13 Day Tour - Best of Italy

13-Day Italy Sightseeing Tour of Rome, Lake Como and Sorrento

Discover the Best of Italy, from the ancient treasures of Rome to Renaissance Florence and everything in between. Imagine walking in the footsteps of St Francis in Assisi, lapping up the chic lifestyle on Capri, and taking a private guided visit to Pompeii to see a Roman city frozen in time.

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Day 1 | Welcome to Rome

2025 marks a Jubilee Year, a momentous Roman Catholic event celebrated every 25 years, turning Rome into a centre 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. Ciao Roma! Explore this imperial city of emperors and senators, gods and goddesses before joining your Travel Director for an introduction to the 'Eternal City'. Arrive at Basilica Santa Maria in Cosmedin for a private after-hours visit to the Mouth of Truth. See the church, crypt and relics of the famous saint of love, Valentine, and learn about the legend of the Mouth of Truth. This evening, enjoy dinner with your travel companions.

Meals: Dinner

Hotel: Una 

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Day 2 | Discover Ancient Rome and the Vatican City

The Holy See takes centre stage today as you join a Local Specialist for an included sightseeing tour in the Vatican Museums. Admire Michelangelo’s magnificent frescoed ceiling in the Sistine Chapel. See the marble masterpiece of the Pietà, housed in the Basilica before crossing the Tiber into Ancient Rome. Enjoy a guided visit to the Colosseum, before seeing the Circus Maximus, once the site of celebrated chariot races. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore Rome. Indulge in an espresso in the Piazza Navona or clamber up the Spanish Steps.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Una/Cicerone

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

Piazzas and Fountains - Discover the most enchanting areas of the city with a Local Specialist. Stroll through the maze of narrow streets and picturesque squares in Rome’s historic centre, uncovering famous landmarks and hidden gems in the Eternal City.  

Adult: 50.00 EUR

Roman Delights with Dinner - Tonight, relax and enjoy typical Italian cuisine, soaking up Rome's unique atmosphere in a characteristic trattoria with drinks and music.

Adult: 79.00 EUR

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Day 3 | Explore the Ruins of Pompeii and Sorrento

We journey south to the well-preserved ruins of Pompeii. Here we join a Local Specialist who will share details of the devastation caused by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius as we wander through the ancient paved roads of a city that was frozen in time. Later, we arrive at our hotel in the clifftop town of Sorrento where we’ll dine tonight.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Hotel: Johanna Park Sorrento and Art Hotel Gran Paradiso

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

Amalfi Coast and Positano - Come with us for a drive along the famous Amalfi Coast. You’ll have a chance to visit the exclusive artists’ paradise of Positano, which is magnificently positioned on the Mediterranean coast.

Adult: 81.00 EUR

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Day 4 | Cruise to the Isle of Capri

We cross the Bay of Naples today by ferry to the glamorous Isle of Capri to visit some of its landmark sights. Wander past the chic boutiques and pavement cafés in Capri town in the company of a Local Specialist before taking your time to soak up the sophistication of this lovely island. Later, we return to the mainland.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Johanna Park Sorrento and Art Hotel Gran Paradiso

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

Discover The Isle Of Capri - Experience a private, guided cruise along the beautiful southern coast to see spectacular cliffs, the famous Faraglioni Rocks and White Grotto sea cave with its small red coral. View the turquoise waters and private villas and hear the stories of Roman Emperors and famous people through history who have called Capri home before ascending to Capri town. This optional experience is weather dependent and may be replaced by a minibus tour of the Island with a visit to Anacapri and either the Villa San Michele or the Anacapri chairlift.

Adult: 60.00 EUR

You will be offered one of the following two optional experiences depending on availability:

Dinner Neapolitan Style - Join us for an evening of Neapolitan specialties at one of our favourite family-run restaurants. Savour local dishes all served up with the famous Neapolitan hospitality and zest for life.

