- City taxes are not included and need to be paid directly at each hotel.
- This tour may operate in conjunction with other scheduled tours, therefore fellow travellers may differ during the journey.
Rome (2) | Florence (2) | Venice (2) | Bergamo (2) | Milan (3)
Discover the timeless beauty of Italy on this unforgettable 12-day journey through the country’s most iconic cities, rolling countryside and breathtaking lake regions. From the ancient wonders of Rome and the Renaissance treasures of Florence to the romantic canals of Venice and the glamour of Milan, this itinerary combines history, culture, gastronomy and spectacular scenery. Along the way, experience the charm of medieval towns, indulge in regional culinary specialties and admire the stunning landscapes of Lake Garda and Lake Como. A highlight of the journey is the unforgettable Bernina Express rail experience through the majestic Swiss Alps.
- 24/7 service and full local backup throughout Italy
- Travel aboard the world-famous Bernina Express, one of Europe’s most scenic rail journeys through the spectacular Swiss Alps
- Cruise across the stunning waters of Lake Garda and Lake Como
- Discover the artistic masterpieces of Florence
- Itinerary
- Accommodation
Day 1: Rome
Welcome to Rome, the Eternal City. On arrival, meet your driver at the airport before transferring to your hotel for a two-night stay. After check-in, begin discovering Rome at your own pace with your included Hop-On Hop-Off panoramic sightseeing ticket. Travelling aboard the open-top Gray Line “I Love Rome” City Tour bus, admire many of the city’s most iconic landmarks from a unique perspective while listening to informative onboard commentary available in multiple languages.The flexible route allows you to hop on and off throughout the day at 8 major attractions.The remainder of the evening is free to relax, with dinner at leisure, or soak up the atmosphere of Rome’s historic streets and piazzas.
Day 2: Rome (B)
After breakfast, join your included guided exploration of Ancient Rome.Meet your professional guide and begin a fascinating journey through the city’s extraordinary archaeological heart. Equipped with personal audio headsets, enter the mighty Colosseum, once the stage for gladiatorial combat, grand spectacles and public entertainment during the Roman Empire.Continue to Palatine Hill, legendary birthplace of Rome and former residence of Roman emperors, where panoramic views stretch across the ancient city. Your tour concludes at the Roman Forum, once the political, religious and commercial centre of imperial Rome.The remainder of the day is at leisure for independent sightseeing, shopping or relaxing in one of Rome’s charming cafés.
Day 3: Rome – Assisi – Siena - Florence (BL)
Depart Rome by deluxe coach and journey north through the beautiful Italian countryside toward Assisi, the medieval hill town closely associated with St Francis. Spend some time at leisure to explore its charming streets and visit the Basilica of St Francis, renowned for its magnificent frescoes by Giotto and Cimabue. Lunch is included before continuing onward to Siena, one of Tuscany’s most beautiful medieval cities and home of the famous Palio horse race held in Piazza del Campo. Later, continue to Florence, cradle of the Renaissance, where you will check in to your hotel for a two-night stay.
Day 4: Florence (BL)
Today is dedicated to discovering the artistic treasures of Florence.Joined by your guide, explore the city’s extraordinary Renaissance heritage, including the magnificent Duomo of Santa Maria del Fiore with Brunelleschi’s famous dome, Giotto’s Bell Tower and the Baptistery with its celebrated bronze “Gates of Paradise.”Continue through Piazza della Signoria to admire Palazzo Vecchio before visiting the Basilica of Santa Croce. Lunch is in a traditional Tuscan restaurant overlooking Piazza Santa Croce.The afternoon is free to continue exploring Florence independently or perhaps join an optional excursion (supplement applies) to Pisa to see the famous Leaning Tower and Piazza dei Miracoli.
Day 5: Florence - Bologna - Venice (B, Local food experience)
After breakfast, depart for Bologna, renowned for its elegant arcades, medieval architecture and exceptional cuisine. Spend time exploring the historic centre including Piazza Maggiore, Piazza del Nettuno, Palazzo Podestà and the Basilica of San Petronio. Discover why Bologna is considered Italy’s gastronomic capital as you sample regional specialities during an included light lunch and local food experience.Later continue to Venice, the enchanting Floating City, and check in to your hotel for a two-night stay.
