Italian Discovery
Tour Type: Country Explorer
Brochure Type: TT & BV Europe Summer 2023 v2
All the iconic Italian cities and some lesser-known treasures like Turin and Ferrara are yours to discover during an epic 10 days in Italy. Learn why Rome was once the centre of western civilisation, raise a glass to la bella vita in Tuscany, and sample all those famous foodie flavours of Bologna.
Choice Highlights
Brochure Type: TT & BV Europe Summer 2023 v2
All the iconic Italian cities and some lesser-known treasures like Turin and Ferrara are yours to discover during an epic 10 days in Italy. Learn why Rome was once the centre of western civilisation, raise a glass to la bella vita in Tuscany, and sample all those famous foodie flavours of Bologna.
Choice Highlights
- VIP Admission to the Vatican Museums
- Explore Rome, Florence, Milan, Bologna and Assisi with a Local Specialist
- Discover Turin and Venice
- Visit St. Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel and the Colosseum in Rome, a glassblowing factory in Venice, the medieval city of Ferrara and the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi
- Scenic Cruise by private launch to St. Mark's Square in Venice
- 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.
- Tuscany: View the stunning landscape of Tuscany on your drive today.
- 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.
- Florence: See the area around Santa Croce Basilica, famous for the quality of its luxury goods, and witness a gold and leatherwork demonstration.
- Pisa: During an orientation, your Travel Director will show you the baptistery, cathedral and the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.
- Turin: See Turin's architectural highlights and natural landmarks on an orientation drive with your Travel Director.
- Como: Take in exquisite views of the lake and its alpine backdrop as you enjoy an orientation of this magnificent town.
- Milan: Explore Italy's renowned fashion capital with your Local Specialist. See the magnificent facade of Milan Cathedral, La Scala Theatre and the glass-vaulted shopping arcade of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, lined with luxury boutiques.
- Verona: During an exploration of Verona, see the well-preserved Roman Arena and Juliet's balcony in the courtyard of a Renaissance villa.
- Venice: Discover Venice with a Local Specialist. The construction of this fascinating city started in the 5th century after the fall of the Roman Empire. Also known as 'The City of Canals', Venice is one of Italy's most picturesque and intriguing destinations, with a beautiful surprise around every corner.
- Bologna: Join a Local Specialist on an exploration of Bologna. See the medieval squares and red-bricked facades of this historic 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.
- Rome: Gain early access to the Vatican Museums to marvel at the magnificent work of Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel.
- Florence: 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'.
- 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.
- 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
Call (800) 658-0869 for more information or to book today! Mention code 16968317
- Tour Operator
- Trafalgar Tours
- Duration
- 10 Days
- Escorted
- Escorted - Yes
Day | Destination | Description |
Day 1 | Rome | Ciao Rome: Tread in the footsteps of emperors - your first encounter with intoxicating Italy is the 'Eternal City' and its glorious past which you will have an opportunity to explore on your own before joining your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception. This evening, we enjoy an enchanting antipasto of our Italian Discovery during an orientation drive past some of the city's most famous sights. Villafranca |
Day 2 | Rome | Discover Ancient Rome and the Vatican City Dive Into Culture: Our exploration of Rome begins at the Vatican Museums where we have priority admission, allowing entry to view the masterpieces collected by Popes throughout the centuries. Dive Into Culture during an included sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist, admire Michelangelo's magnificent frescoed ceiling in the Sistine Chapel, and visit St. Peter's Basilica to see his famous Pieta. Crossing the Tiber, we venture to Ancient Rome to see where hundreds of thousands of spectators would cheer chariot riders to victory at Circus Maximus followed by a visit to the imposing Colosseum. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the magnificent sights of what was once the capital of the world, or kick back in a piazza soaking up the aromas of fine coffee while you watch the world go by. Villafranca |
