Grand Italian Experience - 17 Days

Duration

17 Days

Difficulty
Balanced
Start

Rome

End

Rome

Rating

***

Operator

Trafalgar Tours

17-Day Italy Tour from Rome to Venice, Italian Lakes and Florence

A rare opportunity to see the extraordinary limestone trulli houses of Alberobello is the highlight of this journey. Discover Italy's delights during dinner with Signor Luciano, journey across the Bay of Naples to Capri and dream of star-crossed lovers in Verona...

Itinerary

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Day 1: Welcome to Rome

Arrival Transfer: Depart Leonardo da Vinci airport (FCO) at 09:30, 12:30, 15:00

Welcome: Meet your Travel Director at 17:00

Blaze a trail through la bella Italia – your epic journey begins in Rome, once the powerful capital of the world and yours to explore before meeting your travel companions and Travel Director for a light supper.

A.Roma Lifestyle Hotel
Dinner

Day 2: Explore Ancient Rome and the Vatican City

Join a Local Specialist for an included sightseeing tour to introduce you to life in modern day Rome and how Romans lived in ancient times. Tour the extraordinary Vatican Museums with a Local Specialist, including views of Michelangelo's magnificent frescoed ceiling in the Sistine Chapel. While in Vatican City, you'll pause to admire the majestic exterior of St. Peter's Basilica and its grand square. Then venture into Ancient Rome to see Circus Maximus, where the thundering noise of chariot races once filled the air. The afternoon is yours to explore at leisure. Stroll down the Spanish steps or sit in an outdoor cafe on the famous Via Veneto, or continue your encounter with Ancient Rome on Palatine Hill to see the Temple of Apollo and Flavian Palace, among other excavations.

Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).     

Piazzas and Fountains - EUR 50 pp

Discover the most enchanting areas of the city with a Local Specialist. Stroll through the maze of narrow streets and picturesque squares in Rome’s historic centre, uncovering famous landmarks and hidden gems in the Eternal City.

Roman Evening with Dinner - EUR 79 pp

Tonight, spend a lively evening with us in Rome. After a short drive, arrive at a characteristic trattoria to relax and enjoy a typical Italian meal, soaking up The Eternal City's unique atmosphere all the while.

A.Roma Lifestyle Hotel
Breakfast

Day 3: Journey to the Alberobello Region

Travel east through the mountains of Campania to the orange and olive groves of Puglia on the Adriatic coast, your home for the next two nights. This evening, enjoy a delicious local dinner at your hotel.

Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).       

Tivoli and Gardens of the Villa d’Este - EUR 58 pp

Enjoy the gardens and fountains of the famous Villa d’Este. See its grottos and pavilions, the Avenue of a Hundred Fountains, the Dragon Fountain and the Fountain of the Water Organ with a Local Specialist.

Sierra Silvana Selva di Fasano/Grand Hotel La Chiusa di Chietri, Alberobello (your hotel will be dependent on your departure date)
Breakfast Dinner

Day 4: Admire Alberobello’s Iconic Architecture

Enjoy a morning at leisure. Consider an Optional Experience or relax with a swim at your hotel. This afternoon, the conical limestone houses of Alberobello take centre stage during our guided tour with a Local Specialist. Here, you’ll see the UNESCO-listed collection of almost 1,500 trulli dating back to the 14th century. This evening, enjoy a Be My Guest experience at a traditional masseria. Meet Signor Luciano for dinner on his Alberobello farm where you can taste seasonal produce, including fresh almonds, cherries, tomatoes and olive oil.

Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).     

A Guided Visit to Ostuni - EUR 46 pp

With its stark, white-washed buildings, narrow cobbled streets and arched stairways, Ostuni is reminiscent of a North African Arab Medina. Set against three hills, 'The White Town' is a photographer's delight - and you'll get to explore it all with a Local Specialist on this exceptional trip.

Sierra Silvana Selva di Fasano/Grand Hotel La Chiusa di Chietri, Alberobello (your hotel will be dependent on your departure date)
Breakfast Dinner

Day 5: Onwards to Pompei

You’ve got the day to explore Pompei your way. Take it slow with time to relax in town or join an Optional Experience to the Amalfi Coast. This scenic drive shows off southern Italy’s bold coastline, with a stop in Positano. Known for its steep streets and local shops, it’s a great spot to pick up a souvenir or enjoy a bite by the sea before heading back to your hotel.

Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).       

