USTOA
In partenership with
Find your dream vacation
Travelstride climate

Compare Italian Discovery by Eskapas vs 13 Day Romantic Italy by Gate 1 Travel

Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.

Duration 10 days 13 days
Price From $ 2,500 $ 4,429
Price Per Day $ 250 $ 341
Highlights

- Most comprehensive itinerary of Northern and Southern Italy
- Fully escorted
- Private arrival and departure airport transfers
- Free Rome walking tour by night

  • Discover the Lake Region with a scenic cruise
  • Stop in the town of Verona, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Walking tour of Venice including St. Mark's Square, with its extraordinary treasures and architectural wonders
  • Visit a local farm in the Tuscan countryside for wine tasting and local specialties
  • See Pisa's Piazza dei Miracoli with its famous Leaning Tower
  • Explore the Renaissance city of Florence with a guided walking tour
  • Visit the 13th century Basilica di San Francesco in Assisi
  • Tour of the Vatican Museums and Michelangelo's incomparable Sistine Chapel
  • Historic tour of Ancient Rome including the Roman Forum and the Colosseum
  • Travel past the Bay of Naples and Mt. Vesuvius to visit Pompeii, the city frozen in time
†Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates
Trip Style Small group tour Group tour
Lodging Level Premium Premium
Physical Level
  • 2- Easy
  • 3- Moderate
Travel Themes
  • Cultural
  • Family Friendly
  • Photography
  • Cultural
  • 50 plus
Countries Visited
Cities and Attractions
  • Assisi
  • Bologna
  • Florence
  • Isle of Capri
  • Leaning Tower of Pisa
  • Naples
  • Padua
  • Rome
  • Siena
  • Sorrento
  • Venice
  • Assisi
  • Colosseum
  • Naples
  • Pompeii
  • Rome
  • Sistine Chapel
  • Sorrento
  • Venice
  • Verona
Flights & Transport Ground transport included Ground transport included
Activities
  • Culture
  • History
  • Photography
  • Ruins & Archaeology
N/A
Meals Included

9 breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 3 Dinners (please inform us at the moment of the booking, in case of any food allergy or alimentary restriction)

N/A
Description The ten-day fully escorted “Italian Discovery” tour starts from and ends in Rome. All the iconic Italian cities – from the splendors of the Renaissance in Florence to the ruins of ancient Rome, to the sunny Amalfi coastline – are yours to discover during an epic 10 days in Italy. Get ready to discover the true essence of Italy on this outstanding travel experience with Eskapas.

2 Lake Region, 2 Venice, 2 Florence, 3 Rome, 2 Sorrento Coast or Naples

Itinerary: Italian Discovery

Day 1

Rome Arrival

Benvenuti a Roma! 

Arrival to Rome , meet and greet with our private driver at the airport. Transfer to your hotel.

Tread in the footsteps of emperors and slaves your first encounter with intoxicating Italy is the ‘Eternal City’ and its glorious past which you will have an opportunity to explore on your own before joining our Rome by Night Guided Walk starting at At 8:30 pm – reach the meeting point (on the corner of Via del Traforo (near street no. 148) and Largo del Tritone, on the wide sidewalk opposite the wedding-dress shop) to be ready for the departure of the Rome by night tour.

Our local expert guide will lead you to discover the wonders of the Eternal City, charming by day – absolutely romantic by night. You enjoy the whole center of this magic city in the moonlight during this panoramic mix of bus and walking tour. The tour ends in Colosseum area. Enjoy on your own the rest of the night. Return to the hotel on your own and overnight stay.

Overnight: Rome Meals: Not Available

Day 2

Rome > Assisi > Siena > Florence (B, D)

Departing at 7:15 am from your hotel by a deluxe coach, you will arrive in Assisi, ready to explore, at your own leisure, this tiny town surrounded by walls, built in the Middle Ages. Take your time to visit the basilica of St. Francis, where you will see masterpieces by Giotto and Cimabue and, then, have free time for lunch (not included). Board on the bus to reach Siena, a Unesco World Heritage Site, world-known for the Palio, the historical horse race around the shell-shaped town square: Piazza del Campo. Next, you will continue on to Florence, where you will check in at your hotel before enjoying dinner and a well-earned night of rest.

