Already Booked
Manage My Booking
-
AARP Members Save $100 AARP SAVE $100 on select vacations booked with us on select vacationsLearn More
Grand Italian Experience
Already Booked
Manage My Booking
Grand Italian Experience
Operated by: Trafalgar
17 Days from $3,931 per person
Locations Visited
Rome, Vatican, Alberobello, Sorrento, Capri, Pompeii, Assisi, Verona, Venice, Trento, Milan, Baveno, La Spezia, Cinque Terre, Pisa, Florence ...more Rome, Vatican, Alberobello, Sorrento, Capri, Pompeii, Assisi, Verona, Venice, Trento, Milan, Baveno, La Spezia, Cinque Terre, Pisa, FlorenceBOOK WITH CONFIDENCE
BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE
✓ Lock in this trip with $250 deposit
✓ Refund Guarantee within 30 days of booking
✓ Flexible changes up to 60 days before your tour departs
✓ Lock in this trip with $250 deposit
✓ Refund Guarantee within 30 days of booking
✓ Flexible changes up to 60 days before your tour departs
-
Day 1
Welcome to Rome
Blaze a trail through la bella Italia – your epic journey begins in Rome, once the powerful capital of the world and yours to explore before meeting your travel companions and Travel Director for a Welcome Reception and orientation drive introducing you to some of the city's iconic and unexpected highlights.
-
Day 2
Explore Ancient Rome and the Vatican City
Follow in the footsteps of the pilgrims who for centuries have flocked to Vatican City. Visit St. Peter's Basilica, one of the holiest sites in Christendom, joining a Local Specialist for an included sightseeing tour. See Michelangelo's magnificent Pietà, hewn from a perfect block of Carrara marble. Then, venture into Ancient Rome to see Circus Maximus, where the thundering noise of chariot races once filled the air. The afternoon is yours to explore at leisure. Sit on the Spanish Steps, shop up a storm on Via Veneto or continue your encounter with Ancient Rome on Palatine Hill to see the Temple of Apollo and Flavian Palace, among other excavations.
-
Day 3
Journey to the Alberobello Region
We travel east through the mountains of Campania to the orange and olive groves of Puglia on the Adriatic coast, our home for the next two nights. This evening, we enjoy a delicious local dinner at our hotel.
-
Day 4
Admire Alberobello’s Iconic Architecture Connect with Locals
Enjoy a morning at leisure. Consider an Optional Experience or relax with a swim at your hotel. This afternoon, the conical limestone houses of Alberobello take centre stage during our guided tour with a Local Specialist. Here, we’ll see the UNESCO-listed collection of almost 1,500 trulli dating back to the 14th century. This evening, we Connect With Locals with a Be My Guest experience at a traditional masseria. Meet Signor Luciano for dinner on his Alberobello farm where you can taste seasonal produce, including fresh almonds, cherries, tomatoes and olive oil.
-
Day 5
Onwards to Sunny Sorrento
The fresh aroma of lemons is your constant companion in the stunning coastal town of Sorrento, your home for the next two nights. View the bustling Piazza Tasso and Corso Italia before spending the afternoon at leisure. Kick back and sip delicious Limoncello di Sorrento, enjoy lunch in this picture-perfect town or spend the afternoon soaking up la dolce vita. Tonight we dine at our hotel.
-
Day 6
A Day on the Isle of Capri
Cruise the deep blue waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea to the beautiful Isle of Capri. Enjoy a guided tour of Capri town, watching the beautiful people sip cappuccino in the glamorous piazzetta.
-
Day 7
Uncover Pompeii's Ruins and on to Assisi Stays With Stories
Explore the tragic history of the ancient lost city of Pompeii with a Local Specialist. Gain a deeper understanding of what life was like in this Roman settlement that lay buried for centuries after Mount Vesuvius erupted. Continue your journey through the rolling green and golden fields of Umbria, arriving at the mystical hilltop town of Assisi. Meet your Local Specialist for a visit of the stunning Basilica of St. Francis, featuring exquisite frescoes by Giotto. We'll stay at one of Trafalgar's Stays With Stories - a fully renovated old Franciscan monastery.
