Journey through some of Italy's most stunning destinations including Rome, Venice and the Italian Riviera, on this exciting 12-day tour!
This Italian tour is la bella vita distilled! Explore Pompeii in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius. Experience the magical Cinque Terre villages and Italian Lake District. Visit Verona and San Marino! Enjoy free days in Rome, Amalfi Coast and Venice. Eat pasta, drink wine and see Italy like a local!
Hotel in Rome
Hotel in Rome
11 Nights, (3 & 4 star hotels)
11 Nights
(3 & 4 star hotels)
11 Breakfasts | 1 Lunch | 4 Dinners
11 Breakfasts
1 Lunch
4 Dinners
Air-conditioned coach
Air-conditioned coach
Fully-guided tour
Fully-guided tour
Hotel in Rome | 10:00 AM
Hotel in Rome | 10:00 AM
Welcome to Rome! Arrive in Italy’s capital city in the morning and meet up with your tour leader and group. Then, head into the city. Make a stop at the Trevi Fountain, toss a coin and make a wish! Tonight, enjoy an included welcome dinner at a local restaurant. Then, embark on a guided walking tour of this captivating city.
See some of this ancient city’s highlights like the Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, and Spanish Steps before your free day tomorrow.
See some of this ancient city’s highlights like the Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, and Spanish Steps before your free day tomorrow.
Join your tour leader and fellow travellers in celebrating the first night on tour with a welcome dinner at a local Italian restaurant.
Join your tour leader and fellow travellers in celebrating the first night on tour with a welcome dinner at a local Italian restaurant.
Today, head to the coast via Pompeii. See legendary Mount Vesuvius in the distance and explore the well-preserved ruins of this ancient Roman city. Enjoy an included lunch. Later, travel to Salerno where the tour will spend the next two nights. Embark on this evening’s optional excursion to discover the Salento Cathedral and Old Town before enjoying a local dinner.
Explore the UNESCO-listed ancient ruins of Pompeii, famously destroyed in 79 AD, in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius with a local guide.
Explore the UNESCO-listed ancient ruins of Pompeii, famously destroyed in 79 AD, in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius with a local guide.
Explore Salerno’s stunning cathedral, stroll its historic center, and enjoy a dreamy seaside dinner with sunset views of the Amalfi Coast!
Explore Salerno’s stunning cathedral, stroll its historic center, and enjoy a dreamy seaside dinner with sunset views of the Amalfi Coast!
Salerno is the ideal location from which to explore the famous Amalfi Coast and its many seaside wonders! Join the optional excursion for a scenic cruise around the Amalfi Coast. Encounter the rugged coastline views, winding streets and stylish piazzas of Positano and Amalfi. Sit down for a delectable local lunch and visit a limoncello factory!
Sail to Positano and Amalfi, explore charming streets, savour a delicious lunch & taste authentic limoncello on an unforgettable coastal adventure!
Sail to Positano and Amalfi, explore charming streets, savour a delicious lunch & taste authentic limoncello on an unforgettable coastal adventure!
Head to Assisi, stopping in Montecassino, famed for the Abbey of Montecassino and stunning scenery. After, continue to the medieval town of Assisi, the birthplace of St Francis and popular pilgrimage site. Admire ancient churches and basilicas – many of which are just as St Francis would have seen them almost one thousand years ago! Dinner is at the hotel tonight.
Visit the restored Abbey of Montecassino, a key World War II battle site, and admire its beauty, history, and ongoing religious significance.
Visit the restored Abbey of Montecassino, a key World War II battle site, and admire its beauty, history, and ongoing religious significance.
Take the opportunity to explore the picturesque city of Assisi, the home of St. Francis, which is famous for its historic churches and basilicas.
Take the opportunity to explore the picturesque city of Assisi, the home of St. Francis, which is famous for its historic churches and basilicas.
Head to Venice, stopping off in Europe’s third-smallest state, San Marino, on the way. Situated on a hilltop, San Marino offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and Adriatic Sea. Arrive in Venice in the early evening. The evening is free to relax at the hotel or embark on an optional twilight water taxi cruise of the Venetian canals.
This impressive fortress town is located on a hilltop and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and the Adriatic sea.
This impressive fortress town is located on a hilltop and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and the Adriatic sea.
Take a water taxi night cruise of Venice’s iconic waterways. Soak up the sights and sounds from the palazzos and tavernas.
Take a water taxi night cruise of Venice’s iconic waterways. Soak up the sights and sounds from the palazzos and tavernas.