Overnight: Florence Meals: Breakfast – Dinner

Day 3

Florence (B,L)

After breakfast, you will spend the day venturing around beautiful Florence, the “Cradle of Renaissance”, where, with the help of Michelangelo, Italian art reached its pinnacle. Based on Etruscan-Roman origins, the city flourished in the Middle Ages as a free “Comune” and was further refined during the Renaissance. You will be fascinated by the uncountable monuments, churches and buildings as Santa Maria del Fiore, more commonly referred to as the Duomo. On your visit, you will be amazed by its magnificent dome built by Filippo Brunelleschi.

Cross a small piazza to see the “Campanile” tower (partly designed by Giotto) and the Baptistery, with its bronze doors where Michelangelo imagined the “Gates of Paradise.” In the heart of the city, you will see Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo della Signoria (also known as Palazzo Vecchio), and the Basilica of Santa Croce.

Lunch in a typical Tuscan restaurant in Piazza Santa Croce. Spend the afternoon strolling the cobblestone streets of Florence on your own or take a short trip to Pisa (optional), one of the four main historical Marine Republics of Italy. There, you will tour the Piazza dei Miracoli with the Duomo, Pisa’s symbol “the Leaning Tower” and the Baptistery.

Overnight: Florence. Meals: Breakfast – Lunch

Day 4

Florence > Bologna > Padua > Venice (B, D)

 

After breakfast in Florence, departure to Bologna. There, you will discover the elegant city center with its “porticos”, it’s shopping streets and so on. From Piazza Malpighi you will walk to Piazza del Nettuno and Piazza Maggiore (Neptune square and Major square) in the heart of the city, then King Renzo’s Palace; Palazzo Podestà and the basilica of San Petronio, one of the biggest in the world. Bologna it’s a real gourmet’s heaven…don’t miss a tasty meal at your own leisure! In the afternoon, continue toward Padova, with Sant’Antonio Basilica: one of the most visited churches by pilgrims of the catholic world. Later in the afternoon, arrival in Venice (Mestre). Check in at your hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Overnight: Venice Mestre Meals: Breakfast – Dinner

Day 5

Venice (B)

After breakfast, enjoy your transfer to Piazza San Marco, with “Skip the Line” tickets to visit the splendid St. Mark’s Basilica and, after this, check out the most iconic places of the “Floating City”: the Palazzo dei Dogi, symbol of Venice’s glorious past, the legendary “Bridge of Sighs”. Spend the afternoon roaming along Venice’s canals at your leisure and then return to the hotel and overnight.

Overnight: Venice Mestre Meals: Breakfast

Day 6

Venice > Tuscany Wine Region (Montepulciano) > Rome (B, L)

After breakfast, departure from Piazzale Roma heading to Tuscany, world-known for its landscapes, its churches and castles and its delicious wines. You will proceed to Val di Chiana with a stop in Montepulciano, a medieval town rich in history and art. Known for its “Nobile” wine, on purchase in local wine houses, Montepulciano also hosts an annual Jazz and Wine Festival every July. Lunch in a typical restaurant included!!! After lunch, quick stop to spend some free time. In the evening, you will arrive in Rome to check in into your hotel.

Overniht: Rome Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 7

Rome (B)

Between 7:45/8:00 am, after breakfast, departure from the hotel for the included tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s square with our exclusive “Skip the Line” access! No stress to reach the area: upon arrival, your guide will lead you into the museums where you’ll visit one of the most important art collections of the world. Walk along the beautiful Galleries of Tapestries and Geographical Maps before admiring Raphael’s Rooms and, then, the amazing Sistine Chapel. The tour couldn’t be complete without St. Peter’s Square, the open space which lies before the basilica, redesigned by Gian Lorenzo Bernini and being itself an architectural masterpiece of the Baroque age.

