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Italian Holiday

Operated by: Trafalgar

7 Days from $1,950 per person
APR - OCT 2023
Italy Florence David Statue Face Italian Flag

Countries Visited

Italy, Vatican City ...more Italy, Vatican City

Locations Visited

Rome, Vatican, Venice, Verona, Pisa, Florence ...more Rome, Vatican, Venice, Verona, Pisa, Florence
  1. Day 1 Ciao Rome

    Indulge all your senses in the imperial city of Rome, your introduction to a memorable encounter with Italy which will have you returning for more. Spend your afternoon relaxing after your journey, or explore the ancient city streets before joining your Travel Director and travel companions for a Welcome Reception. This evening, we take an orientation drive past Rome's most magnificent sights which we will have an opportunity to explore tomorrow.

    meals Welcome Reception
    hotel Cicerone
  2. Day 2 Explore Ancient Rome and the Vatican City Dive Into Culture

    Our encounter with Rome begins in the Holy See as we Dive Into Culture with a visit to the Vatican Museums in the company of a Local Specialist to admire the masterpieces that have been collected by Popes throughout the centuries. Gaining priority admission, we admire the magnificent frescoed ceiling in the Sistine Chapel and then visit St. Peter's Basilica, the greatest church in Christendom, to see Michelangelo's sorrowful Pietà. Crossing the Tiber, we venture into Ancient Rome to view the Circus Maximus, once the site of thrilling chariot races. Spend a leisurely afternoon exploring Rome. Admire the Spanish Steps or toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain to secure your speedy return.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Cicerone
  3. Day 3 Journey to the Floating City of Venice

    This morning we venture north through the valley of the Tiber into the green and golden landscapes of Umbria. We pass the hilltop towns of Orte and Orvieto, travelling past Tuscany's terraced olive groves and across the Apennine Mountains bound for Venice, the 'Queen of the Adriatic'.

    meals Breakfast, Dinner
    hotel Novotel Mestre Castellana
  4. Day 4 Onwards to Verona Make Travel Matter

    Cruise by private launch into the heart of Venice this morning, where we will see the city's most celebrated sights including the Bridge of Sighs, St. Mark's Square, St. Mark's Basilica and the ornate Doge's Palace. Next we witness first-hand the intricate craft of glassblowing – your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience helps to preserve this precious Venetian tradition for generations to come. Beyond their talent and skill, you’ll admire the exquisite pieces Venice is famous for, perhaps choosing to take one home as a souvenir to remind you of this special visit. Soak up the pageantry and elegance of Venice before continuing to Verona, home of Shakespeare's ill-fated lovers Romeo and Juliet, where we'll spend the night.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Leopardi
  5. Day 5 Admire Pisa and on to Florence Connect with Locals

    Pisa's UNESCO-listed Square of Miracles is our first stop today, where we will have the opportunity to view the Leaning Tower before travelling on to Florence. Explore the birthplace of the Renaissance and home of the Medici dynasty, whose penchant for beautiful art and architecture created one of the cultural centres of the world. Tonight we Connect With Locals at a Be My Guest experience set against the backdrop of Tuscan vineyards and olive groves.

    meals Breakfast, Dinner
    hotel Grand Mediterraneo
  6. Day 6 All Roads Lead to Rome

    We join a Local Specialist today to delve into the rich medieval and Renaissance history of Florence. Our sightseeing tour will take us to the Piazza della Signoria with its impressive sculptures and imposing palazzi. Wandering through the narrow streets we encounter the multi-coloured marble Duomo, the famous Baptistery and the almost 700-year-old Ponte Vecchio, a spectacular feat of engineering from the Middle Ages which is today lined with jewellers. Our journey continues through Umbria to the valley of the Tiber River and back to Rome. Toast to a memorable holiday with newfound friends at a Farewell Dinner.

    meals Breakfast, Dinner
    hotel Grand Tiberio
  7. Day 7 Farewell Rome

    After breakfast, it’s time to say a fond arrivederci to Rome, Italy and your travel companions as you return home with wonderful memories of this magnificent destination. Find out more about your free airport transfer at trafalgar.com/freetransfers.

    meals Breakfast
Italian Holiday Guided Tour Map
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)
  • Optional Experiences and free time

Dining Summary

  • 1 Welcome Reception (WR)
  • 6 Breakfast (B)
  • 3 Dinner (D)

Be My Guest

  • Florence: The Pazzi and de Medici feud is brought to light in this visit to the 12th-century Castle of Trebbio where you will enjoy a traditional Tuscan Be My Guest buffet, explore the cellars, and indulge in olive oil and wine tasting.

Dive Into Culture

  • Rome: Gain early access to the Vatican Museums to marvel at the magnificent work of Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel.

