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Black Friday best seller

Escorted Eternal Cities

Italy in 8 Days, 7 Nights in Destination

GROUP TOURSSolo Traveler

From

£ 1,149

£ 799

/person

-30%

Natalie, Travel Expert

Natalie
Travel crafter

Our classic escorted tour of Italy's most iconic cities! Discover the capital city Rome, hilltop town Assisi, fascinating Orvieto, Florence and the Renaissance, historic Bologna, ancient Padova and the stunning canals in Venice.

Trip Highlights

  1. map-pin-check-icon
    Assisi
  2. map-pin-check-icon
    Bologna
  3. map-pin-check-icon
    Florence
  4. map-pin-check-icon
    Orvieto
  5. map-pin-check-icon
    Padua
  6. map-pin-check-icon
    Rome
  7. map-pin-check-icon
    Venice

Included

  1. All flights

  2. Accommodation

  3. Some transfers

  4. Activities

  5. Some meals

Availability

  1. Departures available until December 2025

  2. Available Group tours

  3. Solo travelers from + £ 380

  4. Add up to 4 nights to your stay

  5. WHAT'S THIS?

Categories available

  1. superior included

  2. WHAT'S THIS?

Book with an expert:

+44 20 76 60 34 10

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Itinerary

Immerse yourself in Italian history, culture and gastronomy. Land in Rome and admire one of the most romantic cities in the world. Head to Florence to discover its hidden treasures and Renaissance heritage, via the quaint medieval towns of Assisi and Orvieto. Next, explore ancient Bologna and artistic Padova. Finally, uncover Venice, known for its stunning canals, built across 100 small islands.

1st Day: UK/Ireland - Rome

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Pack your bags and head to your departure airport, ready for a flight to the eternal city of Rome.* Land in Rome, the Italian capital known as the Eternal City. Transfer to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, the remainder of the day is free to begin exploring this romantic, historic city. The evening is the most magical time of day in Rome when the streets take on an even more charming character, wander around the quaint streets and charming piazzas while you indulge in their world-famous gastronomy. Overnight stay in Rome.

*If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Hotel Gambrinus or similar
tripadvisor rating

1620 Reviews

See our full selection

2nd Day: Rome

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Breakfast at the hotel. Your guide will greet you at the hotel in the morning. Today, enjoy a panoramic view on the bus and discover the eternal city. Learn about the history of this empire, from its birth to the gladiatorial fights in the Colosseum with a guided tour, and appreciate the preserved corners of ancient Rome in the Forum and the Palatine Hill. We recommend the optional dinner at an authentic Italian restaurant*. Overnight stay in Rome.

*Optional Authentic Roman Dining Experience: Savor an evening of authentic Italian cuisine in the heart of historic Rome. Let the charm of the city envelop you as you enjoy traditional Italian dishes at a local restaurant, fully immersed in the rich flavors and vibrant atmosphere of Roman culture.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Hotel Gambrinus or similar
tripadvisor rating

1620 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Guided walking Tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill

Moderate

See more
Optional
Authentic Roman Dining Experience

Light

See more

3rd Day: Rome

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Breakfast at the hotel, today enjoy a day at your leisure in Rome. Perhaps visit the Vatican, trace the footsteps of the greats in the ancient streets of the old city or simply indulge in some delicious Italian ice cream. However you choose to spend your day, Rome is sure to delight you with its old-world charm and unbeatable sights. We suggest taking the optional Guided tour of Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel* or a nocturnal view of Rome with our Rome by Night - Baroque Rome, with Dinner excursion.** Overnight stay in Rome.

*Optional Skip-the-line Guided Tour of Vatican Museums, St. Peter's Basilica and Sistine Chapel: Explore the priceless treasures held within the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel! Visit the Pio Clementino Hall, Laocoon and Apollo Belvedere, Maps Gallery, Candelabra Gallery, Tapestries Gallery and the incredible Sistine Chapel. Afterwards, discover the incredible St. Peter’s Basilica and the atmospheric St. Peter’s Square, dominated by Michelangelo’s imposing Cupola!

Please note: Optional tour available Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays afternoon, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays only. Sundays are closed. If you depart for Italy on a Sunday, the optional Skip-the-line Guided Tour of the Vatican Museum, St. Peter’s Basilica and Sistine Chapel, will take place on the following Wednesday evening as of 2024. 

**Optional Rome by Night - Baroque Rome, with Dinner excursion: A nocturnal view of Rome, with the splendid squares illuminated and away from the daytime bustle. The charming Plaza de España with its spectacular staircase, the fairytale frame of the Trevi Fountain, the majesty of the Pantheon and the baroque Piazza Navona, a route structured to go back in time and evoke the times of the "Dolce Vita" fellini. The tour will end with a typical Roman dinner.

