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Wonders of Italy

Operated by: Trafalgar

11 Days from $2,813 per person
APR - OCT 2023
Italy Florence Cathedral Night

Countries Visited

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

Locations Visited

Rome, Vatican, Lucca, Cinque Terre, Pisa, San Gimignano, Florence, Verona, Venice, Bologna, Assisi, Tivoli ...more Rome, Vatican, Lucca, Cinque Terre, Pisa, San Gimignano, Florence, Verona, Venice, Bologna, Assisi, Tivoli
  1. Day 1 Buongiorno Rome

    Benvenuti a Roma! Open your heart to a whirlwind of fiery passion, antiquities and hearty flavours crafted by Italian mammas over centuries. Enjoy a leisurely first encounter with the 'Eternal City' before joining your travel companions and Travel Director for a Welcome Reception and orientation drive to see the bustling cityscape.

    meals Welcome Reception
    hotel Il Cantico
  2. Day 2 Discover Ancient Rome and the Vatican City Dive Into Culture

    Dive Into Culture on an included sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist at the Vatican Museums. Admire the works of great masters – the Bramante Staircase, magnificent frescoed ceiling in the Sistine Chapel and the sorrowful Pietà inside St. Peter's Basilica. In Ancient Rome, we see the Circus Maximus, where chariots thundered to the applause of thousands, before a free afternoon.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Il Cantico
  3. Day 3 Journey to Lucca

    We travel north to Lucca for a sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist to admire the 14th-century San Martino Cathedral and Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, built on the site of an ancient Roman arena. Relax in Piazza San Michele or ascend one of the city's ancient towers for panoramic views in your free time.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Best Western Grand Guinigi
  4. Day 4 Explore Cinque Terre and Pisa

    A sea of pastel pink, yellow and blue houses cling dramatically to the Ligurian cliffs in the villages of the Cinque Terre UNESCO World Heritage Site, which we will explore today on our included excursion. Join a Local Specialist and delve into daily life in these picturesque fishing villages. Later we visit Pisa and its UNESCO-listed 'Square of Miracles' to view the architectural feat that is the Leaning Tower.

    meals Breakfast, Dinner
    hotel Best Western Grand Guinigi
  5. Day 5 Onwards to San Gimignano and Florence Connect with Locals

    The gentle Tuscan landscape leads us to our next destination, the hilltop town of San Gimignano, famed for its stunning medieval architecture and historic towers, which stand today as a testament to the wealth and power of aristocratic families who lived here centuries ago. We Connect With Locals at a Be My Guest experience in a beautiful family-owned vineyard overlooking the rolling Chianti Hills. You will join the Lenzi family for lunch and wine and olive oil tasting on their farm located on the ancient road between Siena and Florence. Later arrive in Florence for an evening at leisure.

    meals Breakfast, Lunch
    hotel Grand Mediterraneo
  6. Day 6 Uncover the Treasures of Florence

    Discover Renaissance treasures, extraordinary art and exquisite architecture in one of the cultural capitals of the world. We join a Local Specialist who will bring the legacy of the influential Medici family to life. Walk along narrow lanes into expansive piazze, viewing the magnificent marble Duomo and a replica of the David statue in Piazza della Signoria. View the Ponte Vecchio, almost 700 years old, and admire spectacular panorama from Piazzale Michelangelo. You’ll also learn about the quality and workmanship of two of this city's historic industries at demonstrations of Florentine leathercraft and 18-carat gold. The rest of the day is yours to explore the 'Cradle of the Renaissance'. Visit the masterpieces of Michelangelo, wander through the architectural wonder of Palazzo Pitti or shop for high-quality leather and gold.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Grand Mediterraneo
  7. Day 7 Admire Verona and on to Venice

    Shakespeare's star-crossed lovers are remembered today during our jaunt to the romantic city of Verona where we will view Juliet's Balcony and the 1st century Roman arena, still used today to host spectacular operatic performances. We venture to Venice next, spending the afternoon at leisure searching for hidden treasures. Watch the sun set over the Venetian lagoon or perhaps join an Optional Experience.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Le Boulevard Lido
  8. Day 8 Discover the Floating City Make Travel Matter

    On this morning’s MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, we’ll witness the centuries-old tradition of Venetian glassblowing that has been passed down from generation to generation. You may wish to buy a souvenir to remind you of the talent and skill of the master craftsmen who delight in sharing with visitors how they’re preserving this local craft. You’ll see St. Mark's Basilica, the ornate Doge's Palace and the Bridge of Sighs next, imagining how prisoners felt when they gazed over Venice for the very last time before being imprisoned. Cruise by private launch to see the city's most iconic attractions before enjoying free time to explore the city on your terms. Wander through alleys, over ornate bridges and into quiet campi as you indulge your inner explorer and get lost in this enchanting city on water.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Le Boulevard Lido
  9. Day 9 Off to Bologna and Assisi Stays With Stories

