Italian Elegance
Experience the food and fun of Italy on this 12-day guided tour. In Rome, see the Colosseum where gladiators fought to the death, then visit the Vatican Museums with a Local Expert. Travel from Florence to the heart of Tuscany, stopping in scenic San Gimignano for a taste of gelato with a world-champion gelato maker; later, arrive at your hotel for a sampling of the region’s most robust red wines. Prop up the Leaning Tower of Pisa for a photo and see the UNESCO World Heritage Site Cinque Terre with a Local Expert, who will join you for a sea-to-table feast in the medieval town of Monterosso. Allow yourself to be serenaded as you float along the canals of Venice in a traditional gondola, and watch a renowned craftsman blow Venetian glass into a masterful work of art.
- 17 Apr 2026 – 28 Apr 2026
from $9,425 pp twin share * - 01 May 2026 – 12 May 2026
from $8,527.50 pp twin share * - 08 May 2026 – 19 May 2026
from $9,175 pp twin share * - 15 May 2026 – 26 May 2026
from $8,325 pp twin share * - 22 May 2026 – 02 Jun 2026
from $8,122.50 pp twin share * - 05 Jun 2026 – 16 Jun 2026
from $8,595 pp twin share * - 26 Jun 2026 – 07 Jul 2026
from $7,195.50 pp twin share * - 07 Aug 2026 – 18 Aug 2026
from $6,952.50 pp twin share * - 04 Sep 2026 – 15 Sep 2026
from $8,257.50 pp twin share * - 11 Sep 2026 – 22 Sep 2026
from $8,275.50 pp twin share * - 18 Sep 2026 – 29 Sep 2026
from $8,185.50 pp twin share * - 25 Sep 2026 – 06 Oct 2026
from $9,195 pp twin share * - 02 Oct 2026 – 13 Oct 2026
from $8,275.50 pp twin share * - 16 Apr 2027 – 27 Apr 2027
from $8,050 pp twin share * - 30 Apr 2027 – 11 May 2027
from $8,050 pp twin share * - 07 May 2027 – 18 May 2027
from $8,695 pp twin share * - 14 May 2027 – 25 May 2027
from $8,695 pp twin share * - 21 May 2027 – 01 Jun 2027
from $8,695 pp twin share * - 28 May 2027 – 08 Jun 2027
from $8,695 pp twin share * - 04 Jun 2027 – 15 Jun 2027
from $7,950 pp twin share * - 18 Jun 2027 – 29 Jun 2027
from $7,950 pp twin share * - 25 Jun 2027 – 06 Jul 2027
from $8,050 pp twin share * - 09 Jul 2027 – 20 Jul 2027
from $8,195 pp twin share * - 06 Aug 2027 – 17 Aug 2027
from $8,125 pp twin share * - 20 Aug 2027 – 31 Aug 2027
from $8,025 pp twin share * - 27 Aug 2027 – 07 Sep 2027
from $7,795 pp twin share * - 03 Sep 2027 – 14 Sep 2027
from $8,425 pp twin share * - 10 Sep 2027 – 21 Sep 2027
from $8,595 pp twin share * - 17 Sep 2027 – 28 Sep 2027
from $8,750 pp twin share * - 24 Sep 2027 – 05 Oct 2027
from $8,750 pp twin share *
* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.
Itinerary
- Day 1 – Welcome to the Eternal City of Rome:
Welcome to Rome, a glorious city filled with classic antiquities, medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches. Relax and settle in before joining your Travel Director and getting to know your fellow travellers over a delicious dinner with wine. - Day 2 – Rome Sightseeing and the Vatican:
Enjoy a curated introduction to Rome’s iconic landmarks, starting with fast-tracked entry into Vatican City. With your Local Expert, explore the vast Papal art collection housed in the Vatican Museums, then enter the Sistine Chapel to take in Michelangelo’s masterpiece. Continue to St. Peter’s Basilica, a triumph of Renaissance architecture. Later, cross the Tiber River into ancient Rome to see the Circus Maximus, once home to dramatic chariot races, and see the mighty Colosseum, the enduring symbol of Imperial power.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. - Day 3 – Renaissance Florence:
Explore Florence with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the Accademia Museum and see Michelangelo’s David. After, continue on foot to admire the multicoloured marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery, where Ghiberti’s Gates of Paradise have been recreated in all their glory. Continue into the Piazza della Signoria, still the political heart of Florence and an open-air gallery of Renaissance masterpieces. Spend time gazing at statues such as Neptune and Hercules and Cacus along the front of the Palazzo Vecchio. Alternatively, take a stroll with your Travel Director to enjoy a typical Italian treat in a local cafe. - Day 4 – The flavours of San Gimignano Relaxed Start:
Spend time exploring the maze of alleyways and admire scenic views across the valley. Ascend serpentine alleyways to the artisan gelato parlour of world champion gelato maestro, Sergio Dondoli, for a taste of his finest frozen treats. - Day 5 – The Chianti Hills to Pisa, Portofino and Santa Margherita:
Drive through the patchwork of vines, olives and cypresses that typify the Chianti hills before continuing to Pisa and see the incredible Leaning Tower, from which Galileo is said to have conducted experiments on velocity and gravity. See the splendid cathedral and baptistery, decorated with mosaics and designs in solid marble. Next, journey to the sea and cruise along the rugged Ligurian coast to the elegant seaside village of Portofino, the epitome of la dolce vita (should weather permit). Finish your journey in the charming seaside resort of Santa Margherita Ligure, a true gem on the coast. - Day 6 – The Cinque Terre:
