At 10 days in length, this adventure through Northern Italy may seem relatively short on paper, but it is so chock-full of highlights that it will feel considerably longer when it comes time to return home.
The starting point of our Northern Italy Tour is Rome, itself a showcase of some of humankind's greatest accomplishments, history's most notable events and the world's most famous attractions.
We tour the historic centres of the ancient city, plazas designed by Michelangelo, Roman fora, temple ruins and the gargantuan Colosseum, the symbol of Rome, before making headway for Vatican City for exploration of the world's smallest independent nation.
The Siena region, which is famous for its wines and Old World character, and Pisa, a city famous for its Leaning Tower, are our next destinations and we bring our tour to a climactic end in Florence, city of art and culture.
Prices below are per person, twin-sharing costs in US Dollars (USD). Pricing does not include airfare to/from the tour and any applicable taxes. For single supplement rates and taxes (if any), please refer to below Prices & Dates table. For general information on flights to/from the tour, click here.
Your Travel and Accommodation Arranged For You
Tips Included for Driver, Restaurant Staff, Local Guides
Authentic Local Experiences With Lots Of Inclusions.
Select a date below to reserve your spot:
Optional Single Supplement: $990 USD (number of singles limited).
This tour may require a mandatory single supplement charge of $500 if you join our share program and we are unable to pair you.
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Day 1 Arrival in Rome
Today we arrive in Rome and transfer to our hotel.
Few cities in the world are as beautiful as Rome, and few are as glamorous. The Eternal City's ancient monuments and spectacular galleries are looking more magnificent than ever after an extensive restoration program.
Overnight in Rome.
Included Meal(s): Dinner
Day 2 Rome: City Tour
We begin our guided tour* of Rome at the 2,000 year old colosseum. Built to seat 55,000 spectators, this arena staged Rome's most brutal gladitorial combats. Next we walk through the Roman Forum where we will see the Curia, the Rostra, the Temple of Vesta, the Basilica of Constantine, and the Arch of Titus. Continuing onwards and upwards we reach the Campidoglio (Capitoline Hill), seat of the Roman Senate since the 12th century and the original citadel of the city. This beautiful square was redesigned by Michelangelo in the 16th century.
We arrive at Piazza Navona where we can break for lunch at one of the many restaurants and cafes on or near the square. In the square itself we can admire the impressive Fountain of the Four Rivers, with detailed figures representing the Nile, Ganges, Danube and Palata rivers.
We continue to the famous Trevi Fountain, designed by Nicholas Salvi in 1732. Its water was supplied by one of Rome's earliest aqueducts. Throwing a coin into the fountain is said to ensure your safe return to Rome. We also visit the temple-turned church called the Pantheon, and have the opportunity to admire its perfect proportions on our way to the Spanish steps, where we finish our day's tour.
* NOTE: Due to traffic problems and the fact that today's sites are reasonably close to each other, much of today's tour will occur on foot and with Rome's efficient public transit system (cost of tickets included). Any sightseeing / touring not accomplished today will be moved to tomorrow afternoon.
Overnight in Rome.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
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Day 3 Rome: the Vatican Museums & St. Peter's
Today we travel by metro to the west side of the Tiber River and begin our visit to Vatican City with a guided tour through the immense Vatican Museums.* This amazing collection houses some of the most important Greek and Roman sculptures, Renaissance paintings, Flemish tapestries and mosaics in the world. Understandably this collection is visited by more than 3 million people a year. We also visit Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel to take in its breathtaking frescoes.
Heading into the cavernous interior of St. Peter's Basilica, we can appreciate it's many treasures, including Michelangelo's Pieta. At the end of the Vatican tour we visit the elegantly symmetrical Piazza St. Pietro.
After a break for lunch we will continue with any sightseeing carried over from yesterday.
* NOTE: The timing/order of today's sightseeing can vary depending on seasonality. Early spring and late fall tours can often begin in the morning due to lighter crowds at these times of year. Busier times often dictate an afternoon/evening visit in order to avoid morning crowds; indeed, we may include lunch instead of dinner today in order to expedite the flow of our activities. Your Tour Leader will advise of any adjustments upon your arrival in Rome.