Dinner Neapolitan Style - EUR 84 pp

Dine at a family-run restaurant and enjoy an evening of Neapolitan specialities. Tuck into local dishes prepared with regional ingredients and generations of know-how.

Habita79 Pompeii MGallery Collection
Breakfast

Day 6: Isle of Capri

Cruise the deep blue waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea to the beautiful Isle of Capri. Enjoy a guided tour of Capri town with a Local Specialist. After, explore or sip cappuccino in the glamorous piazzetta. In the evening, you will return to your hotel to enjoy a relaxed dinner.

Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).       

Discover The Isle Of Capri - EUR 60 pp

Experience a private, guided cruise along the beautiful southern coast to see spectacular cliffs, the famous Faraglioni Rocks and White Grotto sea cave with its small red coral. View the turquoise waters and private villas and hear the stories of Roman Emperors and famous people through history who have called Capri home before ascending to Capri town. This optional experience is weather dependent and may be replaced by a minibus tour of the Island with a visit to Anacapri and either the Villa San Michele or the Anacapri chairlift.

Amalfi Coast and Positano - EUR 81 pp

Take a scenic drive along the Amalfi Coast, one of Italy’s most iconic stretches of road. Stop in Positano, a cliffside village known for its steep streets, vibrant boutiques and Mediterranean views that have long drawn artists and travellers alike.

Habita79 Pompeii MGallery Collection
Breakfast Dinner

Day 7: Uncover Pompeii's Ruins and on to Assisi

Explore the tragic history of the ancient lost city of Pompeii with a Local Specialist. Gain a deeper understanding of what life was like in this Roman settlement that lay buried for centuries after Mount Vesuvius erupted. Continue your journey through the rolling green and golden fields of Umbria, arriving at the mystical hilltop town of Assisi. Meet your Local Specialist for a visit of the stunning Basilica of St. Francis, featuring exquisite frescoes by Giotto. You'll stay at one of Trafalgar's Stays With Stories - a fully renovated old Franciscan monastery.

Hotel Cenacolo Assisi
Breakfast Dinner

Day 8: Onwards to Venice

Venture to the Adriatic coast on your way to Venice. A city like no other, you'll explore its canals and waterways during your time on the islands of the Venetian Lagoon, home to the artistic tradition of blown glass.

Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).    

Gondolas & the Grand Canal - EUR 96 pp

Cruise by private water taxi along the Grand Canal, passing the city's iconic palazzi. Spot the Rialto Bridge and arrive near St. Mark's Square before switching pace with a gondola ride through Venice's quieter canals.

Hampton by Hilton
Breakfast

Day 9: Cruise the Canals of Venice

This morning start the day by observing the delicate craft of Venetian glassblowing that spans centuries. Your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience helps to preserve the traditions that have been handed down through the generations and you’ll be inspired to buy a souvenir to remind you of the talent and skill shared enthusiastically by the master craftsmen. Next you’ll glide by private launch along busy waterways to view the Bridge of Sighs, Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica before exploring the city on your terms. Stroll beside the Grand Canal, nibble on delicious cicchetti at a cosy bacaro or cross the lagoon for an Optional Experience to the colourful fishermen's Island of Burano.

Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).      

Venice's Secrets - EUR 51 pp

Explore the hidden maze of streets which make up this unique city as your Local Specialist gives you a fascinating insight into Venice's past and present. You’ll discover tucked away squares and back streets local Venetians use to side-step the tourist throng and give you a sense of authentic life on the island of Venice.

Lagoon Cruise to Burano with Food and Drinks - EUR 90 pp

Cruise across the Venetian Lagoon to Burano, a small island known for its brightly coloured houses and strong fishing traditions. Wander along quiet canals and browse shops selling handmade lace, a craft passed down through generations. Then sit down to a relaxed dinner featuring local flavours and regional wine, surrounded by the island’s cheerful character and laid-back charm.

Hampton by Hilton
Breakfast

Day: 10 Journey to Verona and explore Milan

Celebrate the epic tale of Romeo and Juliet during this morning's visit to the fair city of Verona and view the Roman arena built in the 1st century and famously used for opera these days. Later, experience the fashion capital of Milan. Enjoy free time to explore on your own after an orientation of the city's iconic sights. See the exquisite Gothic Duomo, La Scala Opera House and the Galleria, one of the world's oldest shopping malls. This afternoon, you’ll have free time to explore further, relax at your hotel or choose to join an Optional Experience with a Local Specialist for a deeper look at Milan, including a visit inside La Scala. 

Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).       

Treasures of Milan - EUR 54 pp

A fantastic opportunity to take in some of the highlights of elegant Milan. Amongst other sights, you'll visit La Scala, the world's most famous opera house, where Giuseppe Verdi, Maria Callas and others have left their mark. Your wonderful Local Specialist will bring the city’s eventful past to life.

Starhotels Anderson Milan
Breakfast Dinner

Day 11: Explore Lake Maggiore and Lake Como

Head north to Lake Maggiore and stop in the elegant lakeside town of Stresa. Enjoy free time to explore its boutiques and gardens, or join an Optional Experience to the Borromean Islands, cruising to Isola Bella to tour its Baroque palace and terraced gardens with a Local Specialist. Continue to Como, where you can explore at your own pace or choose to join a Local Specialist to hear the stories behind the grand estates lining the shore. Return to Milan after a day among Italy’s lakes.

Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).   

Discover The Borromean Islands - EUR 69 pp

Take a private launch across Lake Maggiore to explore Isola Bella. Join a Local Specialist for a guided tour of the island’s Baroque palace and gardens, home to white peacocks, terraces and sweeping views across the lake. Look out to Isola Madre and Isola dei Pescatori as you uncover this Borromean gem. 

Lake Como: Shoreline Views and Villages - EUR 51 pp

Travel along Lake Como's shores and hear the stories behind Villa Olmo and the grand estates from your Local Specialist. Then stretch your legs on a lakeside walk, taking in views across to Brunate and passing the Tempio Voltiano, before enjoying a local treat in Como.

Starhotels Anderson Milan
Breakfast

Day 12: On to Genoa

Travel to Genoa, once a powerful maritime republic and still one of Italy’s great port cities. The day is yours to explore at your own pace, from the UNESCO-listed Old Town and restored harbourfront to the views from Spianata Castelletto and the house where Christopher Columbus is said to have been born. You could also join an Optional Experience to Rapallo and Portofino for another look at the Ligurian coast.

Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).     

La Dolce Vita: Rapallo and Portofino - EUR 52 pp

Travel along the Ligurian coast to Rapallo, a Riviera resort with a palm-lined seafront and old town streets, then cruise to Portofino, where pastel houses and fishing boats crowd the harbour. After free time to explore, return to Rapallo for time by the water or in the old centre.

Starhotels President Genova
Breakfast

Day 13: Genoa

Enjoy another day in Genoa with the option to discover more of the Ligurian coast. You may choose to join an Optional Experience Cinque Terre Coastal Highlights. Explore with a Local Specialist, taking in seaside views and colourful harbour towns. Alternatively, stay in Genoa to explore more of its Old Town or relax at your hotel. This evening, come together with your fellow travellers to share stories and enjoy dinner in the city.

Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).     

Discover Cinque Terre’s Coastal Highlights - EUR 75 pp

Discover the timeless beauty of the Italian Riviera as you journey with your Local Specialist exploring the Cinque Terre. Board a boat in Manarola and cruise along the dramatic Ligurian coastline to Monterosso (weather permitting), where colourful cliffside homes and terraced vineyards frame the sparkling Mediterranean. Hear fascinating stories about the local way of life along this spectacular UNESCO coastline. Enjoy time at leisure to explore or have lunch in a seaside trattoria before returning by train along the coast to Genoa, completing this unforgettable adventure.

Starhotels President Genova
Breakfast Dinner

Day 14: Uncover Pisa and on to Florence

Travelling south through the scenery of Tuscany, you'll arrive in Pisa to view its famous Leaning Tower before continuing to the Renaissance city of Florence. This afternoon is yours at leisure to wander through the grand squares and labyrinthine lanes of Florence, whose connection with the Medici family saw this city become one of the world's most cultural centres. Consider a visit to the Academy of Fine Arts to see the Michelangelo's statue of David, amble along the Arno River or ascend the stone steps up to Piazzale Michelangelo for spectacular views of the city.

Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).     

Dinner in the Tuscan Countryside - EUR 80 pp

This evening, take a scenic drive to experience a fun and relaxed evening at a friendly, typical restaurant in the countryside. The chef will delight our senses with regional dishes, made with freshly-bought ingredients from the local farmers' markets. Your delicious meal will be accompanied by excellent wines from the vineyards for which this area is so well known. In short, a Tuscan dream come true in an authentic setting.

