2025 marks a Jubilee Year, a momentous Roman Catholic event celebrated every 25 years, turning Rome into a center of celebration between December 24, 2024, and December 31, 2025. As festivities unfold, itineraries may be adjusted to ensure you make the most of your time as you visit the Eternal City. Benvenuti a Roma! Get swept up in the city's passion, past and flavors, from storied piazzas to recipes passed down through generations. Enjoy exclusive access to the Basilica Santa Maria in Cosmedin with a private after-hours visit. See the 'Mouth of Truth' without the crowds, learn the legend behind it and explore the church and crypt, where the relics of Saint Valentine are kept*. Later, come together with your travel companions over dinner to celebrate the start of your Italian journey. *This visit may be scheduled on day 2.
Hotel: Il Cantico
Enjoy a guided visit with a Local Specialist through the Vatican Museums, home to a treasure trove of art and history. Stand beneath the frescoed ceiling of the Sistine Chapel and see Michelangelo's Pieta inside St. Peter's Basilica. Then, walk in the footsteps of emperors and gladiators at the mighty Colosseum and pass the Circus Maximus, once the stage for ancient chariot races. Due to increased demand during the Jubilee year, access to the Vatican Museums may be limited. If tickets are unavailable during your visit, your sightseeing will instead explore the Capitoline Museums, home to the Capitoline Wolf, ancient Roman bronzes and Renaissance art. From its spot on Capitoline Hill, you'll have the chance to take in views of the Roman Forum.
Hotel: Il Cantico
Travel north to Lucca for a sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist to admire the 14th-century San Martino Cathedral and Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, built on the site of an ancient Roman arena. In your free time, relax in Piazza San Michele or ascend one of the city's ancient towers for panoramic views.
Hotel: Best Western Grand Guinigi
A sea of pastel pink, yellow and blue houses cling dramatically to the Ligurian cliffs in the villages of the Cinque Terre UNESCO World Heritage Site, which you will explore today on your included excursion. Join a Local Specialist and delve into daily life in these picturesque fishing villages. Later, visit Pisa and its UNESCO-listed 'Square of Miracles' to view the architectural feat that is the Leaning Tower.
Hotel: Best Western Grand Guinigi
The gentle Tuscan landscape leads us to our next destination, the hilltop town of San Gimignano, famed for its stunning medieval architecture and historic towers, which stand today as a testament to the wealth and power of aristocratic families who lived here centuries ago. Later, join your fellow travelers for an opportunity to Connect With Locals over lunch at a Be My Guest experience set against the backdrop of Tuscan vineyards and olive groves.
Hotel: Grand Mediterraneo
Discover Renaissance treasures, extraordinary art and exquisite architecture in one of the cultural capitals of the world. Join a Local Specialist who will bring the legacy of the influential Medici family to life. Walk along narrow lanes into expansive piazzas, viewing the magnificent marble Duomo and a replica of the David statue in Piazza della Signoria. View the Ponte Vecchio, almost 700 years old, and admire the spectacular panorama from Piazzale Michelangelo. You'll also learn about the quality and workmanship of two of this city's historic industries at demonstrations of Florentine leathercraft and 18-carat gold. The rest of the day is yours to explore the 'Cradle of the Renaissance'. Visit the masterpieces of Michelangelo, wander through the architectural wonder of Palazzo Vecchio or shop for high-quality leather and gold.
Hotel: Grand Mediterraneo
Shakespeare's star-crossed lovers are remembered today during our jaunt to the romantic city of Verona where you'll view the 1st-century Roman arena, still used today to host spectacular operatic performances and wander along cobbled streets in the city of star-crossed lovers. Then, venture to Venice, spending your leisure time searching for hidden treasures. Watch the sun set over the Venetian lagoon or perhaps join an optional experience.
Hotel: Principe
On this morning's MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience, witness the centuries-old tradition of Venetian glassblowing that has been passed down from generation to generation. You may wish to buy a souvenir to remind you of the talent and skill of the master craftsmen who delight in sharing with visitors how they're preserving this local craft. You'll see St. Mark's Basilica, the ornate Doge's Palace and the Bridge of Sighs next, imagining how prisoners felt when they gazed over Venice for the very last time before being imprisoned. Cruise by private launch to see the city's most iconic attractions before enjoying free time to explore the city on your terms. Wander through alleys, over ornate bridges and into quiet campi as you indulge your inner explorer and get lost in this enchanting city on water.
Hotel: Principe
Travel through scenic countryside to the mystical town of Assisi, stopping en route in the city of Bologna to view its Kissing Towers that lean towards one another, seemingly poised to embrace. Continue to your hotel in Assisi for your Stays With Stories experience - a fully renovated old Franciscan monastery.
Hotel: Cenacolo
Discover the legacy of St. Francis of Assisi in his home town on the slopes of Mount Subasio. Join your Local Specialist for a visit to the Basilica of St. Francis, renowned for its beautiful frescoes depicting the life of this beloved saint. Then, continue to Tivoli for a guided visit with a Local Specialist of the UNESCO-listed terraced hillside Renaissance gardens of Villa d'Este. Wander past bubbling fountains, manicured hedges and ornate statues as you soak up the tranquil atmosphere of this historic hill town. This evening, enjoy dinner with your fellow travelers and Travel Director.
Hotel: Precise House Mantegna
It's time to say a fond arrivederci to Italy and your newfound friends after a memorable journey.
Dates | From Price | Price My Trip |
---|---|---|
Nov 9, 2025 - Nov 19, 2025 | $3,495 pp | Land Only | Price My Trip |
Nov 30, 2025 - Dec 10, 2025 | $3,525 pp | Land Only | Price My Trip |
Dec 16, 2025 - Dec 26, 2025 | $3,325 pp | Land Only | Price My Trip |
Dec 23, 2025 - Jan 2, 2026 | $3,775 pp | Land Only | Price My Trip |
Dec 26, 2025 - Jan 5, 2026 | $3,595 pp | Land Only | Price My Trip |
Jan 1, 2026 - Jan 11, 2026 | $3,075 pp | Land Only | Price My Trip |
Mar 1, 2026 - Mar 11, 2026 | $3,450 pp | Land Only | Price My Trip |
Mar 15, 2026 - Mar 25, 2026 | $3,575 pp | Land Only | Price My Trip |
Mar 29, 2026 - Apr 8, 2026 | $3,695 pp | Land Only | Price My Trip |
Start: November 9, 2025 End: November 19, 2025 Price: $3,495 pp | Land Only Price My Trip |
Start: November 30, 2025 End: December 10, 2025 Price: $3,525 pp | Land Only Price My Trip |
Start: December 16, 2025 End: December 26, 2025 Price: $3,325 pp | Land Only Price My Trip |
Start: December 23, 2025 End: January 2, 2026 Price: $3,775 pp | Land Only Price My Trip |
Start: December 26, 2025 End: January 5, 2026 Price: $3,595 pp | Land Only Price My Trip |
Start: January 1, 2026 End: January 11, 2026 Price: $3,075 pp | Land Only Price My Trip |
Start: March 1, 2026 End: March 11, 2026 Price: $3,450 pp | Land Only Price My Trip |
Start: March 15, 2026 End: March 25, 2026 Price: $3,575 pp | Land Only Price My Trip |
Start: March 29, 2026 End: April 8, 2026 Price: $3,695 pp | Land Only Price My Trip |
We will be in touch shortly to discuss the next steps in the travel planning process. If you are just too excited about your trip, our knowledgeable agents can be reached at 518-426-1000.