Tours Italy Tours Italy Explorer

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Summary

Discover must-see destinations on this Italy Explorer tour; Rome, Venice, Florence, Pompeii and more! See the Leaning Tower of Pisa and drink in the beauty of Cinque Terre. Admire the Tuscan countryside and explore stunning Sicily - a hotspot for Italian summer vacations! Experience ancient cities, historic monuments and marvel at Renaissance art. Not to forget the fantastic food, rich culture and beautiful landscapes at every turn - this is how to explore Italy! One of our favourite, all-encompassing tours to Italy, it's everything you could want on an Italian holiday and more!

If you're looking for a shorter tour of Italy, the first and second parts of this itinerary are available as individual tours - take a look at the Southern Italy & Sicily tour (click here) and the Taste of Italy tour (click here).

Highlights

  • Walking tours of Rome and Florence with expert local guides
  • Explore Cinque Terre and the ruins of ancient Pompeii
  • Free days to explore Venice, Tuscany, Sorrento and Sicily
  • See the Trulli houses of Alberobello 
  • Take a photo with the Leaning Tower of Pisa

Itinerary View Full ItineraryDownload PDF

Start Point

Hotel in Rome | 10:00 AM

End Point

Hotel in Rome | 11:00 AM
DAY 1: Start of tour in Rome

Welcome to Rome; the Eternal City! Meet up with your tour leader at the hotel this morning and prepare for the tour of a lifetime! Then, join a local guide for a guided walking tour to see some of the sites that make Rome famous the world over. See ancient Roman architecture, medieval buildings, Renaissance artworks and more remnants of Rome’s illustrious past as capital of this incredible country and the Roman Empire at large. Tonight, taste delicious Italian cuisine and enjoy an included welcome dinner at a local restaurant with your tour group.

Meals: Dinner

DAY 1: Start of tour in Rome

Welcome to Rome; the Eternal City! Meet up with your tour leader at the hotel this morning and prepare for the tour of a lifetime! Then, join a local guide for a guided walking tour to see some of the sites that make Rome famous the world over. See ancient Roman architecture, medieval buildings, Renaissance artworks and more remnants of Rome’s illustrious past as capital of this incredible country and the Roman Empire at large. Tonight, taste delicious Italian cuisine and enjoy an included welcome dinner at a local restaurant with your tour group.

Experiences

Walking tour of Rome: This city has so much to see and do, we can’t even list everything here! See the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Arch of Septimus Severus, the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, Piazza Navona (Fountain of the Quattro Fiumi), the Spanish Steps, and the other attractions that make Rome a perennial favourite with travellers all over the world!

Welcome dinner: Celebrate the first night of your Italy tour with a welcome dinner! Join your tour leader and the rest of the Italy tour group, and head to a nearby local restaurant for a delicious dinner.

Meals

Dinner

Accommodation

Hotel


DAY 2: Rome: Free Day

Enjoy a free day to explore Rome and discover more of the city’s famous sights. Wander the streets, do some shopping and be sure to sample local food. Alternatively, use this time to take a short trip to the Vatican City, the world’s smallest country and home of the Pope! Visit the Vatican museums and marvel at the artistic masterpieces, as well as Michaelangelo’s incredible frescoes in the Sistine Chapel. The “Eternal City” is your oyster today and no matter what you choose to do, this free day is sure to include many memorable sights and moments.

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotel


DAY 3: Rome - Orvieto - Venice

Leaving the capital behind, drive through the scenic Umbria region and look forward to the truly incredible sight of Orvieto. This small but beautiful city is perched atop a sheer vertical volcanic rock. Take the funicular up to the historic centre and enjoy some free time to explore. See the city’s top sights including the 14th-century Cathedral of Orvieto, the papal residence, and the Albornoz fortress. Next, travel on to Venice!  The evening is free. Choose to relax at the hotel or join your tour leader on an optional twilight water taxi cruise of the floating city’s iconic canals and see the twinkling lights of Venice!

Experiences

Funicular ride in historic Orvieto: Take a funicular up to the historic centre. Here, enjoy some free time to explore and see the sights, including the exquisite facade of the Cathedral of Orvieto.

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotel

On Tour Excursions

DAY 4: Venice

Start this full day in Venice with an orientation tour led by your tour leader. The rest of the day is free to explore this magical city at your leisure. A gondola ride, which can be organised by your tour leader, is highly recommended today as no trip to Venice is complete without this quintessential experience! An optional trip further out into the lagoon to visit Murano and Burano is also available today. These islands are famous for their glass-blowing and lace-making crafts respectively, and rows of beautiful multi-coloured houses. Alternatively, if the weather is good, relax and soak up the sun on the sandy beaches at Jesolo or Lido. The choice is yours!

