- Overview
- Trip Outline and Itinerary
- Trip Includes
- Trip Excludes
- Gallery
- Reviews
- Optional Excursion
Enticing culture, awe-inspiring landscapes and some of Europe's most fascinating historical destinations - this Southern Italy tour has it all! Discover the many wonders of ancient Rome. Marvel at Mt Vesuvius and explore the ruins of ancient Pompeii; a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy free days to explore the Amalfi Coast, Taormina and Palermo at your own pace. See the iconic Trulli houses in Alberobello and the ancient cave city of Matera. Eat, drink and be merry with a group of new friends on our Italy vacations. Discover Southern Italy & Sicily, and return home forever changed!
- Discover Rome on a walking tour
- Welcome dinner in Rome
- See Mount Vesuvius; an ancient volcano
- Explore the ancient ruins of Pompeii
- Visit Montecassino; a famous abbey
- Explore the ancient sites of Assisi; home of St Francis
- Visit San Marino; one of the oldest republics in Europe
- Explore the heart of Venice on an orientation tour
- Visit Juliet's balcony in Verona
- Spend a night in the Italian Lake District
- See the Leaning Tower of Pisa
- Explore Cinque Terre’s picturesque villages
- Explore the highlights of Florence
- Watch a leather-making demonstration
- Taste Italian wine in Tuscany
- Marvel at the views in San Gimignano
- Visit Siena; a popular Tuscan town home to the Palio horse race
- Farewell dinner in Rome
Itineraries
Day 1
Start of tour in Rome
Welcome to Rome! Arrive in Italy’s capital city in the morning and check into the hotel. Meet up with your tour leader who will provide the group with an overview of the upcoming itinerary. Then, head out into the city for some free time. Get ready to see Ancient Roman architecture, medieval buildings, Renaissance artworks and more. Make a stop at the Trevi Fountain to toss a coin in the hopes that it will bring you both luck and the opportunity to return to Rome one day! Tonight, enjoy an included welcome dinner at a local restaurant. Then, set out on a guided walking tour of the city. Highlights include the Pantheon, the Spanish Steps and more!
Day 2
Rome - Pompeii - Amalfi Coast
Depart Rome after breakfast, and travel to the Amalfi Coast. En route, stop off to see Mount Vesuvius, and to explore the ancient ruins of Pompeii; destroyed in 79AD in a catastrophic volcanic eruption. Enjoy a guided tour of this fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Site before sitting down for an included lunch. Afterwards, travel onwards to tonight’s hotel in the Amalfi Coast. Arrive in Salerno, where we have a two-night stay. This area is famous for limoncello (a sweet lemon liqueur); the perfect way to finish off your evening! This evening, choose to join the optional excursion to Amalfi for a breathtaking ferry ride from Salerno, followed by an orientation tour of Amalfi and an authentic Italian dinner.
Day 3
Amalfi Coast: Free Day
Made up of a number of gorgeous old towns hugging the coastline, the Amalfi Coast is our base for the day. Explore the towns and stunning beaches in your own time. Alternatively, choose our optional excursion to the famous and exceptionally beautiful Isle of Capri. Here, enjoy an orientation tour before spending some free time exploring the rugged coastline, ancient Roman ruins and stylish piazzas. Top the day trip off with a boat trip around the islands and its breathtaking grottos. It is sure to be an unforgettable day in the south of Italy!
Day 4
Montecassino - Assisi
Today, depart the coast and head north to Assisi, stopping en route in Montecassino. Famed for the site of the Abbey of Montecassino, along with its rolling green hills, vineyards and rivers, the city was also the scene of fierce fighting in World War II, which left the town almost completely destroyed. After stopping here, continue to the region of Umbria and the medieval town of Assisi which is known for being the birthplace of St Francis in 1181. A charming town and the most popular pilgrimage site in Italy, admire the ancient churches and basilicas – many of which are just as St Francis would have seen them almost one thousand years ago! Dinner is included at the hotel tonight.
Day 5
San Marino - Venice
Leaving the churches and basilicas of Assisi behind, head to Venice, stopping off in Europe’s third-smallest state, San Marino, on the way. Claiming to be the oldest surviving sovereign state in the world, San Marino was founded by Saint Marinus in the early 4th century, and is now one of the most popular day-trip destinations for visitors to the area. Situated on a hilltop, San Marino offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and the Adriatic Sea. Later, arrive in Venice in the early evening. The evening is free to relax at the hotel or join the tour leader on an optional twilight water taxi cruise of the Venetian canals.
Day 6
Venice: Free Day
This morning, take an orientation walking tour through the heart of Venice. See top sights including the Rialto Bridge and St. Mark's Square. The rest of the day is then free to explore as you wish. Every visit to Venice should include a traditional gondola ride, which can be organised by your tour leader. An optional trip further out into the lagoon to visit Murano and Burano is also highly recommended. These islands are famous for their local crafts and beautiful multi-coloured houses. For the ultimate Venice itinerary, why not enjoy both optional excursions today?
Day 7
Verona - Italian Lakes
First up today, stop off in “fair Verona” to catch a glimpse of Juliet’s balcony, where Romeo wooed Juliet in Shakespeare’s classic play. Beset by family feuds, drama and romance since its founding in Roman times, Verona has its share of stories to tell, and is an unmissable stop on Italian tours. Look out for the 2,000 year old arena and the ancient city gates during an orientation tour. Later, head to the Italian Lakes and find out why famous writers like DH Lawrence and Hemingway were so inspired by this stunning region of Italy. Arrive in Sirmione, a picturesque town on Lake Garda and enjoy free time to explore before settling into the hotel for the evening.