Overnight in Rome.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 4 Rome - Assisi - Siena
This morning we drive from Rome to Siena, a region famous for its wines.
Our first stop will be Assisi. Despite the millions of tourists and pilgrims it attracts every year, the hometown of St Francis remains a beautiful and tranquil refuge. St Francis was born here in 1182 and his spirit hovers over every aspect of the city's life. He renounced his father's wealth in his late teens to pursue a life of chastity and poverty, founding the order of mendicant friars known as the Order of Minors (the Franciscans after his death) which attracted a huge following in Europe.
St Francis' Basilica is the city's, and possibly Umbria's, primary attraction; after a guided tour of the basilica we depart for Siena, arriving later in the afternoon.
Overnight in Siena.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 5 Siena & San Gimignano
Siena is best seen on foot. In fact, the city council was Europe's first to ban motor traffic from the city centre. Siena today seems frozen in time -- the town has traditionally been Florence's rival as the centre of art and architecture in Tuscany. While Florence is known for its Renaissance art and buildings, Siena takes us straight back to the Middle Ages. Perhaps by preserving its original character more than any other city in Italy, Siena is a showcase of the Italian Gothic style. The walled city of Siena occupies three hill tops and contains a rich artistic heritage.
Included on our guided walking tour of Siena's charming medieval streets and squares is a visit to the Palazzo Pubblico (Town Hall), a famous example of Italian medieval architecture with Gothic influences. Also famous for its frescoes, the best-known are a secular series on government in the Hall of the Nine (also known as Sala della Pace), by Ambrogio Lorenzetti. These frescoes are collectively known as "Allegory and Effects of Good and Bad Government."
Our next stop is the Duomo. This huge cathedral, built in bands of black and white marble, dates from the 12th century. Built in the Romanesque and Italian Gothic styles, it has a dramatically painted façade -- partly designed by Giovanni Pisano -- and a soaring black and white bell tower. The inlaid marble floor depicts different Biblical scenes and the cathedral contains a glass-enclosed box with an arm. Tradition maintains that the arm is that of John the Baptist and was used to baptise Christ.
This afternoon we drive to San Gimignano, called the Manhattan of Tuscany. The medieval town preserves 13 of its noble brick towers, which give it a skyscraper skyline. Today its fortress-like severity is softened by the subtlety of its quiet, harmonious squares, and many of its places and churches are enhanced by Renaissance frescoes.
Our drive this afternoon back to Siena takes us through the wine growing region of Chianti.
Overnight in Siena.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 6 Siena - Volterra - Pisa - Lerici
This morning we drive through beautiful and quintessential Tuscan rolling countryside to Volterra.
Situated like many Etruscan cities on a high plateau, Volterra offers uninterrupted views over the surrounding hills. In many places the town's ancient Etruscan walls still stand. The exact origins of the Etruscans and when they arrived in Italy, are unknown. Their civilisation was centred in the area between present-day Rome and Florence, and had its Golden Age from the eighth until the sixth century BC. After this period the Etruscan empire was gradually superseded by the rising power of Rome, although in the process, the Romans incorporated many aspects of Etruscan culture into their own society and beliefs. Although the Etruscans had their own language and alphabet, nothing of their literature has survived. What we know of their civilisation comes mainly from their highly decorated tombs which were stocked with everything the deceased would need in the afterlife -- food, drink, clothes, weapons and furniture.
We also visit the city walls and the Etruscan Gate with its basalt heads of Etruscan gods dating back to the sixth century BC. Before leaving Volterra we view the Roman amphitheatre, dating to the first century BC. This is one of the best-preserved Roman theatres in Italy and enough of the original structure has survived to allow an almost complete reconstruction. In your free time here, we suggest Volterra's famous Museo Guarnacci, which contains one of Italy's best collections of Etruscan artifacts. Pride of place in the museum goes to the collection of 600 Etruscan funerary urns, depicting many aspects of Etruscan customs and beliefs.
Our next stop is Pisa, where we will spend most of our time concentrating on the town's principal monuments -- the Duomo, the Baptistery, and the most famous structure in Pisa, the gravity-defying "Leaning Tower." We will take ample time to view and photograph the tower from the outside (to climb the tower requires advance reservations and a considerable amount of time to queue for entry; time constraints make this impractical for our tour).
