Italian Highlights

Italian Highlights

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9 Days From

$997

Italian Highlights

9 Days Starting in Rome, Italy and ending in Venice, Italy

Visiting: Siena, Florence, Bologna, Venice, Padua

Tour operator:

Indus Travels

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 2

Physical rating:

EASY

Tour operated in:

English , Spanish
From: $997

NB: Prices correct on 21-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Italy with the "Italian Highlights" tour. This 8-day adventure begins in Rome and takes you through the enchanting regions of Tuscany, Emilia-Romagna, and Veneto. Explore the Gothic Cathedral in Orvieto, savor Brunello wine in Montalcino, and wander the medieval alleys of Siena. Discover the artistic treasures of Florence, taste local delicacies in Bologna, and marvel at the architectural wonders of Padua. The tour culminates in Venice, where you can enjoy a gondola ride along the Grand Canal. With daily buffet breakfasts, two dinners, and a car rental included, this tour offers a perfect blend of culture, cuisine, and scenic beauty.

Highlights

  • Explore Orvieto and discover its Gothic Cathedral

  • Taste famous Brunello wine in Montalcino

  • Admire the beauty of Piazza della Repubblica, Piazza della Signoria and Ponte Vecchio in Florence

  • Visit the amazing Palazzo della Ragione and Prato della Valle in Padua

  • Enjoy a visit to Piazza San Marco with the Basilica and the Clock Tower in Venice

  • Take a gondola ride along the Grand Canal in Venice

  • Discover the medieval alleys of Montalcino

  • Experience a guided walking tour of Siena

Itinerary

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Day 1: Rome Arrival - Orvieto - Perugia - Siena Area (-/-/D)

Location: Siena

Accommodation Name: Hotel in Siena region

Meals Included: Dinner

Upon arrival at Rome–Fiumicino International Airport \"Leonardo da Vinci\" make your own way to the car rental office to pick up your vehicle and depart for Orvieto. Here you will have free time to visit the town; do not miss the majestic Gothic Cathedral and St Patricks Well. Then continue to Perugia, a city rich in history and monuments and home of the Baci, the world-famous chocolates sweets with love phrases in their wraps. End your day in the Siena region.



Dinner and an overnight in the Siena region

Day 2: Siena Area - Montalcino - Pienza - Siena Area (B/-/D)

Location: Siena

Accommodation Name: Hotel in Siena region

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning after breakfast, depart for Val dOrcia, via beautiful scenic roads in the Tuscan hills, which have inspired many an artist. The first stop is at the village of Montalcino, best explored by walking through the medieval alleys: a tasting of the famous Brunello wine is scheduled here. Continue to Bagno Vignoni, a small Italian village with a hot springs pool located right in the central square of the village! The next stop will be at the small village of Pienza, a Renaissance masterpiece and UNESCO World Heritage Site also famous for its “pecorino”, a sheep's cheese, which you can taste in one of the many country shops. The last stop of the day will be in Montepulciano, where a visit to a wine cellar with a tasting of the typical local wine is included.



Dinner and an overnight in the Siena region

Day 3: Siena Area - Chianti - San Casciano - Florence (B/-/-)

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Location: Florence

Accommodation Name: Hotel in Florence

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, depart for Siena, for a guided city walk, you will see the famous shell-shaped Piazza del Campo and learn about the history and traditions of the famous Palio. After leaving Siena, immerse yourselves in the Chianti landscape, known worldwide for its wines. Driving along these roads will be a pleasure for the eyes and the mind, as you travel along the rolling hills and by fortified villages. Depending on your schedule you may want to stop for a walk in one of the many villages, such as Monteriggioni, Radda or Greve. This afternoon there will be a tasting of local olive oil and wine in San Casciano Val di Pesa. End the day in Florence.




Overnight in Florence

Day 4: Florence - Bologna (B/-/-)

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Location: Florence

Accommodation Name: Hotel in Bologna

Meals Included: Breakfast

In the morning after breakfast, spend the day discovering Florence. One of the most famous cities of art and history in the world and the cradle of the Renaissance, Florence is enchanting, romantic, and utterly irresistible. It is an incredible city to feast on world-class art and gourmet Tuscan cuisine. Florence is also where Italys fashion industry was born and bred. Here you may find many boutiques such as Guccio Gucci or Salvatore Ferragamo among other international labels. Although Florence is small, it looms large on the worlds “must-see” lists for its rich culture, history, faith, and food. The best way is on foot allowing you to see many of the most important symbols of the city; the Piazza della Repubblica, Piazza della Signoria, and Ponte Vecchio with its goldsmith's shops. (A food voucher is included to provide you with the opportunity to sample some typical local products at Godi Fiorenza.) This afternoon we recommend visiting the Cathedral with its famous Brunelleschi Dome, or one of the main museums: the Uffizi Galleries, with the masterpieces of the masters of the Italian Renaissance (Leonardo, Caravaggio, Raffaello, Tiziano, Botticelli and many others), or the Accademia Gallery, which houses Michelangelo's famous statue of David. Later in the day depart for Bologna.




