Best of Italy

Departures & Pricing

Cabin grades, balcony upgrades and pre-cruise hotel options are quoted on enquiry — call 1300 414 198.

Itinerary

1. 1

   Welcome to Rome

   Ciao Roma! Explore this imperial city of emperors and senators, gods and goddesses before joining your Travel Director for an introduction to the 'Eternal City'. This evening, enjoy dinner with your travel companions.

2. 2

   Discover Ancient Rome and the Vatican City

   The Holy See takes centre stage today as you join a Local Specialist to explore the Vatican Museums. Admire the frescoed ceiling of the Sistine Chapel and see Michelangelo’s Pietà inside St. Peter’s Basilica. Then cross the Tiber into Ancient Rome for a guided visit to the Colosseum, once home to epic spectacles. View the Circus Maximus, where chariots once raced in front of thousands. This afternoon is yours to explore—relax at a sidewalk cafe, visit a local museum or enjoy a gelato in the Piazza Navona. On some departures, access to St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums may be restricted. You'll still enjoy the atmosphere of St. Peter's Square during your visit to the Vatican City, and if tickets are unavailable to the Vatican Museums, you'll instead explore the Capitoline Museums, home to iconic Roman art and archaeology.

3. 3

   Explore the Ruins of Pompeii and Sorrento

   Journey south to the well-preserved ruins of Pompeii. Here you join a Local Specialist who will share details of the devastation caused by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius as you wander through the ancient paved roads of a city that was frozen in time. Later, arrive at your hotel in the town of Sorrento.

4. 4

   Cruise to the Isle of Capri

   Cross the Bay of Naples today by ferry to the glamorous Isle of Capri to visit some of its landmark sights. Wander past the chic boutiques and pavement cafes in Capri town in the company of a Local Specialist before taking your time to soak up the sophistication of this lovely island. Later, return to the mainland and enjoy dinner at your hotel.

5. 5

   Onwards to Assisi

   Marvel at the beauty of the Bay of Naples and mighty Vesuvius as you leave the Sorrento coastline. Glimpse the Benedictine Abbey of Cassino perched high on the mountain peak, known as the site of the Battle of Monte Cassino in 1944, before heading north to the slopes of Mount Subasio. Arrive in the mystical town of Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis, under whose protection this medieval city is said to remain. Join your Local Specialist for a visit to the Basilica of St. Francis, before some free time to explore this fascinating hilltop town.

6. 6

   Discover Venice

   Journey through the glorious countryside of the Emilia Romagna region. This area is renowned for its gastronomy and is credited with being the origin of tortellini, mortadella and parmesan cheese. Arrive later into beautiful Venice, the 'Queen of the Adriatic' to spend time admiring this unique city.

7. 7

   St. Mark's and More in Venice

   Cruise your way through Venice by private launch to soak up the sights and sounds of what was once one of the world's greatest ports. Discover the ancient skill of Venetian glassblowing at a workshop, where you'll watch master craftsmen use centuries-old techniques to shape the delicate glass pieces Venice is famed for. From there, continue past the Bridge of Sighs and the Doge's Palace to St. Mark's Square to view the impressive piazza and Basilica. Consider an optional experience to see the colourful fishermen's houses on the island of Burano or search for a cosy 'bacaro' and indulge in some tasty treats, starting with that refreshing Venetian Spritz, the local drink of choice.

8. 8

   Discover Verona, Milan and on to Varese

   Travel to Verona, the home of Shakespeare's star-crossed lovers, to admire the ancient Roman arena and Piazza Brà. Cross the green plains of Lombardy to sophisticated Milan, Italy's capital of design and fashion. See the intricate Gothic Duomo, La Scala Opera House and the famous Galleria. Later arrive in the Italian Lakes where you'll enjoy a dinner with your fellow travelling companions.

9. 9

   Enjoy a Visit to Como - Varese

   Lake Como is yours to enjoy this morning, with time to take in the scenery and lakeside setting that have drawn visitors here for centuries. You could also join an Optional Experience in Como to discover Villa Olmo and the grand estates that line the shore, with time for a walk along the waterfront.

10. 10

    Admire Pisa and on to Florence

    Tuscany lures us across the forested Apennine Mountains, past the marble quarries of Carrara to the famous city of Pisa and its Square of Miracles where we will enjoy an opportunity to view the Leaning Tower. Our next stop is Florence, the 'Cradle of the Renaissance'.

11. 11

    Experience Art and Architecture in Florence

    Delve into the extravagant history of the Medici family, whose legacy of art and architecture are explored in the company of a Local Specialist. We visit Piazza della Signoria with its exquisite statues and palazzi and enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the beautiful skyline of Florence, dominated by the elegant Duomo and the almost 700-year-old Ponte Vecchio, from Piazzale Michelangelo. Later, learn about the quality and workmanship of two of this city's historic industries at demonstrations of Florentine leathercraft and 18-carat gold. This evening you'll Connect With Locals over dinner at a Be My Guest experience.

12. 12

    Treasures of San Gimignano and Return to Rome

    This morning, stop at the Florence American Cemetery and Memorial. Continuing south, visit the charming Tuscan hill-town of San Gimignano, with its extraordinary medieval architecture and rich history. Venture to the centre of town to view the Piazza del Duomo, surrounded by medieval towers and 13th-century city walls. This evening in Rome, enjoy dinner in the company of newfound friends and your Travel Director.

13. 13

    Farewell Rome

    Bid a fond ciao to your newfound friends as your discovery of the best of Italy comes to an end.

Accommodation

Book this tour

Send us an enquiry and a consultant will be in touch, or call 1300 414 198 for personal help choosing a departure.

You might also like

Cruise · Insight Vacations · 10 nights

Best of Italy

• Guided tour with luxury coach transport and onboard amenities
• Insider access to local experiences like a Florentine leatherworking demo
• Scenic journeys through the Chianti Hills and Venetian Lagoon

Departs 3 September, 2026 + More Dates

From $5,950 pp twin

Discover more

Tour · Trafalgar Tours · 9 nights

Great Italian Cities

• Expert Travel Director and professional Driver
• All porterage, restaurant gratuities, and local taxes included
• Guided sightseeing with audio headsets for flexibility

Departs 4 September, 2026 + More Dates

From $3,982 pp twin

Discover more

Tour · Trafalgar Tours · 14 nights

Best of Italy and Sicily

• Guided tours of ancient sites like Pompeii and the Colosseum
• Scenic cruise to the Isle of Capri
• Explore the highlights of Italy and Sicily

Departs 3 September, 2026 + More Dates

From $7,268 pp twin

Discover more