Best of Italy

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Fully Guided Coach Small Group Scenic
Our Price From 4,213 Per Person
Exclusive Savings 118 Per Person
 Trip Length
11 Days
 Trip Starts
Venice
 Trip Finishes
Rome
11 Day Best of Italy Itinerary (Collette)
Countries Explored: Italy
Trip Operator
Trip Style
Exploration
Departures
Accommodation
4 Star
Max. Group Size
24
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
COL686

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on Collette's 11 Day Best of Italy. Be whisked away into the beauty and history of Italy when you journey to Venice, Florence, and Rome. Journey to the wine-producing Romagna countryside for a relaxing two-night stay in a wine resort, and visit the Republic of San Marino, an enclave state of Italy. See how gondola oars are crafted before cruising the canals of Venice on one yourself. Witness a performance of Vivaldi’s famous Four Seasons in the city he lived in. Explore Orvieto, an ancient Etruscan hilltop city. Try your hand at making Italian culinary classics...read more before sitting down to dinner. Discover Rome’s artistic masterpieces. Come along with us and embrace the history, culture, art and romance of this incredible country.

Itinerary

Welcome to enchanting Venice (UNESCO) with its 117 tiny islands surrounded by a latticework of 150 canals and 400 bridges. This evening, meet your fellow travelers over a welcome dinner. (D) Stay: Maison Venezia UNA Esperienze (3 Nights)

This morning, join a local guide for a walking tour of Venice's most iconic sights. Pause for the perfect view over the Bridge of Sighs and take in St. Mark's Square, adorned with marbled palaces and gilded basilicas. Travel by boat to Murano for an expert glass-blowing demonstration, a renowned tradition on the island.

Following an afternoon at leisure, delve into Venice's classical music heritage while attending a live performance of the Four Seasons composed by the great Venetian Antonio Vivaldi. (B)

This morning, explore the traditional Venetian craftsmanship behind one of the city's symbols: the sleek, iconic gondola boats. Visit a local Remèr oar-making workshop, one of only a handful still active in the city. Then, glide along the canals during a gondola ride. The afternoon is yours to explore more of the floating city. Perhaps you'll head out for your own treasure hunt in search of the city's hidden gems such as the whimsical Scala Contarini del Bovolo or the imposing Arsenal where the Republic of Venice built its merchant fleet and its commercial fortune. (B)

Say “ciao” to Venice as you journey towards the Romagna region, famous for its epicurean lifestyle and its joie de vivre. Spend the afternoon exploring Ravenna (UNESCO). During the darkness that enveloped the last days of the Roman Empire, Ravenna emerged as a center of power thanks to its strategic position. The city's rulers – the Byzantines, the Goths – adorned its churches with dazzling mosaics. During a guided walking tour, discover the city's most illustrious monuments. In the late afternoon, continue to your hotel nestled among vineyards in the Romagna countryside and settle in for your two-night stay.

This evening, be immersed in this bucolic setting during a wine-paired dinner at your wine resort hotel. (B/D) Stay: Borgo Conde Wine Resort, Romagna Countryside (2 Nights)

Grab your passport and journey to the landlocked Republic of San Marino, the fifth-smallest country in the world. Perched at the top of Mount Titano, the old town of San Marino (UNESCO) gives visitors sweeping views over the Adriatic Riviera and the gentle rolling hills of the Romagna countryside. Explore the Old Town's intricate system of fortification towers, walls, gates and bastions during time at leisure.

This evening, wrap up your stay in the Romagna Countryside with a tour of your resort's own winery, before joining the local chef for a hands-on cooking class centered on Romagna's typical piadina flatbread, and pasta staples such as handmade tagliatelle. Then, sit back and enjoy the results of your work for dinner. (B/D)

Today, travel to the Emilia region, Italy's foodie haven. During an Impact Moment, meet students and teachers at a vocational high school dedicated to the culinary arts and agriculture. Here, Italy's future chefs and farmers learn how to make Parmigiano Reggiano cheese according to traditional standards, dating back to the 1300s. Students also try their hand at aging balsamic vinegar, a generational process taking anywhere from 12 to 25 years. Enjoy a farm-to-table light lunch prepared by the culinary students using ingredients from the school's farm.

