Great Italian Cities
Great Italian Cities
View of Vesuvius from the forum in Pompeii, Italy
A beautiful view of Florence and the basilica, Italy
The rooftops of Assisi, Italy
St Mark's Square, Venice, Italy
The medieval city of Bologna in Emilia Romagna, Italy
$3150
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating journey through Italy's most iconic cities with the "Great Italian Cities" tour. Begin in the Eternal City of Rome, where you'll explore ancient wonders and the Vatican's artistic treasures. Travel through the picturesque landscapes of Umbria and Tuscany, visiting Assisi's Basilica of St. Francis and Florence's Renaissance marvels. Experience the charm of Pisa's Leaning Tower and the culinary delights of Bologna. In Venice, cruise the canals, witness the art of glassblowing, and engage in a meaningful conservation discussion. Enjoy exclusive experiences like dining with Count Miari Fulcis at his historic olive oil estate. With expert guides, luxury accommodations, and a focus on sustainable travel, this tour offers a rich blend of history, culture, and unforgettable memories. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Rome
Location: Rome
Accommodation: Grand Palatino
Accommodation Name: Grand Palatino, Crowne Plaza St. Peter's
Meals Included: Dinner
2025 marks a Jubilee Year, a momentous Roman Catholic event celebrated every 25 years, turning Rome into a center of celebration between December 24, 2024, and December 31, 2025. As festivities unfold, itineraries may be adjusted to ensure you make the most of your time as you visit the Eternal City.You're in for a bellissimo journey through the spectacular cities of Italy, which kicks off in the 'Eternal City' of Rome. Join your fellow travelers and Travel Director for a delightful dinner. Your introduction to la dolce vita begins with an orientation drive past Rome's most magnificent sights. ...more ...less
Day 2: Explore Ancient Rome and the Vatican City Dive Into Culture
Location: Vatican City, Colosseum, Rome
Accommodation: Grand Palatino
Accommodation Name: Grand Palatino, Crowne Plaza St. Peter's
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, join your Local Specialist for a very special experience in the smallest nation on earth - Vatican City. Explore the extraordinary collections of the Vatican Museums and stand beneath Michelangelo’s sublime ceiling in the Sistine Chapel, admiring the artistry of great masters and walking in the footsteps of popes who have found peace within the walls of this enclave for centuries. Visit the expansive St Peter’s Basilica admiring the ethereal artistry of Michelangelo's Pietà. Cross the Tiber and venture into Ancient Rome to visit the Colosseum.
Day 3: Rome Your Way
Location: Rome, Pompeii, Abbey of Monte Cassino
Accommodation: Grand Palatino
Accommodation Name: Grand Palatino, Crowne Plaza St. Peter's
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a full free day to explore Rome your way, or consider an Optional Experience delving into the tragic history of Pompeii - the Roman city frozen in time by the devastating eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Your Local Specialist will bring the ancient story of this city to life before you return to Rome, passing by the Abbey of Monte Cassino, the site of fierce fighting during the Second World War.
Day 4: Admire Assisi and on to Florence
Location: Assisi, Basilica of St. Francis, Assisi, Florence
Accommodation: Grand Mediterraneo
Accommodation Name: Grand Mediterraneo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Journey north through the rolling hills of Umbria to the birthplace of St. Francis of Assisi. Here your Local Specialist will reveal the story of this most venerated figure on a visit to the Basilica of St. Francis, the final resting place of this famous saint and home to a wonderful series of frescoes by Giotto. Later, continue your journey through the scenic Tuscan countryside to Florence. Tonight, enjoy dinner at a Be My Guest experience against the backdrop of picture-perfect olive groves and vineyards.
Day 5: Discover Renaissance Florence
Location: Florence, Piazza della Signoria, Florence, Duomo, Florence, Ponte Vecchio, Florence
Accommodation: Grand Mediterraneo
Accommodation Name: Grand Mediterraneo
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a leisurely encounter with the artistic and architectural marvels of Florence during your walking tour with a Local Specialist. Visit the striking Piazza della Signoria with its impressive sculptures and palazzi. Amble through the charming cobblestone lanes to the multi-colored marble Duomo and Baptistery, before admiring the scenic view of the Ponte Vecchio straddling the Arno River. Learn about the quality and workmanship of two of this city’s historic industries at demonstrations of Florentine leathercraft and 18-carat gold. Spend the rest of the afternoon sauntering through the historic center of Florence, shopping for high-quality leather for which the city is famous, or admiring the artistic contribution of the Medici at every turn.