Enjoy the rest of the day to explore the city at your own leisure or get any one of our selected tours for the afternoon or at night!

Overnight: Rome Meals: Breakfast

Day 8

Rome > Naples > Pompeii > Sorrento (B, L, D)

After breakfast, pick up at your hotel at 7:00 am approximately. Departure by coach heading south crossing the regions of Lazio and Campania. Arrival in Naples and short panoramic tour climbing up to Vomero hill to enjoy beautiful views over the Gulf of Naples with the Vesuvius, Capri, Ischia and Procida and the city below; time to take some nice pictures. Descending towards the port of Mergellina, you will leave the city and travel south towards Mount Vesuvius and, once you reach the town of Pompeii, you will have lunch with the real Neapolitan pizza! After lunch, you will enter into one of the most important archaeological sites in the world: a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the ruins of Pompeii, with Skip the Line entrance and a guided tour.

Visit the haunting ruins of Pompeii, traveling back in time to the tragic days in 79 AD when the silent Mount Vesuvius suddenly erupted, covering the prosperous Roman city in deadly volcanic ashes and poisonous gases, leaving this prosperous city crystallized until our days. You’ll learn how people lived at that time, visiting houses and “bars” of the time, admiring frescoes and mosaics to imagine how rich and prosperous was the city before the dreadful day. After the visit, you will drive along the Sorrentine Coast, arriving in Sorrento for dinner (dress code: jacket for men) and an overnight in your new hotel.

Overnight: Sorrento Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 9

Sorrento > Capri > Rome (B, L)

After breakfast, get ready for an exciting excursion to the island of Capri: one of the most exclusive summer destinations of the Mediterranean! Depending on weather and sea conditions, you will admire the dreamy Blue Grotto on a small rowboat. Afterward, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and then roam the island at your own pace. Once back on the mainland, return to Rome in the evening for your last overnight.

Overnight: Rome Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 10

Rome Departure

After your breakfast at the hotel transfer to the airport for your onward flight. End of our services

Overnight: Not Available Meals: Breakfast

Itinerary: 13 Day Romantic Italy

DAY 1, Friday - Depart for Italy
Depart for Italy

DAY 2, Saturday - Arrive in Milan, Transfer to Baveno
Arrive in Milan and then transfer to your hotel in the town of Baveno, on Lake Maggiore, one of Italy's most romantic destinations. The rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Tonight, attend an orientation meeting at approximately 6 PM (exact time will be advised on tour arrival day) with your Tour Manager to discuss the upcoming journey that awaits you in Italy. We recommend you to select flights that arrive no later than 4 PM. The meeting will be followed by a light dinner with your fellow travelers
Overnight: Baveno, Lake Maggiore
Meals: Dinner

