Wonders of Italy
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Experience Overview
Want the full Italian Experience? Cruise Cinque Terre’s rugged coastline, get lost in San Gimignano’s quaint center and discover the art of glassblowing in Venice. From Rome to Lucca and Bologna, the Wonders of Italy come alive over a glass of Tuscan Chianti.
Highlights
Dining Summary
- 4 Dinner (D)
- 10 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Lunch (L)
Must-see Highlights
- Explore Rome, Lucca, Cinque Terre, Florence and Assisi
- Discover Pisa, San Gimignano, Verona, Venice and Bologna
- Visit the Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica and the Colosseum in Rome, a glassblowing factory in Venice, the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi and the Villa d’Este Gardens in Tivoli
- View the ancient sites of Rome, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Duomo in Florence, the Roman Arena in Verona, St. Mark's Basilica in Venice and the Kissing Towers of Bologna
- See the marble quarries of Carrara
- Scenic Cruise to Cinque Terre and by private launch to St. Mark's Square in Venice
Iconic Experience
- Rome: During an orientation with your Travel Director see the medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches scattered throughout the city.
- Enjoy an after-hours visit to the Basilica of Santa Maria in Cosmedin. Get up close to the legendary Mouth of Truth, an ancient Roman marble mask said to bite any liar who places their hand in the mask’s mouth. Dare to test the legend yourself and take one of the city’s most coveted photos.
- Rome: Experience Rome through the eyes of a local, as a passionate Roman guides you past the city's most iconic sites.
- Rome: Be inspired by the magnificence of Michelangelo and Botticelli at the Vatican Museums.
- Lucca: Your sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist will show you the churches, squares and palaces within the medieval ramparts.
- Cinque Terre: Led by your Local Specialist, visit this unique UNESCO World Heritage Site, tucked away on the mountainous Italian Riviera coastline. Admire the charming fishing villages and perhaps snap some memorable pictures.
- Pisa: In the Piazza dei Miracoli, see the baptistery, cathedral and the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.
- San Gimignano: Visit the medieval Manhattan of Italy as you explore the UNESCO-listed center of San Gimignano and admire the city's distinctive towers.
- 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.
- Verona: During an exploration of Verona, admire the remarkably preserved Roman Arena and the city's beautiful Piazza Bra.
- Bologna: View Bologna's famed Kissing Towers and enjoy some time at leisure in this historic university 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.
- Tivoli: Join a Local Specialist on a sightseeing tour of Tivoli and the gardens of Villa d'Este.
Be My Guest
- Florence: Eight generations of history with plenty of stories to tell. Enjoy a traditional Be My Guest meal with the Landi family at their home near Florence, set within a garden of oak trees against the backdrop of Tuscan vineyards and olive groves.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
- Venice: Discover the ancient skill of Venetian glassblowing and play a part in preserving this traditional craft. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Trip Details
Product Code: 31832
Tour Type: Group Tour
Accommodation: Deluxe
Transport: Private
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Explorer, Budget
Tour Operator:
Trafalgar (CA)
Supplier Code: 149.455B
Starts: Rome, Italy
Finishes: Rome, Italy
Duration: 11 days
Departures: 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 $4135 ($376 /day)
Itinerary
Benvenuti a Roma! Open your heart to a whirlwind of fiery passion, antiquities and hearty flavors crafted by Italian mammas over centuries. Join your Travel Director for an introduction to the 'Eternal City' on an orientation drive to view some of the sights which await us tomorrow. Arrive at Basilica Santa Maria in Cosmedin for a private after-hours visit to the 'Mouth of Truth' without the crowds. See the church, crypt, and relics of the famous saint of love, Valentine. This evening, enjoy a light supper with your travel companions.
Accommodation: Il Cantico
Meals: Dinner
Enjoy a guided visit to the Vatican Museums with a Local Specialist, including Michelangelo’s frescoed ceiling in the Sistine Chapel and the Pietà inside St. Peter’s Basilica. Then head into Ancient Rome to see the Circus Maximus and explore the Colosseum. This afternoon, take time to discover more of the city at your own pace. Please note: On some departures, access to St. Peter’s Basilica may be restricted due to the Papal Audience. You’ll still have time to take in the atmosphere of St. Peter’s Square during your visit to Vatican City.
Accommodation: Il Cantico
Meals: Breakfast
Travel north to Lucca for a sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist to admire the 14th-century San Martino Cathedral and Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, built on the site of an ancient Roman arena. In your free time, relax in Piazza San Michele or ascend one of the city's ancient towers for panoramic views.