Enjoy a full free day in Venice! Every visit to Venice should include a traditional gondola ride, which can be organised by your tour leader. An optional trip to Murano and Burano is also highly recommended. These islands are famous for their local crafts and beautiful multi-coloured houses. For the ultimate Venice itinerary, join both optional excursions!
Explore Venice, Italy’s floating city. Visit must-see sights like St Mark’s Square, Doge’s Palace, Rialto Market, and more for an unforgettable experience.
Explore Venice, Italy’s floating city. Visit must-see sights like St Mark’s Square, Doge’s Palace, Rialto Market, and more for an unforgettable experience.
No visit to Venice is complete without a traditional gondola ride! Experience an ancient Venice tradition as you cruise the city’s famous canals.
No visit to Venice is complete without a traditional gondola ride! Experience an ancient Venice tradition as you cruise the city’s famous canals.
Take a private boat across the lagoon to Venice’s colourful islands. Enjoy a glass-making demonstration in Murano and learn about lace-making in Burano.
Take a private boat across the lagoon to Venice’s colourful islands. Enjoy a glass-making demonstration in Murano and learn about lace-making in Burano.
Stop off in “fair Verona” to catch a glimpse of Juliet’s balcony, where Romeo wooed Juliet in Shakespeare’s classic play. Look out for the 2,000 year old arena and Verona’s ancient city gates during an orientation tour. Later, head to the Italian Lakes and arrive in Sirmione, a picturesque town on Lake Garda. Take in spectacular scenery this evening!
Wander this city which was the setting for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Absorb its ambience, and seek out Juliet’s balcony!
Wander this city which was the setting for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Absorb its ambience, and seek out Juliet’s balcony!
Enjoy an overnight stay in the Italian Lake District – one of Europe’s most beautiful settings. Make sure the camera batteries are fully charged!
Enjoy an overnight stay in the Italian Lake District – one of Europe’s most beautiful settings. Make sure the camera batteries are fully charged!
Today, travel to one of Italy’s most beautiful destinations; Cinque Terre. Cinque Terre is made up of five picturesque Italian towns: Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore, all connected by hiking routes and trains. Next, visit the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, an iconic Italian landmark! Later, travel to Northern Tuscany and settle into the accommodation for the night.
Wander cobbled paths connecting five scenic villages in this UNESCO-listed region, famous for stunning views and some of Italy’s best seafood.
Wander cobbled paths connecting five scenic villages in this UNESCO-listed region, famous for stunning views and some of Italy’s best seafood.
Tick the Leaning Tower of Pisa off your bucket list and snap iconic photos of yourself ‘holding up’ this world-famous landmark!
Tick the Leaning Tower of Pisa off your bucket list and snap iconic photos of yourself ‘holding up’ this world-famous landmark!
Arrive in Florence this morning and enjoy a locally guided tour of this city which is beloved for its Renaissance art and architecture. Then, visit an Italian leather shop before free time. Join the Taste of Tuscany optional excursion to experience local culinary traditions! Later, travel back to the hotel in Tuscany and enjoy a complimentary wine tasting on arrival.
Explore this historic, Renaissance city. See highlights like Ponte Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria, the Duomo, and the replica of Michelangelo’s David.
Explore this historic, Renaissance city. See highlights like Ponte Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria, the Duomo, and the replica of Michelangelo’s David.
Learn about the centuries-old traditional art of leather-making at a local merchant; Leonardo Leather & Gold.
Learn about the centuries-old traditional art of leather-making at a local merchant; Leonardo Leather & Gold.
Arrive at the hotel in Tuscany, and enjoy a complimentary Tuscan Aperitivo, including a red and white wine tasting accompanied by tasty Tuscan snacks.
Arrive at the hotel in Tuscany, and enjoy a complimentary Tuscan Aperitivo, including a red and white wine tasting accompanied by tasty Tuscan snacks.
Get a true taste of Tuscany with this culinary experience in Florence! Sit down for a family-style meal and indulge in classic Tuscan dishes.
Get a true taste of Tuscany with this culinary experience in Florence! Sit down for a family-style meal and indulge in classic Tuscan dishes.
Drive through picturesque countryside landscapes, admiring Tuscan farmhouses, vineyards and olive groves. Stop in the hilltop town of San Gimignano to admire exceptional Romanesque and Gothic architecture. Then, drive to Siena, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a wine tasting accompanied with antipasto before heading back to Rome. Enjoy one last dinner together at the hotel in Rome.