Experiences

Orientation tour of Venice: Follow your tour guide to get your bearings in Venice before setting out on a full day of solo exploration.

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotel

On Tour Excursions

DAY 5: Lake Garda - Florence - Tuscany

Today, travel to Florence and the beautiful region of Tuscany. Along the way, stop at the gorgeous Lake Garda. This is the biggest lake in Italy, and a destination that has inspired artists of all persuasions for centuries. On arrival in Florence, join a passionate local guide and explore the iconic sights and landmarks of this magnificent city. A cultural and political focal point during the Renaissance, the city is endowed with a huge variety of Renaissance artworks and Roman ruins. Next, it’s time to visit Leonardo Leather for a leather-making demonstration. Later, enjoy an included dinner at a local restaurant.

Experiences

Stop at Lake Garda: Stop at the gorgeous town of Sirmione on the shores of Lake Garda, the biggest lake in Italy, to take some keepsake photos. 

Locally guided tour of Florence: See some of the cultural and historic sights that have made the city of Florence a favourite among travellers. Discover top sights including the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Ponte Vecchio, Piazza Della Signoria and the replica statue of David. Known as the ‘Jewel of the Renaissance’, Florence boasts a huge variety of important buildings and famous artworks.

Leather-making demonstration: Step inside the world of Italian leather crafting; visit a local leather shop and factory, Leonardo Leather and Gold, for insight into how bespoke Italian leather goods are produced. Italy has been famous for leather production for centuries!

Dinner at a restaurant in Florence: Join the group for a delicious meal at a local restaurant in Florence.

Meals

BreakfastDinner

Accommodation

Hotel


DAY 6: Cinque Terre - Pisa - Tuscany

This morning, drive north to La Spezia in the Liguria region. This city is the gateway to Cinque Terre; five picturesque fishing villages on the rugged Italian Riviera coastline. The harbours are filled with fishing boats, vines climb the terraces and the houses are painted in bright colours. It’s a photographer’s dream! Each village is linked by hiking trails and a railway, allowing for exploration without any cars or traffic. This afternoon, head back to Tuscany, stopping off on the way at the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa. A highlight of any tour to Italy, enjoy snapping photos of this legendary structure and explore the grounds that include a cathedral and baptistery.

Experiences

Explore Cinque Terre: Make your way along the cobbled walkways that link the five picturesque villages to experience life in the slow lane, as the locals do. This beautiful region is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and boasts some of the best seafood in Italy.

Visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa: See the famous architectural marvel up close, and take those must-have travel pictures. Be sure to get a classic picture of you ‘holding up’ the tower!

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotel

On Tour Excursions

DAY 7: San Gimignano - Siena - Rome

Today, the tour makes its way through Tuscany’s idyllic countryside. During the drive, admire rolling hills complete with Tuscan farmhouses, vineyards and olive groves. The first stop is the walled hilltop town of San Gimignano. Known as the 'Town of Fine Towers', San Gimignano is home to incredible Romanesque and Gothic architecture and 14 well-preserved medieval tower houses. Then, drive to Siena; a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for the Palio horse race. Here, taste some local Italian wines. Then, travel back to Rome and round off the day with an included dinner.

Experiences

Visit San Gimignano: Enjoy a comfort stop to admire the beautiful scenery and drink in the restful ambience of this stunning town. San Gimignano is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its 14 well-preserved medieval towers which create an unforgettable skyline.

Wine tasting in Siena: Taste some local wines in the ultimate Italian setting. Siena is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for the Palio horse race. This bareback horse race has taken place since the 14th century in the main town square of Siena, and the 17 participants represent local families.

Meals

BreakfastDinner

Accommodation

Hotel


DAY 8: Rome: Free Day

Welcome back to Rome! Enjoy a free day to explore any of the sights you may have missed on your first visit to this historic city. Later on, meet back up with your tour leader and fellow travellers, including those joining from the Highlights of Southern Italy & Sicily Tour. Experience Rome by night and explore some of the iconic sights of the Eternal City illuminated in the evening. These sights include the Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona and the Pantheon on a driving tour. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant tonight.

Experiences

Rome by night: Explore some of the iconic sights of the Eternal City, including the Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona and the Pantheon on a nighttime driving tour.