Overnight in Bologna

Day 5: Bologna - Parma - Modena - Bologna (B/-/-)

Location: Bologna

Accommodation Name: Hotel in Bologna

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast depart for Parma, the heart of the Italian 'Food Valley', home of raw ham and Parmigiano Reggiano. Here, in addition to visiting the city, a food tour to taste the exquisite local products is strongly recommended. This afternoon, returning to Bologna, stop in Modena for a visit to a vinegar factory where you can sample their famous balsamic vinegar. Motor enthusiasts may want to make a detour to the nearby Ferrari Museum in Maranello.




Overnight in Bologna

Day 6: Bologna - Ferrara - Padua (B/-/-)

Location: Bologna

Accommodation Name: Hotel in Padua

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today after breakfast, we suggest spending the morning exploring Bologna, a food voucher is included to taste the typical local products. You may want to take the panoramic train to San Luca (the hill overlooking Bologna) for wonderful views. For food lovers, you can try your hand at a Bolognese cooking class with lunch at the home of a real 'sfoglina', one of those ladies who still make egg pasta by hand according to the ancient recipe. This afternoon we suggest a stop in Ferrara, a Renaissance city with a wonderful castle. End the day in Padua.




Overnight in Padua

Day 7: Padua - Venice - Padua (B/-/-)

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Location: Venice

Accommodation Name: Hotel in Padua

Meals Included: Breakfast

After Breakfast, we recommend spending today in Venice. Venice is best explored on foot and by water. Make sure to see some of the most famous places, the Piazza San Marco, the Basilica and the Clock Tower, the Rialto Bridge and Campo Santa Maria Formosa, the Doge's Palace, the famous Bridge of Sighs.  You can tour some of the traditional shops to see the craftsmen who create carnival masks in papier-mache, velvets and brocades, gold and silver jewelry, marbled paper, books and leather bindings and other wonders. Alternatively, you can take a boat trip to the islands in Venice lagoon: Murano, known all over the world for its glass; Burano, famous not only for its lace, but also for the picturesque fishermen's houses painted in bright colours and Torcello, the first settlement centre in the lagoon. This afternoon enjoy a gondola ride along the Grand Canal, the iconic Venetian wooden boat, will be shared with other passengers.




Overnight in Padua

Day 8: Padua - Venice (B/-/-)

Location: Padua

Accommodation Name: Hotel in Venice

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today after breakfast, enjoy the day at leisure. Perhaps spend the morning in Padua, less well known than nearby Venice and Verona, but no less interesting and full of treasures. Do not miss the Scrovegni Chapel with Giotto's frescoes; the St Antonys Basilica; Piazza delle Erbe, which houses the fruit and vegetable market, the beautiful Town Hall, and the amazing Palazzo della Ragione; and Prato della Valle, a grand triangular square adorned with statues and canals, which is said to be the second largest in Europe after Moscow's Red Square. Depart back to Venice and return your vehicle at Venice Marco Polo International Airport before heading to your hotel.




Overnight in Venice

Day 9: Venice - Usa / Canada (B/-/-)

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Location: Venice

Meals Included: Breakfast

After Breakfast, today make your own way back to Venice Marco Polo International Airport to check in for your onward flight.

What's Included

  • 08 nights Accommodation at listed hotels or similar

    Accommodation for 8 nights at the listed hotels or similar.

  • Daily buffet breakfast

    Daily buffet breakfast is included.

  • 02 dinners (Drinks not included)

    Two dinners are included, but drinks are not included.

  • 08-day car rental, Category Intermediate (Peugeot 108 Automatic or similar)

    An 8-day car rental of an intermediate category vehicle (Peugeot 108 Automatic or similar) is included.

  • Car Rental pick-up: Rome (Fco Mon-Sun hrs 08:00-20:00/ Termini Mon-Fri hrs 08:00-20:00)

    Car rental pick-up is available in Rome at specified locations and times.

  • Car Rental Drop-off: Venice (Mon-Sat hrs 08:00-22:00)

    Car rental drop-off is available in Venice at specified times.

  • Guided walking tour of Siena (English/Spanish guide)

    A guided walking tour of Siena with an English/Spanish guide is included.

  • 02 Wine Tastings

    Two wine tastings are included.

  • Olive oil tasting

    An olive oil tasting is included.

  • Balsamic vinegar tasting

    A balsamic vinegar tasting is included.

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What's Not Included

  • Items of personal nature, tips and gratuities

    Items of personal nature, tips, and gratuities are not included.

