Six of Italy's top cities are explored on this feast of beauty and culture, from wine regions to floating cities.
Admire Michelangelo's frescoed ceiling, the idyllic beauty of Lake Como and Shakespeare's Juliet balcony in Verona. You'll also savour the tastes of Bologna and wander through the home town of St. Francis.
Tread in the footsteps of emperors and slaves - your first encounter with intoxicating Italy is the Eternal City and its glorious past which you will have an opportunity to explore on your own before joining your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception. This evening, we enjoy an enchanting antipasto of our Italian Discovery during an orientation drive past some of the city's most famous sights.
Our exploration of Rome begins at the Vatican Museums where we have priority admission allowing entry to view the masterpieces collected by Popes throughout the centuries. 'Dive Into Culture' during an included sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist, admire Michelangelo's magnificent frescoed ceiling in the Sistine Chapel and visit St. Peter's Basilica to see his famous Pietà. Crossing the Tiber, we venture to Ancient Rome to see where hundreds of thousands of spectators would cheer chariot riders to victory at Circus Maximus followed by a visit to the imposing Colosseum. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the magnificent sites of what was once the capital of the world, or kick back in a piazza soaking up the aromas of fine coffee while you watch the world go by.
Discover the most charming areas in the city with a Local Specialist. Wander through the labyrinth of narrow streets and beautiful squares of Rome's historic centre, leading to highlights such as the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon, as well as hidden corners of the Eternal City.
Adult Price: €33.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Roman Evening with Dinner
Spend a light-hearted evening with us in Rome. Relax and enjoy typical Italian cuisine with drinks and music. Afterwards, we’ll enjoy a drive and provide a glimpse into how Romans enjoy their city.
Adult Price: €62.00
Day 3
Rome – Florence
Today we drive north through rolling Tuscan landscapes to the Renaissance city of Florence. Beauty and artistry seep through the walls of the city's exquisite palazzi, churches and bridges. Embark on a walking tour with your Local Specialist. Visit the Piazza della Signoria, which once lay at the heart of the flourishing Florentine Republic, then admire the exquisite marble Duomo and famous Baptistery renowned for its bronze doors with relief sculptures. Learn about the quality and workmanship of one of this city's historic industries at a demonstration of Florentine leathercraft. Later, we enjoy some free time on your own before this evening, we 'Connect With Locals' over a Be My Guest dinner set against the backdrop of Tuscan vineyards and olive groves.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Grand Mediterraneo
Enjoy an insight into the world of Michelangelo and his masterpiece, David. We visit the Academy of Fine Arts and its Michelangelo collection, where you’ll learn all about the life and works of this immortal Renaissance genius through the expert commentary of our Local Specialist. This optional involves reservations and entrance prepayments. If you decide to cancel this optional, a 50% cancellation fee will be incurred.
Adult Price: €47.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 4
Florence – Pisa – Turin
A short journey brings us to Pisa and its Square of Miracles, home to the famous Leaning Tower, ornate Baptistery and Cathedral. We continue northwards, past the marble quarries of Carrara and the resort hubs of Portofino, Rapallo and Genoa in Liguria before arriving in sophisticated Turin. This afternoon, we venture through the grand boulevards of this aristocratic city during an orientation drive which will reveal the impressive Castello del Valentino and Po River, the longest in Italy.
From its elegant cafes to its royal palaces and baroque churches, Italy's first capital has endless treasures waiting to be discovered. Your Local Specialist will reveal the secrets of its Savoy past on a passeggiata with a special surprise treat.
Adult Price: €31.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 5
Turin – Lake Como – Milan
We leave Turin and continue to the Italian lakes for a stop at Lake Como. Then it's on to the economic powerhouse that is Milan, where we'll enjoy a walking tour with a Local Specialist to explore the city's spectacular sights. We view the ornate Duomo, one of the grandest Gothic cathedrals in the world, the ancient Galleria shopping arcade and the celebrated La Scala Opera House. This evening, join your companions for a delicious Regional Meal at a local restaurant.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Starhotels Business Palace
Enjoy views of elegant villas and gardens as you cruise with your Local Specialist along Lake Como, one of the most beautiful spots in the Italian Lake District.
Adult Price: €44.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Treasures Of Milan
You will have the opportunity to visit some of the highlights of Milan, including the famous La Scala Opera House, which is still the World's most famous for performing artists and public alike. Afterwards, you’ll visit another of the city’s highlights with our Local Specialist who will bring to life Milan’s eventful history.
Adult Price: €45.00
Day 6
Milan – Verona – Venice (2 Nights)
Shakespeare's star-crossed lovers feature on our stop in Verona where we'll view Juliet's Balcony and the first-century ancient Roman arena still in use today. Crossing the Veneto Plains, we arrive in what was once the haunt of Casanova and Marco Polo, enchanting Venice.
