Italy's Best
Italy's Best
Italy's Best
14 Days Starting and ending in Rome, Metropolitan City of Rome, Italy
Visiting: Arrive In Rome, Italy, Rome, Pisa, Montecatini, Montecatini. Excursion To Florence, La Spezia, Cinque Terre, Genoa, Milan, Lake Maggiore, Lake Maggiore. Excursion To Lugano, Switzerland, Verona, Venice Area, Venice, Assisi, Foligno, Assisi Area, Pompeii, Sorrento Coast, Sorrento Coast. Boat Trip To Capri
Tour Overview
With its magnificent architecture, beautiful landscapes, sumptuous cuisine, ancient ruins, and brilliant art, Italy is a country like no other. On this affordable Italy’s Best tour, you’ll experience all of this and more. One of the tour’s highlights is the excursion to the Cinque Terre—five medieval seaside villages. The area is noted for its natural beauty with terraces built into the mountainside on cliffs that drop down into the sea. Delight in the unique charm of the area and take in the breathtaking views. On your journey through Tuscany, watch the undulating hills, terraced vineyards, olive groves, and rural villages. More stunning scenery awaits at Lake Maggiore, one of Italy’s largest lakes. Located on the edge of the Swiss Alps, it’s the perfect place to relax and soak in the beauty. Briefly cross the border into Switzerland to Lugano, a lakeside town with a Mediterranean flair. In southern Italy, witness magnificent views of the crystal-clear, blue sea in the vibrant town of Sorrento, and enjoy a day trip to Capri where the crashing sea has formed awe-inspiring caves. On this comprehensive Italy tour, history comes alive. Visit Pompeii, buried during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. This amazingly preserved archaeological site gives you a detailed insight into ordinary life at the peak of the Roman Empire. In Rome, during the city sightseeing tour with a local guide, see the main sights, as well as Vatican City with St Peter’s Basilica. In Genoa, boasting Europe’s largest medieval historical district, view the remains of the city’s 17th-century fortifications. Visit St Francis’ Basilica in Assisi, a medieval town set in the Umbrian hills. Guided city sightseeing tours are planned in Rome, Florence, Assisi, and Genoa. Your visit to Venice includes a boat trip to St Mark’s square to see the maze of canals forming this unique romantic city. These are just some of the many highlights of this affordable tour of Italy!
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Rome,Italy
Location: Arrive In Rome, Italy
Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore this ancient capital. This evening, meet your Tour Director and travel companions.ARRIVE IN ROME, ITALY Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore this ancient capital. This evening, meet your Tour Director and travel companions.
Day 2: Rome
Location: Rome
Meals Included: Breakfast
The “Eternal City” is steeped in history, vibrantly alive and exciting, and absolutely unique! Start the included introduction to Rome’s landmarks from St. Peter’s Square with a Local Guide. Enjoy a drive along the iconic landmarks of the city: the Tiber River, the Caius Cestius Pyramid, the Aurelian Walls, and the Caracalla Baths. Complete the experience with a walk back in time from the Circus Maximus to the Arch of Constantine and to the fascinating Colosseum, symbol of the Roman Empire.* * For operational reasons, schedule changes for the Rome program cannot be excluded.ROME The “Eternal City” is steeped in history, vibrantly alive and exciting, and absolutely unique! Start the included introduction to Rome’s landmarks from St. Peter’s Square with a Local Guide. Enjoy a drive along the iconic landmarks of the city: the Tiber River, the Caius Cestius Pyramid, the Aurelian Walls, and the Caracalla Baths. Complete the experience with a walk back in time from the Circus Maximus to the Arch of Constantine and to the fascinating Colosseum, symbol of the Roman Empire.* (B)* For operational reasons, schedule changes for the Rome program cannot be excluded.
