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Wonders of Italy

11 Day Italy Tour to Cinque Terre, Florence | Operated by Trafalgar

  • 11 Days

  • 2 Countries

    Italy, Vatican City
  • 12 Cities

    Rome, Vatican, Lucca, Cinque Terre, Pisa, San Gimignano, Florence, Verona, Venice, Bologna, Assisi, Tivoli
  • 15 Meals

    4 Dinners, 10 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch
  • Pace: Comfortable

    Mainly 2–3-night stays in each location. Comfortable travel days with numerous stops. Requires 1-3 miles of walking per day that might involve some uneven surfaces, such as cobblestones and stairs.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Buongiorno Rome

Benvenuti a Roma! Open your heart to a whirlwind of fiery passion, antiquities and hearty flavors 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 light supper and orientation drive to see the bustling cityscape.

Hotel: Hotel Il Cantico 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.
Iconic Experience: Basilica of Santa Maria in Cosmedin Visit Discover Rome on a driving orientation and after-hours visit to the Basilica of Santa Maria in Cosmedin. Get up close to the legendary Mouth of Truth, an ancient Roman marble mask said to bite any liar who places their hand in the mask’s mouth. Dare to test the legend yourself and take one of the city’s most coveted photos.
Notes
Day 2: Discover Ancient Rome and the Vatican City

Dive Into Culture on an included sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist at the Vatican Museums. Admire the works of great masters – 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. Stand by the Colosseum for an in-depth description by your Local Specialist of one of the emblems of Ancient Rome, before a free afternoon.

Hotel: Hotel Il Cantico Rome
Included Meals: Breakfast
Dive Into Culture: Study the Masterpieces of the Vatican Museums Be inspired by the magnificence of Michelangelo and da Vinci at the Vatican Museums.
Iconic Experience: Rome City Tour Experience Rome through the eyes of a local, as a passionate Roman guides you past the city's most iconic sites.
Iconic Experience: Ancient 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.  
Notes
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.

Hotel: Best Western Grand Hotel Guinigi Lucca
Included Meals: Breakfast
Iconic Experience: Lucca Orientation Your sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist will show you the churches, squares and palaces within the medieval ramparts.
Notes
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.

Hotel: Best Western Grand Hotel Guinigi Lucca
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Iconic Experience: Cinque Terre Visit 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.
Iconic Experience: See Pisa's Landmarks During an orientation, your Travel Director will show you the baptistery, cathedral and the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Notes
Day 5: Onwards to San Gimignano and Florence

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.

Hotel: Grand Hotel Mediterraneo Florence
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Be My Guest: Enjoy Lunch, and a Chianti and Olive Oil Tasting with the Lenzi Family on their Wine Farm 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.
Iconic Experience: Visit San Gimignano Visit the medieval Manhattan of Italy as you explore the UNESCO-listed center of San Gimignano and admire the city's distinctive towers. 
Notes
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 piazzas, 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 the 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.

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.
Notes
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 the 1st century Roman arena, still used today to host spectacular operatic performances and wander along cobbled streets in the city of star-crossed lovers. We venture to Venice next, spending the leisure time searching for hidden treasures. Watch the sun set over the Venetian lagoon or perhaps join an Optional Experience.

Hotel: Hotel Le Boulevard Lido
Included Meals: Breakfast
Iconic Experience: Verona Orientation During an exploration of Verona, see Juliet's balcony in the courtyard of a Renaissance villa.
Notes
Day 8: Discover the Floating City

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.

Hotel: Hotel Le Boulevard Lido
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: Off to Bologna and Assisi

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.

Hotel: Hotel Cenacolo Assisi
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Trafalgar Difference: Stays with Stories Built to welcome pilgrims visiting Assisi, Hotel Cenacolo is a fully renovated old Franciscan monastery in nearby Santa Maria degli Angeli.
Iconic Experience: Bologna Orientation View Bologna's famed Kissing Towers and enjoy some time at leisure in this historic university city. 
Notes
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 travelers and Travel Director.

Hotel: Precise House Mantegna Roma
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.
Iconic Experience: Tivoli City Tour Join a Local Specialist on a sightseeing tour of Tivoli and the gardens of Villa d'Este. 
Notes
Day 11: Farewell Rome

It's time to say a fond arrivederci to Italy and our newfound friends after a memorable journey.

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
  • - 4 Dinners (D)
  • - 10 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.
  • Discover Rome on a driving orientation and after-hours visit to the Basilica of Santa Maria in Cosmedin. Get up close to the legendary Mouth of Truth, an ancient Roman marble mask said to bite any liar who places their hand in the mask’s mouth. Dare to test the legend yourself and take one of the city’s most coveted photos.
  • Experience Rome through the eyes of a local, as a passionate Roman guides you past the city's most iconic sites.
  • 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.  
  • Your sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist will show you the churches, squares and palaces within the medieval ramparts.
  • 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.
  • During an orientation, your Travel Director will show you the baptistery, cathedral and the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.
  • Visit the medieval Manhattan of Italy as you explore the UNESCO-listed center of San Gimignano and admire the city's distinctive towers. 
  • 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.
  • During an exploration of Verona, see Juliet's balcony in the courtyard of a Renaissance villa.
  • View Bologna's famed Kissing Towers and enjoy some time at leisure in this historic university 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 on a sightseeing tour of Tivoli and the gardens of Villa d'Este. 
Dive Into Culture
  • Be inspired by the magnificence of Michelangelo and da Vinci at the Vatican Museums.
Be My Guest
  • 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.
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.
Trafalgar Difference
  • Built to welcome pilgrims visiting Assisi, Hotel Cenacolo is a fully renovated old Franciscan monastery in nearby Santa Maria degli Angeli.

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 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 Roman Delights with Dinner (Available on Day 2)

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

Adult Price: €63 Dinner, Wine And Music In The Tuscan Hills (Available on Day 3)

We drive through the Tuscan countryside to a charming family-run winery and olive oil farm, where regional favorites 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: €70 Michelangelo's 'David' & Accademia (Available on Day 6)

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 6)

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 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 Secret Venice and the Doge's Palace (Available on Day 8)

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: €57 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