Adult: 84.00 EUR

Sorrento Countryside and Farmhouse Meal - Join us at a traditional farm in the Sorrento countryside, where you'll visit the lemon groves, olive oil mill and see first-hand how mozzarella is made. Afterwards, enjoy the authentic flavours of home-produced cold cuts, marinated vegetables, fresh olives and more - all washed down with the local wine. The atmosphere is informal, as the family are welcoming you into their home.

Adult: 85.00 EUR

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Day 5 | Onwards to Assisi

Marvel at the beauty of the Bay of Naples and mighty Vesuvius as you leave the Sorrento coastline. Glimpse the Benedictine Abbey of Cassino perched high on the mountain peak, known as the site of the Battle of Monte Cassino in 1944, before heading north to the slopes of Mount Subasio. Arrive in the mystical town of Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis, under whose protection this medieval city is said to remain. Join your Local Specialist for a visit to the Basilica of St. Francis, before some free time to explore this fascinating hilltop town.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Hotel: Grand Assisi

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Day 6 | Venture to Verona and Venice

Journey through the glorious countryside of the Emilia Romagna region. This area is renowned for its gastronomy and is credited with being the origin of tortellini, mortadella and parmesan cheese. Travel to Verona, the home of Shakespeare's star-crossed lovers, to admire the ancient Roman arena and Piazza Brà. Arrive later into beautiful Venice, the 'Queen of the Adriatic', to spend time admiring this unique city.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Biasutti Lido

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

Gondolas & the Grand Canal - Join us for a breathtaking cruise by private water taxi along Venice's Grand Canal. You'll admire the magnificent palazzi, catching a glimpse of the Rialto Bridge and St. Mark's Square. Later on, you'll glide gracefully on a gondola along Venice's dreamy, narrow waterways.

Adult: 96.00 EUR

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Day 7 | St. Mark's and More in Venice

Cruise your way through Venice by private launch to soak up the sights and sounds of what was once one of the world's greatest ports. Your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with the glassblowing artisans of Venice follows. Watch as they share their centuries-old glassmaking traditions. Your visit helps to preserve this delicate craft for which Venice is justifiably famous and you’ll want to remember your visit by purchasing a souvenir or two to display at home. From there, continue past the Bridge of Sighs and the Doge's Palace to St. Mark's Square to view the impressive square and Basilica. Consider an optional experience to see the colourful fishermen's houses on the Island of Burano or search for a cosy bacaro and indulge in some tasty Venetian treats, starting with that refreshing Venetian Spritz which is the local drink of choice.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Biasutti Lido

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

Venice's Secrets - Explore the hidden maze of streets which make up this unique city as your Local Specialist gives you a fascinating insight into Venice's past and present. You’ll discover tucked away squares and back streets local Venetians use to side-step the tourist throng and give you a sense of authentic life on the island of Venice.

Adult: 51.00 EUR

Lagoon Cruise to Burano with Food and Drinks - This afternoon, discover the Venetian Lagoon by private boat. You'll enjoy a delicious meal, with a selection of drinks, on the fisherman's island of Burano, famous for its Multi-coloured houses - a photographer's paradise.

Adult: 90.00 EUR

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Day 8 | Stroll Around Milan

Cross the lush green plains of Lombardy to sophisticated Milan, Italy's capital of design and fashion is our destination. An orientation tour takes us past the intricate Gothic Duomo, La Scala Opera House and the famous Galleria. Later arrive in the Italian Lakes where you'll enjoy a dinner with your fellow travelling companions.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Hotel: Hotel Simplon Lago Maggiore Baveno

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

Treasures of Milan - A fantastic opportunity to take in some of the highlights of elegant Milan. Amongst other sights, we'll visit La Scala, the world's most famous opera house, where Giuseppe Verdi, Maria Callas and others have left their mark. Our wonderful Local Specialist will bring the city’s eventful past to life.

