Rome | Vistas of Italy & Switzerland Small Group Tour

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On this 13-day small-group tour, you'll not only enjoy a true Italian & Swiss experience but also travel through the less touristic areas & green wilderness of the Abruzzo, discover the amazing Trulli of Puglia and the fascinating ruins of Pompeii & enjoying hot springs, epicurean delights & spectacular lake views and all in the company of no more than 16 fellow travellers

Day 1 : Rome | Abruzzo | Puglia

This morning you'll head out of Rome off the beaten track as you journey east to the Abruzzo region. With the Apennine mountains to the north and forests to the south, this green and wild region makes you feel like you’re miles away from civilisation. You have a comfort stop in Celano, a lovely little town framed by the Sirente mountain and famous for the grand Piccolomini Castle. Next, you travel past hill-top villages and silent valleys into the Majella National Park. The name means ‘The Mother of Mountains’. The legend says Maya, the Goddess of the Earth was unable to save her dying son, so she died of deep sorrow and turned into the mountain here.You stop for lunch around Bolognano. This charming village in the Orta Valley has preserved its medieval character and will surprise you with its cuisine. After lunch, you have a chance to admire the beauty of the national park. From the Orfento gorge to a waterfall near the village, your guide will choose an itinerary to suit your interests. You stop for refreshments in Caramanico Terme at the foot of Majella. This village is known for  its thermal springs and beautiful Gothic and Romanesque churches. You travel south-east and watch as the diverse landscape of Abruzzo change from mountains to flat and sandy coastline as you arrive in the early evening to Lesina, a small town located on a small peninsula on the southern side of Lesina Lake and to the north of the Puglia region, your home for the night.

Day 2: Puglia

Wake up this morning in the stunning region of Puglia and head south to Trani. Known as the ‘Pearl of  Puglia’, this historic stone-built port and fishing village exudes sophistication. Walk along the promenade in the marina or stroll through the historic centre and admire the medieval churches, the cathedral and the historic Jewish quarter. Travel to Polignano a Mare, a small, idyllic seaside town perched on the edge of cliffs. Enjoy your lunch on your own surrounded by sun-bleached stone buildings and enjoy the Adriatic breeze. You should also try to catch the sight of the beach in the centre of the town. Its spectacular location paired with crystal clear emerald waters is a recipe for a perfect photo. Just when you thought your day couldn’t get any better, your adventure takes you to Alberobello. With over 1,500 small and rounded white houses, this town looks like it was inhabited by gnomes. These beehive-shaped buildings are called Trulli and are so unique to Apulia that they were awarded UNESCO status. Take your time to meander around the narrow streets and marvel at the impossibly photogenic nooks. Feeling that La Vita è Bella, you leave Alberobello and ramble south to the heel of Italy, where Lecce, the ‘Florence of the South’ and your base for two nights awaits. You arrive in the late afternoon, so you’ll have time to spend your evening exploring hidden piazzas and alleys. (B)

Day 3: Puglia

Buongiorno! Wake up and start the day with some pasticciotto, the gorgeous breakfast pastry. Enjoy your free time in the morning by strolling through Lecce’s old town and admiring its unique architecture. The city’s Baroque style is so unique it got the name of its own, ‘Lecce Baroque’. Also, while you explore the city, keep your eyes peeled for any cherubs and gremlins. Next, contrast the splendour of Lecce with the laid-back seaside towns of the Salento Peninsula. Leave at noon and travel through the ochre-coloured fields and olive groves to Torre Lapillo. This peaceful town is surrounded by beaches, so have your swimwear at the ready. Some time ago, these beaches have appeared on lists of the most beautiful unknown beaches in the world. And when you see the emerald green water and fine white sand, you’ll know why. After a refreshing dip in the water, try some of the fresh local seafood and have a look at the 16th-century Tower of St Thomas. Continue your journey along the coast via Gallipoli to Santa Maria di Leuca. Located on the southernmost tip of Italy’s heel, the little town sits between two seas. It’s steeped in history and the legends of its origin are influenced by various cultures. Here you have some time, so visit the Sanctuary of Santa Maria de Finibus Terrae (“at the End of the Land” from Latin). According to the tradition, the sanctuary was converted from a pagan temple by Saint Peter who landed here. Cast your eyes for the last time at the magnificent vistas of the coast and journey inland to Lecce, where you arrive in the early evening. (B)

