Tours Italy Tours Italian Delights

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Summary

Drawn to the good life? This Italian tour is la bella vita distilled! Walk in the footsteps of ancient emperors and modern-day movie stars on the Isle of Capri. Explore Pompeii in the shadow of the notorious Mount Vesuvius.Traverse the five villages of the magical Cinque Terre. Drift along Venetian canals and drink in the charm of the Italian lake region. See Juliet’s balcony in Verona and discover San Marino! Enjoy free days in Rome, Sorrento and Venice to explore as you wish. Eat pasta, drink wine and see Italy like a local.

Highlights

  • Walking tours of Rome and Florence with local guides
  • Guided tour of the ancient ruins of Pompeii
  • Free days to explore Sorrento, Rome and Venice
  • Visit Verona, Florence, Pisa and the Italian Lakes

Start Point

Hotel in Rome | 10:00 AM

End Point

Hotel in Rome | 10:00 AM
Day 1: Start of tour in Rome

Welcome to Rome! Arrive in Italy’s capital city in the morning and check into the hotel. Meet up with your tour leader who will provide the group with an overview of the upcoming itinerary. Then, set out on a guided walking tour of the city. See Ancient Roman architecture, medieval buildings, Renaissance artworks and more. Highlights include the Pantheon, the Spanish Steps and more. Make a stop at the Trevi Fountain to toss a coin in the hopes that it will bring you both luck and the opportunity to return to Rome one day! Tonight, enjoy an included welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

Meals: Dinner

Day 1: Start of tour in Rome

Welcome to Rome! Arrive in Italy’s capital city in the morning and check into the hotel. Meet up with your tour leader who will provide the group with an overview of the upcoming itinerary. Then, set out on a guided walking tour of the city. See Ancient Roman architecture, medieval buildings, Renaissance artworks and more. Highlights include the Pantheon, the Spanish Steps and more. Make a stop at the Trevi Fountain to toss a coin in the hopes that it will bring you both luck and the opportunity to return to Rome one day! Tonight, enjoy an included welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

Experiences

Walking tour of Rome: This city has so much to see and do that we can’t list everything here! Embark on a walking tour of Rome with a professional local guide. The tour gives you a great start for further exploration in your free time. You will see the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Arch of Septimus Severus, the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, Piazza Navona (Fountain of the Quattro Fiumi) and the Spanish Steps.

Welcome dinner in Rome: It’s the start of the tour so that calls for celebrations! Tonight you will enjoy a welcome dinner where you can taste delicious Italian food and get to know your tour leader and the rest of your group at a local Roman restaurant.

Meals

Dinner

Accommodation

Hotel


DAY 2: Rome: Free Day

Enjoy a full free day in Rome, Italy’s “Eternal City”! Explore more of the city’s top sights, go shopping or simply stroll through the buzzing streets, and soak up the atmosphere. Alternatively, use this free day to head to the Vatican City and learn more about the world’s smallest country and home of the Pope. Here, see the famous Sistine Chapel and the spectacular Vatican Museums. Or, stay in Rome and explore at your leisure. Spend some time exploring the city’s top sights in depth or simply relax at a café or do some shopping.

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotel


DAY 3: Pompeii - Sorrento region

Today, it’s time to head to the coast! Leave Rome behind and travel to the Sorrento Peninsula via Pompeii. See the legendary Mount Vesuvius from the road and explore the well-preserved ruins of this ancient Roman city which was destroyed by a catastrophic volcanic eruption thousands of years ago. Later, arrive in the Sorrento peninsula, where the tour will be based for the next two nights. Amongst other things, this area is famous for limoncello (a sweet lemon liqueur), and this beverage is the perfect way to finish off tonight’s included dinner!

Experiences

See Mount Vesuvius and explore the ancient ruins of Pompeii: Preserved since ancient times under metres of ash and pumice, Pompeii offers superb insights into life (and death) in the ancient Roman Empire. An expert local guide will accompany and introduce you to the history of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, which was destroyed in 79 AD in a catastrophic volcanic eruption.

Meals

BreakfastDinner

Accommodation

Hotel

On Tour Excursions

DAY 4: Sorrento region: Free Day

A gorgeous old town hugging the coastline, the Sorrento peninsula is the base for today. Explore the surrounding towns in your own time, and seek out little shops producing lace-work, ceramics and specialising in marquetry (the art and craft of applying pieces of veneer to create incredible artwork). Alternatively, choose to join the optional excursion to the famous Isle of Capri. Capri has charmed everyone from Roman emperors to the biggest names in Hollywood! Enjoy exploring the vibrant mix of cafés, rugged coastline views, ancient Roman ruins and stylish piazzas with a locally guided tour.

