The Splendors of Italy
9 Days Starting and ending in Rome, Italy
Visiting: Rome, Siena, San Gimignano, Florence, Pisa, Venice
Tour operator:
Tour code:
6400-2024
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
5-99
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
You’ve dreamed about Italy—its magnificent architecture, majestic cathedrals, ancient ruins, world-class art, sumptuous cuisine and wine, and relaxing cafés—and now it is your time to experience it. On this affordable Italy tour, explore the most famous cities and discover the unique sights as you visit Rome, Siena, Montecatini, and Venice. This affordable Italy tour offers the opportunity to step back in time. Imagine what life was like in Rome 2,000 years ago, as the city was the political, social, and trading center of the Roman Empire. Imagine life during the Middle Ages as you explore San Gimignano’s medieval squares, town walls, streets, alleyways, and 14 towers still standing. Visit Florence—the Renaissance gem—with a walking tour featuring beautiful Piazza Signoria, the hub of Florence’s social and political life since the 14th century. On this affordable tour of Italy, you’ll discover some of its magnificent cathedrals. In Vatican City, wonder at the masterful St. Peter’s Basilica and square. In Orvieto, the Cathedral is a great example of Gothic architecture in Italy. In Assisi, where St. Francis was born, the world-famous Romanesque and Gothic Basilica is a permanent exhibition of Giotto’s frescoes. See Pisa’s Square of Miracles—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—with its three famous buildings (Leaning Tower, Cathedral, and Baptistery) that have historically been central to religious life. From a more secular viewpoint, experience a wine tasting in Greve, the capital of Chianti, and visit Venice, including a boat ride to St. Mark’s Square. Witness Venetian glassblowers create works of art just as they did centuries ago, and spend free time admiring the crisscrossing canals, the legendary gondolas passing under the arched bridges, the palaces, and the quaint piazzas. All of this and more—including views of the most scenic Italian landscapes—are included on this fabulous Italy vacation designed for the value-minded travel lover.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive In Rome, Italy
Location: Rome
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Grand Fleming Hotel
Meals Included: None
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 travel companions.
Day 2 : Rome
Location: Rome
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Grand Fleming Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.* * For operational reasons, schedule changes for the Rome program cannot be excluded.
Day 3 : Rome - Orvieto - Siena
Location: Siena
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Executive
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Journey to charming Orvieto in the Umbria region to visit the black basalt and travertine cathedral, an excellent example of Italian Gothic architecture. Reach Siena, with time to visit this Tuscan jewel. The focal point of the town is Piazza del Campo, a special square, famed all over the world for its medieval-style Palio horse race. Today’s Distance: 152 mi/ 245 km
Day 4 : Siena - San Gimignano - Greve - Montecatini
Location: San Gimignano
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Settentrionale Esplanade
Meals Included: Breakfast
Arrive in San Gimignano and discover one of Tuscany’s greatest attractions. Its medieval squares, town walls, streets, alleyways, and 14 towers are truly unique. Continue into the very heart of the Chianti vineyards, where Chianti Classico wines are produced. Stop in Greve for wine tasting at a local wine estate. Arrive in Montecatini in time to join the optional Tuscan farm dinner. Today’s Distance: 109 mi/ 175 km
Day 5 : Montecatini. Excurion To Florence
Location: Florence
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Settentrionale Esplanade
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Florence, the Renaissance gem and city of the Medicis will keep you enthralled the entire day. Wander at leisure and admire the city’s timeless beauty. Don’t miss out on the included walking tour with a Local Guide, which features special city highlights. You will see Piazza Santa Croce; beautiful Piazza Signoria; Palazzo Vecchio; Loggia dei Lanzi; and, to top it all, 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
Day 6 : Montecatini - Pisa - Venice Area
Location: Pisa
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Poppi
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, drive to Pisa and enjoy a mini-train ride to see the impressive Square of Miracles with the amazing Leaning Tower—180 feet high and approximately 4 degrees out of the perpendicular. Head across the wooded Apennine hills into the farmlands of the Po Valley to the Venice area. Today’s Distance: 236 mi/ 380 km
Day 7 : Venice Area
Location: Venice
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Poppi
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Venice is more like a magical film set than a real-life city, with its crisscrossing canals, gondolas and water buses, arched bridges, palaces, and piazzas. Your 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 works of art as they did centuries ago. Spend some time at leisure or join one of our optional excursions, such as the gondola trip, gliding along the picturesque canals with a local troubadour to serenade you.
