Taste of Italy (2024 departures) (ITT)

Welcome to Rome, and one of our most popular Italy tours! After meeting up with the tour leader and the rest of the group this morning, it’s time to head out into the city! See ancient Roman architecture, medieval buildings, Renaissance artworks and more remnants of Rome’s illustrious past as capital of the Roman Empire during your free time this afternoon. Tonight, get to know the rest of the tour group during an included welcome dinner before setting off on a guided walking tour of the city!

Leave the capital behind, and drive through the Umbria region. Known as the 'fruit bowl of Italy', it is famous for its produce, food and beautiful mountainous landscapes. Prepare for one of the most spectacular sights in Europe as the tour approaches Orvieto; a city perched dramatically atop a sheer vertical volcanic rock. Take the funicular up to the historic centre, and enjoy free time to explore. See the exquisite facade of the Cathedral of Orvieto, the papal residence and the Albornoz fortress. Next, it’s time to travel to Venice. The evening is free to relax at the hotel or explore Venice with the option to join your tour leader on a twilight water taxi cruise of the Venetian canals.

The day begins with an orientation tour of Venice. Join the tour leader to explore the heart of this enchanting city. Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore. The gondola ride optional excursion is a classic Venetian experience not to be missed! Explore the islands of Murano and Burano which are famous for their glass-blowing and lace-making crafts on the Venice Lagoon Tour optional excursion - this optional is a great way to see more of the “Floating City”. Excitingly, both optional excursions can be enjoyed during today’s free day.

It’s time to travel to the beautiful city of Florence, stopping along the way in Lake Garda for a photo opportunity. Arrive in Florence, and embark on a guided tour to learn more about the heritage of this city, its Renaissance artworks and Roman ruins. Florence’s highlights include Ponte Vecchio, the Basilica of Santa Croce and the replica of Michelangelo’s David which stands in the Piazza della Signoria. After the tour, make a stop at Leonardo Leather for a leather-making demonstration. Enjoy an included group dinner in Florence tonight. Next, it’s time to travel to tonight’s accommodation in the ancient spa town of Montecatini Terme.

This morning, the tour heads to La Spezia; the gateway to the Cinque Terre. Perched on the rugged coastline, Cinque Terre means ‘Five Lands’, and consists of five picturesque coastal cliff-side towns; Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. All are linked by rail and footpaths. With cars and motorcycles banned from the towns, enjoy exploring the towns by train or on foot. Later in the afternoon, travel back to the Tuscan region, stopping off to see the legendary Leaning Tower of Pisa en route. Now over 800 years old, it’s a classic sight in Italy, and gives you the opportunity to take a picture 'holding up' the tower! Join tonight’s optional for a wonderful Tuscan dinner with beautiful views!

This morning, travel through one of the world’s most picturesque countryside landscapes. Admire Tuscan farmhouses, vineyards and olive groves during the drive. First stop of the day is San Gimignano; a small, walled hilltop town. Known as the 'Town of Fine Towers', it offers beautiful Romanesque and Gothic architecture, and 14 well-preserved tower houses. Next up is a short drive to Siena; a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for the 'Palio' horse race held twice a year in the main piazza. Enjoy a wine tasting accompanied by antipasti in Siena before travelling back to Rome. Round off the day with a final dinner with the group.

Enjoy a free day in Rome. Make the most of the free day and choose to step back in time with an optional, locally guided tour of the Colosseum and Roman Forum! If you prefer, set off on your own and visit the Vatican City to marvel at glittering artworks, vast marble halls and opulent architecture. Or, stay in the city to see the iconic sights that make Rome a world-famous, bucket-list destination. An ancient city that has seen the rise and fall of entire empires, there is no shortage of historical real estate to feast your eyes on. Not to mention designer shopping and brilliant food!