exoticca_logo

Call us toll-free now

Book with an expert for free:

1-888-488-0592

Prefer us to call you? Drop your number in the box:

Phone

24 hours a day, Monday - Friday

Eternal cities, Milan & Lake Como

Italy in 11 Days, 9 Nights in Destination

Up to $500 reward

See more

-40%

From

$4,349

$2,599

/person

Natalie, Travel Expert

Natalie
Travel crafter

Our classic escorted tour of Italy's most emblematic cities, from historic Rome and the Renaissance heritage of Florence, to the romantic canals in Venice and the fashion capital of Milan where you will travel independently.

Trip Highlights

  1. map-pin-check-icon
    Florence
  2. map-pin-check-icon
    Lake Como
  3. map-pin-check-icon
    Milan
  4. map-pin-check-icon
    Rome
  5. map-pin-check-icon
    Venice

Included

  1. All flights

  2. Accommodation

  3. Some transfers

  4. Activities

  5. Breakfast only

Availability

  1. Departures available until June 2025

  2. Available Group tours

  3. Solo travelers from + $1,040

  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 for free:

1-888-488-0592

Exoticca is a member of ASTA

asta-logo-horizontal

Our Travel Protection takes care of you

More info

Select a day to go to next step

arrow-down-circle-icon

Previous

Next

arrow-down-circle-icon
March 2024
April 2024
May 2024
June 2024

Categories Available:

superior

From $2,599

Selected

  • Accommodation in Superior category hotels.
check-icon

Accommodation: 9 Nights

Itinerary

Begin your Italian adventure in Rome and admire one of the most romantic cities in the world with cultural delights, such as the Colosseum. Head to Florence to discover its hidden treasures and Renaissance heritage. Next, explore Venice, known for its waterways and canals, and finally discover design hub Milan and Lake Como, with its dramatic scenery set against the foothills of the Alps.

1st Day: US - Night on board
arrow-icon

Pack your bags and head to your departure airport, ready for a flight to the eternal city of Rome.* Night on board.

*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.

2nd Day: Rome
arrow-icon

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.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Hotel Gambrinus or similar
tripadvisor rating

1605 Reviews

See our full selection
3rd Day: Rome
arrow-icon

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 Italian Dinner at a restaurant in Campo Di Fiori: Enjoy an evening of authentic Italian cuisine in beautiful Campo Di Fiori Square, nestled in the heart of historic Rome. Soak up the atmosphere as you indulge in Italian dishes at a local restaurant. 

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Hotel Gambrinus or similar
tripadvisor rating

1605 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

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

Moderate

See more
Optional
Authentic Italian Dinner at a Restaurant in Campo Di Fiori in Rome

Light

See more
4th Day: Rome
arrow-icon

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. If you depart on a Thursday, it will take place on Saturday.

**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

1605 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
Baroque Rome by Night & Dinner

Moderate

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

Moderate

See more
5th Day: Rome - Orvieto - Assisi - Florence
arrow-icon

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. We recommend an evening excursion of the city lit up that includes a delicious dinner.** 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.

**Optional Illuminated Florence Tour with Dinner excursion: Depart from the hotel and stop at Piazzale Michelangelo where you can admire Florence from the best hill of the city with the most interesting viewpoint, continue to the center from where a night walk will begin to enjoy the illuminated city. The walk will end with a typical Florentine dinner.

Accommodation

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

334 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Short Stop in Assisi

Active

See more
included
Short Stop in Orvieto

Active

See more
Optional
Illuminated Florence Tour with Dinner

Moderate

See more
6th Day: Florence
arrow-icon

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

334 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Guided Walking Tour of Florence

Moderate

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

Moderate

See more
Optional
The Uffizi Gallery

Light

See more
7th Day: Florence - Bologna - Padova - Venice Mestre
arrow-icon

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

3393 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Short Stop in Bologna

Active

See more
included
Short Stop in Padova

Moderate

See more
8th Day: Venice
arrow-icon

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

3393 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
9th Day: Venice - Milan
arrow-icon

Breakfast at the hotel. Begin the independent part of the tour, so its time to say goodbye to your group. At the indicated time, transfer to the Venice Mestre train station to catch the Frecciarossa high-speed train to Milan (Milano Centrale).

Transfer to the hotel and, once settled, make your way to the meeting place for your Evening Tour of Milan to discover the history and culture of this Gothic city as the sun gets ready to set. Stop at Parco Sempione and Castello Sforzesco, a medieval fortress rebuilt and embellished by the Sforza family in 1450. Walk through the surrounding gardens and admire the castle from the outside. Continue to the Teatro alla Scala, the Milanese Salone and the Tempio dell'Opera.

