Overview
On your journey through Tuscany, watch the undulating hills, terraced vineyards, olive groves, and rural villages. More breath-taking scenery awaits at Lake Maggiore, one of Italy’s largest lakes. Located on the edge of the Swiss Alps, it’s the perfect place to relax and soak in the beauty. From here, you’ll even take an excursion to Lugano, a lakeside town in Switzerland. In southern Italy, witness breath-taking views of the crystal-clear, blue sea in the relaxing town of Sorrento, and take a day trip to Capri where the crashing sea has formed awe-inspiring caves.
History comes alive on this Italy tour. Visit Pompeii, which was completely buried during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. This preserved archaeological site gives you an amazingly detailed insight into ordinary life at the peak of the Roman Empire. In Rome, during the city sightseeing tour with a local guide, you’ll see the main sights, as well as Vatican City with St Peter’s Basilica.
In Genoa, boasting Europe’s largest medieval historical centre, see the remains of the city’s 17th-century fortifications. Visit St Francis’ Basilica in Assisi, a medieval town set in the Umbrian hills. Guided city sightseeing tours are planned in Rome, Florence, Assisi and Genoa. Your visit to Venice includes a boat trip to St Mark’s square to see the maze of canals forming this unique romantic city. These are just some of the many highlights of this affordable tour through Italy!
On your journey through Tuscany, watch the undulating hills, terraced vineyards, olive groves, and rural villages. More breath-taking scenery awaits at Lake Maggiore, one of Italy’s largest lakes. Located on the edge of the Swiss Alps, it’s the perfect place to relax and soak in the beauty. From here, you’ll even take an excursion to Lugano, a lakeside town in Switzerland. In southern Italy, witness breath-taking views of the crystal-clear, blue sea in the relaxing town of Sorrento, and take a day trip to Capri where the crashing sea has formed awe-inspiring caves.
History comes alive on this Italy tour. Visit Pompeii, which was completely buried during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. This preserved archaeological site gives you an amazingly detailed insight into ordinary life at the peak of the Roman Empire. In Rome, during the city sightseeing tour with a local guide, you’ll see the main sights, as well as Vatican City with St Peter’s Basilica.
In Genoa, boasting Europe’s largest medieval historical centre, see the remains of the city’s 17th-century fortifications. Visit St Francis’ Basilica in Assisi, a medieval town set in the Umbrian hills. Guided city sightseeing tours are planned in Rome, Florence, Assisi and Genoa. Your visit to Venice includes a boat trip to St Mark’s square to see the maze of canals forming this unique romantic city. These are just some of the many highlights of this affordable tour through Italy!
Itinerary
Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore this ancient capital. This evening, meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers.
The "Eternal City" is steeped in history, vibrantly alive and exciting, and absolutely unique! Start the included introduction to Rome's landmarks from St. Peter's Square with a Local Guide. Enjoy a drive along the iconic landmarks of the city: the Tiber River, the Caius Cestius Pyramid, the Aurelian Walls, and the Caracalla Baths. Complete the experience with a walk back in time from the Circus Maximus to the Arch of Constantine and to the fascinating Colosseum, symbol of the Roman Empire. Don't miss out on the opportunity to visit the treasures of the Vatican museum and the Sistine Chapel on our optional excursion. (B)
Vistas of rolling hills, rows of cypress trees, terraced vineyards, olive groves, and rural villages form the backdrop of your journey through beautiful Tuscany. Stop in Pisa, and take a mini-train ride to see the Square of Miracles with the amazing Leaning Tower. Arrive in Montecatini. Today's Distance: 249 mi/ 400 km (B)
Today, enjoy an included excursion to Florence. Your Local Guide will show you the city highlights on the walking tour. You will see Piazza Santa Croce; beautiful Piazza Signoria; Palazzo Vecchio and its courtyard and Loggia dei Lanzi. To top it all, marvel at the Piazza del Duomo and its cathedral with the Giotto Campanile, and the magnificent East Doors of the Baptistry, known as the "Gates of Paradise." Today's Distance: 62 mi/ 100 km (B/D)
Travel towards La Spezia, where you'll hop aboard the train to discover some of the five spectacular Cinque Terre villages. The beauty of the rugged cliffs and romantic fishing villages once inspired poet Lord Byron. From Levanto, head towards Genoa, birthplace of explorer Christopher Columbus. Today's Distance by coach: 114 mi/ 183 km (B)
Today's included guided tour is an excellent introduction to Genoa. A maze of squares and alleys, the city grew around the port, a natural inlet, and boasts the largest medieval historical centre in Europe. Next, head north into the plains of Lombardy, and stop in Milan to marvel at its magnificent Gothic Duomo. Then, continue to Baveno on Lake Maggiore. Today's Distance: 155 mi/ 250 km (B)
