The Splendors of Italy

The Splendors of Italy

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9 Days From

$1880

$1724

The Splendors of Italy

9 Days Starting and ending in Rome, Italy

Visiting: Arrive In Rome, Italy, Rome, Orvieto, Siena, San Gimignano, Greve, Montecatini, Montecatini. Excursion To Florence, Pisa, Venice Area, Assisi

Tour operator:

Cosmos

Tour code:

6400-2025

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Tour operated in:

English
From: $1880 $1724 Barrhead discount: -$157

NB: Prices correct on 25-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

You’ve dreamed about Italy—its magnificent architecture, majestic cathedrals, ancient ruins, world-class art, sumptuous cuisine and wine, and relaxing cafés—and now it is your time to experience it. On this affordable Italy tour, explore the most famous cities and discover the unique sights as you visit Rome, Siena, Montecatini, and Venice. This affordable Italy tour offers the opportunity to step back in time. Imagine what life was like in Rome 2,000 years ago, as the city was the political, social, and trading center of the Roman Empire. Imagine life during the Middle Ages as you explore San Gimignano’s medieval squares, town walls, streets, alleyways, and 14 towers still standing. Fast forward to Renaissance times with a walking tour of Florence, featuring beautiful Piazza Signoria, the hub of the city’s social and political life since the 14th century. Discover some of Italy’s magnificent cathedrals: in Vatican City, wonder at the masterful St. Peter’s Basilica and square; in Orvieto, the Cathedral is a great example of Gothic architecture in Italy; in Assisi, where St. Francis was born, the world-famous Romanesque and Gothic Basilica is a permanent exhibition of Giotto’s frescoes. Discover Pisa’s Square of Miracles—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—with its three famous buildings (Leaning Tower, Cathedral, and Baptistery) that have historically been central to religious life. From a more secular viewpoint, experience a wine tasting in Greve, the capital of Chianti, and visit Venice, reaching St. Mark’s Square by boat. Witness Venetian glassblowers creating works of art just as they did centuries ago, and spend free time admiring the crisscrossing canals, the legendary gondolas passing under the arched bridges, the palaces, and the quaint piazzas. All of this and more—including views of the most scenic Italian landscapes—are included on this fabulous Italy vacation designed for the value-minded travel lover.

Highlights

  • Explore the ancient capital of Rome

  • Visit the black basalt and travertine cathedral in Orvieto

  • Discover the medieval squares and towers of San Gimignano

  • Enjoy wine tasting in the heart of the Chianti vineyards in Greve

  • Admire the Renaissance beauty of Florence

  • See the Leaning Tower of Pisa in the Square of Miracles

  • Take a boat ride to St. Mark’s Square in Venice

  • Visit the upper and lower basilicas in Assisi

Places You'll See

Grand Fleming Hotel

Executive

Settentrionale Esplanade

Poppi

Cristoforo Colombo

The Colosseum, Rome

Itinerary

Expand All

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 with the help of the CosmosGO app. 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, changes to the Rome program cannot be excluded.

Day 3: Rome,Orvieto,Siena

Location: Rome, Orvieto, Siena

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Journey to charming Orvieto in the Umbria region to visit the black basalt and travertine cathedral, an excellent example of Italian Gothic architecture. Reach Siena, with time to visit this Tuscan jewel. The focal point of the town is Piazza del Campo, a special square, famed all over the world for its medieval-style Palio horse race. Today’s Distance: 152 mi/ 245 km

Day 4: Siena,San Gimignano,Greve,Montecatini

Location: Siena, San Gimignano, Greve, Montecatini

Meals Included: Breakfast

Arrive in San Gimignano and discover one of Tuscany’s greatest attractions. Its medieval squares, town walls, streets, alleyways, and 14 towers are truly unique. Continue into the very heart of the Chianti vineyards, where Chianti Classico wines are produced. Stop in Greve for wine tasting at a local wine estate. Everything tastes better in Tuscany! See for yourself with an optional culinary experience in the Tuscan countryside to indulge in authentic traditional dishes—with wine, of course.Today’s Distance: 109 mi/ 175 km