Why not upgrade your trip with our Must See's of Italy package of 2 excursions, available in the next step of the booking process!

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Hotel Gambrinus or similar
tripadvisor rating

1620 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

Optional
Skip-the-line Guided Tour of Vatican Museums, St. Peter's Basilica and Sistine Chapel

Active

See more
Optional
Pack of 2 Excursions: Must-sees of Italy

Moderate

See more
Optional
Baroque Rome by Night & Dinner

Moderate

See more

4th Day: Rome - Orvieto - Assisi - Florence

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Breakfast at the hotel. Leave Rome early this morning to transfer to the beautiful city of Florence. To break up this journey, stop in Orvieto*, a quaint town especially known for its renowned Duomo, European Gothic architecture and the San Patrizio Well, a masterpiece of hydraulic engineering in which you can immerse yourself, descending into the bowels of the earth. Next, take a break in Assisi, a majestic hilltop town known for its medieval architecture and the Basilica of St. Francis, a huge 2-level church. In the early evening, arrive in Florence, the heart of the Italian Renaissance, and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure exploring the city and the Italian cuisine in this gourmet paradise. Overnight stay in Florence.

*Upon arrival at Orvieto you'll need to take a funicular to reach the hilltop meeting point as it's not accessible by bus. We advise you to take cash to pay for your ticket upon arrival at the station.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Hotel Grifone Firenze or similar
tripadvisor rating

360 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Short Stop in Orvieto

Active

See more
included
Short Stop in Assisi

Active

See more

5th Day: Florence

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Breakfast at the hotel. Today head to the Historic Centre for a guided walking tour of Florence and discover the hidden secrets of the Tuscan capital. Start discovering the up-market Piazza Repubblica, before heading to Loggia del Mercato Nuovo, a building within which a local market takes place.

Keep exploring the streets of Florence before arriving at the beautiful and well-known Ponte Vecchio, the most iconic bridge in the city and one of its main symbols. You will then walk through the Piazza della Signoria, the heart of Medieval Florence with the imposing Palazzo Vecchio. End the tour admiring Piazza San Giovanni, home to the impressive Florence Cathedral, with its iconic Brunelleschi cupola and the famous Giotto Belltower.

Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure to continue exploring the captivating sights of Florence. Why not explore the city in more depth with one of our optional excursion to either the Uffizi* or the Leaning Tower**? Overnight stay in Florence.

*Optional excursion to The Uffizi: The Uffizi Gallery, designed in the mid-sixteenth century by Giorgio Vasari, consists of 90 museum rooms that host the most important and famous paintings in the history of art: works by Giotto, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Botticelli, in addition to numerous paintings by Flemish and Dutch painters exhibited in chronological order. A visit to this museum is a real journey through time by means of art.

Please note that this activity can de purchased up to 30 days before departure of your trip. This optional is not available on Mondays.

**Optional Half-Day Tour to Pisa & The Leaning Tower: No trip to Italy is complete without a photo at the iconic leaning tower, so don't miss your chance to take a day trip to Pisa! Enjoy a guided walking tour of Piazza dei Miracoli and its monuments before spending time at the legendary Leaning Tower of Pisa, learning all about the history of this University city along the way.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Hotel Grifone Firenze or similar
tripadvisor rating

360 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Guided Walking Tour of Florence

Moderate

See more
Optional
The Uffizi Gallery

Light

See more
Optional
Half-Day Tour to Pisa & The Leaning Tower

Moderate

See more

6th Day: Florence - Bologna - Padova - Venice Mestre

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Breakfast at the hotel. Today leave Florence early this morning to transfer you head to the city of Venice. During the journey, stop in Bologna and discover this lively, historic capital of the Emilia-Romagna region, free time before continuing with your journey. Make another stop in Padova, a city rich in beauty, which retains traces of its glorious past, and one of the most important cultural capitals during the fourteenth century.

Finish the day in the historic and enchanting Venice Mestre, the mainland town connected to Venice by rail and road bridges over the lagoon. Spend the night at your leisure and embrace the convenience of numerous transportation options, such as the frequent trains/buses to Venice center. The train station/bus stop is at walking distance from your hotel and it will take you to the iconic Venice center.

Venice built across more than 100 small islands, Venice is a pleasure to explore on foot as you get lost in the labyrinthine streets, stumbling across hidden cafes and cultural gems along the way. Get out and discover the plentiful delights of this eternal city, such as the immense Piazza San Marco. Overnight stay in Venice Mestre.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
NH Venezia Laguna Palace or similar
tripadvisor rating

3430 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Short Stop in Bologna

Active

See more
included
Short Stop in Padova

Moderate

See more

7th Day: Venice

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Breakfast at the hotel. Today, embark on a walking tour of Venice to discover all the beauty this city has to offer. Enjoy a guided walking tour through the City of Canals to learn about the history, culture and artistic heritage. Stroll through the most emblematic neighborhoods, see Venice's famous markets and pay a visit to the iconic Rialto Bridge.

