Insider's Roman Italy

The itinerary is the starting point to your tour, but it’s not set in stone. Your group leader may make changes leading up to departure.

Day 1, Friday April 17: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2, Saturday April 18: Sorrento

Arrive in Rome, meet your ACIS Tour Manager and drive south to the delightful seaside town of Sorrento. Orange and lemon groves abound. (D)

Day 3, Sunday April 19: Sorrento

Board a high-speed hydrofoil to cross the Bay of Naples to Capri, the Island of Dreams. Upon arriving on the island, take the funicular past subtropical gardens to the main square. There is time to wander through the narrow lanes and shop in the tiny artisan stores that line the square. Entrance to the Roman ruins of Emperor Tiberius's Villa Jovis is included. (B)

Day 4, Monday April 20: Sorrento

Today's adventure starts by exploring a working mozzarella farm Mozzarella Farm Demonstration and Tasting Creamy, mild, fresh mozzarella is synonymous with Italian cuisine and some of the finest mozzarella di bufala hails from Campania. There are multiple theories on how the water buffalo (sometimes called river buffalo) came to Italy, but references to the use of their milk in the region's notable cheeses appear as early as the 12th century. Enjoy the countryside and tour the barns as you experience a working mozzarella farm. An expert cheese maker will demonstrate how the soft cheese is produced, from ingredients to by-hand preparation methods, before a tasting session.

Close and learning first-hand about how this creamy cheese is made, from ingredients to production to taste. A scenic drive then takes you along breathtaking coastline to Pompeii where a local guide provides commentary as you explore this town that was preserved under 23 feet of volcanic ash by the eruption of nearby Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Return to Sorrento and enjoy an evening stroll around the charming Piazza Tasso. (B)

Day 5, Tuesday April 21: Rome

We head first to Naples today and make a stop at the National Archaeological Museum where a local guide will take us on a tour of the trove of Italy's ancient treasures housed at this fine museum. Then dive into the many layers of history beneath our feet with a guided Naples Underground tour before heading north to Rome. (B,D)

Day 6, Wednesday April 22: Rome

Rome is called “The Eternal City” because the ancient Romans believed that no matter what empires rose and fell, Rome would endure forever. Morning sightseeing introduces you to this ancient city. With a local guide, go inside the iconic and historic Colosseum (your timed reservation ensures no waiting in line) and learn the many stories of this nearly 2,000-year-old Roman landmark that's considered one of the architectural wonders of the ancient world. Then continue with your guide to the adjoining Roman Forum, the social, political and commercial hub of the Roman Empire. (B)

Day 7, Thursday April 23: Rome

Today's panoramic drive of the city is a great introduction to the many phases of Roman history. Our local expert accompanies you through the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica. The best part is that these are timed entrances, meaning you'll breeze right by the long lines facing other tourists. This afternoon you may choose an optional guided excursion to Ostia Antica to see its 4th century BC Roman ruins, previously buried under mud and sand until excavations at the beginning of the last century. (B,D)

Day 8, Friday April 24: Rome

Today why not visit the tranquil Borghese Gardens or the shops of Via Condotti? Climb each of the seven hills, or visit some of the majestic churches such as Santa Maria Maggiore. Be sure to sample the gelato. One of the best spots for that is Piazza Navona. (B)

Day 9, Saturday April 25: Departure

Depart for the USA.