11 Day Classic Italy & the Italian Riviera Tour
Description:
Itinerary:
Rome – Florence via Assisi & Siena
In the early morning from the Hotel St. Martin, depart at 7:15 a.m. by deluxe coach to Assisi, a charming medieval town enclosed by ancient walls. Visit the Basilica of St. Francis, renowned for its frescoes by Giotto and Cimabue, followed by lunch in Assisi. Continue to Siena, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its shell-shaped Piazza del Campo and the historic Palio horse race. Later, journey through the picturesque Tuscan countryside en route to Florence. Upon arrival, check into your hotel.
Accommodation at the Hotel Raffaello, Florence, or similar
Meals: Lunch
Florence Highlights
Explore Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance. Visit the iconic Duomo with Brunelleschi’s magnificent Dome, Giotto’s Bell Tower, and the Baptistery. Continue to Piazza della Signoria, the historic Palazzo Vecchio, and the Basilica of Santa Croce. Enjoy lunch in a traditional Tuscan restaurant. In the afternoon, choose between leisure time to explore the city on your own or an optional excursion to Pisa, home to the famous Leaning Tower and Piazza dei Miracoli. Dinner is at your leisure.
Accommodation at the Hotel Raffaello, Florence, or similar
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Florence – Venice via Bologna
After breakfast in Florence, depart for Bologna. Explore the historic city center, renowned for its elegant porticos and landmarks such as Piazza del Nettuno and the Basilica of San Petronio. Experience Bologna’s rich culinary tradition with a light street food lunch at a local eatery, featuring both traditional and contemporary specialties. In the afternoon, continue to Venice. Upon arrival, check into your hotel.
Accommodation at the Hotel B&B Venezia Laguna (Tronchetto area), Hotel Delfino 4* (Mestre area), Venice, or similar
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Venice Highlights
Transfer to Piazza San Marco and discover the highlights of Venice on a guided walking tour. Admire the exterior of the Doge’s Palace and cross the iconic Bridge of Sighs. After the tour, enjoy a glass of spritz or prosecco paired with cicchetti, traditional Venetian snacks. Take time to relax and soak in the unique atmosphere. In the afternoon, explore Venice at your leisure—wander along scenic canals, browse artisan shops, or uncover the city’s hidden corners. Return to your hotel.
Accommodation at the Hotel B&B Venezia Laguna (Tronchetto area), Hotel Delfino 4* (Mestre area), Venice, or similar
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Venice – Milan
After breakfast, transfer from your hotel to the train station. Board the designated train independently for your journey to Milan. Upon arrival at the Milan train station, meet your driver for your included transfer to the hotel. Check in and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.
Accommodation at the Hotel Concorde, Milan, or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Bernina Express Experience
After breakfast, meet your driver and head to St. Moritz, where you’ll have some free time to explore this elegant alpine resort town. Then, board the Bernina Express for one of the world’s most breathtaking train journeys through the Swiss Alps. Enjoy spectacular views of alpine villages, dramatic tunnels, and soaring mountain peaks as you cross the Bernina Pass toward Tirano. Upon arrival, your driver will be waiting to transfer you back to Milan for the evening.
Accommodation at the Hotel Concorde, Milan, or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Milan Highlights
After breakfast, enjoy some free time to explore Milan at your own pace. In the afternoon, meet your local guide for a three-hour walking tour through the heart of the city. Begin at Porta Venezia, a historic gate with roots dating back to Roman and medieval times, and stroll along Corso Venezia. Walk through the Giardini Indro Montanelli, pass by the Galleria d’Arte Moderna, and continue along Viale Manzoni. From the outside, admire the iconic Teatro alla Scala and the magnificent Milan Cathedral (Duomo). The tour concludes at the Castello Sforzesco, a grand medieval fortress, followed by a relaxing aperitivo. Enjoy free time before returning to your hotel.
Accommodation at the Hotel Concorde, Milan, or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Milan – Liguria: Portofino & Local Flavors
Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel before departing Milan by coach to the Liguria region. Visit Santa Margherita Ligure, known as La Perla del Tigullio, situated between the sea and the mountains. Continue by boat to glamorous Portofino, famous for its boutiques and colorful streets. In the afternoon, travel to Sestri Levante for a local food and wine tasting experience, then arrive in La Spezia for an overnight stay.
Accommodation at the CDH Hotel La Spezia, La Spezia, or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Cinque Terre Exploration
After breakfast, set out on a memorable journey to the Cinque Terre—Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore—five picturesque villages nestled between dramatic cliffs and verdant hills. Travel by bus to Levanto, then explore the Cinque Terre by local train, with free time to enjoy lunch at your own pace. Return to La Spezia in the afternoon for an overnight stay.
Accommodation at the CDH Hotel La Spezia, La Spezia, or similar
Meals: Breakfast
La Spezia – Venice: Ferrari & Flavors of Modena
Enjoy breakfast before heading inland through the scenic countryside. Stop in Maranello for a guided visit to the iconic Ferrari Museum. Continue to a traditional acetaia near Modena to learn about Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale and enjoy a tasting paired with local specialties over lunch. In the afternoon, journey northeast to Venice. Arrive by early evening, check into your hotel, and enjoy free time.
Accommodation at the Hotel B&B Venezia Laguna (Tronchetto area), Hotel Delfino (Mestre area), Venice, or similar
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Departure from Venice
Arrivederci! Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before your included transfer to the airport.
Meals: Breakfast
Inclusions:
- Accommodation in standard-level hotels
- Daily breakfast
- Professional services of an experienced English-speaking tour escort
- Visits and tours with English-speaking local guides as outlined in the itinerary
- Visits to Assisi, Siena, and Bologna
- Guided tours in Florence, Venice, and Milan
- Lunch in Assisi
- Gastronomic experience in Bologna
- Spritz & Cicchetti tasting experience in Venice
- Departure transfer from the hotel in Venice to the train station
- Train ticket from Venice to Milan (standard class)
- Arrival transfer from the train station to the hotel in Milan
- Scenic Bernina Express train journey through the Swiss Alps
- Welcome Happy Hour in Milan
- Cinque Terre Card for access to trails and transportation
- Visits to Portofino and the Cinque Terre villages
- Wine tasting with local gastronomic specialties in Sestri Levante
- Traditional Acetaia experience and lunch in Modena
- Guided visit to the Ferrari Museum in Maranello
- Spritz & Cicchetti tasting experience in Venice
- Departure transfer from the hotel to Venice Airport
- Complimentary Wi-Fi on board to be in touch with family and friends
- Headsets to follow the information provided by the tour leader and local guides
- Stretch your legs with extra legroom on the coaches! More space is provided on board to pamper travelers with the most comfortable trip
Exclusions:
- International or domestic airfare
- Gratuities to guides and drivers
- Travel insurance
- Additional meals when not mentioned on the itinerary
- Entrance fees to monuments or museums when not mentioned on the itinerary
- Local city tax for overnight stays
- Visas required for entry into the country as necessary
- Anything of a personal nature or that is not mentioned in included
Optional activities:
- Airport Transfers
- Pre and Post Accommodation in Rome
- Upgrade your hotel in Venice on the breathtaking and romantic Venice island, near St. Mark’s Square and the Grand Canal
- Feel free to book these optional tours directly with the tour leader: Pisa Excursion, Venice by Night, and Gondola Ride in Venice
- For the Ancient Rome Tour, including visits to the Colosseum and museums in Florence (Accademia Gallery or Uffizi Gallery), we highly advise pre-booking. Please reach out to us to confirm availability and rates
- All optional excursions are subject to change and are based on availability