Meals

BreakfastDinner

Accommodation

Hotel


DAY 9: Rome - Pompeii - Sorrento

Leaving Rome, head to the Sorrento Peninsula, stopping off along the way to see Mount Vesuvius and explore the ancient ruins of Pompeii, destroyed in 79 AD in a catastrophic volcanic eruption. Get transported to a different time and gain fascinating insight into life during the Roman empire during a guided tour. Later this afternoon, settle in for a two-night stay on the Sorrento Peninsula. This area is famous for limoncello (a sweet lemon liqueur); the perfect way to finish off the included dinner this evening!

Experiences

See Mount Vesuvius and the ruins of Pompeii: See Mount Vesuvius, and stop off to explore the ancient ruins of Pompeii with a local guide. Pompeii was famously destroyed in 79 AD in a catastrophic volcanic eruption. Visiting this UNESCO World Heritage Site provides a fascinating insight into the ancient Roman Empire.

Meals

BreakfastDinner

Accommodation

Hotel

On Tour Excursions

DAY 10: Sorrento: Free Day

Enjoy a full free day in Sorrento! A gorgeous old town hugging the coastline, the Sorrento Peninsula is the base for the day. Explore the town in your own time, or choose to join the optional excursion to the famous Isle of Capri. Here, spend some free time exploring the rugged coastline, ancient Roman ruins and stylish piazzas of this glamorous island. A private cruise around the island with swim stops in the island’s crystal clear waters is a definite highlight of this trip!

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotel

On Tour Excursions

DAY 11: Sorrento - Matera - Alberobello

Today, head southeast to explore the southern Italian region of Apulia, taking a comfort stop along the way in the ancient cave city of Matera. Known as "la Città Sotterranea" (the Subterranean City), it is famous for its extensive cave-dwelling districts; the ‘sassi’. Later, arrive in Alberobello, and enjoy a walking tour with a local guide to see the region's famous ‘trulli’ houses. These beautiful 14th-century whitewashed stone huts have iconic conical roofs and are specific to the Itria Valley. This evening, enjoy free time to further explore Alberobello - check out the trullo church of St Anthony and the Trulli Museum!

Experiences

See the ancient cave city of Matera: Known as "la Città Sotterranea" (the Subterranean City), it is famous for its extensive cave-dwelling districts; the ‘sassi’.

Walking tour of Alberobello: Discover the area’s beautiful 14th-century whitewashed stone huts that have iconic conical roofs, and are specific to the Itria Valley, with a local guide.

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotel


DAY 12: Alberobello - Taormina

This morning, take a coastal drive beside the Ionian Sea before leaving the mainland. Take a short ferry ride over to the island of Sicily; home to the spectacular Mount Etna. Prepare for stunning views as the tour makes its way to Taormina. Upon arrival, your tour leader will guide an orientation walk of this hilltop town, pointing out some of the highlights that can be explored further on the free day tomorrow. Top attractions include the historic Porta Catania and the Villa Comunale. This evening, get your first taste of Sicilian cuisine with an included dinner at tonight’s beachside hotel.

Experiences

Ferry ride to Sicily: Take a scenic ferry ride to the island of Sicily; the home of Mount Etna. Admire the views as the ferry makes its way to Taormina.

Orientation tour of Taormina: Your tour guide will take the group on an orientation tour of this charming hilltop town. See top sights including the historic Porta Catania and the Villa Comunale. Explore more attractions on the free day tomorrow!

Dinner at a beachside hotel in Taormina: Taste authentic Sicilian cuisine and join the group for dinner at a restaurant overlooking the ocean.

Meals

BreakfastDinner

Accommodation

Hotel


DAY 13: Taormina: Free Day

Enjoy a free day to relax on Sicily's beautiful beaches or explore the island's quaint towns. The town of Taormina is one of Italy’s most popular summer destinations. Perched on the side of a mountain, Taormina is home to medieval churches, a castle and a Greek amphitheatre. For those looking to explore further afield on their Italian tour, speak to your tour leader for their recommendations. Options include a Mount Etna day trip, boat tours of the beautiful coastline, paragliding and The Godfather tours!

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotel

On Tour Excursions

DAY 14: Taormina - Syracuse - Agrigento

Drive through the heart of Sicily, enjoying a visit to the enchanting city of Syracuse along the way. Syracuse is a city that was founded as a Greek colony in 734 BC. Today, it boasts a UNESCO-listed historic centre and beautiful Baroque buildings. Later this afternoon, get your cameras ready for a tour of the ‘Valle dei Templi’ (Valley of the Temples) led by an expert local guide. This is one of the world’s most outstanding examples of Magna Grecia art and architecture! Afterwards, travel to tonight’s accommodation near Agrigento.