The rest of the day is at your disposal to continue discovering this unique city at your own pace. Alternatively, we recommend taking part in one or both of the following optional activities: first, you can enjoy a quintessentially Venetian gondola ride* and then you can take part in an excursion to Murano and Burano islands**. Overnight stay in Venice Mestre.

*Optional Gondola Ride Experience excursion: One of the most well-known characteristics of Venice are its historic gondolas. You can be a part of this legacy! Experience an unforgettable gondola ride through the charming waterways of Venice including the iconic Grand Canal. The quintessential Venetian experience! Note: Please note that it is a shared gondola (up to five people for each one) so you might have to share it with other people.

**Optional Half-Day Murano and Burano excursion: Discover the most beautiful islands in Venice, enjoying the enchanting scenery of the Venetian lagoon. The tour includes two stops to visit Murano and Burano and discover their typical artisan products: the centuries-old glass processing in Murano, the fine lace in Burano. Enjoy the original colorful buildings as you tour this enchanting area.

Why not upgrade your trip with our Must Sees of Italy package of 2 excursions, available in the next step of the booking process!

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
NH Venezia Laguna Palace or similar
tripadvisor rating

3430 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Guided Walking Tour of Venice

Active

See more
Optional
Gondola Ride Tour in Venice

Light

See more
Optional
Half-Day Murano and Burano Excursion

Moderate

See more

8th Day: Venice - UK/Ireland

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Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer from Venice Mestre to the airport for your return flight.

*Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.

Select a day to go to next step

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October 2024
November 2024
December 2024
January 2025

Categories Available:

superior

From £ 799

Selected

  • Accommodation in Superior category hotels.
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Accommodation: 7 Nights

Included activities

Included

Guided walking Tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill

Included activity for day 2 in Rome

Take a guided walking tour of three of the main archaeological sites in Rome. Learn about the history of this empire, from its birth to the gladiator fights of the Colosseum and appreciate the relics of ancient Rome at the Forum and Palatine Hill.

Duration 03:00h Approx. Pick up time: info at destination

Physical rating:

Moderate

Time and days in Rome can be changed according to the availability of the Colosseum tickets. It will be confirmed 15 days before arrival.

more information
Included

Short Stop in Orvieto

Included activity for day 4

En route to Florence, make a brief stop to Orvieto to get to know this charming town.

Duration 01:30h Approx. Pick up time: info at destination

Physical rating:

Active

You'll need to take a funicular to reach the hilltop meeting point as it's not accessible by bus. We advise you to take cash to pay. Price tickets funicular € 1,30 per person, clients can get on and off buying just 1 ticket

more information
Included

Short Stop in Assisi

Included activity for day 4

Briefly explore this quaint town in the region of Umbria, known as the birthplace of St. Francis and St. Clare, considered an important Christian pilgrimage site surrounded by incredible landscape, green fields and olive groves.

Duration 02:00h Approx. Pick up time: info at destination

Physical rating:

Active

more information
Included

Guided Walking Tour of Florence

Included activity for day 5 in Florence

Discover the highlights of Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, on a guided walking tour. Highlights include the historic Ponte Vecchio bridge, Piazza della Signoria, Piazza San Giovanni, the iconic Florence Cathedral and the Giotto Belltower.

Duration 01:30h Approx. Pick up time: info at destination

Physical rating:

Moderate

Comfortable walking shoes recommended

more information

Show more

Available Activities

Activities are subject to availability. The price for each optional activity will be shown in the next step of the booking process.
Optional

Authentic Roman Dining Experience

Suggested activity for day 2 in Rome

Savor an evening of authentic Italian cuisine in the heart of historic Rome. Let the charm of the city envelop you as you enjoy traditional Italian dishes at a local restaurant, fully immersed in the rich flavors and vibrant atmosphere of Roman culture.

Physical rating:

Light

In case of being vegetarians, notify in advance to adapt the menu. In 2024, the dinner will take place in Campo di Fiori, while in 2025, it will be in Trastevere.

more information
Optional

Skip-the-line Guided Tour of Vatican Museums, St. Peter's Basilica and Sistine Chapel

Suggested activity for day 3 in Rome

Explore the treasures held within the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel! Visit Pio Clementino Hall, Candelabra Gallery, Tapestries Gallery and the incredible Sistine Chapel, among other sights. Also discover St. Peter’s Basilica and St. Peter's Square.

Duration 03:00h Approx. Pick up time: info at destination

Physical rating:

Active

Tour NOT available on Wednesdays mornings and Sundays. Meeting point: via santamaura 28

more information
Optional

Pack of 2 Excursions: Must-sees of Italy

Suggested activity for day 3

Make the most of your time in Italy with this pack of two unmissable experiences: a Skip-the-line guided tour of Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel and a gondola ride in Venice.