Head to Cinque Terre National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Italy’s most stunning landscapes. Cruise along the Cinque Terre coastline (weather permitting) with your Local Expert, passing rugged cliffs and pastel-hued villages perched above the Ligurian Sea. Arrive by boat at one of the region’s historic fishing communities and enjoy a Sea-to-Table lunch, prepared with the day’s local catch. Afterwards, explore at your own pace—wander cobbled lanes, browse artisan boutiques or unwind at a cafe overlooking the village square. - Day 7 – Lake Maggiore Relaxed Start:
Head north to the beautiful Italian Lake District, a favourite retreat of the rich and famous where Alpine scenery combines with lush vegetation. Relax and enjoy an afternoon at leisure at this popular resort and beautiful lake. - Day 8 – Cortina d’Ampezzo:
Travel through the stunning northern Italian countryside to one of the world’s most breath-taking wine regions. The vineyards around Conegliano Veneto produce Italy’s most prized sparkling wine. Be tempted with a taste of the crisp and aromatic flavour of prosecco. Continue through the Dolomites, to the mountain resort of Cortina d’Ampezzo. - Day 9 – Experience the Dolomites Relaxed Start:
The whole day is free for you to explore the colourful peaks and sheer valleys of the Dolomites, one of the most impressive mountain ranges in the Alps. During summer, once the snow and ice have melted away, a breathtaking landscape is revealed. There are a number of walking tracks through pristine Alpine wilderness for the adventurous to explore, or for a more relaxed pace, perhaps take a thrilling optional experience to the summit of one of the peaks for breathtaking panoramic views? - Day 10 – Venice, Queen of the Adriatic Relaxed Start:
Descend through the mountains to the romantic city of Venice. A private boat glides you past canals lined with ornate palaces to St. Mark’s Square. See the basilica, the Doge’s Palace and Bridge of Sighs, before checking into your luxurious hotel. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience during a visit to a traditional arts centre, where you can see how beautiful handcrafted glass is made by expert glassblowers, safeguarding traditional skills. With the rest of the afternoon at leisure, why not cruise the Venetian Lagoon to the island of Burano for a meal of local specialities and wine? - Day 11 – Venice at Leisure Relaxed Start:
This morning, on your romantic gondola serenade, glide along the atmospheric canals exploring the intimate and hidden parts of this unique city while musicians set the mood with traditional songs. Later, enjoy the magical atmosphere of this incredible city at your own pace. Mingle with the locals at the open air markets near the Rialto Bridge and explore the back lanes and squares where Venetians go about their day. This evening, indulge in traditional Venetian dishes that are enriched with inspiration from seasonal produce during a magical dinner. - Day 12 – Arrivederci Venice:
Your departure transfer arrives at Venice Marco Polo airport.
Highlights
- Explore iconic landmarks like the Colosseum and Vatican Museums in Rome.
- Indulge in Tuscan wine tastings and gelato in charming San Gimignano.
- Marvel at the UNESCO-listed Cinque Terre and float through the canals of Venice.
Experience the food and fun of Italy on this 12-day guided tour. In Rome, see the Colosseum where gladiators fought to the death, then visit the Vatican Museums with a Local Expert. Travel from Florence to the heart of Tuscany, stopping in scenic San Gimignano for a taste of gelato with a world-champion gelato maker; later, arrive at your hotel for a sampling of the region’s most robust red wines. Prop up the Leaning Tower of Pisa for a photo and see the UNESCO World Heritage Site Cinque Terre with a Local Expert, who will join you for a sea-to-table feast in the medieval town of Monterosso. Allow yourself to be serenaded as you float along the canals of Venice in a traditional gondola, and watch a renowned craftsman blow Venetian glass into a masterful work of art.
Inclusions
- Choose between two carefully selected activities.
- Florence: Stand beside Michelangelo’s monumental statue, ‘David’, in the Accademia Gallery, and admire the exquisite technique and absorbing history behind the world’s most famous sculpture.
- Florence: Join your Travel Director on a short walk to a local spot loved by residents.
- Sample a classic Italian treat and hear how it became a staple of the area.
- It’s a chance to experience the flavours locals grow up with and return to time and again.
- Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert’s fascinating commentary.
FAQs
- Best Western Regina Elena, Santa Margherita Ligure
- Bettoja Mediterraneo, Rome
- Cappuccina Country Resort & Spa, San Gimignano
- Grand Hotel Dino, Baveno
- Hotel de la Poste, Cortina d’Ampezzo
- Splendid Venice – Starhotels Collezione
How long is this journey?
This itinerary runs for 12 days and 11 nights.
When can I travel?
Departures are currently scheduled between 17 Apr 2026 and 12 Oct 2027, subject to live availability.
Are there different departure options?
Yes, multiple departures may be available depending on your preferred travel period.
Are discounts available?
Seasonal or loyalty discounts may be available on selected departures at the time of enquiry.
What is generally included?
Inclusions typically cover guided touring and selected experiences, with exact details listed in the itinerary.
Fine Print
Terms and conditions apply. Click here for more details.