Experiences

Visit Syracuse: The historically significant Sicilian city of Syracusa (as the locals call it) is located on the southeast coast of Sicily. Syracuse was originally a Greek colony, and today is home to a number of Greek remains. Its Greek theatre dates back to the 5th century BC. Be transported back in time while meandering cobbled lanes, pavement cafes and baroque architecture. While here, shop locally-grown pistachios, almonds and sun-dried pachino (tomatoes).

Explore the Valley of the Temples: The ‘Valle dei Templi’ is a national monument of Italy and an archaeological site in Agrigento. The Valley includes the remains of seven temples built in the Doric style. It is famous for being home to incredible examples of Magna Grecia art and architecture.

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotel


DAY 15: Agrigento - Cefalù - Palermo

Leaving Agrigento this morning, take a scenic drive through central Sicily en route to the town of Cefalù. Embark on an orientation tour of the town before enjoying free time for lunch. This historic town boasts some of Italy’s finest beaches so don’t miss the chance to enjoy a meal by the sea! Arriving in Palermo in the early afternoon, enjoy a walking tour which will showcase the city’s highlights. Founded more than 2,700 years ago by the Phoenicians, Palermo is noted for its history, culture, architecture and food. Top sights on the walking tour include the Piazza Indipendenza, Porta Nuova (The New Gate) and the Cathedral of Palermo.

Experiences

Visit Cefalù: Travel to the historic city of Cefalù where you have free time to find a place to enjoy lunch. This coastal city is famous for its incredible beaches as well as its Norman cathedral complete with soaring towers and Byzantine mosaics. 

Walking tour of Palermo: Enjoy a guided walking tour of Palermo. Look out for popular attractions like the Piazza Indipendenza, Porta Nuova (The New Gate) and the Cathedral of Palermo.

Meals

BreakfastDinner

Accommodation

Hotel

On Tour Excursions

DAY 16: Palermo: Free Day

Make the most of this full day to further explore Sicily’s capital. Over the centuries, Palermo has been colonised by many different rulers, including the Greeks, Romans and Normans, making it a melting pot of cultures and architectural styles. Palermo is an enticing mix of ancient relics, Italian history, rich culture and mouthwatering cuisine - it’s a fantastic destination for travellers to enjoy! Revisit top sights from yesterday’s tour, explore the historic old town and visit the art galleries. Alternatively, join today’s optional excursion to visit some local markets and tuck into authentic Sicilian dishes such as arancini and caponata! This evening, the group will take an overnight ferry back to the Italian mainland.

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation
Ferry
On Tour Excursions

DAY 17: End of tour in Rome

The ferry will arrive in Naples this morning. Continue on the coach with the tour leader and travel back to Rome, where the coach will drop off the group. After 17 days of unforgettable Italian adventures, the tour concludes back in Rome. Arrivederci!

Meals

Breakfast

What's Included

Accommodation

  • 15 nights in 2, 3 & 4* hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms, 1 night's accommodation in twin share cabin on ferry with private en-suite facilities
  • Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room/cabin

Meals

  • 16 Breakfasts, 7 Dinners
    *Vegetarian options available for all meals on request

Transport

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

Tour Leader

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

23 Experiences!

  • Discover Rome on a guided walking tour
  • Enjoy a welcome dinner in Rome
  • Take a funicular ride to historic Orvieto
  • See the top sights of Venice on an orientation tour
  • Stop at Lake Garda; Italy’s biggest lake
  • Explore Florence; the ‘Jewel of the Renaissance’
  • Learn about the craft of Italian leather-making
  • Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in Florence
  • Explore the colourful villages of Cinque Terre 
  • See the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa
  • Visit the gorgeous hill town of San Gimignano
  • Taste Italian wine in Siena
  • See Rome by night on a driving tour
  • See Mount Vesuvius and explore the ruins of Pompeii
  • Visit Matera; an ancient cave city
  • Explore Alberobello; famous for its conical houses
  • Catch a scenic ferry from mainland Italy to Sicily
  • Discover Taormina; a hilltop town in Sicily
  • Enjoy dinner at a beachside hotel in Taormina
  • Visit Syracuse; a historic Sicilian city
  • Explore the Valley of the Temples
  • Visit Cefalù; home to Italy’s finest beaches
  • See the sights on a walking tour of Palermo

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

Venice by Night

Venice was made to be viewed from the canals! So, hop aboard a water taxi and take a night cruise of the softly-lit waterways. Be enchanted by the romantic scene of the lights and sounds from the palazzos and old tavernas. It's your opportunity to see La Serenissima at her twilight best.