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotel

On Tour Excursions

DAY 5: Montecassino - Assisi

Today, depart the coast and head north to Assisi, stopping en route in Montecassino. Famed for the site of the Abbey of Montecassino, along with its rolling green hills, vineyards and rivers, the city was also the scene of fierce fighting in World War II, which left the town almost completely destroyed. After a comfort stop here, continue on to the region of Umbria and the medieval town of Assisi which is known for being the birthplace of St Francis in 1181. A charming town and the most popular pilgrimage site in Italy, admire the ancient churches and basilicas – many of which are just as St Francis would have seen them almost one thousand years ago!

Experiences

Montecassino: Make a comfort stop at the Abbey of Montecassino, the site of fierce battles during World War II. Visit the famous Abbey, which has been totally restored to its original glory, and is still in use today.

Assisi: Arriving in Assisi in the late afternoon, take the opportunity to explore the city, which is famous for its historic churches and basilicas.

Meals

BreakfastDinner

Accommodation

Hotel


DAY 6: San Marino - Venice

Leaving the churches and basilicas of Assisi behind, head to Venice, stopping off in Europe’s third-smallest state, San Marino, on the way. Claiming to be the oldest surviving sovereign state in the world, San Marino was founded by Saint Marinus in the early 4th century, and is now one of the most popular day-trip destinations for visitors to the area. Situated on a hilltop, San Marino offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and the Adriatic Sea. Later, arrive in Venice in the early evening. The evening is free to relax at the hotel or join the tour leader on an optional twilight water taxi cruise of the Venetian canals.

Experiences

Visit San Marino: This impressive fortress town is located on a hilltop and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and the Adriatic sea. As one of Europe’s oldest states, San Marino boasts intriguing history and is also a popular day-trip destination.

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotel

On Tour Excursions

DAY 7: Venice: Free Day

This morning, take an orientation walking tour through the heart of Venice. See top sights including the Rialto Bridge and St. Mark's Square. The rest of the day is then free to explore as you wish. Every visit to Venice should include a traditional gondola ride, which can be organised by your tour leader. An optional trip further out into the lagoon to visit Murano and Burano is also highly recommended. These islands are famous for their local crafts and rows of beautiful multi-coloured houses. Later in the afternoon, there is an option to join a food tour and sample delectable local treats while wandering Venice’s enchanting streets. For the ultimate Venice itinerary, why not enjoy all three optional excursions today?

Experiences

Orientation tour of Venice: Your tour leader will take you into the heart of this unique floating city. On the orientation tour, explore Venice and see St. Mark’s Square, St. Mark’s Basilica, St Mark’s Museum, Campanile, Doge’s Palace, Rialto Market, Scuola Grande di San Rocco and more.

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotel

On Tour Excursions

DAY 8: Verona - Italian Lakes

First up today, stop off in “fair Verona” to catch a glimpse of Juliet’s balcony, where Romeo wooed Juliet in Shakespeare’s classic play. Beset by family feuds, drama and romance since its founding in Roman times, Verona has its share of stories to tell, and is an unmissable stop on Italian tours. Look out for the 2,000 year old arena and the ancient city gates during an orientation tour. Later, head to the Italian Lakes and find out why famous writers like DH Lawrence and Hemingway were so inspired by this stunning region of Italy. Arrive in Sirmione, a picturesque town on Lake Garda and enjoy free time to explore before settling into the hotel for the evening.

Experiences

Visit Verona: Stop in Verona and enjoy an orientation tour of this romantic and historic city. Admire Juliet’s balcony - where Romeo is said to have wooed Juliet in the classic Shakespearean tragedy.

The Italian Lake District: Explore the picturesque town of Sirmione on Lake Garda and enjoy a night in the Italian Lake District. This is one of Europe’s most beautiful settings and has inspired many famous poets and novelists. Make sure the camera batteries are fully charged!

