Great Italian Cities
Experience Overview
Rome, Florence and Venice are the stars of the show on the most incredible of Italy trips. This unforgettable trio features visits to food markets, ancient Roman ruins and the artistry of great masters. But that’s not all, as you’ll also get to dine with an Italian family in their beautiful Tuscan villa.
Highlights
Dining Summary
- 4 Dinner (D)
- 9 Breakfast (B)
Be My Guest
- Florence: Join a member of the Miari Fulcis family for your Be My Guest experience on their working Tuscan estate, known for its organic olive oil and honey. Take a look around the medieval cloister and gardens before sitting down to dinner, surrounded by stories, local flavors and a setting made famous by classic films.
Dive into Culture
- Venice: Savor the vibrant atmosphere of Venice during a walk through its calli to a traditional food market in the shadow of the famous Rialto Bridge.
Iconic Experience
- Rome: Be inspired by the magnificence of Michelangelo and da Vinci at the Vatican Museums.
- Rome: In the Vatican City visit St Peter's Basilica with a Local Specialist. Witness the early genius of Michelangelo as you take in the Pietà.
- Follow in the footsteps of gladiators for a deeper insight into life in ancient Rome when you enter the Colosseum.
- Rome: During an orientation with your Travel Director see the medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches scattered throughout the city.
- Assisi: With a Local Specialist, find out why the Basilica of St. Francis is considered to be one of the crowning artistic achievements of 13th-century Europe.
- Florence: Join a Local Specialist to view the multi-colored marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery, adorned by Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise. Visit the political heart of the city, Signoria Square.
- Florence: See the area around Santa Croce Basilica, famous for the quality of its luxury goods, and witness a gold and leatherwork demonstration.
- Pisa: Visit Pisa's Square of Miracles with a Local Specialist. Learn about the history of the iconic Leaning Tower and see the ornate Bapistry and Cathedral.
- Bologna: Join a Local Specialist on an exploration of Bologna. See the medieval squares and red-bricked façades of this historic city.
- Venice: Discover the ancient skill of Venetian glassblowing and play a part in preserving this traditional craft.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
- Venice: Meet the passionate team from Venice Lagoon Plastic Free for an eye-opening session on protecting Venice’s iconic lagoon. You’ll discover the dramatic impact of plastic pollution on wildlife and local life, learn practical ways to make a difference, and take home your very own tools for sustainable travel – including a reusable glass bottle. Together, you’ll help reduce plastic waste and become a part of the global movement for responsible tourism. Your visit directly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water.
Must-see Highlights
- Fast Track Admission to the Vatican Museums
- Explore Rome, Assisi, Florence, Pisa, Bologna and Venice
- Visit Vatican museums and the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi and a glassblowing factory in Venice
- View the Colosseum in Rome, Santa Croce Basilica and the Duomo in Florence, the Leaning Tower of Pisa and St. Mark's Basilica in Venice
- Scenic Cruise by private launch to St. Mark's Square in Venice
Trip Details
Product Code: 34608
Tour Type: Group Tour
Accommodation: Luxury
Transport: Private
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Family, 55+, Luxury
Tour Operator:
Trafalgar (CA)
Supplier Code: 97.1405A
Starts: Rome, Italy
Finishes: Venice, Italy
Duration: 10 days
Departures: Not Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Easy
Includes
Whats Included
- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
- Must-see sightseeing
- Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
- Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- Optional Experiences and free time
- On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $3,087 ($309 /day)
Itinerary
2025 marks a Jubilee Year, a momentous Roman Catholic event celebrated every 25 years, turning Rome into a center of celebration between December 24, 2024, and December 31, 2025. As festivities unfold, itineraries may be adjusted to ensure you make the most of your time as you visit the Eternal City.Your Italian journey begins in the 'Eternal City' of Rome, where centuries of history and culture await. Meet your Travel Director and fellow travelers this evening to savor your first taste of la dolce vita at dinner.
Accommodation: Grand Palatino, Crowne Plaza St. Peter's
Meals: Dinner
Dive into Culture with a Local Specialist as you explore the Vatican Museums, home to centuries of art and history. Admire Michelangelo’s frescoed ceiling in the Sistine Chapel and see the Pietà inside St Peter’s Basilica. Cross the Tiber to Imperial Rome and walk in the footsteps of emperors, gladiators and everyday Romans at the Colosseum. Picture the chariot races once held at the Circus Maximus, then take the afternoon at your own pace, exploring more of the city or relaxing at a local cafe. You can also choose to join an Optional Experience, discovering Rome’s iconic squares, fountains and monuments on foot. Due to increased demand during the Jubilee year, access to the Vatican Museums may be limited. If tickets are unavailable during your visit, your sightseeing will instead explore the Capitoline Museums, home to the Capitoline Wolf, ancient Roman bronzes and Renaissance art. From its spot on Capitoline Hill, you’ll have the chance to take in views of the Roman Forum.
