Splendid Italy | Guided Group Tour | 15 Days

DAY 1:                                   ROME   

Upon arrival at Rome Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Make the most of your one-day Hop-on Hop-off bus ticket, offering a unique way to discover Rome’s most iconic landmarks. With eight convenient stops along the route and audio commentary available in 12 languages, you can explore at your own pace. In the evening, enjoy some free time before returning to your hotel. Overnight in Rome.  

DAY 2:                                   ROME    

After breakfast, depart your hotel for a guided tour of Rome’s remarkable Archaeological Area. Meet your professional guide and embark on a 2.5-hour journey through history. With a personal radio receiver and earphones, discover the legendary Colosseum, the grand Flavian Amphitheatre where gladiators once battled and wild spectacles took place. Continue to Palatine Hill, the mythical birthplace of Rome, offering sweeping views of the city. The tour concludes at the Roman Forum, the vibrant heart of ancient Roman life. The remainder of the day is free at leisure. Overnight in Rome. (B) 

DAY 3:                                   ROME – ASSISI – SIENA – FLORENCE   

Breakfast at the hotel before departing at 7:15 am to Assisi, a charming medieval town enclosed by ancient walls. Visit the Basilica of St. Francis, adorned with stunning frescoes by Giotto and Cimabue, then enjoy lunch in Assisi. Continue onward to Siena, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its shell-shaped Piazza del Campo and the traditional Palio horse race. Journey through the picturesque Tuscan countryside to Florence, where you’ll check into your hotel for an overnight stay. (B, L) 

DAY 4:                                   FLORENCE     

Discover Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance. Visit the magnificent Duomo with Brunelleschi’s Dome, Giotto’s Bell Tower, and the Baptistery. Continue to Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio, and the Basilica of Santa Croce. Enjoy lunch at a traditional Tuscan restaurant. Enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at leisure. Overnight in Florence. (B, L) 

DAY 5:                                   FLORENCE – BOLOGNA – VENICE   

After breakfast in Florence, travel to Bologna and explore its historic centre, famous for elegant porticos and landmarks such as Piazza del Nettuno and the Basilica of San Petronio. Savour Bologna’s renowned culinary traditions with a light street-food style lunch. In the afternoon, continue to Venice. Overnight in Venice. (B, L) 

DAY 6:                                   VENICE    

After breakfast, transfer to Piazza San Marco for a guided tour of Venice’s highlights. Admire the exterior of the Doge’s Palace and cross the famous Bridge of Sighs. Afterwards, enjoy a glass of spritz or prosecco paired with cicchetti, traditional Venetian bites, while soaking up the local atmosphere. The afternoon is free to explore at your own pace. Overnight in Venice. (B, L) 

DAY 7:                                   VENICE – VERONA – FRANCIACORTA – BERGAMO  

After breakfast, depart for Verona, a city steeped in history and culture. On a guided tour, discover its Roman ruins, medieval architecture, and Renaissance palaces, including a visit to Juliet’s house and balcony, immortalized by Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Continue to Franciacorta, renowned for its exceptional winemaking, where you’ll enjoy a light lunch featuring local food and wine. Afterwards, travel on to Bergamo for your overnight stay. (B, L)  

DAY 8:                                   BERGAMO – SIRMIONE – DESENZANO DEL GARDA – BERGAMO  

After breakfast, depart for Lake Garda, Italy’s largest lake. Enjoy a scenic drive along the western shore, framed by the Brenta Dolomites, Moraine Hills, and lush landscapes. In Sirmione, embark on a boat tour to admire the charming shoreline, Scaliger Castle, and the Grottoes of Catullus. After some free time for lunch, continue to Desenzano del Garda, known for its elegant lakeside promenade and historic centre with Venetian influences. Dinner and overnight stay in Bergamo. (B, D) 

DAY 9:                                   BERGAMO – COMO – BELLAGIO – MILAN  

After breakfast, enjoy a brief visit to Como, renowned for its breathtaking views of Lake Como and the surrounding Alps. From Como, you will embark on a boat to Bellagio, an elegant village nestled at the junction of the lake’s two southern branches, famous for its charming streets, luxury hotels, historic villas, and lush gardens. In the afternoon, take the ferry to Cadenabbia, where you will meet your driver and begin your journey to Milan. Overnight in Milan. (B) 