Join us for a scenic cruise by private water taxi along Venice's Grand Canal. You’ll admire the magnificent palazzi, as well as catching a glimpse of the Rialto Bridge and St. Mark's Square. Later on, you'll glide gracefully on a gondola along Venice’s dreamy, narrow waterways.
Adult Price: €70.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 7
Venice Orientation and Free Time
'Dive Into Culture' and witness first-hand the exquisite tradition of Venetian glassblowing - a tradition that spans centuries. Board a private launch and cruise to the gateway of Venice, St. Mark's Square - our introduction to such sights as the Doge's Palace and the Byzantine Basilica. Enjoy free time to explore Venice. Wander through the labyrinthine alleys, over its bridges and into quiet squares.
Explore the hidden maze of streets which make up this unique city as your Local Specialist gives you a fascinating insight into Venice's past and present. You’ll visit the majestic Basilica of St Mark, where you’ll have a chance to view some of the prized trophies looted by the Venetians in their rise to power.
Adult Price: €36.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Lagoon Cruise to Burano with Food and Drinks
Join us as we discover the Venetian Lagoon by private boat. You will enjoy a delicious meal with a selection of drinks on the fishermen's island of Burano, famous for its multi-coloured houses - a real photographer's paradise.
Adult Price: €72.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 8
Venice – Ferrara – Bologna
Visit the Renaissance city of Ferrara, before arriving in Bologna - perhaps more famous for its gourmet achievements than being the site of the oldest university in Europe. Join a Local Specialist to explore the sights, including Neptune's fountain, the Kissing Towers and Piazza Maggiore. Of course, a visit to the home of tortellini, mortadella, tagliatelle and ragù would be incomplete without taking time to sample its delicious cuisine. Buon appetito!
Drive with us through the Bolognese countryside to reach our restaurant in a popular local winery. We will enjoy a delicious gourmet dinner of seasonal local specialties and a selection of wines from the Emilia-Romagna region, known as the gastronomic centre of Italy.
Adult Price: €63.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 9
Bologna – Assisi – Rome
Today, we cross the dramatic Apennine Mountains to the mystical town of Assisi. Come face-to-face with the legacy of St. Francis, founder of the Franciscan Order, during a walking tour of his home town with a Local Specialist. Visit the Basilica of St. Francis and see his tomb, before returning to Rome past the scenic hill-town of Orte. Tonight, we celebrate a journey of discovery through Italy during a Farewell Dinner with our companions and Travel Director.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Sheraton Parco de' Medici
Our journey together has come to an end so for now it's a fond arrivederci to your newfound friends at the end of your memorable Italian holiday. Transfers are available. Conditions apply.
Discover the most charming areas in the city with a Local Specialist. Wander through the labyrinth of narrow streets and beautiful squares of Rome's historic centre, leading to highlights such as the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon, as well as hidden corners of the Eternal City.
Adult Price: €33.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 2
Roman Evening with Dinner
Spend a light-hearted evening with us in Rome. Relax and enjoy typical Italian cuisine with drinks and music. Afterwards, we’ll enjoy a drive and provide a glimpse into how Romans enjoy their city.
Adult Price: €62.00
Available on day 3
Michelangelo's 'David' & Accademia
Enjoy an insight into the world of Michelangelo and his masterpiece, David. We visit the Academy of Fine Arts and its Michelangelo collection, where you’ll learn all about the life and works of this immortal Renaissance genius through the expert commentary of our Local Specialist. This optional involves reservations and entrance prepayments. If you decide to cancel this optional, a 50% cancellation fee will be incurred.
Adult Price: €47.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 4
Italy's Unknown Capital
From its elegant cafes to its royal palaces and baroque churches, Italy's first capital has endless treasures waiting to be discovered. Your Local Specialist will reveal the secrets of its Savoy past on a passeggiata with a special surprise treat.
Adult Price: €31.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 5
Discover Lake Como
Enjoy views of elegant villas and gardens as you cruise with your Local Specialist along Lake Como, one of the most beautiful spots in the Italian Lake District.
Adult Price: €44.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 5
Treasures Of Milan
You will have the opportunity to visit some of the highlights of Milan, including the famous La Scala Opera House, which is still the World's most famous for performing artists and public alike. Afterwards, you’ll visit another of the city’s highlights with our Local Specialist who will bring to life Milan’s eventful history.
Adult Price: €45.00
Available on day 6
Gondolas and the Grand Canal
Join us for a scenic cruise by private water taxi along Venice's Grand Canal. You’ll admire the magnificent palazzi, as well as catching a glimpse of the Rialto Bridge and St. Mark's Square. Later on, you'll glide gracefully on a gondola along Venice’s dreamy, narrow waterways.
