Italian Delights
Italian Delights
$2260
Tour Overview
Looking for a taste of the sweet life? Livela bella vitaon this Italy tour! Visit Rome and stroll where ancient emperors and contemporary celebrities have walked. Admire Mount Vesuvius and discover Pompeii in its shadows. Explore Cinque Terre's five spectacular villages. Cruise the canals of Venice and take in the splendour of Italy's lake region. Admire Juliet's balcony in Verona and visit San Marino! Discover Rome, the Amalfi Coast and Venice on free days. Live the local Italian life, eating pasta and drinking wine as you go. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
DAY 1: Start of tour in Rome
Location: Rome
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
It's day one on tour, and Rome awaits! After arriving in Italy's capital this morning, check into the hotel before meeting up with your tour leader for a group welcome and orientation. After, head to the city for some free time! Explore the top attractions like Ancient Roman architecture, medieval structures and Renaissance masterpieces. Next, visit the Trevi Fountain and make a wish upon a coin to be fortunate enough to visit Rome again! This evening, head to a local restaurant for an included dinner before embarking on a guided city tour, including highlights such as the Pantheon and the Spanish Steps! ...more ...less
Discover Rome on a walking tour
Welcome dinner in Rome
DAY 2: Rome - Pompeii - Salerno
Location: Rome, Pompeii, Amalfi Coast
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Journey towards the shore today! Depart Rome and head to the Salerno province on the Amalfi Coast by way of Pompeii. Admire the iconic Mount Vesuvius on the road before discovering this ancient Roman city's well-preserved ruins caused by a disastrous volcanic eruption millennia ago. Next, sit down for an included lunch before travelling to the hotel in Salerno for the next two nights. Take the evening to soak in the splendour of the picturesque beaches and well-preserved historical centre! Or, experience the dazzling Cathedral and Old Town of Salerno on tonight’s optional excursion which includes a local dinner.See Mount Vesuvius; an ancient volcanoExplore the ancient ruins of Pompeii
DAY 3: Salerno: Free Day
Location: Amalfi Coast
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, discover the renowned Amalfi Coast and its coastal charm from Salerno. Use today's free time to explore the area at leisure, and be sure to look for small shops that specialise in lacework, ceramics and marquetry (the craft of creating spectacular artworks by applying pieces of veneer). Otherwise, set sail on an optional excursion and cruise along the stunning Amalfi Coast! Soak in the dramatic cliffs, charming streets, and elegant piazzas of Positano and Amalfi. Look forward to a delicious lunch before capping off the adventure with a visit to a limoncello factory and a historic paper museum.
DAY 4: Montecassino - Assisi
Location: Montecassino, Assisi
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Journey north to Assisi today as the tour departs the coast and heads to Montecassino. This incredible site is famous for the Abbey of Montecassino, picturesque hilled countrysides, the natural beauty of its vineyards and rivers, as well as intense World War II battles that devastated the town. Next, journey to the Umbria region and arrive in Assisi, a medieval town famous for the birth of St Francis in 1181. Take in the charm of one of Italy's most beloved pilgrimage sites and marvel at the historic churches and basilicas that appear almost just like they would have to St Francis nearly a thousand years ago. Tonight, enjoy an included dinner with the group.
Visit Montecassino; a famous abbey
Explore the ancient sites of Assisi; home of St Francis
DAY 5: San Marino - Venice
Location: San Marino, Venice
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Say goodbye to the spectacular sites of Assisi as the tour continues to Venice, with a stop in San Marino, Europe's third-smallest state, en route. San Marino was founded in the early 4th century by Saint Marinus and claims to be the world's oldest sovereign state to survive to this day. Now, it's a must-see destination and a beloved day trip for travellers who visit the area. Marvel at the scenic views and the Adriatic Sea from the hilltop where San Marino is located. After arriving in Venice early this evening, unwind at the hotel or choose to embark on the optional twilight water taxi cruise of the Venetian canals.
Visit San Marino; one of the oldest republics in Europe
DAY 6: Venice: Free Day
Location: Venice
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Spend this full day in Venice exploring at leisure. Don't miss out on the chance to experience an iconic Venetian gondola ride! Simply arrange with your tour leader. Additionally, we highly recommend the optional excursion venturing further into the lagoon with visits to the creative and colourful islands of Murano and Burano. For the ultimate day in Venice, choose to embark on both of today's optional excursions!
Experience the magic of Venice
DAY 7: Verona - Italian Lakes
Location: Verona, Lake Garda
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today's first stop is “fair Verona” for a sighting of the balcony where the iconic Shakespearean conversation between Romeo and Juliet took place. Not unlike the Shakespeare play, Verona has had its share of conflict, drama and romance since Roman times. During an orientation tour, be sure to stay on the lookout for the 2,000-year-old arena and the ancient city gates. Then, find out what it was about Italy that inspired DH Lawrence and Hemingway on a visit to the iconic Italian Lakes. After arriving in the scenic town of Sirmione on Lake Garda, explore at leisure for the rest of the evening.
