Grand Italian Experience
17 Day Italy Tour from Rome to Sorrento | Operated by Trafalgar
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17 Days
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2 Countries
Italy, Vatican City -
15 Cities
Rome, Vatican, Alberobello, Sorrento, Capri, Pompeii, Assisi, Verona, Venice, Baveno, Milan, La Spezia, Cinque Terre, Pisa, Florence -
24 Meals
8 Dinners, 16 Breakfasts -
Pace: Active
Faster paces with mix of 1–2-night stays in each location. Typically features 4+ miles of walking on some days and may involve steep hills and uneven surfaces, such as cobblestones.
Trip Itinerary
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 light supper and orientation drive introducing you to some of the city's iconic and unexpected highlights.
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. Stroll down the Spanish steps or sit in an outdoor cafe on the famous Via Veneto or continue your encounter with Ancient Rome on Palatine Hill to see the Temple of Apollo and Flavian Palace, among other excavations.
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.
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 center 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.
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. This evening we dine in a local restaurant.
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.
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.
We venture to the Adriatic coast bound for Venice. A city like no other in the world, you'll explore its canals and waterways during your time on the islands of the Venetian Lagoon, home to the artistic tradition of blown glass. Our home for the next two nights is one of Trafalgar’s Stays With Stories.
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 cozy bacaro or cross the lagoon for an Optional Experience to the colorful fishermen's Island of Burano.
Celebrate the epic tale of Romeo and Juliet during this morning's visit to the fair city of Verona and view the Roman arena build in the 1st century and famously used for opera these days. We spend this afternoon on the quiet shores of Lake Maggiore, soaking up the pleasant lakeside atmosphere and exploring Baveno. An Optional Experience takes you to dinner in an iconic setting on Lake Maggiore.
Relax on the shores of Lake Maggiore or take an Optional Experience to the Borromean Islands and soak up the incredible beauty of the Italian Lakes. Later, experience the fashion capital of Milan. Enjoy 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.
Enjoy the sunrise reflected on the picturesque Lake Maggiore, or take a leisurely stroll before your leave your lakeside resort. Later travel to the port city of La Spezia on the Ligurian Coast.
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.
Traveling 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 centers. 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.
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.
Today we journey past the sprawling vineyards of Chianti and beneath the hill-towns of Umbria before arriving in Rome. Tour the extraordinary Vatican Museums with a Local Specialist, including views of Michelangelo's magnificent frescoed ceiling in the Sistine Chapel. This evening, Roman flavors and ancient ruins take center stage as you dine at Ristorante Pancrazio, located just a stone’s throw away from where the Emperor Julius Caesar is said to have been assassinated. Toast your travels over a selection of signature Roman dishes handed down over four generations.
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.
Price Includes
What's 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
- - On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
- - 8 Dinners (D)
- - 16 Breakfasts (B)
- 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.
- Built to welcome pilgrims visiting Assisi, Hotel Cenacolo is a fully renovated old Franciscan monastery in nearby Santa Maria degli Angeli.
- 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.
- Learn about the history and ancient skill of Venetian glassblowing, playing your role in ensuring the survival of this traditional craft through your visit.
Optional Experiences
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.
Piazzas and Fountains (Available on Day 2)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 center, leading to highlights such as the Trevi Fountain, as well as hidden corners of the Eternal City.
Adult Price: €46 Roman Evening with Dinner (Available on Day 2)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: €71 Tivoli and Gardens of the Villa d’Este (Available on Day 3)Enjoy the gardens and fountains of the famous Villa d’Este. We’ll see its grottos and pavilions, the Avenue of a Hundred Fountains, the Dragon Fountain and the Fountain of the Water Organ.
Adult Price: €51 A Guided Visit to Ostuni (Available on Day 4)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: €38 Amalfi Coast and Positano (Available on Day 5)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: €66 Discover The Isle Of Capri (Available on Day 6)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 either the Villa San Michele or the Anacapri chairlift.
Adult Price: €52 Sorrento Countryside and Farmhouse Meal (Available on Day 6)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 flavors 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: €59 Dinner Neapolitan Style (Available on Day 6)Join us for an evening of Neapolitan specialties at one of our favorite family-run restaurants. Savor local dishes all served up with the famous Neapolitan hospitality and zest for life.
Adult Price: €74 Gondolas & the Grand Canal (Available on Day 8)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: €85 Venice's Secrets (Available on Day 9)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 discover tucked away squares and back streets local Venetians use to side-step the tourist throng and give you a sense of authentic life on the island of Venice.
Adult Price: €42 Lagoon Cruise to Burano with Food and Drinks (Available on Day 9)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-colored houses - a photographer's paradise.
Adult Price: €82 Dinner on Isola dei Pescatori (Available on Day 10)This evening escape to the charming and tranquil island of Isola dei Pescatori. A short boat ride from the shores of Lake Maggiore, this fisherman’s Island is inhabited year round by only 50 permanent residents. Stroll through the small piazza, surrounded by tight and winding alleys, to enjoy dinner at one of the Island's restaurants.
Adult Price: €73 Treasures of Milan (Available on Day 11)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: €49 Discover The Borromean Islands (Available on Day 11)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 magnificent palace. You will also explore the Island’s baroque garden with its white peacocks and vista terraces, from where you can enjoy privileged views of the Alps, the Isola Madre and the Isola dei Pescatori.
Adult Price: €54 Wine Tasting and Sarzana Visit (Available on Day 12)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 snacks and tour the 18th century country farmhouse. Then, we'll continue on to Sarzana, a small town on the old pilgrimage route of the Via Francigena, with a rich history and heritage.
Adult Price: €54 Sarzana Dinner and Drive (Available on Day 12)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 favorite with the locals.
Adult Price: €73 The Cinque Terre and Porto Venere (Available on Day 13)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: €68 Dinner in the Tuscan Hills (Available on Day 14)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: €74 Tuscan Dinner at Villa Machiavelli (Available on Day 14)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: €74 Michelangelo's 'David' & Accademia (Available on Day 15)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: €54 Discover Palazzo Vecchio (Available on Day 15)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: €46 Visit To San Gimignano (Available on Day 15)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: €40