OVERVIEW

View Lake Bracciano from several vantage points, including the towns of Trevignano Romano and Bracciano. One of the largest, clearest bodies of water in the region, Lake Bracciano is volcanically formed unlike the glacial lakes to the north. A natural reserve of forests and olive groves borders much of the lake making for a serene setting, especially since motorized boats are prohibited. You will enjoy a bit of free time in Trevignano Romano, one of the three main towns along the lakeshore. You might walk the lengthy waterfront promenade, stop in one of the cafés for coffee and a snack or simply spend the entire time gazing out over the turquoise waters. Afterwards, you will drive to the town of Bracciano – home to the landmark medieval castle Orsini-Odescalchi – for a multi-course lunch of classic Italian cuisine at a restaurant right on the lake.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Explore beautiful Lake Bracciano, a brilliant blue volcanically formed body of water.
• Spend free time in Trevignano Romano and perhaps stroll its lakeshore promenade.
• Dine at a restaurant partially built on stilts directly over the shoreline of Lake Bracciano.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Venture off the beaten path and back in time to explore two unique villages in beautiful countryside settings. This is an opportunity to experience a more traditional side of Italy.

The first, Tuscania, has well-preserved medieval walls, and two fascinating churches. St. Mary Major, has an elaborately decorated entry carved in marble probably taken from the ancient temple upon which the church was built. The interior of St. Peter’s is lined by columns of both ancient and of newer medieval design.

Absorb the local ambiance during a stroll through narrow streets, past churches, fountains, and houses embellished with colorful pots of flowers. You’ll end up at the belvedere, for fine views of St. Peter’s Church and the city walls.

Civita di Bagnoregio perches dramatically atop a steep hill. It was once two separate towns, but the saddle of land that connected Civita to Bagnoregio eroded away, cutting off Civita and making Bagnoregio its only lifeline to the outside world. The only access is by a long footbridge, with supplies transported in by moped.

The bridge gets steeper as it rises – a challenging climb for anyone not in good shape, but well worth the effort to experience this picture perfect medieval town. Stroll the meandering lanes with your guide, then you’ll have ample time to explore and have lunch on your own.

Experience the places which made Rome immortal by observing it from another point of view on board a double-decker bus. Along your route, a very informative audio guide will help you understand the incredible history and the splendor of the art that makes Rome a truly fascinating city.

Your tour starts at the pier with a 90 minute transfer by coach to the heart of Rome. Once there, you’ll transfer to your double-decker sightseeing bus. These buses travel a circuit all day long and have stops at some of the city’s most iconic monuments and cultural venues. The beauty of the Hop-on, Hop-off option is that you can choose which stops you want to leave the bus and explore at your leisure.

Stops will be made at the Colossuem, Circus Maximus, Piazza Venezia, The Vatican, the Trevi Fountain, Piazza di Spagna and Piazza Barberini. These stops will enable you to visit places such as Vatican City with the wonderful St. Peter’s Basilica, the Colosseum and its Archaeological Area, and the famous Trevi Fountain. You will also have the possibility of shopping at Via Nazionale and Via del Corso.

The tour is tape-recorded and individual earphones are available should you wish. The sightseeing buses run at a frequency of 25 minutes around each of the noted main interest points. You will be advised when to return to the main terminal in order to catch the transfer back to the ship.

Enjoy a private piano concert and lunch at a restaurant in Rome and see the Eternal City’s signature attractions on a panoramic tour. Your immersion into all things Roman will begin with an enlightening drive through the capital, during which you will see icons such as the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain and Circus Maximus, the massive stadium where the Romans once held chariot races. You will then reach a panoramic restaurant in the Centre of the Eternal City, which will be the venue also for a piano concert of Italian classics with an accomplished singer as accompaniment. After the pop-lyric show, head over to the restaurant for an inspired lunch. Each course will be paired with a wine produced in the Tuscan estate of Andrea Bocelli’s family so you'll discover the fine Bocelli Wines of the Bocelli Farmhouse. You will then view even more iconic locations such as St. Peter’s Square and Piazza Navona.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Enjoy a private piano concert and singing performance at a restaurant overlooking Rome.
• Savor a four-course lunch accompanied by wines that Andrea Bocelli’s family estate produces.
• Spend hours driving around Rome, admiring the most iconic landmarks.

You’ll start in ancient Rome, with a visit to the city’s iconic Colosseum. The Romans built amphitheaters all across their vast empire, but this is the largest and most important of them all. Its four levels of seats could hold 50,000 spectators for bloody gladiatorial combat and wild animal fights. At times the Colosseum was flooded and simulated sea battles were fought.

Next, stop at the Trevi Fountain. This massive Baroque extravaganza was built in 1732 and features Neptune, god of the sea, surging forward in his shell-shaped chariot. Afterwards, you’ll walk to the Pantheon, where you can enter on your own and have free time for lunch. This is one of the best-preserved of all the ancient Roman structures, with the largest brick dome in the history of architecture.

In Vatican City admire the beauty of St. Peter’s Square, and view some of the treasures of the world’s largest church, St. Peter’s Basilica during your brief visit. The Vatican Museum is home to masterpieces spanning the centuries, marvel at the Sistine Chapel, topped by Michelangelo’s magnificent ceiling.

