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Taste of Italy New Year
Countries: 1 Days: 8 Per Day: US$ 183
Start Point:Rome
End Point:Rome
Transport:Private coach
Accommodation:Hotel
Ages:10 - 75+
From US$ 1,465
Flexible booking: 10-day money-back guarantee Price per person in twin share room
2025 dates for this tour will go on sale soon! To book now with early access to the lowest price, please complete this enquiry form
More reasons to book with us
- Flexible bookings: 10-day money-back guarantee & free date changes
- Low deposit secures your booking
- Services of your Expat Explore tour leader
- Pay the remaining balance off in instalments
- FREE Wi-Fi in hotels
Summary
Looking for an unforgettable new year holiday celebration? This Taste of Italy New Year tour is it! Start in Rome and walk in the footsteps of emperors and gladiators! Explore the canals of Venice and absorb the beauty of Florence. Ring in the new year in Tuscany and celebrate Italian style! Visit Cinque Terre, Siena, San Gimignano and more. Admire the Italian countryside, sip Italian wine and savour the flavours of local cuisine. Over eight fun-filled days, you’ll experience the best that Italy has to offer at this magical time of year!
Highlights
- Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Tuscany
- Walking tour of Rome with an expert local guide
- Photo stop at the Leaning tower of Pisa
- Free days to explore Rome, Venice and Tuscany
- Experience San Gimignano, Siena and Cinque Terre
Itinerary View Full Itinerary Download PDF
Start Point
Hotel in Rome | 10:00 AMEnd Point
Hotel in Rome | 10:00 AM
DAY 1: Start of tour in Rome
Welcome to Rome and the start of the Taste of Italy New Year tour! Meet your tour leader and the rest of the group at the hotel this morning. Then, it’s time to head into the city centre and enjoy free time to explore. There’s nothing quite like walking the historic streets of the “Eternal City”! This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner and get to know your fellow travellers over delicious Italian food! After, enjoy a guided walking tour of the city. Join a local guide and see highlights of Rome including the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon and the Piazza Navona.
Meals: Dinner
DAY 2: Rome - Orvieto - Venice
It’s time to hit the road and see more of Italy! Travel through the scenic Umbria region which is famous for its produce and beautiful mountain landscapes. Arrive at Orvieto and take a funicular to the historic centre of this city dramatically perched atop a sheer volcanic rock cliff! Enjoy free time to explore and see the sites including the facade of the Cathedral of Orvieto and the Albornoz Fortress. Next, travel onwards to Venice, Italy’s famous floating city! This evening is free to spend as you wish. Stroll through Venice and enjoy the festive atmosphere or choose to see Venice under the stars and join your tour leader on an optional Venice by night excursion.
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 3: Venice: Free Day
Today is free to spend as you wish! A gondola ride is a must when visiting Venice; cruise the canals and enjoy sightseeing from the water! The optional Venice Lagoon Tour offers a great way to discover the islands of Murano and Burano which are famous for the arts of glass-blowing and lacemaking. Alternatively, explore at your own pace. St. Mark’s Square, the Bridge of Sighs and the Doge’s Palace are some of Venice’s top attractions!
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4: Venice - Lake Garda - Florence - Tuscany
There is no slowing down on this Taste of Italy New Year tour! Today, the tour travels to Florence in Tuscany. On the way, enjoy a stop at Lake Garda and admire the beautiful scenery. Arrive in Florence and join a local guide for a walking tour. Florence is famous for its Renaissance architecture, art and culture! Enjoy free time afterwards to visit famous sights such as the Florence Cathedral, the Ponte Vecchio and the Basilica of Sante Croce. Look forward to a group dinner in Florence before heading to tonight’s hotel in Montecatini, a Tuscan spa town.
