- Overview
- Trip Outline and Itinerary
- Trip Includes
- Trip Excludes
- Gallery
- Reviews
- Optional Excursion
Short on time, but keen on Italy? This 8-day tour is everything you need; see Rome and Florence on foot with passionate local guides, explore Venice at your own pace on a free day, and marvel at the rolling hills of the Italian countryside and Tuscany’s beautiful Renaissance architecture. Experience San Gimignano, Siena and Cinque Terre. From the Colosseum to the Venetian canals, we tick all those must-have boxes. In between, sip Italian wines, dine like the locals and live la bella vita. Bellissima!
- Discover Rome on a guided walking tour
- Enjoy a welcome dinner in Rome
- Visit Orvieto; a historic city perched on a rocky cliff
- Discover the top sights of Venice
- Stop at Lake Garda; Italy’s biggest lake
- Explore Florence; the ‘Jewel of the Renaissance’
- Learn about the craft of Italian leather-making
- Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in Florence
- Explore Cinque Terre’s picturesque villages
- Visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa; one of Italy’s iconic monuments
- Visit San Gimignano; known as the “Town of Fine Towers”
- Sip on wine and taste antipasti in Siena
- Enjoy a farewell dinner in Rome
Itineraries
Day 1
Start of tour in Rome
Welcome to Rome, and one of our most popular Italy tours! After meeting up with the tour leader and the rest of the group this morning, it’s time to head out into the city! See ancient Roman architecture, medieval buildings, Renaissance artworks and more remnants of Rome’s illustrious past as capital of the Roman Empire during your free time this afternoon. Tonight, get to know the rest of the tour group during an included welcome dinner before setting off on a guided walking tour of the city!
Day 2
Rome - Orvieto - Venice
Leave the capital behind, and drive through the Umbria region. Known as the 'fruit bowl of Italy', it is famous for its produce, food and beautiful mountainous landscapes. Prepare for one of the most spectacular sights in Europe as the tour approaches Orvieto; a city perched dramatically atop a sheer vertical volcanic rock. Take the funicular up to the historic centre, and enjoy free time to explore. See the exquisite facade of the Cathedral of Orvieto, the papal residence and the Albornoz fortress. Next, it’s time to travel to Venice. The evening is free to relax at the hotel or explore Venice with the option to join your tour leader on a twilight water taxi cruise of the Venetian canals.
Day 3
Venice: Free Day
The day begins with an orientation tour of Venice. Join the tour leader to explore the heart of this enchanting city. Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore. The gondola ride optional excursion is a classic Venetian experience not to be missed! Explore the islands of Murano and Burano which are famous for their glass-blowing and lace-making crafts on the Venice Lagoon Tour optional excursion - this optional is a great way to see more of the “Floating City”. Excitingly, both optional excursions can be enjoyed during today’s free day.
Day 4
Lake Garda - Florence - Tuscany
It’s time to travel to the beautiful city of Florence, stopping along the way in Lake Garda for a photo opportunity. Arrive in Florence, and embark on a guided tour to learn more about the heritage of this city, its Renaissance artworks and Roman ruins. Florence’s highlights include Ponte Vecchio, the Basilica of Santa Croce and the replica of Michelangelo’s David which stands in the Piazza della Signoria. After the tour, make a stop at Leonardo Leather for a leather-making demonstration. Enjoy an included group dinner in Florence tonight. Next, it’s time to travel to tonight’s accommodation in the ancient spa town of Montecatini Terme
Day 5
Cinque Terre - Pisa - Tuscany
This morning, the tour heads to La Spezia; the gateway to the Cinque Terre. Perched on the rugged coastline, Cinque Terre means ‘Five Lands’, and consists of five picturesque coastal cliff-side towns; Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. All are linked by rail and footpaths. With cars and motorcycles banned from the towns, enjoy exploring the towns by train or on foot. Later in the afternoon, travel back to the Tuscan region, stopping off to see the legendary Leaning Tower of Pisa en route. Now over 800 years old, it’s a classic sight in Italy, and gives you the opportunity to take a picture 'holding up' the tower! Join tonight’s optional for a wonderful Tuscan dinner with beautiful views!
Day 6
San Gimignano - Siena - Rome
This morning, travel through one of the world’s most picturesque countryside landscapes. Admire Tuscan farmhouses, vineyards and olive groves during the drive. First stop of the day is San Gimignano; a small, walled hilltop town. Known as the 'Town of Fine Towers', it offers beautiful Romanesque and Gothic architecture, and 14 well-preserved tower houses. Next up is a short drive to Siena; a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for the 'Palio' horse race held twice a year in the main piazza. Enjoy a wine tasting accompanied by antipasti in Siena before travelling back to Rome. Round off the day with a final dinner with the group.
Day 7
Rome: Free Day
Enjoy a free day in Rome. Make the most of the free day and choose to step back in time with an optional, locally guided tour of the Colosseum and Roman Forum! If you prefer, set off on your own and visit the Vatican City to marvel at glittering artworks, vast marble halls and opulent architecture. Or, stay in the city to see the iconic sights that make Rome a world-famous, bucket-list destination. An ancient city that has seen the rise and fall of entire empires, there is no shortage of historical real estate to feast your eyes on. Not to mention designer shopping and brilliant food!
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.
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