Best of Italy – September 14 to October 26, 2025 (13 Days) - From £2,847

Europe Italy
OVERVIEW
Discover the Best of Italy, from the ancient treasures of Rome to Renaissance Florence and everything in between. Imagine walking in the footsteps of St Francis in Assisi, lapping up the chic lifestyle on Capri, and taking a private guided visit to Pompeii to see a Roman city frozen in time.
EXPERIENCES
: Enjoy an after-hours visit to the Basilica of Santa Maria in Cosmedin. Get up close to the legendary Mouth of Truth, an ancient Roman marble mask said to bite any liar who places their hand in the mask’s mouth. Dare to test the legend yourself and take one of the city’s most coveted photos.

Assisi: With a Local Specialist, find out why the Basilica of St. Francis is considered to be one of the crowning artistic achievements of 13th-century Europe.

Capri: Join a Local Specialist for a guided walk through Capri’s elegant lanes and vibrant squares. Hear how this island has long attracted artists, writers and Hollywood icons. Visit historic landmarks and local boutiques, and discover how generations of islanders have lived alongside the glamour, from Roman emperors to the jet-set names of the 1950s and beyond.

Como: Take in exquisite views of the lake and its alpine backdrop as you enjoy an orientation of this magnificent town.

Florence: Join a Local Specialist to view the Multi-coloured marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery, adorned by Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise. Visit the political heart of the city, Signoria Square.

Florence: See the area around Santa Croce Basilica, famous for the quality of its luxury goods, and witness a gold and leatherwork demonstration.

Florence: Stop at the Florence American Cemetery and Memorial. Framed by wooded hills, view the memorial marked by symmetrical rows of 4, 392 headstones and towering pylon monument.

Milan: See Milan's central highlights.

Modena: Travel through the lush landscape of Emilia-Romagna, past hilltop towns and agricultural lands.

Pisa: In the Piazza dei Miracoli, see the baptistery, cathedral and the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.

Pompeii: Walk with a Local Specialist through the cobbled streets of this ill-fated town, frozen in time since the 1st century.

Rome: Be inspired by the magnificence of Michelangelo and da Vinci at the Vatican Museums.

Rome: Discover ancient treasures of Rome with a Local Specialist. See Circus Maximus and visit the mighty Colosseum, which bears witness to the limitless courage of the gladiators.

Rome: During an orientation with your Travel Director see the medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches scattered throughout the city.

Rome: In the Vatican City visit St Peter's Basilica with a Local Specialist. Witness the early genius of Michelangelo as you take in the Pietà.

San Gimignano: Visit the medieval Manhattan of Italy as you explore the UNESCO-listed centre of San Gimignano and admire the city's distinctive towers.

Verona: During an exploration of Verona, see Juliet's balcony in the courtyard of a Renaissance villa.
DEPARTURE DATES AND PRICES
Tour
Departs		 Tour
Returns		 Starting From
(price per person)		 Definite Departure
What's this?		 Book Now!
23/09/2025 05/10/2025 £4,550 Book
26/09/2025 08/10/2025 £4,575 Book
28/09/2025 10/10/2025 £4,575 Book
30/09/2025 12/10/2025 £4,575 Book
03/10/2025 15/10/2025 £4,575 Book
05/10/2025 17/10/2025 £4,575 Book
07/10/2025 19/10/2025 £4,575 Book
10/10/2025 22/10/2025 £4,575 Book
12/10/2025 24/10/2025 £3,888 Book
14/10/2025 26/10/2025 £3,888 Book
17/10/2025 29/10/2025 £4,575 Book
View Our Dates
ACCOMMODATION
DAY 1: Una - Meals: Dinner
DAY 2: Una - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 3: Johanna Park - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 4: Johanna Park - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 5: Grand Assisi - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 6: Biasutti - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7: Biasutti - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 8: Simplon - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 9: Simplon - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 10: FH55 Grand Hotel Mediterraneo - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 11: FH55 Grand Hotel Mediterraneo - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 12: Shangri-La Roma - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
WHAT'S INCLUDED
  • All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
  • All porterage and restaurant gratuities
  • An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
  • Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
  • Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
  • Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
  • Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
  • Must-see sightseeing
  • On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised
  • Optional Experiences and free time
  • Return cruise to the Isle of Capri
ITINERARY

2025 marks a Jubilee Year, a momentous Roman Catholic event celebrated every 25 years, turning Rome into a centre 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. Ciao Roma! Explore this imperial city of emperors and senators, gods and goddesses before joining your Travel Director for an introduction to the 'Eternal City'. Arrive at Basilica Santa Maria in Cosmedin for a private after-hours visit to the Mouth of Truth. See the church, crypt and relics of the famous saint of love, Valentine, and learn about the legend of the Mouth of Truth. This evening, enjoy dinner with your travel companions.

