Classic Journey - Italian Lakes to Rome

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Discover Italy’s Most Iconic Destinations

Journey from the fashionable city of Milan to the breathtaking shores of Lake Como and Lake Garda. Explore the romantic city of Verona, taste wine in Valpolicella, and experience the Renaissance masterpieces of Venice, Florence, and Rome. This tour features must-see attractions, local cuisine, and authentic Italian culture for an unforgettable travel experience.

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Featured Attractions

Milan Cathedral at sunset - Italy Guided Tours with CIE Tours

Milan’s Duomo

Explore one of the most iconic landmarks in Italy with a guided tour of Milan’s Duomo, a soaring Gothic cathedral that dominates the city’s stylish center. Known as one of the largest churches in the world, the Duomo di Milano impresses with its intricate marble facade, spires, and statues. Construction began in 1386 and spanned over 700 years—an architectural marvel!

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.

Trip Itinerary

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Day 1Milan Arrival & City Tour

Your tour departs from your hotel in the heart of Milan at 2 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 3Sirmione & Valpolicella Winery Dinner

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 towards Verona to your hotel near the city. In the evening, venture into the Valpolicella wine region for a tour of a renowned 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 at 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 with your group at your hotel. (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 Pietà 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 a farewell dinner. (B, D)

Day 10Tour Ends in Rome

Your tour ends after breakfast. (B) Please Note: Many of Italy’s attractions are not easily accessible by the coach, and drop-off and pick-up points are limited by local regulations. This fast-paced itinerary requires standing and walking throughout the day, including uneven surfaces, stairs and slopes. There may be some changes in daily itinerary due to the availability of attractions; your tour director will advise you. >