We continue to Lerici, set dramatically on a beautiful bay on the Ligurian coast.
Overnight in Lerici.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 7 Lerici - Cinque Terre - Florence
Today we leave behind Lerici and travel (weather depending) by boat along the Ligurian coast to village of Riomaggiore in the Cinque Terre. Here we begin our easy-paced walk between the coastal villages. This spectacular section of the Italian Riviera is considered to rival the Amalfi Coast near Naples for its stunning views and gorgeous sunsets. From Riomaggiore we take an easy half hour walk on the Via D'Amore (lover's Walk) to Manarola. The next section (about 1 hour) takes us to Corniglia.*
Those not wishing to continue with the next two more difficult sections may walk up to Corniglia centre to sample the delightful town with its wonderful panoramic views. It is also possible to take a local train to the nearby town of Vernazza to enjoy this jewel of a village. Those wishing to continue may start on the 2-hour hike to Vernazza. The hills of the rugged coast are covered in vineyards which grow the grapes for the local Morasca, Chiaretto del Faro and Sciacchetra wines.
We continue by train to Monterosso Al Mare, thus named for the red colour of the area. Here we find a large statue carved into the cliffs and a lovely beach.
* PLEASE NOTE: Due to past flooding in the region, our day may need to be adjusted depending on what trails are open or under repair.
Tonight we arrive in Florence.
Overnight in Florence.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 8 Florence: Walking Tour
Florence is a city steeped in history and art. Our walking tour today begins with a guided tour of the Accademia, which was Europe's first Academy of drawing and today houses a superb art collection, including Michelangelo's David, probably the most famous statue in the world.
We then proceed to the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (commonly known as the Duomo), complete with its magnificent red dome. Upon its completion in 1436, the dome was hailed as the greatest architectural achievement of its day, equaling, perhaps even surpassing, the monuments of antiquity. The cupola's diameter is greater than that of St Peter's in Rome and the nave is the third largest in Christendom. Because the most interesting part of the building is the exterior, and because we will see other church interiors that are more ornate and interesting elsewhere (ie Siena), we do not tour the inside. If you'd like to visit on your own, we suggest perhaps visiting tomorrow afternoon in your free time when crowds and line-ups tend to settle down (consult with your Tour Leader for the best current advice).
We continue along the pedestrian mall to the Ponte Vecchio, the oldest bridge in Florence and the only one in the city to survive World War II. The Ponte Vecchio was built in 1345 and used to be lined with butchers' shops which have now been replaced by rows of gold and silver shops on both sides. At the Piazza Santa Croce, we stop to admire the facade of the Franciscan church of the same name. Inside we see the tombs of Michelangelo and Galileo Galilei and chapels covered in frescoes by Giotto.
Balance of the day at leisure.
Overnight in Florence.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 9 Florence: Uffizi Gallery
This morning we visit the Uffizi Gallery, Giorgio Vasari's extraordinary administrative buildings which he designed for Cosimo I Medici in the mid-sixteenth century. The galleries here contain the greatest collection of Italian artworks, including hundreds of paintings by such great artists as Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Michelangelo, Titian and Caravaggio. The galleries also contain one of the most famous paintings in the world -- Botticelli's 'Birth of Venus.'
The afternoon is free to take in the atmosphere of this sophisticated city.
Overnight in Florence.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 10 Departure
Departure from Florence.
BUON VIAGGIO!
Included Meal(s): Breakfast
Inclusions
Full-time Tour Leader service plus local guides at some locales.
Breakfast and dinner (mostly local restaurants) daily.
All transport, accommodation, sightseeing and entrance fees for sites noted as 'visited' in the detailed itinerary. Gratuities for local guides, drivers, restaurant staff, porters.
Airport transfers for land & air customers and for early arriving/late departing land & air customers who also book their extra hotel nights through us.
Exclusions
International airfare to/from the tour.
Tour Leader gratuities, lunches, drinks, personal items (phone, laundry, etc), air taxes (if applicable), and excursions referenced as 'optional'.
