Italy Explorer (2025 Departures)
Italy Explorer (2025 Departures)
$4130
Italy Explorer (2025 Departures)
16 Days Starting and ending in Rome
Visiting: Rome, Orvieto, Venice, Venice, Lake Garda, Florence, Montecatini, Cinque Terre, Pisa, San Gimignano, Siena, Pompeii, Amalfi Coast, Matera, Alberobello, Taormina, Syracuse, Agrigento, Cefalù, Palermo
Tour operator:
Tour code:
ITX25
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
10 - 51
Age range:
10-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Experience La Bella Vita with this in-depth tour through Italy! Over 16 days, travel through stunning scenery, visit bustling cities, uncover ancient history and delight in delicious regional cuisine. Tick off Italy’s three art cities - Rome, Venice and Florence! Drive through the Tuscan countryside, spot the Leaning Tower of Pisa and experience the idyllic Cinque Terre. Tour Pompeii, soak up the sun on the Amalfi Coast, marvel at Matera and admire the Trulli of Alberobello. Explore Sicily with time in Taormina, Agrigento, Cefalù, Syracuse and Palermo. This is truly the ultimate Italy tour! If you're looking for a shorter tour of Italy, the first and second parts of this itinerary are available as individual tours - take a look at the Taste of Italy tour and Highlights of Southern Italy & Sicily tour.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Start Of Tour In Rome
Location: Rome
Meals Included: Dinner
Benvenuto in Italia! And welcome to the first day of this 16-day trip through Italy. This morning, meet your tour leader and fellow travellers at the hotel in Rome for an overview of the upcoming itinerary. Afterwards, get ready to experience Rome! Head into the city centre and enjoy some free time to grab lunch. Then, look forward to a guided tour of this iconic city that has seen the rise and fall of empires over centuries. See top sights including the Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Spanish Steps and more while learning about Rome’s captivating past. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at a local Roman restaurant and get to know your fellow travellers over some tasty Italian cuisine!
Walking tour of Rome: This city has so much to see and do, we can’t even list everything here! See the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Arch of Septimus Severus, the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, Piazza Navona (Fountain of the Quattro Fiumi), the Spanish Steps, and other attractions that make Rome a perennial favourite with travellers all over the world!
Welcome dinner: Celebrate the first night of your Italy tour with a welcome dinner! Join your tour leader and the rest of the Italy tour group, and head to a nearby local restaurant for a delicious dinner.
Day 2: Rome - Orvieto - Venice
Location: Rome, Orvieto, Venice
Meals Included: Breakfast
Bid Rome farewell this morning as the tour makes its way to another iconic Italian city - Venice! Driving through the beautiful Umbria region, stop in Orvieto on the way. This stunning city sits on a sheer vertical volcanic rock and the group will take a funicular to get to the city centre. Once at the top, take some time to explore. Discover Orvieto’s 14th-century cathedral, the Albornoz Fortress, the Papal Residence and more! Then, it’s time to head to Italy’s famous floating city. Arrive in Venice and enjoy a free evening to relax at the hotel or embark on the Venice by Night optional excursion and marvel at the sparkling night lights on a twilight water taxi cruise!
Funicular ride in historic Orvieto: Take a funicular up to the historic centre. Here, enjoy some free time to explore and see the sights, including the exquisite facade of the Cathedral of Orvieto.
Day 3: Venice: Free Day
Location: Venice
Meals Included: Breakfast
Look forward to a full day of exploring Venice to the fullest! Start off with an orientation tour with your tour leader and discover some of the top sights in Venice. The rest of the day is free to spend as you wish. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to tick a “Venice Gondola Ride” off your bucket list! This can be organised by your tour leader. Another exciting optional is the lagoon tour through the colourful islands of Murano and Burano which are known for glass-blowing and lace-making crafts respectively. Or, spend the day strolling through Venice at your own pace.
Orientation tour of Venice: Follow your tour guide to get your bearings in Venice before setting out on a full day of solo exploration.
Day 4: Lake Garda - Florence - Montecatini
Location: Lake Garda, Florence, Montecatini
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Italy is home to three “art cities'' - Rome, Venice and Florence. Today, get ready to tick Florence off the list! Travelling through the gorgeous Tuscany region, stop at Lake Garda on the way. As Italy’s largest lake, Lake Garda is renowned for its scenery which has inspired artists for generations! Later, arrive in Florence and set off on a tour with an expert local guide. Discover many historical and culturally significant landmarks and delve deep into the history of the “Jewel of the Renaissance”. Visit a local leather shop and see local craftsmen at work before enjoying some free time to explore on your own. Look forward to an included dinner in Florence before travelling to tonight’s accommodation in Montecatini.
