The best way to soak in the beauty of Italy is to let the splendid antiquity and wondrous landscape surround you. Listen to trivia about ancient Rome as you jog along the banks of the Tiber River. Follow the footpaths that overlook the Mediterranean Sea as you hike the towns of Cinque Terre. Relish the refreshing aroma of olive groves as you cycle the Appian Way and then relax in the resplendent walkways of the Borghese Villa gardens. Your custom tailored tour will blend the pleasures of Italian...
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Rome – Arrive and Explore the Vibrant, Bustling Streets of Rome
Rome contains an ambiance of historical importance that fades to the hidden regenerative gardens of lavish villas. Ancient monuments abound and sensational aromas, from espresso to fresh blossoming flowers, drift through the streets. Your flight will land at Fiumicino Airport where your private transfer will await your arrival. Once in the city, settle into the comforts of your luxurious hotel with a view of the impressive dome of St. Peter’s Basilica. You will have a chance to freshen up before your guide will meet you in the lavish lobby and escort you to the neighborhood of Trastevere at the Villa Farnesina. The estate once belonged to a Renaissance banker eager to impress the elites of the city.
The villa overlooks the banks of the Tiber River and includes frescoes painted by the celebrated Renaissance master Raphael. The Sale di Galatea is named for the fresco Raphael painted to depict the nymph Galatea as she flees from the infamous Cyclops. The figure of the nymph shows her beauty covered in a light blue dress and connects her image to the legend of reference. Your guide will lead you from the open halls of the villa to the top of the Spanish Steps in front of Santa Trinita dei Monti for the panoramic view that sweeps over the Vatican. You will be swept up into the feelings of Rome, and remain active as you embrace the endless beauty of the Eternal City.
What's Included:
Day 2
Rome – Embark on a Half or Full Day Tour of Rome’s Ancient Monuments
Day 3
Rome – Relish the Wonder of the Vatican Museums and Galleria Borghese
Day 4
Rome – Visit Historical Catacombs and the Lavish Villas of Tivoli
Day 5
Levanto – Traverse the Streets of Pisa en route to the Lovely Ligurian Coast
Day 6
Levanto – Trek along the Famous Trails that Connect the Cinque Terre
Day 7
Levanto – Cruise to the Monastery of San Fruttuoso and Enjoy the Coastline
Day 8
Levanto – Transfer to Genoa for your Flight Home
Trip Highlights
- Explore the ten preserved miles of the ancient road known as the Appian Way during a guided bike ride that leads to a cluster of historical catacombs
- Enjoy a leisurely bike ride through the lavish gardens of the Borghese Villa, which is often referred to as Rome’s Central Park
- Stroll beneath the opulent frescoes and remarkable architecture of the Villa Farnesina, which leads to a panorama of Rome at Santa Trinita dei Monti
- Wander along the trails that crisscross the Ligurian Coast between the enchanting towns of the Cinque Terre
- Delight in a short cruise along the Mediterranean to visit the secluded grounds of the Monastery of San Fruttuoso
- Embark on a half-day walking tour of the city of Pisa to discover the monuments behind the Leaning Tower
- Traverse the majestic gardens of Roman Emperor Hadrian’s former villa in the town of Tivoli
- Relish a morning run alongside captivating ancient monuments of Rome, including the Ara Pacis
- Partake in Roman tradition with a warm footbath to help sooth your feet at the end of an active day exploring
Detailed Description
An active lifestyle can take you from the great outdoors to the majesty of monuments that have inspired Western Civilization. You may also go from a manmade lake in a once private garden of a noble family to the steps of a papal fortress on the edge of the Tiber River. Your 8-day active tour of Rome and Cinque Terre combines the best of Italian history and culture with the joys of keeping an active lifestyle to connect the rapture of exploration with the euphoria of a runner’s high.
The journey will begin with your arrival at Fiumicino Airport in Rome, and your private transfer will meet you at baggage claim and escort you into the historical city center at your luxurious hotel. After check-in, your guide will meet you in the lobby and escort you on a remarkable walking tour of the city and lead you through the lavish estate of Villa Farnesina to the vibrant square that overlooks the Spanish Steps. Next day, wake up early for a guided running tour of the historical neighborhoods of Rome, beginning and ending at the Castle Sant’Angelo. Your tour of the ancient life of the empire will continue with a private guided exploration of the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. In the evening, you can partake in the ancient Roman spa ritual of soothing your tired feet in a warm footbath.
The grandeur of Vatican City will present itself early on the next day. Traverse the grounds of the gardens, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the stunning museum galleries before you delight in a leisurely bike ride along the paths of the Borghese gardens. Next day, enjoy a cycling tour along the ten miles of the preserved Appian Way. Follow your guide into the catacombs of St. Callixtus to view early Christian burial rituals and frescoes, and then follow your active discovery of the old Roman road with an exploration of the opulent villas in Tivoli. Travel next to the Ligurian town of Levanto by way of the famous city of Pisa for a guided walking tour of the city to take in the Leaning Tower and the treasures of the medieval maritime power often overlooked by visitors.
Next, traverse the variety of trails that lead from Levanto to the five towns of Cinque Terre with a stop to admire the architecture, culture, history, and the views that are secluded due to the natural landscape. Continue with a short cruise along the Mediterranean to the hidden monastery of San Fruttuoso, and the remainder of the day is yours to bask in the charms of the seaside. Take the trail to Portofino, or rest your legs as your relax on the beach of Monterosso. Conclude as you travel to Genoa with enough time to visit the highlights of the city before you check-in to your flight at the Cristoforo Colombo Airport.
Starting Price
$3,600 per person (excluding international flights)
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
Reviews of Zicasso's Referral Service
4.88 stars based on 150 reviews.
Reviewed By Alyson L.
Reviewed By Marie C.
Reviewed By Joseph H.
Reviewed By Henry T.
Reviewed By Andrew B.
Reviewed By Jon S.