Compare Mamma Mia! - 13 days/12 nights by Italy on Budget Tours vs Premium Tuscany by Intrepid Travel

Day 1: Arrival To Rome

Meals: Dinner

Welcome to Italy! Check in one of our partner hostels in Rome. Meet your tour leader and the other travelers at the accommodation in Rome at 5:30pm for a  short briefing about the itinerary and on what lies ahead on your trip.  During the introduction the guide will be at your disposal to answer your question and take down the booking of any optional activities you wish to add. You willl all continue for an evening orientation walk of the Eternal city passing by the Colosseum and the Roman forum to admire one of the most important Italian sites during the sunset.  The tour will finish with a welcome dinner in a local restaurant to start appreciating the Italian cuisine and to get to know better the other travellers.

Day 2: Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Vatican City & Lots More

Meet our guide in the morning for an orientation walk through the winding roman back streets to discover the most famous sites including Piazza Navona, the Spanish Steps, the Pantheon and Trevi Fountain. Don't forget to throw a coin and make a wish! Be prepared to walk all day as there is no better way to explore a new city like Rome than on foot.  Reach finally the Vatican city where you will be left free to visit the St. Peter's Basilica house of the Pope or join an exciting but informative 2h walking tour of the Vatican Museums including the Sistine Chapel  ( tickets of the Vatican museums are included ) with a licensed tour guide. Free evening or meet your guide for drinks.

Day 3: Free Full Day In Rome

This day is up to you! You will have a full day to explore Rome in complete freedom, do some souvenir shopping or simply relax. Add extra to your booking the 2/3h walking tour starting at 09:00am with professional and licensed tour guides of the Colosseum and the Roman forum to learn more about the gladiators and the Roman senate.

Day 4: Pompeii - Sorrento

Meet your guide in the morning to travel by private bus towards the South of Italy. First stop of the day will be Pompeii where you will have the time to enter the site and admire the antique Roman settlements. If you wish to book our guided tour inside the site with a licensed tour guide, make sure you add it to your booking or inform the guide on day one. This tour comes really recommended because as locals we know how important this historical site is and how important it is to have a licensed tour guides of Pompeii showing you around and pointing out the main parts instead of looking out at old rocks without knowing what you are looking at.

After Pompeii we will continue towards Sorrento driving along the coast with spectacular views of the Vesuvio. Our accommodation for the next 3 nigths will be in a caming village located on top of the hill with a terrific scenary of Sorrento and the coast. After check in  you will be taken for a walk around the city center and to a limoncello shop to taste and learn how this typical liqueur of the South is produced. Join in the evening your guide to a local restaurant for an optional dinner based on some decilious pasta or gnocchi, traditional of the area.

Day 5: Boat Trip To Capri Island

What a perfect way to start the day with a boat trip to and around Capri island. Our boat will leave directly from our campsite at 8:30am in the morning. Bring your beach towel and suimsuit because you will have the opportunity to swim . Once in Capri you will be free to explore the island, relax on the beach, take the chairlift up to the top of Mt. Solaro for a breathtaking 360 degree view of the island and visit the Blue Grotto. All this in complete freedom or follow your tour leader for an insight view of the island. Once back to the accommodation you will be free to spend the evening as you prefer or join the guide for dinner at one the most famous pizzeria in Sorrento.

Day 6: Positano And Amalfi Coast

A full day trip by private bus to explore the Amalfi coast and its wonders. The bus will pick us up from the accommodation and drive us on the famous windy road with an amazing scenary also featured in many movies. During the journey we will pass by the " Galli" Islands, the fishing villages of Praiano, Furore and Positano.  We will stop in Amalfi for 2h to taste the fresh "sfogliatella", visit the imposing Cathedral and relax at the beach with a yummy arancini in your hand. In the afternoon we will continue towards Positano, the gem of gem of the Amalfi coast, where we will stay for 3h long enough to allow you to discover the town and its cascade of colourful houses at your own peace, go for a swim and have a bite on one of the typical shop selling fresh local food.