Day 3 | Florence | Onwards to Florence Connect with Locals: Today we drive north through rolling Tuscan landscapes to the Renaissance city of Florence. Beauty and artistry seep through the walls of the city's exquisite palazzi, churches and bridges. Embark on a walking tour with your Local Specialist. Visit the Piazza della Signoria, which once lay at the heart of the flourishing Florentine Republic, then admire the exquisite marble Duomo and famous Baptistery renowned for its bronze doors with relief sculptures. Learn about the quality and workmanship of one of this city's historic industries at a demonstration of Florentine leathercraft. Later, enjoy some free time on your own before this evening, we Connect With Locals during dinner at a Be My Guest experience with Count Miari Fulcis on his 15th-century organic olive oil estate in the Tuscan hills. Ambasciatori |
Day 4 | Pisa and on to Turin | Admire Pisa and on to Turin: A short journey brings us to Pisa and its Square of Miracles, home to the famous Leaning Tower, ornate Baptistery and Cathedral. We continue northwards, past the marble quarries of Carrara and the resort hubs of Portofino, Rapallo and Genoa in Liguria before arriving in sophisticated Turin. This afternoon, we venture through the grand boulevards of this aristocratic city during an orientation drive which will reveal the impressive Castello del Valentino and Po River, the longest in Italy. Concord |
Day 5 | Lake Como and Milan | Journey to Lake Como and Milan: We leave Turin and continue to the Italian lakes for a stop at Lake Como. Then it's on to the economic powerhouse that is Milan, where we'll enjoy a walking tour with a Local Specialist to explore the city's spectacular sights. We view the ornate Duomo, one of the grandest Gothic cathedrals in the world, the ancient Galleria shopping arcade and the celebrated La Scala Opera House. This evening, join your companions for a delicious Regional Dinner at a local restaurant. Starhotels Business Palace |
Day 6 | Verona and Venice | Off to Historic Verona and Venice: Shakespeare's star-crossed lovers feature on our stop in Verona where we'll view Juliet's Balcony and the 1st-century ancient Roman arena still in use today. Crossing the Veneto plains, we arrive in what was once the haunt of Casanova and Marco Polo, enchanting Venice. Viktoria Palace Lido |
Day 7 | Venice | Explore the Floating City Make Travel Matter: Witness first-hand the exquisite tradition of Venetian glassblowing - a tradition that spans centuries. Your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience helps to preserve this age-old tradition passed down through the generations. You'll be tempted to buy a souvenir to remind you of their skill and talent after watching them work their magic. Later, board a private launch and cruise to St. Mark's Square, the gateway of Venice and our introduction to such sights as the Doge's Palace and the Byzantine Basilica. Enjoy free time to explore Venice. Wander through the labyrinthine alleys, over its bridges and into quiet squares, seeking out a quiet bacaro for some of the famous refreshing Venetian Spritz, which the locals love to take the edge of the heat of the afternoon. Viktoria Palace Lido |
Day 8 | Bologna | Continue to Beautiful Bologna: Visit the Renaissance city of Ferrara, before arriving in Bologna - perhaps more famous for its gourmet achievements than for being the site of the oldest university in Europe. Join a Local Specialist to explore the sights, including Neptune's fountain, the Kissing Towers and Piazza Maggiore. Of course, a visit to the home of tortellini, mortadella, tagliatelle and ragu would be incomplete without taking time to sample its delicious cuisine. Buon appetito! Best Western Plus Tower |
Day 9 | Rome | Venture to Assisi on the Return to Rome: Today, we cross the dramatic Apennine Mountains to the mystical town of Assisi. Come face-to-face with the legacy of St. Francis, founder of the Franciscan Order, during a walking tour of his home town with a Local Specialist. Visit the Basilica of St. Francis and see his tomb, before returning to Rome past the scenic hill-town of Orte. Tonight, we celebrate a journey of discovery through Italy during a Farewell Dinner with our companions and Travel Director. A. Roma Lifestyle |
Day 10 | Rome | Farewell Rome: Our journey together has come to an end so, for now, it's a fond arrivederci to your newfound friends at the end of your memorable Italian holiday. Find out more about your free airport transfer at trafalgar.com/freetransfers. |
- Dates/Pricing
- Disclaimer
- Twin prices are per person.
- These prices are correct at the time of the website going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking.
- All tour information is correct at time of tours going live, however is subject to change, please confirm all details at time of booking.
- For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Conditions page.
- Hotel Class Key: D: Deluxe SF: Superior First Class F: First Class