FH55 Grand Hotel Mediterraneo Florence
Breakfast

Day 15: Discover Renaissance Florence

Join a Local Specialist this morning to view the city's finest masterpieces – the magnificent Duomo, Giotto's Bell Tower and the 13th-century Santa Croce Basilica, the final resting place of Michelangelo, Galileo and Machiavelli. Later, learn about the quality and workmanship of two of this city's historic industries at demonstrations of Florentine leathercraft and 18-carat gold. Then, spend the rest of the afternoon as you wish. Walk across the Ponte Vecchio which has straddled the Arno River for almost 700 years, or wander through the Renaissance Boboli Gardens, stopping for a slice or two of schiacciata along the way.

Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).       

Michelangelo's 'David' & Accademia - EUR 66 pp

Step inside the Accademia Gallery for a closer look at Michelangelo’s David, one of the world’s most celebrated sculptures. With guidance from your Local Specialist, discover how this Renaissance masterpiece was brought to life and hear the stories behind Michelangelo’s work and legacy in Florence.

Discover Palazzo Vecchio - EUR 56 pp

Marvel at the legacy of the Medici as you visit Palazzo Vecchio, the symbol of Florence’s political power for over seven centuries. With your Local Specialist, visit the magnificent Hall of the Five Hundred, dedicated to the Medici popes. You’ll also explore rooms decorated with masterpieces by Renaissance artists such as Michelangelo and Donatello. Note: Due to temporary exhibitions, on certain dates the Hall of the Five Hundred may be viewed from the balcony.

Visit to San Gimignano - EUR 59 pp

Explore San Gimignano with your Local Specialist and learn how rival families built towers in a race for status. Walk cobbled streets lined with medieval architecture and hear stories of life in this hilltop town, all while sampling a local sweet treat along the way. 

FH55 Grand Hotel Mediterraneo Florence
Breakfast

Day 16: All Roads Lead to Rome

Today journey past the sprawling vineyards of Chianti and beneath the hill-towns of Umbria before arriving in Rome. This evening, savour an Italian dinner and raise a glass to your journey with signature Roman dishes crafted from family recipes passed down through four generations.

Shangri-La Roma
Breakfast Dinner

Day 17: Journey Home

Your epic encounter with Italy has come to an end. Say arrivederci to Rome and your newfound friends at the end of your Grand Italian Experience.  You can, of course, extend your stay.

Departure Transfer: Arrive at Leonardo da Vinci airport (FCO) at 07:00, 09:30

Breakfast

Includes

  • 16 nights in handpicked 3 & 4 star hotels in great locations
  • Comfortable coaches with bathroom facilities (w/c)
  • 24/7 personal service – knowledgeable Travel Director & expert driver
  • Porterage, plus tips and gratuities at hotels and restaurants are included
  • Meals as stated in the itinerary 

Excludes

  • Flights - please call us on 0844 80 444 80 to obtain a quote and book flights
  • Pre & post nights - please call us on 0844 80 444 80 to obtain a quote and book additional nights
  • Driver & Tour Director gratuities - these can be pre-paid, please ask your reservations agent when booking your tour

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Prices shown above are per person based on 2 adults sharing. For single, triple, quad and child prices please call us for a quote.

Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 to check the latest up-to-date availability and to book your tour.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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How much is the deposit to secure a tour and when is the balance due?

A deposit of 10% is required when making your booking.

The balance of the holiday cost must be received by us no less than 10 weeks prior to your date of departure. Bookings made within 10 weeks of departure require full payment at the time of booking.

For some tours or if there is a special "Early Booking offer", the balance maybe due sooner than 10 weeks before departure, in this case you will be advised at time of booking when the balance due date would be.

The balance payment date will be shown on your confirmation invoice. 

Payments can be made by debit card, credit card or bank transfers.

YOUR PAYMENTS TO US ARE FULLY FINANCIALLY SECURE FOR YOUR PEACE OF MIND: Where your confirmed travel arrangements include a flight and you are resident in the UK (or EU) or the flight departs from, arrives in or transits the UK, this is financially protected through our Air Travel Organiser’s Licence (ATOL) number 6874 managed by the Civil Aviation Authority, Gatwick Airport South, West Sussex, RH6 0YR, UK, telephone 0333 103 6350, email claims@caa. co.uk.

CANCELLATIONS: Cancellations t&c's can differ from operator to operator, these will be confirmed to you with your booking confirmation. For our general Terms and conditions and general cancellation details please click here.

What does the tour cost include?

