Great Italian Cities

Great Italian Cities

Rome

The famous Spanish Steps at Piazza di Spagna, Rome, Italy

Days 1-3
View of Vesuvius from the forum in Pompeii, Italy
Pompeii

View of Vesuvius from the forum in Pompeii, Italy

Day 3
A beautiful view of Florence and the basilica, Italy
Florence

A beautiful view of Florence and the basilica, Italy

Days 4-6
The rooftops of Assisi, Italy
Assisi

The rooftops of Assisi, Italy

Day 4
Pisa

Tower of Pisa, Italy

Day 6
St Mark's Square, Venice, Italy
Venice

St Mark's Square, Venice, Italy

Days 7-10
The medieval city of Bologna in Emilia Romagna, Italy
Bologna

The medieval city of Bologna in Emilia Romagna, Italy

Day 7

Map
24 Views
10 Days From

$3150

$2772

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

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

  • Fast Track Admission to the Vatican Museums.

  • Explore Rome, Assisi, Florence, Pisa, Bologna, and Venice.

  • Visit the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, and the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi.

  • View the Leaning Tower of Pisa and St. Mark's Basilica in Venice.

  • Scenic Cruise by private launch to St. Mark's Square in Venice.

  • Meet Davide from Venice Lagoon Plastic Free for a session on protecting Venice's lagoon.

  • Join Count Miari Fulcis for dinner at his 15th-century organic olive oil estate in Florence.

Places You'll See

St Peter's Basilica over the Aelian Bridge, Rome, Italy

St Peter's Basilica over the Aelian Bridge, Rome, Italy

Sunset view over Piazza Navona in Rome, Italy

Sunset view over Piazza Navona in Rome, Italy

View of Vesuvius from the forum in Pompeii, Italy

View of Vesuvius from the forum in Pompeii, Italy

The Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy

The Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy

Aerial View of Ponte Vecchio Bridge, Florence, Italy

Aerial View of Ponte Vecchio Bridge, Florence, Italy

Streets of Assisi, Italy

Streets of Assisi, Italy

 View of buildings along the Arno river in Pisa, Italy

View of buildings along the Arno river in Pisa, Italy

St Mark's Square, Venice, Italy

St Mark's Square, Venice, Italy

The Grand Canal with Rialto Bridge in Venice, Italy

The Grand Canal with Rialto Bridge in Venice, Italy

Outdoor dining in Bologna, known for its gastonomy

Outdoor dining in Bologna, known for its gastonomy

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Welcome to Rome

The Pantheon, Rome, Italy
The Colosseum, Rome, Italy
Sunset view over Piazza Navona in Rome, Italy
The Pantheon, Rome, Italy
St Peter's Basilica over the Aelian Bridge, Rome, Italy
Trevi Fountain in Rome
The famous Spanish Steps at Piazza di Spagna, Rome, Italy
The famous Spanish Steps at Piazza di Spagna, Rome, Italy
The Colosseum, Rome, Italy
St Peter's Basilica over the Aelian Bridge, Rome, Italy
Sunset view over Piazza Navona in Rome, Italy
Trevi Fountain in 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

The famous Spanish Steps at Piazza di Spagna, Rome, Italy
Trevi Fountain in Rome
The Colosseum, Rome, Italy
The Pantheon, Rome, Italy
Sunset view over Piazza Navona in Rome, Italy
St Peter's Basilica over the Aelian Bridge, Rome, Italy

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

The famous Spanish Steps at Piazza di Spagna, Rome, Italy
The Pantheon, Rome, Italy
The Colosseum, Rome, Italy
The famous Spanish Steps at Piazza di Spagna, Rome, Italy
View of Vesuvius from the forum in Pompeii, Italy
Sunset view over Piazza Navona in Rome, Italy
The Colosseum, Rome, Italy
Trevi Fountain in Rome
Trevi Fountain in Rome
St Peter's Basilica over the Aelian Bridge, Rome, Italy
St Peter's Basilica over the Aelian Bridge, Rome, Italy
Sunset view over Piazza Navona in Rome, Italy
The Pantheon, Rome, Italy

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

Streets of Assisi, Italy
View od Cathedral of San Rufino, Assisi
A beautiful view of Florence and the basilica, Italy
Streets of Assisi, Italy
The rooftops of Assisi, Italy
Aerial View of Ponte Vecchio Bridge, Florence, Italy
The rooftops of Assisi, Italy
The Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy
View od Cathedral of San Rufino, Assisi

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

Aerial View of Ponte Vecchio Bridge, Florence, Italy
The Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy
A beautiful view of Florence and the basilica, Italy