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
17 Mar 2024 - 02 Apr 2024Flexible booking date for 17 Mar 2024 - 02 Apr 2024Only 4 seats left at this price€ 3,225 € 2,530
31 Mar 2024 - 16 Apr 2024Flexible booking date for 31 Mar 2024 - 16 Apr 2024Only 4 seats left at this price€ 3,225 € 2,530
14 Apr 2024 - 30 Apr 2024Flexible booking date for 14 Apr 2024 - 30 Apr 2024Only 5 seats left at this price€ 3,225 € 2,635
28 Apr 2024 - 14 May 2024Flexible booking date for 28 Apr 2024 - 14 May 2024Last 4 seats left - Book Now!€ 3,225 € 2,780
09 Jun 2024 - 25 Jun 2024Flexible booking date for 09 Jun 2024 - 25 Jun 2024Only 3 seats left at this price€ 3,225 € 2,635
23 Jun 2024 - 09 Jul 2024Flexible booking date for 23 Jun 2024 - 09 Jul 2024Only 3 seats left at this price€ 3,225 € 2,530
21 Jul 2024 - 06 Aug 2024Flexible booking date for 21 Jul 2024 - 06 Aug 2024Only 4 seats left at this price€ 3,225 € 2,530
04 Aug 2024 - 20 Aug 2024Flexible booking date for 04 Aug 2024 - 20 Aug 2024Only 3 seats left at this price€ 3,225 € 2,410
01 Sep 2024 - 17 Sep 2024Flexible booking date for 01 Sep 2024 - 17 Sep 2024Only 2 seats left at this price€ 3,225 € 2,635
15 Sep 2024 - 01 Oct 2024Flexible booking date for 15 Sep 2024 - 01 Oct 2024Only 2 seats left at this price€ 3,225 € 2,720
29 Sep 2024 - 15 Oct 2024Flexible booking date for 29 Sep 2024 - 15 Oct 2024Only 4 seats left at this price€ 3,225 € 2,530
26 May 2024 - 11 Jun 2024Flexible booking date for 26 May 2024 - 11 Jun 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

48 reviews
L
Lee Verified Buyer 2023-09-28
Italy Explorer 17 days from September 10th
It was an amazing tour with innumerable experiences. We met and befriended some lovely people with whom we had a lot of fun and many laughs.
S
Sheila Verified Buyer 2023-09-26
Amazing
Although a bit rushed.It was beyond my expectations.
D
Doris Ballesteros Verified Buyer 2023-07-22
Italy Explorer, An amazing tour!
I really enjoyed my 17 day tour in Italy. All the spots we expkore were all amazing . With Filip, our tour manager did a perfect job.
K
Kara and Tina Verified Buyer 2023-07-02
Amazing
Our tour was amazing Vivien (tour guide) and Franco (best bus driver in the business) are absolute experts at what they do, so caring and thoughtful and full of information. We had the best time. Would definitely recommend the tour and expat to friends and family.
P
Paul Verified Buyer 2023-06-09
Fabulous trip
I enjoyed nearly every part of the trip. Great people in the group and a fabulous tour leader in Fabio. We got to see a lot of Italy north and south and the Island of Sicily. Great optional tours as well included tours. Very enjoyable tour, thank you Fabio.

Why this tour?

Looking for the ultimate tour of Italy? This is it. Jump aboard as our luxury coach tours Italy’s must-see destinations over 17 days. The Italy Explorer tour will take you major cities, meander through the beautiful heart of the country and finish off in the picture-perfect southern peninsula. This is an Italian holiday full of culture, history and authentic experiences. 

Start in Rome and join an expert local guide to tour the top attractions. Embrace the art in Florence and explore the floating city of Venice. You’ll be able to tick the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Lake Garda, the beautiful villages of Cinque Terre and the Trulli Houses of Alberobello off of your bucket list! History enthusiast? You are in for a treat - highlights include visits to Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius as well as Syracuse and Valle dei Templi. Look forward to visiting historic cities such as Orvieto, San Gimignano, Sorrento and Siena - home of the Palio horse race. 

Spend a leisurely few days experiencing Sicily - think coastal drives and charming seaside towns. Discover why countless travellers spend their summer vacations in this picturesque part of the world.

We have catered for many interests when choosing how to explore Italy the best way. Look forward to informative city walks and exciting optional excursions such as visiting the Vatican, a day trip to the famous Isle of Capri, a Roman food tour and more! Slow it down and enjoy free days to explore Venice, Rome, Sorrento, Sicily and Palermo at your leisure.  

Tours to Italy would not be complete without indulging in the local cuisine! Enjoy included wine tasting, antipasti and authentic Italian meals.  

This is one of the most all-encompassing, affordable and fun tours to Italy; complete with a knowledgeable tour leader, safe transport and quality accommodation.