Day 3: Rome,Pisa,Montecatini
Location: Rome, Pisa, Montecatini
Meals Included: Breakfast
Vistas of rolling hills, rows of cypress trees, terraced vineyards, olive groves, and rural villages form the backdrop of your journey through beautiful Tuscany. Stop in Pisa and take a mini-train ride to see the Square of Miracles with the amazing Leaning Tower. Arrive in Montecatini. Today’s Distance: 273 mi/ 440ROME–PISA–MONTECATINI Vistas of rolling hills, rows of cypress trees, terraced vineyards, olive groves, and rural villages form the backdrop of your journey through beautiful Tuscany. Stop in Pisa and take a mini-train ride to see the Square of Miracles with the amazing Leaning Tower. Arrive in Montecatini. Today’s Distance: 273 mi/ 440 (B)
Day 4: Montecatini. Excursion To Florence
Location: Montecatini. Excursion To Florence
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today, enjoy an included excursion to Florence. Your Local Guide will show you the city highlights on the walking tour. You will see Piazza Santa Croce; beautiful Piazza Signoria; Palazzo Vecchio and its courtyard and Loggia dei Lanzi. To top it all, marvel at the Piazza del Duomo and the Cathedral with the Giotto Campanile, and the magnificent East Doors of the Baptistry, known as the “Gates of Paradise.” Today’s Distance: 81 mi/ 130 kmMONTECATINI. EXCURSION TO FLORENCE Today, enjoy an included excursion to Florence. Your Local Guide will show you the city highlights on the walking tour. You will see Piazza Santa Croce; beautiful Piazza Signoria; Palazzo Vecchio and its courtyard and Loggia dei Lanzi. To top it all, marvel at the Piazza del Duomo and the Cathedral with the Giotto Campanile, and the magnificent East Doors of the Baptistry, known as the “Gates of Paradise.” Today’s Distance: 81 mi/ 130 km (B,D)
Day 5: Montecatini,La Spezia,Cinque Terre,Genoa
Location: Montecatini, La Spezia, Cinque Terre, Genoa
Meals Included: Breakfast
Travel towards La Spezia, where you’ll hop aboard the train to discover some of the five spectacular Cinque Terre villages. The beauty of the rugged cliffs and romantic fishing villages once inspired poet Lord Byron. From Levanto, re-join the coach and head towards Genoa, birthplace of explorer Christopher Columbus. Today’s Distance by coach: 149 mi/ 240 kmMONTECATINI–LA SPEZIA–CINQUE TERRE–GENOA Travel towards La Spezia, where you’ll hop aboard the train to discover some of the five spectacular Cinque Terre villages. The beauty of the rugged cliffs and romantic fishing villages once inspired poet Lord Byron. From Levanto, re-join the coach and head towards Genoa, birthplace of explorer Christopher Columbus. Today’s Distance by coach: 149 mi/ 240 km (B)
Day 6: Genoa,Milan,Lake Maggiore
Location: Genoa, Milan, Lake Maggiore
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today’s included guided tour is an excellent introduction to Genoa. A maze of squares and alleys, the city grew around the port, a natural inlet, and boasts the largest medieval historical district in Europe. Next, head north into the plains of Lombardy, and stop in Milan to marvel at its magnificent Gothic Duomo. Then, continue to Baveno on Lake Maggiore. Today’s Distance: 155 mi/ 250 kmGENOA–MILAN–LAKE MAGGIORE Today’s included guided tour is an excellent introduction to Genoa. A maze of squares and alleys, the city grew around the port, a natural inlet, and boasts the largest medieval historical district in Europe. Next, head north into the plains of Lombardy, and stop in Milan to marvel at its magnificent Gothic Duomo. Then, continue to Baveno on Lake Maggiore. Today’s Distance: 155 mi/ 250 km (B)
Day 7: Lake Maggiore. Excursion To Lugano,Switzerland
Location: Lake Maggiore. Excursion To Lugano, Switzerland
Meals Included: Breakfast
Time to relax and get to know Lake Maggiore, one of Italy’s largest lakes, located on the very edge of Alpine Switzerland. On clear days, you can see the peaks of the Alps. Take advantage of the included excursion to visit Lugano in Italian-speaking Swiss Canton Ticino. Today’s Distance: 124 mi/ 200 kmLAKE MAGGIORE. EXCURSION TO LUGANO, SWITZERLAND Time to relax and get to know Lake Maggiore, one of Italy’s largest lakes, located on the very edge of Alpine Switzerland. On clear days, you can see the peaks of the Alps. Take advantage of the included excursion to visit Lugano in Italian-speaking Swiss Canton Ticino. Today’s Distance: 124 mi/ 200 km (B)
Day 8: Lake Maggiore,Verona,Venice Area
Location: Lake Maggiore, Verona, Venice Area
Meals Included: Breakfast
Travel across the fertile Po River plain. Stop in the romantic city of Verona for some time at leisure being awed by the Roman Arena, perfectly preserved and still hosting concerts and festivals during the summer, shopping, or tasting some of the excellent local wines. Continue to the Venice area. Today’s Distance: 236 mi/ 380 kmLAKE MAGGIORE–VERONA–VENICE AREA Travel across the fertile Po River plain. Stop in the romantic city of Verona for some time at leisure being awed by the Roman Arena, perfectly preserved and still hosting concerts and festivals during the summer, shopping, or tasting some of the excellent local wines. Continue to the Venice area. Today’s Distance: 236 mi/ 380 km (B)
