Grand Italian Experience
Operated by Trafalgar

Grand Italian Experience

From
CAD 6,541
Duration
17 days
Countries
Italy, Vatican City
Activity
easy

The adventure

Book your 2026 Italy tour with confidence. Free 3 day booking hold & flexible changes. From Rome to Venice, get the Grand Italian experience with Trafalgar.

At a glance

Duration
17 days
Route
Rome → Como
Countries
Italy, Vatican City
Activity level
easy
Style
Culture & History
Group size
Ask
Flights
Not included
Solo travellers
Ask an agent

Day by day

View of a historic hilltop town surrounded by lush greenery under cloudy skies.
Your journey through

Italy & Vatican City

Day 1Welcome to RomeBlaze a trail through la bella Italia – your epic journey begins in Rome, once the powerful capital of the world and yours to explore before meeting your travel companions and Travel Director for a light supper.
The Colosseum stands majestically amidst bustling Rome, an iconic remnant of ancient architecture.Welcome to Rome
Blaze a trail through la bella Italia – your epic journey begins in Rome, once the powerful capital of the world and yours to explore before meeting your travel companions and Travel Director for a light supper.
Day 2Explore Ancient Rome and the Vatican CityJoin a Local Specialist for an included sightseeing tour to introduce you to life in modern day Rome and how Romans lived in ancient times. Tour the extraordinary Vatican Museums with a Local Specialist, including views of Michelangelo's magnificent frescoed ceiling in the Sistine Chapel. While in Vatican City, you'll pause to admire the majestic exterior of St. Peter's Basilica and its grand square. Then venture into Ancient Rome to see Circus Maximus, where the thundering noise of chariot races once filled the air. The afternoon is yours to explore at leisure. Stroll down the Spanish steps or sit in an outdoor cafe on the famous Via Veneto, or continue your encounter with Ancient Rome on Palatine Hill to see the Temple of Apollo and Flavian Palace, among other excavations.
The Colosseum stands majestically amidst bustling Rome, an iconic remnant of ancient architecture.Rome
Join a Local Specialist for an included sightseeing tour to introduce you to life in modern day Rome and how Romans lived in ancient times. Tour the extraordinary Vatican Museums with a Local Specialist, including views of Michelangelo's magnificent frescoed ceiling in the Sistine Chapel. While in Vatican City, you'll pause to admire the majestic exterior of St. Peter's Basilica and its grand square. Then venture into Ancient Rome to see Circus Maximus, where the thundering noise of chariot races once filled the air. The afternoon is yours to explore at leisure. Stroll down the Spanish steps or sit in an outdoor cafe on the famous Via Veneto, or continue your encounter with Ancient Rome on Palatine Hill to see the Temple of Apollo and Flavian Palace, among other excavations.
Map showing Rome
Day 3Journey to the Alberobello RegionTravel east through the mountains of Campania to the orange and olive groves of Puglia on the Adriatic coast, your home for the next two nights. This evening, enjoy a delicious local dinner at your hotel.
Travel east through the mountains of Campania to the orange and olive groves of Puglia on the Adriatic coast, your home for the next two nights. This evening, enjoy a delicious local dinner at your hotel.
Day 4Admire Alberobello’s Iconic ArchitectureEnjoy a morning at leisure. Consider an Optional Experience or relax with a swim at your hotel. This afternoon, the conical limestone houses of Alberobello take center stage during our guided tour with a Local Specialist. Here, you’ll see the UNESCO-listed collection of almost 1,500 trulli dating back to the 14th century. This evening, enjoy a Be My Guest experience at a traditional masseria. Meet Signor Luciano for dinner on his Alberobello farm where you can taste seasonal produce, including fresh almonds, cherries, tomatoes and olive oil.
Enjoy a morning at leisure. Consider an Optional Experience or relax with a swim at your hotel. This afternoon, the conical limestone houses of Alberobello take center stage during our guided tour with a Local Specialist. Here, you’ll see the UNESCO-listed collection of almost 1,500 trulli dating back to the 14th century. This evening, enjoy a Be My Guest experience at a traditional masseria. Meet Signor Luciano for dinner on his Alberobello farm where you can taste seasonal produce, including fresh almonds, cherries, tomatoes and olive oil.