-
Day 8
Onwards to Verona and Venice Stays With Stories
Celebrate the epic tale of Romeo and Juliet during this morning's visit to the fair city of Verona where you will view Juliet's Balcony and the Roman arena built in the 1st century. We venture to the Adriatic coast this afternoon bound for Venice. Our home for the next two nights is one of Trafalgar’s Stays With Stories – Hyatt Centric hotel, preserving the tradition of Murano glass art.
-
Day 9
Cruise the Canals of Venice Make Travel Matter
This morning start the day by observing the delicate craft of Venetian glassblowing that spans centuries. Your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience helps to preserve the traditions that have been handed down through the generations and you’ll be inspired to buy a souvenir to remind you of the talent and skill shared enthusiastically by the master craftsmen. Next you’ll glide by private launch along busy waterways to view the Bridge of Sighs, Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica before exploring the city on your terms. Stroll beside the Grand Canal, nibble on delicious cicchetti at a cosy bacaro or cross the lagoon for an Optional Experience to the colourful fishermen's Island of Burano.
-
Day 10
Journey to Northern Trento
This morning we traverse the pastoral Veneto plains to the sophisticated town of Trento, surrounded by the Dolomites. Once part of the Austrian Empire, this town exudes both classical Italian elegance and cultural influences from the north, which you can enjoy at one of its many beer halls or cafés. Consider sampling the delicious local apple strudel, then wander around Piazza Duomo before checking in to your hotel for the night.
-
Day 11
Explore Milan and on to the Italian Lakes
Continue west through Italy's stunning Lakes District to the sophisticated powerhouse of Milan. You’ll have some free time to explore on your own after an orientation of the city's iconic sights. See the exquisite Gothic Duomo, La Scala Opera House and the Galleria, one of the world's oldest shopping malls. We spend this afternoon on the quiet shores of Lake Maggiore, soaking up the pleasant lakeside atmosphere and exploring Baveno.
-
Day 12
Onwards to La Spezia
Enjoy a relaxed morning in the lakeside resort town of Stresa. Later, travel to the port city of La Spezia on the Ligurian Coast.
-
Day 13
La Spezia Your Way
Indulge in a full free day to soak up the laid-back atmosphere. Stroll along the waterfront or consider joining an Optional Experience to Porto Venere and the Bay of Poets where you’ll embark on an encounter with the cliffside villages of the Cinque Terre. This evening, we dine locally.
-
Day 14
Uncover Pisa and on to Florence
Travelling south through the unforgettable scenery of Tuscany, we arrive in Pisa to view its famous Leaning Tower before continuing to the Renaissance city of Florence. This afternoon is yours at leisure to wander through the grand squares and labyrinthine lanes of Florence, whose connection with the Medici family saw this city become one of the world's most cultural centres. Consider a visit to the Academy of Fine Arts to see the Michelangelo's statue of David, amble along the Arno River or ascend the stone steps up to Piazzale Michelangelo for spectacular views of the city.
-
Day 15
Discover Renaissance Florence
Join a Local Specialist this morning to view the city's finest masterpieces – the magnificent Duomo, Giotto's Bell Tower and the 13th-century Santa Croce Basilica, the final resting place of Michelangelo, Galileo and Machiavelli. Later, learn about the quality and workmanship of two of this city's historic industries at demonstrations of Florentine leathercraft and 18-carat gold. Then, spend the rest of the afternoon as you wish. Walk across the Ponte Vecchio which has straddled the Arno River for almost 700 years, or wander through the Renaissance Boboli Gardens, stopping for a slice or two of schiacciata along the way.
