Tours Italy Tours Taste of Italy

Taste of Italy

Countries: 1 Days: 7 Per Day: US$ 160
Start Point:Rome
End Point:Rome
Transport:Private coach
Accommodation:Hotel
Ages:10 - 75+
WasUS$ 1,955
From US$ 1,125
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Price per person in twin share room

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Summary

Spend a week exploring some of Italy’s most beautiful cities, iconic landmarks and scenic sights! This 7-day Taste of Italy tour ticks off top bucket-list experiences. Uncover the ancient history of Rome, spot the legendary Leaning Tower of Pisa and wander through the colourful villages of Cinque Terre. Marvel at the Tuscan countryside and the winding waterways of Venice. Taste delicious local wine and cuisine and immerse yourself in unique cultures. Expat Explore’s Italy travel packages will leave you with a lifetime of memories!

To combine this itinerary with a tour of southern Italy, have a look at our 16-day Italy Explorer tour!

Highlights

  • Tour the top sights of Rome and Florence with a local guide
  • Enjoy a free day in Venice
  • See the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa
  • Visit picturesque towns including Cinque Terre, San Gimignano and Orvieto

Start Point

Hotel in Rome | 10:00 AM

End Point

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

Today marks the start of your week-long Italian adventure! Meet up with your tour leader and fellow travellers at the hotel in Rome this morning. After an introduction to the upcoming itinerary, get ready to head into the city. After some free time for lunch, set off on a walking tour with an expert local guide. Learn all about this “Eternal City” and its astounding history which has been the focus of art, film and literature for centuries! Stand in awe of the Spanish Steps, toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain and more. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant and get to know your new travel buddies over some delicious Italian cuisine.

Meals: Dinner

DAY 1: Start of tour in Rome

Today marks the start of your week-long Italian adventure! Meet up with your tour leader and fellow travellers at the hotel in Rome this morning. After an introduction to the upcoming itinerary, get ready to head into the city. After some free time for lunch, set off on a walking tour with an expert local guide. Learn all about this “Eternal City” and its astounding history which has been the focus of art, film and literature for centuries! Stand in awe of the Spanish Steps, toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain and more. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant and get to know your new travel buddies over some delicious Italian cuisine.

Experiences

Walking tour of Rome: This city has so much to see and do, we can’t even list everything here! Your walking tour of Rome with a professional local guide will give you a great start for further exploration in your free time. 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 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 - Orvieto - Venice

After breakfast, depart Italy’s capital as the tour travels through the Umbria region towards Venice. Enjoy a stop in the Umbrian city of Orvieto which boasts particularly dramatic scenery thanks to its location atop a sheer vertical volcanic rock! Travel up to the historic centre via funicular and look forward to some free time to explore. Admire the facade of the Gothic-Romanesque Cathedral of Orvieto, see the Papal Residence and marvel at the views from the Albornoz Fortress. Then, it's on to the floating city of Venice! Arrive and enjoy a free evening to relax or set off on an optional water taxi cruise through Venice‘s canals. Seeing the lights of Venice at night is a sight to behold!

Experiences

Orientation tour of Orvieto: Explore some of the sights of this city perched on top of a rock cliff. Take a trip to the top using the funicular. Enjoy free time to find something to eat, see the streets, and visit the top sights including the Cathedral of Orvieto, the papal residence and the Albornoz Fortress.

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation
Hotel
On Tour Excursions

DAY 3: Venice: Free Day

Start this full day in Venice with a guided orientation tour. See top sights including the Piazza San Marco and the Rialto Bridge! This tour should give you a great overview of the city which you can explore at your own pace for the rest of the day. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to experience Venice in the best way possible - from its waterways! Ask your tour leader about the optional gondola ride. To venture further out into the lagoon, join the optional excursion which visits Murano and Burano, colourful islands known for their local crafts.

Experiences

Experience Venice: Look forward to a full free day in this unique floating city. Venice is full of iconic sights including St Mark’s Square, St Mark’s Basilica, St Mark’s Museum, Campanile, Doge’s Palace, Rialto Market and Scuola Grande di San Rocco. For the ultimate Venice experience, join today’s optional excursions!