Day 5Onwards to PompeiYou’ve got the day to explore Pompei your way. Take it slow with time to relax in town or join an Optional Experience to the Amalfi Coast. This scenic drive shows off southern Italy’s bold coastline, with a stop in Positano. Known for its steep streets and local shops, it’s a great spot to pick up a souvenir or enjoy a bite by the sea before heading back to your hotel.
A deserted ancient street in Pompeii, Italy, with historic ruins and an overcast sky.Onwards to Pompei
You’ve got the day to explore Pompei your way. Take it slow with time to relax in town or join an Optional Experience to the Amalfi Coast. This scenic drive shows off southern Italy’s bold coastline, with a stop in Positano. Known for its steep streets and local shops, it’s a great spot to pick up a souvenir or enjoy a bite by the sea before heading back to your hotel.
Map showing Onwards to Pompei
Day 6Isle of CapriCruise the deep blue waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea to the beautiful Isle of Capri. Enjoy a guided tour of Capri town with a Local Specialist. After, explore or sip cappuccino in the glamorous piazzetta. In the evening, you will return to your hotel to enjoy a relaxed dinner.
Aerial view of Capri town with white buildings and ocean horizon in the background, Italy.Isle of Capri
Cruise the deep blue waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea to the beautiful Isle of Capri. Enjoy a guided tour of Capri town with a Local Specialist. After, explore or sip cappuccino in the glamorous piazzetta. In the evening, you will return to your hotel to enjoy a relaxed dinner.
Day 7Uncover Pompeii's Ruins and on to AssisiExplore the tragic history of the ancient lost city of Pompeii with a Local Specialist. Gain a deeper understanding of what life was like in this Roman settlement that lay buried for centuries after Mount Vesuvius erupted. Continue your journey through the rolling green and golden fields of Umbria, arriving at the mystical hilltop town of Assisi. Meet your Local Specialist for a visit of the stunning Basilica of St. Francis, featuring exquisite frescoes by Giotto. You'll stay at one of Trafalgar's Stays With Stories - a fully renovated old Franciscan monastery.
Explore the tragic history of the ancient lost city of Pompeii with a Local Specialist. Gain a deeper understanding of what life was like in this Roman settlement that lay buried for centuries after Mount Vesuvius erupted. Continue your journey through the rolling green and golden fields of Umbria, arriving at the mystical hilltop town of Assisi. Meet your Local Specialist for a visit of the stunning Basilica of St. Francis, featuring exquisite frescoes by Giotto. You'll stay at one of Trafalgar's Stays With Stories - a fully renovated old Franciscan monastery.
Day 8Onwards to VeniceVenture to the Adriatic coast on your way to Venice. A city like no other, you'll explore its canals and waterways during your time on the islands of the Venetian Lagoon, home to the artistic tradition of blown glass.
Idyllic canal scene in Venice, Italy showcasing traditional architecture and reflections.Onwards to Venice
Venture to the Adriatic coast on your way to Venice. A city like no other, you'll explore its canals and waterways during your time on the islands of the Venetian Lagoon, home to the artistic tradition of blown glass.
Map showing Onwards to Venice
Day 9Cruise the Canals of VeniceThis morning start the day by observing the delicate craft of Venetian glassblowing that spans centuries. Your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience helps to preserve the traditions that have been handed down through the generations and you’ll be inspired to buy a souvenir to remind you of the talent and skill shared enthusiastically by the master craftsmen. Next you’ll glide by private launch along busy waterways to view the Bridge of Sighs, Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica before exploring the city on your terms. Stroll beside the Grand Canal, nibble on delicious cicchetti at a cozy bacaro or cross the lagoon for an Optional Experience to the colorful fishermen's Island of Burano.
