ToursItaly ToursTaste of Italy

Taste of Italy

Reviews
Countries
1
Days
8
Per Day
from € 135
Start Point:
Rome/
End Point:
Rome/
Ages:
10 - 75+
Accommodation:
Hotel
Transport:
Private coach

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Was€ 1,540
From € 1,085
View Dates & Rates

Price per person in twin share room.
Pay small deposit now, rest later.

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More reasons to book with us

  • Flexible bookings: 30-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

Short on time, but keen on Italy? This 8-day tour is everything you need; see Rome and Florence on foot with passionate local guides, explore Venice at your own pace on a free day, and marvel at the rolling hills of the Italian countryside and Tuscany’s beautiful Renaissance architecture. Experience San Gimignano, Siena and Cinque Terre. From the Colosseum to the Venetian canals, we tick all those must-have boxes. In between, sip Italian wines, dine like the locals and live la bella vitaBellissima!

You can combine this itinerary with a tour of southern Italy - click here for more information.

Highlights

  • Tour Rome’s top sights with a local guide
  • Free days in Rome and Venice
  • Option to visit the Vatican City
  • See the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa
  • Visit picturesque towns including Cinque Terre, San Gimignano and Orvieto
  • Sip on Italian wine and taste antipasti in Siena

Itinerary View Full ItineraryDownload PDF

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, and one of our most popular Italy tours! After meeting up with the tour leader and the rest of the group this morning, it’s time to head out on a guided walking tour of the city! See ancient Roman architecture, medieval buildings, Renaissance artworks and more remnants of Rome’s illustrious past as capital of the Roman Empire. Tonight, get to know the rest of the tour group during an included welcome dinner.

Meals: Dinner

DAY 1: Start of tour in Rome

Welcome to Rome, and one of our most popular Italy tours! After meeting up with the tour leader and the rest of the group this morning, it’s time to head out on a guided walking tour of the city! See ancient Roman architecture, medieval buildings, Renaissance artworks and more remnants of Rome’s illustrious past as capital of the Roman Empire. Tonight, get to know the rest of the tour group during an included welcome dinner.

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.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

Dinner

DAY 2: Rome: Free Day

Enjoy a free day in Rome! Make the most of the free day and choose to visit the Vatican City, and marvel at glittering artworks, vast marble halls and opulent architecture. Or, stay in the city to see the iconic sights that make Rome a world-famous, bucket-list destination. An ancient city that has seen the rise and fall of entire empires, there is no shortage of historical real estate to feast your eyes on. Not to mention designer shopping and brilliant food!

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

Breakfast

DAY 3: Orvieto - Venice

Leave the capital behind, and drive through the Umbria region. Known as the 'fruit bowl of Italy', it is famous for its produce, food and beautiful mountainous landscapes. Prepare for one of the most spectacular sights in Europe as the tour approaches Orvieto; a city perched dramatically atop a sheer vertical volcanic rock. Take the funicular up to the historic centre, and enjoy free time to explore. See the exquisite facade of the Cathedral of Orvieto, the papal residence and the Albornoz fortress. Next, it’s time to travel to Venice. The evening is free to relax at the hotel or explore Venice with the option to join your tour leader on a twilight water taxi cruise of the Venetian canals.

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.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

Breakfast

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.

€ 30

DAY 4: Venice: Free Day

The day begins with an orientation tour of Venice. Join the tour leader to explore the heart of this enchanting city. Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore. The gondola ride optional excursion is a classic Venetian experience not to be missed! Explore the islands of Murano and Burano which are famous for their glass-blowing and lace-making crafts on the Venice Lagoon Tour optional excursion - this optional is a great way to see more of the “Floating City”. Any foodies in the group? Join the Venice Food Tour optional and stroll through the famous city’s streets, sampling delicious local dishes along the way! Excitingly, all three optional excursions can be enjoyed during today’s free day.

Experiences

Orientation tour of Venice: Join your tour leader on a trip into the heart of this unique floating city. The orientation tour will help you explore and see St Mark’s Square, St Mark’s Basilica, St Mark’s Museum, Campanile, Doge’s Palace, Rialto Market and Scuola Grande di San Rocco.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

Breakfast

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.

€ 25
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.

€ 60
Venice Food Tour

Explore top cultural spots while tasting delicious Venetian food! Taste local seafood, sip on Aperol Spritz and end off with gelato or tiramisu.

€ 75

DAY 5: Lake Garda - Florence - Tuscany

It’s time to travel to the beautiful city of Florence, stopping along the way in Lake Garda for a photo opportunity. Arrive in Florence, and embark on a guided tour to learn more about the heritage of this city, its Renaissance artworks and Roman ruins. Florence’s highlights include Ponte Vecchio, the Basilica of Santa Croce and the replica of Michelangelo’s David which stands in the Piazza della Signoria. After the tour, make a stop at Leonardo Leather for a leather-making demonstration. Enjoy an included group dinner in Florence tonight. Next, it’s time to travel to tonight’s accommodation in the ancient spa town of Montecatini Terme.

