Wonders of Italy
Wonders of Italy
$3075
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Italy with the "Wonders of Italy" tour, exploring the rich cultural tapestry of this enchanting country. Begin in Rome, where ancient history and vibrant modern life intertwine, before delving into the artistic treasures of the Vatican City. Discover the charming medieval towns of Lucca and San Gimignano, and marvel at the stunning coastal beauty of Cinque Terre. Experience the romance of Verona and the unique allure of Venice, where you'll witness traditional glassblowing. Savor the flavors of Tuscany with a special lunch and wine tasting at a family-owned vineyard. Conclude your adventure in the serene town of Assisi, staying in a beautifully renovated Franciscan monastery. With expert guidance, luxurious accommodations, and immersive cultural experiences, this tour promises a captivating exploration of Italy's most iconic destinations. ...more ...less
Must-see Highlights
- Explore Rome, Lucca, Cinque Terre, Florence and Assisi
- Discover Pisa, San Gimignano, Verona and Venice
- Visit Vatican Museums, St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, the Colosseum, a glassblowing factory in Venice, the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi, and Villa d'Este Gardens in Tivoli
- View the ancient sites of Rome, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Santa Croce Basilica and Duomo in Florence, Juliet's Balcony in Verona, St. Mark's Basilica in Venice and the Kissing Towers of Bologna
- See the marble quarries of Carrara
- Scenic Cruise to Cinque Terre and by private launch to St. Mark's Square in Venice
Make Travel Matter®
Venice: Discover the ancient skill of Venetian glassblowing and play a part in preserving this traditional craft. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Be My Guest
Florence: Meet the Lenzi family at their Tuscan wine farm, overlooking the rolling Chianti Hills, the 'heart of Tuscany', for lunch and a Chainti and olive oil tasting
Trafalgar Difference
Assisi: Built to welcome pilgrims visiting Assisi, Hotel Cenacolo is a fully renovated old Franciscan monastery with the original structure maintained, a masterful blend of ancient and modern comforts.
Itinerary
Day 1: Buongiorno Rome
Location: Rome
Accommodation: Il Cantico
Accommodation Name: Il Cantico
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. Benvenuti a Roma! Open your heart to a whirlwind of fiery passion, antiquities and hearty flavors 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, and learn about the legend of the Mouth of Truth. This evening, enjoy a Light Supper with your travel companions. ...more ...less
Day 2: Discover Ancient Rome and the Vatican City Dive Into Culture
Location: Rome
Accommodation: Il Cantico
Accommodation Name: Il Cantico
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy an included sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist at the Vatican Museums. Admire the magnificent frescoed ceiling in the Sistine Chapel and the sorrowful Pietà inside St. Peter's Basilica. In Ancient Rome, you'll see the Circus Maximus and visit the mighty Colosseum before enjoying a free afternoon.
Day 3: Journey to Lucca
Location: Lucca
Accommodation: Best Western Grand Guinigi
Accommodation Name: Best Western Grand Guinigi
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 4: Explore Cinque Terre and Pisa
Location: Cinque Terre
Accommodation: Best Western Grand Guinigi
Accommodation Name: Best Western Grand Guinigi
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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 we will explore today on our 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.
Day 5: Onwards to San Gimignano and Florence Connect with Locals
Location: San Gimignano
Accommodation: Grand Mediterraneo
Accommodation Name: Grand Mediterraneo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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. Enjoy a Be My Guest experience in a beautiful family-owned vineyard overlooking the rolling Chianti Hills. You will join the Lenzi family for lunch and wine and olive oil tasting on their farm located on the ancient road between Siena and Florence. Later arrive in Florence for an evening at your leisure.
Day 6: Uncover the Treasures of Florence
Location: Florence
Accommodation: Grand Mediterraneo
Accommodation Name: Grand Mediterraneo
Meals Included: Breakfast
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. You’ll also learn about the quality and workmanship of two of this city's historic industries at demonstrations of Florentine leathercraft and 18-carat gold. 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.
Day 7: Admire Verona and on to Venice
Location: Venice
Accommodation: Le Boulevard Lido
Accommodation Name: Le Boulevard Lido
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 8: Discover the Floating City Make Travel Matter
Location: Venice
Accommodation: Le Boulevard Lido
Accommodation Name: Le Boulevard Lido
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 9: Off to Bologna and Assisi Stays With Stories
Location: Assisi
Accommodation: Cenacolo
Accommodation Name: Cenacolo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Day 10: All Roads Lead to Tivoli and Rome
Location: Tivoli
Accommodation: Barceló Aran Mantegna
Accommodation Name: Precise House Mantegna
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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 travelers and Travel Director.