DAY 3, Sunday - Cross Lake Maggiore, Visit Isola Bella & Isola dei Pescatori
Today, cruise Lake Maggiore to Isola Bella and visit the palace of Prince Borromeo with its splendid gardens and famous white peacocks. Continue to the charming Fishermen's Island (Isola dei Pescatori) that gets its name from the occupation of its inhabitants. Walk along the windy medieval streets and marvel at the incredible views of the lake. Sail back to Baveno with time to experience the delights of this lakeside town with its spectacular mountain views
Overnight: Baveno, Lake Maggiore
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 4, Monday - Verona Walking Tour, Travel to Venice
After breakfast, set out for Verona, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the richest cities in Roman remains, representing today one of the best examples of a fortified city. Its urban structure developed progressively and without interruption over the last 2000 years. Verona is also known worldwide as the setting of Shakespeare's famous play Romeo and Juliet. Participate in an orientation walking tour followed by free time to savor the atmosphere of this unique city. Continue to Venice and enjoy dinner together
Overnight: Venice
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 5, Tuesday - Boat Ride to Murano, Tour of Venice
The discovery of Venice begins with a boat ride to the Island of Murano, known for its artistic and colorful glassware. While here, visit a local factory to witness the art of glassblowing. Afterward, continue to the main Venice Island and take a walking tour with your local guide through the maze of narrow alleyways and bridges before reaching St. Mark's Square. Upon reaching the square, stop to view its most prominent monuments, the pink marble Doge's Palace, Bridge of Sighs, and golden Basilica of San Marco. The Doge's Palace was the official residence of the Venetian ruler. The Bridge of Sighs offers one of the most notable scenes of this Romantic city. Marvel at the golden Basilica of San Marco, that is one of the city's most recognizable landmarks. It was built over several centuries in a fusion of Byzantine, Roman and Venetian architecture. The rest of the day is yours to explore Venice independently, or participate in this afternoon's optional Gondola Ride, offering a different perspective of this unique city built on water
Optional: Gondola Ride (PM)
Overnight: Venice
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 6, Wednesday - Tuscany & Pisa en route to Florence
Depart Venice and travel through the stunning golden landscape of Tuscany, dotted with olive and fig trees. Visit a local Tuscan farm in the countryside for a wine tasting coupled with delectable local specialties. On to Pisa to view the famous Piazza dei Miracoli with its Baptistery, the Duomo, the Monumental Cemetery, and its famous Leaning Tower, among the most instantly recognizable structures on earth. The four monuments on the extraordinary Piazza create a unique architectural blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles. Then, travel to the lively Renaissance city of Florence, with its priceless art and architecture for overnight
Overnight: Florence
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 7, Thursday - Tour of Florence
Today, take a guided walking tour through the heart of Florence. View the magnificent Duomo, with its Brunelleschi-designed dome, the renowned "Gates of Paradise" of the Baptistery by Ghiberti and Giotto's Bell Tower. You'll be enchanted as you walk through the open-air art museum of Signoria Square, with its Palazzo Vecchio, first residence of the Medici family that today houses the seat of the city government. Continue to the splendid Ponte Vecchio, also known as the "Old Bridge". Florence is indeed the center of the world's finest art and architecture. Spend the afternoon at leisure in this spectacular Renaissance city. This evening, travel through the Tuscan hills, where a sumptuous dinner with unlimited wine and entertainment awaits
Overnight: Florence
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 8, Friday - Medieval Assisi City Tour en route to Rome
This morning, depart Florence and travel to the small medieval town of Assisi perched high on a hill in the Umbria region with its rugged, winding streets and sacred shrines. Participate in a walking tour of Assisi, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its significant art and architecture and best known as the birthplace of St. Francis of Assisi - patron saint of Italy. Its main attraction is the 13th-century Basilica di San Francesco, one of the artistic highlights of medieval Europe which contains the sacred relics of St. Francis and Giotto's amazing frescoes. Afterward, continue to Rome, the astonishing city built on seven hills. Tonight, savor dinner together
Overnight: Rome
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 9, Saturday - Vatican Museums & Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel
Today, visit the Vatican Museums and Michelangelo's masterpiece, the Sistine Chapel. Stroll through one of the most important art collections of the world. Admire the Gallery of Tapestries and the Geographical Maps before arriving to the Sistine Chapel, with its great frescoes by Michelangelo. Continue to St. Peter's Square, passing Bernini's famous colonnade to view St. Peter's Basilica, built on the burial site of Saint Peter. Spend the afternoon at leisure or join the optional walking tour of the Eternal City's grand piazzas that includes the Spanish Steps, the legendary Trevi Fountain, view of the Pantheon, and the baroque Piazza Navona. Tonight, explore on your own and choose one of the numerous restaurants offering delicious local cuisine
Optional: Piazzas of Rome (PM)
Overnight: Rome
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 10, Sunday - Tour Ancient Rome
The historic tour of ancient Rome begins with a walk along the uneven and irregular paths of the Roman Forum, the original central plaza of the city from which ancient Rome developed. Next, view the triumphal Arch of Constantine, erected by the Roman Senate to commemorate Constantine's tenth year of leadership over the Eternal City. On to the mighty Colosseum*, the largest amphitheater built in the Roman Empire that seated over 50,000, where gladiatorial contests and public events were attended by the rich, the poor and by the Emperor himself. Discover the delights of Rome this afternoon on your own. Tonight, embark on a scenic drive through the city before stopping for dinner in a local restaurant with wine and music
*If this day falls on the first Sunday of the month, the Colosseum visit will be moved to an alternate day. In the event the Colosseum visit is not possible, due to unforeseen circumstances, you will visit the Palatine Hill.
Overnight: Rome
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 11, Monday - Pompeii Tour en route to Sorrento
Traveling south to Sorrento, at a distance, you can view the magnificent Abbey of Montecassino perched high on the mountaintop (weather permitting). This was the scene of a huge battle near the end of World War II in which the Abbey was completely destroyed, but has since been lovingly restored. As you pass the Bay of Naples, majestic Mt. Vesuvius marks your way to Pompeii. Visit the city that was frozen in time under a thick carpet of volcanic ash almost 2,000 years ago. Walk through the original sloping streets of Pompeii and view the tragic fossils of people attempting to escape beside their children and dogs, along with the preserved ruins of the Temples of Apollo and Jupiter, and the Forum. Spectacular panoramic views and the sapphire blue waters of the Gulf of Naples welcome you to Sorrento. Tonight, a lovely dinner together highlights your arrival in Sorrento
Overnight: Sorrento
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 12, Tuesday - Full Day in Sorrento
Spend the day at leisure in picturesque Sorrento, strikingly beautiful with its seaside setting and soaring cliffs plunging into the sea. As you stroll along the coastal road and through the charming town, you will understand why this town has long been loved by poets and artists. Don't miss the optional full day tour to the enchanting and picturesque Isle of Capri by boat - it will be a highlight! Here, you'll walk through the narrow lanes of Anacapri, with its chic boutiques and shops offering tastings of the island's famous limoncello. Then continue on to La Piazzetta, where everyone gathers to socialize, and to the Gardens of Augustus a natural paradise from where you can see splendid views of the sea and the famous Faraglioni rock formations, one of the island's natural wonders. After a lovely day in Capri, return to Sorrento. Tonight savor dinner together
Optional: Full Day Capri
Overnight: Sorrento
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 13, Wednesday - Depart Italy
Transfer to the airport in Naples for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast

×
×
×
Sign in to Save Trips
Welcome back! We're so happy to see you. ? Forgot Password?
Don't have an account? Join
  • Bookmark trips you like
  • Share with your travel companions
  • Track price changes
  • Access private discounts on trips you save
×
Sign in to see your results

TripFinder is a member-only feature. Don’t worry, it’s free!

With a membership you:

  • Save up to $700 per person!*
  • Access private deals and offers
  • See personalized trip recommendations
  • Save favorite trips
*See Member Savings Program details
×
Activate your free Travelstride membership

Just use the email address and password provided in the email we sent.

? Forgot Password?

With your free membership you:

  • Save up to $700 per person!*
  • Access private deals and offers
  • See personalized trip recommendations
  • Save favorite trips
*See Member Savings Program details
×
To Follow, sign in or sign up (it's free) ? Forgot Password?
Don't have an account? Join
member benefits

By signing in, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use

First name is required!
Last name is required!
First name is not valid!
Last name is not valid!
This is not an email address!
Email address is required!
This email is already registered!
Please enter valid email address
Password is required!
Enter a valid password!
Please enter 6 or more characters!
Please enter 32 or less characters!
Passwords are not the same!
Terms and Conditions are required!
Email or Password is wrong!
Please select the captcha checkbox!
Please select the valid captcha!
Something went wrong! Try again later!

"Take only memories, leave only footprints."
Chief Seattle
x