Day 7: Naples - Florence

Meals: Dinner

You can't leave the South of Italy without taking at least a small peek at Naples, home of the Italian pizza and Italian customs. Our private bus will come to pick us up from the accommodation in the morning. We will stop in one of the area of Naples famous for its shopping and monuments. Your tour leader  will take you for an orientation walk and will show you the main places of interests including San Carlo theatre, Plebiscito square, Umberto I 's gallery and lots more. You will also have the opportunity to finally taste the famous Napolitan pizza with buffalo mozzarella before heading back to the bus to continue our journey to return back to Rome to catch a fast speed train to Florence.

Check in to your accommodation and meet your tour leader for an original and fun orientation walk of the city  to discover the new city and the local traditions.You will see the famous gothic Cathedral, the old bridge " Ponte Vecchio",  We will end the tour in one of the busiest streets of Florence renowned for the many bars where to hang out at night.  Here we will stop at the bar rated by the locals as the best aperitivo place in town. Thanks to the great atmosphere you will try the Italian lifestyle; seat down, socialize with the rest of the group, enjoy your drink and then eat and eat as much as you would like from the buffet of tasty Italian food.

Day 8: Tuscany! Siena, san gimignano and chianti region excursion - florence

A full day trip from Florence departing at 8:45am by private van/coach to 3 famous villages of Tuscany; Siena, San Gimignano and Monteriggioni . We'll also ride throughout the CHIANTI region with its charming scenic views and we will reach an authentical Tuscan WINERY surrounded by rolling hills, vines and olive groves for wine and olive oil tasting. Don’t forget to bring your camera…..the scenery from here is stunning! We will be back to Florence at 6:30pm. Free evening

Day 9: Pisa And Cinque Terre Excursion - Florence

An early wake up for an exciting full day at the Cinque Terre, the most characteristic villages of Italy famous for their natural beauty, scenic trails, spectacular coast line and sunny beaches, including a 2h stop at the famous leaning tower of Pisa. We'll be back to Florence at 8:30pm.

Day 10: Full Day In Florence

Full day to wander in Florence, check out the museums, the monuments and some local leather markets in complete freedom. Don't forget to visit the David!

Day 11: Arrival To Venice

Bye Bye Florence, Venice here we come. We will catch the fast speed train from Florence train station and in only 2h we will reach Venice. After check in to our accommodation in Venice, we will head down to town for an orientation walk of the city to explore the city of the many canals, the gondolas, the millions of pigions and the amaizing churches. We will visit St. Mark's square, the Catherdral, the Rialto bridge and the Palazzo Ducale. The afternoon will be all yours if you wish to take a gondola ride across the canal or find out how the Carnival masks are made.

Day 12: Murano, Burano Islands - Venice

Join our 4h tour in the morning to the islands of Murano and Burano to check out the many colourful houses and the glass factories. You will learn about the age-old handcrafts that brought these little islands fame from the quality Murano glass and Burano lace being made first-hand. It’s the perfect trip from Venice with a combination of history and behind-the-scenes action! Spend the afternoon in complete freedom around Venice and enjoy your last night in Venice.

Day 13: Bye bye venice.

The tour ends in Venice but if you need to return back to Rome we can organise the train tickets in advance for our passengers. Make sure you inform us in advance about your travel plans in order to help you as much as possible.

Day 1 Rome

Welcome to Rome! Enjoy a complimentary transfer to your hotel and settle in. If you arrive with time to spare, the city’s magnificent buildings are best appreciated on foot, so perhaps wander in search of an espresso. Your Italian adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm, where you will meet your local leader and fellow travellers. Once the formalities are out of the way, get your first taste of Italy over an included dinner with your group at an excellent local restaurant. Sitting down to dinner in Rome means experiencing generations of culinary know-how and timeless traditional recipes. Once your leader introduces you to some of Italy’s best dishes, you’ll understand why this country is so renowned for great food.

Day 2 Rome

From incredible ancient monuments to glamourous restaurants and boutiques, Rome is a city of great beauty and diversity. Today join a private guide for a trip back in time. Marvel at the Spanish steps, the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, and Piazza Navona before reaching Campo de Fiori, where a local fresh produce market has been held since 1869. Join your tour leader for a quick stop at a local bar for a granita - an iced Italian espresso and a must when in Rome. Next, visit a local aristocrat at his home close to the Campo de Fiori. Much of the apartment is still in its original state and features a stunningly painted ceiling. Find art and artifacts casually displayed throughout the rooms and chat with the energetic owner before sitting down for an included lunch in the dining room. The afternoon is free for you to explore as you please – perhaps take the chance to follow in the footsteps of gladiators and Roman emperors with a visit to the iconic Colosseum. Please note that tickets should be booked in advance, and before the beginning of your trip.

