Best of Italy

(10 reviews)

From:

CAD $4,904 Was CAD $5,770

13 Days

Best Rate: Guarantee

Trip Type: Group Tour

Activity Level: Easy

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.

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Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 27 Jul 2025

Experience Overview

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

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: During an orientation with your Travel Director see the medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches scattered throughout the city.
Rome: Be inspired by the magnificence of Michelangelo and da Vinci 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 on a walk through elegant Capri to gain insight into the island's local culture and historic landmarks.
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.
Verona: During an exploration of Verona, see Juliet's balcony in the courtyard of a Renaissance villa.
Milan: See Milan's central highlights on an orientation tour with your Travel Director.
Como: Take in exquisite views of the lake and its alpine backdrop as you enjoy an orientation of this magnificent town.
Pisa: During an orientation, your Travel Director will show you 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 Juliet's Balcony in Verona, St. Mark's Basilica in Venice, the Cathedral and La Scala Opera House 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 Ferry to the Isle of Capri, private launch to St. Mark's Square in Venice

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Trip Details

Product Code: 34473

Tour Type: Group Tour

Accommodation: Deluxe

Transport: Private

Guide Language: English

Travel Styles: Family, 55+

Tour Operator: Trafalgar (CA)

Supplier Code: 58.83A

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 $4,904 ($377 /day)

Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Rome

2025 marks a Jubilee Year, a momentous Roman Catholic event celebrated every 25 years, turning Rome into a center 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.

Accommodation: Una
Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Discover Ancient Rome and the Vatican City Dive Into Culture

The Holy See takes center 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.

Accommodation: Una
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3: Explore the Ruins of Pompeii and Sorrento

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.

Accommodation: Johanna Park
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4: Cruise to the Isle of Capri

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

Day 5: Onwards to Assisi

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

Day 6: Venture to Verona and Venice

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

Day 7: St. Mark's and More in Venice Make Travel Matter

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

Day 8: Stroll Around Milan and onto Lake Maggiore

Cross the green plains of Lombardy to sophisticated Milan, Italy's capital of design and fashion. An orientation tour takes you past 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

Day 9: On to Como and Scenic Lake Maggiore Connect with Locals

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.

Accommodation: Simplon
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 10: Admire Pisa and on to Florence

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

Day 11: Experience Art and Architecture in Florence

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.

Accommodation: FH55 Grand Hotel Mediterraneo
Meals: Breakfast

Day 12: Treasures of San Gimignano and Return to Rome

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

Day 13: Farewell Rome

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

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Reviews

Trusted Customer - Traveled, May 2025

Italy for the win. It was a safe and very fun trip. *Personal information removed by Feefo* our td, did an excellent job 5/5, Just be ready to have fun. Was a great trip. *Personal information removed by Feefo* handled our whole trip very well.

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/15/2025

Evelyn Bielejeski - Traveled, May 2025

The extra excursions should be offered before you leave home so you have more time to review the options. Felt a bit over whelming to have to decide.

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/20/2025

Trusted Customer - Traveled, April 2025

Best of Italy is a great introduction to the country. See previous paragraphs---I included information about the service in response to the first question. Best of Italy is a great way to get a taste of many different places in Italy. It does a nice job of introducing the various regions to participants. That said, much of the tour time was point A to point B with little to no time to pause or explore on our own. I also believe museums are an overlooked aspect of the history of Italy on this tour. For example, we had such a brief tour of Pompeii with less than half an hour to explore this massive sight on our own. And the National Archeological Museum in Naples would have been a logical (and necessary!) stop. The times we had for exploration in many of the stops was for shopping. Maybe we're the exception, but I don't travel the world to shop; I travel for the introduction to and the exploration of a country and its people. I would like to add, though, that our tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and dedicated, and we enjoyed his expertise and personality. Most of the site-specific tour guides were great; the one who took us through the Opera House and to the Duomo in Milan was rather sour and brief. Our tour guide in Florence was amazing. The bus was underwhelming. The distance between seats was too small (my legs touched the seat in front of me so tightly that I couldn't even cross my legs). The windows were good, and I liked that we rotated seats daily. The 'bathroom' wasn't what I expect on a tour bus, but we did have plenty of stops on long drive days so that it wasn't an issue. Many of our lodgings were stellar, some were adequate. It is hard to accept that we all paid the same amount for our trip and yet some had lake views and some had back of the hotel views at the same hotel. Having specific information about each hotel ahead of our stay would've been nice. For example, one hotel had a full spa, but one would have needed to schedule a massage ahead of time to fit one in. One idea to try to fit in would be short language lessons. We did have a sheet of paper with common phrases, but it would be fun to practice saying the words and phrases aloud with an expert to help with pronunciation. Italy is an amazing country, and at no time did we feel worried about our safety. As I said earlier, our guide was very knowledgeable and we enjoyed both him and the bus driver. They were both excellent representatives of the country and of Trafalgar.

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/17/2025

Trusted Customer - Traveled, April 2025

Really great experience! Would definitely recommend. The service was amazing and really tentative to everyone’s wants and needs on the trip. Generosity of Giuseppe was absolutely amazing and truly enhanced the experience. Everyone was amazing and was a really warm and caring group to travel with. The trip was an amazing tour of the best sights of Italy. The best part was definitely the people we met on the tour, everyone was so warm. Huge shoutout to our tour guide Giuseppe, honestly he made all the different but being so tentative to everyone and being so generous. Overall a super amazing and unforgettable experience.