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation
Hotel
On Tour Excursions

DAY 4: Lake Garda - Florence - Tuscany

Leaving the floating city behind, the tour travels to Florence. En route, look forward to a comfort stop at Lake Garda, Italy’s largest lake! Set off on a guided tour with a passionate local guide upon arrival in Florence. Learn all about this awe-inspiring city which was the birthplace of the Renaissance! Admire some of the top sights in Florence including the Ponte Vecchio and the Piazza Della Signoria. Then, visit a local leather shop for a leather-making demonstration. These local artisans are highly skilled in their craft! Finally, enjoy an included group dinner in Florence before travelling to the hotel in Montecatini, an ancient Tuscan spa town!

Experiences

Photo stop at Lake Garda: Enjoy the chance to visit the stunning Lake Garda and snap some incredible photos! The tour will stop in Sirmione, a lovely town located on the shores of Lake Garda. 

Guided tour of Florence: Join an expert local guide for a walking tour of Florence. You’ll be introduced to the main sights, including the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Ponte Vecchio, Piazza Della Signoria and the replica statue of David. A cultural and political focal point during the Renaissance, Florence is endowed with 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!

Meals

BreakfastDinner

Accommodation
Hotel

DAY 5: Cinque Terre - Pisa - Tuscany

Two highlights of Italy travel packages are on the agenda today! Starting this morning with a trip to the enchanting Cinque Terre via La Spezia. Consisting of five stunning cliff-side villages (Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore), Cinque Terre offers spectacular coastal views. The villages are linked by rail and footpaths, making exploration peaceful and car-free. Later this afternoon, head back to Tuscany and prepare to be wowed by the second highlight of the day - the Leaning Tower of Pisa! Be sure to snap some pictures of this iconic Italian landmark. Why not round off this exciting day with an optional Tuscan dinner in scenic Montecatini?

Experiences

Explore Cinque Terre's five picturesque villages: Recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, you'll have plenty of free time to experience this picturesque region, which also offers some of the best seafood in Italy!

See the Leaning Tower of Pisa: Visit Pisa to see one of Italy’s most iconic monuments; the world-famous Leaning Tower of Pisa! Make the most of photographic opportunities during the visit. A photo of you ‘holding up’ the tower is a classic!

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation
Hotel
On Tour Excursions

DAY 6: San Gimignano - Siena - Rome

Soak up the last of the Tuscan scenery as the tour travels through the idyllic countryside complete with olive groves, rolling hills and vineyards! Before heading back to Rome this evening, look forward to visiting two more Tuscan gems. First up is the Medieval town of San Gimignano. This walled, hilltop town is known as the “Town of Fine Towers” and is famous for its Medieval tower houses, 14 of which are still standing! Here, taste some local Tuscan wines with an included wine tasting! The next stop is Siena, a UNESCO-listed city which is most famous for hosting the Palio horse race twice a year. Finally, travel back to Rome and enjoy a farewell group dinner.

Experiences

Visit San Gimignano: Admire the stunning 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. Here, enjoy a tasting of local wines in a beautiful setting.

Discover Siena: Siena is 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. 

Farewell dinner in Rome: Join your tour leader and the rest of the group for a final dinner in Rome. Toast to an amazing week spent exploring the highlights of Italy!

Meals

BreakfastDinner

Accommodation
Hotel

DAY 7: End of tour in Rome

Today marks the end of this unforgettable 7-day Italy tour. If time allows, make the most of your last day in Rome and choose to join the optional guided tour of the Colosseum and Roman Forum. Step back in time and walk in the footsteps of ancient Romans, emperors, gladiators and even lions! Be sure to swap contact details with your new travel friends before travelling onwards. Expat Explore wishes you a safe journey home.