-
Day 16
All Roads Lead to Rome Dive Into Culture
Today we journey past the sprawling vineyards of Chianti and beneath the hill-towns of Umbria before arriving in Rome. This evening we Dive Into Culture on a tour of the extraordinary Vatican Museums with a Local Specialist, including views of Michelangelo's magnificent frescoed ceiling in the Sistine Chapel. Afterwards, we gain exclusive access to the Vatican's Anima Mundi Museum for an exclusive farewell dining experience surrounded by art from around the world as we toast to our adventure.
-
Day 17
Journey Home
Our epic encounter with Italy has come to an end. We say arrivederci to Rome and our newfound friends at the end of our Grand Italian Experience. Find out more about your free airport transfer at trafalgar.com/freetransfers.
Price 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 and surprise extras
- 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
Dining Summary
- 1 Welcome Reception (WR)
- 18 Breakfast (B)
- 8 Dinner (D)
Be My Guest
- Alberobello: Meet Signor Luciano on his Alberobello farm where you can taste seasonal produce, including fresh almonds, cherries, tomatoes and olive oil, as well as enjoy a local stone masonry demonstration at our Be My Guest dinner.
Dive Into Culture
- Rome: Enjoy a private visit inside the Vatican where you will tour the Museo Gregoriano Profano featuring Roman and Ancient Greek antiquities before an exclusive private dinner.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
- Venice: Learn about the history and ancient skill of Venetian glassblowing, playing your role in ensuring the survival of this traditional craft through your visit.
Must-see Highlights
- : VIP Admission to the Vatican Museums
- : Explore Rome, Alberobello, Capri, Pompeii, Assisi and Florence with a Local Specialist
- : Discover Venice and Milan
- : Visit St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel in Rome, the excavations at Pompeii, the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi and a glassblowing factory in Venice
- : View the ancient sites of Rome, St. Mark's Basilica in Venice, the Cathedral and La Scala Opera House in Milan, the Leaning Tower of Pisa and Santa Croce Basilica and the Duomo in Florence
- : Scenic Cruise to the Isle of Capri and by private launch to St. Mark's Square in Venice
Trafalgar Difference
- Assisi: Built to welcome pilgrims visiting Assisi, Hotel Cenacolo is a fully renovated old Franciscan monastery in nearby Santa Maria degli Angeli.
- Venice: Preserving the tradition of Murano glass art, Hyatt Centric Murano Hotel retains its industrial architecture, embodying the spirit of the glass blowers who once plied their trade there.
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 and surprise extras
- : 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
Dates & Prices
Prices shown are per person based on two people sharing a twin room. To request a personalized travel quote, click "Request Quote" and a Travel Specialist will send your custom quote including airfare if requested.
Online Booking Process
Financing from $/month
Optional Add-Ons
Optional Experiences are subject to change. Your Travel Director will supply you with a final list of Optional Experiences available on your trip. Optional Experiences cannot be booked online; they can be purchased during your trip through your Travel Director.
Rome
Available on Day 2
Piazzas and Fountains
Discover the most charming areas in the city with a Local Specialist. Wander through the labyrinth of narrow streets and beautiful squares of Rome's historic centre, leading to highlights such as the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon, as well as hidden corners of the Eternal City.
Adult Price: € 37
Available on Day 2
Roman Evening with Dinner
Tonight, spend a lively evening with us in Rome. After a short drive, we'll arrive at a characteristic trattoria to relax and enjoy a typical Italian meal, soaking up The Eternal City's unique atmosphere all the while.
Adult Price: € 62
Available on Day 3
Tivoli And Gardens Of The Villa D’Este
Visit the ancient Sabine town of Tivoli with our Local Specialist to enjoy the gardens and fountains of the Villa D’Este. We'll see its grottos and pavilions, the Avenue of a Hundred Fountains, and the Dragon Fountain of the Organ.
Adult Price: € 46
Note: On occasion, the price of this optional may increase due to group size.