Soak up San Gimignano’s peaceful charm, admire its iconic medieval towers, and enjoy a wine tasting in this UNESCO-listed hilltop town.
Soak up San Gimignano’s peaceful charm, admire its iconic medieval towers, and enjoy a wine tasting in this UNESCO-listed hilltop town.
This Tuscan town is famous for hosting the Palio horse race and its incredible cuisine and culture!
This Tuscan town is famous for hosting the Palio horse race and its incredible cuisine and culture!
Make a toast to the last night on tour at the final group dinner. Enjoy great food, and swap memories from an incredible Italian adventure.
Make a toast to the last night on tour at the final group dinner. Enjoy great food, and swap memories from an incredible Italian adventure.
Enjoy a full free day in Rome! Join the optional excursion to the fascinating Colosseum and Roman Forum for a locally guided tour of these iconic ancient sights or tour the exquisite Vatican Museums. To see both, join the Eternal Rome excursion! Due to popularity, these optional excursions must be booked prior to the start of the tour. You could also use this free day to revisit some of the spots visited on your first day in Rome, such as the Trevi Fountain or Spanish Steps. Spend time exploring the city’s top sights in depth or simply relax at a café or do some shopping. Tonight, opt to indulge in traditional Roman cuisine and explore the historic sights of Trastevere.
Delve into ancient Rome. Take a locally guided walking tour of the awe-inspiring Colosseum and visit the ruins of the ancient Roman Forum.
Delve into ancient Rome. Take a locally guided walking tour of the awe-inspiring Colosseum and visit the ruins of the ancient Roman Forum.
Visit the smallest country in the world, skip the lines and be mesmerised by the artistic masterpieces in the Vatican Museums and on a guided tour!
Visit the smallest country in the world, skip the lines and be mesmerised by the artistic masterpieces in the Vatican Museums and on a guided tour!
Discover Rome’s ancient and artistic wonders! Tour the legendary Colosseum & Roman Forum and explore the magnificent Vatican Museums.
Discover Rome’s ancient and artistic wonders! Tour the legendary Colosseum & Roman Forum and explore the magnificent Vatican Museums.
Discover the colourful neighbourhood of Trastevere. Indulge in delicious Roman cuisine and see some of the area’s historic sights.
Discover the colourful neighbourhood of Trastevere. Indulge in delicious Roman cuisine and see some of the area’s historic sights.
After an unforgettable 12-day Italian tour, it’s time to say goodbye to your fellow travel companions and depart for home. The tour concludes after breakfast this morning. Arrivederci, Italia!
Wander cobbled paths connecting five scenic villages in this UNESCO-listed region, famous for stunning views and some of Italy’s best seafood.
No visit to Venice is complete without a traditional gondola ride! Experience an ancient Venice tradition as you cruise the city’s famous canals.
Explore Salerno’s stunning cathedral, stroll its historic center, and enjoy a dreamy seaside dinner with sunset views of the Amalfi Coast!
This impressive fortress town is located on a hilltop and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and the Adriatic sea.
Explore the UNESCO-listed ancient ruins of Pompeii, famously destroyed in 79 AD, in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius with a local guide.
You'll Love
Enhance your tour with these carefully selected optional experiences. Each one is designed to add depth and excitement to your journey, allowing you to customize your adventure according to your interests.
Explore Salerno’s stunning cathedral, stroll its historic center, and enjoy a dreamy seaside dinner with sunset views of the Amalfi Coast!
Sail to Positano and Amalfi, explore charming streets, savour a delicious lunch & taste authentic limoncello on an unforgettable coastal adventure!
Take a water taxi night cruise of Venice’s iconic waterways. Soak up the sights and sounds from the palazzos and tavernas.
No visit to Venice is complete without a traditional gondola ride! Experience an ancient Venice tradition as you cruise the city’s famous canals.
Take a private boat across the lagoon to Venice’s colourful islands. Enjoy a glass-making demonstration in Murano and learn about lace-making in Burano.
Get a true taste of Tuscany with this culinary experience in Florence! Sit down for a family-style meal and indulge in classic Tuscan dishes.
Delve into ancient Rome. Take a locally guided walking tour of the awe-inspiring Colosseum and visit the ruins of the ancient Roman Forum.
Visit the smallest country in the world, skip the lines and be mesmerised by the artistic masterpieces in the Vatican Museums and on a guided tour!
Discover Rome’s ancient and artistic wonders! Tour the legendary Colosseum & Roman Forum and explore the magnificent Vatican Museums.
