Incredible Italy & Transylvania

Welcome to Italy! As you arrive, join the welcome meeting at the hotel lobby at 6pm. Later on, you can get to know your fellow travellers in the optional group dinner.

Step aboard a private boat launch departing directly from Tronchetto to cross the Venetian Lagoon into the historic heart of Venice. Embark on an expert-led city tour weaving through the labyrinth of canals, St. Mark’s Square, the grand Basilica, and the historic Bridge of Sighs. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon for a gondola ride or independent exploring before cruising back to Tronchetto.

Depart the lagoon today and travel south to Florence, the magnificent cradle of the Renaissance. Immerse yourself in the city's unparalleled artistic heritage during an extensive, premium 3-hour guided walking tour showcasing the Duomo, Giotto’s Bell Tower, Ponte Vecchio, and Piazza della Signoria. Late afternoon, transfer to the charming Tuscan spa town of Montecatini for a relaxing evening.

A magnificent day of Tuscan exploration. First, stop in Pisa to marvel at the iconic Leaning Tower in the Field of Miracles. Continue through the rolling hills to the medieval walled city of Siena, exploring its shell-shaped Piazza del Campo. Lunch & wine tasting stop at a local farmhouse. Conclude your scenic drive through the heart of Tuscany's wine country, checking into your hotel in the relaxing thermal hub of Chianciano Terme.

Bid farewell to Tuscany as we head south into the green province of Umbria. Stop at the spectacular volcanic cliffside town of Orvieto for an orientation walk, taking in its striking Gothic cathedral. From there, continue our journey south down into the eternal city of Rome, checking into your premium hotel for an evening orientation stroll.

Prepare for an extraordinary journey back in time. Today features an elite, ultra-comprehensive 6-hour guided tour of Rome. Alongside an expert historian guide, discover the awe-inspiring Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the grand Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, and the majestic architectural masterworks of the Vatican.

Today, after a delicious breakfast at the hotel, we will say goodbye to Italy and fly to Bucharest, Romania’s capital city. Upon arrival enjoy some free time to explore the city’s famous landmarks at your own leisure.

The day is yours to exlore the capital city. At the hotel around 7pm, have an informal welcome meeting with your guide and fellow travellers. After you get all the critical information about the tour, head out for our optional group dinner around 8:15pm and walk the streets of Bucharest.

After a hefty breakfast at the hotel, it’s time to launch our discovery of the fascinating Romanian capital, Bucharest. Follow your guide as we visit unmissable landmarks of the city starting with the Revolution Square, Arc of Triumph and Romania Athenaem. Learn about the unique culture and vast history of the city as we continue to the famous Opera House, National Military Club, Dimitrie Gusti National Village and the Palace of Parliament, each building presents a different perspective to the Romanian culture and an artwork in itself. After some personal leisure time for you to explore this gorgeous city on your own terms, return to the hotel following a long day of discovery.

Today’s the day we set course for the fascinating region of Transylvania. Drive through misty forests of lush green towards our first stop at Peles Castle in Sinaia, a beautiful neo-renaissance castle in the Carpathian mountains (Please note that it is not possible to visit inside of the castle). Just as we start to warm up to this unique atmosphere, goosebumps creep in… Prepare for the legendary Bran Castle, also known as the Castle of Count Dracula! This iconic sight is where legend and reality blend together to create the timeless stories of the vampires. Continue deep into Transylvania to Brasov, a fascinating town surrounded by medieval Saxon walls and embellished with gothic & baroque architecture. Starting with the cobble-stone Piaţa Sfatului (Council Square), visit famous landmarks as the Black Church and Muresenilor House Museum before checking into our hotel.

Ready to follow the footsteps of Count Dracula? Our journey continues to Sighisoara after making a stop at the Clock Tower. Soak in marvellous views of Sighisoara Citadel, the Dominican Monastery, The Church on the Hill (Biserica din Deal), and Dracula’s House while listening to your guide about the colourful background of the town. Our next stop will be the unofficial capital of the Transylvania region, Cluj-Napoca! Tag along your tour leader for a sightseeing tour of the colourful town, visiting the Union Square, St. Mihail Church and Matthias Corvinus Monument. Then make way to our 4-star hotel following a long day of discovery with spare time to scroll through your photo reel.

After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for the salt mines of Turda. This fascinating geologic wonder first produced salt for the region in antique times and has been active since the 11th century! Continuing to Hunedeoara Castle, also known as the Corvin Castle, learn all about the vibrant history of the Transylvanian citadel from your guide. Our next stop will be the fairytale-like town of Sibiu. Relax at our comfortable 4-star hotel following a day filled with cultural adventure or start exploring Sibiu as you wish.

We start our day with a walking tour of charming Sibiu. Presenting marvellous samples of Germanic architecture, Sibiu’s legacy dates back to Saxxon settlers from the 12th century. Tag along your tour leader to view landmarks such as Brukenthal Palace, Piata Mare (city square), Lutheran Cathedral, Holy Trinity Cathedral and the Church of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul. In the afternoon, we will be heading back to Bucharest for our overnight stay.

Enjoy a final breakfast and start bidding farewells to your travel mates before checking out of the hotel (11:00). Time to start counting days for your next adventure with Travel Talk!