Alberobello
Available on Day 4
A Guided Visit to Ostuni
With its stark, white-washed buildings, narrow cobbled streets and arched stairways, Ostuni is reminiscent of a North African Arab Medina. Set against three hills, 'The White Town' is a photographer's delight - and we'll get to explore it all with our Local Specialist on this exceptional trip.
Adult Price: € 35
Sorrento
Available on Day 5
Amalfi Coast and Positano
Come with us for a drive along the famous Amalfi Coast. You’ll have a chance to visit the exclusive artists’ paradise of Positano, which is magnificently positioned on the Mediterranean coast.
Adult Price: € 59
Available on Day 6
Dinner Neapolitan Style with Music
Join us for an evening of Neapolitan specialties at one of our favourite family-run restaurants. Savour local dishes all served up with the famous Neapolitan hospitality, music and zest for life.
Adult Price: € 65
Available on Day 6
Discover The Isle Of Capri
Experience the spectacular cliffs and famous turquoise waters of Capri during a relaxing cruise to the most beautiful part of the island, the southern side. View the beautiful grottoes and unique coastline before ascending to Capri town. This optional experience is weather dependent and may be replaced by a minibus tour of the Island with a visit to Anacapri and the Villa San Michele.
Adult Price: € 47
Available on Day 6
Sorrento Countryside and Farmhouse Meal
Join us at a traditional farm in the Sorrento countryside, where you'll visit the lemon groves, olive oil mill and see first-hand how mozzarella is made. Afterwards, enjoy the authentic flavours of home-produced cold cuts, marinated vegetables, fresh olives and more - all washed down with the local wine. The atmosphere is informal, as the family are welcoming you into their home.
Adult Price: € 53
Venice
Available on Day 8
Gondolas & the Grand Canal
Join us for a breathtaking cruise by private water taxi along Venice's Grand Canal. You'll admire the magnificent palazzi, catching a glimpse of the Rialto Bridge and St. Mark's Square. Later on, you'll glide gracefully on a gondola along Venice's dreamy, narrow waterways.
Adult Price: € 79
Available on Day 9
Lagoon Cruise to Burano with Food and Drinks
This afternoon, discover the Venetian Lagoon by private boat. You'll enjoy a delicious meal, with a selection of drinks, on the fisherman's island of Burano, famous for its multi-coloured houses - a photographer's paradise.
Adult Price: € 72
Available on Day 9
Venice's Secrets and St. Mark's Basilica
Explore the hidden maze of streets which make up this unique city as your Local Specialist gives you a fascinating insight into Venice's past and present. You’ll visit the majestic Basilica of St Mark, where you'll admire magnificent mosaics in one of the most ornate churches in the world.
Adult Price: € 38
Bolzano
Available on Day 10
Sudtirol and the Dolomite Mountains
Come with us as we follow the Adige Valley to Bolzano, capital of the southern part of the Tyrol, with our Local Specialist. You'll have time to shop in the arcaded streets, before taking a cable car to the top of the Renon. Boarding a century-old Alpine train, we'll enjoy incredible panoramas from this famous mountain plateau.
Adult Price: € 62
Milan
Available on Day 11
Treasures Of Milan
A fantastic opportunity to take in some of the highlights of elegant Milan. Amongst other sights, we'll visit La Scala, the world's most famous opera house, where Giuseppe Verdi, Maria Callas and others have left their mark. Our wonderful Local Specialist will bring the city’s eventful past to life.
Adult Price: € 45
Italian Lakes
Available on Day 12
Discover The Borromean Islands
We've organised a private launch to take you to the beautiful islands of Lake Maggiore. Here, you will meet with your Local Specialist to do a tour of the beautiful palace. You will explore the baroque gardens with its white peacocks and from where you can see the Isola Madre and the Isola dei Pescatori.
Adult Price: € 49
Note: This optional is only able to be operated between mid-March and the end of October.
