Overview
Itinerary
Begin in Rome, the “Eternal City.” This evening, get to know your fellow travelers during a welcome dinner featuring regional specialties. (D) Stay: Grand Hotel Palatino (2 Nights)
On a guided tour of the Vatican Museums explore the extensive Papal palace housing priceless artifacts from ancient Egypt, classical Greco-Roman statuary, and works by great Renaissance masters. In the Sistine Chapel, marvel at Michelangelo's frescoed ceiling and brilliant Last Judgment. Next, wander through the towering columns of St. Peter's Basilica, a daring feat of human artistry and engineering. Admire the baroque spirals of Bernini's altar canopy and gaze up at Michelangelo's dome – still the tallest in the world.
Return to the hotel mid-afternoon. The evening is yours. Perhaps you'll join an optional dinner in a popular restaurant, indulging in a hearty meal accompanied by wine and local entertainment. (B)
Travel to Assisi, birthplace of St. Francis. Take in the old-world atmosphere on a guided walking tour of the Basilica of St. Francis. Then you're off to medieval Perugia, the historic capital of Umbria. With free time to explore, consider wandering along the Corso, Perugia's main street, where gothic facades are lined with shops and restaurants. (B) Stay: Sangallo Palace Hotel
Head through Tuscany's graceful low-lying hills to the Etruscan city of Cortona. Perched on the side of a hill, take in the ornate facades and gothic architecture. Peek at the adjacent Lake Trasimeno, situated off in the distance. You might recognize the city as the charming setting for the book and film Under the Tuscan Sun. End your day in Florence – the “Cradle of the Renaissance.” (B) Stay: Hotel Albani (2 Nights)
This morning, experience Florence's cultural treasures on a walking tour, passing by the Duomo, the Baptistery, the Palazzo Vecchio, and the Piazza della Signoria. The rest of the day is yours to explore this veritable open-air museum. Perhaps you'll join an after-hours tour of the 14th-century Certosa monastery, followed by dinner featuring local wines, Tuscan food, and live entertainment. (B)
Start your day with a visit to a historic winery in the heart of the Chianti region. In the shadow of a 12th-century castle, learn about Tuscan wines and enjoy a chef-led cooking class. Next, sit back and savor regional delicacies during a delicious lunch.
This afternoon, journey through central Italy, crossing the Apennine Mountains toward the Po River Valley. Enchanting Venice awaits with 117 tiny islands and its latticework of 150 canals and 400 bridges. (B/L/D) Stay: Hotel Carlton on the Grand Canal (2 Nights)
See Venice from the water and take a boat to Murano Island. At a glass-blowing demonstration, discover the secrets of this ancient art up-close and marvel at the one-of-a-kind designs. Make your way to the historic center of Venice and see the Castello district with a local expert. End in St. Mark's Square, taking in the basilica and the opulent façade of the Doge's Palace. The remainder of the day is yours. Consider an optional tour featuring Venice's most famous pastime – a serenaded gondola ride. (B)
This morning, you'll be whisked across the plains of northern Italy to Verona, the city of Romeo & Juliet. Then, it's your choice! Explore Verona on foot with an expert local guide, taking in the city's must-sees, like Juliet's balcony and the impressive exterior of the Arena, an ancient Roman amphitheater -OR- enjoy ample free time to explore Verona however you'd like: peruse the alluring storefronts of Via Mazzini or wander around the market stalls of Piazza delle Erbe.
After some time for lunch on your own, relax aboard your bus during a full afternoon transfer to Como, where you check into your hotel in the early evening. (B) Stay: Hotel Barchetta Excelsior (2 Nights)
This morning, admire the shores of glamorous Lake Como during a ferry ride to alluring Bellagio. Admire the endless succession of historic villas, lush gardens, and colorful villages reflected in the lake's blue waters. Enjoy some time at leisure to explore Bellagio's charms before sailing back to Como.
This evening, celebrate the end of an unforgettable trip with a farewell dinner at your hotel. (B/D)
Your journey comes to a close in Como this morning. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Explore Cortona, the postcard-worthy village that serves as the setting for Under the Tuscan Sun.
- Enjoy a boat trip to Murano Island for a glass-blowing demonstration.
- Take in the views as you stroll along Bellagio's waterfront promenade.
- Set out on a locally guided tour of the Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica.
- Behold medieval Assisi, the hometown of St. Francis.
- Enjoy a scenic journey through Tuscany's graceful low-lying hills.
- Visit a historic winery in the heart of the Chianti region.
- Enjoy a chef-led cooking class with lunch in a historic castle.
- Dine on regional delicacies and fine Italian wines.
- Expertly crafted itineraries
- 4-star+ accommodation
- Skilled and engaging tour managers
- Expert local guides with insider knowledge
- Attraction entrance fees
- Many meals full of local flavour
- Unparalleled sightseeing
- Enriching cultural experiences
- Comfortable on-tour transportation
- Hotel-to-hotel baggage handling
- Plus, access to Wi-Fi hotspots on tour
- This tour includes moderate physical activity. The itinerary blends some longer days with shorter days and more leisure time. Walking tours, as well as walking slightly longer distances, up stairs or on uneven walking surfaces should be expected.
- Private, chauffeur service is included for all air-inclusive tour bookings. This personalised service is included within a 40km radius from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra, Darwin, Cairns and Hobart airport gateways. Service is available between 41-70 kms for a small fee.
- Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
Trip Optionals These optional activities can be pre-booked & included in your trip price.
- Location: Rome. Cost: $225.
- Enjoy a pleasant serenade with dinner in Trastevere, a charming, bohemian district where Rome’s locals often frequent. Indulge in a hearty, traditionally Roman menu, complete with wine. As you savor the delicious tastes of Italy, talented performers entertain you with folk songs. This lively, fun-filled evening will be an unforgettable part of your visit to Rome and an engaging immersion into Italian culture. Duration approximately 4 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 15 passenger(s) is required to operate this option. Gratuities are included.
- Location: Florence. Cost: $149.
- This evening, set off on a scenic drive to nearby Galluzzo, famous for its Carthusian monastery which rests upon one of the beautiful hills surrounding Florence. Prior to dinner, enjoy an after-hours visit to this 14th-century monastery – La Certosa.* Revel in the beauty that lurks inside and experience the monastery’s magnificence as you learn about monastic daily life. Then your evening of fun continues at one of the area’s most popular dining establishments. Experience an authentic and traditional dinner served family-style! Savor local wines and Tuscan food and enjoy the entertainment. It’s a memorable – truly Italian – evening out that you won’t want to miss! Duration approximately 4.5 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 15 passenger(s) is required to operate this option. *Visit to the monastery may not be possible when weddings are taking place. Gratuities are included.
- Location: Venice. Cost: $105.
- Experience the romance that can only be found in Venice – La Serenìssima – while traveling on its famous waterways. Partake in one of Venice’s most famous pastimes – a gondola cruise. Take a pleasant stroll toward the Grand Canal to board your gondola. As you relax in your elegant watercraft, your gondolier navigates the Grand Canal as well as smaller side canals. Admire the scenery as you listen to the melodic voice serenading you in true Italian style – just like in those romantic Italian movies! Duration approximately 1 hour(s). Transportation is not included A minimum of 15 passenger(s) is required to operate this option. This option operates weather-permitting. Duration of the gondola cruise is approximately 30 minutes. Gondolas hold 5 to 6 guests. Transportation is not included and in most cases not required as the start of this excursion is usually within walking distance.
Brochure
Collette Worldwide (2024-25)
Availability
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Collette. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Collette. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