Day 6: Uncover Pisa’s Treasures Connect with Locals
Location: Florence, Pisa, Square of Miracles, Pisa
Accommodation: Grand Mediterraneo
Accommodation Name: Grand Mediterraneo
Meals Included: Breakfast
After a morning at leisure in Florence, cross the fertile Arno Valley to Pisa and join a Local Specialist to visit the Square of Miracles, home to the incredible Leaning Tower and the iconic marble cathedral. See the ornate Baptistery and the Camposanto, a monumental cemetery built on sacred soil brought back from the Holy Land during the Crusades.
Day 7: Journey to Bologna and Venice
Location: Bologna, Kissing Towers, Bologna, Venice
Accommodation: Principe
Accommodation Name: Hampton by Hilton , Principe
Meals Included: Breakfast
Travel north, through the Apennines, to the medieval city of Bologna, perhaps best known for the delicious pasta sauce that bears its name. Your sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist includes views of the Kissing Towers, which lean towards each other, seemingly poised to embrace. Then it's off to the romantic island city of Venice with its rich cultural and artistic heritage. Spend time at leisure gliding along its enchanting canals in a gondola or wander through the city's labyrinthine lanes, over bridges and into quiet campi.
Day 8: Cruise Venice’s Canals
Location: Venice, St. Mark's Square, Bridge of Sighs, St. Mark's Basilica, Doge's Palace, Burano
Accommodation: Principe
Accommodation Name: Hampton by Hilton , Principe
Meals Included: Breakfast
Savor the iconic and unexpected highlights of Venice as you cruise by private launch to St. Mark's Square to admire the Bridge of Sighs, Palladian churches, Customs House, St. Mark's Basilica and the ornate Doge's Palace. This afternoon, enjoy a visit to one of the city’s last remaining studios where you’ll gain insights into the delicate Venetian art of glassblowing. Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure admiring this city on water or consider an Optional Experience to the island of Burano where colorful fishermen’s homes line the canals.
Day 9: Experience Daily Life in Venice
Location: Venice, Rialto Bridge
Accommodation: Principe
Accommodation Name: Hampton by Hilton , Principe
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Meet Lagoon Conservationist Davide for an engaging discussion on safeguarding environmental conditions in Venice during a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Sites made famous in poetry, song and prose are explored today when you join a Local Specialist for a walking tour from your hotel along the canals to the famous Rialto Bridge, where all the flavors of Italy come to life at a centuries-old food market. Amble through the narrow calli of Venice and admire the beautiful architecture. Walk over the Rialto Bridge before spending the rest of the day visiting the sights of your choice. Your love affair with Italy's great Italian cities comes to an end this evening as we enjoy dinner.
Day 10: Farewell Venice
Location: Venice
Meals Included: Breakfast
For now, it's time to say a fond arrivederci to Italy and newfound friends who have shared in the memorable sights, sounds and flavors.
What's Included
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Expert Travel Director and Driver
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver are included in the tour.
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Porterage and Gratuities
All porterage and restaurant gratuities are included in the tour.
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Hotel Tips and Taxes
All hotel tips, charges, and local taxes are included.
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Sightseeing and Extras
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras are part of the tour.
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Audio Headsets
Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing are provided.
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Luxury Coach with Wi-Fi
Travel in a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation such as rail journeys.
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Optional Experiences and Free Time
Optional experiences and free time are included in the itinerary.
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Scenic Cruise in Venice
A scenic cruise by private launch to St. Mark's Square in Venice is included.
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Cultural Experiences
Cultural experiences such as visiting a glassblowing factory in Venice and meeting a Lagoon Conservationist in Venice are included.
What's Not Included
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International Airfare
International airfare to/from the start/end of your tour is not included in the tour cost.
