Italy's Best
Colosseum, cathedrals, and coastal beauty
Embark on the Italian adventure of a lifetime! Visit Rome, Florence, Cinque Terre, Milan, Venice, Capri, Pompeii, Sorrento, Genoa, and many other destinations on this escorted bucket-list journey through the land of culture and cuisine. Enjoy included excursions, like visits to the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Juliet's balcony in Verona, and St. Francis Basilica in Assisi. You'll even cross the border for a stop in Lugano, Switzerland! Get ready for pizza, pasta, and piazzas!
This is an escorted tour which provides many extra benefits, including:
- Stress-free: Everything is planned – transportation, accommodations, tours, some meals, and more.
- Save time: VIP skip-the-line access to popular attractions.
- Insider knowledge: Expert tour guides with prime understanding of the area's culture and safest travel routes.
Click here to learn more about all the benefits these escorted tours offer!
What's Included
- Round-trip economy class airfare to Rome (FCO)
- Round-trip airport transfers
- Accommodation in hotels listed, or similar:
- 2 nights in Rome at the BV Oly Hotel
- 2 nights in Montecatini at the Ambasciatori Palace
- 1 night in Genoa at the Starhotels President Hotel
- 2 nights in Lake Maggiore at the Simplon Hotel
- 2 nights in the Venice area at the Poppi Hotel
- 1 night in the Assisi area at the City Hotel & Suites
- 2 nights in the Sorrento area at the Central Park
- 1 night in Rome at the BV Oly Hotel
- Sightseeing as described in the itinerary, including the following:
- Rome City Tour including St. Peter’s Square
- Leaning Tower of Pisa
- Florence Walking Tour
- Excursion to Cinque Terre
- Genoa City Tours
- Excursion to Lugano, Switzerland
- Stop at Juliet’s balcony in Verona
- Boat ride to St. Mark's Square in Venice
- St. Francis Basilica Tour in Assisi
- Tour of Pompeii
- Excursion to Capri by boat
- Buffet breakfast daily and 4 dinners
- Transportation by private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach (with complimentary Wi-Fi)
- Headsets throughout the tour
- Services of a Professional Travel Director
- Hotel tips, taxes, porterage and service charges
**Note: Children must be 8 years or older at time of travel.
Great Ways to Explore
-
Set sail on unforgettable boat rides in Capri and Venice.
- See Italy's most impressive cathedrals: St. Peter's in Rome, Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence, St. Francis Basilica in Assisi, the Duomo in Milan, St. Mark's in Venice, and plenty of others.
-
Spot the peaks of the Alps from picturesque Lake Maggiore.
-
Visit tons of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Early Christian monuments of Ravenna, the villages of Cinque Terre, the archaeological site of Pompeii, and the historic city centers of Genoa, Verona, Rome, Florence, and Venice.
-
Indulge in gelato, pizza, pasta, and other regional specialties, as you travel north to south.
This is an escorted tour. It’s perfect if you prefer not to do your own driving and want to see as many sights as you can during your vacation.
Take in magnificent architecture, feast your eyes on spectacular landscapes, indulge in sumptuous cuisine, travel back in time as you explore ancient ruins, and discover brilliant art. It's safe to say that the culture-packed country of Italy is a world of its own.
This once-in-a-lifetime 13-night escorted vacation allows you to visit all of Italy's highlights the easy way. With a knowledgeable guide by your side, you won't need to worry about transportation, directions, or language barrier. Just sit back, relax, and enjoy the views!
Your tour begins in the Eternal City of Rome, where you'll enjoy sightseeing through St. Peter's Square, the Colosseum, and other iconic landmarks. Get ready for color and charm as you head to Cinque Terre and Genoa!
Next, journey to Tuscany, where you'll find terraced vineyards, olive groves, and rural villages. Immerse yourself in Renaissance art in Florence and visit St. Francis' Basilica in Assisi, a medieval town in the Umbrian hills. More pristine scenery awaits at Lake Maggiore, located on the edge of the Swiss Alps. From there, you'll take an excursion to Lugano, a lakeside town in Switzerland!
Witness breathtaking views of the crystal-clear blue sea near the caves of Capri and relax in the charming town of Sorrento. Feel history come alive in Pompeii, then take a boat ride through Venice!
