Wonders of Italy - From £2,035

Europe Italy
OVERVIEW
Want the full Italian Experience? Cruise Cinque Terre’s rugged coastline, get lost in San Gimignano’s quaint centre and discover the art of glassblowing in Venice. From Rome to Lucca and Bologna, the Wonders of Italy come alive over a glass of Tuscan Chianti.
EXPERIENCES
: Enjoy an after-hours visit to the Basilica of Santa Maria in Cosmedin. Get up close to the legendary Mouth of Truth, an ancient Roman marble mask said to bite any liar who places their hand in the mask’s mouth. Dare to test the legend yourself and take one of the city’s most coveted photos.

Assisi: With a Local Specialist, find out why the Basilica of St. Francis is considered to be one of the crowning artistic achievements of 13th-century Europe.

Bologna: View Bologna's famed Kissing Towers and enjoy some time at leisure in this historic university city.

Cinque Terre: Led by your Local Specialist, visit this unique UNESCO World Heritage Site, tucked away on the mountainous Italian Riviera coastline. Admire the charming fishing villages and perhaps snap some memorable pictures.

Florence: Join a Local Specialist to view the multi-coloured 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.

Lucca: Your sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist will show you the churches, squares and palaces within the medieval ramparts.

Pisa: In the Piazza dei Miracoli, see the baptistery, cathedral and the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.

Rome: Be inspired by the magnificence of Michelangelo and Botticelli at the Vatican Museums.

Rome: During an orientation with your Travel Director see the medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches scattered throughout the city.

Rome: Experience Rome through the eyes of a local, as a passionate Roman guides you past the city's most iconic sites.

San Gimignano: Visit the medieval Manhattan of Italy as you explore the UNESCO-listed centre of San Gimignano and admire the city's distinctive towers.

Tivoli: Join a Local Specialist on a sightseeing tour of Tivoli and the gardens of Villa d'Este.

Verona: During an exploration of Verona, admire the remarkably preserved Roman Arena and the city's beautiful Piazza Bra.
DEPARTURE DATES AND PRICES
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08/11/2026 18/11/2026 £2,362 Book
29/11/2026 09/12/2026 £2,227   Book
22/12/2026 01/01/2027 £2,565   Book
27/12/2026 06/01/2027 £2,385   Book
29/12/2026 08/01/2027 £2,335   Book
14/03/2027 24/03/2027 £2,595 Book
28/03/2027 07/04/2027 £2,675 Book
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ITINERARY

Benvenuti a Roma! Open your heart to a whirlwind of fiery passion, antiquities and hearty flavours crafted by Italian mammas over centuries. Join your Travel Director for an introduction to the 'Eternal City' on an orientation drive to view some of the sights which await us tomorrow. Arrive at Basilica Santa Maria in Cosmedin for a private after-hours visit to the 'Mouth of Truth' without the crowds. See the church, crypt, and relics of the famous saint of love, Valentine. This evening, enjoy a light supper with your travel companions.

Enjoy a guided visit to the Vatican Museums with a Local Specialist, including Michelangelo’s frescoed ceiling in the Sistine Chapel and the Pietà inside St. Peter’s Basilica. Then head into Ancient Rome to see the Circus Maximus and explore the Colosseum. This afternoon, take time to discover more of the city at your own pace. Please note: On some departures, access to St. Peter’s Basilica may be restricted due to the Papal Audience. You’ll still have time to take in the atmosphere of St. Peter’s Square during your visit to Vatican City.

Travel north to Lucca for a sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist to admire the 14th-century San Martino Cathedral and Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, built on the site of an ancient Roman arena. In your free time, relax in Piazza San Michele or ascend one of the city's ancient towers for panoramic views.

A sea of pastel pink, yellow and blue houses cling dramatically to the Ligurian cliffs in the villages of the Cinque Terre UNESCO World Heritage Site, which you will explore today on your included excursion. Join a Local Specialist and delve into daily life in these picturesque fishing villages. Later, visit Pisa and its UNESCO-listed 'Square of Miracles' to view the architectural feat that is the Leaning Tower.

The gentle Tuscan landscape leads us to our next destination, the hilltop town of San Gimignano, famed for its stunning medieval architecture and historic towers, which stand today as a testament to the wealth and power of aristocratic families who lived here centuries ago. Later, join your fellow travellers for an opportunity to Connect With Locals over lunch at a Be My Guest experience set against the backdrop of Tuscan vineyards and olive groves.

Discover Renaissance treasures, extraordinary art and exquisite architecture in one of the cultural capitals of the world. Join a Local Specialist who will bring the legacy of the influential Medici family to life. Walk along narrow lanes into expansive piazzas, viewing the magnificent marble Duomo and a replica of the David statue in Piazza della Signoria. View the Ponte Vecchio, almost 700 years old, and admire the spectacular panorama from Piazzale Michelangelo. The rest of the day is yours to explore the 'Cradle of the Renaissance'. Visit the masterpieces of Michelangelo, wander through the architectural wonder of Palazzo Vecchio or shop for high-quality leather and gold.

Shakespeare's star-crossed lovers are remembered today during our jaunt to the romantic city of Verona where you'll view the 1st-century Roman arena, still used today to host spectacular operatic performances and wander along cobbled streets in the city of star-crossed lovers. Then, venture to Venice, spending your leisure time searching for hidden treasures. Watch the sun set over the Venetian lagoon or perhaps join an optional experience.

On this morning’s MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, witness the centuries-old tradition of Venetian glassblowing that has been passed down from generation to generation. You may wish to buy a souvenir to remind you of the talent and skill of the master craftsmen who delight in sharing with visitors how they’re preserving this local craft. You’ll see St. Mark's Basilica, the ornate Doge's Palace and the Bridge of Sighs next, imagining how prisoners felt when they gazed over Venice for the very last time before being imprisoned. Cruise by private launch to see the city's most iconic attractions before enjoying free time to explore the city on your terms. Wander through alleys, over ornate bridges and into quiet campi as you indulge your inner explorer and get lost in this enchanting city on water.

Travel through scenic countryside to the mystical town of Assisi, stopping en route in the city of Bologna to view its Kissing Towers that lean towards one another, seemingly poised to embrace. Continue to your hotel in Assisi for your Stays With Stories experience – a fully renovated old Franciscan monastery.

Discover the legacy of St. Francis of Assisi in his home town on the slopes of Mount Subasio. Join your Local Specialist for a visit to the Basilica of St. Francis, renowned for its beautiful frescoes depicting the life of this beloved saint. Then, continue to Tivoli for a guided visit with a Local Specialist of the UNESCO-listed terraced hillside Renaissance gardens of Villa d'Este. Wander past bubbling fountains, manicured hedges and ornate statues as you soak up the tranquil atmosphere of this historic hill town. This evening, enjoy dinner with your fellow travellers and Travel Director.

It's time to say a fond arrivederci to Italy and your newfound friends after a memorable journey.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
  • All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
  • All porterage and restaurant gratuities
  • An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
  • Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
  • Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
  • Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
  • Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
  • Must-see sightseeing
  • On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised
  • Optional Experiences and free time
ACCOMMODATION
DAY 1: Il Cantico - Meals: Dinner
DAY 2: Il Cantico - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 3: Best Western Grand Guinigi - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4: Best Western Grand Guinigi - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 5: FH55 Grand Hotel Mediterraneo - Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 6: FH55 Grand Hotel Mediterraneo - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7: Principe - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 8: Principe - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 9: Cenacolo - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 10: Crowne Plaza St. Peter's - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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