Best of Italy
with Trafalgar
- Explore 14 cities in 2 countries
- Fast-Track to the Vatican Museums included
- Scenic cruise ferry to the Isle of Capri
- Today's Deal - Save 10%^
Discover the Best of Italy, from the ancient treasures of Rome to Renaissance Florence and everything in between. Imagine walking in the footsteps of St Francis in Assisi, lapping up the chic lifestyle on Capri, and taking a private guided visit to Pompeii to see a Roman city frozen in time.
Highlights:
- Fast-Track to the Vatican Museums
- Explore Rome, Pompeii, Capri, Assisi and Florence
- Discover Venice, Milan and San Gimignano
- Visit Vatican Museums, St. Peter's Basilica, the Colosseum and the Sistine Chapel in Rome, the excavations at Pompeii, the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi, a glassblowing factory in Venice, Lake Como and the Florence American Cemetery and Memorial
- View Juliet's Balcony in Verona, St. Mark's Basilica in Venice, the Cathedral and La Scala Opera House in Milan, the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Duomo in Florence
- See the ancient sites of Rome and the Abbey on Monte Cassino
- Scenic Cruise Ferry to the Isle of Capri, private launch to St. Mark's Square in Venice
Inclusions:
- 13 day tour exploring 2 countries and 14 cities
- 12 nights accommodation in cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted.
- 12 Breakfasts, 1 Be My Guest Meal, 6 Dinners
- The itinerary includes an expert Travel Director and professional Driver and all the must-see sightseeing and surprise extras.
Day 1: Welcome to Rome
2025 marks a Jubilee Year, a momentous Roman Catholic event celebrated every 25 years, turning Rome into a centre of celebration between 24 December 2024 and 31 December 2025. As festivities unfold, itineraries may be adjusted to ensure you make the most of your time as you visit the Eternal City.
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'. Arrive at Basilica Santa Maria in Cosmedin for a private after-hours visit to the Mouth of Truth. See the church, crypt and relics of the famous saint of love, Valentine, and learn about the legend of the Mouth of Truth. This evening, enjoy dinner with your travel companions.
Accommodation: Grand Hotel Tiberio Rome
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Discover Ancient Rome and the Vatican City
The Holy See takes centre stage today as you join a Local Specialist for an included sightseeing tour in the Vatican Museums. Admire Michelangelo’s magnificent frescoed ceiling in the Sistine Chapel. See the marble masterpiece of the Pietà, housed in the Basilica before crossing the Tiber into Ancient Rome. Enjoy a guided in depth walking experience around the walls of the Colosseum, before seeing Circus Maximus, once the site of celebrated chariot races. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore Rome. Indulge in an espresso in the Piazza Navona or clamber up the Spanish Steps.
Accommodation: Grand Hotel Tiberio Rome
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3: Explore the Ruins of Pompeii and Sorrento
We journey south to the well-preserved ruins of Pompeii. Here we join a Local Specialist who will share details of the devastation caused by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius as we wander through the ancient paved roads of a city that was frozen in time. Later, we arrive at our hotel in the clifftop town of Sorrento where we’ll dine tonight.
Accommodation: Johanna Park Hotel Sorrento
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4: Cruise to the Isle of Capri
We 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 cafés in Capri town in the company of a Local Specialist before taking your time to soak up the sophistication of this lovely island. Later, we return to the mainland.
Accommodation: Johanna Park Hotel Sorrento
Meals: Breakfast
Day 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 of Basilica of St. Francis, before some free time to explore this fascinating hilltop town. Tonight, you'll stay at one of Trafalgar’s Stays With Stories – a fully renovated old Franciscan monastery.
Accommodation: Hotel Cenacolo Assisi
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6: Discover Verona and on to 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. Travel to Verona, the home of Shakespeare's star-crossed lovers, to admire the ancient Roman arena and Piazza Brà. Arrive later into beautiful Venice, the 'Queen of the Adriatic' to spend time admiring this unique city.
Accommodation: Hotel Principe Venice
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 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. Your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with the glassblowing artisans of Venice follows. Watch as they share their centuries-old glassmaking traditions. Your visit helps to preserve this delicate craft for which Venice is justifiably famous and you’ll want to remember your visit by purchasing a souvenir or two to display at home. From there, continue past the Bridge of Sighs and the Doge's Palace to St. Mark's Square to view the impressive square 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 Venetian treats, starting with that refreshing Venetian Spritz which is the local drink of choice.
Accommodation: Hotel Principe Venice
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8: Stroll around Milan and on to Varese
The Winter version of this tour will overnight in Varese.
Cross the lush green plains of Lombardy to sophisticated Milan, Italy's capital of design and fashion. An orientation tour takes us past the intricate, Gothic Duomo, La Scala Opera house and the famous Galleria. Later arrive in Varese where we will enjoy a dinner with your fellow travellers.
Accommodation: Palace Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9: Enjoy a Visit to Como - Varese
The glistening blue waters of Lake Como beckon this morning. We’ll enjoy some free time to explore the lakeside lifestyle and beautiful scenery which has enchanted visitors for centuries. Explore Como's historical quarter, indulge in the area’s delicious gelato, or consider a cruise on the lake.
Accommodation: Palace Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 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'.
Accommodation: Grand Hotel Mediterraneo Florence
Meals: Breakfast
Day 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.
Accommodation: Grand Hotel Mediterraneo Florence
Meals: Breakfast, Be My Guest
Day 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.
Accommodation: Shangri-La Roma
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 13: Farewell Rome
Bid a fond ciao to your newfound friends as your discovery of the best of Italy comes to an end.
Meals: Breakfast
Departure transfer: Arrive at Leonardo da Vinci airport (FCO) at 7am, 9.30am
Prices
| Standard Price per person, twin share |
Promotional Price per person, twin share |
|---|---|
| From $6650 | From $5985 |
Dates
| Departures |
|---|
| Multiple departures in 2025 & 2026 |
*Advertised price is based on twin share and is based on 16 November 2025 departure and includes maximum saving amount. Other travel dates available at seasonal surcharge. Prices are correct as at 21 February 2025. Prices and saving offers are subject to availability, change and withdraw at any time without notice. Please enquire with your RAC travel consultant for current availability and pricing.
*Advertised price is based on twin share and is based on 08 June 2025 departure and includes maximum saving amount. Other travel dates available at seasonal surcharge. Prices are correct as at 10 January 2025. Prices and saving offers are subject to availability and change at any time without notice. Please enquire with your RAC travel consultant for current availability and pricing. Further conditions apply, for full details, please check with your RAC travel consultant at time of booking.
^Today's deal - Save 10%: Save on select departures as featured as 'Today's Best Travel Deals'. Savings are valid on new bookings only per person, per trip. Last Minute Deals require payment in full at time of booking. Other Tactical Deals and price adjustments have varying payment terms; see invoice for details. All savings are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices displayed are per person, twin share, land only and are in Australian Dollars. Single Supplements apply. Deals are not combinable with other promotional offers or most discounts including the newsletter sign-up and group discounts; deals are combinable with the 5% Global Tour Rewards Discount. Valid for guests departing from Australia only. Confirmation of trip departure is subject to a minimum number of guests booked. Other conditions may apply.
General RAC Travel terms and conditions apply.