Discover the colourful neighbourhood of Trastevere. Indulge in delicious Roman cuisine and see some of the area’s historic sights.
If you are planning to travel a different year, please select here to view the relevant itinerary:
Price is based on a sharing twin room. Single room (optional).
We partner with a range of hand-picked hotels in each destination. The hotels listed below are those we stay at most frequently. However, you may stay at different hotels of a similar standard.
A confirmed list of hotels is emailed to all travellers prior to their tour departure. To extend your stay in Rome, click here to book pre and post-tour accommodation through our partner Booking.com.
Tour leader was incredible. Had a lot of knowledge.
Full. On tour managing to visit so many of Italys highlights.Food Somewhat disappointing,wine made up for this.
Every moment of our trip to Italy was truly unforgettable. The country is absolutely stunning and we had the perfect itinerary to explore its beauty. Our guide was exceptional, and...
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For pre-departure and visa information, as well as frequently asked questions regarding preparing for and travelling on this tour, please visit our Help Centre.
No, you will need to make your own arrangements to get to the meeting destination for the first day of your tour. Make sure you keep departure times and possible delays in mind when booking flights. Please click here to visit Skyscanner - a useful tool for comparing prices from the vast majority of airlines.
When you book for more than one person, we will by default group you together in the same room(s), unless you request single supplements or specifically request us not to.
If there are unequal numbers (3, 5, 7 etc.) then the remaining traveller will be roomed with another passenger of the same gender. Please note that minors under the age of 18 cannot share with another traveller outside of your group's booking.
If you are making separate bookings and would like to share the same room(s), please send us an email with the booking references for each of the travellers and the details of your preferred rooming allocation.
Yes, and you are responsible for arranging your own insurance. Passengers and their personal property travel with Expat Explore solely at their own risk. A suitable insurance policy should provide adequate cover for medical expenses arising through illness or accident prior to or during the holiday, and loss of holiday monies through cancellation or curtailment of the holiday or other insurable reasons. Clients should ensure that there are no exclusion clauses limiting protection for the type of activities in their tour.
For a relatively small price, travel insurance provides you with the peace of mind so that you can enjoy your tour without any worries. To receive a quote from our preferred travel insurance partner please visit World Nomads*.
For more information on what to look for in a travel insurance policy, click here.
While Expat Explore cannot assist with booking pre or post-tour accommodation, we have partnered with Booking.com for affordable accommodation options prior to and after the tour.
If you would like to receive the hotel list in advance so that you can book accommodation at or nearby the start hotel, please request this by sending an email to info@expatexplore.com with your booking reference.
Expat Explore can provide travellers requiring visas with visa support documents on a request basis. Please note that you are required to pay for your tour in full in order to receive the documents. This is an embassy/consulate requirement by law. Once you have received confirmation that your booking has been paid in full, you can request your visa support documents by emailing info@expatexplore.com - please allow up to 10 working days to receive these documents.
All travellers are required to carry their own bags. Our walking tours can last up to 3 hours and certain places involve walking up and down stairs. We want you to enjoy your tour, so read through the itinerary thoroughly and make your own conclusions as to whether you feel that you are fit and healthy enough.
Our tours are not suitable for young children, so we set a minimum age limit of 10 years old. However, at the discretion of Expat Explore we may consider younger children on certain tours if they meet certain criteria and a request is received in writing via email for consideration. Expat Explore reserves the absolute right to accept or decline a booking at our discretion.
Your deposit secures your spot on tour and locks in the price you pay. Although the deposit you pay at the time of booking is non-refundable, you're protected by our 10-Day Money-Back Guarantee – a full refund if you cancel within 10 days of making your booking.
For more information, please refer to the 10-Day Money-Back Guarantee in our Terms & Conditions.
Before the tour starts, you will receive an email from us requesting your dietary requirements. There is always a vegetarian option available. We try as much as we can to offer you the traditional local cuisine.
No, you will need to make your own arrangements to get to the meeting point for the first day of your tour. We have partnered with Welcome Pickups to secure a hassle-free service. You will be met at the arrivals gate by your driver. Your driver will track your flight, so they'll wait for you even if it's delayed. Please click here to book an airport transfer.
This is up to you and will vary depending on how much you wish to spend on snacks, drinks, souvenirs etc. We do not include entrance fees to attractions and museums. We do, however, provide you with free time to see everything you want, and our tour leaders will have all the information on pricing and locations so you can manage your own budget. Please refer to your tours specific pre-departure information and optional excursions guide for further details.