Iconic Experience

  • Rome: During an orientation with your Travel Director see the medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches scattered throughout the city.
  • Rome: Experience Rome through the eyes of a local, as a passionate Roman guides you past the city's most iconic sites.
  • Rome: Discover ancient treasures of Rome with a passionate local. See Circus Maximus and the Ancient Forum, and stand beside the Colosseum, which bears witness to the limitless courage of the gladiators.
  • Tuscany: View the stunning landscape of Tuscany on your drive today.
  • Verona: During an exploration of Verona, see Juliet's balcony in the courtyard of a Renaissance villa.
  • Pisa: During an orientation, your Travel Director will show you the baptistery, cathedral and the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.
  • Florence: Join a Local Specialist to view the multi-coloured marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery, adorned by Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise. Visit the political heart of the city, Signoria Square.

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 and Florence with a Local Specialist
  • : Discover Venice, Verona and Pisa
  • : Visit St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel in Rome, and a glassblowing factory in Venice
  • : View the ancient sites of Rome, the Byzantine St. Mark's Basilica in Venice, the Leaning Tower of Pisa and Santa Croce Basilica and the Duomo in Florence
  • : Scenic Cruise by private launch to St. Mark's Square in Venice

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)
  • : 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

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July 2023
AARP Members Save up to $100
Jul 14 Fri
Jul 20 Thu
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Guaranteed Departure This departure is guaranteed
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRICE/PERSON
$2,125
AARP Members Save up to $100
Jul 14 Fri
Jul 20 Thu
AARP Members Save up to $100
Guaranteed Departure This departure is guaranteed
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRICE/PERSON
$2,125
August 2023
AARP Members Save up to $100
Aug 11 Fri
Aug 17 Thu
AARP Members Save up to $100
Guaranteed Departure This departure is guaranteed
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRICE/PERSON
$2,050
AARP Members Save up to $100
Aug 18 Fri
Aug 24 Thu
AARP Members Save up to $100
Guaranteed Departure This departure is guaranteed
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRICE/PERSON
$2,050
September 2023
AARP Members Save up to $100
Sep 8 Fri
Sep 14 Thu
AARP Members Save up to $100
Guaranteed Departure This departure is guaranteed
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRICE/PERSON
$2,195
AARP Members Save up to $100
Sep 8 Fri
Sep 14 Thu
AARP Members Save up to $100
Guaranteed Departure This departure is guaranteed
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRICE/PERSON
$2,195
AARP Members Save up to $100
Sep 22 Fri
Sep 28 Thu
AARP Members Save up to $100
Guaranteed Departure This departure is guaranteed
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRICE/PERSON
$2,195
AARP Members Save up to $100
Sep 22 Fri
Sep 28 Thu
AARP Members Save up to $100
Guaranteed Departure This departure is guaranteed
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRICE/PERSON
$2,195
October 2023
AARP Members Save up to $100
Oct 27 Fri
Nov 2 Thu
AARP Members Save up to $100
Guaranteed Departure This departure is guaranteed
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRICE/PERSON
$1,950
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 Delights with Dinner

Tonight, relax and enjoy typical Italian cuisine, soaking up Rome's unique atmosphere in a characteristic trattoria with drinks and music.
Adult Price: € 55

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

Venice

Available on Day 3

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

Verona

Available on Day 4

Discover Verona

During a leisurely walking tour our Local Specialist will bring the elegant streets and piazzas of Verona to life. Highlights include views of the mighty arena, the intricately carved tombs of the powerful Scaligeri family and the medieval market place.
Adult Price: € 33