Accommodation: Grand Palatino, Crowne Plaza St. Peter's
Meals: Breakfast
Enjoy a full free day to explore Rome your way, or consider an Optional Experience delving into the tragic history of Pompeii—the Roman city frozen in time by the devastating eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Your Local Specialist will bring its ancient story to life before you return to Rome, passing by the Abbey of Monte Cassino, a site of fierce fighting during the Second World War.
Accommodation: Grand Palatino, Crowne Plaza St. Peter's
Meals: Breakfast
Journey north through the rolling hills of Umbria to the birthplace of St. Francis of Assisi. Here your Local Specialist will reveal the story of this most venerated figure on a visit to the Basilica of St. Francis, the final resting place of this famous saint and home to a wonderful series of frescoes by Giotto. Later, continue your journey through the scenic Tuscan countryside to Florence. Tonight, enjoy dinner at a Be My Guest experience against the backdrop of picture-perfect olive groves and vineyards.
Accommodation: Grand Mediterraneo
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Enjoy a leisurely encounter with the artistic and architectural marvels of Florence during your walking tour with a Local Specialist. Visit the striking Piazza della Signoria with its impressive sculptures and palazzi. Amble through the charming cobblestone lanes to the multi-colored marble Duomo and Baptistery, before admiring the scenic view of the Ponte Vecchio straddling the Arno River. Learn about the quality and workmanship of two of this city’s historic industries at demonstrations of Florentine leathercraft and 18-carat gold. Spend the rest of the afternoon sauntering through the historic center of Florence, shopping for high-quality leather for which the city is famous, or admiring the artistic contribution of the Medici at every turn.
Accommodation: Grand Mediterraneo
Meals: Breakfast
After a morning at leisure in Florence, cross the fertile Arno Valley to Pisa and join a Local Specialist to visit the Square of Miracles, home to the incredible Leaning Tower and the iconic marble cathedral. See the ornate Baptistery and the Camposanto, a monumental cemetery built on sacred soil brought back from the Holy Land during the Crusades.
Accommodation: Grand Mediterraneo
Meals: Breakfast
Travel north, through the Apennines, to the medieval city of Bologna, perhaps best known for the delicious pasta sauce that bears its name. Your sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist includes views of the Kissing Towers which lean towards each other, seemingly poised to embrace. Then it's off to the romantic island city of Venice with its rich cultural and artistic heritage. Spend time at leisure gliding along its enchanting canals in a gondola or wander through the city's labyrinthine lanes, over bridges and into quiet campi.
Accommodation: Amadeus, Principe
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Savor the iconic and unexpected highlights of Venice as you cruise by private launch to St. Mark's Square to admire the Bridge of Sighs, Palladian churches, Customs House, St. Mark's Basilica and the ornate Doge's Palace. This afternoon, enjoy a visit to one of the city’s last remaining studios where you’ll gain insights into the delicate Venetian art of glassblowing. Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure admiring this city on water or consider an Optional Experience to the island of Burano where colorful fishermen’s homes line the canals.
Accommodation: Amadeus, Principe
Meals: Breakfast
Meet a passionate lagoon conservationist for an engaging discussion on safeguarding environmental conditions in Venice during a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Sites made famous in poetry, song and prose are explored today when you join a Local Specialist for a walking tour from your hotel along the canals to the famous Rialto Bridge, where all the flavors of Italy come to life at a centuries-old food market. Amble through the narrow calli of Venice and admire the beautiful architecture. Walk over the Rialto Bridge before spending the rest of the day visiting the sights of your choice. Your love affair with Italy's great Italian cities comes to an end this evening as we enjoy dinner.
Accommodation: Amadeus, Principe
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
For now, it's time to say a fond arrivederci to Italy and newfound friends who have shared in the memorable sights, sounds and flavors.
