Bella Italia Escape

Bella Italia Escape

68 Views
9 Days From

$2325

$2072

Bella Italia Escape

9 Days Starting in Venice, Italy and ending in Sorrento, Italy

Visiting: Venice, Venice Island, Florence, Assisi, Rome, Sorrento

Tour operator:

Globus

Tour code:

KIEX-2024

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Small Group

From: $2325 $2072 Operator discount: -$253 -11%

NB: Prices correct on 21-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on the "Bella Italia Escape" and immerse yourself in Italy's rich cultural tapestry. Begin your journey in the enchanting Venice Island, where you'll enjoy a private boat ride and explore iconic landmarks like St. Mark's Square and the Doge's Palace. Capture the perfect photo at Pisa's Leaning Tower before delving into Florence's artistic treasures, including Michelangelo's David. Walk in the footsteps of St. Francis in Assisi, marvel at Rome's ancient wonders such as the Vatican Museums and the Colosseum, and uncover the secrets of Pompeii's archaeological site. Conclude your adventure in the picturesque town of Sorrento, savoring its stunning coastal views and vibrant local culture. This tour promises a blend of history, art, and breathtaking scenery, offering an unforgettable Italian experience.

Highlights

  • Private boat ride on the canals of Venice, including a guided walking tour of St. Mark’s Square, Doges’ Palace, and the Bridge of Sighs.

  • Photo opportunity near the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

  • Guided sightseeing in Florence, including Michelangelo’s David, Giotto’s Bell Tower, and the Baptistry’s Gates of Paradise.

  • Visit to the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi.

  • Guided tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Square and Basilica, and the Colosseum in Rome.

  • Guided walking tour of the excavations in Pompeii.

  • Orientation walk and free time in Sorrento, with a farewell dinner.

Places You'll See

Carlton On The Grand Canal

Grand Hotel Mediterraneo

Hotel Royal Firenze

Cenacolo

Starhotels Michelangelo

Grand Hotel Cesare Augusto

Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive In Venice Island,Italy

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Location: Venice

Accommodation Name: Carlton on the Grand Canal

Meals Included: Dinner

At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel.ARRIVE IN VENICE ISLAND, ITALY Welcome to Venice! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)

Day 2: Venice Island

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Location: Venice

Accommodation Name: Carlton on the Grand Canal

Meals Included: Breakfast

VENICE ISLAND Italian Beauties VENICE Take a private Boat Ride on the canals. Guided walking tour includes St. Mark’s Square and views of the Basilica, Doges’ Palace and the Bridge of Sighs. Glassblower demonstration and free time. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTHISTORIC SPOT Locals simply call Piazza San Marco “la piazza.” As paired with the smaller Piazzetta, it forms the social, religious, and political hub of Venice, which Napoleon called “the drawing room of Europe.” St. Mark’s Basilica dominates the square, offering visitors a spectacular view of the great arches, marble embellishments, and the Romanesque carvings of its façade. Also gracing the square is Doge’s Palace – a masterpiece of Venetian Gothic architecture. The enclosed Bridge of Sighs, connecting the palace with the prison, is named for the prisoners sighs at seeing their last view of the Rio di Palazzo on their walk to the prison rooms.

Day 3: Venice Island,Pisa,Florence

Location: Venice Island

Accommodation Name: Grand Hotel Mediterraneo

Meals Included: Breakfast

VENICE ISLAND–PISA–FLORENCE The Tilted Tower PISA Take photos near the Leaning Tower en route to Florence. (B) 240 mi/ 420 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT ART & ARCHITECTURE See architecture gone askew from the viewpoint of the Piazza dei Miracoli in Pisa. Take the ultimate selfie in front of the Leaning Tower with a tilt of the head or other popular poses to commemorate your visit to the site of medieval art in this beautiful piazza.

