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Great Italian Cities

10 Day Italy Tour from Rome to Venice | Operated by Trafalgar

  • 10 Days

  • 2 Countries

    Italy, Vatican City
  • 8 Cities

    Rome, Vatican, Pompeii, Assisi, Florence, Pisa, Bologna, Venice
  • 13 Meals

    3 Dinners, 9 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch
  • Pace: Leisurely

    3 or more nights in 1 destination. Requires 1-2 miles of walking per day to participate in top sites primarily flat surfaces and with some stairs.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Rome

You're in for a bellissimo journey through the spectacular cities of Italy, which kicks off in the 'Eternal City' of Rome. Join your travel companions and Travel Director for a delightful Welcome Dinner. Your introduction to la dolce vita begins with an orientation drive past Rome's most magnificent sights.

Hotel: Grand Hotel Palatino Rome
Included Meals: Dinner
Iconic Experience: Rome Orientation During an orientation with your Travel Director see the medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches scattered throughout the city.
Notes
Day 2: Explore Ancient Rome and the Vatican City

This morning we join our Local Specialist for a very special experience as we Dive Into Culture in the smallest nation on earth - Vatican City. Explore the extraordinary collections of the Vatican Museums and stand beneath Michelangelo’s sublime ceiling in the Sistine Chapel, admiring the artistry of great masters and walking in the footsteps of popes who have found peace within the walls of this enclave for centuries. Visit the expansive St Peter’s Basilica before continuing to the Pontifical Villas of Castel Gandolfo, where you’ll enjoy a tour of the lush gardens and lunch in its beautiful surrounds before returning to Rome.

Hotel: Grand Hotel Palatino Rome
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Dive Into Culture: Study the Masterpieces of the Vatican Museums Be inspired by the magnificence of Michelangelo and da Vinci at the Vatican Museums.
Notes
Day 3: Rome Your Way

Enjoy a full free day to explore Rome your way, or consider an Optional Experience delving into the tragic history of Pompeii - the Roman city frozen in time by the devastating eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Your Local Specialist will bring the ancient story of this city to life before you return to Rome, passing by the Abbey of Monte Cassino, the site of fierce fighting during the Second World War.

Hotel: Grand Hotel Palatino Rome
Included Meals: Breakfast
Notes
Day 4: Admire Assisi and on to Florence

Journey north through the rolling hills of Umbria to the birthplace of St. Francis of Assisi. Here your Local Specialist will reveal the story of this most venerated figure on a visit to the Basilica of St. Francis, the final resting place of this famous saint and home to a wonderful series of frescoes by Giotto. Later we continue our journey through the scenic Tuscan countryside to Florence. Tonight, we Connect With Locals over dinner at a Be My Guest experience enjoying delicious specialties against the backdrop of picture-perfect olive groves and vineyards.

Hotel: Grand Hotel Mediterraneo Florence
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Iconic Experience: Visit the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi With a Local Specialist, find out why the Basilica of St. Francis is considered to be one of the crowning artisitic achievements of 13th-century Europe.
Be My Guest: Dine with Count Fulcis near Florence Eight generations of history with plenty of stories to tell. Enjoy a local Tuscan Be My Guest dinner with Count Miari Fulcis on his 15th-century organic olive oil estate in the Tuscan hills, used as a location for many famous films like 'Room with a View' and 'Tea with Mussolini'.
Notes
Day 5: Discover Renaissance Florence

Enjoy a leisurely encounter with the artistic and architectural marvels of Florence during your walking tour with a Local Specialist. Visit the striking Piazza della Signoria with its impressive sculptures and palazzi. Amble through the charming cobblestone lanes to the multi-colored marble Duomo and Baptistery, before admiring the scenic view of the Ponte Vecchio straddling the Arno River. Learn about the quality and workmanship of two of this city’s historic industries at demonstrations of Florentine leathercraft and 18-carat gold. Spend the rest of the afternoon sauntering through the historic center of Florence, shopping for high-quality leather for which the city is famous, or admiring the artistic contribution of the Medici at every turn.

Hotel: Grand Hotel Mediterraneo Florence
Included Meals: Breakfast
Iconic Experience: Florence City Tour 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.
Iconic Experience: Florence Leather Demonstration See the area around Santa Croce Basilica, famous for the quality of its luxury goods, and witness a gold and leatherwork demonstration.
Notes
Day 6: Uncover Pisa’s Treasures

After a morning at leisure in Florence, cross the fertile Arno Valley to Pisa and join a Local Specialist to visit the Square of Miracles, home to the incredible Leaning Tower and the iconic marble Cathedral. See the ornate Baptistery and the Camposanto, a monumental cemetery built on sacred soil brought back from the Holy Land during the Crusades.

Hotel: Grand Hotel Mediterraneo Florence
Included Meals: Breakfast
Iconic Experience: Visit Pisa with a Local Specialist Visit Pisa's Square of Miracles with a Local Specialist. Learn about the history of the iconic Leaning Tower and see the ornate Bapistry and Cathedral. 
Notes
Day 7: Journey to Bologna and Venice

Travel north, through the Apennines, to the medieval city of Bologna, perhaps best known for the delicious pasta sauce that bears its name. Your sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist includes views of the Kissing Towers which lean towards each other, seemingly poised to embrace. Then it's off to the romantic island city of Venice with its rich cultural and artistic heritage. Spend time at leisure gliding along its enchanting canals in a gondola or wander through the city's labyrinthine lanes, over bridges and into quiet campi.

