Taste of Italy

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4.8

Savor a sampling of Italy's greatest cities

Get your first taste of the delights of Venice, Florence, Rome, and more on this enchanting Italian tour. You'll get to enjoy the ancient ruins, architectural and artistic masterpieces, and of course, indulge in Italy's legendary food and wine. 

Trip details

Tour start Venice

Tour end Rome

Days

Nights

Meals

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Trim Castle in Country Meath, Ireland, overlooking the River Boyne with vibrant garden flowers.

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Highlights

Orvieto

Step into the mysteries and culinary traditions of this ancient walled city that rises above the surrounding landscape.

Michelangelo's David

Get up close and personal with one of the greatest sculptures of all time.

Roman Colosseum

See where the gladiators clashed 2,000 years ago.

Florence

Fall in love with the capital of beautiful Tuscany, the birthplace of the Renaissance.

Bologna

Explore one of the most food-centric cities in Italy, where Bolognese sauce was invented.

Doge’s Palace, Venice

This masterpiece of Gothic style is one of the most beloved landmarks of Venice. Built in 1340, it was once the residence of the Doge of Venice, the supreme authority of the Venetian Republic.

Vatican Museums with Sistine Chapel and St Peter’s Basilica*

Tour the world's largest church and Michelangelo's magnificent Sistine Chapel frescoes in the Holy See. *Visits subject to availability.

Itinerary

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Day 1Venice Arrival & Welcome Dinner

Meet your tour director at 4:00 PM for a welcome reception and orientation walk around the city known as the ‘Queen of the Adriatic.’ Enjoy a welcome drink and dinner with your fellow travelers. (D)

Day 2Murano Glass Factory & Venice Tour

Take a scenic cruise around the Venetian Lagoon to Murano Island, known for centuries for its artisanal glass industry. Tour a factory and see a demonstration of the art of glass blowing. Cruise back to the splendid Piazza San Marco for a walking tour, with a visit to the Doge’s Palace. The rest of the day is yours to explore and dine independently. (B)

Day 3Bologna & Florence

Travel to historic Bologna, a culinary haven known as “La Grassa” (The Fat One). With medieval architecture, the iconic Two Towers, and the oldest university in the Western world, Bologna offers a rich blend of history, culture, and exceptional cuisine. You’ll have free time for an independent lunch before moving on to your hotel in Florence’s city center. In Florence, take an orientation walk with your tour director and then savor time to discover this magnificent city, the capital of Tuscany and the birthplace of Renaissance art and architecture. Enjoy dinner with your group. (B, D)

Day 4Florence Walking Tour & The Accademia Gallery

Take a walking tour of Florence and marvel at the sights of the city center such as the Duomo, Palazzo Vecchio, and Piazza della Signoria. Visit the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo’s iconic sculpture of David. Savor a local lunch in the heart of Florence. After lunch you’ll have the rest of the day to explore the city at your leisure. (B, L)

Day 5Orvieto & Roman Colosseum

You’re off to the Eternal City – Rome. Along the way, stop in the scenic hill town of Orvieto for a delicious tasting of its renowned local wine. Visit the Colosseum, imperial Rome’s iconic structure, built between 72 and 80 AD. This engineering marvel could hold up to 80,000 spectators for gladiator battles and dramatic productions. Imagine the ghosts of the Caesars in the ruins of the Forum, the ancient heart of the Roman Empire. Enjoy a free evening. (B)

Day 6Independent Exploration & Vatican Tour

Discover Rome independently this morning, with free time to explore. In the afternoon, visit the Vatican to see the awe-inspiring cultural heritage of the world’s smallest sovereign state. Take a guided tour of the Museums, see Michelangelo’s masterpieces in the Sistine Chapel, and walk through St Peter’s Basilica. Then it’s off to dinner in a local restaurant. (B, D)

Day 7Tour Ends in Rome

Your tour ends after breakfast. (B) B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner>

Where you’ll stay

Avani Rio Novo Venice Venice, Italy

The NH Venezia Rio Novo is a modern hotel in the heart of the Dorsoduro district – an...

NH Firenze Florence, Italy

NH Firenze is a contemporary hotel nestled in the heart of Florence, Italy, blending modern...

Nhow Roma Vittorio Veneto Rome, Italy

Built on the site of a Vatican-owned convent, the Nhow Roma Vittorio Veneto is a sleek...

Inclusive Package with No Hidden Extras

What's included?

Full daily breakfast and many meals*
Transportation (Buses, shuttles & ferries)
Welcome drinks with your group
Free Wi-Fi on luxury coaches
All entrance fees to attractions
Comprehensive travel itinerary and documents

*Breakfast is not included on Day 1

Our welcome gift to you

A travel backpack
Travel adapter
Rain poncho
Luggage strap and tags
Water flask

From our travelers

Great trip, great tour guide, loved the destinations, included meals were great, local guides were also good. Marco the bus driver was terrific.

CIE Tours Customer

We take care of everything: authentic experiences, expert local tour directors, and more. Check out the CIE Tours difference!

See what people are saying about this trip

Robert Daniel Mccarthy

3 days 21 hours ago

Treasures of Italy

Our guide, Guilia, was wonderful. The itinerary was great. The Vatican visit was a highlight. Pompei was extremely interesting. Seeing Capri and Amalfi was beautiful. The food was delicious.

Raymond Gerard Smith

4 days 9 hours ago

a Great trip!

It was great! Romena was excellent and we were very fortunate to have someone like her! Loved everything we saw and learned a lot. Hotels were fine and bus was very comfortable.

Curtis John Haen

4 days 11 hours ago

Awesome trip

Sorento and Amalfi coast were incredibly beautiful
My only comment is that it was a lot of walking for some in our group. My wife and i did fine but i believe you tour descriptions should point out the amount of walking involved
That being said i have and will recommend this tour to others

Maureen Clare Brown

1 week ago

I enjoyed the vacation, but for me to much walking and I know the description said a lot of walking. I just didn't expect so much.

Lynn Kimmel Cherrier