Great Italian Cities - From £1,892

Europe Italy
OVERVIEW
Rome, Florence and Venice take centre stage on this unforgettable journey through Italy. Wander Venice's quiet calli, stand among ancient Roman ruins and marvel at the brushwork of great masters. Then, share a home-cooked meal with an Italian family in their Tuscan villa.
EXPERIENCES
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.

Bologna: Join a Local Specialist on an exploration of Bologna. See the medieval squares and red-bricked façades of this historic city.  

Florence: Join a Local Specialist to view the multicoloured 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.

Follow in the footsteps of gladiators for a deeper insight into life in ancient Rome when you enter the Colosseum.

Pisa: Visit Pisa's Square of Miracles with a Local Specialist. Learn about the history of the iconic Leaning Tower and see the ornate Bapistry and Cathedral. 

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

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. Witness the early genius of Michelangelo as you take in the Pietà.

Venice: Discover the ancient skill of Venetian glassblowing and play a part in preserving this traditional craft.

Venice: Savour the vibrant atmosphere of Venice during a walk through its calli to a traditional food market in the shadow of the famous Rialto Bridge.
DEPARTURE DATES AND PRICES
Tour
Departs		 Tour
Returns		 Starting From
(price per person)		 Definite Departure
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29/09/2026 08/10/2026 £3,425 Book
02/10/2026 11/10/2026 £3,495 Book
09/10/2026 18/10/2026 £3,425 Book
16/10/2026 25/10/2026 £3,425 Book
23/10/2026 01/11/2026 £3,014 Book
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ITINERARY

You're in for a bellissimo journey through the spectacular cities of Italy, which kicks off in the 'Eternal City' of Rome. Join your fellow travellers and Travel Director for a delightful dinner. Your introduction to la dolce vita begins with an orientation drive past Rome's most magnificent sights.

This morning, join your Local Specialist for a visit to Vatican City, the smallest country in the world. Explore the vast collection of the Vatican Museums and stand beneath Michelangelo’s iconic frescoes in the Sistine Chapel. Visit St. Peter’s Basilica to view his renowned Pietà. Afterwards, cross the Tiber into Ancient Rome to explore the Colosseum. Learn how this monumental arena once echoed with the sounds of gladiator battles, public events and roaring crowds at the heart of Roman life.On some departures, access to St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums may be restricted. You'll still enjoy the atmosphere of St. Peter's Square during your visit to the Vatican City, and if tickets are unavailable to the Vatican Museums, you'll instead explore the Capitoline Museums, home to iconic Roman art and archaeology.

Enjoy a full free day to explore Rome your way, or consider an Optional Experience delving into the tragic history of Pompeii — the Roman city frozen in time by the devastating eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Your Local Specialist will bring its ancient story to life before you return to Rome, passing by the Abbey of Monte Cassino, a site of fierce fighting during the Second World War.

Journey north through the rolling hills of Umbria to the birthplace of St. Francis of Assisi. Here, your Local Specialist will share the story of this revered figure during a visit to the Basilica of St. Francis, the final resting place of this famous saint and home to a wonderful series of frescoes by Giotto. Later,  continue your journey through the scenic Tuscan countryside to Florence. Tonight, enjoy dinner at a Be My Guest experience, set against the backdrop of picture-perfect olive groves and vineyards.

Enjoy a leisurely encounter with the artistic and architectural marvels of Florence during your walking tour with a Local Specialist. Visit the striking Piazza della Signoria with its impressive sculptures and palazzi. Amble through the charming cobblestone lanes to the Multi-coloured marble Duomo and Baptistery, before admiring the scenic view of the Ponte Vecchio straddling the Arno River. Spend the rest of the afternoon sauntering through Florence's historic centre, shopping for the high-quality leather the city is famous, or admiring the artistic contribution of the Medici at every turn.

After a morning at leisure in Florence, cross the fertile Arno Valley to Pisa and join a Local Specialist to visit the Square of Miracles, home to the incredible Leaning Tower and the iconic marble cathedral. See the ornate Baptistery and the Camposanto, a monumental cemetery built on sacred soil brought back from the Holy Land during the Crusades.

Travel north, through the Apennines, to the medieval city of Bologna, perhaps best known for the delicious pasta sauce that bears its name. Your sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist includes views of the Kissing Towers, which lean towards each other, seemingly poised to embrace. Then it's off to the romantic island city of Venice with its rich cultural and artistic heritage. Spend time at leisure gliding along its enchanting canals in a gondola or wander through the city's labyrinthine lanes, over bridges and into quiet campi.

Savour the iconic and unexpected highlights of Venice as you cruise by private launch to St. Mark's Square to admire the Bridge of Sighs, Palladian churches, Customs House, St. Mark's Basilica and the ornate Doge's Palace. This afternoon, enjoy a visit to one of the city’s last remaining studios where you’ll gain insights into the delicate Venetian art of glassblowing. Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure admiring this city on water or consider an Optional Experience to the island of Burano where colourful fishermen’s homes line the canals.

Meet a passionate lagoon conservationist for an engaging discussion on safeguarding environmental conditions in Venice during a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Sites made famous in poetry, song and prose are explored today when you join a Local Specialist for a walking tour along the canals to the famous Rialto Bridge, where all the flavours of Italy come to life at a centuries-old food market. Amble through the narrow calli of Venice and admire the beautiful architecture. Walk over the Rialto Bridge before spending the rest of the day discovering the sights of your choice. Your love affair with Italy's great Italian cities comes to an end this evening as you enjoy dinner.

For now, it's time to say a fond arrivederci to Italy and newfound friends who have shared in the memorable sights, sounds and flavours.
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
  • Optional Experiences and free time
ACCOMMODATION
DAY 1: Grand Palatino - Meals: Dinner
DAY 2: Grand Palatino - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 3: Grand Palatino - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4: FH55 Grand Hotel Mediterraneo - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 5: FH55 Grand Hotel Mediterraneo - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 6: FH55 Grand Hotel Mediterraneo - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7: Principe - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 8: Principe - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 9: Principe - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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