Pick up time: info at destination

Physical rating:

Moderate

Vatican info: Tour NOT available Wednesdays morning and Sundays. Please avoid booking the activities included in this package separately.

more information
Optional

Baroque Rome by Night & Dinner

Suggested activity for day 3 in Rome

A night tour of Rome, with the splendid illuminated squares and away from the bustle of the day. The tour will end with a typical Roman dinner.

Duration 03:00h Approx. Pick up time: info at destination

Physical rating:

Moderate

Meeting point: piazza di spagna, in front of the babingtons tea room.

more information

Show more

The price includes

  • premium-care-icon
    Included in all our trips. more information
  • Departures from main UK/Ireland airports.
  • International flights: UK/Ireland - Rome, Venice - UK/Ireland.
  • 7 nights accommodation in Superior category hotels.*
    more information
    See hotels included
  • 7 breakfasts and 1 lunch in Bologna.
  • Transfers in air-conditioned vehicles as indicated in the itinerary.
  • Visits and entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary.**
    more information
    See itinerary
  • All air taxes and fuel surcharge.
  • Guided walking tours in Florence and in Venice and a panoramic view on the bus in Rome***.
    more information
  • ATOL protection.
  • Tour Leader from day 2 to day 8. Guided visit to the Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill in Rome.
  • Reduced groups of 30****
    more information

*The cancellation policy applicable is according to the Terms and Conditions available and agreed at the time of your purchase

Not included

Tax*, drinks, tips and any other services not mentioned in what's included.

*Accommodation tax in Italy must be paid directly to the hotel (Approx. 6 € per person per night). We recommend taking cash in the local currency with you on this trip

*Hotel ratings in Italy are not governed by the same standards as those in the UK/Ireland, so please keep this in mind when selecting your desired accommodation category.

Important: please bear in mind that the accommodation included in Venice is located in Venice Mestre, which is situated outside the island, approximately 25-30 minutes away by train, bus or Taxi.

Please note that there is no luggage assistance included throughout the trip. We recommend packing accordingly.

**Please note: If you depart for Italy on a Sunday, the optional Skip-the-line Guided Tour of the Vatican Museum, St. Peter’s Basilica and Sistne Chapel, will take place on the following Wednesday evening as of 2024. If you depart on a Thursday, it will take place on Saturday.

Due to the nature of the destination the terrain can be uneven at times, it may require you to walk on a rocky path, and up and down hills.

Please bear in mind that some of the points of interest are not accessible by bus. In these cases, you will either walk the final stretch or take alternative transport such as the metro. 

***Times and days in rome can be changed in according to the availability of the colosseum tickets. Clients will be inform by the tour leader during the welcome speech. All included excursion are already guaranteed.
 
If you visit during a religious or an official event or during a national holiday, certain attractions may be closed.

Important: The availability of some activities cannot be guaranteed during major holidays, including Christmas & Holy Week.

Download the PDF uploaded to your Exoticca account to check the time and pick up point of the activities.

**** For 2025 groups would be 36 pax

  • Entry requirements

    Passport with a minimum of 6 months validity required.

  • Visa

    No visa is required to enter the country.

  • Currency

    Euro.

  • Language

    Italian.

  • Electricity

    220 V. Adapter required.

  • Health

    There are no mandatory vaccinations for travellers from EU countries.

  • Time zone

    GMT + 01:00.

  • Other useful information

    Italian cuisine is one of the most prominent in the world. The national dish is pasta.

  • Tourist Office website

    http://www.italia.it/en/home.html

Remember to download your e-ticket to confirm the times of your flights and to complete online check-in using the airline’s website, or directly at the check-in desk at the airport.

Accommodation at the hotels is as indicated. In the event of any changes to accommodation, they will always be of the same, or a higher category. The category of hotels is not standardized across all countries in the world. For this reason, the criteria may differ depending on the destination country's own standards.

In the case of adverse weather conditions, for safety reasons or for any other reasons deemed appropriate, the order and duration of the excursions included in the itinerary may be changed or cancelled without prior notice.

If you have reduced mobility, require the use of a wheelchair, or you would prefer this tour to be a private experience for you and your group, you must contact our Experts at +44 20 8068 3176 before booking to ensure that your needs can be met.

While on the road, it is highly unlikely that the vehicle will be equipped with wifi or bathroom facilities, though rest stops will be made for long trips. We recommend purchasing a new SIM card at the airport or placing an e-SIM before travel to guarantee internet connection.

The Foreign & Commonwealth Office offer up-to-date travel advice by visiting https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

Pay in installments

Pay only 60% today to reserve your trip.

Rest is paid in instalments according to your departure date.

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