Visit Juliet's balcony in Verona
Spend a night in the Italian Lake District
DAY 8: Cinque Terre - Pisa - Northern Tuscany
Location: Cinque Terre, Pisa, Northern Tuscany
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Depart the Italian Lakes region today and continue the journey to Cinque Terre - a truly spectacular Italian attraction. Cinque Terre comprises five idyllic towns on the Italian west coast - Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. Since the towns are linked by hiking trails and train tracks, it's an awe-inspiring area to discover on a walk or train ride. Spend a few hours here exploring. Then, head to the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa for some incredible photo opportunities! Conclude the day travelling to Northern Tuscany before settling in at tonight's hotel.
See the Leaning Tower of Pisa
Explore Cinque Terre’s picturesque villages
DAY 9: Florence - Northern Tuscany
Location: Florence, Southern Tuscany
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is another adventure-filled day on this Italian tour! After travelling to Florence this morning, enjoy an orientation tour with a local guide to see the beauty of the city and its awe-inspiring Renaissance art and architecture. Next, stop at a local Italian leather shop for a deep dive into leather crafting and discover why the fashion world has been dominated by Italian leather for ages. This afternoon, explore more of the city at leisure. Choose to embark on the Taste of Tuscany optional excursion for an incredible, traditional Tuscan culinary experience! After arriving at the hotel later, indulge in a complimentary Tuscan Aperitivo with top red and white wines plus local culinary delights.Explore the highlights of FlorenceWatch a leather-making demonstrationTaste Italian wine in Tuscany
DAY 10: San Gimignano - Siena - Rome
Location: San Gimignano, Siena, Rome
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today, traverse some of the world's most scenic terrains. As the journey continues, marvel at the Tuscan farms, vibrant vineyards and gorgeous olive groves. Today's first stop is the walled town of San Gimignano located on a hilltop. Admire the views of impressive Romanesque and Gothic architecture and 12 well-preserved tower houses in what's referred to as the “Town of Fine Towers”. Next, journey to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Siena, where the bi-annual Palio horse race is held in the piazza. Indulge in a wine tasting and antipasto pairing and head back to Rome thereafter. This evening, enjoy one last group dinner at the accommodation in Rome.
Marvel at the views in San Gimignano
Visit Siena; a popular Tuscan town home to the Palio horse race
Farewell dinner in Rome
DAY 11: Rome: Free Day
Location: Rome
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Spend today exploring more of Rome, the “Eternal City” of Italy! Embark on an optional tour of the captivating Colosseum and Roman Forum or a guided tour of the spellbinding Vatican Museums. Or, join a combo tour of both! These excursions must be booked prior to the start of the tour. Alternatively, use the free day to explore at leisure or take the time to tick off attractions like the Vatican City (home of the Pope), the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps. Take a deep dive into the city's top attractions or spend the day relaxing Italian-style - in a café or doing some shopping. This evening, choose to explore the historic sights of Trastevere and indulge in delicious Roman cuisine.
DAY 12: End of tour
Location: Rome
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Say “Arrivederci, Italia”today as this memorable 12-day Italian tour concludes after breakfast. Bid your new travel family farewell and remember to exchange contact details before returning home. We hope to see you on the road again soon!
What's Included
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Accommodation
11 nights hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms. The majority of our accommodations are of a 3- and 4-star standard, offering excellent value, comfort and convenience. Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room (subject to availability).
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Transport
Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and toilet onboard. Any public transport used as part of the tour (excludes free days).
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Tour Leader
Fully guided tour with experienced tour leader. Tour leader will accompany group throughout and manage all logistical details.
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Walking Tours
Walking tours of Rome and Florence with local guides.
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Guided Tour of Pompeii
Guided tour of the ancient ruins of Pompeii.
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Visit to Verona, Florence, and the Italian Lakes
Visit Verona, Florence, and the Italian Lakes.
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Traverse Cinque Terre
Traverse the picturesque Cinque Terre.
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Visit to Pisa
Marvel at the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa.
What's Not Included
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International flights
Travel to the start point and from the end point is not included.
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Travel insurance
All passengers travelling on an Expat Explore tour are required to have valid travel insurance cover and you are responsible for arranging your own insurance.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with a modern air-conditioned coach equipped with reclining seats and an onboard toilet. Public transport is also utilized during the tour, excluding free days, to ensure a seamless travel experience.
Accommodation
Enjoy 11 nights in comfortable 3- and 4-star hotels, with twin rooms featuring private bathrooms. Single travelers can opt for a private room with a supplement, subject to availability, ensuring a pleasant stay throughout the tour.
Traveller Comfort - *COACH* tours
We welcome all travellers on our tours but we would like to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible. In light of this, please ensure that you are happy with the below information and level of fitness required.