Meals

Breakfast

On Tour Excursions

What's Included

Accommodation

  • 6 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 (subject to availability)

Meals

  • 6 Breakfasts, 3 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

12 Experiences!

  • Enjoy a guided walking tour of Rome
  • Welcome dinner in Rome
  • Visit Orvieto; a historic city perched on a rocky cliff
  • Experience the magic of Venice
  • Enjoy a photo stop at Lake Garda
  • Explore Florence; the heart of the Italian Renaissance
  • Learn all about Italian leather-making
  • Explore Cinque Terre’s picturesque villages
  • Visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa; one of Italy’s iconic monuments
  • Visit the gorgeous hill town of San Gimignano
  • Discover Siena, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Enjoy a farewell dinner in Rome

Accommodation

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.

Rome

Photos of the tour

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.

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Dates & Rates

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Years
Start Date / End DateFlexible BookingStatusPrice Per Person
23 Mar 2025 - 29 Mar 2025Flexible booking date for 2025-03-23Book now with low depositUS$1,955 US$1,315
06 Apr 2025 - 12 Apr 2025Flexible booking date for 2025-04-06Book now with low depositUS$1,955 US$1,125
20 Apr 2025 - 26 Apr 2025Flexible booking date for 2025-04-20Book now with low depositUS$1,955 US$1,205
04 May 2025 - 10 May 2025Flexible booking date for 2025-05-04Book now with low depositUS$1,955 US$1,205
18 May 2025 - 24 May 2025Flexible booking date for 2025-05-18Book now with low depositUS$1,955 US$1,265
01 Jun 2025 - 07 Jun 2025Flexible booking date for 2025-06-01Book now with low depositUS$1,955 US$1,385
15 Jun 2025 - 21 Jun 2025Flexible booking date for 2025-06-15Book now with low depositUS$1,955 US$1,265
29 Jun 2025 - 05 Jul 2025Flexible booking date for 2025-06-29Book now with low depositUS$1,955 US$1,385
13 Jul 2025 - 19 Jul 2025Flexible booking date for 2025-07-13Book now with low depositUS$1,955 US$1,205
31 Aug 2025 - 06 Sep 2025Flexible booking date for 2025-08-31Book now with low depositUS$1,955 US$1,125
07 Sep 2025 - 13 Sep 2025Flexible booking date for 2025-09-07SOLD OUT!
14 Sep 2025 - 20 Sep 2025Flexible booking date for 2025-09-14Book now with low depositUS$1,955 US$1,205
18 Sep 2025 - 24 Sep 2025Flexible booking date for 2025-09-18SOLD OUT!
21 Sep 2025 - 27 Sep 2025Flexible booking date for 2025-09-21SOLD OUT!
28 Sep 2025 - 04 Oct 2025Flexible booking date for 2025-09-28Book now with low depositUS$1,955 US$1,205
19 Apr 2026 - 25 Apr 2026Flexible booking date for 2026-04-19Book now with low depositUS$1,955 US$1,205

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

208 reviews
C
Carls Verified Buyer 2024-11-14
It was fantastic, we saw so much.
The tour leader and driver were great. The accommodation was clean and good, but a bit far out of areas of interest so it was costly to go into town. The tour was well organised and covered a lot of ground. The people on the tour make a difference, we had a really good group, everyone was on time, and got along. We had a lot of laughs and fun. The extra excursions rack up the costs but are well worth it.
M
MM Verified Buyer 2024-10-15
Perfect way to get a taste of Italy
BUSY BUT BRILLIANT!
S
Sparrow Verified Buyer 2024-09-26
Full on
Tour was very full on & fast paced. Would have preferred hotels not so far out from visiting places such as Rome & Venice. Our tour guide Moona was exceptional I must admit especially when my husband had to have an ambulance called. She kept in constant touch to make sure we were both okay
N
Nicola Verified Buyer 2024-09-09
Fun!
Taste of Italy was a fun, fast paced trip. Our guide was lovely and we had a wonderful group!
G
Gabs Verified Buyer 2024-07-30
Unforgettable! ???
Paola was our tour organizer/director. She was very patient with our group and very knowledgeable. We greatly appreciate her expertise with all the traveling we did. Thank you Paola for taking care of us all.