Day 9: Venice
Location: Venice
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Venice is more like a romantic film set than a real-life city, with its crisscrossing canals, gondolas and water buses, arched bridges, palaces, and piazzas. The included orientation starts with a boat ride to St. Mark’s Square, and is followed by time at leisure and a chance to watch Venetian glassblowers fashion their delicate objects as they did centuries ago. Don’t miss out on the optional gondola trip, gliding along the picturesque canals with a local troubadour to serenade you.VENICE Venice is more like a romantic film set than a real-life city, with its crisscrossing canals, gondolas and water buses, arched bridges, palaces, and piazzas. The included orientation starts with a boat ride to St. Mark’s Square, and is followed by time at leisure and a chance to watch Venetian glassblowers fashion their delicate objects as they did centuries ago. Don’t miss out on the optional gondola trip, gliding along the picturesque canals with a local troubadour to serenade you. (B,D)
Day 10: Venice Area,Assisi,Foligno
Location: Venice Area, Assisi, Foligno
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Enjoy an interesting drive southward right across the Po Delta, through the Emilia-Romagna region to Assisi, enclosed by ramparts and little changed since the Middle Ages. This is the town of the deeply mystical and poetic St. Francis. See the Basilica of St. Francis with its famous frescoes by Giotto, with history brought to life by a Local Guide. Overnight in Foligno, a town in the green heart of the Umbria region.Today’s Distance: 249 mi/ 400 kmVENICE AREA–ASSISI–FOLIGNO Enjoy an interesting drive southward right across the Po Delta, through the Emilia-Romagna region to Assisi, enclosed by ramparts and little changed since the Middle Ages. This is the town of the deeply mystical and poetic St. Francis. See the Basilica of St. Francis with its famous frescoes by Giotto, with history brought to life by a Local Guide. Overnight in Foligno, a town in the green heart of the Umbria region.Today’s Distance: 249 mi/ 400 km (B,D)
Day 11: Assisi Area,Pompeii,Sorrento Coast
Location: Assisi Area, Pompeii, Sorrento Coast
Meals Included: Breakfast
Travel to Pompeii, where time stopped for the rich, aristocratic town with the terrible eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD. On the included guided visit of the archaeological site, see the remains of luxurious villas, temples, theatre, and forum. Carry on to Sorrento, set on a plateau above the waters of the Bay of Naples. Wander the winding streets lined with shops and stalls, and sit with a glass of wine, absorbing the easy-going lifestyle of this charming resort.Today’s Distance: 273 mi/ 440 kmASSISI AREA–POMPEII–SORRENTO COAST Travel to Pompeii, where time stopped for the rich, aristocratic town with the terrible eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD. On the included guided visit of the archaeological site, see the remains of luxurious villas, temples, theatre, and forum. Carry on to Sorrento, set on a plateau above the waters of the Bay of Naples. Wander the winding streets lined with shops and stalls, and sit with a glass of wine, absorbing the easy-going lifestyle of this charming resort.Today’s Distance: 273 mi/ 440 km (B)
Day 12: Sorrento Coast. Boat Trip To Capri
Location: Sorrento Coast. Boat Trip To Capri
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Enjoy a day trip to the legendary island, surrounded by a rocky coastline where the crashing sea has formed awe-inspiring caves. The town with its pretty piazzetta, maze of streets, fashionable boutiques, and inviting restaurants, is a mecca for the jet set. Explore on your own or take an optional island tour.SORRENTO COAST. BOAT TRIP TO CAPRI Enjoy a day trip to the legendary island, surrounded by a rocky coastline where the crashing sea has formed awe-inspiring caves. The town with its pretty piazzetta, maze of streets, fashionable boutiques, and inviting restaurants, is a mecca for the jet set. Explore on your own or take an optional island tour. (B,D)
Day 13: Sorrento Coast,Rome
Location: Sorrento Coast, Rome
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, enjoy time at leisure or visit Positano on our exciting optional excursion, before returning to Rome. Today’s Distance: 168 mi/ 270 kmSORRENTO COAST–ROME Today, enjoy time at leisure or visit Positano on our exciting optional excursion, before returning to Rome. Today’s Distance: 168 mi/ 270 km (B)
Day 14: Rome
Location: Rome
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.ROME Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
What's Included
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Accommodation
Stay in a selection of handpicked hotels throughout your journey, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
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Fully Guided
Benefit from the knowledge and insights of experienced guides who will accompany you throughout the tour, making your experience more enriching.
