Taste of Italy

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.

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!

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.

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!

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?

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.

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.