Panorama Italiano with Joe

Day 1, Wednesday July 14: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2, Thursday July 15: Venice

Arrive in Venice, meet your ACIS Tour Manager Joe, who has lived here on-and-off since 2010, and enjoy a fast and fun transfer by private motor launch to your hotel on the Lido. Then the motor launch will whisk you to Piazza San Marco so you can begin to explore this magnificent city of canals and palaces. Tonight you may opt to take a gondola ride before dinner to set the scene for the following day. (D)

Day 3, Friday July 16: Venice

After a leisurely morning boat ride over to the wild northern lagoon, spend some time exploring the incredibly colourful and photogenic fishermen’s island of Burano, where you’re sure to get some postcard-worthy snaps among the traditional painted houses and leaning bell tower. After your visit return to incomparable city of Venice. Starting in St. Mark's Square, where you can see the Basilica of St. Mark and the Bridge of Sighs that connected the old prisons of Venice to the interrogation rooms of the neighboring Doge's Palace, embark on a walking tour with Joe as he shows you his city. See some of his favourite hidden gems before arriving in the heart of Venice, Rialto Market, where you will take part in a scavenger hunt to learn about local produce and food items. Snap a photo at nearby Rialto Bridge en route to the historic Fondaco dei Tedeschi for breathtaking views of the Grand Canal from its rooftop, then head to one of Joe’s favourite cicchetterie where you will sample traditional Venetian-style tapas. (B,D)

Day 4, Saturday July 17: Florence

We leave Venice this morning and travel to the Modena area for a Balsamic vinegar tasting. Visit a four-generation farm and production facility to learn about the family's process for making and aging the famed Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena before tasting a few of the varietals. Continue to Tuscany and its magnificent capital, Florence. Begin to explore with an evening walking tour to see the iconic Ponte Vecchio and more all lit up at night. (B,D)

Day 5, Sunday July 18: Florence

Start the day with a visit to Florence’s main marketplace, where another fun scavenger hunt will help highlight the difference in regional produce and cuisine as we move further south. After lunch, your sightseeing tour with a local guide shows you the splendid Duomo, Ghiberti's famous Baptistry Doors and the Piazza della Signoria—the political center of this Renaissance city. Then breeze by the crowds with your own timed entrance to the Accademia, which houses Michelangelo's David. As you explore, keep an eye out for that special trattoria you might want to come back tonight you'll be able to dine like (and with) the locals using our insider tips and restaurant vouchers. (B,D)

Day 6, Monday July 19: Sorrento

Depart Florence for the beautiful Tuscan hilltop town of San Gimignano, known as the Manhattan of the Middle Ages thanks to its many towers that (from a distance) look like skyscrapers, lending it a very distinctive skyline. Explore the quaint medieval centre, and enjoy an award-winning gelato in the main square. Then begin your scenic drive down to coastal Sorrento. (B,D)

Day 7, Tuesday July 20: Sorrento

Today's excursion brings you by high-speed hydrofoil to Capri, the Island of Dreams. Arriving on the island, take the funicular past sub-tropical gardens to the main piazza. Grab a panino to go, and enjoy your lunch amongst the lush vegetation of the Gardens of Augustus, looking down over the azure waters and stunning Faraglioni limestone outcrops. You'll have time to wander through the twisting lanes and shop in the tiny artisan stores that line the square. Then return to Sorrento for dinner and the chance to explore its lively backstreets. (B,D)

Day 8, Wednesday July 21: Rome

This morning head to Pompeii for sightseeing with a local guide. In 79 AD, nearby Mount Vesuvius erupted and covered the city in 23 feet of ash. You will see a perfect picture of life unearthed as it was nearly 2,000 years ago. Before leaving Pompeii to drive north, enjoy one of the most famous exports of neighboring Naples wood oven baked pizza. Today's final destination is Rome. (B,D)

Day 9, Thursday July 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. Today's panoramic drive of the city with a local guide is a great introduction to the many phases of Roman history. Then explore both the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica at your own pace using audio guides. The best part is that these are timed entrances, meaning you'll breeze right by the long lines facing other tourists. Around lunch time we will head to the Mercato di Testaccio, a bustling marketplace that we'll discover once again via a scavenger hunt to give you an understanding of yet another Italian culinary identity. This afternoon go inside the iconic and historic Colosseum (with another line-avoiding timed reservation) 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. In the evening, enjoy an authentic, brick-oven Roman pizza dinner (giving you the chance to contrast the Roman and Neapolitan styles) and learn the art of the Italian passeggiata romana around Piazza Navona as you cap off an exceptional week. (B,D)

Day 10, Friday July 23: Departure

Depart for the USA. (B)