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Airport Transfers
Airport transfers may be included when you make your flight arrangements.
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Optional Experiences
Optional experiences and pre and post programs are not included and are available for an additional cost.
Mode of Transport
Travel in a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi, offering comfort and convenience as you explore Italy's iconic cities. Enjoy scenic cruises by private launch in Venice, enhancing your travel experience with ease and style.
Accommodation
Stay in cherry-picked hotels like the Grand Palatino in Rome, Grand Mediterraneo in Florence, and Hampton by Hilton in Venice, ensuring comfort and quality throughout your journey. On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
Dining Summary
- 3 Dinner (D)
- 9 Breakfast (B)
Dive Into Culture
- Venice: Savor the vibrant atmosphere of Venice during a walk through its calli to a traditional food market in the shadow of the famous Rialto Bridge.
Dive into Culture
- Venice: Savor the vibrant atmosphere of Venice during a walk through its calli to a traditional food market in the shadow of the famous Rialto Bridge.
Iconic Experience
- Rome: During an orientation with your Travel Director see the medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches scattered throughout the city.
- Rome: Be inspired by the magnificence of Michelangelo and da Vinci at the Vatican Museums.
- : In the Vatican City visit St. Peter's Basilica with a Local Specialist. Witness the early genius of Michelangelo as you take in the Pietà.
- Assisi: With a Local Specialist, find out why the Basilica of St. Francis is considered to be one of the crowning artisitic achievements of 13th-century Europe.
- Florence: Join a Local Specialist to view the multi-colored marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery, adorned by Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise. Visit the political heart of the city, Signoria Square.
- Florence: See the area around Santa Croce Basilica, famous for the quality of its luxury goods, and witness a gold and leatherwork demonstration.
- Pisa: Visit Pisa's Square of Miracles with a Local Specialist. Learn about the history of the iconic Leaning Tower and see the ornate Bapistry and Cathedral.
- Bologna: Join a Local Specialist on an exploration of Bologna. See the medieval squares and red-bricked facades of this historic city.
- Venice: Discover the ancient skill of Venetian glassblowing and play a part in preserving this traditional craft.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a 'Be My Guest' dinner at a 15th-century organic olive oil estate in Florence, a session with Venice Lagoon Plastic Free to learn about protecting Venice's lagoon, and a visit to a glassblowing factory in Venice.
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What is the 'Make Travel Matter' experience in Venice?
In Venice, the 'Make Travel Matter' experience involves meeting Davide and the team from Venice Lagoon Plastic Free to learn about the impact of plastic pollution on the lagoon and how to reduce plastic waste. This experience supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water. ...more ...less
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What are some of the key sites visited in Rome during the tour?
In Rome, the tour includes visits to the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica, and the Colosseum.
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What activities are planned in Florence?
In Florence, the tour includes a walking tour with visits to Piazza della Signoria, the Duomo, and demonstrations of Florentine leathercraft and gold craftsmanship.
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What can I expect during the visit to Pisa?
In Pisa, you will visit the Square of Miracles, which includes the Leaning Tower, the marble cathedral, the Baptistery, and the Camposanto.
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What is included in the Venice itinerary?
In Venice, the itinerary includes a private launch cruise to St. Mark's Square, a visit to a glassblowing studio, and a walking tour that includes the Rialto Bridge and a traditional food market.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Friday - Sunday
Nov 07, 2025 - Nov 16, 2025Friday - Sunday
Nov 21, 2025 - Nov 30, 2025Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Trafalgar requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD 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 trafalgar 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.
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Terms and Conditions
Great Italian Cities
10 Days Starting in Rome, Italy and ending in Venice, Italy
Visiting: Rome, Vatican City, Colosseum, Rome, Pompeii, Abbey of Monte Cassino, Assisi, Basilica of St. Francis, Assisi, Florence, Piazza della Signoria, Florence, Duomo, Florence, Ponte Vecchio, Florence, Pisa, Square of Miracles, Pisa, Bologna, Kissing Towers, Bologna, Venice, St. Mark's Square, Bridge of Sighs, St. Mark's Basilica, Doge's Palace, Burano, Rialto Bridge ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
IGICZN20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
