Best of Italy - Classic Group, Summer - From £2,826

Europe Italy
OVERVIEW
Explore the best of Italy on this 11-day guided tour. In Rome, marvel at the treasures around every corner and learn about its three thousand years of history. As your travels continue along the Bay of Naples, stop on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius for lunch at a local farm still growing traditional produce unique to the region. In Florence, learn the secrets of leather making from a local leatherworker. Fall in love with Venice as you see churches and palaces from a private boat, and cruise its canals on a romantic gondola ride. Sail to Capri, where craggy mountains cascade into the Tyrrhenian Sea; a Local Expert will help you navigate its narrow alleys. Before you say arriverderci to Italy, enjoy one last experience: a private performance of popular songs and arias from some of Italy’s best loved operas during dinner.
EXPERIENCES
Vatican City: Visit the Vatican Museums, witness the genius of Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel and see St. Peter's Basilica.
DEPARTURE DATES AND PRICES
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09/04/2026 19/04/2026 £4,095 Book
16/04/2026 26/04/2026 £3,865 Book
23/04/2026 03/05/2026 £4,045 Book
25/04/2026 05/05/2026 £4,425 Book
30/04/2026 10/05/2026 £4,425 Book
14/05/2026 24/05/2026 £4,595 Book
16/05/2026 26/05/2026 £4,575 Book
23/05/2026 02/06/2026 £4,575 Book
28/05/2026 07/06/2026 £4,575 Book
30/05/2026 09/06/2026 £4,095 Book
06/06/2026 16/06/2026 £4,175 Book
11/06/2026 21/06/2026 £3,955 Book
13/06/2026 23/06/2026 £4,175 Book
18/06/2026 28/06/2026 £3,955 Book
20/06/2026 30/06/2026 £3,955 Book
27/06/2026 07/07/2026 £4,175 Book
02/07/2026 12/07/2026 £3,622 Book
11/07/2026 21/07/2026 £3,650 Book
16/07/2026 26/07/2026 £3,285 Book
23/07/2026 02/08/2026 £3,262   Book
25/07/2026 04/08/2026 £3,262 Book
06/08/2026 16/08/2026 £3,262 Book
08/08/2026 18/08/2026 £3,262   Book
13/08/2026 23/08/2026 £3,262 Book
22/08/2026 01/09/2026 £4,250 Book
27/08/2026 06/09/2026 £3,645   Book
29/08/2026 08/09/2026 £3,645 Book
03/09/2026 13/09/2026 £3,955 Book
05/09/2026 15/09/2026 £4,095 Book
12/09/2026 22/09/2026 £4,550 Book
17/09/2026 27/09/2026 £4,550 Book
19/09/2026 29/09/2026 £4,550 Book
24/09/2026 04/10/2026 £4,650 Book
03/10/2026 13/10/2026 £4,550 Book
10/10/2026 20/10/2026 £4,395 Book
15/10/2026 25/10/2026 £4,425 Book
22/10/2026 01/11/2026 £4,050 Book
29/10/2026 08/11/2026 £3,775 Book
ITINERARY

Welcome to Rome, a glorious city filled with classic antiquities, medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches. Settle in before joining your Travel Director and get to know your fellow travellers over Roman specialities during dinner at a local restaurant.

The day is devoted to The Eternal City. Join a Local Expert for an in-depth visit to the Vatican Museums, full of priceless art treasures collected by the Popes. Visit the Sistine Chapel, where Popes are elected, to admire Michelangelo’s famous ceiling, and see the beautiful exterior of St. Peter's Basilica. Cross the Tiber River to enjoy ancient Rome. See the incredible Circus Maximus. Admire the beautifully preserved Arch of Constantine and discover the history, the construction and the legends of the iconic Colosseum on a guided visit. As you stroll with your Local Expert, imagine the gladiatorial battles and roaring spectators around the arena. Later, perhaps continue your exploration of Rome to see the Pantheon and the stunning piazzas and fountains of Rome.

Continue this guided tour of Italy with a drive to the picturesque Chianti Hills and the historic city of Florence. Travel north from Rome, passing through the rolling landscapes of Lazio and into the heart of Tuscany. Later this evening, indulge in a delicious meal at a local restaurant, savouring the authentic flavours of Florentine cuisine.

Explore Florence with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the Accademia Museum and see Michelangelo’s David. After, continue on foot to admire the multicoloured marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery, where Ghiberti’s Gates of Paradise have been recreated in all their glory. Continue into the Piazza della Signoria, still the political heart of Florence and an open-air gallery of Renaissance masterpieces. Spend time gazing at statues such as Neptune and Hercules and Cacus along the front of the Palazzo Vecchio. Alternatively, take a stroll with your Travel Director to enjoy a typical Italian treat in a local cafe. This city is renowned for its intricate crafts, so later in the day, enjoy a demonstration of traditional leatherwork and goldsmithing.