Day 4: Matera (Basilicata) | Castellammare di Stabia (Campania)

This morning you'll leave Lecce and head to the UNESCO site of Matera. This city is so perfectly adapted to the terrain that it blends in with its rocky surroundings on a cliff edge. It’s a higgledy-piggledy jumble of Sassi, ancient cave dwellings, houses and churches believed to have been continuously inhabited for 9,000 years. Spend your time uncovering the rich history of this place and visit ancient churches with paintings on stone cave walls. You can also check out what the 18th-century dwellings were like and stumble upon locations used in Mel Gibson’s Passion of the Christ. And before you leave this captivating place, relish some of the local dishes which haven’t changed for centuries. Your adventure takes you off the beaten track again as you journey into the heart of the Lucanian Dolomites and the village of Castelmezzano. One of the highest villages in the Basilicata region, it’s located on a narrow ledge that drops away into a dramatic gorge. But Castelmezzano wasn’t built here just for the stunning vistas. Find out about its rich history as you explore the village or go for a hike to see the ruins of the castle which gave the village its name. Alternatively, you can take a nature walk along the Path of the Seven Stones, a trail celebrating an ancient path connecting Castelmezzano with a nearby village Pietrapertosa. After a busy day, you'll travel through the hills and mountains of Basilicata towards the west coast of Italy, where you spend two nights in Castellammare di Stabia. (B)

Day 5: Pompeii | Amalfi Coast

Set off this morning with a mission to discover the many faces of the region of Campania; the ancient, the new, the tragic and the euphoric. Your first stop of the day is Pompei. In 79 AD the nearby Vesuvius erupted and buried the Roman city under a layer of pumice stone. There was no time to flee, so the city and its people were tragically frozen in the volcanic ash. Ponder over this phenomenon as you explore the archaeological site. You have three hours to uncover this city, so take a look at the millennia-old buildings and get a glimpse into the way the Ancient Romans lived. After your time travelling in Pompei, you'll head to the glamourous Amalfi Coast to celebrate the new and the beautiful. Pastel-coloured houses and villas, chic boutiques, gourmet restaurants; this is La Dolce Vita at its finest. Add mountains plunging into the sea, verdant woodland, and sheer crags and you’ll understand why this Italian heaven boasts the UNESCO status. Stop in Positano, which looks like a colourful multi-tiered cake dramatically clinging to a sea-cliff. Find a restaurant to enjoy your lunch and drink in the magnificent views of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Then peruse the local boutiques, visit picturesque Santa Maria church, and take amazing photos as you meander through the pastel-coloured streets. Alternatively, walk down the steps to the beach for a swim and some sun. Reinvigorated after your visit to Positano, ramble along the dazzling Amalfi Coast and stop for photos on the way. In the late afternoon, you'll arrive back in Castellammare di Stabia where you can enjoy the rest of your afternoon and watch the sunset with a drink in your hand. (B)