Stop at Lake Garda: Stop at the gorgeous town of Sirmione on the shores of Lake Garda, the biggest lake in Italy, to take some keepsake photos.
Locally guided tour of Florence: See some of the cultural and historic sights that have made the city of Florence a favourite among travellers. Discover top sights including the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Ponte Vecchio, Piazza Della Signoria and the replica statue of David. Known as the ‘Jewel of the Renaissance’, Florence boasts a huge variety of important buildings and famous artworks.
Leather-making demonstration: Step inside the world of Italian leather crafting; visit a local leather shop and factory, Leonardo Leather and Gold, for insight into how bespoke Italian leather goods are produced. Italy has been famous for leather production for centuries!
Dinner at a restaurant in Florence: Join the group for a delicious meal at a local restaurant in Florence.
Day 5: Cinque Terre - Pisa - Montecatini
Location: Cinque Terre, Pisa, Montecatini
Meals Included: Breakfast
Hop back on the coach this morning and head to La Spezia. This port city in Liguria is the gateway to the idyllic Cinque Terre! This collection of five fishing villages is famous for its bright, colourful houses and dramatic coastal scenery. Cars are not allowed here, allowing for tranquil exploration on foot or rail. After snapping some unforgettable photos of this breathtaking area, get ready for another picture-perfect moment as the tour travels to the legendary Leaning Tower of Pisa! After exploring the Pisa Cathedral Complex, head back to the hotel. Tonight, why not join the Evening in Montecatini optional excursion for an orientation tour of this spa town and a three-course dinner at a local restaurant?
Explore Cinque Terre: Make your way along the cobbled walkways that link the five picturesque villages to experience life in the slow lane, as the locals do. This beautiful region is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and boasts some of the best seafood in Italy.
Visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa: See the famous architectural marvel up close, and take those must-have travel pictures. Be sure to get a classic picture of you ‘holding up’ the tower!
Day 6: San Gimignano - Siena - Rome
Location: San Gimignano, Siena, Rome
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Look forward to more Tuscan scenery today as the tour travels through the picturesque countryside featuring vineyards and rolling hills. Today’s first stop is the hilltop town of San Gimignano. This Tuscan walled town is nicknamed the “Town of Fine Towers” due to its impeccably preserved medieval tower houses. After an orientation tour and some free time, look forward to a Tuscan wine tasting! Then, it’s on to Siena. This UNSCO-listed city is famous for the Palio horse race which began in the 14th Century. Visit the Piazza del Campo, the city’s main square where the Palio takes place. Later this afternoon, travel back to Rome and enjoy an included dinner at the hotel.
Visit San Gimignano: Admire the stunning scenery and drink in the restful ambience of this stunning town. San Gimignano is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its 14 well-preserved medieval towers which create an unforgettable skyline. Here, enjoy a tasting of local wines in a beautiful setting.
Discover Siena: Siena is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for the Palio horse race. This bareback horse race has taken place since the 14th century in the main town square of Siena, and the 17 participants represent local families.
Day 7: Rome: Free Day
Location: Rome
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Welcome back to Rome! This free day offers the opportunity to experience more of this ancient city’s iconic landmarks and attractions. Join today’s optional excursion for a guided tour of the Colosseum and Roman Forum. A passionate local guide will uncover the history of these sites where gladiators, emperors and lions once walked! Or, set off on your own. Discover the Vatican City, the smallest country in the world and home to the Pope, visit a museum or do some shopping. The “Eternal City” is yours to explore as you wish! This evening, enjoy an included dinner with some new travellers who will be joining the second half of the tour.
Day 8: Rome - Pompeii - Amalfi Coast
Location: Rome, Pompeii, Amalfi Coast
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
The ancient wonders continue as we depart Rome for Pompeii this morning. Look forward to an informative guided tour of the ruins of Pompeii and admire the towering Mount Vesuvius in the distance. Learn all about this volcano’s catastrophic eruption in 79 AD which preserved Pompeii under layers of ash and pumice. Enjoy an included lunch in Pompeii before travelling to the location for the next two nights - the awe-inspiring Amalfi Coast! Limoncello, a delicious lemon liquor, is famously produced in this region. Why not toast to Amalfi with some limoncello tonight?