La Spezia
Available on Day 12
Sarzana Dinner and Drive
Tonight we'll go off the beaten track to the alluring medieval town of Sarzana, a hidden gem. We’ve chosen an elegant venue, where you’ll enjoy dinner with drinks. Its distinctive ambiance is brimming with charm and unique character which make it a firm favourite with the locals.
Adult Price: € 68
Available on Day 12
Wine Tasting and Sarzana Visit
Near the ancient Via Aurelia, we'll visit a winery to learn about "vermentino" grapes, the pride of Liguria. We'll taste several wines paired with local morsels and tour the 18th-century country farm house. Then, we'll continue exploring the area, as we drive up to Sarzana, a small village found by the Romans with rich history and heritage.
Adult Price: € 49
Available on Day 13
The Cinque Terre and Porto Venere
Today, with our Local Specialist, we’ll visit the Bay of Poets and the beautiful Porto Venere, where we can admire the UNESCO-protected Cinque Terre. Still to this day, the villages retain their charm and reputation for producing some of Italy's most exclusive wines. In inclement weather, Porto Venere cannot be visited.
Adult Price: € 63
Florence
Available on Day 14
Dinner, Wine and Music in the Tuscan Hills
This evening we'll take a scenic drive to experience a fun and relaxed evening at a friendly, typical restaurant in the countryside. The chef will delight our senses with regional dishes, made with freshly-bought ingredients from the local farmers' markets. Your delicious meal will be accompanied by excellent wines from the vineyards for which this area is so well known. In short, a Tuscan dream come true in an authentic setting.
Adult Price: € 65
Available on Day 14
Tuscan Dinner at Villa Machiavelli
Through the Chianti hills, we'll drive past vineyards to a delightful hamlet. Our destination is the ancient stone house of Machiavelli, where the great political theorist wrote his immortal work, ‘The Prince'. After a welcome drink and a visit of the villa and its wine-cellars, we'll enjoy the best of Tuscan cuisine accompanied by great music and drinks, including of course, Chianti from the Villa's own vines.
Adult Price: € 68
Available on Day 15
Michelangelo's 'David' & Accademia
Enjoy an insight into the world of Michelangelo and his masterpiece, David. We'll visit the Academy of Fine Arts and its Michelangelo collection, where you'll learn all about the life and works of this immortal Renaissance genius through the expert commentary of our Local Specialist.
Adult Price: € 49
Note: This optional is subject to availability and involves reservations and entrance prepayments. If you decide to cancel this optional, a 50% cancellation fee will be incurred.
Available on Day 15
Bargello Museum Visit
Join us today for a visit to the Bargello museum, housed in one of the oldest and most intriguing buildings of Florence. As you'll learn from your Local Specialist, there was rarely a dull moment in this former barracks and prison! Learn how the Bargello has witnessed crucial episodes of history including fires, sieges and political executions. This fascinating building is now home to the National Museum and boasts awe-inspiring works by Donatello, Brunelleschi and Michelangelo to name but a few.
Adult Price: € 42
Available on Day 15
Discover Palazzo Vecchio
Marvel at the legacy of the Medici as you visit Palazzo Vecchio, the symbol of Florence's political power for over seven centuries. With our Local Specialist we’ll visit the wonderful "Hall of the Five Hundred", dedicated to the Medici popes. We’ll also visit rooms decorated with masterpieces by famous artists of the Renaissance like Michelangelo and Donatello.
Adult Price: € 42
Available on Day 15
Visit To San Gimignano
Join us for a panoramic drive to the nearby hilltop town of San Gimignano. Magnificently preserved from the Middle Ages, this little town, known as the 'Medieval Manhattan', is one of the most beautiful in Italy - a true gem. You'll also be treated to a delicious local gelato.
Adult Price: € 36
Reviews
Terms & Conditions
Click here to view Terms and Conditions for this guided vacation
Free Brochure
Order Your Free Brochure
Sign up to order your FREE travel brochure subscription and get exclusive offers only available to our subscribers
Request a Quote