From the villages of the Cinque Terre to Tuscany's medieval splendour, this is an adventure for those looking to indulge in all of Italy’s delights.
Walk through grand piazzas and winding lanes, stroll the canals of Venice and float past villas on Lake Como on this 2 week tour of Italy.
Marvel at the ancient grandeur of Rome and the Renaissance masterpieces of Florence alongside your expert local CEO (Chief Experience Officer) who will take care of the details, so you can travel at a leisurely pace and appreciate all the scenery, whether it’s sipping vino in Tuscany or sampling local delicacies within the walls of charming Montepulciano.
Experience the best of Italy in this all-encompassing tour!
Day 1: Rome
Arrive at any time on Day 1 of your tour. We recommend booking pre-tour accommodation to fully explore this magnificent city prior to meeting your CEO and fellow travellers in the evening.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 2: Rome
Learn about a different side of Rome alongside your guide, a newcomer to Italy, on this Migrantour - a social enterprise that trains immigrrants to give tours of the city with their own flair. Enjoy a rare insight into Italian society through an immigrant's eyes. From ancient landmarks to the history of migration to Rome, expect this to be a guided tour like no other.
Today, you can also opt to tour Vatican City, cross the river to charming Trastevere, eat some gelato in Piazza Navona, or swing by the Colosseum and Forum.
While you're here, why not rent a Vespa for the day? For the ultimat "la dolce vita" experience.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 3: Rome/Montepulciano
Travel to Montepulciano in the heart of the Tuscan countryside famous for producing delectable local pork, cheese, "Pici" pasta, and honey. It is also major wine producing area. Take in the stunning vistas, wander cobbled lanes, or opt to sample the local delicacies in small, family-run establishments. You'll also get the chance to explore the medieval and renaissance hill town with an orientation walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
Transport: You'll travel by train today for approx 2 hours from Rome to Chiusi. You'll also spend 30 minutes aboard a local bus from Chiusi to Montepulciano.
Climb aboard, take your seat, and get around like the locals do.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 4: Montepulciano
Spend the day in the Italian countryside. The famous wine-producing region is the perfect place for an optional vineyard tour and wine tasting, or a bike ride in the rolling hills.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 5: Montepulciano/Florence
Today, you and your group will continue on to Florence. Enjoy an evening walk to Piazzale Michelangelo for a fantastic panoramic view of the city and discover why this is the most famous and photographed vista. Also enjoy catching a glimpse of the Duomo, Piazza Indipendenza, Piazza della Signoria and the Ponte Vecchio.
Transport: You'll travel by bus today for approx 30 minutes before catching a 1 hour 30 minute train to Florence.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 6: Florence
With a free day, the choices are endless with the city yours to explore. Opt to visit the Duomo, David, the Uffizi Gallery, medieval Ponte Vecchio, or the Medici Chapels.
Check out the Mercato Centrale or any number of cafés and trattorias, or, if you came to shop, start at one end of the city and just keep going. There's beautiful architecture, famous museums, Renaissance art pieces and charming cobblestone streets everywhere. If you wish to go further afield, take a wine tasting bike tour up to Fiesole and the vineyards of Chianti.
For a truly local experience, indulge your inner gastronome on a culinary tour of the city.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 7: Florence
Enjoy a day trip to vibrant Siena. After an orientation walk around this medieval city, opt to visit Torre del Mangia, Battistero, il Campo, or the Duomo or to take a "passeggiata" and meet the Sienese locals. Return to Florence at the end of the day.
Transport: You'll travel by local bus today for approx 3 hours (1 hour 30 minutes each way) from Florence to Siena (and return).
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 8: Florence/Cinque Terre
Visit Pisa en route to the coast and check out its famous leaning tower. Wander the area and take photos to your heart's content. Opt to enter the Pisa Cathedral, or enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant before settling into the colourful, charming coastal paradise of Cinque Terre.
Transport: You'll travel by train today for approx 1 hour from Florence to Pisa, and for approx 1 hour from Pisa to La Spezia in the afternoon.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 9: Cinque Terre
With your national park pass included, today you can follow your CEO along centuries-old footpaths and mule tracks leading through olive groves, vineyards, and orchards on a full day hike, or hop on and off the train, experiencing each town on your own with your daily unlimited train ticket also included! Choose to rest in each of the 5 villages, sampling delicacies in each place, such as local pesto, espresso, or delicious gelato as you take in the beautiful coastal path between Riomaggiore and Monterosso.
Please note: Some popular hiking paths along the Cinque Terre have been temporarily closed due to water erosion and damage caused by landslides. Your CEO will guide you on the best, most accessible path for today's hike.
Transport: You'll travel by train today for approx 30 minutes from Spezia to Monterosso al Mare.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 10: Cinque Terre/Lake Como
Set out from Cinque Terre on a train journey with a few changes en route, passing through Milan and on to elegant Como Town, located on the shores of Lake Como. On the border with Switzerland, enjoy the spectacular backdrop of the snowy-peaked Alps with your arrival time set for the late afternoon. Take some time to explore this picturesque region laden with villas and lush gardens.
Transport: You'll travel by train today for approx 5 hours from La Spezia to Como.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 11: Lake Como
Spend the day on Lake Como with a day pass for the Lake Como boat. Explore the lake and its many elegant villas and towns, such as Bellagio with its shops, restaurants, and fine residences. In the afternoon, there is plenty of free time for soaking up the elegant atmosphere in one of the lakeside cafés or restaurants. Take some time for shopping — some of the finest Italian designers are to be found in Como's chic boutiques.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 12: Lake Como/Venice
Travel east to captivating Venice, the "city of canals," and enjoy an orientation walk over bridges and canals and view Piazza San Marco. There will be plenty of time to wander the narrow cobblestone streets and wide piazzas, crossing hundreds of tiny bridges and, of course, getting lost in Venice's labyrinth.
Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
Transport: You'll travel by train today for approx 5 hours from Como to Venice.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 13: Venice
Spend the day getting lost in Venice. Opt for a vaporetto (water taxi) ride to the islands of Murano and Burano, take a gondola under the Ponte Rialto (Bridge of Lovers), explore the Doge's Palace and Bridge of Sighs, or get lost in the twisting maze of the city. With so much to see and do, don't waste a minute -- get out and explore the "city of canals".
Day 14: Venice
Today is the last day of the tour so feel free to depart at any time. We recommend staying an extra day or two to fully experience all this beautiful city has to offer!
