We pick you up in central Rome in an air-conditioned mini-bus, the most comfortable way to navigate the jaw-dropping cliff drive that awaits us. When we arrive in Pompeii, we’ll skip the lines and be met by one of our expert, English-speaking guides who have dedicated their lives to studying Pompeii. As they walk you through the shops, temples, public baths, and houses that made up the thriving city, they’ll recount the fascinating stories of life in the ancient city; and how it was decimated by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius. The tour will also visit the famous plaster death casts of unfortunate people caught in the eruption and, if appropriate for the group, an ancient brothel.
After Pompeii, it’s back into the bus for one of the most unforgettable drives of your life down the hairpin turns and panoramic vistas of the Amalfi coast. It won’t take long for you to see why this is considered Italy’s most scenic drive (although certainly not the easiest to navigate - you’ll b
Start by skipping the line at the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo’s David, as well as his partially-finished Slaves , for insight into how he turned jagged rock into the beautiful, lifelike figures of his sculptures. You’ll also hear stories of Leonardo Da Vinci and the powerful Medici family, whose patronage made Florence one of the hot beds of the Renaissance art world.
Next you’ll head to another stone structure that changed world history - Florence Duomo. As you admire the Dome from outside you’ll hear the story of how its architect Brunelleschi recovered lost knowledge and expanded the realm of what was deemed humanly possible all in his pursuit of building it.
After the Duomo you’ll take to the streets to see more of Florence’s landmarks, including the Palazzo Vecchio, the statues of the Orsanmichele church, the Pizza della Repubblica and Piazza della Signoria, the Porcellino pig (rub his nose for good luck!) and of course, Italy’s most picturesque bridge, the Ponte Vecchio.
As you walk, the sites will come to life with the stories told by your English speaking guide. In an intimate group of 15 people or fewer you will have plenty of time to ask questions and learn about the incredible history of this city from the ground up.