    Travel through scenic countryside to the mystical town of Assisi, stopping en route in the city of Bologna to view its Kissing Towers that lean towards one another, seemingly poised to embrace. We continue to our hotel in Assisi, where we'll stay at one of Trafalgar’s Stays With Stories – a fully renovated old Franciscan monastery.

    meals Breakfast, Dinner
    hotel Cenacolo
  10. Day 10 All Roads Lead to Tivoli and Rome

    Discover the legacy of St. Francis of Assisi in his home town on the slopes of Mount Subasio. Join our Local Specialist for a visit to the Basilica of St. Francis, renowned for its beautiful frescoes depicting the life of this beloved saint. We continue to Tivoli for a guided visit with a Local Specialist of the UNESCO-listed terraced hillside Renaissance gardens of Villa d'Este. Wander past bubbling fountains, manicured hedges and ornate statues as you soak up the tranquil atmosphere of this historic hill town. This evening we enjoy a special Farewell Dinner with our fellow travellers and Travel Director.

    meals Breakfast, Dinner
    hotel Barceló Aran Mantegna
  11. Day 11 Farewell Rome

    It's time to say a fond arrivederci to Italy and our newfound friends after a memorable journey. Find out more about your free airport transfer at trafalgar.com/freetransfers.

    meals Breakfast
Wonders Italy 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)
  • 10 Breakfast (B)
  • 3 Dinner (D)
  • 1 Lunch (L)

Be My Guest

  • Florence: The Lenzi family invites you to join them for a Be My Guest lunch and a Chianti and olive oil tasting on their Tuscan wine farm which is located on the ancient road between Siena and Florence.

Dive Into Culture

  • Rome: Be inspired by the magnificence of Michelangelo and da Vinci at the Vatican Museums and enjoy an exclusive visit up the spiral staircase designed by the famous architect Donato Bramante in a part of the Vatican not open to the public.

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.
  • Lucca: Your orientation with your Travel Director will show you the churches, squares and palaces within the medieval ramparts.
  • Cinque Terre: Led by your Local Specialist, visit this unique UNESCO World Heritage Site, tucked away on the mountainous Italian Riviera coastline. Admire the charming fishing villages and perhaps snap some memorable pictures.
  • Pisa: During an orientation, your Travel Director will show you the baptistery, cathedral and the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.
  • San Gimignano: Visit the medieval Manhattan of Italy as you explore the UNESCO-listed centre of San Gimignano and admire the city's distinctive towers.
  • 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.
  • Verona: During an exploration of Verona, see Juliet's balcony in the courtyard of a Renaissance villa.
  • Bologna: View Bologna's famed Kissing Towers and enjoy some time at leisure in this historic university city.
  • 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.
  • Tivoli: Join a Local Specialist on a sightseeing tour of Tivoli and the gardens of Villa d'Este.

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, Lucca, Cinque Terre, Florence and Assisi with a Local Specialist
  • : Discover Pisa, San Gimignano, Verona and Venice
  • : Visit St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, a glassblowing factory in Venice, the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi and Villa d'Este Gardens in Tivoli
  • : View the ancient sites of Rome, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Santa Croce Basilica and Duomo in Florence, Juliet's Balcony in Verona, St. Mark's Basilica in Venice and the Kissing Towers of Bologna
  • : See the marble quarries of Carrara
  • : Scenic Cruise to Cinque Terre 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.

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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June 2023
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WINTER TRAVEL SALE
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

Lucca

Available on Day 3

Dinner, Wine And Music In The Tuscan Hills

We drive through the Tuscan countryside to a charming family-run winery and olive oil farm, where regional favourites are served accompanied by a selection of local wines and music. A truly unforgettable experience, with an atmosphere that is the essence of all things Tuscan.
Adult Price: € 65

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.