DAY 10:                                 MILAN – BERNINA EXPRESS – MILAN  

After breakfast, meet your driver and travel to St. Moritz for some free time. Then, board the Bernina Express and enjoy one of the world’s most scenic train rides through the Swiss Alps. Marvel at alpine villages, tunnels, and breathtaking mountain views as you cross the Bernina Pass toward Tirano. Upon arrival, your driver will be waiting to take you back to Milan. Overnight in Milan. (B) 

DAY 11:                                 MILAN  

After breakfast, enjoy some free time to explore Milan at your own pace. In the afternoon, meet your local guide for a three-hour walking tour through the heart of the city. Begin at Porta Venezia, a historic gate with medieval and Roman origins, and continue to Corso Venezia. Walk through the Giardini Indro Montanelli, pass by the Galleria d’Arte Moderna and continue along Viale Manzoni. From the outside, see the iconic Teatro alla Scala and admire the majestic façade of the Milan Cathedral (Duomo).The tour ends at Castello Sforzesco, a medieval fortress, followed by a relaxing aperitivo. Free time before returning to your hotel. Overnight in Milan. (B) 

DAY 12:                                 MILAN – SANTA MARGHERITA LIGURE – PORTOFINO – SESTRI LEVANTE – LA SPEZIA  

Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel before departing Milan by coach to the Liguria Region. The first stop is Santa Margherita Ligure, known as “La Perla del Tigullio,” surrounded by the sea and mountains. Admire its port and luxury hotels. Next, a boat ride takes you to glamorous Portofino, famous for its boutiques and colourful streets. Explore this stunning seaside village, cherished by writers like Guy de Maupassant. In the afternoon departure to Sestri Levante for a local food and wine tasting experience. Finally, reach La Spezia for an overnight stay. (B) 

DAY 13:                                 LA SPEZIA – CINQUE TERRE – LA SPEZIA  

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a memorable journey to the Cinque Terre, one of the Mediterranean’s most pristine regions, featuring the villages of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. These charming villages are nestled between rugged cliffs and lush hills, boasting some of the cleanest waters in the Mediterranean. Explore the Cinque Terre by local train, with free time to savour a delightful lunch. In the afternoon, return to La Spezia for a relaxing overnight stay. (B) 

DAY 14:                                 LA SPEZIA – MARANELLO – MODENA – VENICE  

After breakfast, depart La Spezia and travel inland through scenic Italian countryside. Stop in Maranello to experience the world of Ferrari with a guided visit to the iconic Ferrari Museum, celebrating speed, innovation, and Italian style. Continue to a traditional acetaia near Modena for a unique experience learning about Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale. Enjoy a guided tasting paired with regional flavours and a genuine lunch in a welcoming family atmosphere. In the afternoon, drive northeast across the plains of Emilia-Romagna and Veneto. Arrive in Venice by early evening, check in at your hotel, and enjoy free time. Overnight in Venice. (B, L) 

DAY 15:                                 VENICE  

After breakfast, departure transfer to Venice airport. End of our services. (B) 

ACCOMMODATION (OR SIMILAR): 

ROME: Hotel St. Martin, or Hotel Diana Roof Garden  

FLORENCE: Hotel Raffaello, or Hotel Una Vittoria  

VENICE: Hotel B&B Venezia Laguna (Tronchetto area), or Hotel Delfino (Mestre area) 

MILAN: Hotel Concorde, or Hotel Ramada Plaza  

BERGAMO: Hotel Cappello D’Oro  

LA SPEZIA: CDH Hotel La Spezia  

INCLUDES: 

• 14 nights’ accommodation in a combination of 3 and 4* hotels
• Arrival and departure transfers on first and last day of tour
• Meals as per itinerary
• Sightseeing tours in Florence, Venice, Milan and Verona
• Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle
• Rome hop-on hop-off Panoramic Bus ticket
• Boat transfer on Lake Como and Lake Garda
• Bernina Express ride
• Cinque Terre Card
• Ferrari Museum tour
• Local food experiences
• Wine tasting

EXCLUDES: 

• Entrance tickets to sites and museums (unless stated otherwise)
• City tax (to be paid directly at the hotel)
• Beverages
• Hotel taxes and or service charges
• Tips
• Everything which is not mentioned in “includes”

THINGS TO NOTE: 

• Accommodation is subject to change without notice. Every effort is made to avoid hotel changes but should a mid-tour hotel change become necessary after this list has been printed, contact details of the new hotel will be supplied to you by your Tour Director.
• Tour can be a combination of regular tours; therefore coach changes may be required. The same people may not be travelling throughout the tour.
• If the minimum participant requirement is not met, the bus will operate with two tour leaders, with at least one guaranteed to speak English only.