Time to relax and get to know Lake Maggiore, one of Italy's largest lakes, located on the very edge of Alpine Switzerland. On clear days, you can see the peaks of the Alps. Take advantage of the included excursion to visit Lugano in Italian-speaking Swiss Canton Ticino. Today's Distance: 124 mi/ 200 km (B)
Travel across the fertile Po River plain. Stop in the romantic city of Verona for some time at leisure, marvelling at the Roman Arena, shopping, or tasting some of the excellent local wines. Continue to the Venice area. Today's Distance: 224 mi/ 360 km (B)
Venice is more like a romantic film set than a real-life city, with its crisscrossing canals, gondolas and water buses, arched bridges, palaces, and piazzas. The included orientation starts with a boat ride to St. Mark's Square, and is followed by time at leisure and a chance to watch Venetian glassblowers create their delicate objects as they did centuries ago. Don't miss out on the optional gondola trip, gliding along the picturesque canals with a local troubadour to serenade you. (B/D)
Enjoy an interesting drive southward right across the Po Delta to Ravenna, renowned for its treasure of Byzantine mosaics, recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Continue to Assisi, enclosed by ramparts and little changed since the Middle Ages. This is the town of the deeply mystical and poetic St. Francis. Visit the Basilica of St. Francis with its famous frescoes by Giotto with a local guide, who brings history to life as you walk along the isles. Overnight in the beautiful area of Assisi, in the heart of Umbria. Today's Distance: 230 mi/ 370 km (B/D)
Travel to Pompeii, where time stopped for the rich, aristocratic town with the terrible eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. On the included guided visit of the archaeological site, see the remains of luxurious villas, temples, theatre, and the forum. Carry on to Sorrento, set on a plateau above the waters of the Bay of Naples. Wander the winding streets lined with shops and stalls, and perhaps stop for a limoncello, absorbing the easy-going lifestyle of this charming resort town. Today's Distance: 255 mi/ 410 km (B)
Enjoy a day trip to the legendary island, surrounded by a rocky coastline where the crashing sea has formed awe-inspiring caves. The town with its pretty piazzetta, maze of streets, fashionable boutiques, and cozy restaurants, is a mecca for the jet set. Explore on your own or take an optional island tour. (B/D)
Today, enjoy time at leisure or visit Positano on our exciting optional excursion, before returning to Rome. Today's Distance: 168 mi/ 270 km (B)
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore this ancient capital. This evening, meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers.
The "Eternal City" is steeped in history, vibrantly alive and exciting, and absolutely unique! Start the included introduction to Rome's landmarks from St. Peter's Square with a Local Guide. Enjoy a drive along the iconic landmarks of the city: the Tiber River, the Caius Cestius Pyramid, the Aurelian Walls, and the Caracalla Baths. Complete the experience with a walk back in time from the Circus Maximus to the Arch of Constantine and to the fascinating Colosseum, symbol of the Roman Empire. Don't miss out on the opportunity to visit the treasures of the Vatican museum and the Sistine Chapel on our optional excursion. (B)
Vistas of rolling hills, rows of cypress trees, terraced vineyards, olive groves, and rural villages form the backdrop of your journey through beautiful Tuscany. Stop in Pisa, and take a mini-train ride to see the Square of Miracles with the amazing Leaning Tower. Arrive in Montecatini. Today's Distance: 249 mi/ 400 km (B)
Today, enjoy an included excursion to Florence. Your Local Guide will show you the city highlights on the walking tour. You will see Piazza Santa Croce; beautiful Piazza Signoria; Palazzo Vecchio and its courtyard and Loggia dei Lanzi. To top it all, marvel at the Piazza del Duomo and its cathedral with the Giotto Campanile, and the magnificent East Doors of the Baptistry, known as the "Gates of Paradise." Today's Distance: 62 mi/ 100 km (B/D)
Travel towards La Spezia, where you'll hop aboard the train to discover some of the five spectacular Cinque Terre villages. The beauty of the rugged cliffs and romantic fishing villages once inspired poet Lord Byron. From Levanto, head towards Genoa, birthplace of explorer Christopher Columbus. Today's Distance by coach: 114 mi/ 183 km (B)
Today's included guided tour is an excellent introduction to Genoa. A maze of squares and alleys, the city grew around the port, a natural inlet, and boasts the largest medieval historical centre in Europe. Next, head north into the plains of Lombardy, and stop in Milan to marvel at its magnificent Gothic Duomo. Then, continue to Baveno on Lake Maggiore. Today's Distance: 155 mi/ 250 km (B)
Time to relax and get to know Lake Maggiore, one of Italy's largest lakes, located on the very edge of Alpine Switzerland. On clear days, you can see the peaks of the Alps. Take advantage of the included excursion to visit Lugano in Italian-speaking Swiss Canton Ticino. Today's Distance: 124 mi/ 200 km (B)
