October 5 – 15, 2024

$

5795

Per Person/Double Occupancy
$1200 Additional/Single Occupancy

Essential Italy

Discover Italy’s captivating cities, savoring regional cuisines and delving into art and history. From Rome’s ancient wonders to Florence’s artistic marvels and Venice’s enchanting canals, this journey offers unforgettable moments, enduring bonds, and a true Italian renaissance of experiences.

Locations

Rome

Florence

Venice

Padua

Pisa

Discover Italy’s essential cities, exploring Rome’s iconic sites, Vatican’s majestic art, Florence’s artistic treasures, Pisa’s historic landmarks, and Venice’s mesmerizing canals.

This Tour Includes

TAPESTRY Series

Small groups, big experiences, independent spirit.

9 Nights

Hotel accommodations, including baggage handling

13 Meals

9 breakfasts, 4 dinners

Admissions

Guided sightseeing, visits, and admissions as outlined in the day-by-day itinerary

Airfare & Transfers

Round-trip international airfare (gateway TBA); Group transfer upon arrival and for departure

Tour Manager

Full time, English speaking throughout the trip

Hand-Selected Hotels

Rome
Le Méridien Visconti Rome
Florence
Florence Hotel De La Ville
Venice
Hilton Molino Stucky Venice

Top-Rated Highlights

  • Kick-off Welcome Dinner
  • Italian Cooking Demonstration
  • Expert Local City Guides
  • Roman Forum
  • Spanish Steps
  • Trevi Fountain
  • Peter’s Basilica
  • Vatican Museum Guided Tour
  • Sistine Chapel
  • Tuscan Wine Estate
  • Wine Cellar & Vineyard Tour
  • Siena Cathedral
  • Florence Guided Walking Tour
  • Accademia Gallery + David Sculpture
  • Museo del Tessuto
  • Pisa Day Trip
  • Antonio Basilica
  • Murano Island
  • Glass Blowing Demonstration
  • Venice Guided Walking Tour
  • Gondola Ride
  • Italian Farewell Dinner

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Visits, admissions, and special features are shown in bold.
» Country Heritage Tours Essential Italy tour map

Tour Begins: Rome, Italy

|

Tour Ends: Venice, Italy

Scroll to See Full Itinerary
Day 1 Overnight Flight

Discover Italy’s enchanting cities, indulge in local cuisine, and immerse yourself in art, history, and culture on this journey through Italy’s essential cities.

Day 2 Rome Arrival: Tour Begins Dinner

Welcome to Rome! Upon arrival, meet your Tour Manager and fellow travelers for a special welcome Aperitivo and an entertaining Italian cooking demo. Settle into your comfortable accommodations and prepare for an unforgettable adventure.

Day 3 Rome Breakfast

Discover Rome’s captivating sights on a guided walking tour, including the Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain, and St. Peter’s Basilica. Spend the rest of your day immersing yourself in the Eternal City’s magic. Perhaps visit a local café for a cappuccino or explore the charming cobblestone streets, uncovering hidden gems.

Day 4 Rome - Vantican City Breakfast, Dinner

Escape the city bustle and explore the Vatican Museums on a guided tour, including the awe-inspiring Sistine Chapel. Learn about the history and artistic treasures within these hallowed halls. Celebrate your last night in Rome with a beachside group dinner, sharing stories and laughter with newfound friends.

Day 5 Rome – Sienna – Florence Breakfast

Journey to UNESCO-listed Siena, to experience the lively Palio horse race community. Admire the stunning Siena Cathedral and its intricate architecture before heading to enchanting Florence. Settle into your Florentine accommodations and enjoy the city’s romantic ambiance.

Day 6 Florence Breakfast

Uncover Florence’s artistic treasures on a walking tour, then marvel at Michelangelo’s masterpieces at the Accademia Gallery, including Michelangelo’s David. Enjoy free time to further explore this captivating city – perhaps visit the local markets or take a leisurely stroll along the Arno River.

Day 7 Florence – Pisa Breakfast, Dinner

Visit the Museo del Tessuto, then venture to Pisa’s Piazza Dei Miracoli, Duomo, and iconic Leaning Tower. Capture memorable photos of these historic landmarks, and immerse yourself in Pisa’s rich culture. Return to Florence for a delightful Tuscan dinner, indulging in the region’s renowned cuisine.