Expat Explore tries to be as accommodating as possible, however, our tours are unfortunately not designed for people travelling with wheelchairs or severe mobility issues.
Our tours are fast paced because they are designed for you to see the most a destination has to offer. We also want to ensure that you explore as much as possible, which may require long periods without stops on the coach as we drive to a new destination.
We offer walking tours in most cities (up to 3 hours), and a wheelchair is not always a practical option as there are often cobbled streets and stairs on these tours.
For travellers in wheelchairs, you will only be able to store your wheelchair under the coach with the other luggage. Thus, on the long drives between cities you will not necessarily have access to your wheelchair if we make a quick bathroom stop along the way. Please note that travelling with a wheelchair could prove difficult as our coaches don't have wheelchair lifts, as such you will need to be able to board and alight the coach on your own.
With regards to our accommodation, not all hotels have lifts and this means potentially having to carry bags up and down stairs.
For more information regarding traveller fitness please see our Terms and Conditions.
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Experiences
- Discover Rome on a walking tour
- Welcome dinner in Rome
- See Mount Vesuvius; an ancient volcano
- Explore the ancient ruins of Pompeii
- Visit Montecassino; a famous abbey
- Explore the ancient sites of Assisi; home of St Francis
- Visit San Marino; one of the oldest republics in Europe
- Experience the magic of Venice
- Visit Juliet's balcony in Verona
- Spend a night in the Italian Lake District
- See the Leaning Tower of Pisa
- Explore Cinque Terre’s picturesque villages
- Explore the highlights of Florence
- Watch a leather-making demonstration
- Taste Italian wine in Tuscany
- Marvel at the views in San Gimignano
- Visit Siena; a popular Tuscan town home to the Palio horse race
- Farewell dinner in Rome
Check out our Q&As
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What type of transport is used during the tour?
The tour uses a modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and a toilet onboard. Public transport may also be used as part of the tour, excluding free days.
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 11 nights of hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms. Most accommodations are of a 3- and 4-star standard, offering excellent value, comfort, and convenience. Single travelers have the option to pay a single supplement for a private room, subject to availability. ...more ...less
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour includes 11 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 4 dinners. Vegetarian options are available for all meals upon request.
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Is there a tour leader accompanying the group?
Yes, the tour is fully guided by an experienced tour leader who will accompany the group throughout and manage all logistical details.
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What are some of the key activities included in the tour?
The tour includes walking tours of Rome and Florence with local guides, a guided tour of the ancient ruins of Pompeii, and visits to Verona, Florence, and the Italian Lakes. It also includes traversing the picturesque Cinque Terre and marveling at the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa. ...more ...less
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Are there any optional excursions available during the tour?
Yes, there are optional excursions such as a visit to the Isle of Capri, a twilight water taxi cruise in Venice, and a Taste of Tuscany culinary experience.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
If you are travelling alone there is no compulsory charge - you will share a twin room with another passenger of the same gender. There is an optional single supplement/private room upgrade available for single travellers who wish to have a private room. This can be added at the time of booking or by contacting our team.
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Children on tour?
Our tours are not suitable for young children which is why we have a minimum age limit of 10 years old. However, at the discretion of Expat Explore we may consider younger children on certain tours if they meet certain criteria and a request is received in writing via email. Minors (between 10 and 18 years of age) must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who accepts full responsibility for them. Unaccompanied minors will not be accepted on tour. Expat Explore reserves the right to decline any booking at our discretion. Any minor (between 10 and 18 years of age) is priced the same as an adult.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
The health and safety of our travellers and employees are our top priority. Which means, when you travel with us, our enhanced hygiene protocols will ensure you do so in a safe and responsible way - ask for details of current policies.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 2005
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
At Expat Explore we value responsible travel and are committed to exploring the world consciously and kindly. We are proud to make responsible travel possible with a number of our sustainable travel practices!
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
Relate is a South African based not-for-profit organisation that Expat Explore supports. The group aims to help those less fortunate create better lives for themselves through a variety of fundraising initiatives. On our South Africa tours, each passenger will receive an Expat Explore branded Relate bracelet. We donate the cost of these bracelets to our chosen Relate charity: the Nelson Mandela Sc
Reviews from travellers on this tour
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Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Expat Explore Travel allows you to make 5 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 91 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
Expat Explore Travel requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of expat explore travel charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 20% of booking price.
At 44 days before tour starts: Forfeit 40% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Italian Delights
12 Days Starting and ending in Rome, Italy
Visiting: Rome, Pompeii, Amalfi Coast, Montecassino, Assisi, San Marino, Venice, Verona, Lake Garda, Cinque Terre, Pisa, Northern Tuscany, Florence, Southern Tuscany, San Gimignano, Siena ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
ITD
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
10 - 51
Age range:
10-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