Day 6: Vesuvius & Montecassino Abbey | Rome

Today it’s time for something more dramatic. In the morning, travel north to face Mount Vesuvius. In ancient times, this mountain was considered to be divine and had connections to the power of Jupiter – god of sky and lightning. Legends say that the giants used to inhabit the volcano, which explained the loud noises and rumbling. But it was in 79AD when Mount Vesuvius acquired its evil reputation. A violent explosion buried Pompeii in pumice, destroyed a couple of other towns, and pushed the coastline back several kilometres. Scary as this sounds, the titan is dormant now. So put on your sturdy boots because you can hike up to its crater. Arrive in Vesuvius National Park and walk up the path of the Gran Cono. Feel the thrill as you walk along the crater of this legendary menace, discover its biodiversity and admire unforgettable panoramic views. After this exciting start of the day, travel up north and have lunch on your own en route to the Montecassino Abbey. Sitting atop of the mountain above the town of Cassino, it’s a sight to behold. Destroyed numerous times, it always returns in its stunning form. In the past, a working monastery and a pilgrimage site, this place was a centre of art, culture, and learning. It was also the scene for a decisive battle near the end of World War II. You’ve got time to stroll through the cloisters of the monastery, admire fabulous frescoes and mosaics, and contemplate the turbulent history and violence of war. Breathe in the mountain air and cast your eyes on the lovely landscape before you travel north and arrive in romantic Rome with a planned arrival time of 7 pm and the remainder of the evening to enjoy. (B)

Day 7: Rome

You have a free day to discover the delights of the city. You could start by visiting the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Pantheon and icons of Rome’s heyday as the Caput Mundi (Capital of the World). Once you’ve had a glimpse into the past, focus on the current culinary scene and grab an alfresco table on one of many elegant piazzas. Sit down, relax, and get your taste buds ready for the local delicacies. (B)

Day 8: Rome | Bologna

This morning you'll leave the dazzling capital of Italy and head north towards the region of Umbria stopping on the way as you travel through a land of forests and valleys dotted with pretty hill-towns. In the early afternoon, you'll arrive in charming Città di Castello where you can have lunch on your own. This small town with a medieval centre dates back to Roman times and is rich in history & art plus it is the place to try delicious truffles. Next,  travel to Bagno di Romagna, a little town in the Apennines. Located on the doorstep of the Casentinesi Forest National Park and boasting hot springs, this small mountain community is an oasis of slow-life. Here you can stroll through the charming hamlet; pop into its little palace, churches, and monasteries; or, depending on the group’s interests, head to the nearby national park to see Alferello Waterfall. Then travel through the green countryside of the Emilia-Romagna region as you head to Bologna, where you will spend the night. You arrive here in the late afternoon, so make sure to explore this city which boasts Europe’s oldest university; a beautiful network of porticoed, medieval streets; and some fine restaurants. (B)

Day 9: Lake Como | Lugano

Today, you'll travel through Lombardy, Italy’s wealthiest region with a host of magnificent lakes. Your adventure first takes you to Lake Como, the most stunning lake in the region. Framed by the Rhaetian Alps, this Italian slice of heaven’s crystal clear waters seduced the most famous writers of the 18th and 19th centuries. You'll arrive in Lenno, a town on the west bank of the lake, where you have the whole afternoon to yourself to stroll along the shores of the town, drink in the magnificent views, and absorb its relaxed atmosphere. Don’t forget to find a restaurant or café to savour the unique flavours of the region before you continue to explore the area. Your day by Lake Como wouldn’t be complete without visiting a splendid villa, so make sure to see Villa del Balbianello. This 18th-century mansion is as magnificent as it is famous. The interior is filled with artwork, and the terraced gardens and vistas will take your breath away. And when you visit this place, you’ll feel like a movie star because this was used as a set from Star Wars Episode II and James Bond’s Casino Royale. Full of natural and architectural delights, you'll continue on to Lugano in the late afternoon, where you spend two nights. (B)

Day 10: Locarno | Lake Maggiore

Breathe in the fresh mountain air as you leave Lugano and continue to explore the stunning lakes on the border of Italy and Switzerland. You'll have a comfort break in Locarno, an Italian-speaking resort city in Switzerland on Lake Maggiore. With 2,300 hours of sunshine a year, numerous palm trees, and an air of elegance, this city is hard to leave. Next, jump over to Italy again and travel along Lake Maggiore to Stresa where you’ll be entertained for the whole afternoon by this town’s belle époque villas, lovely promenade, and cobbled streets. You can also take a boat to the magnificent Borromean Islands to uncover their artistic, historical and natural delights. Or, if you crave for striking vistas, get the cable car ride to the summit of Mount Mottarone that rises nearby. After an exciting afternoon, you'll swap the lakes for mountains and head to Varese to enjoy its pretty old town and grand art nouveau villas. In the evening, return to Lugano for your second night. (B)