See the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, an opulent shopping arcade, famous for its vaulted glass and iron arches, before admiring the incredible Duomo Cathedral from the outside, a true architectural marvel and the fifth largest cathedral in Europe! The remainder of the day is free to enjoy Milan at your leisure. Why not go out for a few scoops of gelato this evening or pay a visit to the fabulous Vittorio Emanuele II shopping arcade, one of the most famous sights in Milan. Overnight stay in Milan.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
NH Milano Machiavelli or similar
tripadvisor rating

1488 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Milan City Tour

Light

See more
10th Day: Milan - Lake Como - Milan
arrow-icon

Breakfast at the hotel. Continue the independent part of this tour and leave the hustle and bustle behind as you set off on a full-day excursion to Lake Como and Bellagio.* Head to the meeting point and depart northwards to the Italian Alps, home to the stunning shores of Lake Como, one of the most sought-after destinations in the country. Known for its tranquil waters and glamorous resorts, explore the natural beauty of the surroundings and enjoy some free time for shopping or lunch.

Afterwards, embark on a 2-hour cruise across Lake Como to take in the Alpine views and cool, clear air. Disembark at the upmarket town of Belaggio and spend some time at your leisure to get to know its charming streets and cosmopolitan cafes before returning to Milan. Overnight stay in Milan.

*During entire winter period the Bellagio pier will undergo renovations so the tour will undergo a small change, below is the itinerary: - Visit to the city of Como - Cruise from Como to Menaggio - Visit to the city of Lugano. You will cross the border between Italy and Switzerland it is mandatory for all customers to bring your passport with you.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
NH Milano Machiavelli or similar
tripadvisor rating

1488 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Full-Day Excursion to Lake Como & Bellagio

Moderate

See more
11th Day: Milan - US
arrow-icon

Breakfast at the hotel.* At the indicated time, transfer 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.

**Depending on the return flight schedule, you may arrive in the US the next day and the total duration of the trip would be 12 days.

Included activities

Included
info-icon

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

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

Included activity for day 3 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

more information
Included
info-icon

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

Short Stop in Orvieto

Included activity for day 5

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

more information
Included

Short Stop in Assisi

Included activity for day 5

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
info-icon

Comfortable walking shoes recommended

Guided Walking Tour of Florence

Included activity for day 6 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

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
info-icon

Meeting Point: Campo de' Fiori, 12, 00186 Roma. In case of being vegetarians, notify in advance to adapt the menu.

Authentic Italian Dinner at a Restaurant in Campo Di Fiori in Rome

Suggested activity for day 3 in Rome

Enjoy an authentic Italian dinner in beautiful Campo Di Fiori Square, nestled in the heart of historic Rome.

Physical rating:

Light

more information
Optional
info-icon

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

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

Suggested activity for day 4 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

more information
Optional
info-icon

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

Pack of 2 Excursions: Must-sees of Italy

Suggested activity for day 4

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

more information
Optional
info-icon

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

Baroque Rome by Night & Dinner

Suggested activity for day 4 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

more information

Show more

The price includes

  • Included in all our trips. more information
  • Departures from main US airports.
  • International flights: US - Rome, Milan - US.
  • Domestic high-speed train in standard class: Venice Mestre - Milano Centrale.
  • 9 nights accommodation in Superior category hotels.*
    more information
    See hotels included
  • 9 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.
  • Cruise on Lake Como.
  • Guided walking tours in Florence, Venice and Milan and a panoramic view on the bus in Rome.***
    more information
  • Tour Leader from day 2 to day 8. Guided visit to the Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill in Rome.
  • Full-Day Excursion to Lake Como.****
    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 US, 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 Sistine 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.

Please note: Milan is an independent tour, not a group tour. It includes accommodation, some activities and some transfers, but you will not be accompanied by a guide throughout the entire trip, nor will you be traveling in a group. As an independent tour, the dates of the excursions may differ based on the availability of the tours. The final date will be available on the voucher uploaded on your Exoticca account prior to departure.

Meeting points: the included tours will depart from designated meeting points. The location of the meeting points will be included in your trip details. Transfers to the meeting points are not included.

**** Excursion to Lake Como: During entire winter period the Bellagio pier will undergo renovations so the tour will undergo a small change, below is the itinerary: - Visit to the city of Como - Cruise from Como to Menaggio - Visit to the city of Lugano. You will cross the border between Italy and Switzerland it is mandatory for all customers to bring your passport with you.

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.

  • 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 the US.

  • 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 +1 888-488-0592 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.

Exoticca Travel Stories

Creating unforgettable memories, one traveler at a time

Pay in installments

Pay only 20% today to reserve your trip.

Pay the rest in installments depending on your departure date