Italy Bellissimo - 11 Days

Duration

11 Days

Difficulty
Balanced
Start

Rome

End

Rome

Rating

***

Operator

Trafalgar Tours

If toasting epic Tuscan sunsets, soaking up the sun-kissed sophistication of Italy’s most popular cities and olive oil tasting in a real Italian Borgo with new friends sounds like your idea of perfection, this is one of those bellissimo Italy trips that would seduce even the sirens of Capri...

Itinerary

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Day 1: Welcome to Rome

Take time to embrace the Italian passion for life on this grand adventure that starts and ends in the 'Eternal City' of Rome. Spend the day exploring on your own before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travellers this evening for a light meal.

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

Welcome: Meet your Travel Director at 17:00

Grand Hotel Tiberio Rome
Dinner

Day 2: Explore Ancient Rome and the Vatican City

Begin your journey through Rome at the Vatican Museums, where you’ll join a Local Specialist to see Michelangelo’s frescoed ceiling in the Sistine Chapel and his Pietà inside St. Peter’s Basilica. Explore the landmarks of Ancient Rome, viewing the Circus Maximus and visiting the Colosseum. This afternoon is yours to explore—relax in a lively piazza with a coffee or visit one of the city’s world-class museums.

Please note: On some departures, access to St. Peter’s Basilica may be restricted due to the Papal Audience. You’ll still have time to take in the atmosphere of St. Peter’s Square during your visit to Vatican City.

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 Delights with Dinner - EUR 69 pp

Tonight, relax and enjoy typical Italian cuisine, soaking up Rome's unique atmosphere in a characteristic trattoria with drinks and music.

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.

Grand Hotel Tiberio Rome
Breakfast

Day 3: Admire Pompeii and on to Capri

Our Italy travel itinerary continues south towards the ancient city of Pompeii, which remains frozen in time since it was covered in ash during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius centuries ago. Here, you'll join a Local Specialist who will share insights into the city's tragic history. Cruising across the Bay of Naples next, arrive at the Isle of Capri, where you'll spend the next two nights in picture-perfect surroundings.

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

Lunch in Sorrento - EUR 71 pp

Relax and enjoy a delicious meal of local specialities. The chef will delight our senses and the exquisite hospitality will delight our souls.

Sorrento Countryside and Farmhouse Meal - EUR 77 pp

Join a local family at their farm in the Sorrento countryside. Walk through lemon groves, visit the olive oil mill and see how mozzarella is made. Sit down to a spread of home-produced cold cuts, marinated vegetables and fresh olives, all served with wine made from their own grapes.

Regina Cristina Capri
Breakfast

Day 4: A Day on the Isle of Capri

Explore the glamour of Capri and see views of the marina on a walking tour with a Local Specialist. Venture to the heart of the island and the legendary piazzetta, where the locals come to people-watch. Spend free time shopping at elegant boutiques or perhaps join an optional experience to explore the rugged coastline and hidden grottos by private motor launch. Tonight, we dine at our hotel.

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

Best of Capri - EUR 88 pp

Take in amazing views of the 'jet-set' island of Capri. Experience spectacular cliffs, famous turquoise waters and white grotto the best way: by boat. Visit the villa of Swedish author Axel Munthe in Anacapri, whose gardens are rated amongst the finest in Europe.

Regina Cristina Capri
Breakfast Dinner

Day 5: Onwards to Assisi

Sail back across the Mediterranean to Naples and venture north to the historic city of Perugia. Here, you'll discover Italy’s weaving tradition during an impressive MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at our visit to Laboratorio Giuditta Brozzetti, a TreadRight and JoinTrafalgar Heritage Initiative project. Explore one of the last remaining traditional wooden frame hand-weaving workshops in the country, before continuing to the ancient hilltop town of Assisi where tonight we stay at one of our hotels that overlooks the old town.

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

Umbrian Dinner - EUR 73 pp

A short drive through the Umbrian Valley will take us to our favourite local restaurant, situated in the centre of the village of Spello, a true gem of the region. This is your chance to savour a selection of traditional local delicacies for which Umbria is renowned. The noble truffle and highly-regarded olive oil ensure this relaxing evening will be a most memorable experience. 

Hotel Cenacolo Assisi/Valle di Assisi (your hotel will be dependent on your departure date)
Breakfast

Day 6: Journey to Venice

Join a Local Specialist and visit the Basilica of St. Francis, famous for Giotto's exquisite frescoes and 13th century stained glass windows. Continue north past hilltop medieval villages and through picturesque farming plains towards Venice, the 'Queen of the Adriatic'. Enjoy a free evening watching the sunset over the Venetian Lagoon or consider joining an optional experience before retiring at your Stays With Stories hotel, once a beloved home-away-from-home for Romantic poet, Robert Browning.

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.

Albergo Quattro Fontane Lido Venice
Breakfast Dinner

Day 7: Cruise the Canals of Venice

The Winged Lion of Venice is your constant companion as you cruise by private launch to your memorable MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience bringing to life the 13th-century tradition of Venetian glassblowing. Watch the talented master craftsmen use the same techniques that have been passed down through the generations, perhaps inspired to buy a souvenir or two to remind you of your visit. Next, you’ll continue on to St. Mark's Square where you’ll view the Basilica, the ornate Doge's Palace and Bridge of Sighs, so named because of the sound prisoners made as they took one last look at their beloved city from the bridge before meeting their fate. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore what was once the haunt of Casanova and Marco Polo, and you’ll want to relish every second experiencing life in this enchanting city.

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 89 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. 

Albergo Quattro Fontane Lido Venice
Breakfast

Day 8: Discover Pisa and the Tuscan Hills

Wondering what's next on our Italy trip itinerary? This morning, travel to Pisa and visit its Field of Miracles to view the famous Leaning Tower before arriving in the spa-resort of Montecatini Terme in Tuscany, your home for the next two nights.

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.

Minerva Palace Montecatini
Breakfast

Day 9: Off to Renaissance Florence

Explore one of the world's most cultural cities today - the former home of great masters and a testament to the ambitious legacy of the Medici family. Your Local Specialist shares all the sights, including views of the magnificent marble Duomo and Baptistery. Visit Piazza della Signoria, the heart of this flourishing city with its statues and stunning palazzi, then view the Ponte Vecchio. Later, enjoy some free time to stroll around the city and embrace this Renaissance gem. This evening, you'll enjoy a Be My Guest experience with the Callistri family at their borgo for a delicious Italian dinner, olive oil tasting and leisurely walk through their olive groves and lemon orchards.

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 magnificient 'Hall of the Five Hundred' dedicated to the Medici popes. You’ll also visit rooms decorated with masterpieces by famous artists of the Renaissance, like Michelangelo and Donatello.

Minerva Palace Montecatini
Breakfast Dinner

Day 10: Venture to San Gimignano and Rome

Admire the medieval beauty of San Gimignano today, walking to the triangular Piazza della Cisterna, the hub of this historic town. See the extraordinary architecture of this hilltop 'medieval Manhattan', shop for local products or relax with a gelato at a pavement cafe. This evening, celebrate a magnificent Italian adventure with newfound friends at dinner.

Grand Hotel Tiberio Rome/Shangri-La Roma (your hotel will be dependent on your departure date)
Breakfast Dinner

Day 11: Arrivederci Rome

After breakfast, say a fond farewell to Italy and prepare to return home after a memorable Italian journey of discovery.  You can, of course, extend your stay.

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

Breakfast

Includes

  • 10 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 £2,449.00 GBP £2,199.00 / Adult
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