The per person price listed covers all hotel accommodations, taxes, all applicable sightseeing and admissions as per the itinerary, motor coach, cruise or rail transportation, services of a professional Travel Director, all meals as shown in the itinerary and luggage handling. All tips have been included for services on trip by dining-room staff, chambermaids and porters at hotels, airports, docks and train stations.

Can i book flights through you?

Yes, we can offer competitive airfares with all the major airlines.

When booking a package with us that includes flights and a tour, your package is then fully ATOL bonded by the CAA for your full financial peace of mind. 

Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for any flight requirements. 

You are, of course, welcome to book flights independently but we are therefore not responsible should your flights be delayed and you miss any part of your tour or other arrangements booked with us.  

Can i add additional hotel nights before or after my tour?

Many of our clients choose to add extra hotel nights to spend a little more time in their chosen destination. You can reserve additional hotel nights before or after your tour.

Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for your additional nights and assist with your requirements.   

Can i book twin beds or triple/quad rooms?

Yes, we have options for twin (2 beds) and triple/quad room configurations.

If you a travelling in a party of three or four adult guests, please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for your requirements.

For double rooms (2 guests), 1 Double/Queen or King bed is the normal, Twin beds can be requested at time of booking.

For triple rooms (3 guests) these will normally have 1 Queen/King bed and a fold out bed, or 2 Queen/King beds and a fold out bed.

For Quad rooms (4 Guests) these will normally have 2 Queen/King beds.

How much is the solo/single supplement?

Escorted tours are the perfect option if you're travelling solo, combining the camaraderie of a smaller group with the independence of a solo trip. Many tours offer solo room share options, or a competitive solo supplement. 

Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for your requirements.

How many guests will be on this tour?

Trafalgar welcomes guests from all over the world to have an amazing, shared travel experience. While we can’t share details of who you’ll be travelling with and how many people are on your tour in advance of your tour, you can see our average group sizes below.  You’ll meet your group at your tour welcome when you start your trip.

Europe trips: An average of 40 to 45 guests and a maximum of 53

United States and Canada trips: A maximum of 52 guests

Australia and New Zealand trips: A maximum of 50 guests

Asia trips (except Sri Lanka): A maximum of 32 guests

Sri Lanka trips: A maximum of 48 guests

Africa trips: A maximum of 36 guests

Latin America trips: A maximum of 40 to 45 guests   

How much walking will be on this tour?

With your comfort in mind, Purely Escorted Tours assigns every tour an activity level. The activity level for your chosen tour is displayed in the tour introduction.

Leisurely: Tours will typically have 1-2 miles of walking per day on primarily flat surfaces and with some stairs. 

Balanced: Tours typically have up to 1-3 miles of walking per day, which may include some uneven surfaces such as cobblestones and stairs. 

Dynamic: These journeys can feature 4+ miles of walking on some days and may involve some steep hills.   

Do your coaches have on-board wifi and bathroom faclilites?

Regardless of where in the world your tour visits, we do our best to ensure your coach is as comfortable as it can be. However, there can be differences depending on where in the world you're visiting:

Europe, North & South America, Australia & New Zealand trips:-

We pride ourselves on having the best-in-class fleet of fuel-efficient coaches. The high vantage point from your coach’s window means you can take in all the glorious scenery, whether it’s a vast rural landscape or an urban city centre. Facilities you’ll enjoy are:

  • Reclining seats
  • An on-board restroom
  • Charging points (please note that these are power points, and not USBs)
  • WiFi
  • Air-conditioning

Africa & Asia trips:-

Africa and Asia tour vehicles do not have Wi-Fi. On Asia trips, there are no onboard rest rooms, but we always ensure there are regular rest stops.

Are gratuities included for the driver, tour director and at restaurants etc?

Gratuities are included at hotels and restaurants. And, you have the option to pre-pay your Travel Director and driver gratuities before you travel if you wish.  

Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for you to pre-pay driver and tour director gratuities.

Do you offer/include Travel Insurance?

Travel insurance is not included in your tour and we do not offer travel insurance.

Please procure Travel Insurance before travelling. This will protect you and will give you peace of mind before you travel and whilst on your tour.

We suggest that your insurance covers the following:

  • Cancellation or curtailment of your vacation due to medical or other reasons
  • Loss or damage to your property and baggage
  • Loss of cash, credit cards etc
  • Medical costs and personal accidents

Certain countries require visitors to have valid medical insurance on entry and in Europe, you may find that doctor's surgeries, dentists and hospitals often require payment in cash prior to providing services. Whilst rare, medical evacuation can be exceptionally expensive. 