Accommodation: Best Western Grand Guinigi
Meals: Breakfast
A sea of pastel pink, yellow and blue houses cling dramatically to the Ligurian cliffs in the villages of the Cinque Terre UNESCO World Heritage Site, which you will explore today on your included excursion. Join a Local Specialist and delve into daily life in these picturesque fishing villages. Later, visit Pisa and its UNESCO-listed 'Square of Miracles' to view the architectural feat that is the Leaning Tower.
Accommodation: Best Western Grand Guinigi
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
The gentle Tuscan landscape leads us to our next destination, the hilltop town of San Gimignano, famed for its stunning medieval architecture and historic towers, which stand today as a testament to the wealth and power of aristocratic families who lived here centuries ago. Later, join your fellow travelers for an opportunity to Connect With Locals over lunch at a Be My Guest experience set against the backdrop of Tuscan vineyards and olive groves.
Accommodation: FH55 Grand Hotel Mediterraneo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Discover Renaissance treasures, extraordinary art and exquisite architecture in one of the cultural capitals of the world. Join a Local Specialist who will bring the legacy of the influential Medici family to life. Walk along narrow lanes into expansive piazzas, viewing the magnificent marble Duomo and a replica of the David statue in Piazza della Signoria. View the Ponte Vecchio, almost 700 years old, and admire the spectacular panorama from Piazzale Michelangelo. The rest of the day is yours to explore the 'Cradle of the Renaissance'. Visit the masterpieces of Michelangelo, wander through the architectural wonder of Palazzo Vecchio or shop for high-quality leather and gold.
Accommodation: FH55 Grand Hotel Mediterraneo
Meals: Breakfast
Shakespeare's star-crossed lovers are remembered today during our jaunt to the romantic city of Verona where you'll view the 1st-century Roman arena, still used today to host spectacular operatic performances and wander along cobbled streets. Then, venture to Venice, spending your leisure time searching for hidden treasures. Watch the sun set over the Venetian lagoon or perhaps join an optional experience.
Accommodation: Principe
Meals: Breakfast
On this morning’s MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, witness the centuries-old tradition of Venetian glassblowing that has been passed down from generation to generation. You may wish to buy a souvenir to remind you of the talent and skill of the master craftsmen who delight in sharing with visitors how they’re preserving this local craft. You’ll see St. Mark's Basilica, the ornate Doge's Palace and the Bridge of Sighs next, imagining how prisoners felt when they gazed over Venice for the very last time before being imprisoned. Cruise by private launch to see the city's most iconic attractions before enjoying free time to explore the city on your terms. Wander through alleys, over ornate bridges and into quiet campi as you indulge your inner explorer and get lost in this enchanting city on water.
Accommodation: Principe
Meals: Breakfast
Travel through scenic countryside to the mystical town of Assisi, stopping en route in the city of Bologna to view its Kissing Towers that lean towards one another, seemingly poised to embrace
Accommodation: Grand Assisi
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Discover the legacy of St. Francis of Assisi in his home town on the slopes of Mount Subasio. Join your Local Specialist for a visit to the Basilica of St. Francis, renowned for its beautiful frescoes depicting the life of this beloved saint. Then, continue to Tivoli for a guided visit with a Local Specialist of the UNESCO-listed terraced hillside Renaissance gardens of Villa d'Este. Wander past bubbling fountains, manicured hedges and ornate statues as you soak up the tranquil atmosphere of this historic hill town. This evening, enjoy dinner with your fellow travelers and Travel Director.
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza St. Peter's
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
It's time to say a fond arrivederci to Italy and your newfound friends after a memorable journey.