Day 11: Lausanne

Today, you can delve into the mountainous heart of Switzerland where the soaring Alps are intertwined with green meadows, glittering lakes and cute villages. Your first short stop is in Altdorf, a little town with a famous monument to William Tell. Hear the story of the legendary folk hero who symbolized the struggle for political and individual freedom. Then, travel through some of the most scenic roads of the country, where every turn looks like a postcard photo. But just when you thought that the landscape can’t get any more magnificent, you arrive in Lauterbrunnen. This little village is the epitome of the alpine paradise. It’s located in an immense U-shaped valley framed by sheer mountain crags offering great views of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, some of the most well-known mountains in the area, and it’s decorated with a staggering 72 waterfalls. You'll have almost the whole afternoon to explore this quintessential Swiss village. Start from admiring the chalet-style houses and eating some Swiss specialities then, stare in awe at Staubbach Falls, Europe’s highest free-falling waterfall located right at the end of the main street. If you still crave more, you can go slightly off the beaten track and visit Trümmelbach waterfalls, a series of 10 glacier waterfalls. After you’ve soaked up the peace and beauty of the rural landscapes, you head to Lausanne, your home for two nights and an ideal place for an evening stroll along Lake Geneva. (B)

Day 12: Gruyères | Gstaad

Man does not live on landscapes alone, so today you’ll have the chance to savour the famous culinary heritage of Switzerland. Head to the medieval town of Gruyères full of cobbled streets and quaint houses decorated with flowers. But you didn’t come here to admire the charms of the village. You came to try that nutty, semi-hard cheese the world raves about. And the best place to do this is at the local cheese factory, La Maison du Gruyère, where you can learn the history and production secrets of this delicious cheese. Alternatively, if you have a sweet tooth, visit Maison Cailler; a chocolate factory with a series of interactive, multi-sensorial experiences and chocolate tasting. Just remember to leave some space for other specialities like fondue and marvellous meringues with double cream. After trying some of the gastronomic highlights, you'll get back on the road and venture through the unspoiled landscapes of a regional nature park to Gstaad for lunch on your own. It might be a timber-lined village surrounded by mountains and pastures, but it’s popular with celebrities and exudes the glitz and glamour. From here,  travel back to the shores of Lake Geneva to visit another Swiss icon, the 13thcentury Chillon Castle which boasts a spectacular location before arriving back in Lausanne early in the evening. (B)

Day 13: Chablis | Paris

This morning you'll leave lovely Lausanne, travel through the brooding scenery of the Jura Mountains, and head into France. You’re now in the rural landscapes of the Franche-Comté region known for its beautiful nature and your first stop of the day will be in Dole, a charming town set in the stunning countryside of the Doubs valley. It boasts the status of ‘A City of Art and History’ thanks to its wonderful historical area, medieval streets, and interesting museums. To get the real flavour of this place, stroll along the town’s narrow streets, canals and bridges and taste some of the local cheeses. Back on the road, head to Chablis, home to the region’s famous dry white wines. This picturesque walled town will enchant you with its medieval timber-framed houses and here you can savour lunch on your own or go wine tasting in a nearby winery to discover some of the best Chablis. Or if you like wine trivia, peruse the impressive collection of 8,000 items in the Corkscrew and Vineyard Museum. In the late afternoon, say au revoir to the medieval town and journey to Paris through the lush landscapes of Burgundy.  This wonderful experience ends here in Paris arriving around 7 pm in the evening. 

Guaranteed departures!

Guaranteed departures: Monday, May 18, June 1,15 & 29 June; July 13 & 27; August 10 & 24; September 7 & 21, 2020.
All visits & excursions are optional and at your own expense.  Cancellation & change penalties for this tour differ from regular CIT Terms & Conditions.  Full cancellation penalties of 100% apply at 45 days prior to departure.