Airport transfers for Land Only customers
Optional travel insurance. Click on the “Resources” tab for more information.
Seasonality and Weather
If you’re a fan of milder weather and less-crowded travel experiences, either spring or fall is the perfect times to plan your Italian adventure. Italy is fortunate to have a temperate climate most of the year, with the summer months (June, July, and August) being the hottest.
SPRING
Italy's weather in May is exceptionally welcoming, with mild temperatures and conditions made for blooming flowers. Travel is very comfortable, as you'll avoid the blistering heat typical of summer. As summer approaches, temperatures in most parts of Italy start to rise. In central and northern Italy, including cities like Florence and Venice, May temperatures typically range from mild to warm, with average highs between 15C (59°F) and 23C (73°F).
FALL
With its vibrant fall colours and bountiful harvest, October is a fantastic time to explore Italy’s stunning landscapes, soak up its rich history, and indulge in mouthwatering cuisine. The summer heat gradually gives way to cooler autumn breezes, creating an ideal atmosphere for outdoor activities. The northern regions experience the early signs of autumn, with temperatures ranging from 12-18C (54-64°F)
Transport and Travel Conditions
Transport throughout by private air-conditioned motor coach, 24-36 seats depending on ultimate group size (see 'group size'). Though we will have some full bus days, road travel is not particularly arduous as there are plenty of stops of interest and beautiful scenery along the way. Road are in good condition, though a little winding on some stretches.
This trip is typical of most of our European tours, which are ambitious and involve full days of travel and sightseeing. While we don't have any actual strenuous activity (ie hiking) built into the program, you will do a lot of walking on this trip. These walks will mostly be in the form of walking tours of towns and cities and short walks to dinner. Being Europe, and a hilly/mountainous area, cobbles, uneven surfaces, and slopes/stairs are common. If you are accustomed to typical "bus tours," which rely heavily on vehicular transport for all sightseeing activities, you should be aware that this tour is considerably more active.
Am I suitable for this tour? Please refer to our self-assessment form.
Activity Level: 2
These are particularly busy tours that feature a lot of moving around, sometimes by train and short journeys on local transport. Walking tours of towns and cities are leisurely but you should be prepared to be on your feet for several hours. Some of our cultural trips that occur at high altitude and/or require greater independence with baggage handling (at hotels, airports, train stations) also fall into this category.
To learn more about the Activity levels, please visit our tour styles page.
Accommodation
Well-located, air-conditioned, mid-range hotels and inns (3-star) used throughout. Some hotels are smaller properties (3-4 story) that may not have elevators. All hotels have en suite bath, though some may have shower only. Porter service is sometimes available (see 'inclusions') though you should be independent with your luggage. Single rooms are limited and likely smaller than twins.
Please click on the “Map & Hotels” tab for more information.
Staff and Support
Tour Leader throughout, driver (s), local step-on guides in various locales.
Group Size
Maximum 18 (plus Tour Leader)
Tour Extensions
This tour is part of a series that can be upgraded to make for a longer trip. For more options, please refer to tour code/s:
Tour Overview Countries Visited: 1 Acivity Level: 2 Tour Style: Cultural
Few places in the world have as high of a reputation as a cultural and historic tour de force as Italy does. While dreaming of an Italian vacation, one is lured by the culinary capabilities of the country, or where scenes of priceless cultural riches are found around every corner. On our Northern Italy tours, we take you to the heart and soul of the country and introduce you to the charms that make this country so easily on the top of any destination wish list.
Northern Italy tours are a chance to discover the cultural icons that have emerged from this Mediterranean nation. In Rome, Italy's capital, we will explore the Eternal City's ancient monuments and spectacular galleries which are looking more magnificent than ever after an extensive restoration program.
From the 2,000 year old Colosseum, built to seat 55,000 spectators for Rome's most brutal gladiatorial combats to the Roman Forum, one can experience a depth of historical sites in a city that was once the centre of the largest Empire in the world.