Day 5: Montecatini. Excursion To Florence

Location: Montecatini. Excursion To Florence

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Florence, the Renaissance gem and city of the Medicis, will keep you enthralled the entire day. Wander at leisure and admire the city’s timeless beauty. Don’t miss out on the included walking tour with a Local Guide, which features special city highlights. You will see Piazza Santa Croce; beautiful Piazza Signoria; Palazzo Vecchio; Loggia dei Lanzi; and, to top it all, Piazza del Duomo and its cathedral with the Giotto Campanile, and the magnificent East Doors of the Baptistry, known as the “Gates of Paradise.” Today’s Distance: 62 mi/ 100 km

Day 6: Montecatini,Pisa,Venice Area

Location: Montecatini, Pisa, Venice Area

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning, drive to Pisa and enjoy a mini-train ride to the impressive Square of Miracles with the amazing Leaning Tower—180 feet high and approximately 4 degrees out of the perpendicular. Head across the wooded Apennine hills into the farmlands of the Po Valley to the Venice area. Do you believe in magic? An optional evening boat ride on Giudecca Canal, dinner in a local restaurant, and St. Mark’s square at night will remove all doubt!Today’s Distance: 236 mi/ 380 km

Day 7: Venice Area

Location: Venice Area

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Venice is more like a magical film set than a real-life city, with its crisscrossing canals, gondolas and water buses, arched bridges, palaces, and piazzas. Your 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 create their delicate works of art as they did centuries ago. Enjoy free time at leisure or join an optional excursion like a Venetian gondola ride through iconic canals with a local troubadour to serenade you.

Day 8: Venice Area,Assisi,Rome

Location: Venice Area, Assisi, Rome

Meals Included: Breakfast

Travel across the Po Delta, then into the green Apennines to Umbria. Stop in medieval Assisi, where St. Francis was born in 1182. Visit the town and the upper and lower basilicas with a Local Guide, then head for Rome. Today’s Distance: 317 mi/ 510 km

Day 9: Rome

Location: Rome

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Stay at the Grand Fleming Hotel, Hotel Executive, Settentrionale Esplanade, and Hotel Poppi.

  • Meals

    Buffet breakfasts daily and 3 dinners are included.

  • Guided Tours

    Included guided tours in Rome, Florence, and Assisi.

  • Wine Tasting

    Wine tasting at a local wine estate in Greve.

  • Transportation

    Transportation between cities and attractions as per the itinerary.

  • UNESCO Sites

    Visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Assisi, Florence, Rome, San Gimignano, Siena, Pisa, Montecatini, Vatican City, and Venice.

What's Not Included

  • Optional Excursions

    Optional excursions such as the gondola trip in Venice are not included.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.

  • Flights

    International and domestic flights to and from the starting and ending points are not included.

  • Gratuities

    Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.

Meals

Buffet breakfasts daily; 3 dinners

UNESCO Sites

Assisi (the Basilica of San Francesco)|Historic Centre of Florence|Historic Centre of Rome|Historic Centre of San Gimignano|Historic Centre of Siena|Piazza del Duomo Pisa|The great Spa Towns of Europe - Montecatini|Vatican City

Accommodation

Rome:Grand Fleming Hotel
Siena:Executive
Montecatini:Settentrionale Esplanade
Venice Area:Poppi
Rome:Cristoforo Colombo

Notes

Rome - the 2025 Jubilee Year events may necessitate changes in the sequence of activities or the omission of certain events/places. Every effort will be made to follow the itinerary, but it may be subject to change.

For operational reasons, schedule changes to the Rome program cannot be excluded.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?

    You will stay in a variety of hotels, including the Grand Fleming Hotel in Rome, the Hotel Executive in Siena, the Settentrionale Esplanade in Montecatini Terme, the Hotel Poppi on the Riviera del Brenta, and the American Palace Eur in Rome. These hotels offer modern amenities, including multilingual staff, traditional Tuscan cuisine, free Wi-Fi, and convenient locations.

  • What activities are included in the tour of Rome?