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
- Round-trip economy class airfare to Rome (FCO)
- Round-trip airport transfers
- Accommodation in hotels listed, or similar:
- 2 nights in Rome at the BV Oly Hotel
- 2 nights in Montecatini at the Ambasciatori Palace
- 1 night in Genoa at the Starhotels President Hotel
- 2 nights in Lake Maggiore at the Simplon Hotel
- 2 nights in the Venice area at the Poppi Hotel
- 1 night in the Assisi area at the City Hotel & Suites
- 2 nights in the Sorrento area at the Central Park
- 1 night in Rome at the BV Oly Hotel
- Sightseeing as described in the itinerary, including the following:
- Rome City Tour including St. Peter’s Square
- Leaning Tower of Pisa
- Florence Walking Tour
- Excursion to Cinque Terre
- Genoa City Tours
- Excursion to Lugano, Switzerland
- Stop at Juliet’s balcony in Verona
- Boat ride to St. Mark's Square in Venice
- St. Francis Basilica Tour in Assisi
- Tour of Pompeii
- Excursion to Capri by boat
- Buffet breakfast daily and 4 dinners
- Transportation by private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach (with complimentary Wi-Fi)
- Headsets throughout the tour
- Services of a Professional Travel Director
- Hotel tips, taxes, porterage and service charges
**Note: Children must be 8 years or older at time of travel.
-
Set sail on unforgettable boat rides in Capri and Venice.
- See Italy's most impressive cathedrals: St. Peter's in Rome, Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence, St. Francis Basilica in Assisi, the Duomo in Milan, St. Mark's in Venice, and plenty of others.
-
Spot the peaks of the Alps from picturesque Lake Maggiore.
-
Visit tons of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Early Christian monuments of Ravenna, the villages of Cinque Terre, the archaeological site of Pompeii, and the historic city centers of Genoa, Verona, Rome, Florence, and Venice.
-
Indulge in gelato, pizza, pasta, and other regional specialties, as you travel north to south.
This is an escorted tour. It’s perfect if you prefer not to do your own driving and want to see as many sights as you can during your vacation.
Take in magnificent architecture, feast your eyes on spectacular landscapes, indulge in sumptuous cuisine, travel back in time as you explore ancient ruins, and discover brilliant art. It's safe to say that the culture-packed country of Italy is a world of its own.
This once-in-a-lifetime 13-night escorted vacation allows you to visit all of Italy's highlights the easy way. With a knowledgeable guide by your side, you won't need to worry about transportation, directions, or language barrier. Just sit back, relax, and enjoy the views!
Your tour begins in the Eternal City of Rome, where you'll enjoy sightseeing through St. Peter's Square, the Colosseum, and other iconic landmarks. Get ready for color and charm as you head to Cinque Terre and Genoa!
Next, journey to Tuscany, where you'll find terraced vineyards, olive groves, and rural villages. Immerse yourself in Renaissance art in Florence and visit St. Francis' Basilica in Assisi, a medieval town in the Umbrian hills. More pristine scenery awaits at Lake Maggiore, located on the edge of the Swiss Alps. From there, you'll take an excursion to Lugano, a lakeside town in Switzerland!
Witness breathtaking views of the crystal-clear blue sea near the caves of Capri and relax in the charming town of Sorrento. Feel history come alive in Pompeii, then take a boat ride through Venice!
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
Departure Airport:
Departure Month:
Prices From:
Day 1. Welcome to Rome!
Upon arrival in Rome, check into your first hotel! Settle in, then enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Feel free to explore the ancient capital on your own, and treat yourself to your first gelato cone!
This evening, you'll meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers.Â
Transfer from Rome airport (FCO)
BV Oly Hotel is located in a quiet part of Rome's business district. Amenities for this modern hotel include on-site parking, a daily breakfast buffet, and an on-site restaurant that serves authentic Italian cuisine and other culinary specialties. Additionally, the front desk is available 24/7 to accommodate guests around the clock.
Guest rooms include a private bathroom with a shower, a minibar, safe, TV, and air-conditioning. Other amenities include free Wi-Fi and room service.
The hotel is a 10 minute walk to San Paolo Metro Station giving guests easy travel access. The Colosseum is just 4 metro stops away, and Piazza Silvio d'Amico is a 4 minute walk from the hotel.
Located in the vicinity of Ponte Milvio and surrounded by ancient Roman residences, Grand Hotel Fleming it is the perfect place to enjoy the city's wealth in a relaxing environment. Located a 10-minute drive from the Foro Italico, Olympic Stadium and Auditorium, the hotel offers easy access to public transportation or taxis to the city center.
An elegant corner of Rome and a beloved celebrity hideaway, the Grand Hotel Fleming is an ideal location for a romantic weekend in Rome. Each of the 302 rooms are tastefully decorated and feature an en suite bathroom, in-room safe, air-conditioning, minibar and more. Wake up to a delicious buffet breakfast each morning, then relax with an Italian meal at the restaurant in the evening. The hotel's staff is happy to assist with booking tours, taxis and airport transfers.Â
Day 2. Rome
Recharge with a delicious breakfast, then explore the "Eternal City!" Steeped in history, the vibrant city of Rome is alive with beauty and culture. Today, enjoy sightseeing with a local guide, starting at St. Peter's and moving on to the Colosseum, the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and other iconic highlights.