It could take a lifetime to discover all the hidden treasures of this ancient city, from early aqueducts to over-the-top fountains in grand piazzas, each neighbourhood has a charm worthy of visiting. Our Northern Italy tours venture from Rome into one of the world's smallest microstates, The Vatican, for a guided tour of the immense Vatican Museums including Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel. For those who love art, this is a place not to be missed.
Out of the capital, join us as we tour Florence, the birthplace of Renaissance. Steeped in history and art, the city is filled with beautiful statues, historic bridges, quaint alleyways and a magnificent cathedral. It is also home to the Uffizi Gallery, with collections by artists such as Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Michelangelo, Titian and Caravaggio.
Surrounded by Tuscany, a visit to this region would not be complete without a trip to the fertile plains and hills that produce terrific wines and delicious balsamic vinegars found on nearly every Italian table.
With stops in Ravenna, an incomparable treasure-store of Byzantine monuments, and Verona, the setting for Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet', it becomes quite clear to those on our Northern Italy tours that each destination is multifaceted with many reasons to visit.
From the small villages of the interior to the impressive coastal spots on Cinque Terre, each corner of Italy is a marvel to explore. On an easy-paced walk between the coastal villages of the Italian Riviera we discover why Cinque Terre is considered to rival the Amalfi Coast near Naples for its stunning views and gorgeous sunsets.
Another area best explored by foot, Siena today seems frozen in time. The town has traditionally been Florence's rival as the centre of art and architecture in Tuscany. While Florence is known for its Renaissance art and buildings, Siena takes us straight back to the Middle Ages.
And after all those walks in magnificent settings, our Northern Italy tours conclude with the chance to put your feet up and cruise the canals of one of the world's most romantic cities, Venice.
Whether it is your first time or your hundredth time to Italy, our Northern Italy tours offer a chance to get off the beaten path while still admiring some of the most cherished places in this timeless country.
Tour Overview Countries Visited: 1 Acivity Level: 2 Tour Style: Cultural
Tour Overview Countries Visited: 1 Acivity Level: 2 Tour Style: Cultural
What do you get if you mix the incredible cultural riches of Italy's north with the laid back beauty of Southern Italy? You get one of the best guided tours of Italy encompassing the elegant beauty of the Roman Empire's most iconic buildings, a curated look into one of the world's largest collections at the Vatican, postcard perfect settings on the Amalfi Coast and Cinque Terre, a cruise along the canals of Venice, and so much more. Our guided tours of Italy are the chance to understand first hand why this destination captures the heart of all those who enter its borders.
In Southern Italy, it is easy to get lost in the island lifestyle of Sicily. Markets are filled with fresh fish and the countryside is lined with orange and lemon trees. Fresh ingredients make mealtime a treat, while the days are complete with wanderings across ancient Greek temples and medieval cities, with a backdrop of active volcanoes and a rugged landscape.
Our guided tours of Italy vary from walking tours in old city squares to discovering the buried city of Pompeii, a city frozen in time beneath volcanic ash and pumice stone that covered the city nearly 2,000 years ago.
Take a step back into the days of the Roman Empire with a guided tour of the colosseum, an arena which held nearly 55,000 spectators, before venturing into the Roman Forum and onto the Spanish Steps. Rome is a city so vibrant it practically hums, replete with squares designed by Michelangelo and fountains by Salvi. Rome contains the walled state of the Vatican, itself home to the amazing collections at the Vatican Museums.
For art enthusiasts, our guided tours of Italy take us to the heart and birthplace of Renaissance, where we stand in awe of the world's most famous sculpture: Michelangelo's David. Nearby, we complete an art pilgrimage with a visit to the Uffizi Gallery, home to Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Michelangelo, Titian and Caravaggio, as well as one of the most famous paintings in the world: Botticelli's 'Birth of Venus.'
It is easy to understand how Italy inspired the great minds and artistic legends of history particularly as we tour the Tuscan countryside. We are surrounded by endless grape vines clinging to rolling hills, stretching towards timeless cities such as Siena, or medieval fortresses such as that found at San Gimignano.
More inspirational sights are revealed on a cruise along the windy road cut into the rock on the Amalfi Coast, or strolling from village to village in the brightly coloured Cinque Terre. Indeed, much of Italy feels like a step back in time.