Day 11: Farewell Rome
Location: Rome
Meals Included: Breakfast
It's time to say a fond arrivederci to Italy and your newfound friends after a memorable journey.
What's Included
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An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
The tour includes the services of an expert Travel Director and a professional Driver.
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
Accommodation is provided in cherry-picked hotels that are tried and trusted.
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All porterage and restaurant gratuities
Porterage and restaurant gratuities are included in the tour package.
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
Hotel tips, charges, and local taxes are covered in the tour.
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
The tour includes must-see sightseeing and surprise extras.
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Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
Audio headsets are provided for flexible sightseeing.
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi
Travel is 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
The tour offers optional experiences and free time for personal exploration.
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On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized
If necessary, hotels of similar standard and location may be used.
What's Not Included
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Personal expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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Flights
International and domestic flights are not included in the tour package.
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Visa fees
Visa fees and arrangements are not included and are the responsibility of the traveler.
Dining Summary
- 4 Dinner (D)
- 10 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Lunch (L)
Mode of Transport
Travel in luxury with an air-conditioned coach equipped with Wi-Fi, and enjoy scenic cruises to Cinque Terre and by private launch to St. Mark's Square in Venice.
Accommodation
Experience a blend of ancient and modern comforts at Hotel Cenacolo, a renovated Franciscan monastery in Assisi, and enjoy stays at Il Cantico in Rome, Best Western Grand Guinigi in Lucca, Grand Mediterraneo in Florence, and Le Boulevard Lido in Venice.
Iconic Experience
- Rome: During an orientation with your Travel Director see the medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches scattered throughout the city.
- : 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.
- Rome: Be inspired by the magnificence of Michelangelo and da Vinci at the Vatican Museums.
- Rome: Experience Rome through the eyes of a local, as a passionate Roman guides you past the city's most iconic sites.
- Rome: Discover ancient treasures of Rome with a Local Specialist. See Circus Maximus and visit the mighty Colosseum, which bears witness to the limitless courage of the gladiators.
- Lucca: Your sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist will show you the churches, squares and palaces within the medieval ramparts.
- 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.
- Pisa: During an orientation, your Travel Director will show you the baptistery, cathedral and the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.
- San Gimignano: Visit the medieval Manhattan of Italy as you explore the UNESCO-listed center of San Gimignano and admire the city's distinctive towers.
- 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.
- Verona: During an exploration of Verona, see Juliet's balcony in the courtyard of a Renaissance villa.
- Bologna: View Bologna's famed Kissing Towers and enjoy some time at leisure in this historic university city.
- 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.
- Tivoli: Join a Local Specialist on a sightseeing tour of Tivoli and the gardens of Villa d'Este.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique experiences are included in the Wonders of Italy tour?
The tour includes a private after-hours visit to the 'Mouth of Truth' in Rome, a Be My Guest experience with the Lenzi family at their Tuscan wine farm for lunch and a wine and olive oil tasting, and a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience in Venice where you can witness the traditional craft of Venetian glassblowing. ...more ...less
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
The tour offers cherry-picked hotels that are tried and trusted. In Assisi, you will stay at Hotel Cenacolo, a fully renovated old Franciscan monastery that blends ancient and modern comforts.
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Are meals included in the Wonders of Italy tour?
Yes, the tour includes breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals. Additionally, there is a special lunch included during the Be My Guest experience in Florence.
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation such as rail journeys. There is also a scenic cruise to Cinque Terre and a private launch to St. Mark's Square in Venice.
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What is the significance of the MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience in Venice?
The MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience in Venice involves discovering the ancient skill of Venetian glassblowing, which supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. This experience helps preserve the traditional craft and supports the local community. ...more ...less
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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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Book 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
Enquire for Extra Savings
Rated 5* on Trust Pilot & ABTA Protected.
Wonders of Italy
11 Days Starting and ending in Rome, Italy
Visiting: Rome, Lucca, Cinque Terre, San Gimignano, Florence, Venice, Assisi, Tivoli
Tour operator:
Tour code:
ITTRZN20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, History