See Mount Vesuvius and the ruins of Pompeii: See Mount Vesuvius, and stop off to explore the ancient ruins of Pompeii with a local guide. Pompeii was famously destroyed in 79 AD in a catastrophic volcanic eruption. Visiting this UNESCO World Heritage Site provides a fascinating insight into the ancient Roman Empire.
Day 9: Amalfi Coast: Free Day
Location: Amalfi Coast
Meals Included: Breakfast
Immerse yourself in the charm of the Amalfi Coast on this free day. Home to sunny skies, enchanting towns and sandy beaches, this region has so much to offer those who visit it. Today’s optional excursion to the Isle of Capri is highly recommended. Enjoy an orientation tour of Capri town, which is beloved and frequented by celebrities and high society, visit the Gardens of Augustus for jaw-dropping coastal views and take some free time to explore and have lunch. Then, embark on a private cruise and uncover the island’s dazzling blue waters and grottos! This day trip is certainly one to remember.
Day 10: Amalfi Coast - Matera - Alberobello
Location: Amalfi Coast, Matera, Alberobello
Meals Included: Breakfast
Continuing the journey through Southern Italy, travel southeast to Apulia in the heel of Italy’s boot. The first destination is the mesmerising city of Matera, known as "la Città Sotterranea" (the Subterranean City). Matera is home to the UNESCO-listed “Sassi” cave-dwelling districts. Here, enjoy an orientation tour and some free time to explore. Next, head to Alberobello - another UNESCO World Heritage Site! Look forward to a walking tour of this charming town with a local guide and admire the whitewashed “Trulli” houses that the region is famous for. Enjoy some free time in Alberobello this evening before travelling to tonight’s accommodation.
See the ancient cave city of Matera: Known as "la Città Sotterranea" (the Subterranean City), it is famous for its extensive cave-dwelling districts; the ‘Sassi’.
Walking tour of Alberobello: Discover the area’s beautiful 14th-century whitewashed stone huts that have iconic conical roofs, and are specific to the Itria Valley, with a local guide.
Day 11: Alberobello - Taormina
Location: Alberobello, Taormina
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today, Sicily awaits! After breakfast, drive to the ferry port and admire the coastal scenery on the way. Then, hop on the ferry and wave arrivederci to the Italian mainland. Arrive, get back on the coach and travel to Taormina, a spectacular hilltop town famously seen in the second season of The White Lotus! Join your tour leader on an orientation walk and spot some of the town’s highlights including the historic Porta Catania and the tranquil Villa Comunale. Tonight’s hotel is located right on the beach. Enjoy an included dinner at the hotel.
Ferry ride to Sicily: Take a scenic ferry ride to the island of Sicily; the home of Mount Etna. Admire the views as the ferry makes its way to Taormina.
Orientation tour of Taormina: Your tour guide will take the group on an orientation tour of this charming hilltop town. See top sights including the historic Porta Catania and the Villa Comunale. Explore more attractions on the free day tomorrow!
Dinner at a beachside hotel in Taormina: Taste authentic Sicilian cuisine and join the group for dinner at a restaurant overlooking the ocean.
Day 12: Taormina: Free Day
Location: Taormina
Meals Included: Breakfast
This free day in Taormina offers a variety of things to do. Today’s optional excursion offers a true highlight of the tour. The Mount Etna Day Trip will take you up to the base of this active volcano on a funicular. Then, walk in the volcanic ash with a local guide and be amazed by the unearthly scenery. Back on the ground, indulge in a delectable lunch full of produce and wine grown in volcanic soil at a local Enoteca. Back in Taormina, why not join the optional cruise to swim in the sea and admire the sunset after an unforgettable day?
Day 13: Taormina - Syracuse - Agrigento
Location: Taormina, Syracuse, Agrigento
Meals Included: Breakfast
The adventures in Sicily continue with a visit to Syracuse this morning. Founded as a Greek colony in 734 BC, this historic city is home to a UNESCO-listed centre, impressive Baroque buildings and an excellent food market. After an orientation tour, be sure to grab some local food for lunch during your free time! Later, the tour makes its way to Agrigento. Here, another highlight of Sicily awaits - the “Valle dei Templi” (Valley of the Temples). A knowledgeable local guide will lead you through the archaeological site which is home to beautifully-preserved Magna Grecia architecture at sunset. Get your cameras ready!
Visit Syracuse: The historically significant Sicilian city of Siracusa (as the locals call it) is located on the southeast coast of Sicily. Syracuse was originally a Greek colony, and today is home to a number of Greek remains. Its Greek theatre dates back to the 5th century BC. Be transported back in time while meandering cobbled lanes, pavement cafes and baroque architecture. While here, shop locally-grown pistachios, almonds and sun-dried pachino (tomatoes).