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.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

BreakfastDinner

DAY 6: Cinque Terre - Pisa - Tuscany

This morning, the tour heads to La Spezia; the gateway to the Cinque Terre. Perched on the rugged coastline, Cinque Terre means ‘Five Lands’, and consists of five picturesque coastal cliff-side towns; Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. All are linked by rail and footpaths. With cars and motorcycles banned from the towns, enjoy exploring the towns by train or on foot. Later in the afternoon, travel back to the Tuscan region, stopping off to see the legendary Leaning Tower of Pisa en route. Now over 800 years old, it’s a classic sight in Italy, and gives you the opportunity to take a picture 'holding up' the tower! Join tonight’s optional for a wonderful Tuscan dinner with beautiful views!

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!

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

Breakfast

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.

€ 45

DAY 7: San Gimignano - Siena - Rome

This morning, travel through one of the world’s most picturesque countryside landscapes. Admire Tuscan farmhouses, vineyards and olive groves during the drive. First stop of the day is San Gimignano; a small, walled hilltop town. Known as the 'Town of Fine Towers', it offers beautiful Romanesque and Gothic architecture, and 14 well-preserved tower houses. Next up is a short drive to Siena; a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for the 'Palio' horse race held twice a year in the main piazza. Enjoy a wine tasting accompanied by antipasti in Siena before travelling back to Rome. Round off the day with a farewell dinner with the group to toast the last night of the tour.

Experiences

Visit the town of San Gimignano: Famous for its medieval towers, San Gimignano is a real gem of the region. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, 14 of the original 72 towers remain, providing an iconic and unforgettable skyline that sets it apart from the many other hill towns in Tuscany.

Enjoy a wine tasting in Siena: Visit the UNESCO World Heritage town of Siena, famous for being home to 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 or contrade. Enjoy a wine tasting accompanied by antipasti during our visit to Siena.

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!

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

BreakfastDinner

DAY 8: End of tour in Rome

The tour ends after breakfast this morning. After an amazing 8 days of discovering the delights of Italy, it is time to wrap up this Italian adventure. Swap memories, and exchange contact details with your new-found travel friends. Don’t forget to share your amazing tour memories with us online using the hashtags #ExpatExplore and #TravelMadePossible. Arrivederci, Italia!

Meals

Breakfast

What's Included

Accommodation

  • 7 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

  • 7 Breakfasts, 1 Antipasto, 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!

  • Discover Rome on a guided walking tour
  • Enjoy a welcome dinner in Rome
  • Visit Orvieto; a historic city perched on a rocky cliff
  • Discover the top sights of Venice
  • 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 Cinque Terre’s picturesque villages
  • Visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa; one of Italy’s iconic monuments
  • Visit San Gimignano; known as the “Town of Fine Towers”
  • Sip on wine and taste antipasti in Siena
  • Enjoy a 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

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.

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
20 Dec 2023 - 27 Dec 2023Flexible booking date for 20 Dec 2023 - 27 Dec 2023Alternate festive itinerary€ 1,540 € 1,170
27 Dec 2023 - 03 Jan 2024Flexible booking date for 27 Dec 2023 - 03 Jan 2024Alternate festive itinerary€ 1,540 € 1,170
17 Mar 2024 - 24 Mar 2024Flexible booking date for 17 Mar 2024 - 24 Mar 2024Only 4 seats left at this price€ 1,540 € 1,155
31 Mar 2024 - 07 Apr 2024Flexible booking date for 31 Mar 2024 - 07 Apr 2024Only 4 seats left at this price€ 1,540 € 1,260
14 Apr 2024 - 21 Apr 2024Flexible booking date for 14 Apr 2024 - 21 Apr 2024Only 3 seats left at this price€ 1,540 € 1,260
26 May 2024 - 02 Jun 2024Flexible booking date for 26 May 2024 - 02 Jun 2024Last seat left - Book Now!€ 1,540 € 1,330
09 Jun 2024 - 16 Jun 2024Flexible booking date for 09 Jun 2024 - 16 Jun 2024Only 3 seats left at this price€ 1,540 € 1,260
23 Jun 2024 - 30 Jun 2024Flexible booking date for 23 Jun 2024 - 30 Jun 2024Only 4 seats left at this price€ 1,540 € 1,215
07 Jul 2024 - 14 Jul 2024Flexible booking date for 07 Jul 2024 - 14 Jul 2024Only 4 seats left at this price€ 1,540 € 1,260
21 Jul 2024 - 28 Jul 2024Flexible booking date for 21 Jul 2024 - 28 Jul 2024Only 2 seats left at this price€ NaN € 1,540
04 Aug 2024 - 11 Aug 2024Flexible booking date for 04 Aug 2024 - 11 Aug 2024Only 6 seats left at this price€ 1,540 € 1,155
01 Sep 2024 - 08 Sep 2024Flexible booking date for 01 Sep 2024 - 08 Sep 2024Last 2 seats left - Book Now!€ 1,540 € 1,330
15 Sep 2024 - 22 Sep 2024Flexible booking date for 15 Sep 2024 - 22 Sep 2024Last seat left - Book Now!€ 1,540 € 1,330
29 Sep 2024 - 06 Oct 2024Flexible booking date for 29 Sep 2024 - 06 Oct 2024Only 1 seat left at this price€ 1,540 € 1,215
27 Oct 2024 - 03 Nov 2024Flexible booking date for 27 Oct 2024 - 03 Nov 2024Only 1 seat left at this price€ 1,540 € 1,085
20 Dec 2024 - 27 Dec 2024Flexible booking date for 20 Dec 2024 - 27 Dec 2024Alternate festive itinerary€ 1,540 € 1,170
27 Dec 2024 - 03 Jan 2025Flexible booking date for 27 Dec 2024 - 03 Jan 2025Alternate festive itinerary€ 1,540 € 1,170
28 Apr 2024 - 05 May 2024Flexible booking date for 28 Apr 2024 - 05 May 2024SOLD OUT!
08 Sep 2024 - 14 Sep 2024Flexible booking date for 08 Sep 2024 - 14 Sep 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