Available on Day 4

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

Florence

Available on Day 6

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 6

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 6

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

Reviews
Service
Vacation
Independent Reviews
Yolanda Cruz
Review date: Monday, August 26, 2019
Service
Easy to book but had to continually update reservation especially 2 weeks up to travel date.
Vacation
Very fast paced, travel coach had no working bathroom & water should have been provided even with a charge as scarce to secure. Barely time to dress/shower b4 dinner nightly. Not long enough tour time In Pisa, Venice nor Verona.
Trusted Customer
Review date: Saturday, September 29, 2018
Service
most of the tour was good but the hotel for the last night was changed from what was listed and not for the better. a/c didn't work, had to bring our own luggage up to room - not the level of service we had paid for.
Response from Grand European Travel:
We do apologize for the last minute hotel change. The initial hotel was not able to accommodate the large group and other arrangements had to be made. We will be sure to pass on your feedback to our Quality Control team right away.
Monday, October 1, 2018
Vacation
too much time spent in coach travelling between places. paid for better hotels than we actually got in some cases.
Claudia Dijohn
Review date: Thursday, September 20, 2018
Service
We would definitely go on another Grand European vacation. Our tour guide was knowleegeable and funny.
Vacation
We saw a lot in a short amount of time.
Jennifer Varsik
Review date: Friday, July 6, 2018
Service
The communication was nonexistent once the purchase was completed. I had no idea Traflagar was the actual company providing the tour until I got an email from the guide while flying to Italy. We had no information regarding transfers to and from the airport. I had no documents with specifics. My emails were not responded to either.
Response from Grand European Travel:
We are sorry to hear about the confusion regarding the operating company and transfer information. We do try to be very clear on our website, brochures and payment receipts that this trip is operated by Trafalgar. The airport transfer information is included in your documents packet as well as in the daily itinerary of the trip itself. We do apologize if this information was not communicated more clearly to you.
Monday, July 9, 2018
Vacation
The trip was great, except for the stress at the airport looking for our transportation. The events of the trip had nothing to do with GET so I cannot give the company credit for excellent guide or tour events.
Andrea Martin
Review date: Thursday, June 28, 2018
Service
I was traveling with a friend and was not included in information until I called and specifically told them that my friend lives in Montana and I live in New York and I needed to be sent separate information. Not everyone is either a solo traveler or a couple and it would be nice for GET customer service reps to keep that in mind and for GET to be sure they're automatically sending info to each traveler. I also called to ask if they knew of any of the hotels on the trip providing laundry services. The customer service rep did what I could have done, which was to Google each hotel and read their website. What the customer service rep failed to do was check to see if overnight service was available as the only hotel we stayed at for two nights was the first hotel in Rome. In the end, I did the research myself and discovered that the answer was no, there was no hotel that could provide overnight laundry services. It would be nice to see GET able to provide a bit more information by thinking ahead to those minor details. I think that Trafalgar, who organized the trip, was not very good as a whole. The tour was too rushed with very minimal support from the tour director (who was clearly miserable and hated her job.) This was not a very happy tour experience for me and my friend and I can't imagine booking with GET or Trafalgar again in the future.
Response from Grand European Travel:
We do apologize that you felt excluded from receiving information about your booked trip. We do send booking information to all guests traveling provided we are given their contact information, email and address at the time the reservation is made. We do apologize that the trip fell short of your expectations. We appreciate your feedback and will be sure to share your comments and suggestions with Trafalgar's Operations team. We appreciate your feedback and will be sure to share your comments and suggestions with Trafalgar's Operations team. Thank you for brining these issues to our attention.
Friday, June 29, 2018
Vacation
I traveled on my own before and after joining the GET tour run by Trafalgar and I think that for the most part, I had better deals and a happier experience on my own. If you're going to do a tour, book hotels IN cities, rather than half an hour outside of them... or at the bare minimum, provide transport to those cities without making them "add on experiences." How disappointing to be outside of Venice and outside of Verona. Everyone I spoke to on the tour said they'd have happily paid more money to be in the cities, rather than paying what we did and having to find taxis or pay for the add on experiences to get to the cities.
Response from Grand European Travel:
We appreciate your feedback and will be sure to share your comments and suggestions with Trafalgar's Operations team.
Friday, June 29, 2018
Trusted Customer
Review date: Thursday, June 14, 2018
Service
GET’s service was good. I don’t think the rigors of the Active trip was accurately represented. Had no idea we had to get up at 5:30 am each day and go continuously until dinner. Also, tour director “hard sell” pushed the optional activities and there was nothing to do if you didn’t participate.
Response from Grand European Travel:
Thank you for your honest feedback. You are correct that a trip categorized as Active means a very fast paced mix of 1 and 2 night stays in each city and early starts. We do offer more leisurely paced options as well as River Cruises which may be more to your liking. Thank you for taking the time to write.
Friday, June 15, 2018
Vacation
For the price, all optional activities should have been included.
Bobbie Scallorn
Review date: Thursday, May 3, 2018
Service
The adverting brochures are misleading in they list all the different places and activities to be experienced but do not denote much of these activities are optional at additional cost. Otherwise the trip our travel adviser, Susan Williams and the entire experience was exceptional. Fast moving filled with all one would wish to do and see. I would have enjoyed another day in Florence and time for shopping.
Vacation
As I have already mentioned
Regina Pointer
Review date: Thursday, October 19, 2017
Service
Luca & Enzo were the best. We were able to see so much in such a short amount of time. Their professionalism stood out.
Vacation
Fair price for service and accommodations. The rooms were comfortable and meals pleasant.
Peggy Ledbetter
Review date: Friday, June 2, 2017
Service
Paperwork was all in place and sent to me before I went and now problems. Could have used more information cause I was a first timer and single traveler
Vacation
The travel Director from Trafalgar was very good and made me feel safe with her organization of the trip.
Trusted Customer
Review date: Tuesday, October 18, 2016
Service
This was my first time traveling to Europe and alone. It was a great experience and the people I met were great companions.
Vacation
I enjoyed meeting my travel guide Lynda Damico and Alfredo the driver of the tour bus. They were both always pleasant and Lynda is full of a wealth of information about Italy. You can feel the love she has for what she does and that makes a difference. I appreciate the organizational and time management of the tour and all that we were able to see in a short time. I was comfortable with the tour and would definitely travel with Grand European again. Thank you.
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