This morning start the day by observing the delicate craft of Venetian glassblowing that spans centuries. Your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience helps to preserve the traditions that have been handed down through the generations and you’ll be inspired to buy a souvenir to remind you of the talent and skill shared enthusiastically by the master craftsmen. Next you’ll glide by private launch along busy waterways to view the Bridge of Sighs, Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica before exploring the city on your terms. Stroll beside the Grand Canal, nibble on delicious cicchetti at a cozy bacaro or cross the lagoon for an Optional Experience to the colorful fishermen's Island of Burano.
Day 10Journey to Verona and explore MilanRomeCelebrate the epic tale of Romeo and Juliet during this morning's visit to the fair city of Verona and view the Roman arena built in the 1st century and famously used for opera these days. Later, experience the fashion capital of Milan. Enjoy free time to explore on your own after an orientation of the city's iconic sights. See the exquisite Gothic Duomo, La Scala Opera House and the Galleria, one of the world's oldest shopping malls. This afternoon, you’ll have free time to explore further, relax at your hotel or choose to join an Optional Experience with a Local Specialist for a deeper look at Milan, including a visit inside La Scala.
The Colosseum stands majestically amidst bustling Rome, an iconic remnant of ancient architecture.Rome
Celebrate the epic tale of Romeo and Juliet during this morning's visit to the fair city of Verona and view the Roman arena built in the 1st century and famously used for opera these days. Later, experience the fashion capital of Milan. Enjoy free time to explore on your own after an orientation of the city's iconic sights. See the exquisite Gothic Duomo, La Scala Opera House and the Galleria, one of the world's oldest shopping malls. This afternoon, you’ll have free time to explore further, relax at your hotel or choose to join an Optional Experience with a Local Specialist for a deeper look at Milan, including a visit inside La Scala.
Map showing Rome
Day 11Explore Lake Maggiore and Lake ComoHead north to Lake Maggiore and stop in the elegant lakeside town of Stresa. Enjoy free time to explore its boutiques and gardens, or join an Optional Experience to the Borromean Islands, cruising to Isola Bella to tour its Baroque palace and terraced gardens with a Local Specialist. Continue to Como, where you can explore at your own pace or choose to join a Local Specialist to hear the stories behind the grand estates lining the shore. Return to Milan after a day among Italy’s lakes.
Picturesque lakeside view of colorful buildings in a quaint Italian village.Como
Head north to Lake Maggiore and stop in the elegant lakeside town of Stresa. Enjoy free time to explore its boutiques and gardens, or join an Optional Experience to the Borromean Islands, cruising to Isola Bella to tour its Baroque palace and terraced gardens with a Local Specialist. Continue to Como, where you can explore at your own pace or choose to join a Local Specialist to hear the stories behind the grand estates lining the shore. Return to Milan after a day among Italy’s lakes.
Map showing Como
Day 12On to GenoaTravel to Genoa, once a powerful maritime republic and still one of Italy’s great port cities. The day is yours to explore at your own pace, from the UNESCO-listed Old Town and restored harbourfront to the views from Spianata Castelletto and the house where Christopher Columbus is said to have been born. You could also join an Optional Experience to Rapallo and Portofino for another look at the Ligurian coast.
Travel to Genoa, once a powerful maritime republic and still one of Italy’s great port cities. The day is yours to explore at your own pace, from the UNESCO-listed Old Town and restored harbourfront to the views from Spianata Castelletto and the house where Christopher Columbus is said to have been born. You could also join an Optional Experience to Rapallo and Portofino for another look at the Ligurian coast.
Day 13GenoaEnjoy another day in Genoa with the option to discover more of the Ligurian coast. You may choose to join an Optional Experience Cinque Terre Coastal Highlights. Explore with a Local Specialist, taking in seaside views and colorful harbor towns. Alternatively, stay in Genoa to explore more of its Old Town or relax at your hotel. This evening, come together with your fellow travelers to share stories and enjoy dinner in the city.
An elegant neoclassical building facade with Italian flag in Genoa, Italy.Genoa