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

Tower of Pisa, Italy
View of buildings along the Arno river in Pisa, Italy
A beautiful view of Florence and the basilica, Italy
Aerial View of Ponte Vecchio Bridge, Florence, Italy
The Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy
Tower of Pisa, Italy

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

View of the Palace of San Marco from the roof of the Library of Venice,
Grand canal and Basilica Santa Maria della Salute, Venice, Italy
St Mark's Square, Venice, Italy
The medieval city of Bologna in Emilia Romagna, Italy
The Grand Canal with Rialto Bridge in Venice, Italy
Market stalls offering fresh local fruits and vegetables in Bologna, Italy
Outdoor dining in Bologna, known for its gastonomy

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

St Mark's Square, Venice, Italy
Grand canal and Basilica Santa Maria della Salute, Venice, Italy
View of the Palace of San Marco from the roof of the Library of Venice,
St Mark's Square, Venice, Italy
View of the Palace of San Marco from the roof of the Library of Venice,
The Grand Canal with Rialto Bridge in Venice, Italy
Grand canal and Basilica Santa Maria della Salute, Venice, Italy
The Grand Canal with Rialto Bridge in Venice, Italy

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

Grand canal and Basilica Santa Maria della Salute, Venice, Italy
View of the Palace of San Marco from the roof of the Library of Venice,
St Mark's Square, Venice, Italy
The Grand Canal with Rialto Bridge in Venice, Italy
View of the Palace of San Marco from the roof of the Library of Venice,
The Grand Canal with Rialto Bridge in Venice, Italy
St Mark's Square, Venice, Italy
Grand canal and Basilica Santa Maria della Salute, Venice, Italy

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

The Grand Canal with Rialto Bridge in Venice, Italy
Grand canal and Basilica Santa Maria della Salute, Venice, Italy
View of the Palace of San Marco from the roof of the Library of Venice,
St Mark's Square, Venice, Italy

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

  • Expert Travel Director and Driver

    An expert Travel Director and professional Driver are included in the tour.

  • Porterage and Gratuities

    All porterage and restaurant gratuities are included in the tour.

  • Hotel Tips and Taxes

    All hotel tips, charges, and local taxes are included.

  • Sightseeing and Extras

    Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras are part of the tour.

  • Audio Headsets

    Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing are provided.

  • 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.

  • Optional Experiences and Free Time

    Optional experiences and free time are included in the itinerary.

  • Scenic Cruise in Venice

    A scenic cruise by private launch to St. Mark's Square in Venice is included.

  • 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

  • International Airfare

    International airfare to/from the start/end of your tour is not included in the tour cost.

  • Airport Transfers

    Airport transfers may be included when you make your flight arrangements.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1947

  • 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.

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

    Yes

Reviews of this operator

Renato Arrieta  

Best tour I joined so far

14-Jan-2023

My first time with Trafalgar and I see no reason why I should not join them again.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
King Ng, Lafayette, California  

Very well planned trip with timely breaks during the coach ride..

08-Nov-2021

It was a well organized tour group and we hit lots of interesting and beautiful scenes. Like our previous trips with Trafalgar, tourists were treated with well manner and professional tour guide/director, making our trip very enjoyable and delightful!

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

Best of Egypt

14-Jan-2023

We really did see the best of Egypt and beyond. Our tour guide, Mohammad, guided us through the rich history and the urban and rural life of such a unique and delightful country. We felt very safe and pampered.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Marshal Daguio  

Wonderful Best Of Turkey

06-Nov-2021

It was my first time with Trafalgar Tour and I had a wonderful trip from day 1 till the last day. The Tour Director, Yocel Atik is very knowledgeable and Excellent. The health director and coach driver are helpful and supportive as well. The hotels selected were comfortable especially Rixos Hotel and Movenpick Hotel. The Best of Turkey is better than I expected. ...more ...less

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Barbara, Canada  

Irish Experience

09-Nov-2021

I am single and travel alone. I always feel secure and well-looked after when I travel with Trafalgar

Feefo Trusted Reviews

1 Select your preferred date

Friday - Sunday

Nov 07, 2025 - Nov 16, 2025
$3150 $2772 (USD)

Operator discount: -$378 (USD)

Friday - Sunday

Nov 21, 2025 - Nov 30, 2025
$3150 $2772 (USD)

Operator discount: -$378 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • 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.

  • 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.

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:

Trafalgar

Tour code:

IGICZN20

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Tour operated in:

English
From: $3150 $2772 (USD) Operator discount: -$378 -12%

NB: Prices correct on 19-Mar-2025 but subject to change.

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