The Traveling Professor has made dozens of small group tours to Italy. Normally, a first-time visitor would want to visit Venice, Florence, Rome and Sorrento (the Amalfi Coast). Take a look at The Professor's 14 day itinerary for Italy:
Day 1: Arrive in Venice. From the airport take a water taxi over to our favorite canal-side hotel, the American Dinesen. After an overnight flight relax and take a stroll around the neighborhood and have some Italian taps, called cicchetti with a nice glass of wine of course.
Day 2: In Venice, crosss the canal to St. Mark's Square and visit St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace. During the day get over to the stunning opera house for a visit.
Day 3: A gondola ride is in the cards for the day or you can cruise the canals on the cheap by taking the #1 or #2 vaporetto along the Grand Canal. There is time to visit the wonderful Peggy Guggenheim Collection and Gallerie dell'Accademia.
Day 4: Let's take the high-speed train and get over to Florence and check in at the Il Guelfo Bianco Hotel, just a stone's throw from where we visit David at the Accademia this afternoon. Get the Firenze Card for no-wait in line admission to the best attractions. There is lots to see and do in Florence.
Day 5: Another day in Florence where we can take in the Duomo, Uffizi Gallery, Palazzo Strozzi, Medici Chapel and other highlights on the Firenze Card.
Day 6: While still in Florence, we suggest going on a tour through Tuscany with wine tasting. There are many companies that will arrange a private our group tour for you.
Day 7: It's been a long trip. Florence is the perfect city to take a day to relax.
Day 8: Let's jump on the high-speed train again and go off to Sorrento. We need to be picked up at the train station in Naples. Make sure the driver stops for a tour of the ruins of Pompeii while on your way to the excellent Palazzo Jannuzzi hotel. If looking for pure luxury, try the Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria.
Day 9: Grab a ferry ticket and spend the day on Capri. An enjoyable cruise around the island is offered on the Laser Capri.
Day 10: No use going to Sorrento unless doing an Amalfi Coast tour. Our friend Carmine runs the best tours at Private Tours of Southern Italy.
Day 11: You'll need to get a private transfer to the Naples train station for the one-hour train ride to Rome. Check in is easy at the Massimo D'Azeglio Hotel. You have time for the traditional Roman walk from Campo d'Fiori to Piazza Navona to the Pantheon to Trevi Fountain ending up at the Spanish Steps.
Day 12: So much to see and do. We suggest heading over to the Colosseum and Forum. End the day with a relaxing tour of Borghese Gallery.
Day 13: Head over to the Vatican with your pre-purchased tickets to avoid the long, long lines. Do the Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel and Basilica. If you have any strength left, check out Castel Sant'Angelo.
Day 14: Say "arrivederci" to Italy!
Join The Professor on a small group tour to Italy.