Meals: Breakfast
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
Trafalgar (CA)
Family owned and run since 1920, The Travel Corporation (TTC) is the world leader in immersive travel experiences across an extensive range of travel categories. Each year TTC's 40 award winning hospitality and travel brands connect over 1 million happy travellers to the world. We give you access to the 12 DMC’s behind these brands, so you can build your business by capitalizing on the extensive experience, local expertise, and financial assurance of TTC. LOCAL EXPERTISE The world leaders in travel for over 100 years, we offer unparalleled local expertise with a global footprint. Our 12 DMCs, led by experienced in-destination teams, deliver experience rich travel solutions in more than 80 countries. Additionally, our market based teams are on hand to support across our 40 offices worldwide
In Business Since 1931
Reviews
Ruben Perales - Traveled, April 2025
Great Italian Cities - Amazing Experience. Trafalgar did a superb job with the itinerary for the Great Italian Cities tour. Our tour director *Personal information removed by Feefo*, with his great knowledge of Italy, provided a great experience. This tour provides a great overview of the main areas throughout Italy. The optional experiences offered were amazing and well worth the cost. The activities included with the Great Italian Cities tour were just perfect. Having been our first time in Italy, this tour gave us a chance to visit and experience the main areas of Italy including Rome, Florence, and Venice. The optional experiences offered were amazing and well worth the minor additional cost. Overall a great experience with our great tour director *Personal information removed by Feefo*. Would definitely recommend Trafalgar and the Great Italian Cities experience to everyone.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/20/2025
Trusted Customer - Traveled, April 2025
Trip of a Lifetime From beginning to end, the communication and availability for any and all questions we had were carefully answered and given. It was a beautiful, historic overview of the heart of Italy. Our guide, *Personal information removed by Feefo* , was fantastic, caring and knowledgeable.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/20/2025
Guadalupe Perales - Traveled, March 2025
Unforgettable vacation. Premium service, great tour director and great bus driver.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/20/2025
Ted Costas - Traveled, May 2024
The trip was amazing. Trafalgar was amazing. And *Personal information removed by Feefo*, our Tour Director was spectacular. He went above and beyond for everyone.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/29/2024
Vivian Shaw - Traveled, April 2024
Greater Italian Cities Review. The tour director and driver are extremely competent and focused. There is a lot of walking, at least 4-5 miles a day. Much of it is on very uneven stones which have the potential to lead to falling in less able people. There is a significant amount of stairs both indoors and out, some without handrails. Although the travel agent told us the hotels were 4 stars, I would not agree. In Venice, my room was 6' X 12' and the bathroom was tiny. In Rome and Florence they were small enough where I couldn't get past the bed if my suitcase was open. That said, the tour director, *Personal information removed by Feefo* was outstanding and the new Mercedes bus and driver *Personal information removed by Feefo* were top notch. The side trips were for the most part good, but the food at the hotels and some of the venues were less than stellar. It might be prudent for corporate decision makers to vet some of the places group meals are held. There were some wow moments and memories were certainly made.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/29/2024
Liz - Traveled, July 2024
Fantastic trip. Good info provided, email communication timely and accurate. Well organized enjoyable trip with variety, and a fantastic TD *Personal information removed by Feefo*. Her knowledge, efficiency, compassion, and humor a great asset to the trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/29/2024
William Ward - Traveled, June 2024
I really appreciated the guidance and the shared information that our guide, *Personal information removed by Feefo*, provided at all times! The group had a great time and all the optional experience and local guides were excellent!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/29/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, August 2024
Don’t wait take the trip! We were pleased with everything. The heat was terrible in Italy and sweet *Personal information removed by Feefo* definitely did all she could do to work around such hot days. It was a well planned trip. *Personal information removed by Feefo* was absolutely amazing as our leader.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/29/2024
Jack Potter - Traveled, August 2024
Great Italian cities! Well planned and organized! Only improvement could be little better hotel rooms! Very good! Host made the trip! *Personal information removed by Feefo* was excellent! Pompeii was highlight!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/29/2024
Wayne Latouche - Traveled, July 2024
Tour of Italy. The tour of Italy was well orchestrated , the tour guide *Personal information removed by Feefo* was exceptional. The itinerary was perfect , it was followed exactly as it was printed , no deviation was made and the weather allowed us to follow it all the way through with no hiccups.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/28/2024
Download a personalized trip brochure!
Why Choose Us?
We Work for You
Our goal to make you happy! That means ensuring our travel consultants have the best product knowledge and excellent customer service. A positive customer experience is our #1 goal!
Our Products
We offer an broad selection of travel products, including all-inclusive vacation packages, pre-packaged tours, custom travel itineraries, destination weddings, and luxury vacations.
Escapes Cares
We believe in giving back. When you book with us, you are contributing to tree planting through our partners at Veritree, as well ocean conservation though Oceana Canada.