Meals

BreakfastDinner

Accommodation

Hotel


DAY 9: Italian Lakes - Cinque Terre - Pisa - Northern Tuscany

Today, leave the Italian Lakes and travel to another one of Italy’s most beautiful destinations; Cinque Terre. Located on Italy’s west coast, Cinque Terre is made up of five picturesque Italian towns: Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore.They are all connected by hiking routes and trains making it a beautiful and unique section of the world to explore by train or on foot! Enjoy several hours here to explore! Next, visit the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Be sure to snap some great photos of this iconic Italian landmark! Later, travel to Northern Tuscany and settle into the accommodation for the night.

Experiences

Explore Cinque Terre: Recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, enjoy plenty of free time to experience this picturesque region, which also offers some of the best seafood in Italy. Catch a train to Cinque Terre from La Spezia and explore the five towns Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore by train or using the walking routes and absorb the Italian atmosphere and scenic views! 

Visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa: See the Leaning Tower of Pisa which is one of Italy’s most iconic monuments! Enjoy some free time to snap photographs and enjoy the scenery.

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotel


DAY 10: Pisa - Florence - Southern Tuscany

Get ready for a day filled with Italian adventure! Travel to Florence this morning. Arrive and enjoy a locally guided tour of the city which is beloved for its incredible Renaissance art and architecture. Then, visit a local Italian leather shop to learn more about local leather crafting and why Italian leather brands have been dominating the fashion world for centuries. Enjoy free time to explore the city this afternoon! Join the Taste of Tuscany optional excursion to experience local culinary traditions and delicious Tuscan recipes! Later, travel to the hotel in Southern Tuscany and enjoy a complimentary wine tasting on arrival followed by a free evening to spend at your leisure.

Experiences

Locally guided tour of Florence: A local guide will introduce the city’s main sights, including the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Ponte Vecchio, Piazza Della Signoria and the replica statue of David, on a walking tour.

Leather-making demonstration: Visit Leonardo Leather and Gold, a well-loved local shop, and learn all about the world of Italian leather crafting. See why Italy has been famous for leather production for centuries. 

Italian wine tasting: Arrive at the hotel in Tuscany, and enjoy a complimentary wine tasting accompanied by some tasty snacks.

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotel

On Tour Excursions

DAY 11: San Gimignano - Siena - Rome

Travel through one of the world’s most picturesque countryside landscapes this morning. Admire Tuscan farmhouses, vineyards and olive groves along the way. The first stop of the day is the walled hilltop town of San Gimignano. Known as the “Town of Fine Towers”, it offers exceptional Romanesque and Gothic architecture and 12 well-preserved tower houses. Then, drive to Siena, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for the Palio horse race held twice a year in the main piazza. Here, enjoy a wine tasting accompanied with antipasto before heading back to Rome. Round off the day with a farewell dinner together on the last night of the tour.

Experiences

Visit San Gimignano: Prepare to be impressed by the views from this hilltop Tuscan town! San Gimignano’s medieval streets are home to impressive Romanesque and Gothic architecture and 12 well-preserved tower houses.

Visit Siena: This historic city is famous for hosting the 'Palio' horse race which is held twice a year in the main piazza, or public square. In addition to the Palio, Siena boasts incredible medieval architecture including the magnificent Duomo of Siena, and is widely loved for its great local culture, food and wine!

Farewell dinner in Rome: 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.

Meals

BreakfastDinner

Accommodation

Hotel


DAY 12: End of tour in Rome

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!

Meals

Breakfast

What's Included

Accommodation

  • 11 nights in 2, 3 & 4* hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms
  • Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room

Meals

  • 11 Breakfasts, 1 Antipasto, 5 Dinners
    *Vegetarian options available for all meals on request

Transport

  • Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and toilet onboard
  • Any public transport used as part of the tour (excludes free days)

Tour Leader

  • Fully guided tour with experienced tour leader
  • Tour leader will accompany group throughout and manage all logistical details

18 Experiences!

  • Discover Rome on a walking tour
  • Welcome dinner in Rome
  • See Mount Vesuvius; an ancient volcano
  • Explore the ancient ruins of Pompeii
  • Visit Montecassino; a famous abbey
  • Explore the ancient sites of Assisi; home of St Francis
  • Visit San Marino; one of the oldest republics in Europe
  • Explore the heart of Venice on an orientation tour
  • Visit Juliet's balcony in Verona
  • Spend a night in the Italian Lake District
  • See the Leaning Tower of Pisa
  • Explore Cinque Terre’s picturesque villages
  • Explore the highlights of Florence
  • Watch a leather-making demonstration
  • Taste Italian wine in Tuscany
  • Marvel at the views in San Gimignano
  • Visit Siena; a popular Tuscan town home to the Palio horse race
  • Farewell dinner in Rome

Accommodation

Hotels are chosen closer to departure date. We do use a variety of hotels in each destination, so you may stay in a hotel different to that listed here.

