Grand Tour - Italian Lakes to Amalfi Coast

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Immerse yourself in history, culture, and beauty on our ultimate Italian tour

Experience the full sweep of Italy on CIE Tours’ most complete and immersive journey. Begin in cosmopolitan Milan and the serene northern lakes, then travel through the legendary Renaissance cities of Venice, Florence, and Rome. Continue to the breathtaking Amalfi Coast, where colorful villages and dramatic cliffs meet the Mediterranean. This tour is perfect for travelers seeking history, culture, and incomparable scenic beauty.

Trip details

Tour start Milan

Tour end Naples

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02 Jun 2025 - 31 Jul 2025

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Featured Attractions

Milan Cathedral at sunset - Italy Guided Tours with CIE Tours

Milan’s Duomo

Explore one of Italy's most iconic landmarks with a guided tour of Milan's Duomo, a soaring Gothic cathedral that dominates this stylish city's center. One of the largest churches in the world, the awe-inspiring Duomo di Milano features intricate marble facade, ornate statues, and imposing sculptures. Construction of this architectural marvel began in 1386 and spanned seven centuries.

Lake Como

Spend a day in Lake Como with free time to explore. Surrounded by mountains and dotted with elegant villas and gardens, Lake Como is beloved for its stunning scenery. You can choose to relax by the tranquil water, stroll through lush gardens, or visit one of the charming lakeside villages.

Masi Winery

Tour the renowned Masi winery in Valpolicella, famed for its rolling vineyards and world-class red wines. Visit the cellars to enjoy a tasting and then enjoy a dinner of delicious local cuisine in a traditional setting.

Sistine Chapel Michelangelo’s iconic ceiling—an awe-inspiring masterpiece

The Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel

Discover the heart of Vatican City on a guided tour of the Vatican Museums, home to one of the world’s greatest collections of Renaissance art. Highlights include the Sistine Chapel, where you’ll gaze upon Michelangelo’s iconic ceiling—an awe-inspiring masterpiece that continues to captivate visitors from around the world.

Florence

Step into the cradle of the Renaissance with a guided walking tour of Florence. Admire the historic Ponte Vecchio, explore the Accademia Gallery—home to Michelangelo’s David—and take in the city’s rich architectural and artistic heritage. Your time in Florence also includes a taste of authentic Tuscan cuisine, completing this unforgettable cultural experience.

Ancient ruins of Pompeii with Mount Vesuvius in the background, showcasing stone streets and preserved Roman architecture

Pompeii: Explore Ancient Roman Ruins Preserved in Time

Uncover the extraordinary story of Pompeii, the ancient Roman city frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Walk through remarkably preserved streets, homes, temples, and frescoes that offer a vivid glimpse into daily life nearly 2,000 years ago. A guided Pompeii tour reveals the fascinating history and archaeological wonders of one of Italy’s most iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Amalfi Coast

Be dazzled by the extraordinary beauty of the Amalfi Coast, with its dramatic cliffs, colorful villages, and breathtaking sea views. Discover charming towns like Positano and Amalfi, and savor local cuisine along this stunning Mediterranean shoreline.

Trip Itinerary

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Day 1Milan Arrival & City Tour

Your tour departs from your hotel in the heart of Milan at 3:00 PM. Set out for a panoramic city tour with a local guide and discover this cosmopolitan city’s historic role as a capital of art, fashion and finance. The highlight of your tour will be a visit to the magnificent Duomo di Milano, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. This cathedral, one of the world’s largest, took nearly seven centuries to complete after construction began in 1386. Enjoy a welcome drink and dinner with your group. (D)

Day 2Lake Como

Depart Milan for a scenic day trip to Lake Como, renowned for its dramatic alpine backdrop and elegant villas. Enjoy free time in Como to explore independently. You might choose to relax by the sparkling waters, take a cruise to one of the charming lakeside villages, or stroll through the lush gardens of historic villas. Indulge in local cuisine at a waterfront café as you wish, and soak in the breathtaking mountain views. Return to Milan for a free evening. (B)

Day 3Lake Garda & Masi Winery

Travel to Sirmione, a picturesque town of fairytale architecture and natural beauty known as “the pearl of Lake Garda”. Enjoy a short orientation tour of the lively town center with its Roman ruins, medieval churches, thermal springs, and a moat-surrounded castle. Enjoy free time for lunch. Continue on towards Verona to your hotel near the city. In the evening, venture into the Valpolicella wine region for a tour of the renowned Masi Winery and its cellars, followed by dinner. (B, D)

Day 4Verona & Venice

Start the day with a walking tour of Verona, famed as the setting of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet,” then enjoy time to explore independently. The town center is filled with historic architecture from Roman, medieval, and Renaissance times, as well as lively piazzas and scenic river views. Travel on to Venice and dine with your group in your hotel. (B, D)

Day 5Murano Glass & Venice Sightseeing

Start your morning by crossing the Venetian Lagoon to Murano Island to explore its centuries-old glassmaking tradition by watching a demonstration by artisans at a historic factory. Return to Venice for a guided walking tour. The rest of the day is yours to discover the city’s enchanting canals, romantic architecture, and labyrinthine streets independently, and savor local cuisine as you please. (B)

Day 6Bologna & Florence

Stroll through Bologna on a walking tour with your tour director and discover this vibrant city, celebrated for its medieval towers and a legendary food scene. With free time for an independent lunch, you’ll have an opportunity to taste why Bologna is known as the culinary capital of Italy. Continue to Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance, where you’ll dine at your hotel with your group. (B, D)

Day 7Florence Accademia & Walking Tour

Discover this amazing city of art, architecture, and genius, beginning with a guided visit to the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo’s David. Continue on a walking tour with a local guide, passing highlights like the Duomo, Piazza della Signoria, and Ponte Vecchio. Enjoy a Tuscan lunch in the heart of the city. The afternoon and evening are free for you to explore and dine as you please. (B, L)

Day 8Rome & Vatican Museums

Travel south through the rolling landscapes of Tuscany and the green hills of Umbria to Rome, where you will visit the Vatican Museums with a local guide. Marvel at Michelangelo’s iconic frescoes in the Sistine Chapel and his Pieta inside St Peter’s Basilica. Your evening is free to savor Roman cuisine and stroll the historic streets as you wish. (B)

Day 9Colosseum & Rome Sightseeing

Discover the wonders of Rome as you explore with a local guide, seeing evocative ruins, glorious architecture, and hidden piazzas. Tour the legendary Colosseum, where gladiators once battled before roaring crowds. The afternoon is yours to experience this magnificent city as you please, before joining up again with your group for dinner. (B, D)

Day 10Pompeii & Sorrento

Depart Rome and head south to the remarkable archaeological site of Pompeii. Explore this fascinating city, tragically frozen in time, with a local guide. Continue on to a classic Neapolitan lunch of pizza and pasta, then it’s on to Sorrento, a clifftop resort town overlooking the Bay of Naples. Enjoy dinner with your group in your centrally located hotel this evening. (B, L, D)

Day 11Isle of Capri

Take a morning transfer to the pier and board a fast ferry across the Bay of Naples to the enchanting Isle of Capri. Ride the funicular up to Capri town and enjoy a day to explore the island’s Roman ruins, scenic vistas, and stylish cafés at your leisure. Return to Sorrento for a free evening. (B)

Day 12Positano & Amalfi

Embark on a scenic drive along the Amalfi Coast, stopping in the chic village of Positano to stroll through its colorful lanes and boutiques. Continue by boat to Amalfi, famed for its whitewashed houses and historic cathedral. Enjoy time to explore before returning to Sorrento for a farewell dinner with your group. (B, D)