    In Rome, you will start with an introduction to the city's landmarks from St. Peter's Square with a Local Guide. You will enjoy a drive along the Tiber River, the Caius Cestius Pyramid, the Aurelian Walls, and the Caracalla Baths. The tour also includes a walk from the Circus Maximus to the Arch of Constantine and the Colosseum.

  • What can I expect to see in Siena?

    In Siena, you will have time to visit the town's focal point, Piazza del Campo, which is famous for its medieval-style Palio horse race. The town is a Tuscan jewel with a rich history and beautiful architecture.

  • Will there be any wine tasting opportunities during the tour?

    Yes, you will have the opportunity to stop in Greve, located in the heart of the Chianti vineyards, for wine tasting at a local wine estate.

  • What are the highlights of the visit to Florence?

    In Florence, you will have an included walking tour with a Local Guide, featuring highlights such as Piazza Santa Croce, Piazza Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio, Loggia dei Lanzi, Piazza del Duomo, the Giotto Campanile, and the magnificent East Doors of the Baptistry, known as the 'Gates of Paradise.'

  • What will I see in Pisa?

    In Pisa, you will enjoy a mini-train ride to see the impressive Square of Miracles, which includes the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, standing 180 feet high and approximately 4 degrees out of the perpendicular.

  • What is included in the Venice tour?

    In Venice, your tour includes a boat ride to St. Mark's Square, time at leisure, and a chance to watch Venetian glassblowers create their delicate works of art. Optional excursions, such as a gondola trip with a local troubadour to serenade you, are also available.

  • What will I experience in Assisi?

    In Assisi, you will visit the town where St. Francis was born in 1182. The tour includes visits to the upper and lower basilicas with a Local Guide.

  • What meals are included in the tour?

    The tour includes buffet breakfasts daily and three dinners.

  • Are there any UNESCO World Heritage Sites included in the tour?

    Yes, the tour includes visits to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the Historic Centre of Rome, the Historic Centre of Florence, the Historic Centre of San Gimignano, the Historic Centre of Siena, Piazza del Duomo in Pisa, the great Spa Towns of Europe in Montecatini, Vatican City, and Venice and its Lagoon.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1961

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Reviews of this operator

Mrs Susan Hyland  

We have just returned from a Cosmos…

28-Sep-2022

We have just returned from a Cosmos tour- Gourmet Tuscany. We stayed in Montecatini Terme and traveled from there to many wonderful places, in towns and the fabulous Tuscan countryside. We visit Vineyards for wine tastings, farms for cooking lessons and lunches and dinners in authentic Italian restaurants. All assisted by a friendly, informative tour director. First class holiday

Trustpilot
Rick  

Excellent in every respect

08-Dec-2022

I recently did a 2-week "best of Italy" tour with this company. Our guide, Daniella, was fantastic, the itinerary was excellent and they catered for my rather difficult dietary requirements really well. Really happy and will certainly book with them again

Trustpilot
John Lomanno  

A wonderrful experience

09-Nov-2022

WE saw so much. The tour director Mladin was very knowledgeable and made the experience so enjoyable. The bus driver Paul was so nice and helpful. A couple of the hotels had no refrigerators to keep the water cold. We had to carry our own luggage to and from the rooms. There should have been porters to help us. Over all we had a great time.

Trustpilot
Bruce  

Old South &Florida tour

27-Oct-2022

Great organisation, tour guide(Kris) and driver(Tony) who went extra mile and good group of people from all over world. The hotels were excellent in New Orleans and Nashville and very good in other cities. The itinerary was well thought out with visits to Gracelands and Grande ole Oprey topping the bill. We added 3extra nights in New Orleans (giving us 6nights) which was absolutely fab and would advise anyone doing this tour that they consider some extra nights to see and do as much as you can

Trustpilot
Francine Ramos  

The tour director expertise and…

18-Dec-2022

The tour director expertise and personality made the trip all the more pleasant. No stress. The local guides as well added to the beauty of this trip. They were knowledgeable and personable. I also have to mention the travelers (the group of 21). The people were friendly an accommodating. This is my third trip with this tour company and I will continue to travel with this company due to excellent planning and customer service. Thank you

Trustpilot

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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.

  • 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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