Meals: BreakfastDinner
DAY 5: Cinque Terre - Pisa - Tuscany (New Year’s Eve)
Say goodbye to the old year and hello to brand new travel adventures! This morning, Cinque Terre is calling! Travel to La Spezia which is the gateway to Cinque Terre. Journey by train to Cinque Terre which is made up of five picturesque see-side towns, Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. Cars and motorcycles are banned and the towns are connected by rail and footpaths, making it a wonderful destination to explore. In the afternoon, return to Tuscany and make a stop at one of Italy’s most iconic landmarks - the Leaning Tower of Pisa! Be sure to get a photo with the famous tower. Tonight, choose to celebrate New Year’s Eve with an optional Evening in Montecatini!
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 6: San Gimignano - Siena - Rome (New Year’s Day)
Start this New Year off on an exciting note and hop back aboard the coach. Marvel at the breathtaking Italian countryside landscapes en route to today’s first stop. Arrive in San Gimignano, a small hilltop town famous for its 12 striking medieval towers! Enjoy an orientation tour and some free time in this historic city filled with stunning Romanesque and Gothic architecture. Then, indulge in an included Tuscan wine tasting along with some antipasto! Next, take a short drive to Siena. The historic centre of the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Siena is famous for the Palio horse race which is hosted in the city’s main piazza twice a year. Dinner is included at the hotel tonight.
Meals: BreakfastDinner
DAY 7: Rome: Free Day
Live la dolce vita on a free day in Rome! This city dates back thousands of years and has witnessed the rise and fall of empires… so there is no shortage of fascinating historic monuments and landmarks to explore today! Why not use this free day to visit the Vatican City to see its famous Christmas displays? Another great way to spend your day is to discover one of the things Italy is most famous for - food! Taste a range of authentic local treats just by wandering the city and stopping at a café or two. Alternatively, join the Colosseum & Roman Forum optional excursion to walk in the footsteps of emperors and gladiators!
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 8: End of tour in Rome
Buongiorno, it’s the final morning of this tour of Italy! After 8 fun-filled days and celebrating the new year, Italian style, the tour comes to an end after breakfast. Be sure to swap contact details with your new travel friends before departing. Arrivederci, Italia!
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 1: Start of tour in Rome
Welcome to Rome and the start of the Taste of Italy New Year tour! Meet your tour leader and the rest of the group at the hotel this morning. Then, it’s time to head into the city centre and enjoy free time to explore. There’s nothing quite like walking the historic streets of the “Eternal City”! This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner and get to know your fellow travellers over delicious Italian food! After, enjoy a guided walking tour of the city. Join a local guide and see highlights of Rome including the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon and the Piazza Navona.
Experiences
Walking tour of Rome: 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 enjoy 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 - Orvieto - Venice
It’s time to hit the road and see more of Italy! Travel through the scenic Umbria region which is famous for its produce and beautiful mountain landscapes. Arrive at Orvieto and take a funicular to the historic centre of this city dramatically perched atop a sheer volcanic rock cliff! Enjoy free time to explore and see the sites including the facade of the Cathedral of Orvieto and the Albornoz Fortress. Next, travel onwards to Venice, Italy’s famous floating city! This evening is free to spend as you wish. Stroll through Venice and enjoy the festive atmosphere or choose to see Venice under the stars and join your tour leader on an optional Venice by night excursion.
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
Venice by Night
Take a water taxi night cruise of Venice’s iconic waterways. Soak up the sights and sounds from the palazzos and tavernas.
DAY 3: Venice: Free Day
Today is free to spend as you wish! A gondola ride is a must when visiting Venice; cruise the canals and enjoy sightseeing from the water! The optional Venice Lagoon Tour offers a great way to discover the islands of Murano and Burano which are famous for the arts of glass-blowing and lacemaking. Alternatively, explore at your own pace. St. Mark’s Square, the Bridge of Sighs and the Doge’s Palace are some of Venice’s top attractions!
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
Venice Gondola Ride
No visit to Venice is complete without a traditional gondola ride! Experience an ancient Venice tradition as you cruise the city’s famous canals.
Venice Lagoon Tour
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.
