Best of Italy

11 Days Rome Return
Best of Italy
Best of Italy
Best of Italy
Trafalgar
Trip Operated By:
Trafalgar
 (1,796) Reviews
Experience Italy, from first taste to final aria. In Rome, you’ll trace nearly 3,000 years of history through grand piazzas, weathered ruins and treasures tucked inside its churches. Near the Bay of Naples, you sit down to lunch on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius, tasting traditional produce grown in the region’s volcanic soil. Venice begins aboard a private boat drifting by churches and palaces before a gondola carries you along narrow canals. Your Italian adventure ends over dinner as singers perform much-loved operatic songs and arias, leaving the final notes hanging in the air before you say arrivederci.
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A$7,610 per person
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Trip Length
11 Days
Trip Starts
Rome
Trip Ends
Rome
5 Trip Reviews
All-Inclusive Level
Accommodation
4 - 5 Star
Budget
Premium
Age Range
5-99 Years
Max. Group Size
40
Guide Style
Fully Guided
Tour Code
E922
Countries Visited:

Itinerary

Welcome to Rome, a glorious city filled with classic antiquities, medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches. Settle in before joining your Travel Director and get to know your fellow travellers over Roman specialities during dinner at a local restaurant.

Accommodation: Golden Tulip Rome Piram
Included Meals: Dinner

The day is devoted to The Eternal City. Join a Local Expert for an in-depth visit to the Vatican Museums, full of priceless art treasures collected by the Popes. Visit the Sistine Chapel, where Popes are elected, to admire Michelangelo's famous ceiling, and see the beautiful exterior of St. Peter's Basilica.

Cross the Tiber river to enjoy ancient Rome. See the incredible Circus Maximus. Admire the beautifully preserved Arch of Constantine and discover the history, the construction and the legends of the iconic Colosseum on a guided visit. As you stroll with your Local Expert, imagine the gladiatorial battles and roaring spectators around the arena.

Later, perhaps continue your exploration of Rome to see the Pantheon and the stunning piazzas and fountains of Rome.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Continue this guided tour of Italy with a drive to the picturesque Chianti Hills and the historic city of Florence. Travel north from Rome, passing through the rolling landscapes of Lazio and into the heart of Tuscany.

This evening, indulge in a delicious meal at a local restaurant, savouring the authentic flavours of Florentine cuisine.

Accommodation: Starhotels Tuscany, Columbus Urban Resort
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Explore Florence with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the Accademia Museum and see Michelangelo's David. After, continue on foot to admire the multicoloured marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery, where Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise have been recreated in all their glory.

Continue into the Piazza della Signoria, still the political heart of Florence and an open-air gallery of Renaissance masterpieces. Spend time gazing at statues such as Neptune and Hercules and Cacus along the front of the Palazzo Vecchio. Alternatively, take a stroll with your Travel Director to enjoy a typical Italian treat in a local cafe.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Journey to the coastal town of Pisa and see the famous Leaning Tower in the Square of Miracles, as well as the baptistery and colonnaded bell tower behind the cathedral. Relax and enjoy the scenery as you cross the spectacular Apennine Mountains, passing through the Emilia-Romagna region, one of Europe's most intensely farmed and fertile plains.

Continue through the marshes of the Venetian Lagoon before crossing the causeway into the enchanting floating city of Venice. As evening falls, day-trippers leave the city to return to the mainland, allowing you to appreciate the peace and tranquillity of Venice from your centrally located hotel.

Tonight, indulge in a delicious dinner, savouring the unique flavours of Venetian cuisine.

Accommodation: NH Venezia Santa Lucia, Venice, Avani Rio Novo Venice
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Cruise by private boat on a journey of discovery past churches and palaces reflecting the rich architectural history of Venice from the 13th to the 18th centuries. Marvel at the intricate facades and learn about the stories behind these historical buildings. Arrive close to St. Mark's Square and stroll along the waterfront, passing the iconic Bridge of Sighs and the majestic Doge's Palace. It was from here that the infamous Casanova made his daring escape. Turn the corner into St. Mark's Square and be captivated by the grandeur of the basilica.

Afterwards, board a traditional gondola for a serenade along the romantic canals. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience and witness the artistry of expert glassblowers as they create beautiful, handcrafted glass pieces, preserving centuries-old techniques and traditions.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Continue your 11 days in Italy with a journey to the peaceful town of Assisi, nestled on the slopes of Mount Subasio and renowned for its medieval churches, vibrant frescoes and sun-dappled courtyards. In the valley, see the Church of St. Mary of the Angels, revered as the place of St. Francis' passing.

Then ascend to the upper town to meet your Local Expert. Step inside the monumental Basilica of St. Francis, a 13th-century marvel whose frescoes by Giotto marked a turning point in European art. Enjoy free time to soak up the serenity of Assisi. You might choose to stroll along Via San Francesco, lined with quaint stone buildings offering artisan foods, devotional keepsakes and locally crafted wares.