Travel across the fertile Po River plain. Stop in the romantic city of Verona for some time at leisure, marvelling at the Roman Arena, shopping, or tasting some of the excellent local wines. Continue to the Venice area. Today's Distance: 224 mi/ 360 km (B)
Venice is more like a romantic film set than a real-life city, with its crisscrossing canals, gondolas and water buses, arched bridges, palaces, and piazzas. The included orientation starts with a boat ride to St. Mark's Square, and is followed by time at leisure and a chance to watch Venetian glassblowers create their delicate objects as they did centuries ago. Don't miss out on the optional gondola trip, gliding along the picturesque canals with a local troubadour to serenade you. (B/D)
Enjoy an interesting drive southward right across the Po Delta to Ravenna, renowned for its treasure of Byzantine mosaics, recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Continue to Assisi, enclosed by ramparts and little changed since the Middle Ages. This is the town of the deeply mystical and poetic St. Francis. Visit the Basilica of St. Francis with its famous frescoes by Giotto with a local guide, who brings history to life as you walk along the isles. Overnight in the beautiful area of Assisi, in the heart of Umbria. Today's Distance: 230 mi/ 370 km (B/D)
Travel to Pompeii, where time stopped for the rich, aristocratic town with the terrible eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. On the included guided visit of the archaeological site, see the remains of luxurious villas, temples, theatre, and the forum. Carry on to Sorrento, set on a plateau above the waters of the Bay of Naples. Wander the winding streets lined with shops and stalls, and perhaps stop for a limoncello, absorbing the easy-going lifestyle of this charming resort town. Today's Distance: 255 mi/ 410 km (B)
Enjoy a day trip to the legendary island, surrounded by a rocky coastline where the crashing sea has formed awe-inspiring caves. The town with its pretty piazzetta, maze of streets, fashionable boutiques, and cozy restaurants, is a mecca for the jet set. Explore on your own or take an optional island tour. (B/D)
Today, enjoy time at leisure or visit Positano on our exciting optional excursion, before returning to Rome. Today's Distance: 168 mi/ 270 km (B)
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- 13 Breakfasts
- 4 Dinners
- Rome Ele Green Park Pamphili (Moderate First-Class)
- Montecatini Ambasciatori Palace (First-Class)
- Genoa Starhotels President (First-Class)
- Lake Maggiore Simplon (Superior First-Class)
- Venice Area Poppi (Superior Tourist-Class)
- Assisi Area City Hotel & Suites (Superior Tourist-Class)
- Sorrento Coast Central Park (Superior Tourist-Class)
- Rome Grand Fleming Hotel (First-Class)
- 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.
- 13 Breakfasts
- 4 Dinners
- Rome Ele Green Park Pamphili (Moderate First-Class)
- Montecatini Ambasciatori Palace (First-Class)
- Genoa Starhotels President (First-Class)
- Lake Maggiore Simplon (Superior First-Class)
- Venice Area Poppi (Superior Tourist-Class)
- Assisi Area City Hotel & Suites (Superior Tourist-Class)
- Sorrento Coast Central Park (Superior Tourist-Class)
- Rome Grand Fleming Hotel (First-Class)
- 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.
Enjoy inside visits to Europe's the must-see sites with a great mix of included excursions, free time and affordable value. Read more
Cosmos build free time into every one of their holidays, so you can eat, shop, and explore the way you want. Read more
Cosmos' easy going, fun-filled and multilingual Tour Directors and Local Guides love exploring as much as you do. Read more
Trip Reviews (35) View All Most Recent 'Italy's Best' Reviews
The majority of people on the tour were very friendly and came from Australia, USA, ...read more Canada and Scotland.
One of the main disappointments for me was the location of some of the hotels (not always in the city or town) so if you weren't doing all the excursions and wanted to explore on your own it was very difficult. My booking experience with Global Journeys was very good and I had no issues to speak of.
10/10 for our tour leader, Jian Luca. He ...read more was a wealth of knowledge, great personality, very vibrant, entertaining, fun and very competent. He had great attention to detail to make sure that he could provide anything we might have needed. In addition, the driver, Stefano, was very competent and about the best we’ve experienced. The local guides were also brilliant. Five star plus.
We loved the entire tour. The program was intense but not overly. Always something of interest, but with enough down time. Very well planned, and the opportunity to see quite a lot of Italy. All the accommodations were clean and comfortable. Each had its own charm.
Our overall rating of the trip is 10/10. We'll highly recommend it to the people we know. The itinerary is excellent because it encompasses all the regions of Italy. Thank you so very much Cosmos & team for having arranged the magnificent trip we took!!
Availability
Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Cosmos.