Journey to the coastal town of Pisa and see the famous Leaning Tower in the Square of Miracles, as well as the baptistery and colonnaded bell tower behind the cathedral. Relax and enjoy the scenery as you cross the spectacular Apennine Mountains, passing through the Emilia-Romagna region, one of Europe's most intensely farmed and fertile plains. Continue through the marshes of the Venetian Lagoon before crossing the causeway into the enchanting floating city of Venice. As evening falls, day-trippers leave the city to return to the mainland, allowing you to appreciate the peace and tranquillity of Venice from your centrally located hotel. Tonight, indulge in a delicious dinner, savouring the unique flavours of Venetian cuisine.

Cruise by private boat on a journey of discovery past churches and palaces reflecting the rich architectural history of Venice from the 13th to the 18th centuries. Marvel at the intricate facades and learn about the stories behind these historical buildings. Arrive close to St. Mark's Square and stroll along the waterfront, passing the iconic Bridge of Sighs and the majestic Doge's Palace. It was from here that the infamous Casanova made his daring escape. Turn the corner into St. Mark's Square and be captivated by the grandeur of the basilica. Afterwards, board a traditional gondola for a serenade along the romantic canals. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience and witness the artistry of expert glassblowers as they create beautiful, handcrafted glass pieces, preserving centuries-old techniques and traditions.

Continue your 11 days in Italy with a journey to the peaceful town of Assisi, nestled on the slopes of Mount Subasio and renowned for its medieval churches, vibrant frescoes and sun-dappled courtyards. In the valley, see the Church of St. Mary of the Angels, revered as the place of St. Francis’ passing. Then ascend to the upper town to meet your Local Expert. Step inside the monumental Basilica of St. Francis, a 13th-century marvel whose frescoes by Giotto marked a turning point in European art. Enjoy free time to soak up the serenity of Assisi. You might choose to stroll along Via San Francesco, lined with quaint stone buildings offering artisan foods, devotional keepsakes and locally crafted wares.

Travel south, passing Cassino, the site of a fierce and pivotal battle during World War II. Continue your journey along the spectacular clifftop road, offering breathtaking views, to reach the resort of the Sorrento coast. This charming area overlooks the Bay of Naples and provides stunning vistas of Mount Vesuvius. After checking in to your hotel, spend the rest of the day at your leisure, exploring the beautiful surroundings or relaxing in the comfort of your accommodations.

Cross the Bay of Naples to reach the beautiful Isle of Capri, a rock rising sheer from the Mediterranean! For 2,000 years, Capri has beckoned visitors from Emperor Tiberius to Gracie Fields. Arriving at the Marina Grande by boat, ascend to Capri town. A Local Expert joins you for an exploration of the narrow alleyways. Browse in deluxe boutiques and wonder at the views over the Tyrrhenian Sea. Descend to the port by funicular railway and return to Sorrento, where you are at leisure for the rest of the day. Perhaps head to Positano for an exploration of the colourful Amalfi Coast?

Continue to Pompeii, the opulent Roman town that was preserved by layers of ash from the disastrous eruption of Mount Vesuvius in A.D. 79. A walk with your Local Expert through the cobbled streets and extensive excavations reveals the daily life of ancient Roman civilisation. Visit the Forum and peer into shops and patrician villas, decorated with colourful wall paintings. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience in Vesuvius National Park and visit Casa Barone. This small family-run farm on the slopes of the volcano is one of the world’s only producers of Piennolo tomatoes, an endangered fruit that only thrives in the fertile volcanic soil. Each harvest is sustainably farmed and cared for by the extended Barone family, who all work here. Be sure to savour the unique flavours of this rare tomato during a truly unique Farm-to-Table lunch. Your journey continues to Rome. In the evening, enjoy an elegant dinner with local wine at a Roman restaurant. As you dine, enjoy a private performance of popular songs and arias from some of Italy's best-loved operas.

Bid farewell to the glories of Italy, savouring the memories of its enchanting cities, historic landmarks and stunning landscapes. Italy's unique allure will linger in your heart long after you leave.
ACCOMMODATION
DAY 1: Golden Tulip Rome Piram - Meals: Dinner
DAY 2: Golden Tulip Rome Piram - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 3: Roma, Florence, FH55 Grand Hotel Mediterraneo, Florence, Starhotels Tuscany, Columbus Urban Resort - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 4: Roma, Florence, Columbus Urban Resort, Starhotels Tuscany, FH55 Grand Hotel Mediterraneo, Florence - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 5: NH Venezia Santa Lucia, Venice, Avani Rio Novo Venice - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 6: NH Venezia Santa Lucia, Venice, Avani Rio Novo Venice - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7: Giotto, Assisi - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 8: Isabella, Sorrento - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 9: Isabella, Sorrento - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 10: NH Roma Centro, Rome - Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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