Best of Italy
From CAD $5950
Guarantee
Group Tour
Easy
Rating
(10 reviews)
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.
Highlights
Dining Summary
- 6 Dinner (D)
- 12 Breakfast (B)
Be My Guest
- Baveno: Hear about the intriguing history of Lake Maggiore as you’re welcomed by the Cinque family for dinner and wine at their home, Villa Toscanini.
Iconic Experience
- Rome: During an orientation with your Travel Director see the medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches scattered throughout the city.
- 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.
- Rome: Be inspired by the magnificence of Michelangelo and Botticelli at the Vatican Museums.
- 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.
- 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.
- Pompeii: Walk with a Local Specialist through the cobbled streets of this ill-fated town, frozen in time since the 1st century.
- 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.
- 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.
- Modena: Travel through the lush landscape of Emilia-Romagna, past hilltop towns and agricultural lands.
- Milan: See Milan's central highlights.
- Como: Enjoy free time in Como to explore your way. Known for its Alpine backdrop and lakeside setting, Como offers cafe-lined squares, quiet lanes and waterfront views.
- Pisa: In the Piazza dei Miracoli, see the baptistery, cathedral and the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.
- Florence: Join a Local Specialist to view the multi-colored 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.
- San Gimignano: Visit the medieval Manhattan of Italy as you explore the UNESCO-listed center of San Gimignano and admire the city's distinctive towers.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
- Venice: Discover the ancient skill of Venetian glassblowing and play a part in preserving this traditional craft. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Must-see Highlights
- Fast-Track to the Vatican Museums
- Explore Rome, Pompeii, Capri, Assisi and Florence
- Discover Venice, Milan and San Gimignano
- Visit Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica, Rome's Colosseum, Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi, Lake Como and the Florence American Cemetery and Memorial
- View the ancient Roman arena and Piazza Brà in Verona, St. Mark's Basilica in Venice, the Duomo and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan, the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Duomo in Florence
- See the ancient sites of Rome and the Abbey on Monte Cassino
- Scenic Cruise to the Isle of Capri, private launch to St. Mark's Square in Venice
Trip Details
Product Code: 34472
Tour Type: Group Tour
Accommodation: Deluxe
Transport: Private
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Explorer, Budget
Tour Operator:
Trafalgar (CA)
Supplier Code: 58.83B
Starts: Rome, Italy
Finishes: Rome, Italy
Duration: 13 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Easy
Includes
Whats Included
- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
- Must-see sightseeing
- Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
- Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- Return cruise to the Isle of Capri
- Optional Experiences and free time
- On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $5950 ($458 /day)
Itinerary
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.
Accommodation: Una
Meals: Dinner
The Holy See takes center stage today as you join a Local Specialist to explore the Vatican Museums. Admire the frescoed ceiling of the Sistine Chapel and see Michelangelo’s Pietà inside St. Peter’s Basilica. Then cross the Tiber into Ancient Rome for a guided visit to the Colosseum, once home to epic spectacles. View the Circus Maximus, where chariots once raced in front of thousands. This afternoon is yours to explore—relax at a sidewalk cafe, visit a local museum or enjoy a gelato in the Piazza Navona. Please note: On some departures, access to St. Peter’s Basilica may be restricted due to the Papal Audience. You’ll still have time to take in the atmosphere of St. Peter’s Square during your visit to Vatican City.
Accommodation: Una
Meals: Breakfast
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 town of Sorrento where you’ll dine tonight.
Accommodation: Johanna Park
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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 sidewalk 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.
Accommodation: Johanna Park
Meals: Breakfast
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.
Accommodation: Grand Assisi
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Accommodation: Biasutti
Meals: Breakfast
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 colorful fishermen's houses on the Island of Burano or search for a cozy bacaro and indulge in some tasty Venetian treats, starting with that refreshing Venetian Spritz which is the local drink of choice.
Accommodation: Biasutti
Meals: Breakfast
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 traveling companions.
Accommodation: Simplon
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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. 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.
Accommodation: Simplon
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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'.
Accommodation: FH55 Grand Hotel Mediterraneo
Meals: Breakfast
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.
Accommodation: FH55 Grand Hotel Mediterraneo
Meals: Breakfast
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 center 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.
Accommodation: Shangri-La Roma
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Bid a fond ciao to your newfound friends as your discovery of the best of Italy comes to an end.