Rome

Photos of the tour

Positano and the Amalfi Coast

Discover the stunning Amalfi Coast - Italy’s most scenic coastline! Travel by private minibus to Positano, accompanied by a local guide. This is one of the most beautiful drives in Europe! On arrival in Positano, enjoy a limoncello tasting. This sweet lemon liqueur is a speciality of the Amalfi Coast. Follow that with a tasting of sugared almonds, which are known in Italy as confetti and date back to the 15th century. After a short guided walking tour down to the historic centre of Positano, enjoy some free time to explore the most famous and iconic village on the Amalfi Coast.

Optional Excursions

Unless marked as “Pre-Book”, all optional excursions can be booked on tour and paid for in cash (in the stated currency) to your tour leader.
Prices and availability are subject to change

Dates & Rates

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Our pricing model: Lowest-priced seats are sold first, then the price increases slightly. The quicker you book, the less you pay. Select a date below to secure your seat.
Years
Start Date / End DateFlexible BookingStatusPrice Per Person
26 Mar 2024 - 06 Apr 2024Flexible booking date for 26 Mar 2024 - 06 Apr 2024Only 6 seats left at this price€ 2,085 € 1,740
09 Apr 2024 - 20 Apr 2024Flexible booking date for 09 Apr 2024 - 20 Apr 2024Only 5 seats left at this price€ 2,085 € 1,590
23 Apr 2024 - 04 May 2024Flexible booking date for 23 Apr 2024 - 04 May 2024Only 6 seats left at this price€ 2,085 € 1,665
07 May 2024 - 18 May 2024Flexible booking date for 07 May 2024 - 18 May 2024Only 4 seats left at this price€ 2,085 € 1,795
21 May 2024 - 01 Jun 2024Flexible booking date for 21 May 2024 - 01 Jun 2024Only 2 seats left at this price€ 2,085 € 1,740
04 Jun 2024 - 15 Jun 2024Flexible booking date for 04 Jun 2024 - 15 Jun 2024Only 1 seat left at this price€ 2,085 € 1,665
18 Jun 2024 - 29 Jun 2024Flexible booking date for 18 Jun 2024 - 29 Jun 2024Only 1 seat left at this price€ 2,085 € 1,590
02 Jul 2024 - 13 Jul 2024Flexible booking date for 02 Jul 2024 - 13 Jul 2024Only 6 seats left at this price€ 2,085 € 1,740
16 Jul 2024 - 27 Jul 2024Flexible booking date for 16 Jul 2024 - 27 Jul 2024Only 5 seats left at this price€ 2,085 € 1,590
30 Jul 2024 - 10 Aug 2024Flexible booking date for 30 Jul 2024 - 10 Aug 2024Only 6 seats left at this price€ 2,085 € 1,485
27 Aug 2024 - 07 Sep 2024Flexible booking date for 27 Aug 2024 - 07 Sep 2024Only 2 seats left at this price€ 2,085 € 1,665
10 Sep 2024 - 21 Sep 2024Flexible booking date for 10 Sep 2024 - 21 Sep 2024Last 5 seats left - Book Now!€ 2,085 € 1,840
24 Sep 2024 - 05 Oct 2024Flexible booking date for 24 Sep 2024 - 05 Oct 2024Only 2 seats left at this price€ 2,085 € 1,740
08 Oct 2024 - 19 Oct 2024Flexible booking date for 08 Oct 2024 - 19 Oct 2024Only 4 seats left at this price€ 2,085 € 1,665
02 Jul 2024 - 13 Jul 2024Flexible booking date for 02 Jul 2024 - 13 Jul 2024SOLD OUT!

Number of travellers

Payment option

Flexible booking: flexible booking

Additional Information

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.