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
Rachel Sherhart - Traveled, March 2024
Great intro to Italy! Attentive to detail from start to finish! The hotels picked were hit and miss in quality but may have been the best available at the time in certain locations. Excellent trip to see the northern parts of Italy! I enjoyed the wide variety of experiences and places we were able to see over a relatively short time. Our tour director *Personal information removed by Feefo* was attentive and very entertaining. There is quite of bit of walking and slope/stair climbing involved, which I enjoyed, but my older parents had some trouble with. *Personal information removed by Feefo* made sure they were able to find a place to meet back with the group if they could not do a certain activity. The leather and gold demonstrations in Florence were basically just sales pitches from stores, where many designs seemed to be blatant copies of products from luxury brands. This part of the tour could likely be removed or replaced with something more authentic. For contrast, the glass demonstration in Venice was fantastic, and their pieces were one of a kind. Overall, I loved the trip and would travel with Trafalgar again!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/28/2024
Robert Lewington - Traveled, February 2024
It was a marvelous trip through the cities and countryside of Italy. Our tour director *Personal information removed by Feefo* and our driver, *Personal information removed by Feefo* made it special. Leaving and arriving safely and on time allowed us to visit in our tour stops. *Personal information removed by Feefo*, was an incredible tour director. He had a plethora of stories of the history, geography, people and cuisine in the various regions we not only travelled to and points along the way. He communicated with superior knowledge and great humor. Both he and *Personal information removed by Feefo* are a great asset in your company. We would enjoy another trip if we were accompanied by these fine gentlemen! « Wonders of Italy » Robert & *Personal information removed by Feefo*, Nova Scotia Canada.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/19/2023
Trusted Customer - Traveled, March 2024
Very thoughtful itinerary, we saw a lot I thought *Personal information removed by Feefo* was unnecessary the optional dinner at Machiavelli Villa was beautiful but food not authentic.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/20/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, September 2024
My Italy trip of a Lifetime! Exemplary service! Absolutely loved all the venues of this trip especially Cinque Terre Would have hoped Trafalgar could have realized there was a marathon in Venice the time we went as it held us back from walking around a little more in seeing Venice. Our trip director *Personal information removed by Feefo* along with our tour coordinators and bus driver *Personal information removed by Feefo* were the best and provided so much information about each location.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/18/2024
Barbara Cook - Traveled, September 2024
Trafalgar delivers! Well organized. Hotels were all lovely and in great locations. Be my Guest was definitely a highlight! The Vatican tour was amazing! *Personal information removed by Feefo* was wonderful as our tour director.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/08/2024
James Casciano - Traveled, November 2024
Italy 2024! Just do it, you won’t be disappointed in any way. Wonderful trip, everything was done for us by our travel agent *Personal information removed by Feefo*, she made the whole experience memorable. Were great hotels, great restaurants, great bus , we had a toilet on our bus! Everything is super clean! great everything. Great group of people, very knowledgeable tour guides, very deserving of a nice tip! they are amazing! Winery tours and dinners were amazing! Great places! We would have never saw so much in 10 days, we did a lot! Would definitely do another trip with this company, well worth the money, also very safe, we had no problems. P.S. don’t eat the olives off of the trees! Yuk! Very bitter they need to ferment!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/30/2024
Diane Kraft - Traveled, September 2024
Nicely designed tour! Booking was easy. The tour director was always available to answer questions and provide suggestions if needed. She helped me navigate gluten free/lactose free offerings in each area we visited. The bus driver was personable and courteous. He is an excellent driver. This tour covers a lot of ground. The tour director is very knowledgeable about history and architecture throughout the country. The accommodations were comfortable except for the hotel in Venice, but that's to be expected since there are limited accommodations for tour groups in that area. The extracurricular activities were very good as well as the meals offered outside of the desserts served for those with gluten and/or lactose intolerances.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/06/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, September 2024
Trafalgar Wonder of Italy Tour is Molto Bene (Very Good!!! The tour guide, **************, is so sweet and knowledgeable. She is professional and an expert in providing excellent customer service. I loved having her lead our group. Our bus driver, Tonino, is not only pleasant but is also an incredibly skilled and confident driver. There was no point during the trip that made me feel unsafe. The Trafalgar team gets a 10 out of 10 from me. I've already been recommending them. It was great. So many places visited and extraordinary access to iconic locations such as the Vatican, the Coliseum, Venice water taxis and gondolas and more. All i needed to do was show up and enjoy. Everything was already planned and executed. I love it.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/17/2024
Michele - Traveled, September 2024
Wonders of Italy! Our tour director was fabulous. It was fast paced but it needed to be in order to see everything planned for this tour. I was ok with it as I wanted to see as much as I could: this was a once in a lifetime trip for me.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/10/2024
Kathleen Usher - Traveled, September 2024