Life moves at a slower pace in the fertile plains, where wine and balsamic vinegar are created. Step back in time to see the Byzantine monuments erected after the 5th century in Ravenna. Some might conclude that the rose coloured buildings of Verona make it among Italy's finest towns, while others may conclude that it is Venice's canals or Agrigento's Greek Temples or Palermo's markets that stole their heart.
Wherever you go on our guided tours of Italy, it is a sure bet that it will be one that is both memorable and inspiring.
Tour Overview Countries Visited: 2 Acivity Level: 2 Tour Style: Cultural
On our Malta & Italy tour, for the better part of a month, we immerse ourselves in the cultures, partake in the beauty of the landscapes and seek to discover the hearts and souls of Malta and Italy, two highly rewarding destinations in Mediterranean Europe.
In Malta, we cast off for a short sailing expedition along the routes once travelled by the Knights of St. John, see the Grand Master's Palace in Valletta, as well as innumerable other historic sites dating from prehistoric and Neolithic eras, to Phoenician, Roman and colonial times.
Experience the colour of picturesque fishing villages and embrace mythical worlds on a trip to the Blue Grotto, fabled home of the beautiful but deadly Sirens.
Our adventure in Italy begins on Sicily, where we soak up the ambiance in outdoor markets, admire Byzantine mosaics and Arab-Norman architecture, and wander the ruins of massive World Heritage temples and Greco-Roman amphitheatres.
Via Pompeii and Naples, we head to Rome, a metropolis that numbers as one of the world's greatest capital cities and a destination that never fails to deliver an eternity of memories.
We tour the Colosseum, the plazas and squares, the seat of the Roman senate, the magnificent fountains, the temples and citadel, and, of course, the cafes, before we make headway for the Vatican.
An incredible, star-studded line-up of destinations brings our tour to a close: Siena, Pisa, Florence, Verona and Venice; each draws thousands of travellers each year and each would alone warrant a trip to Italy.
Attractions by the dozen and magical experience by the hundred; this Malta and Italy tour truly is a blockbuster.
Tour Overview Countries Visited: 3 Acivity Level: 2 Tour Style: Cultural
Staring up at the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel is one of the many experiences that are expected along this Tunisia, Malta & Italy Tour, but we will be involving ourselves in many other excursions that are less renowned yet just as profound.
While in Malta, examining all the multi-coloured flowers of the Barracca Gardens in the capital city of Valletta might be comparable to the inspiration found in gazing upon the patchwork of assorted, colourful boats that slowly cruise the harbour of Marsaxlokk.
Realizing the historical significance of Tunisia involves visiting the holy city of Kairouan, where the first mosque in Africa stands, or meet someone from one of the oldest Jewish communities in the world while in Djerba.
Malta is not the only island experience in the Mediterranean; Sicily offers a whole new paradise to soak in.
The endearing qualities of narrow, market streets that wind through the city of Vucceria and the magnificence of the slopes of Royal Mountain make it easy for anyone to fall in love with this island.
The antiquity of Northern Italy seems endless as we step into Florence's Accademia and stand in front of Michelangelo's David.
Regions visited: Western Europe
Countries visited: Italy
*The red tour trail on the map does not represent the actual travel path.
The following is a list of sample hotels at some locations included on this tour. The hotels shown here are meant to provide a general sense of the standard of hotel we usually aim for; they are not necessarily confirmed for your chosen departure.
The common thread running through every room of the Gioberti Art Hotel is painting and sculpture in particular, which accompany the guest in an immersive artistic experience: for a new concept of hospitality, capable of bringing those traveling to Rome for work and tourism closer to the art and architecture of the most contemporary made in Italy.
The hotel is located within the ancient city walls of Siena, in the northern area of the city, just a few steps away from Piazza Campo: the heart of the historic center of the city, famous throughout the world as the City of the Palio.
The hotel offers ample free parking and an excellent breakfast served until 11:00. From June to September free shuttle service until midnight.
The structure is an ancient 19th century building, elegantly furnished and with a refined and pleasant environment, equipped with all modern comforts: a beautiful hall with Internet access, a breakfast room, a meeting room and a lounge.
Tourcode: IT7