  • International driving license (mandatory for North American travelers)

    An international driving license is mandatory for North American travelers and is not included.

  • Visa fees if applicable

    Visa fees, if applicable, are not included.

  • Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is not included.

  • Local city taxes, to be paid directly at hotels upon check out

    Local city taxes must be paid directly at the hotels upon check out.

  • All items not mentioned as included

    All items not specifically mentioned as included are excluded.

Mode of Transport

Travel with an 8-day car rental, Category Intermediate (Peugeot 108 Automatic or similar), with pick-up in Rome and drop-off in Venice.

Accommodation

Enjoy 8 nights of accommodation at listed hotels or similar, with daily buffet breakfast and 2 dinners included.

Videos

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of vehicle is included in the car rental?

    The tour includes an 8-day car rental of an intermediate category vehicle, such as a Peugeot 108 Automatic or a similar model.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    The tour package includes daily buffet breakfast and two dinners. Drinks are not included with the dinners.

  • What guided tours are included in the itinerary?

    The itinerary includes a guided walking tour of Siena with an English/Spanish guide.

  • What tastings are included in the tour?

    The tour includes two wine tastings, an olive oil tasting, and a balsamic vinegar tasting.

  • Is a gondola ride in Venice part of the tour?

    Yes, a gondola ride along the Grand Canal in Venice is included in the tour.

  • Are there any food vouchers provided during the tour?

    Yes, food vouchers for Florence and Bologna are included in the tour.

  • What are the pick-up and drop-off locations for the car rental?

    The car rental pick-up is available in Rome at specified locations and times, and the drop-off is available in Venice at specified times.

  • What are some of the key highlights of the tour?

    Key highlights include exploring Orvieto and its Gothic Cathedral, tasting famous Brunello wine in Montalcino, admiring Piazza della Repubblica, Piazza della Signoria, and Ponte Vecchio in Florence, visiting Palazzo della Ragione and Prato della Valle in Padua, and enjoying a visit to Piazza San Marco with the Basilica and the Clock Tower in Venice.

  • What is the accommodation arrangement during the tour?

    The tour includes 8 nights of accommodation at listed hotels or similar, with daily buffet breakfast and 2 dinners included.

  • Are there any additional costs not covered by the tour package?

    Yes, items of personal nature, tips, gratuities, international driving license (mandatory for North American travelers), visa fees if applicable, travel insurance, and local city taxes to be paid directly at hotels upon check-out are not included.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    Yes, but only in case it was previously agreed by both sides and arranged by us.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Our e-document package includes all local contact details, daily itinerary, airline e-ticket information, service vouchers, and travel tips which should be everything you require to go on your trip.

  • If I need one, who is responsible to obtain my visa?

    You are responsible for obtaining the proper travel documents for the destinations on your itinerary, including having a passport that is valid for at least 6 months before the date of departure and a visa if required. Please check the Visa section in the Know Before You Go document for the countries you will be visiting.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    No, not as standard. Solo travellers can book and occupy their own room for a supplement.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    We have been organizing unforgettable trips since 2001.

  • Can I arrange flights via Indus Travels, too?

    In some cases, yes. Indus Travels can provide flights from/to selected departure points in the USA. If you would like a quote inclusive of flights, please let us know and we'll be happy to check the details for you!

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    Changes to an existing reservation up to the Final Payment Date, whatever the cause, will incur a $100 per person amendment fee, potential loss of any supplier fees (such as non-refundable event tickets, park permits, and sea cruise reservations) plus any costs for replacement services. On/ after the Final Payment Date, the $100 change fee is no longer valid, instead cancellations terms apply.

Reviews of this operator

Terry Kratz (Google Reviewer)  

Thanks to Indus and Nicko...

13-Sep-2024

Thanks to Indus and Nicko Cruise for a great trip down the Danube. I had not been on a river cruise prior to this and found it a very relaxing way to travel and see some European highlights. The ship was superb. The staff served great meals, were friendly and accommodating. As far as the tours and city visits, they all gave us a reasonable amount of time and insight into the location we were visiting to come away with a sense that we had a good glimpse of the city and were able to spend some free time in the city as well. A special thanks to Dhruv our fearless leader from Indus who was a great organizer. Lastly - nice to meet all of you in our group. terry

Joyce Elyse Baumbach  

The tour organized by Indus Travels ...

16-Dec-2022

The tour organized by Indus Travels was flawless. Hotels, tours, and transportation all impressed me. We had a very relaxing time knowing what was happening at each stage. The scenery and activities were fantastic and did not disappoint. The highlight of the trip was definitely Galapagos Islands.

Indus Travel Reviews
Sirjirick Gibson (Google Reviewer)  

This is my fourth Indus...