Day 3. Rome - Pisa - Montecatini
Picture this: vistas of rolling hills, winding roads lined with cypress trees, terraced vineyards, olive groves, and rural villages. Yep, you guessed it - today, you're headed for Tuscany. Enjoy a stop in Pisa, where you'll take a mini-train ride to see the Square of Miracles, and the famous Leaning Tower, of course!
This evening, you'll arrive in Montecatini. Settle in and rest up for another exciting day tomorrow!Â
Check-in - Ambasciatori Palace
Nestled in Montecatini Terme, this beautiful hotel boasts elegant decor, comfortable rooms, and warm hospitality. Open the door to your spacious room and find satellite flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, crisp air conditioning, and luxurious bath amenities.Â
Once you're all settled in, unpack your swimsuit and make a splash in the sparkling outdoor pool! Enjoy breathtaking views and the warm Tuscan sun. When you work up an appetite, treat yourself to a delicious meal featuring local cuisine at the onsite restaurant.Â
Day 4. Montecatini - Florence - Montecatini
Fuel up with a scrumptious breakfast, then get ready to immerse yourself in Renaissance beauty. Today, you'll enjoy an included excursion to Florence, where your local guide will show you all the city highlights on a walking tour. Feast your eyes on postcard-worthy sites, like Piazza Santa Croce, Piazza Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio, and more. To top it all, see Piazza del Duomo and its breathtaking cathedral with the Giotto Campanile, as well as the magnificent East Doors, known as the "Gates of Paradise."Â
Tonight, you'll enjoy a delicious dinner and a good night's rest back in Montecatini.Â
Day 5. Montecatini - La Spezia - Cinque Terre - Genoa
Wave goodbye to Montecatini and say hello to La Spezia, a charming seaside city known as the gateway to Cinque Terre. From there, hop on a train and discover the spectacular candy-colored villages of Cinque Terre! Weave through the five romantic fishing villages of Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Riomaggiore, and Manarola.Â
From Levanto, you'll venture to the stunning city of Genoa, where you'll rest up after a fun-filled day.
Check-in - Starhotels President
One step into Starhotels President Genova will whisk you away into the old-world elegance of classic Italy, flawlessly combined with the charm of the hotel's contemporary charm. Located in the bustling city center, the chic property is opposite the Brignole railway station, making transportation a breeze during your stay.
Each guestroom is generous in size and amenities, boasting spacious interiors and thoughtful appointment which will make your stay comfortable and convenient. Stop by La Corte by Eataly restaurant to sample the Ligurian cuisine or simply to enjoy a very good cup of coffee.Â
Day 6. Genoa - Milan - Lake Maggiore
Enjoy a lovely breakfast, then embark on an introductory tour through the colorful city of Genoa. A maze of squares and alleys, this beautiful city grew around a port and boasts the largest medieval historical center in Europe. Some highlights include the remains of the city 17th-century fortifications!
After an exciting morning, you'll travel north into the plains of Lombardy. Then, enjoy a stop in Milan to marvel at its magnificent Gothic Duomo. Yes, you will have time for pictures!
Finish off your day in Baveno on Lake Maggiore, where you will spend the night.Â
Check-in - Hotel Simplon
In addition to an outdoor pool and a children's pool, Hotel Simplon provides a sauna and a fitness center. The hotel offers a restaurant. A bar/lounge is on site where guests can unwind with a drink. High-speed wireless Internet access is available for a surcharge. This Baveno hotel also offers multilingual staff, a garden, and laundry facilities.
Day 7. Lake Maggiore - Lugano, Switzerland - Lake Maggiore
Today is all about natural beauty. Spend the morning leisurely getting to know Lake Maggiore, one of Italy's largest lakes, located on the very edge of Alpine Switzerland. Speaking of Switzerland... enjoy an included excursion to Lugano! Make sure your camera's charged - today's filled with photo-worthy landscapes.Â
Day 8. Lake Maggiore - Verona - Venice Area
Rise and shine! Wake up near glistening Lake Maggiore and enjoy a delicious breakfast. Then, travel across the Po River plain for a stop in the romantic city of Verona! Step into Elizabethan times as you visit Juliet's balcony from Shakespeare's famous Romeo and Juliet, then enjoy some time at leisure marveling at the Roman Arena.
Continue on to the Venice area and settle into your next accommodation!Â
Check-in - Hotel Poppi
Experience true Italian hospitality at this elegant hotel located right in between Venice and Padua. Family managed since 1965, Hotel Poppi combines modern facilities with classic charm. Relax in your soundproof room that comes decorated in a classic style - the perfect setting after a long day of exploring.
