryside. This afternoon, settle into the private 13th-century castle of Count and Countess Guicciardini — your home for the next three nights. Take the rest of the day to read, relax, and enjoy the swimming pool, tucked into an olive grove with a glorious view. Castello di Gargonza (B,L,D)

Day 7 — Siena
A short drive brings us to the Tuscan gem of Siena. Soak up the medieval flavor of the city on a walking tour that includes the Piazza del Campo; the Palazzo Pubblico; and the colorful, marble-clad cathedral. Stop for lunch on your own in one of Siena's many trattorias, and spend the afternoon exploring at leisure. Castello di Gargonza (B,D)

Day 8 — Tuscan Countryside
Venture into the Tuscan countryside on a morning hike along trails that lead to traditional villages. Sit down to a lunch of local specialties before returning to Gargonza. During a free afternoon at the castle, stroll the gardens, relax by the pool, or try your hand at a game of bocce. Later, you may join the castle's chef for a cooking lesson and a tasting of several fine local vintages. Castello di Gargonza (B,L,D)

Day 9 — Pienza/Rome
Drive through gorgeous scenery on the way to Pienza, an architectural treasure trove. Stroll through the heart of the town before sampling local specialties such as pici (hand-rolled pasta) and fresh pecorino cheese. Continue to Rome, arriving in the afternoon. Head into Vatican City to visit massive St. Peter's Basilica. Within its walls are the priceless works of Renaissance and baroque masters, including Raphael, Michelangelo, and Bernini. Take advantage of a rare opportunity to visit the Vatican Museums after hours and examine the masterpieces without the crowds. Our specially arranged visit culminates in the breathtaking, fully restored Sistine Chapel. Grand Hotel de la Minerve (B,L)

Day 10 — Rome
On a morning walking tour, visit the Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, and the Trevi Fountain. Then examine archaeological finds on a tour inspired by the July 2006 National Geographic magazine article "In Rome's Basement." After lunch on your own, stroll through the ancient Forum and the Colosseum. Toast your journey at a grand Roman farewell dinner tonight. Grand Hotel de la Minerve (B,D)

Day 11 — Rome/U.S.
Transfer to the airport for your return flight home. (B)

Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
9/1/2010 - 9/11/2010	$5,995
Airfare Disclaimer A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link. Documents TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

Walk through terraced vineyards and charming seaside villages tucked into the dramatic slopes of Cinque Terre.

Gaze at Michelangelo's astonishing Sistine Chapel frescoes on an after-hours visit to the Vatican Museums.

Stay in a private 13th-century castle in Tuscany while exploring the surrounding towns.

Discover the town of Lucca on foot, or ride a bike ride atop its medieval city walls.

Price is per person, double occupancy. For a single room, add $1,890 in 2009 and $1490 in 2010. Airfare is not included in the expedition cost. Round-trip economy airfare from New York to Pisa, and return from Rome, is $540 (subject to change).

Ratings & Reviews:

This tour has no reviews yet. Have you experienced this tour? Write a review.

Related Travel Articles

• See Europe :: Travel Safely and In Style, Escorted Tours
• Rome, Istanbul & Athens :: See it Your Own way
• Travel Improves Your Health
• Adventures by Disney Invites Families to Experience the World in 2010
• Save 40% on Travel to Europe
• Four European Cities You Must See
• Leaning Tower of Pisa, Italy
• Things to See & Do While in Florence, Italy
• MAKING THE MOST OF A “MINI”: PACK FUN INTO QUICK GETAWAYS WITH MONOGRAMS
• Independent Vacation 2010 Prices Down 10 Percent Worldwide
• Tips on Packing for a Contiki Tour
• Europe Language Tips