Hotel: Hotel Principe Venice
Included Meals: Breakfast
Iconic Experience: Bologna City Tour Join a Local Specialist on an exploration of Bologna. See the medieval squares and red-bricked façades of this historic city.  
Notes
Day 8: Cruise Venice’s Canals

Savor the iconic and unexpected highlights of Venice as you cruise by private launch to St. Mark's Square to admire the Bridge of Sighs, Palladian churches, Customs House, St. Mark's Basilica and the ornate Doge's Palace. This afternoon, your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience will see you enjoy one of the city’s last remaining studios where you’ll gain insights into the delicate Venetian art of glassblowing. Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure admiring this city on water or consider an Optional Experience to the island of Burano where colorful fishermen’s homes line the canals.

Hotel: Hotel Principe Venice
Included Meals: Breakfast
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®: Learn about the History and Ancient Skills on Venetian Glassblowing Learn about the history and ancient skill of Venetian glassblowing, playing your role in ensuring the survival of this traditional craft through your visit.
Notes
Day 9: Experience Venice’s Food Market

Sites made famous in poetry, song and prose are explored today when we join a Local Specialist for a walking tour from our hotel along the canals to the famous Rialto Bridge, where all the flavors of Italy come to life at a centuries-old food market. Amble through the narrow calli of Venice and admire the beautiful architecture, walking over the Rialto Bridge before spending the rest of the day visiting the sights of your choice. Our love affair with Italy's great Italian cities comes to an end this evening as we enjoy a Farewell Dinner.

Hotel: Hotel Principe Venice
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Dive Into Culture: Discover a traditional food market by the famous Rialto Bridge Savor the vibrant atmosphere of Venice during a visit to a traditional food market in the shadow of the famous Rialto Bridge.
Notes
Day 10: Farewell Venice

For now, it's time to say a fond arrivederci to Italy and newfound friends who have shared in the memorable sights, sounds and flavors.

Included Meals: Breakfast
Notes
This itinerary is for reference only. Upon booking with GET, guests will receive tour documents which will list all confirmed hotels and itineraries based upon the guest's departure date.

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)
  • - Optional Experiences and free time
  • - On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
Dining Summary
  • - 3 Dinners (D)
  • - 9 Breakfasts (B)
  • - 1 Lunch (L)
Iconic Experience
  • During an orientation with your Travel Director see the medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches scattered throughout the city.
  • With a Local Specialist, find out why the Basilica of St. Francis is considered to be one of the crowning artisitic achievements of 13th-century Europe.
  • 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.
  • See the area around Santa Croce Basilica, famous for the quality of its luxury goods, and witness a gold and leatherwork demonstration.
  • Visit Pisa's Square of Miracles with a Local Specialist. Learn about the history of the iconic Leaning Tower and see the ornate Bapistry and Cathedral. 
  • Join a Local Specialist on an exploration of Bologna. See the medieval squares and red-bricked façades of this historic city.  
Dive Into Culture
  • Be inspired by the magnificence of Michelangelo and da Vinci at the Vatican Museums.
  • Savor the vibrant atmosphere of Venice during a visit to a traditional food market in the shadow of the famous Rialto Bridge.
Be My Guest
  • Eight generations of history with plenty of stories to tell. Enjoy a local Tuscan Be My Guest dinner with Count Miari Fulcis on his 15th-century organic olive oil estate in the Tuscan hills, used as a location for many famous films like 'Room with a View' and 'Tea with Mussolini'.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
  • 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: €44 Discover Pompeii (Available on Day 3)

Join our Local Specialist on a tour of the excavations of Pompeii, the perfectly preserved Roman town engulfed by Mount Vesuvius' eruption in AD 79. You'll witness the devastating destruction it had on the area and have the opportunity to go back in time to catch a glimpse of everyday Roman life, frozen for almost 2,000 years. We then return to Rome, passing the formidable Abbey of Montecassino, one of the greatest shrines of Christendom and the site of an epic battle in 1944.

Adult Price: €105 Roman Delights with Dinner (Available on Day 3)

Tonight, relax and enjoy typical Italian cuisine, soaking up Rome's unique atmosphere in a characteristic trattoria with drinks and music.

Adult Price: €63 Michelangelo's 'David' & Accademia (Available on Day 5)

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 5)

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 5)

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 Dinner in the Tuscan Hills (Available on Day 6)

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 6)

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 Gondolas & the Grand Canal (Available on Day 7)

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 Lagoon Cruise to Burano with Food and Drinks (Available on Day 8)

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 Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica (Available on Day 9)

Accompanied by a Local Specialist, you'll visit the magnificent Doge's Palace and its elegant courtyards, which were home to the rulers of the Venetian republic. Afterwards, enjoy a visit to the Byzantine Basilica of St. Mark the Evangelist, patron saint of Venice.

Adult Price: €60