DAY 4: Venice - Lake Garda - Florence - Tuscany
There is no slowing down on this Taste of Italy New Year tour! Today, the tour travels to Florence in Tuscany. On the way, enjoy a stop at Lake Garda and admire the beautiful scenery. Arrive in Florence and join a local guide for a walking tour. Florence is famous for its Renaissance architecture, art and culture! Enjoy free time afterwards to visit famous sights such as the Florence Cathedral, the Ponte Vecchio and the Basilica of Sante Croce. Look forward to a group dinner in Florence before heading to tonight’s hotel in Montecatini, a Tuscan spa town.
Experiences
Guided tour of Florence: Embark on a walking tour of Florence with a local guide who will introduce you to the main sights, including the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Ponte Vecchio, Piazza Della Signoria and the replica statue of David.
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.
Meals
BreakfastDinner
Accommodation
Hotel
DAY 5: Cinque Terre - Pisa - Tuscany (New Year’s Eve)
Say goodbye to the old year and hello to brand new travel adventures! This morning, Cinque Terre is calling! Travel to La Spezia which is the gateway to Cinque Terre. Journey by train to Cinque Terre which is made up of five picturesque see-side towns, Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. Cars and motorcycles are banned and the towns are connected by rail and footpaths, making it a wonderful destination to explore. In the afternoon, return to Tuscany and make a stop at one of Italy’s most iconic landmarks - the Leaning Tower of Pisa! Be sure to get a photo with the famous tower. Tonight, choose to celebrate New Year’s Eve with an optional Evening in Montecatini!
Experiences
Explore Cinque Terre: 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
An Evening in Montecatini
Ride the Montecatini Funicular and admire the views of Montecatini Terme before enjoying a delicious, three-course Tuscan dinner.
DAY 6: San Gimignano - Siena - Rome (New Year’s Day)
Start this New Year off on an exciting note and hop back aboard the coach. Marvel at the breathtaking Italian countryside landscapes en route to today’s first stop. Arrive in San Gimignano, a small hilltop town famous for its 12 striking medieval towers! Enjoy an orientation tour and some free time in this historic city filled with stunning Romanesque and Gothic architecture. Then, indulge in an included Tuscan wine tasting along with some antipasto! Next, take a short drive to Siena. The historic centre of the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Siena is famous for the Palio horse race which is hosted in the city’s main piazza twice a year. Dinner is included at the hotel tonight.
Experiences
Comfort stop in San Gimignano: Famous for its medieval towers, it is a real gem of the region. San Gimignano is known as the “Town of Fine Towers” and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. About a dozen of the original 70+ towers remain, providing an iconic and unforgettable skyline that sets it apart from the many other hill towns in Tuscany.
Visit Siena: Visit the UNESCO World Heritage town of Siena, famous for the Palio horse race, held each year on 2 July and 16 August. 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, or contrade.
Italian wine tasting: Enjoy a local Italian wine tasting accompanied by authentic antipasto.
Meals
BreakfastDinner
Accommodation
Hotel
DAY 7: Rome: Free Day
Live la dolce vita on a free day in Rome! This city dates back thousands of years and has witnessed the rise and fall of empires… so there is no shortage of fascinating historic monuments and landmarks to explore today! Why not use this free day to visit the Vatican City to see its famous Christmas displays? Another great way to spend your day is to discover one of the things Italy is most famous for - food! Taste a range of authentic local treats just by wandering the city and stopping at a café or two. Alternatively, join the Colosseum & Roman Forum optional excursion to walk in the footsteps of emperors and gladiators!
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel
On Tour Excursions
Colosseum & Roman Forum Guided Tour
Delve into ancient Rome. Take a locally guided walking tour of the awe-inspiring Colosseum and visit the ruins of the ancient Roman Forum.
DAY 8: End of tour in Rome
Buongiorno, it’s the final morning of this tour of Italy! After 8 fun-filled days and celebrating the new year, Italian style, the tour comes to an end after breakfast. Be sure to swap contact details with your new travel friends before departing. Arrivederci, Italia!