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Meals
Enjoy daily buffet breakfasts and 4 dinners, offering a taste of the local cuisine and specialties.
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Transportation
Travel comfortably between the scenic locations in Italy, including rides on a mini-train in Pisa and a boat to St. Mark’s Square in Venice.
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Excursions
Take part in various excursions, including visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, archaeological sites, and beautiful natural landscapes.
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
Tipping for guides and drivers is not included and is at your discretion.
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International Travel
International flights to and from the start and end point of the tour are not included.
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Optional Excursions
Some excursions and activities outside of the planned itinerary may incur additional costs.
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Personal Expenses
Expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, minibar, and other personal expenses are not covered.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is highly recommended but not included.
Please arrange for coverage before your trip.
UNESCO Sites
Archeological Site of Pompeii|Assisi (the Basilica of San Francesco)|Cinque Terre|City of Verona|Early Christian monuments of Ravenna|Genoa old city and Palazzi dei Rolli|Historic Centre of Florence|Historic Centre of Rome - various properties Vatican City|Piazza del Duomo Pisa|The great Spa Towns of Europe - Montecatini|Vatican City|Venice and its Lagoon
Meals
Buffet breakfast daily; 4 dinners
Accommodation
Rome:BV Oly HotelMontecatini:Ambasciatori PalaceGenoa:Starhotels PresidentLake Maggiore:SimplonVenice Area:PoppiAssisi Area:City Hotel & SuitesSorrento Coast:Central ParkRome:Grand Fleming Hotel
Check out our Q&As
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What are the highlights of the Italy's Best tour?
The highlights of the Italy's Best tour include exploring ancient Rome landmarks like St. Peter's Square, the Tiber River, the Caius Cestius Pyramid, the Aurelian Walls, the Caracalla Baths, the Circus Maximus, the Arch of Constantine, and the Colosseum. Discovering the beauty of Tuscany with a stop in Montecatini, experiencing the rugged cliffs and romantic fishing villages of Cinque Terre, relaxing at Lake Maggiore with an excursion to Lugano in Swiss Canton Ticino, and visiting the archaeological site of Pompeii along with a boat trip to the legendary island of Capri.
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What type of accommodations can I expect on this tour?
On the Italy's Best tour, you can expect a selection of handpicked hotels ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay. These include the BV Oly Hotel in Rome, Ambasciatori Palace in Montecatini, Starhotels President in Genoa, Simplon, Poppi, City Hotel & Suites, and Central Park. These accommodations offer amenities such as free Wi-Fi, contemporary dining options, seasonal swimming pools, and panoramic views over the surrounding areas.
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Are meals included in the Italy's Best tour?
Yes, meals are included in the Italy's Best tour. You will enjoy daily buffet breakfasts and 4 dinners, offering a taste of the local cuisine and specialties.
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What kind of transportation will be used during the tour?
During the Italy's Best tour, you will travel comfortably between the scenic locations in Italy, including rides on a mini-train in Pisa and a boat to St. Mark’s Square in Venice.
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What are the exclusions of the tour?
The exclusions of the tour include tipping and gratuities for guides and drivers, international flights to and from the start and end point of the tour, some excursions and activities outside of the planned itinerary that may incur additional costs, personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, minibar, and other personal expenses, and travel insurance which is highly recommended but not included.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1961
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Cosmos is committed to minimizing our impact on the environment and to reducing dependence on non-renewable resources. In this endeavor, we have implemented policies to support this mission and are working carefully to enhance our products with this mission and our values combined. We are committed to complying with all relevant legislation and/or regulations.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
All guests are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for travel through February, 2023. Beginning March 1, 2023, while we highly recommend vaccination, we will no longer require it. We ask all guests to comply with airline and destination requirements, which still may apply. To check your destination requirements for your travel dates, view the Latest Travel & Health Restrictions for Travel.
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Low Deposit
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Why book with Barrhead?
Fully Protected
All our holidays are fully financially protected.
Your flight & hotel package is fully ATOL protected.
Range
Our bespoke holidays are tailor-made to suit your personal requirements.
We can book flights, rail journeys, accommodation, cruises, attraction tickets and much more.
Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.
Expert Knowledge
We know because we go – our Touring & Adventure specialists have travelled to over 55 countries.
Reliable & unbiased advice from our trusted travel experts.
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We look after you every step of the way.