Day 8 Florence – Padua Breakfast

Explore the historic charm of Padua, including the Prato della Valle and the stunning Saint Antonio Basilica. Immerse yourself in the city’s rich history before arriving in magical Venice. Stroll the city’s sidewalks and bridges, and take in the beauty of St Mark’s Basilica as the sun sets.

Day 9 Florence – Murano + Burano Islands – Venice Breakfast

Embark on a private boat trip to Murano Island, experiencing the renowned Murano glass-making firsthand during a demonstration. Discover the colorful houses and perhaps pick up some local lace souvenirs. Spend the rest of the day at leisure in mesmerizing Venice, exploring its labyrinthine streets and canals

Day 10 Venice Breakfast, Dinner

Join a local guide on a walking tour through St. Mark’s Square, visiting iconic landmarks like Doge’s Palace and the Rialto Bridge. Experience a quintessential Venetian gondola ride, gliding through the city’s enchanting waterways. Later, gather for a festive farewell dinner, reminiscing about your unforgettable Italian journey

Day 11 Venice – Tour Ends Breakfast

After a leisurely breakfast, exchange contact information with newfound friends before transferring to Venice Marco Polo International Airport to begin your journey home. Cherish the memories of your incredible Italian adventure and the lifelong friendships formed along the way.

» Country Heritage Tours Essential Italy tour map
Day 1
Overnight Flight

Discover Italy’s enchanting cities, indulge in local cuisine, and immerse yourself in art, history, and culture on this journey through Italy’s essential cities.

Day 2
Rome Arrival: Tour Begins
Dinner

Welcome to Rome! Upon arrival, meet your Tour Manager and fellow travelers for a special welcome Aperitivo and an entertaining Italian cooking demo. Settle into your comfortable accommodations and prepare for an unforgettable adventure.

Day 3
Rome
Breakfast

Discover Rome’s captivating sights on a guided walking tour, including the Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain, and St. Peter’s Basilica. Spend the rest of your day immersing yourself in the Eternal City’s magic. Perhaps visit a local café for a cappuccino or explore the charming cobblestone streets, uncovering hidden gems.

Day 4
Rome - Vantican City
Breakfast, Dinner

Escape the city bustle and explore the Vatican Museums on a guided tour, including the awe-inspiring Sistine Chapel. Learn about the history and artistic treasures within these hallowed halls. Celebrate your last night in Rome with a beachside group dinner, sharing stories and laughter with newfound friends.

Day 5
Rome – Sienna – Florence
Breakfast

Journey to UNESCO-listed Siena, to experience the lively Palio horse race community. Admire the stunning Siena Cathedral and its intricate architecture before heading to enchanting Florence. Settle into your Florentine accommodations and enjoy the city’s romantic ambiance.

Day 6
Florence
Breakfast

Uncover Florence’s artistic treasures on a walking tour, then marvel at Michelangelo’s masterpieces at the Accademia Gallery, including Michelangelo’s David. Enjoy free time to further explore this captivating city – perhaps visit the local markets or take a leisurely stroll along the Arno River.

Day 7
Florence – Pisa
Breakfast, Dinner

Visit the Museo del Tessuto, then venture to Pisa’s Piazza Dei Miracoli, Duomo, and iconic Leaning Tower. Capture memorable photos of these historic landmarks, and immerse yourself in Pisa’s rich culture. Return to Florence for a delightful Tuscan dinner, indulging in the region’s renowned cuisine.

Day 8
Florence – Padua
Breakfast

Explore the historic charm of Padua, including the Prato della Valle and the stunning Saint Antonio Basilica. Immerse yourself in the city’s rich history before arriving in magical Venice. Stroll the city’s sidewalks and bridges, and take in the beauty of St Mark’s Basilica as the sun sets.

Day 9
Florence – Murano + Burano Islands – Venice
Breakfast

Embark on a private boat trip to Murano Island, experiencing the renowned Murano glass-making firsthand during a demonstration. Discover the colorful houses and perhaps pick up some local lace souvenirs. Spend the rest of the day at leisure in mesmerizing Venice, exploring its labyrinthine streets and canals

Day 10
Venice
Breakfast, Dinner

Join a local guide on a walking tour through St. Mark’s Square, visiting iconic landmarks like Doge’s Palace and the Rialto Bridge. Experience a quintessential Venetian gondola ride, gliding through the city’s enchanting waterways. Later, gather for a festive farewell dinner, reminiscing about your unforgettable Italian journey

Day 11
Venice – Tour Ends
Breakfast

After a leisurely breakfast, exchange contact information with newfound friends before transferring to Venice Marco Polo International Airport to begin your journey home. Cherish the memories of your incredible Italian adventure and the lifelong friendships formed along the way.