Do remember to bring a copy of your policy, contact phone numbers and details of how to claim when you travel. 

Should you choose to travel on Purely Escorted Tour without the required travel insurance, you will have full responsibility for all expenses (trip interruption, trip delay, medical expenses, quarantine expenses and emergency evacuation/repatriation) that may arise while travelling with us.

What does a guaranteed departure mean?

A guaranteed departure means the tour will operate no matter how many people are booked to travel on that departure. 

In the slim case that a guaranteed departure you are booked on has to be withdrawn due to unforeseen circumstances, you are entitled to a full refund on the funds already paid, or if flexible with your time, we can move you onto another departure that suits you.

What do I need to know about border crossings, visas, entry requirements and passports?

Depending on your nationality, you may need visas to enter certain countries included on your trip. Please note that obtaining visas can take up to six weeks and so it is strongly advised that you consult your local Consulate or Embassy of the country you are visiting to determine which visas they require and how to obtain them.

Note: Purely Escorted Tours is not responsible for obtaining any necessary visas required on your tour.

Information about border crossings and visas, entry requirements varies by destination. Please check the destination you're visiting below for more information:

Europe trips:

Each guest must ensure that their passport is valid for at least six months beyond the conclusion of their trip and that they have acquired all necessary visas and permits. Multiple-entry visas may be required if you are entering a country more than once on your holiday.

Guests are advised that only the countries you plan to visit can provide up-to-date information about their specific visa requirements. Guests should contact the nearest embassy or consulate of the countries they plan to visit well in advance of travel. Please check your itinerary carefully. Remember that requirements vary based on a passport's place of issue and that the process can take time.

Check that multi-entry visas have the correct entry dates and destinations before you travel. Please be aware that with some itineraries, you may travel through a country without making an overnight stop. If this happens on your itinerary, you will still need a visa to enter/exit the country for example an ETA when transiting through UK & Ireland.

Please ensure that you carry proper identification with you at all times, as border crossings will need to see your entry documents and passports. Usually crossing borders is a very straightforward process that is managed by your Travel Director. However, be advised that you may be required to open your luggage and answer simple questions about the length of your stay, purpose of travel, etc. 

United Kingdom and Northern Ireland trips incl transiting travellers:

From January 8, 2025 UK law requires travelers both entering and transiting through the UK and Northern Ireland to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) which must be obtained in advance of travel. 

UK eTA applications can be made at the UK Governments official website.   

USA trips incl transiting travellers: 

US law requires travellers both entering and transiting through the United States are required to obtain an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) which must be obtained in advance of travel.

ESTA applications can be made at the U.S. Customs and Boarder Protection website. 

Canada trips:

Canadian law requires travellers both entering and transiting through Canada to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) which must be obtained in advance of travel.   

eTA applications can be made at the Government of Canada's website.

Rest of the World trips:

Each guest must ensure that their passport is valid for at least six months beyond the conclusion of their trip and that they have acquired all necessary visas and permits. You are responsible for obtaining all necessary visas before the departure of your guided holiday. Depending on your nationality, you may need visas to enter certain countries included on your trip. Please note that obtaining visas can take up to six weeks before your departure. It is strongly advised that you consult the local Consulate or Embassy of the country you are visiting well in advance to determine which visas they require and how to obtain them. 

What if I have mobility issues?

Please notify us of any disability requiring special assistance prior to travelling. We will try our best to accommodate you throughout the tour and will inform the hotels.

What if I have food allergies?

Please advise us of any dietary requirements. We will make arrangements with our suppliers where possible.

You will also need to talk to your Travel Director at the beginning of your tour and they will do their utmost to arrange an alternative menu at the hotels and restaurants.

How much luggage can I bring?

Travelling on a Purely Escorted Tour entitles each guest to travel with one suitcase not exceeding 23kg (50lbs) in weight, with dimensions not exceeding 77.5cm (30.5in) x 56cm (22in) x 32cm (12.5in). 

In addition guests may also bring one item of hand luggage that is small and light enough to be carried onto the coach and fit underneath the seat, or in the small overhead compartment above. (Luggage with adjustable handles and wheels will not fit).

Please test the weight of your baggage prior to travel. You should be able to lift and comfortably transport it for short distances.

Baggage allowances vary from airline to airline and you should check with your chosen carrier for details prior to travel.  

GBP £3,889.00 GBP £3,309.00 / Adult
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