Day 8
Cinque Terre - Pisa - Northern Tuscany
Today, leave the Italian Lakes and travel to another one of Italy’s most beautiful destinations; Cinque Terre. Located on Italy’s west coast, Cinque Terre is made up of five picturesque Italian towns: Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. They are all connected by hiking routes and trains making it a beautiful and unique section of the world to explore by train or on foot! Enjoy several hours here to explore! Next, visit the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Be sure to snap some great photos of this iconic Italian landmark! Later, travel to Northern Tuscany and settle into the accommodation for the night.
Day 9
Florence - Southern Tuscany
Get ready for a day filled with Italian adventure! Travel to Florence this morning. Arrive and enjoy a locally guided tour of the city which is beloved for its incredible Renaissance art and architecture. Then, visit a local Italian leather shop to learn more about local leather crafting and why Italian leather brands have been dominating the fashion world for centuries. Enjoy free time to explore the city this afternoon! Join the Taste of Tuscany optional excursion to experience local culinary traditions and delicious Tuscan recipes! Later, travel to the hotel in Southern Tuscany and enjoy a complimentary wine tasting on arrival followed by a free evening to spend at your leisure.
Day 10
San Gimignano - Siena - Rome
Travel through one of the world’s most picturesque countryside landscapes this morning. Admire Tuscan farmhouses, vineyards and olive groves along the way. The first stop of the day is the walled hilltop town of San Gimignano. Known as the “Town of Fine Towers”, it offers exceptional Romanesque and Gothic architecture and 12 well-preserved tower houses. Then, drive to Siena, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for the Palio horse race held twice a year in the main piazza. Here, enjoy a wine tasting accompanied with antipasto before heading back to Rome. Round off the day with one last dinner together at the hotel in Rome.
Day 11
Rome: Free Day
Enjoy a full free day in Rome, Italy’s “Eternal City”! Explore more of the city’s top sights, go shopping or simply stroll through the buzzing streets, and soak up the atmosphere. Join the optional excursion to the fascinating Colosseum and Roman Forum for a locally guided tour of these iconic ancient sights. You could also use this free day to explore at your leisure. Head to the Vatican City, home of the Pope, or revisit some of the spots visited on your first day in Rome, such as the Trevi Fountain or Spanish Steps (which are gorgeous at sunset). Spend some time exploring the city’s top sights in depth or simply relax at a café or do some shopping.
Day 12
End of tour
After an unforgettable 12-day Italian tour, it’s time to say goodbye to your fellow travel companions and depart for home. The tour concludes after breakfast this morning. Arrivederci, Italia!
Accommodation
- 11 nights in 2, 3 & 4* hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms
- Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room (subject to availability)
Meals
- 11 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 4 Dinners
*Vegetarian options available for all meals on request
Transport
- Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and toilet onboard
- Any public transport used as part of the tour (excludes free days)
Tour Leader
- Fully guided tour with experienced tour leader
- Tour leader will accompany group throughout and manage all logistical details
- Visa to any Country (tourists must obtain before travelling to Europe), We will help with VISA Assistance only.
- International flights to and from Europe.
- Airport departure tax if required.
- Travel insurance (trip, medical and personal).
- Daily personal expenses.
- Early check-in or late check-out at hotels.
- Tip and gratuity for local tour guides and drivers.
- Please read terms and conditions at https://letstraveleuro.com/terms-and-conditions/
Explore the incredible town of Amalfi! This optional evening includes a breathtaking ferry ride from Salerno to Amalfi, followed by an orientation tour and a return transfer to Salerno. See some of the town's top attractions, including the waterfront, Piazza Dei Dogi, the Via Lorenzo D'Amalfi shopping street, Main Square and Saint Andrew's Fountain. End this unmissable experience with an authentic two-course Italian dinner at one of Amalfi's top-rated restaurants!
Join a local guide for a day trip to the beautiful Isle of Capri! Catch a ferry to the colourful Marina Grande and take the cable car to Capri Town where you’ll enjoy a tour and a visit to the gorgeous Gardens of Augustus which boasts exceptional views. Enjoy free time to go to the beach or explore the famous isle more before heading back to the port and hopping aboard a boat for a private cruise around the island! This excursion includes a private cruise, return ferry trip, entrance to the Gardens of Augustus and a local guide for the duration of the excursion.
Please Note: Minimum numbers are required.
On your free day in Rome, why not take a guided walking tour of the stunning Colosseum and visit the ruins of the ancient Roman Forum? Accompanied by a local tour guide, learn the history behind the stunning buildings that once stood in the centre of Rome. Included is the entrance ticket as well as the services of the local guide.
Please Note: This optional excursion is subject to availability.
Venice was made to be viewed from the canals! So, hop aboard a water taxi and take a night cruise of the softly-lit waterways. Be enchanted by the romantic scene of the lights and sounds from the palazzos and old tavernas. It's your opportunity to see La Serenissima at her twilight best.
A gondola ride is the perfect way to appreciate the beauty and charm of Venice. Feel part of an ancient Venetian tradition and experience Venice as the locals have for more than a thousand years. Your visit isn't complete until you have experienced this!
Please Note: Gondolas can take up to 5 people, so you will be sharing your experience with other members of your Expat Explore group. After 19:00 hrs the cost will increase by an additional €5.00 per person.
Take a trip from the city of Venice to seek out the islands further out in the lagoon, accompanied by your tour leader on a private boat. You’ll get to discover two of Venice’s most famous crafts: glass blowing and lace-making! Experience a glass-making demonstration on the island of Murano before travelling to Burano to see the colourful fishermen's houses and learn about the intricate art of lace-making.
Related Trips
There are no reviews yet.