Day 8 : Venice Area - Assisi - Rome
Location: Rome
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Grand Fleming Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Travel across the Po Delta, then into the green Apennines to Umbria. Stop in medieval Assisi, where St. Francis was born in 1182. Visit the town and the upper and lower basilicas with a Local Guide, then head for Rome. Today’s Distance: 317 mi/ 510 km
Day 9 : Rome
Location: Rome
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Stay at the Grand Fleming Hotel, Executive, Settentrionale Esplanade, Poppi, and American Palace Eur, offering modern amenities, traditional Tuscan cuisine, outdoor pools, and convenient locations near historic sites and transportation.
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Transport
Travel by coach through Italy, visiting iconic landmarks and cities such as Rome, Siena, Florence, Pisa, and Venice, with included mini-train rides and boat rides for a comprehensive and comfortable experience.
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Meals
Buffet breakfasts daily; 3 dinners.
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Guided Tours
Included introduction to Rome’s landmarks with a Local Guide, walking tour in Florence, and visit to Assisi with a Local Guide.
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Wine Tasting
Stop in Greve for wine tasting at a local wine estate.
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Venetian Glassblowing
Watch Venetian glassblowers create their delicate works of art as they did centuries ago.
What's Not Included
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Optional Excursions
Optional excursions such as the gondola trip in Venice are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and should be purchased separately.
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Airfare
International and domestic airfare to and from Rome is not included.
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Gratuities
Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.
UNESCO Sites
Assisi (the Basilica of San Francesco)|Historic Centre of Florence|Historic Centre of Rome - various properties Vatican City|Historic Centre of San Gimignano|Historic Centre of Siena|Piazza del Duomo Pisa|The great Spa Towns of Europe - Montecatini|Vatican City|Venice and its Lagoon
Meals
Buffet breakfasts daily; 3 dinners
Mode of Transport
Travel by coach through Italy, visiting iconic landmarks and cities such as Rome, Siena, Florence, Pisa, and Venice, with included mini-train rides and boat rides for a comprehensive and comfortable experience.
Check out our Q&As
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Are there any special activities included in Venice?
Yes, the tour includes a boat ride to St. Mark’s Square and a chance to watch Venetian glassblowers create their delicate works of art. There is also an optional gondola trip with a local troubadour to serenade you.
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What kind of accommodations can I expect on this tour?
You will stay at the Grand Fleming Hotel, Executive, Settentrionale Esplanade, Poppi, and American Palace Eur, which offer modern amenities, traditional Tuscan cuisine, outdoor pools, and convenient locations near historic sites and transportation.
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What is the significance of the visit to Assisi?
In Assisi, you will visit the town where St. Francis was born in 1182 and explore the upper and lower basilicas with a Local Guide.
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Is there a guided tour in Florence?
Yes, there is an included walking tour with a Local Guide in Florence, featuring highlights such as Piazza Santa Croce, Piazza Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio, Loggia dei Lanzi, Piazza del Duomo, and the magnificent East Doors of the Baptistry, known as the 'Gates of Paradise.'
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Are there any UNESCO World Heritage Sites included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes visits to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Historic Centre of Rome, Vatican City, Historic Centre of Florence, Historic Centre of San Gimignano, Historic Centre of Siena, Piazza del Duomo in Pisa, the great Spa Towns of Europe in Montecatini, and Venice and its Lagoon.
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What are some of the key landmarks visited in Rome?
In Rome, you will visit landmarks such as St. Peter’s Square, the Tiber River, the Caius Cestius Pyramid, the Aurelian Walls, the Caracalla Baths, the Circus Maximus, the Arch of Constantine, and the Colosseum.
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What type of transportation is used during the tour?
Travel is primarily by coach through Italy, with included mini-train rides and boat rides for a comprehensive and comfortable experience.
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Will there be any wine tasting opportunities?
Yes, there is a stop in Greve for wine tasting at a local wine estate in the heart of the Chianti vineyards.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1961
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Cosmos is committed to minimizing our impact on the environment and to reducing dependence on non-renewable resources. In this endeavor, we have implemented policies to support this mission and are working carefully to enhance our products with this mission and our values combined. We are committed to complying with all relevant legislation and/or regulations.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
All guests are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for travel through February, 2023. Beginning March 1, 2023, while we highly recommend vaccination, we will no longer require it. We ask all guests to comply with airline and destination requirements, which still may apply. To check your destination requirements for your travel dates, view the Latest Travel & Health Restrictions for Travel.
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Low Deposit
Cosmos requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of cosmos charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.