Meals: Breakfast
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Tour Operator
Trafalgar (CA)
Family owned and run since 1920, The Travel Corporation (TTC) is the world leader in immersive travel experiences across an extensive range of travel categories. Each year TTC's 40 award winning hospitality and travel brands connect over 1 million happy travellers to the world. We give you access to the 12 DMC’s behind these brands, so you can build your business by capitalizing on the extensive experience, local expertise, and financial assurance of TTC. LOCAL EXPERTISE The world leaders in travel for over 100 years, we offer unparalleled local expertise with a global footprint. Our 12 DMCs, led by experienced in-destination teams, deliver experience rich travel solutions in more than 80 countries. Additionally, our market based teams are on hand to support across our 40 offices worldwide
In Business Since 1931
Reviews
Trusted Customer - Traveled, April 2025
Best Travel Staff Ever! The service provided by Trafalgar staff during the booking process was very good. Our contact person answered our questions and provided support throughout the registration process. Our Trafalgar Tour Director, Tomasso, and our Coach Driver Alberto provided excellent service and support to all the travelers! They provided our group with a fun, educational and safe travel experience! The itinerary is geared for travel explorers. As a travel explorers, you will be immersed in and will marvel at the ancient, medieval and modern sites throughout the northern and central regions of Italy. The agri-tourist experiences always provide a wonderful insight of working farms and vineyards in the region. Trafalgar provides excellent tour specialists, dynamic tour Director and Coach Driver and comfortable accommodations.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/15/2025
Trusted Customer - Traveled, August 2024
Amazing Mother/Daughter Trip of a Lifetime. Our bus broke down in *Personal information removed by Feefo* and our Director, managed to get us to our next location during a public transport strike. *Personal information removed by Feefo* was absolutely amazing! Loved the itinerary - saw so much and every minute was a picture taking moment. Lots of walking so not for the faint of heart. Hotels were not the best but I expected that but these hotel rooms were so small that I and my daughter, could not open our suitcases without touching the wall or bed with little or no walkway between them. Beds and pillows were terrible! Food was ok until the last 3 days which were excellent and delicious. The breakfasts very subpar but at least we could get some fruit and toast. Had wonderful people on board and I feel we've made lifelong friends.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/07/2024
Gregory Lemay - Traveled, September 2024
It was busy but gratifying tour. *Personal information removed by Feefo* our tour guide was excellent. Good selection of hotels.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/26/2024
Alaina Verplank - Traveled, September 2024
Vacation of a lifetime Italy 2024. Our tour director,*Personal information removed by Feefo*, was amazing. I couldn’t believe all of the knowledge he had. He was very informative when it came to what we were going to be doing, or how to navigate thru the Autogrills, how to cross the streets. He was able to accommodate us, from buses to taxis to trains, to listening to us as a group on a little change to itinerary due to the public transportation strike. Always felt safe. The itinerary is a full itinerary on the go from sun up to sun down. But we got to experience Italy like no other. To travel thru the different regions and see the differences, taste the differences, fell the differences was so awesome. All the places we went the history we learned, seeing and touching things that were 2000 years old is still mind blowing. I wouldn’t have wanted to experience Italy any other way.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/23/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, September 2024
All I can say is excellent. We have had an excellent time, full of fun! *Personal information removed by Feefo* is excellent. Very educational about Italy the best of Italy. Our guide *Personal information removed by Feefo* and *Personal information removed by Feefo* were fantastic. *Personal information removed by Feefo* is excellent and we listen to his explanation of the areas of Italy. I learned a lot about Italy and I am very happy and pleased that we had *Personal information removed by Feefo* as our guide to see the Best of Italy.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/22/2024
Peter Duncan - Traveled, April 2025
The on the ground service from *Personal information removed by Feefo* and *Personal information removed by Feefo* was excellent. Covers a lot of ground and moves quickly but is a great way to see a lot of the country.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/13/2025
Terry Banks - Traveled, August 2024
Great location, Tour Guide (*Personal information removed by Feefo*) was perfect. Coach and Driver (*Personal information removed by Feefo*) was wonderful.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/16/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, November 2024
Too much travel without breaks or free time.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/23/2024
Karen Nadeau - Traveled, August 2024
So many things not seen in different cities when there was too much free time. Examples, the Opera House and shopping/dining area to the side. Doges Palace and a few other kept areas in Venice.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/06/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, September 2024
I don’t like that you have to dole out a lot of tips after you get there. These should be included in the purchase price. Tips to the tour director, bus driver and the hotel maids. It took most of the money I took with me. My travel agent said that tips weren’t paid in Europe. So I didn’t plan on paying all that money out.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/28/2024
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