212 reviews
B
Ben Verified Buyer2023-09-04
A lot to see in short amount of time
Got to see a lot however not as much time in some of the places that I wish could have had a few extra hours. The wine tasting was an amazing experience and such a nice place
E
Erminia Verified Buyer2023-08-06
Amazing experience
We saw a lot , and enjoyed the trip. We had a great tour leader
D
Donna Verified Buyer2023-07-26
Incredible Taste of Italy Tour
We recently returned home from a most exceptional tour hosted by Roma. Roma's knowledge of Italian history enriched our experience indescribably. We visited more sight then we could have imagined. This fast paced tour fit our expectations perfectly. Would go again with Roma as a guide a hundred times over!
T
TRC Verified Buyer2023-07-19
Italian Whirlwind
This was a fun fast tour.
M
Meg Verified Buyer2023-06-27
A great taste of Italy!
Vivien did such an amazing job in the tour! Very informative, good with timing and directions, and great with the people. She was always very enthusiastic, and just enjoyed helping us explore Italy. Had an amazing time, saw all the possible sights in the shortest amount of time, and can't wait to go back to spend more time in all those cities'

Why this tour?

Tick off bucket list-worthy highlights on this Taste of Italy tour! Spend 8 days in Italy and see an exciting mix of famous cities, scenic landscapes, Renaissance history, world-famous art and architecture, and iconic cuisine. This tour is great for a variety of travellers - from foodies and history lovers to art enthusiasts and bucket-list adventurers.  

Start your journey in Rome, travel north and enjoy an expertly-curated 8 day Italy Itinerary.

Highlights of this Italian tour: 

Experience the history, highlights and hidden gems of Rome on a walking tour of the city with a local guide! The knowledgeable guide will be able to offer a fascinating insight into this eternally popular travel destination. See the Colosseum, Pantheon and more. 

Explore Florence on a locally guided tour. This city was the birthplace of the Renaissance and remains filled with beautiful art, culture and architecture. It is a super popular stop on Italy trips.   

Visit the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa which is one of the most iconic images of Italy! Enjoy a chance to snap some photos while you visit. 

Spend a morning exploring Cinque Terre. The five colourful fishing villages are perched high along a cliffside and are filled with charm and character! 

Enjoy a free day in Venice to spend as you wish. Explore the lagoon on an optional excursion or enjoy a classic Venice bucket-list experience and take a gondola ride! 

See beautiful Italian destinations including San Gimignano, Siena and Orvieto. While places like Rome and Venice may be more well-known, these places are also highlights of Italy tours.

This tour also offers a handful of great optional excursions. The Vatican Guided Tour is highly recommended. See St Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums and the famous Sistine Chapel - a must-see when you travel Italy!  

Live La Dolce Vita with a welcome dinner in Rome and a special wine tasting and antipasto on the last night of the tour. 

Is this the right tour for me?

What will the accommodation be like?
Twin-share rooms will be used and travellers will be paired with someone of the same gender on our Italy tours. For more privacy and a private room, solo travellers are free to purchase a single supplement. 

How fit do I need to be? 
City guided and orientation walking tours are included on the Taste of Italy tour. As long as you are comfortable keeping up with the walking tours you will be fine! 

Is there enough free time to explore?
Absolutely! The tour is on the shorter side but the 8 days are filled with a great balance of included excursions and free time. There is also a  full free day to enjoy in Venice.  

Is Italy safe for tourists?
Yes, Italy is safe for tourists. Keep yourself updated with local travel advice and regulations to travel Italy as responsibly and as safely as possible.  

Enjoy an enticing taste of Italy with Expat Explore - we are sure it will have you coming back for more! See this popular travel destination in a fun, convenient and affordable way with accommodation, transport, many meals and a bunch of great experiences included in the tour price!