Accommodation: Giotto, Assisi
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Travel south, passing Cassino, the site of a fierce and pivotal battle during World War II.

Continue your journey along the spectacular clifftop road, offering breathtaking views, to reach the resort of the Sorrento coast. This charming area overlooks the Bay of Naples and provides stunning vistas of Mount Vesuvius. After checking in to your hotel, spend the rest of the day at your leisure, exploring the beautiful surroundings or relaxing in the comfort of your accommodations.

Accommodation: Isabella, Sorrento
Included Meals: Breakfast

Cross the Bay of Naples to reach the beautiful Isle of Capri, a rock rising sheer from the Mediterranean! For 2,000 years, Capri has beckoned visitors from Emperor Tiberius to Gracie Fields. Arriving at the Marina Grande by boat, ascend to Capri town. A Local Expert joins you for an exploration of the narrow alleyways. Browse in deluxe boutiques and wonder at the views over the Tyrrhenian Sea. Descend to the port by funicular railway and return to Sorrento, where you are at leisure for the rest of the day. Perhaps head to Positano for an exploration of the colourful Amalfi Coast?

Included Meals: Breakfast

Continue to Pompeii, the opulent Roman town that was preserved by layers of ash from the disastrous eruption of Mount Vesuvius in A.D. 79. A walk with your Local Expert through the cobbled streets and extensive excavations reveals the daily life of ancient Roman civilisation. Visit the Forum and peer into shops and patrician villas, decorated with colourful wall paintings.

Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience in Vesuvius National Park and visit Casa Barone. This small family-run farm on the slopes of the volcano is one of the world's only producers of Piennolo tomatoes, an endangered fruit that only thrives in the fertile volcanic soil. Each harvest is sustainably farmed and cared for by the extended Barone family, who all work here. Be sure to savour the unique flavours of this rare tomato during a truly unique Farm-to-Table lunch. Your journey continues to Rome.

In the evening, enjoy an elegant dinner with local wine at a Roman restaurant. As you dine, enjoy a private performance of popular songs and arias from some of Italy's best-loved operas.

Accommodation: NH Roma Centro, Rome
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Bid farewell to the glories of Italy, savouring the memories of its enchanting cities, historic landmarks and stunning landscapes. Italy's unique allure will linger in your heart long after you leave.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Trip Inclusions

  • Rome: Explore Rome's storied past as you see the sweeping Circus Maximus, once the largest stadium in ancient Rome and host to thrilling chariot races. Admire the Arch of Constantine, a triumphal monument built to celebrate Emperor Constantine's victory at the Battle of Milvian Bridge and gaze up at the Palatine Hill, the most central of Rome's seven hills and the site where, according to legend, Romulus founded the city.
  • Rome: Visit the Colosseum, still echoing with the thronging crowds and ghostly cries of gladiatorial combat.
  • Florence: Enjoy a stroll through Renaissance Florence and admire the medieval buildings that gave birth to this new style of architecture.
  • Florence: See the historic neighbourhood of the Santa Croce Basilica and witness local craftspersons at work during a gold and leatherwork demonstration.
  • Pisa: During your orientation, your Travel Director will show you the baptistery bristling with marble spines, and the colonnaded bell tower lurching behind the 11th-century cathedral - the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.
  • Venice: Witness the ancient skill of glassblowing, now practised by precious few masters. Watch artisans create delicate works of art using rare traditional practices. The workshop's artisans teach visitors about the traditional craft of glassblowing and its history which dates back to the 15th century.
  • Venice: Travel by boat along the Giudecca Canal as your Travel Director gives an orientation to Venice. Pass 13th to 18th-century palazzi, the Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Square, an iconic introduction to the city from the water.
  • Venice: Glide through Venice's canals on an iconic gondola ride, passing beneath historic bridges and past elegant palaces. Soak up the city's romantic atmosphere as your gondolier navigates the tranquil waterways, offering a unique perspective of this timeless floating city.
  • Assisi: See St. Mary of the Angels Church and join your Local Specialist to walk through the cobbled streets and beautifully preserved medieval laneways of this quaint town.
  • Assisi: With a Local Specialist, find out why the Basilica of St. Francis is considered one of the crowning achievements of Europe.
  • Capri: Cruise by jetfoil to this famous isle through beautiful blue Mediterranean waters.
  • Capri: Explore Capri town with your Local Specialist and see the whitewashed houses, winding alleyways, small cafes, fashionable boutiques and artisans studios.
  • Pompeii: Walk with a Local Specialist through the cobbled streets of this ill-fated town, frozen in time since the first century.
  • Vatican City: Visit the Vatican Museums and witness the genius of Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel.