Explore the Valley of the Temples: The ‘Valle dei Templi’ is a national monument of Italy and an archaeological site in Agrigento. The Valley includes the remains of seven temples built in the Doric style. It is famous for being home to incredible examples of Magna Grecia art and architecture.
Day 14: Agrigento - Cefalù - Palermo
Location: Agrigento, Cefalù, Palermo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Another Sicilian gem is on the agenda this morning! Leaving Agrigento, travel through central Sicily towards Cefalù. This quaint city is home to winding streets lined with boutiques and restaurants, a well-preserved Medieval cathedral and some of Italy’s dreamiest beaches! Join a local guide for a walking tour and lunch at a local restaurant. Or, explore on your own. In the afternoon, arrive in Palermo, Sicily’s capital! With over 2,700 years of history and an intriguing mix of cultures and architectural styles, Palermo is a sight to behold. Join a local guide for an insightful walking tour and see some of the city’s highlights including the Palermo Cathedral and the Piazza Pretoria. Tonight, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Visit Cefalù: Travel to the historic city of Cefalù where you have free time to find a place to enjoy lunch. This coastal city is famous for its incredible beaches as well as its Norman cathedral complete with soaring towers and Byzantine mosaics.
Walking tour of Palermo: Enjoy a guided walking tour of Palermo. Look out for popular attractions like the Piazza Indipendenza, Porta Nuova (The New Gate) and the Cathedral of Palermo.
Day 15: Palermo: Free Day
Location: Palermo
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a full free day in Palermo. Today’s optional excursion takes a deep dive into some of the city’s intriguing hidden gems. Uncover historically significant landmarks, artistic masterpieces and traditional Sicilian sweets. Alternatively, explore on your own and revisit some of the spots seen on the tour yesterday. Palermo is also home to bustling local markets which sell fresh and affordable local produce. These markets are a great place to grab lunch and get a last taste of Sicilian treats like arancini, caponata and cannoli! In the evening, the tour will make its way to the ferry port to catch an overnight ferry to Naples.
Day 16: End Of Tour In Rome
Location: Rome
Meals Included: Breakfast
Wake up aboard the ferry as it docks in Naples. Disembark and hop back on the coach to head back to Rome where the tour will come to an end this afternoon. Don’t forget to swap contact details with your newfound travel friends before bidding them one last arrivederci! Expat Explore wishes you a safe journey onwards and hopes to see you on tour with us again soon!
What's Included
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Accommodation
14 nights in 2, 3 & 4* hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms
1 night's accommodation in twin share cabin on ferry with private bathrooms
Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room/cabin (subject to availability) -
Transport
Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and toilet onboard
Overnight ferry from Palermo to Naples
Any public transport used as part of the tour days (excludes free days) -
Meals
15 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 6 Dinners*Vegetarian options available for all meals on request
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Experiences
Discover Rome on a guided walking tour
Enjoy a welcome dinner in Rome
Take a funicular ride to historic Orvieto
Experience the magic of Venice
Stop at Lake Garda; Italy’s biggest lake
Explore Florence; the “Jewel of the Renaissance”
Learn about the craft of Italian leather-making
Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in Florence
Explore the colourful villages of CinqueTerre
See the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa
Visit the gorgeous hill town of San Gimignano
Discover Siena, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
See Mount Vesuvius and explore the ruins of Pompeii
Visit Matera; an ancient cave city
Explore Alberobello; famous for its conical houses
Catch a scenic ferry from mainland Italy to Sicily
Discover Taormina; a hilltop town in Sicily
Enjoy dinner at a beachside hotel in Taormina
Visit Syracuse; a historic Sicilian city
Explore the Valley of the Temples
Visit Cefalù; home to Italy’s finest beaches
See the sights on a walking tour of Palermo
What's Not Included
International flights
Travel to the start point and from the endpoint is not included. We recommend using Skyscanner to find the best deals on international flights.
Travel insurance
For a relatively small price, travel insurance provides you with the peace of mind so that you can enjoy your tour without any worries.
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. Click here for more information.
Mode of Transport
- Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and toilet onboard
- Overnight ferry from Palermo to Naples
- Any public transport used as part of the tour days (excludes free days)
Accommodation
- 14 nights in 2, 3 & 4* hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms
- 1 night's accommodation in twin share cabin on ferry with private bathrooms
- Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room/cabin (subject to availability)
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.
Check out our Q&As
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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
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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 76 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 45 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 45 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
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.