The Holy See takes centre stage today as you join a Local Specialist for an included sightseeing tour in the Vatican Museums. Admire Michelangelo’s magnificent frescoed ceiling in the Sistine Chapel. See the marble masterpiece of the Pietà, housed in the Basilica before crossing the Tiber into Ancient Rome. Enjoy a guided visit to the Colosseum, before seeing the Circus Maximus, once the site of celebrated chariot races. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore Rome. Indulge in an espresso in the Piazza Navona or clamber up the Spanish Steps. 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.

Journey south to the well-preserved ruins of Pompeii. Here you join a Local Specialist who will share details of the devastation caused by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius as you wander through the ancient paved roads of a city that was frozen in time. Later, arrive at your hotel in the clifftop town of Sorrento where you’ll dine tonight.

Cross the Bay of Naples today by ferry to the glamorous Isle of Capri to visit some of its landmark sights. Wander past the chic boutiques and pavement cafes in Capri town in the company of a Local Specialist before taking your time to soak up the sophistication of this lovely island. Later, return to the mainland.

Marvel at the beauty of the Bay of Naples and mighty Vesuvius as you leave the Sorrento coastline. Glimpse the Benedictine Abbey of Cassino perched high on the mountain peak, known as the site of the Battle of Monte Cassino in 1944, before heading north to the slopes of Mount Subasio. Arrive in the mystical town of Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis, under whose protection this medieval city is said to remain. Join your Local Specialist for a visit to the Basilica of St. Francis, before some free time to explore this fascinating hilltop town.

Journey through the glorious countryside of the Emilia Romagna region. This area is renowned for its gastronomy and is credited with being the origin of tortellini, mortadella and parmesan cheese. Travel to Verona, the home of Shakespeare's star-crossed lovers, to admire the ancient Roman arena and Piazza Brà. Arrive later into beautiful Venice, the 'Queen of the Adriatic', to spend time admiring this unique city.

Cruise your way through Venice by private launch to soak up the sights and sounds of what was once one of the world's greatest ports. Your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with the glassblowing artisans of Venice follows. Watch as they share their centuries-old glassmaking traditions. Your visit helps to preserve this delicate craft for which Venice is justifiably famous and you’ll want to remember your visit by purchasing a souvenir or two to display at home. From there, continue past the Bridge of Sighs and the Doge's Palace to St. Mark's Square to view the impressive square and basilica. Consider an optional experience to see the colourful fishermen's houses on the Island of Burano or search for a cosy bacaro and indulge in some tasty Venetian treats, starting with that refreshing Venetian Spritz which is the local drink of choice.

Cross the green plains of Lombardy to sophisticated Milan, Italy's capital of design and fashion. See the intricate Gothic Duomo, La Scala Opera House and the famous Galleria. Later arrive in the Italian Lakes where you'll enjoy a dinner with your fellow travelling companions.

The glistening blue waters of Lake Como beckon this morning. Enjoy some free time to explore the lakeside lifestyle and beautiful scenery which has enchanted visitors for centuries. Explore Como's historical quarter, indulge in the area’s delicious gelato, or consider a cruise on the lake. Later, spend time exploring your lakeside resort or join an optional experience to discover the palace and gardens of Isola Bella. This evening, venture by private boat to a secluded island on Lake Maggiore to Connect With Locals over dinner at a Be My Guest experience. Join the Cinque family and hear all about the intriguing history of Villa Toscanini, situated on a tiny romantic island which was the hideaway of the great Italian conductor Arturo Toscanini one of the most influential musicians of the 19th century.

Tuscany lures you across the forested Apennine Mountains, past the marble quarries of Carrara to the famous city of Pisa and its Square of Miracles where you'll enjoy an opportunity to view the Leaning Tower. Your next stop is Florence, the 'Cradle of the Renaissance'.

Delve into the extravagant history of the Medici family, whose legacy of art and architecture is explored in the company of a Local Specialist. Visit Piazza della Signoria with its exquisite statues and palazzi and enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the beautiful skyline of Florence, dominated by the elegant Duomo and the almost 700-year-old Ponte Vecchio, from Piazzale Michelangelo. Later, learn about the quality and workmanship of two of this city's historic industries at demonstrations of Florentine leathercraft and 18-carat gold.

This morning, stop at the Florence American Cemetery and Memorial. Continuing south, visit the charming Tuscan hill-town of San Gimignano, with its extraordinary medieval architecture and rich history. Venture to the centre of town to view the Piazza del Duomo, surrounded by medieval towers and 13th-century city walls. This evening in Rome, enjoy dinner in the company of newfound friends and your Travel Director.

Bid a fond ciao to your newfound friends as your discovery of the best of Italy comes to an end.
Search Tours