Treat yourself to a delicious meal at their on-site restaurant, which boasts a mouthwatering menu of regional Venetian fare! After dinner, unwind with a glass of local wine or sip on an espresso at the classy hotel bar.Â
Day 9. Venice
Venice is more like a romantic film set than a real-life city. Today, you'll have time to explore the crisscrossing canals, gondolas, arched bridges, palaces, and piazzas that make Venice so special.Â
Your included orientation starts with a boat ride to St. Mark's Square and is followed by a chance to watch Venetian glassblowers fashion their delicate objects, much like they did centuries ago.Â
While in Venice, why not treat yourself to a once-in-a-lifetime gondola ride? Let a local singer serenade you as you glide through picturesque canals.Â
Day 10. Venice - Ravenna - Assisi area
Enjoy a scenic drive southward, across the Po Delta, to Ravenna. a beautiful city known for its treasure of Byzantine mosaics, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.Â
After an interesting visit to Ravenna, you'll continue to Assisi, a town that's changed very little since the Middle Ages. Listen to history come alive, as your local guide brings you to Assisi's most fascinating points. See the Basilica of St. Francis with its famous frescoes by Giotto!
Check-in - City Hotel & Suites in Assisi
City Hotel & Suites is situated just minutes from Assisi! You'll enjoy free WiFi, coffee/tea/making facilities, and television in every room. Enjoy a light lunch or coffee break on premises. City Hotel & Suites is an eco-friendly hotel, with over one third of the hotel's energy being produced by a photovoltaic system! Bicycle rental is available to guests for a small fee. The hotel is located near the main attractions in Umbria, allowing a convenient choice accommodation.
Day 11. Assisi - Pompeii - Sorrento Area
Today, you'll travel to Pompeii, where time stopped for this aristocratic town with the devastating eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD. During your included guided visit, you'll see the remains of luxurious villas, temples, theater, and forum.Â
After an eye-opening visit to Pompeii, you'll carry on to Sorrento, nestled on a plateau above bright blue Bay of Naples. Wander the winding streets lined with shops and restaurants, then sit with a glass of wine and take in the easy-going lifestyle of this charming resort area.
Check-in - Central Park Hotel
Hotel Central Park overlooks the bay of Naples, featuring stunning sights of Capri and Ischia islands. The hotel has a 24-hour front desk, as well as a restaurant and bar where guests can dine and enjoy authentic Italian food and cocktails. Other amenities include an outdoor swimming pool and on-site parking.Â
Guest rooms have a private bathroom, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, a desk, in-room safe, phone, TV, and daily housekeeping. Additionally, room service is available.
Just steps from the Sorrento Peninsula, this hotel is close to multiple beaches and about 12.5 miles from the ruins of Pompeii.
Day 12. Sorrento Area - Capri - Sorrento Area
Get ready for a fun-filled day of outstanding beauty! Today, you'll enjoy a day trip to the legendary island of Capri, surrounded by a rocky coastline where the crashing blue sea has formed awe-inspiring caves. The town on Capri bursts to life with winding streets, pretty piazzettas, fashionable boutiques, and traditional restaurants. Enjoy some time to explore on your own before heading back to Sorrento!
Day 13. Sorrento Area - Rome
You'll have today to take the area in at leisure. Be sure to get your extra souvenir shopping, food sampling, and sightseeing in before your trip comes to an end! Â
BV Oly Hotel is located in a quiet part of Rome's business district. Amenities for this modern hotel include on-site parking, a daily breakfast buffet, and an on-site restaurant that serves authentic Italian cuisine and other culinary specialties. Additionally, the front desk is available 24/7 to accommodate guests around the clock.
Guest rooms include a private bathroom with a shower, a minibar, safe, TV, and air-conditioning. Other amenities include free Wi-Fi and room service.
The hotel is a 10 minute walk to San Paolo Metro Station giving guests easy travel access. The Colosseum is just 4 metro stops away, and Piazza Silvio d'Amico is a 4 minute walk from the hotel.
Located in the vicinity of Ponte Milvio and surrounded by ancient Roman residences, Grand Hotel Fleming it is the perfect place to enjoy the city's wealth in a relaxing environment. Located a 10-minute drive from the Foro Italico, Olympic Stadium and Auditorium, the hotel offers easy access to public transportation or taxis to the city center.
An elegant corner of Rome and a beloved celebrity hideaway, the Grand Hotel Fleming is an ideal location for a romantic weekend in Rome. Each of the 302 rooms are tastefully decorated and feature an en suite bathroom, in-room safe, air-conditioning, minibar and more. Wake up to a delicious buffet breakfast each morning, then relax with an Italian meal at the restaurant in the evening. The hotel's staff is happy to assist with booking tours, taxis and airport transfers.Â
Day 14. Depart Italy
Squeeze all your souvenirs into your luggage and say ciao to Italy. Enjoy a convenient transfer to the airport, then board your plane. Spend your flight home replaying warm memories and dreaming about your next adventure!Â