Enjoy another day in Genoa with the option to discover more of the Ligurian coast. You may choose to join an Optional Experience Cinque Terre Coastal Highlights. Explore with a Local Specialist, taking in seaside views and colorful harbor towns. Alternatively, stay in Genoa to explore more of its Old Town or relax at your hotel. This evening, come together with your fellow travelers to share stories and enjoy dinner in the city.
Map showing Genoa
Day 14Uncover Pisa and on to FlorenceTraveling south through the scenery of Tuscany, you'll arrive in Pisa to view its famous Leaning Tower before continuing to the Renaissance city of Florence. This afternoon is yours at leisure to wander through the grand squares and labyrinthine lanes of Florence, whose connection with the Medici family saw this city become one of the world's most cultural centers. Consider a visit to the Academy of Fine Arts to see the Michelangelo's statue of David, amble along the Arno River or ascend the stone steps up to Piazzale Michelangelo for spectacular views of the city.
Traveling south through the scenery of Tuscany, you'll arrive in Pisa to view its famous Leaning Tower before continuing to the Renaissance city of Florence. This afternoon is yours at leisure to wander through the grand squares and labyrinthine lanes of Florence, whose connection with the Medici family saw this city become one of the world's most cultural centers. Consider a visit to the Academy of Fine Arts to see the Michelangelo's statue of David, amble along the Arno River or ascend the stone steps up to Piazzale Michelangelo for spectacular views of the city.
Day 15Discover Renaissance FlorenceJoin a Local Specialist this morning to view the city's finest masterpieces – the magnificent Duomo, Giotto's Bell Tower and the 13th-century Santa Croce Basilica, the final resting place of Michelangelo, Galileo and Machiavelli. Later, learn about the quality and workmanship of two of this city's historic industries at demonstrations of Florentine leathercraft and 18-carat gold. Then, spend the rest of the afternoon as you wish. Walk across the Ponte Vecchio which has straddled the Arno River for almost 700 years, or wander through the Renaissance Boboli Gardens, stopping for a slice or two of schiacciata along the way.
Join a Local Specialist this morning to view the city's finest masterpieces – the magnificent Duomo, Giotto's Bell Tower and the 13th-century Santa Croce Basilica, the final resting place of Michelangelo, Galileo and Machiavelli. Later, learn about the quality and workmanship of two of this city's historic industries at demonstrations of Florentine leathercraft and 18-carat gold. Then, spend the rest of the afternoon as you wish. Walk across the Ponte Vecchio which has straddled the Arno River for almost 700 years, or wander through the Renaissance Boboli Gardens, stopping for a slice or two of schiacciata along the way.
Day 16All Roads Lead to RomeToday journey past the sprawling vineyards of Chianti and beneath the hill-towns of Umbria before arriving in Rome. This evening, savor an Italian dinner and raise a glass to your journey with signature Roman dishes crafted from family recipes passed down through four generations.
The Colosseum stands majestically amidst bustling Rome, an iconic remnant of ancient architecture.Rome
Today journey past the sprawling vineyards of Chianti and beneath the hill-towns of Umbria before arriving in Rome. This evening, savor an Italian dinner and raise a glass to your journey with signature Roman dishes crafted from family recipes passed down through four generations.
Map showing Rome
Day 17Journey HomeRomeYour epic encounter with Italy has come to an end. Say arrivederci to Rome and your newfound friends at the end of your Grand Italian Experience.
Captivating wide-angle shot of Rome's iconic Colosseum with a serene sunset backdrop.Rome
Your epic encounter with Italy has come to an end. Say arrivederci to Rome and your newfound friends at the end of your Grand Italian Experience.
Map showing Rome

Discover Italy

A glimpse of the destination you'll explore.

Picturesque landscape of Lake Garda with a distant island under a summer sky.
Overcast day in Tuscan hills featuring cypress trees and traditional stone house.
A picturesque town nestled by cliffs on the Amalfi Coast, Italy.
Picturesque view of Tuscany's rolling hills, vineyards, and Italian villas under a clear summer sky.
Beautiful view of Ponte Sant'Angelo spanning the Tiber River in Rome, Italy under a clear sky.

Upcoming departures

DatesPrice / personAvailability
18 Jun 20264 Jul 2026CAD 6,588AvailableBook my trip
Operated by Trafalgar

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