Day 3 Siena / Monteriggioni / San Gimignano Region

Today you’ll take a private vehicle to the gorgeous city of Siena, where your leader will show you the most interesting sights on an orientation walk. At the city’s heart is Piazza del Campo – home to the biannual Palio horse race, and nearby is the stunning Siena Cathedral. Next you’ll visit Monteriggioni – a charming medieval walled town. Over a dozen towers are spread throughout the town, once used to defend Sienese territory from the Florentines. You will have time to explore this tiny hilltop spot before arriving at your Feature Stay accommodation near San Gimignano. This country hotel with cinematic views of a tree-studded landscape and a refreshing outdoor pool is a fine spot to unwind. Tonight, indulge in an included gourmet dinner at your hotel with your group – the food is made with local ingredients and pays homage to traditional Tuscan dishes, with a modern twist.

Day 4 San Gimignano Region

Start the day with a visit to San Gimignano – the 'Town of Fine Towers'. Explore the medieval Old Town centre and its fine Gothic and Romanesque architecture, with your leader on hand to answer any questions inspired by your explorations. This region is also renowned for its ancient Vernaccia grapes, which are the basis for one of Tuscany's finest white wines. Your group will visit a local agriturismo, where you’ll explore the vineyards and sample some of their celebrated wine, before enjoying an included lunch featuring regional cheese, fine olive oil and bruschetta. Return to your Feature Stay accommodation for another delicious dinner.

Day 5 Pisa / Lucca / Florence

Today you’ll visit Pisa. It’s not always possible to climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa due to its precarious state, but as your leader shares the history of this legendary building, you will have the opportunity to photograph it from the ground. Your next stop is historic Lucca, one of Italy’s most beautiful but underrated cities, where you’ll take a short walk along the city’s beautifully preserved Renaissance walls. From here you’ll take the short journey to Florence where the evening is yours to walk the cobbled streets, eat gelato and soak up the unmistakenly Tuscan atmosphere.

Day 6 Florence

This morning join a private guided walk of Florence you will earn about its Glorious past and the notable families that made Florence an important centre for culture, economy and politics. Your tour includes a visit of the Galleria dell ‘Accademia, an art museum renowned for its collection of sculptures, including the iconic statue of David by Michelangelo. Enjoy a free afternoon at your own pace – ask your leader for some local tips on the best way to spend the day. Visiting the Uffizi while you are here is highly recommended – it is one of the oldest galleries in the world, and a building of great beauty. And be sure to head to Piazzale Michelangelo for sweeping views of Florence’s timeless skyline. Sample some of the culinary delicacies on offer from across Tuscany, with dishes known for their freshness, simplicity and quality. Olive oil, beans and herbs are a feature here. Two standout dishes of the region are bistecca alla fiorentina, a large steak sliced on the bone and shared between multiple diners, and ribollita, a simple, hearty soup of bread, vegetables, and beans. Panforte is the signature sweet treat.

Day 7 Venice

In the morning, head to the railway station and take a high-speed train to Venice. Upon arrival your leader will take you on an orientation walk so you can get acquainted with the city’s maze of canals and learn about its unique history, showing you some extraordinary views over the roofs of Venice. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore. The Grand Canal, the quaint shopfronts that line the Rialto Bridge and the Piazza and Basilica di San Marco are all worthy sights to visit, or simply meander around the tiny, cobbled streets and discover the beautiful markets, cafes, galleries and churches. A Venetian gondola ride down the canals is a must, as is a taste of the region’s dessert speciality, tiramisu. Later in the evening join your tour leader for a nice, included Venetian dinner.

Day 8 Venice

With no activities planned for today, your trip comes to an end after breakfast. Those looking to extend their stay can arrange additional nights' accommodation at the time of booking the trip (subject to availability).