Meals
Breakfast
What's Included
Accommodation
- 7 nights hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms. The majority of our accommodations are of a 3- and 4-star standard, offering excellent value, comfort and convenience
- Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room (subject to availability)
Meals
- 7 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
11 Experiences!
- Explore Rome with a local guide
- Enjoy a welcome dinner in Rome
- Visit Orvieto; a historic city perched on a rocky cliff
- Experience the magic of Venice
- Explore Florence with a local guide
- Watch a leather-making demonstration
- Explore Cinque Terre’s villages
- See the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa
- Visit San Gimignano and see the famous skyline
- Experience Siena; famous for the Palio horse race
- Taste local Italian wine and antipasto
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.
Venice
Hotel Venezia
Hotel VeneziaTuscany North
Hotel Terme Pellegrini
Hotel Terme PellegriniTuscany South
Antica Tabaccaia Resort
Antica Tabaccaia Resort
Park Hotel Galileo
Park Hotel GalileoRome
Excel Roma Montemario
Excel Roma Montemario
Warmthotel
WarmthotelPhotos 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.
Venice by Night
Take a water taxi night cruise of Venice’s iconic waterways. Soak up the sights and sounds from the palazzos and tavernas.
More Info
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.
Venice Gondola Ride
No visit to Venice is complete without a traditional gondola ride! Experience an ancient Venice tradition as you cruise the city’s famous canals.
More Info
Venice Gondola Ride
A gondola ride is the perfect way to appreciate the beauty and charm of Venice. Feel part of an ancient Venetian tradition and experience Venice as the locals have for more than a thousand years. Your visit isn't complete until you have experienced this!
Please Note: Gondolas can take up to 5 people, so you will be sharing your experience with other members of your Expat Explore group. After 19:00 hrs the cost will increase by an additional €5.00 per person.
Venice Lagoon Tour
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.
More Info
Venice Lagoon Tour
Take a trip from the city of Venice to seek out the islands further out in the lagoon, accompanied by your tour leader on a private boat. You’ll get to discover two of Venice’s most famous crafts: glass blowing and lace-making! Experience a glass-making demonstration on the island of Murano before travelling to Burano to see the colourful fishermen's houses and learn about the intricate art of lace-making.
An Evening in Montecatini
Ride the Montecatini Funicular and admire the views of Montecatini Terme before enjoying a delicious, three-course Tuscan dinner.
More Info
An Evening in Montecatini
Experience a wonderful evening in Montecatini complete with a Tuscan dinner and scenic views! Enjoy a return trip to Montecatini Alto on the Montecatini Funicular and admire the views of Montecatini Terme along the way. Arrive at the restaurant and sit down for a three-course meal. Select your choice of a starter and main and savour the authentic Tuscan flavours! Vegetarian options are available and the tour leader will escort the group throughout the evening.
Please Note: During winter, the group will travel to Montecatini Alto by taxi as the funicular is closed from October to March.
Colosseum & Roman Forum Guided Tour
Delve into ancient Rome. Take a locally guided walking tour of the awe-inspiring Colosseum and visit the ruins of the ancient Roman Forum.
More Info
Colosseum & Roman Forum Guided Tour
On your free day in Rome, why not take a guided walking tour of the stunning Colosseum and visit the ruins of the ancient Roman Forum? Accompanied by a local tour guide, learn the history behind the stunning buildings that once stood in the centre of Rome. Included is the entrance ticket as well as the services of the local guide.
Please Note: This excursion must be booked at least 20 days prior to the start of the tour. This is due to the high demand for tickets. This excursion is subject to availability and is non-refundable. Contact us to book now.
Dates & Rates
2025 dates for this tour will go on sale soon! To book now with early access to the lowest price, please complete this enquiry form
Our pricing model: Whether you book early or take advantage of our special promotions, you’ll always get fantastic value when you choose to travel with us.
Years
Months
| Start Date / End Date | Flexible Booking | Status | Price Per Person |
| 27 Dec 2024 - 03 Jan 2025 |  | SOLD OUT! | |
| 27 Dec 2025 - 03 Jan 2026 | | Book now with low deposit | US$1,465 |
| 27 Dec 2025 - 03 Jan 2026 | | Book now with low deposit | US$1,465 |
Number of travellers
Payment option
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 .
Reviews
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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.
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