» Country Heritage Tours Essential Italy tour map
Day 1
Overnight Flight

Discover Italy’s enchanting cities, indulge in local cuisine, and immerse yourself in art, history, and culture on this journey through Italy’s essential cities.

Day 2
Rome Arrival: Tour Begins
Dinner

Welcome to Rome! Upon arrival, meet your Tour Manager and fellow travelers for a special welcome Aperitivo and an entertaining Italian cooking demo. Settle into your comfortable accommodations and prepare for an unforgettable adventure.

Day 3
Rome
Breakfast

Discover Rome’s captivating sights on a guided walking tour, including the Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain, and St. Peter’s Basilica. Spend the rest of your day immersing yourself in the Eternal City’s magic. Perhaps visit a local café for a cappuccino or explore the charming cobblestone streets, uncovering hidden gems.

Day 4
Rome - Vantican City
Breakfast, Dinner

Escape the city bustle and explore the Vatican Museums on a guided tour, including the awe-inspiring Sistine Chapel. Learn about the history and artistic treasures within these hallowed halls. Celebrate your last night in Rome with a beachside group dinner, sharing stories and laughter with newfound friends.

Day 5
Rome – Sienna – Florence
Breakfast

Journey to UNESCO-listed Siena, to experience the lively Palio horse race community. Admire the stunning Siena Cathedral and its intricate architecture before heading to enchanting Florence. Settle into your Florentine accommodations and enjoy the city’s romantic ambiance.

Day 6
Florence
Breakfast

Uncover Florence’s artistic treasures on a walking tour, then marvel at Michelangelo’s masterpieces at the Accademia Gallery, including Michelangelo’s David. Enjoy free time to further explore this captivating city – perhaps visit the local markets or take a leisurely stroll along the Arno River.

Day 7
Florence – Pisa
Breakfast, Dinner

Visit the Museo del Tessuto, then venture to Pisa’s Piazza Dei Miracoli, Duomo, and iconic Leaning Tower. Capture memorable photos of these historic landmarks, and immerse yourself in Pisa’s rich culture. Return to Florence for a delightful Tuscan dinner, indulging in the region’s renowned cuisine.

Day 8
Florence – Padua
Breakfast

Explore the historic charm of Padua, including the Prato della Valle and the stunning Saint Antonio Basilica. Immerse yourself in the city’s rich history before arriving in magical Venice. Stroll the city’s sidewalks and bridges, and take in the beauty of St Mark’s Basilica as the sun sets.

Day 9
Florence – Murano + Burano Islands – Venice
Breakfast

Embark on a private boat trip to Murano Island, experiencing the renowned Murano glass-making firsthand during a demonstration. Discover the colorful houses and perhaps pick up some local lace souvenirs. Spend the rest of the day at leisure in mesmerizing Venice, exploring its labyrinthine streets and canals

Day 10
Venice
Breakfast, Dinner

Join a local guide on a walking tour through St. Mark’s Square, visiting iconic landmarks like Doge’s Palace and the Rialto Bridge. Experience a quintessential Venetian gondola ride, gliding through the city’s enchanting waterways. Later, gather for a festive farewell dinner, reminiscing about your unforgettable Italian journey

Day 11
Venice – Tour Ends
Breakfast

After a leisurely breakfast, exchange contact information with newfound friends before transferring to Venice Marco Polo International Airport to begin your journey home. Cherish the memories of your incredible Italian adventure and the lifelong friendships formed along the way.

October 5 – 15, 2024

$

5795

Per Person/Double Occupancy

+$1200

Additional/Single Occupancy

Reserve Your Essential Italy Tour

A non-refundable $200 deposit per person is required for booking. Before completing your reservation, be sure you read and understand our Cancellation Policy and Terms & Conditions.

Essential Italy

Space for this tour is limited. Please contact us to discuss accommodation options and availability.