Later, continue to Florence (UNESCO), the “Cradle of the Renaissance” and your home for the next two nights. (B/L) Stay: Grand Hotel Cavour (2 Nights)

This morning, meet a local expert for a walking tour of a city that is a work of art all on its own. Your guide will highlight the Piazza del Duomo, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and the Baptistery. You'll also visit the Piazza della Signoria with its impressive Palazzo Vecchio. The remainder of the day is yours to explore Florence's cultural riches independently. Perhaps you'll visit to one of the city's many museums, such as the Uffizi or Academy Gallery, where Michelangelo's David is kept. (B)

This morning traverse southern Tuscany, the ancient land of the Etruscans. This mysterious civilization predated the Romans, who assimilated them, erasing most of their way of life, even though many early kings of Rome were Etruscans. By all accounts, they were an advanced society and culture. One of the Etruscans' most important cities was hilltop Orvieto.

Here, it's your choice! Join an expert local guide for an in-depth walking tour of the city -OR- enjoy free time to eat, drink, and dive into the local scene. Arrive in Rome (UNESCO) in the late afternoon and settle in for a three-night stay. (B) Stay: Ponte Sisto Hotel (3 Nights)

This morning, your extensive walking tour winds its way through Rome's medieval district, which developed organically from the ruins of the ancient city. This neighborhood is a charming combination of narrow cobbled streets, dark tufa stone, and repurposed Roman ruins. Ascend to the panoramic terrace of the Vittoriano with a combination of stairs and elevator to take in one of the city's most impressive views. Gaze upon the vestiges of the Roman Empire, from the Forum to the majestic Colosseum before making the most of a free afternoon in the Eternal City.

This evening, explore Rome's dynamic dining scene during a food tour in the bohemian Trastevere district. (B/D)

Delve into Rome's second Golden Age on a walking tour exploring the city's Renaissance and Baroque heritage, alongside views of the Pantheon and the oval-shaped Navona Square. Then, it's your choice! At your own pace, peruse the remarkable collection of antique Greek and Roman statuary of the Palazzo Altemps museum -OR- extend your walking tour with a challenging visit to the Castel Sant'Angelo fortress. Standing tall above the river Tiber, this imposing castle sheltered Popes and became the setting for Puccini's beloved Opera, Tosca.

The afternoon is yours. Perhaps you'll indulge in some shopping along Rome's Cola di Rienzo street or make your way to the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel and Saint Peter's Basilica. Gather tonight to toast the end of your Italian adventure during a farewell dinner. (B/D)

Your tour comes to a close today, leaving you with many fond memories of incredible Italy. (B)

Trip Inclusions

  • Let classical music transport you back in time during a concert of Vivaldi's famous Four Seasons.
  • Discover the craftsmanship behind the Venetian gondolas during a visit to a local Remèr oar-making workshop.
  • Be dazzled by medieval mosaics in Ravenna that gave inspiration to the poetry of Lord Byron and to Cole Porter's romantic song, Night and Day.
  • Glide under bridges and along canals during a gondola ride in Venice.
  • Embark on a walking tour featuring Florence's artistic and architectural gems.
  • Discover the long-lost Etruscan civilization during a visit to hilltop Orvieto.
  • Experience the flavors of Trastevere – Rome's medieval district – during a food tour dinner.
  • Participate in a hands-on cooking class dedicated to Romagna's piadina flatbread and tagliatelle pasta.
  • Taste traditionally made Parmigiano cheese and balsamic vinegar at a vocational school dedicated to culinary arts and agriculture.

  • Expertly crafted itineraries
  • 4-star+ accommodation
  • Skilled and engaging tour managers
  • Expert local guides with insider knowledge
  • Attraction entrance fees
  • Many meals full of local flavour
  • Unparalleled sightseeing
  • Enriching cultural experiences
  • Comfortable on-tour transportation
  • Hotel-to-hotel baggage handling
  • Plus, access to Wi-Fi hotspots on tour

  • This tour includes moderate physical activity. The itinerary blends some longer days with shorter days and more leisure time. Walking tours, as well as walking slightly longer distances, up stairs or on uneven walking surfaces should be expected.

  • Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
  • Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
  • Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
Small Group Explorations
Small Group Explorations

With a maximum of 24, dive deeper into your destination & access places and experiences that larger groups can’t. Read more

Travel Protection Plan
Travel Protection Plan

Purchase Collette's Travel Protection Plan, & you can cancel for any reason and get your money back! Read more

Private Airport Transfers
Private Airport Transfers

Private, chauffeur service is included for all air-inclusive Collette bookings. Read more

Trip Optionals These optional activities can be pre-booked & included in your trip price.

  • Location: Venice.
  • Guests departing from Australia & New Zealand can choose to prepay gratuities for their Tour Manager, driver(s), cruise staff when applicable, and local guides including those on optional tours. Gratuities for airport transfers, Tour Extensions, and any services not purchased through Collette are the responsibility of the traveler. In select cases where partner cruise lines automatically charge gratuities for cruise staff to traveler staterooms, Collette does not collect or distribute crew tips on behalf of the traveler. Transportation is not included
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Brochure

Collette Explorations (2025-26) Brochure

Collette Explorations (2025-26)

Explorations tours are all about getting closer to culture. Designed just for small groups, these tours help travellers dive deeper and access places that larger groups can’t reach. Connect with locals, build camaraderie with like-minded travel companions, and forge connections with local experts.

Availability USD USD

Sunday 08 Jun 2025
Wednesday 18 Jun 2025
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From: $5,399
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Sunday 22 Jun 2025
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From: $5,399 $5,291
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Sunday 31 Aug 2025
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From: $5,799
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Sunday 21 Sep 2025
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From: $5,799 $5,683
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Sunday 28 Sep 2025
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Sunday 19 Oct 2025
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From: $5,799 $5,683
Save $116 Inquire
Sunday 26 Oct 2025
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Sunday 02 Nov 2025
Wednesday 12 Nov 2025
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From: $4,899
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Sunday 07 Dec 2025
Wednesday 17 Dec 2025
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From: $4,299 $4,213
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Sunday 22 Feb 2026
Wednesday 04 Mar 2026
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From: $4,699 $4,605
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Sunday 08 Mar 2026
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Sunday 15 Mar 2026
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From: $4,899 $4,801
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Sunday 22 Mar 2026
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From: $5,299 $5,193
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Sunday 12 Apr 2026
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From: $5,699 $5,585
Save $114 Inquire
Sunday 19 Apr 2026
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Sunday 26 Apr 2026
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From: $5,699 $5,585
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Friday 01 May 2026
Monday 11 May 2026
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From: $5,899 $5,781
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Friday 22 May 2026
Monday 01 Jun 2026
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From: $5,899 $5,781
Save $118 Inquire
Sunday 08 Jun 2025
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Sunday 22 Jun 2025
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From: $6,799 $6,663
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Sunday 31 Aug 2025
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Sunday 21 Sep 2025
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From: $7,199 $7,055
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Sunday 28 Sep 2025
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Sunday 19 Oct 2025
Wednesday 29 Oct 2025
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From: $7,199 $7,055
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Sunday 26 Oct 2025
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Sunday 02 Nov 2025
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Sunday 07 Dec 2025
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From: $5,199 $5,095
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Sunday 22 Feb 2026
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From: $5,599 $5,487
Save $112 Inquire
Sunday 08 Mar 2026
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Sunday 15 Mar 2026
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Sunday 22 Mar 2026
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Sunday 12 Apr 2026
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Sunday 26 Apr 2026
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Friday 01 May 2026
Monday 11 May 2026
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From: $7,299 $7,153
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Sunday 03 May 2026
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Sunday 10 May 2026
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Friday 22 May 2026
Monday 01 Jun 2026
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Note
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Collette. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Collette. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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