Adult Price: €70.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 7
Venice's Secrets and St. Mark's Basilica
Explore the hidden maze of streets which make up this unique city as your Local Specialist gives you a fascinating insight into Venice's past and present. You’ll visit the majestic Basilica of St Mark, where you’ll have a chance to view some of the prized trophies looted by the Venetians in their rise to power.
Adult Price: €36.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 7
Lagoon Cruise to Burano with Food and Drinks
Join us as we discover the Venetian Lagoon by private boat. You will enjoy a delicious meal with a selection of drinks on the fishermen's island of Burano, famous for its multi-coloured houses - a real photographer's paradise.
Adult Price: €72.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 8
Bologna Gourmet Dinner
Drive with us through the Bolognese countryside to reach our restaurant in a popular local winery. We will enjoy a delicious gourmet dinner of seasonal local specialties and a selection of wines from the Emilia-Romagna region, known as the gastronomic centre of Italy.
Adult Price: €63.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
All Optional Experiences
The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
9 hot buffet breakfasts, 5 dinners (including Be My Guest) with local wine
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On-trip Transport
All transport shown
Included Highlights that will delight you
Connect with Locals
Eight generations of history with plenty of stories to tell. Enjoy a traditional Be My Guest dinner with the Landi family at their home near Florence, set within a garden of oak trees against the backdrop of Tuscan vineyards and olive groves. (Day 3)
Dive into Culture
Gain early access to the Vatican Museums to marvel at the magnificent work of Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel.(Day 2) Witness the exquisite craft of glassblowing on Giudecca Island, a delicate tradition that generations of Venetian craftsmen have perfected over the centuries. (Day 7)
Local Specialist
For included sightseeing in Rome, Florence, Milan, Bologna and Assisi
Sightseeing highlights
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VIP ADMISSION to the Vatican Museums
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CITY TOUR in Rome, Florence, Milan, Bologna and Assisi
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ORIENTATION of Turin and Venice
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VISIT St. Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel and the Colosseum in Rome, the medieval city of Ferrara and the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi
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CRUISE by private launch to St. Mark's Square in Venice
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VIEW the ancient sites of Rome, Santa Croce Basilica and the Duomo in Florence, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Lake Como, the Cathedral and La Scala Opera House in Milan, the Roman Arena and Juliet's Balcony in Verona, St. Mark's Basilica in Venice, the Kissing Towers in Bologna
Daily breakfast and an average of 50% of evening meals
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with WiFi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
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Hand-picked Trip Highlights
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Optional Experiences and free time
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All porterage and restaurant gratuities
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
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An expert Travel Director and a professional Driver
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
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VIP entry to many sights
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LIVE, UNEDITED & INDEPENDENT TRAVELLERS REVIEWS
Italian Discovery Trip Reviews
Our guests are at the heart of everything we do, their feedback fuels our innovation, inspiring us to improve continuously and craft Simply The Best vacations. That's why we ask each of our guests to leave a third-party verified, independent review after every trip. As testament to our commitment we have been given the Trusted Service Award from Feefo, recognising we deliver exceptional experiences as rated by real guests.
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4
Itinerary was very varied and covered a number of different cities which in turn gave us quite an insight into the different places some of which we had not spent much time before. Some days did include quite a heavy program of things to do in one day, which involved very early departures in the morning.
Generally quite helpful and always courteous. Driver friendly and always drove with care and consideration for his passengers eg helping with luggage etc
I would certainly recommend the product...the knowledge of the tour director was spot on. Driver was excellentand knew his job. The Local Specialists....were able to give all the extra history and stories of that town or city. I loved my tour!! It showed us show much.
Trafalgar is a fantastic group! We have used them for tours of Ireland and Italy. The destinations, hotels and events are simply the best! The tour guides and coach drivers have been friendly and made us feel safe at all times!
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Trip Notes
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International Air: Trafalgar guarantees to quote you the lowest possible airfare available on the day that you book. Please note that airfares are not included.
Travel to Europe often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange flights to arrive on or before Day 1.
Unless otherwise stated, trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discount. Discounts are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice.
Trip prices are correct at the time of the products going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however are subject to change - please confirm all details at time of booking.
Double-share option not available for trips to South America, Costa Rica, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, South Africa, Kenya & Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia or for any holiday & cruise combination, or in Asia and Eastern Mediterranean except Highlights of Turkey (without cruise) & Best of Turkey. It's also not available on Small Group trips. Guided Vacations included in this restriction are Newfoundland and Labrador (DNLA) as well as Panama, the Canal & Beyond (LPAN).
For trips that are part of our Guaranteed Room Share, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms. Solo travel is not accepted on guided Family Experiences holidays unless traveling as part of a family group.
Travel to Europe often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange your flights to arrive on or before day 1.
Your selected dates have an enhanced itinerary.
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You’ll be travelling in Autumn, Winter or Spring, and this itinerary has been enhanced for you to enjoy the unique experiences these seasons offer.