The Best of Italy! Our guide, Pino, was well versed on the history of Italy. He was professional and friendly. He handled all situations in a respectful manner. The tour was well organized and the hotels were all clean and comfortable. I would definitely consider another Trafalgar tour in the future. It was fast paced and full of amazing details about every city and even the countryside we passed. People were treated respectfully and courteously by the people on the tour and especially by Pino our tour guide. It was well organized and had lots of extras if you wanted them. The hotels were nice- can’t recommend eating dinner in most of them but they were located close to authentic Italian restaurants where we had amazing meals! Well done!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/23/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, September 2024
You see and learn a lot on the tour. I would go again. The service was wonderful. From the time we got to the airport to the time we returned to the airport the service was wonderful. The travel director was informative, everyone was treated very well and the bus driver drove safely. The trip ran on schedule. People should know that the trip goes to many cities within Itlay. That the information given is extensive. Also there is a lot of walking in Rome, Florence and Cinque Terra. People over 75 may have difficulty doing the walking. Also in Cinque Terra you have to get on a boat to see other islands. You need to be agile to get on the boat and not have a fear of water. In Venice because it is surrounded by water in October you may need a ski jacket because of the winds and cold. Also you need to be agile to get on the water taxis and gondolas.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/11/2024
Phillip & Laura Smith - Traveled, September 2024
Our Wonders of Italy tour was wonderful (September 2024). When Trafalgar says there's a lot of walking to be done, they mean it. Wear sneakers not flats! All of the locations on our itinerary were great - the only disappointment was after touring a location, we were typically allowed 90 minutes to explore/shop/eat on our own. My opinion, not enough time at all. Hotel locations were okay - breakfast at all hotels were lacking (scramble eggs, bacon, ham, coffee, juice, canned fruit, pastries). Just like having breakfast in the U.S. - hoping for more Italian. The best lunch was at Castelnuova Berardenga, best dinner was at San Casciano - Val di Pesa. Both locations, food & their hosts were AMAZING & GRACIOUS! Hats off to our tour director, Alessia Crosti & our driver, Massimo - they are the definition of professional/fun! There were 52 people on this tour, 52 different personalities & 52 different expectations. They're the reason for the 5 Stars! Thank you, Alessia & Massimo!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/23/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, September 2024
Wonders of Italy was Amazing! The service was awesome. It was so nice to not have to worry about hotels and how we were going to get from one place to another. It was a wonderful itinerary, and we were able to see many cities in a short amount of time. You do have early mornings and a lot of walking but it so worth it. Our tour director and bus driver were professional and friendly and all the local specialists in the various cities were friendly and knowledgeable. The optional experiences were awesome especially the dinners. We met people from all over the world.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/23/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, September 2024
The tour was fabulous, just needed an extra hour in Bologna, San Gimignano, and Assisi. The driver and the tour director were great. The last hotel, Precise House Mantegna Rome, was very filthy. The other hotels were comfortable and clean.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/09/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, September 2024
Fantastic trip! Every detail was taken care of. The trip couldn’t have gone better. It was the trip of a lifetime! Worth every penny!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/18/2024
Cheryl Wakaluk - Traveled, September 2024
10+! Great service research well done of all points of interest we visited. What a great guide Pino was.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/22/2024
Susan Giusti - Traveled, September 2024
Wonders of Italy! rafalgar's service was great. Both the Travel Director and driver were both wonderful. The hotels could have been better. The hotel in Florence had turned off their air conditioning and the rooms were really small. This was a great itinerary and we got to see so much. We did most of the optional experiences and so glad we took advantage of each of them especially the Tuscan dinner at Villa Machiavelli. I can’t say enough about our travel director Silvija. She was the perfect Travel Director. She was so much fun and did her best to make the trip memorable for all of us. Massimo our driver was awesome too. He handled that coach with so much expertise and professionalism. All of the destinations were wonderful and the Local Specialists at each location provided us with great information. My favorite things were Venice and Florence. I recommend to take advantage of as many optional experiences as possible.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/21/2024
Leslie - Traveled, August 2024
Be prepared for alot of walking and stair climbing! What an excellent trip showing so much of Italy, very exciting! So glad I went. Thank you for a wonderful trip!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/16/2024
Judy Laning - Traveled, October 2024
A wonderful experience! Our tour guide and driver were excellent, they kept us on schedule and organized. Our luggage was always delivered to our room while we were out exploring the cities. It was fast paced and we got to experience so many different experiences.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/29/2024
Margaret Norton - Traveled, August 2024
History, beauty and amazing Italian culture. Trafalgar's tour was well run, varied, interesting and we got to experience the history of Italy. Although the tour moved quite quickly. it enabled us to visit all the major attractions in the cities on the itinerary. The hotels were clean and comfortable. Our driver Enzo was friendly, helpful and an amazing driver. Our local guides were informative, friendly and fun. Our Tour Director, Mike was friendly, helpful and managed our big group very well. He went out of his way to make sure our holiday was extensive and enjoyable.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/02/2024