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

Available on Day 6

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

Venice

Available on Day 7

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 8

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 8

Secret Venice and the Doge's Palace

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. We'll also visit the Doge's Palace and its elegant courtyards, which were home to the rulers of the Venetian Republic.
Adult Price: € 52

Reviews
Service
Vacation
Independent Reviews
Carol Holloway
Review date: Wednesday, May 11, 2022
Service
Because our trip was postponed both for the fall of 2020 and 2021 and then rebooked for April/May 2022, your travel specialists were terrific (and very patient) in helping our group navigate through all the rebookings, etc., and in answering questions that always seemed to come up.
Vacation
The trip exceeded my highest expectations in every way. We had the best Travel Director, as well as WellBeing Director and Coach Driver. We had sunny blue skies every day. I loved all the places we were able to visit and all the knowledge and history our Travel Director imparted to us along the way. The optional experiences were excellent and well worth the additional money each time. The Be My Guest luncheon was an experience I'll always treasure, with our host and hostess being just as welcoming and charming as they could be, in the most idyllic setting. Would highly recommend this trip to anyone who has Italy on the bucket list!
Trusted Customer
Review date: Thursday, October 10, 2019
Service
Tour guide was amazing. She was energetic, funny, and was very helpful with any needs we had.
Vacation
Italy was fantastic. I feel the tour included all the things/places a tourist would want to see while giving us plenty of free time to explore on our own.
Trusted Customer
Review date: Wednesday, October 9, 2019
Service
They are always so willing to help when I call including some dietary restrictions which I needed help with on this vacation. My husband even received a call after our initial booking to change our flight times to ones which worked better for our schedule and reduced us to one connection from two. We will definitely recommend Grand European to others and consider future trips with them.
Vacation
We saw all of the greatest things Italy has to offer along with getting plenty of time to explore on our own and enjoy other parts of the city and countryside of this beautiful country.
Julian Eibin
Review date: Wednesday, March 27, 2019
Service
Booking was easy. Tour was wonderful. The only thing I didn't like was the added cost of the optional experiences. In the past these were included. The added cost did not make the trip a good value
Vacation
Fair value with added optional excursions
Dorothy Senner
Review date: Wednesday, November 21, 2018
Service
Through the years I have traveled with many tour groups to make a comparison. From now on, Grand European is my company of choice.I took two trips in the past six months and will be going again in March. The couriers (Mark in Canada and Frabizio in Italy) were so essential in making or breaking the trips. Both couriers were fantastic and the days from start to finish worked seamlessly. The itineraries of the tours were balanced: a very active day was followed up by more relaxing experience the following day. That's meticulous planning. I have nothing but praise for the tours I have taken with Grand European. I especially enjoyed the "Be My Guest" with the lovely--and beautiful--ninth generation owner of a grand mansion in the Chianti Hills who graciously served a delicious meal and then showed us through the manor. . Your tour provided excellent service. Well done!
Response from Grand European Travel:
Thank you so much for your positive comments! We are absolutely thrilled that you enjoyed both of your trips booked through GET. We truly appreciate your repeat business and hope to assist you again in the near future. Enjoy your trip in March!
Tuesday, November 27, 2018
Vacation
We were very satisfied with our tour. The accommodations were 3 star hotels when we were near the central attractions for accessibility in cities and 4 star when we were on the road to the next venture. Food was always very good--the breakfasts and dinners. The wine at dinner was a plus. The itinerary was well planned. We saw so many special places, in depth, not just "drive bys." Bus immaculate, driver excellent, couriers excellent, -- the tour was described as first class and we found it to be excellent.
Trusted Customer
Review date: Thursday, September 20, 2018
Service
Excellent in every respect. My questions and concerns were answered quickly and without delay. Also Trafalgar is an outstanding company. I hope in the future to engage your services for another trip. Albert Lazaro Garcia
Response from Grand European Travel:
How great to hear that you had such an excellent time in Italy! That makes our day.
Thank you for sharing.
Feel free to reach out any time about your travels. We're here to make your vacations as stress-free as possible, no question is too small and it's our passion to find you the perfect trip.
Monday, September 24, 2018
Vacation
The tour was fantastic and Trafalgar is an outstanding company in their tour offerings, plans, and customer satisfaction.
Trusted Customer
Review date: Saturday, August 18, 2018
Service
Their service was good. The trip was more strenuous than we thought.
Vacation
amazing itinerary. Needed some rest time. When free time, we were never near our hotel to rest.
Trusted Customer
Review date: Wednesday, June 6, 2018
Service
This was our first trip to Europe and they were with us every step of the way. Randy (our agent) was always available for questions or concerns and gave us really good advice. Yes! We would definitely travel with them again.
Response from Grand European Travel:
We're so happy that you had such a wonderful experience on your first trip to Europe! Randy is a wonderful agent, we'll be sure to pass along your compliment. Thank you for sharing your experience and for being a part of our travel family.
Wednesday, June 6, 2018
Vacation
The cost of the tour vs the places we experienced were right in line. We were pleased.
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