Adult: 54.00 EUR 

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Day 9 | On to Como and Scenic Lake Maggiore

The glistening blue waters of Lake Como beckon this morning. Enjoy some free time to explore the lakeside lifestyle and beautiful scenery which has enchanted visitors for centuries. Explore Como's historical quarter, indulge in the area’s delicious gelato, or consider a cruise on the lake. Later, spend time exploring your lakeside resort or join an optional experience to discover the palace and gardens of Isola Bella. This evening, venture by private boat to a secluded island on Lake Maggiore to Connect With Locals over dinner at a Be My Guest experience. Join the Cinque family and hear all about the intriguing history of Villa Toscanini, situated on a tiny romantic island which was the hideaway of the great Italian conductor Arturo Toscanini one of the most influential musicians of the 19th century.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Hotel: Hotel Simplon Lago Maggiore Baveno

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

Discover Lake Como - Enjoy views of elegant villas and gardens as you cruise with your Local Specialist along Lake Como, one of the most beautiful spots in the Italian Lake District.

Adult: 69.00 EUR

Discover The Borromean Islands - We've organised a private launch to take you to the beautiful islands of Lake Maggiore. Here you will meet with your Local Specialist to do a tour of the magnificent palace. You will also explore the Island’s baroque garden with its white peacocks and vista terraces, from where you can enjoy privileged views of the Alps, the Isola Madre and the Isola dei Pescatori.

Adult: 51.00 EUR

*This optional is only able to be operated between mid-March and the end of October.

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Day 10 | Admire Pisa and on to Florence

Tuscany lures you across the forested Apennine Mountains, past the marble quarries of Carrara to the famous city of Pisa and its Square of Miracles where you'll enjoy an opportunity to view the Leaning Tower. Your next stop is Florence, the 'Cradle of the Renaissance'.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: FH55 Grand Hotel Mediterraneo Florence

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

You will be offered one of the following two optional experiences depending on availability:

Dinner in the Tuscan Countryside- This evening, take a scenic drive to experience a fun and relaxed evening at a friendly, typical restaurant in the countryside. The chef will delight our senses with regional dishes, made with freshly-bought ingredients from the local farmers' markets. Your delicious meal will be accompanied by excellent wines from the vineyards for which this area is so well known. In short, a Tuscan dream come true in an authentic setting.

Adult: 80.00 EUR

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Day 11 | Experience Art and Architecture in Florence

Delve into the extravagant history of the Medici family, whose legacy of art and architecture is explored in the company of a Local Specialist. Visit Piazza della Signoria with its exquisite statues and palazzi and enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the beautiful skyline of Florence, dominated by the elegant Duomo and the almost 700-year-old Ponte Vecchio, from Piazzale Michelangelo. Later, learn about the quality and workmanship of two of this city's historic industries at demonstrations of Florentine leathercraft and 18-carat gold.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: FH55 Grand Hotel Mediterraneo Florence

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

You will be offered one of the following two optional experiences depending on availability:

Michelangelo's 'David' & Accademia - Enjoy an insight into the world of Michelangelo and his masterpiece, 'David'. We'll visit the Academy of Fine Arts and its Michelangelo collection, where you'll learn all about the life and works of this immortal Renaissance genius through the expert commentary of our Local Specialist.

Adult: 66.00 EUR

* The Accademia is not available on Mondays due to weekly closure day. 

Discover Palazzo Vecchio - Marvel at the legacy of the Medici as you visit Palazzo Vecchio, the symbol of Florence's political power for over seven centuries. With our Local Specialist we’ll visit the wonderful "Hall of the Five Hundred", dedicated to the Medici popes. We’ll also visit rooms decorated with masterpieces by famous artists of the Renaissance like Michelangelo and Donatello.

Adult: 56.00 EUR

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Day 12 | Treasures of San Gimignano and Return to Rome

This morning, stop at the Florence American Cemetery and Memorial. Continuing south, visit the charming Tuscan hill-town of San Gimignano, with its extraordinary medieval architecture and rich history. Venture to the centre of town to view the Piazza del Duomo, surrounded by medieval towers and 13thcentury city walls. This evening in Rome, enjoy dinner in the company of newfound friends and your Travel Director.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Hotel: Shangri-La Roma

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Day 13 | Farewell Rome

Bid a fond ciao to your newfound friends as your discovery of the best of Italy comes to an end.

Meals: Breakfast