20-Aug-2024

This is my fourth Indus trip coming up. I love the way the app works. I love the way the trips are organized and small groupings. I love the accommodations. I love the transportation it’s just top-notch service for individual traveler. I just completed my fourth trip with This and I have already signed up for my up-and-coming fifth trip with Indus travel. Once again, I have to say the service of this is absolutely top-notch service. I am so grateful to have this opportunity to travel and style and comfort. The organization of this is top-notch service from start to finish.. I have to say this sales management and associate team is absolutely amazing which basically allows me to continuously book my trips through end this. My travel life is to travel to as many countries as possible, and it will all be done through excellent job. I would like to give a special thanks to Rachel P. And Ravi., I have been involved with Rachel for the past five years and I will continue to travel within due to the fact that she makes this such a pleasant experience. Great job to her..

Neeraj Nauhwaar (Google Reviewer)  

Booked Mystical Egypt tour with...

07-Dec-2023

Booked Mystical Egypt tour with them visiting Cairo and a 03 Nights Cruise from Luxor to Aswan in May. All services were perfect since the time we arrived at the airport, we were met by a hospitable Indus Representative who helped us with the purchase of local SIM and currency exchange. He was always there in time to assist for transfers. The Amwaj Cruise which we took from Luxor to Aswan was a Gem. We had great guides and all sightseeing worked like a clockwork. We enjoyed visiting Karnak Temples, Temples of Edfu, Kom Ombo and the boat ride to see Phillae Temple. Evening entertainment on cruise were great and engaging. In Cairo and Aswan, we had ample leisure time to explore on own, the Pyramids were impressive and visiting Khan e Khalili was fun. Overall and impressive and enjoyable tour, Thanks to Indus Travels!

Dhruv R (Google Reviewer)  

Recently went on a Rhine...

09-Jun-2023

Recently went on a Rhine River Cruise, a first for me. I must say the experience was exceptional, their tagline says. The group I was with were some of the most fun and interesting set of people I've ever traveled with. The ground transportation arrangements were top notch and comfortable. Variety in menu that we were provided with in the cruise was astounding. I was a bit worried if they'd have much options for me as I'm a vegetarian. But they not only had options, the taste was something I'd savor for foreseeable future. There's a reason Rhine cruises are popular owing to it's serene and picturesque route. Guided tours were very informative and gave us a bit of an insight of German culture. We had good amount of time to explore the towns on our own too. Strasbourg and Cochem were my favorite stops. Luckily the weather worked in our favour and it didn't rain the way it was predicted originally. No one from our group wanted the tour to end. If this trip was any indication, I can't wait to book my next trip with Indus Travels.

Dennis V (Google Reviewer)  

My wife and I travelled...

02-Jul-2024

My wife and I travelled with Indus on the essentials Portugal Spain Switzerland and Italy tour last October and had the time of our lives. The tour was very well planned we visited a lot of the highlights the countries had to offer. The tour went very smoothly with knowledgeable guides and courteous drivers. We would highly recommend travelling with Indus.

Gloria Parra (Google Reviewer)  

Indus Travel runs a highly...

04-Mar-2024

Indus Travel runs a highly professional organization. From customer service to brochures, bookings, tour guides, etc. and the consideration for their customers is superb. This was the first time I had travelled with Indus Travels. We took the Taste of Portugal Tour. Group numbers are small, accommodation comfortable and food excellent. The expert guide who accompanied us was outstanding - passionate, informative, engaging, and entertaining. This company is obviously at the heart of the itinerary planning, and attention to detail is second to none. I would highly recommend this company to anyone wanting a fun, relaxed, educational vacation with fine food - they will deliver! We will never forget this trip and we are already planning for another one to Wonders of Italy, Vienna, Budapest, and Prague.

Olivia  

Best of Italy

16-Nov-2022

Indus Travels did an excellent job planning the trip to Italy. We were on Best of Italy in Oct 2022. The tour was 5 stars all the way. The hotel accommodations were comfortable and clean & guides were top-notch.

Indus Travel Reviews
Kim Eisnor (Google Reviewer)  

We had an absolutely amazing...

12-Sep-2024

We had an absolutely amazing experience on our first ever river boat cruise. The itinerary and ports were incredible, the ship was beautiful, the food was great (especially Mario’s Grill), the excursions were excellent and the staff was lovely. We had such a memorable trip with our group and made lots of memories that will last a lifetime.

DJWalter Capote (Google Reviewer)  

We were looking for a...

07-Oct-2023

We were looking for a customized, small group tour. We took a chance on Indus without knowing much about the company. We just returned from our trip to Greece and are more than highly please and satisfied with our experience. They planned an amazing itinerary, booked amazing hotels, hired knowledgeable tour guides and arranged high quality transportation services. Everyone went above and beyond to please us. We are already planning a trip for next year (2024) and will definitely use Indus to do so.

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Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Indus Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 45 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of indus travels charges.

    Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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