Additional Information Help Centre

Reviews

Reviews powered by: Power Reviews

210 reviews
A
Amy and Jarrod Verified Buyer 2023-10-22
Amazing
We loved the tour, the price was great for what we got. They packed as much as possible in our time frame. We were not disappointed.
P
Peggy Verified Buyer 2023-10-12
Italian Delights - 12 Days Great Tour + taste of Italy
Great range of locations visited from the beautiful coastal areas to Tuscany and more. Hotels were generally very good. The pace was fast as we covered such a large distance. Thanks to the coach driver who has a big job getting everyone around safely. Tour leader was highly organised and kept the pace going well. We had no excuse not to enjoy our trip!!
P
Piccolo Verified Buyer 2023-07-29
Great, packed tour of Italy
The tour was well organised and gave us a view of a large portion of Italy over 12 days. We saw as much as possible during that time with our amazing and informative tour guide Antonio who looked after everyone! It was an amazing trip with amazing people.
K
Kathy and Teresa Verified Buyer 2023-07-18
Unforgettable Dream Vacation
An amazing tour, from the Roman ruins to the Vatican and the incredible city of Venice, every place we visited exceeded our expectations! Our tour leader Vinni was knowledgeable and passionate about Italy. His quick wit and often sarcastic sense of humour were seriously infectious and made us fall in love with him immediately. Vinni took the time to get to know us. He offered expertise on places to see, restaurants to try, best gelato stops, and so much more. He taught us how to cross the busy streets of Rome without getting killed, use the metro or navigate the bus/ tram systems confidently. Thanks to Vinni, we quickly became a tight knit group and were left with many wonderful friendships at the end. Not to be forgotten, our driver Franco's most competent driving skills blew our minds. Franco made us feel safe while expertly navigating the narrow streets, hairpin turns, and tight parking spaces. Expat explore is a great company that takes the time to provide the best experiences to t
C
Claire Verified Buyer 2023-07-13
Amazing trip!
This tour was very well organized. Our leader Mayra was AMAZING! Our driver, Matteo, was incredible! We had an amazing time!

Why this tour?

Every traveller should experience la dolce vita (the good life) and true Italian delight at least once in their lifetime and this Italy tour is your chance to do it! Join this 12-day tour of Italy to experience the country’s most stunning destinations. 

Begin and end in Rome - the famous capital city that is home to ancient monuments and modern charms. Journey south to the Sorrento Peninsula and marvel at the incredible scenery before travelling north to experience top destinations on tours of Italy including Venice and Florence. 

Highlights of the Italian Delights tour include:

  • Guided exploration of Pompeii. Explore the ruins of this ancient city which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, under the guidance of a local expert. Get to know the story of what happened to this city when Mount Vesuvius erupted nearly 2,000 years ago!
  • Embark on walking tours of Rome and Florence with incredibly knowledgeable local guides. These cities are historic centres for history, art and culture and discovering more about them is a must on guided Italy tours.
  • Visit famous destinations that are on bucket lists for countless Italian tours including Venice, Cinque Terre, Verona, and Pisa (where you can see the famous Leaning Tower!).
  • Spend a leisurely night in the Italian Lakes where you can experience the beauty of the region first hand.
  • Enjoy free days to explore Rome, Sorrento and Venice at your leisure. Explore solo or pick from a number of exciting Italy tour optional activities such as a guided tour of the Vatican, seeing Venice by Night and an excursion to the gorgeous Isle of Capri!
  • Visit Siena, Monte Cassino, Assisi, San Marino and San Gimignano to complete your Italian trip itinerary. 

Is this the right tour for me?

What will the accommodation be like on this Italian tour?
Travellers will use twin-share rooms and will be paired up with someone of the same gender. All hotels have been hand-picked by our team. For more privacy, a single supplement is available to purchase when you book your Italian Delights tour. 

Is there enough free time included?
With three full free days (in Rome, Sorrento and Venice) and free time included regularly throughout the 12-day trip, our Italy group tours offer an excellent balance of included activities and free time to explore. 

How fit do I have to be to go on this tour? 
Guided walking tours, as well as orientation tours, are included on our Italy trips so travellers need to be prepared to do some exploring on foot! Some walking tours can last a couple of hours however they are not carried out at an intense pace. Travellers also need to be comfortable transporting their luggage from the coach to the hotel. 

What are the best things to see and do on Italian tours?
There are a number of bucket list sites to see on tours of Italy! From the Colosseum and Leaning Tower of Pisa to the city of Venice itself! Check out some of our Italy pictures above for some travel inspiration. Travellers should also embrace all things local from food to art to music! 

If you are looking for an in-depth guided Italy tour that showcases the history, culture, incredible scenery and delicious cuisine, this is the one! Expat tours of Italy are fun-filled, convenient and affordable!