Day 6: Venice (B, Local food experience)
After breakfast, transfer to Piazza San Marco and for a guided walking tour through Venice’s most iconic sights. Admire the magnificent Palazzo Ducale (Doge’s Palace), once the seat of Venetian power, and see the famous Bridge of Sighs. Following your tour, relax with a traditional Venetian spritz or prosecco accompanied by delicious cicchetti, Venice’s beloved small tapas-style dishes.The afternoon is free for independent exploration through Venice’s romantic canals, hidden laneways and elegant squares.
Day 7: Venice – Verona – Franciacorta – Bergamo (B, Light Lunch & Wine Tasting)
This morning travel to Verona, the romantic city immortalised in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.Take a guided tour through its atmospheric streets lined with Roman ruins, medieval buildings and Renaissance palaces. See Juliet’s famous balcony and discover the city’s fascinating blend of history and culture.Continue into the renowned wine region of Franciacorta, celebrated for its sparkling wines. Here is a light lunch accompanied by local wine tasting before continuing to Bergamo for a two-night stay.
Day 8: Lake Garda Excursion (BD)
Following breakfast, depart for a scenic excursion to spectacular Lake Garda, Italy’s largest lake.Travel along the picturesque western shoreline surrounded by vineyards, olive groves and mountain scenery. Arrive in Sirmione, one of the lake’s most beautiful towns, where you will experience a scenic boat tour past Scaliger Castle and the ancient Roman ruins known as the Grottoes of Catullus. After free time for lunch (own expense), continue to Desenzano del Garda before returning to Bergamo. Dinner included this evening.
Day 9: Bergamo – Lake Como – Bellagio – Milan (B)
Today travel to elegant Como on the shores of beautiful Lake Como. Board a boat cruise across the lake to glamorous Bellagio, often considered the jewel of Lake Como. Here is time at leisure to wander its charming laneways, admire elegant villas and lakeside gardens, or take lunch in one of the many cafés overlooking the water. Continue by boat to Cadenabbia before travelling onward to Milan for a three-night stay.
Day 10: Milan – Bernina Express - Milan (B)
Day 11: Milan (B, Local food experience)
Spend a leisurely morning discovering Milan at your own pace.This afternoon, join a guided walking tour through the city’s historic centre. Discover Porta Venezia, Corso Venezia, the Giardini Indro Montanelli and the elegant Galleria d’Arte Moderna before continuing to the world-famous Teatro alla Scala and the magnificent Duomo di Milano.Your tour concludes at the impressive Castello Sforzesco. Afterwards, experience a classic Milanese aperitivo with local delicacies served in a refined bakery café. The evening is free at leisure.
Day 12: Milan (B)
After breakfast transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
TOUR INCLUSIONS:
- 24/7 local operator support in Italy
- Return airport transfers
- 11 nights hotel accommodation
- Breakfast daily
- 2 lunches
- 1 dinner
- 3 local food experience
- 1 light lunch and wine tasting
- Modern Air-conditioned touring vehicle
- Tour Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill (with our exclusive “Skip the Line”)
- Entrance fees to Casa Grotta (Matera), Otranto Cathedral and the Churches of Lecce
- Guided tour in Florence, Venice, Milan and Verona (local expert guide)
- Bernina Express ride
- Scenic boat transfers in Como Lake
- Boat tour in Garda Lake
- English speaking tour escort throughout
- Sightseeing and visits as specified in itinerary
- Italy Travel Notes – issued by Innovative Travel
TOUR EXCLUSIONS:
- International Airfares
- Tourist tax to be paid to the hotels
- Optional tours and excursions
- Entrance fees not mentioned
- Drinks during meals
- Porterage
- Mandatory Tipping/Gratuities (please refer to tour notes for a recommended guideline)
- Personal Expenses
- Hotel charges for minibar or any extra charges
- Visas (unless specified)
- Travel Insurance (compulsory)
- Any other services not clearly mentioned in the inclusions above
Rome
St Martin -or- Diana Roof Garden
Florence
Raffaello -or- Una Vittoria
Venice
Bergamo
Cappello D’Oro
Milan
Trip prices and dates are correct at the time of the website going live, however all offers are subject to reconfirmation at the time of booking. All featured tour itineraries and offers may be subject to change due to seasonal variations without notice, or due to local conditions or other conditions. Please confirm all details at time of booking. Travel insurance is mandatory for all Innovative Travel bookings. All passports must be valid for 6 months prior to your return to your home country. Visas are the responsibility of the traveller. Special VIP meet and assist offers are available in some destinations for New Zealand passport holders, for other nationalities please check at the time of booking. For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Booking Conditions page.