OVERVIEW

Get a historical perspective of Viterbo on a guided walk through its medieval quarter and enjoy a classic Etruscan lunch in one of its finest restaurants. Although the majority of Viterbo was destroyed in World War II, it was soon rebuilt and today the town’s oldest district looks much like it did in the 13th and 14th centuries. Even older defensive walls enclose the area and the architectural gems within it. There you will find the papal palace, churches containing the tombs of several popes and one charming piazza after another. Your lunch at an atmospheric restaurant in Viterbo will reflect the culinary customs of Etruscan cuisine. For a refreshing treat afterwards, you will sample a selection of gelatos, a frozen dessert that the Romans are credited with inventing in the 16th century. The gelatos may be flavored with seasonal fruits, dark chocolate or hazelnuts.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Walk through the beautifully restored, wall-enclosed medieval district in Viterbo.
• Dine on Etruscan-inspired cuisine at a traditional restaurant in town.
• Enjoy a sampling of gelatos flavored with seasonal ingredients.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

The Romans built amphitheaters all across their vast empire, but this is the largest and most important of them all. Its four levels of seats could hold 50,000 spectators for bloody gladiatorial combat and wild animal fights. Drive by the Colosseum for a photostop.

Next, stop at the Trevi Fountain. This massive Baroque extravaganza was built in 1732 and features Neptune, god of the sea, surging forward in his shell-shaped chariot. After lunch, proceed to St. Peter's Square, designed and built by Bernini and visit St. Peter's Basilica. If time permits, you'll have some free time to explore on your own.

A visit to the Vatican Museum with the Sistine Chapel and St Peter’s Basilica, combined with an orientation drive through the grand avenues of Rome, in the company of a small group highlights your day. Although a quick pace and substantial amount of walking is required, your day will be extremely rewarding. In the morning, enjoy an orientation drive through the Eternal City passing the Arch of Constantine and the famed Colosseum.

After lunch, you’ll visit the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel, boasting Michelangelo’s magnificent ceiling. You’ll gaze in awe at Piazza San Pietro, one of the world’s most beautiful squares that faces the largest church in the world, St. Peter’s. Some of its fabulous treasures will be shown to you by your guide during a brief visit. You’ll then rejoin your motorcoach for the return to Civitavecchia.

See Rome from the top of a double-decker bus and enjoy unobstructed 360° views of the most well-known attractions and enlightening commentary that describes their significance. Upon arriving at the city center, you will hop aboard and begin a panoramic drive that will take you past one Roman landmark after another. You will see the extraordinarily beautiful Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, the ruins of the Colosseum and the site of the massive Circus Maximus, an ancient chariot racetrack that was also used for gladiator fights and other barbaric public spectacles. Other highlights include the elaborate monument honoring the first king of unified Italy in the Piazza Venezia, the Castel Sant'Angelo fortress on the banks of the Tiber River, the Theatre of Marcellus and many other sights as your drive through the city’s streets.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Drive through Rome and admire the landmarks from the top of a double-decker bus.
• Enjoy unobstructed views of ancient icons such as the Colosseum and Circus Maximus.
• View architectural highlights ranging from the Castel Sant’Angelo from Spanish Steps to the ornate Piazza Venezia.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Not far from Civitavecchia lies Tarquinia, a fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Site. Due to its huge and efficient fleet, Tarquinia was once one of the most powerful Etruscan cities and an artistic center. Today, it is known for its quaint squares lovely palaces and the Etruscan Necropolis. Visit to Palazzo Vitelleschi, a splendid 15th century Gothic-style castle. The museum contains a wealth of Etruscan treasures. Walk the streets of the old town with its charming character. Some of the impressive medieval walls are still standing.

Visit the Etruscan Necropolis, containing numerous sarcophagi that were found in its tombs lying beneath rolling farmlands just outside Tarquinia. Your guide will lead you past underground tombs decorated with lively frescoes of Etruscan life. Historians have been able to reconstruct life in Etruscan times from these paintings. Your tour culminates with a visit to a local farmhouse where you’ll discover the local flavors when you sample their homemade goods.

Spend the day exploring the many treasures the village of Orvieto unveils at every turn. During your scenic drive to Orvieto in Umbria, you’ll pass by several small villages scattered over the hills boasting Medieval castles and churches. Upon arrival in Orvieto, you’ll take the cable car to reach the center. Orvieto goes back to the 9th century B.C. and the Etruscan civilization. Perched on a plateau atop huge cliffs, this town boasts of one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Italy. Its construction started in 1263 under the pontificate of Urbano IV who wanted to consecrate the so-called ‘miracle of the blood’. But your attention is immediately drawn by the wonderful Gothic facade of this cathedral. Inside, some chapels are structured with cross vaults, some of which are embellished by very important frescos painted by Fra Giovanni and by Luca Signorelli. In the transept you can admire a Pity from the 16th century.

After the cathedral’s visit, your guide will lead you on a walking tour through the narrow streets of this beautiful city and point out other things of interest that you could do during your leisure time. You’ll then have about 2 1/2 hours of free time to further explore Orvieto. During your free time, you might want to visit the Underground Passages, the Museum of Archeology, or St. Patrick's well, built in the early 16th Century by Pope Clement VII, an architectural marvel. If exploring is not your thing, you might opt to relax in the Piazza del Duomo over lunch, an ice cream or a glass of the famous local wine with some cheese and salami. What about doing some shopping? Orvieto is famous for its ceramics, glass, leather and olive wood work, in addition to the many local goods produced in the area, such as olive oil or the famous wine, Orvieto Classico. Whatever you choose to do, you’ll surely have a wonderful day.

Enjoy an orientation drive of Rome and have free time to take in the sites of your choice, or do some shopping. Drive by landmarks like Trajan’s Column, the Arch of Constantine, Circus Maximus and the Colosseum. Then, you’ll be dropped off at a central location where you’ll have approximately three hours of free time. Your escort will advise you of the pick-up time for your return back to Civitavecchia.