Choose between two carefully selected activities

  • Florence: Join your Travel Director on a short walk to a local spot loved by residents. Sample a classic Italian treat and hear how it became a staple of the area. It's a chance to experience the flavours locals grow up with and return to time and again.
  • Florence: Stand beside Michelangelo's monumental statue, 'David', in the Accademia Gallery, and admire the exquisite technique and absorbing history behind the world's most famous sculpture.

  • Vesuvius National Park: Visit Casa Barone, a small family-run farm on the slopes of Mt. Vesuvius and one of the world's only producers of Piennolo tomatoes. Learn about their commitment to sustainability and taste the flavours of this special tomato during your Farm-to-Table lunch. Casa Barone cultivates the endangered endemic food species of Piennolo tomato as well as other traditional elements of the classic Vesuvian Countryside, using cultivation methods with low environmental impact. Through their production the farm prevents the local biodiversity from disappearing. This experience advances United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land.

  • Air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom
  • An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
  • Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
  • All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
  • We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door
  • From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with a local specialty representing the destination.
  • Complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi where available

  • Rome: Savour dinner at a uniquely Roman restaurant, offering a perfect exploration of Lazio's typical flavours.
  • Tuscany: Savour fantastic regional favourites as you relax over a leisurely dinner paired with local wine. Expect welcoming, countryside cooking that lets the fresh ingredients do the talking.
  • Rome: Enjoy a dinner of delicious Italian cuisine and wine, accompanied by the rich tremolo of some of Italy's best-loved songs.
  • Dining Summary: 5 Dinners (D), 10 Breakfasts (B), 1 Lunch (L)

  • Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
  • Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
Must-sees to Local Secrets
Must-sees to Local Secrets

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Connect with Locals
Connect with Locals

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Stay With Stories

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Trip Reviews (5)

Trafalgar Reviews
Reviews 5 Reviews
Average Rating 4.6 out of 5
5 Star
80%
4 Star
3 Star
20%
2 Star
1 Star
This was one of the best vacations I have ever taken! 1 , NSW, Australia, Jul 2015
This was one of the best vacations I have ever taken! The weather was nicest morning and evening, so I didn't take the mid-day optional extras, but all of the ones I did take were absolutely amazing. The hotels were great and the food was excellent, though not so much in some of the cafes we went to. That's not on the tour, though.
Fantastic tour and guide 1 , Australia, Aug 2014
The Best of Italy tour was fantastic. The tour guide was just amazing, and the coach driver was so patient, courteous, and kept the coach immaculate. The pace of the tour at times seemed overwhelming, however we heard our tour guide once mention in a conversation that we are on a tour, and not a holiday - and she was spot on in saying this. The intention read more of going on a tour is to see as many spectacular places as possible so then you can pick where to come back to and stay the next time you return to that country. The guided tours were worth doing because we were taken to the little hidden parts of Italy that we would never have been exposed to otherwise. Love Italy and will definitely return one day for a holiday at a personally chosen city - which will be very hard to decide on because the beauty of Italy is abundant.
Perfect from start to finish 3 , Australia, Jun 2013
Our 'Best of Italy' tour was perfect from start to finish. We booked this tour with Yvonne who was absolutely amazing. She was quick to answer all our questions and nothing was a problem for her. We are a family of four, two adults and two teenage children. The tour was for 10 nights and it was run by Insight Vacations. Our guide was Belinda who was read more terrific. She was an Australian lady living in Italy and her knowledge of the places we visited was outstanding. My husband and I thought the whole tour was very professionally run. The places we visited were stunning, there weren't too many people on the tour and getting into the attractions quicker than the general public was excellent (especially in peak season). Even my teenage children loved it. I was a little concerned that there wasn't going to be any other teenagers on the tour, but there were about ten which was great. We honestly couldn't fault anything. The hotels were amazing and in great locations. The bus was extremely comfortable. The optional excursions were well worth it, and let's face it, Italy is just bellissimo!
Saw many more sights than I expected 2 , Australia, Sep 2011
I found Georgie to be an excellent Travel Agent - always willing to answer my many questions about my Tour of Italy. The Insight 10 days Best of Italy was amazing, I saw many more sights than I expected - our Tour Guide was fun and very professional. When I go on another tour, I will be contacting Georgie at Global Journeys for any assistance that I need.
Hectic but enjoyable, we saw all that we wanted 2 , Australia, Sep 2011
This was the very first bus tour my husband and I had experienced. My husband had always said he would not go on one. Well he has now changed his mind. We had a wonderful tour. It was hectic but enjoyable and we saw all that we wanted. Our tour guide Belinda Richardson was an absolute gem. So knowledgeable and enthusiastic, we could not have had better. read more The bus with it extra legroom was much appreciated and the hotels generally were more than acceptable. The only hiccup was in Assisi, the meal was awful everyone complained, but all the rest were magnificent (not good for the waistline). So thank you Global Journeys for a wonderful trip. We certainly hope to do another one!
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Thursday 01 Apr 2027 01 Apr 27 Rome
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