Day 4: Florence,Assisi

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Location: Florence

Accommodation Name: Cenacolo

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

FLORENCE–ASSISI Fine Art in Firenze FLORENCE Guided sightseeing includes Michelangelo’s masterpiece, David, at the Academy of Fine Arts, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistry’s heavy bronze “Gates of Paradise,” and Signoria Square. Then on to Assisi. (B,D) 112 mi/ 180 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT ART & ARCHITECTURE Those lucky enough to visit the Tuscan capital are witness to some of the world’s most magnificent art. Home to a wealth of Rennaissance masterpieces, Florence is famous for Michelangelo’s Marble Masterpiece, David, standing ready for battle in the Academy of Fine Arts. Outside, the Piazza del Duomo and Signoria Square offer spectacular sights of Florentine Gothic and Renaissance art, architecture, and monuments.

Day 5: Assisi,Rome

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Location: Assisi

Accommodation Name: Starhotels Michelangelo

Meals Included: Breakfast

ASSISI–ROME The Patron Saint of Italy ASSISI [LF] Visit the Basilica of St. Francis. Free time this evening. (B)112 mi/ 180 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT ICONIC FOOTSTEPS Walk in the footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi with a visit to the Basilica named after the deacon, friar, and mystic, who became one of the most venerated religious figures in Christianity. Revered for his love of the Eucharist and the Earth, Francis found communion with God through nature here in this Italian village where he lived and died. Marvel at the magnificent frescoes by Italian master Giotto that adorn the Basilica where the saint is buried.

Day 6: Rome

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Location: Rome

Accommodation Name: Starhotels Michelangelo

Meals Included: Breakfast

ROME Roman Holiday ROME Guided sightseeing includes the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Square and Basilica, and the Colosseum. Free afternoon. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHT LEGENDARY LIVES Stand in awe and wonder amid one of mankind’s greatest artistic achievements in the Sistine Chapel. Hear how in 1508, a young Michelangelo was commissioned by Pope Julius II to decorate the chapel’s ceiling – a request not welcomed by the 33-year-old sculptor. Michelangelo’s 4-year project was indeed one of physical pain and psychological distress, while painting from scaffolds high above the sanctuary floor. Nevertheless, he created what is considered the most famous ceiling in the world, depicting the Creation of Adam in striking fresco style.

Day 7: Rome,Pompeii,Sorrento

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Location: Rome

Accommodation Name: Grand Hotel Cesare Augusto

Meals Included: Breakfast

ROME–POMPEII–SORRENTO Historic Proportions POMPEII Take a guided walking tour of the excavations.Scenic drive en route to Sorrento. (B) 170 mi/ 270 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTLEGENDS & LORE The fascinating archaeological site of Pompeii is a treasured glimpse into Roman life near the Bay of Naples. This once thriving and sophisticated Roman city was consumed by the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D., with its residents and structures buried beneath inescapable ash and stone. See the preserved site of excavated ruins that reveal remarkable frescoes, artwork, and artifacts within its streets and dwellings of the people who perished here.

Day 8: Sorrento

Location: Sorrento

Accommodation Name: Grand Hotel Cesare Augusto

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

SORRENTO Amore, Sorrento SORRENTO Orientation walk. Free time this afternoon. Farewell dinner. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHT CULTURAL GEMS Just as the sirens of Greek mythology lured sailors to the rocky shores of Sorrento, we are drawn to its alluring panoramas, sun-washed beaches, bistros, and boutiques. Take a seat in a sidewalk cafe to peruse the picturesque panoramas on the Bay of Naples.

Day 9: Sorrento

Location: Sorrento

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (The nearest airport is Naples)SORRENTO Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (The nearest airport is Naples) (B)

What's Included

  • Welcome Dinner

    Meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel in Venice Island.

  • Private Boat Ride in Venice

    Enjoy a private boat ride on the canals of Venice.

  • Guided Walking Tour in Venice

    Includes St. Mark’s Square, views of the Basilica, Doges’ Palace, and the Bridge of Sighs.

  • Glassblower Demonstration

    Experience a glassblower demonstration in Venice.

  • Photo Opportunity at Leaning Tower of Pisa

    Take photos near the Leaning Tower en route to Florence.

  • Guided Sightseeing in Florence

    Includes Michelangelo’s David, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistry’s Gates of Paradise, and Signoria Square.

  • Visit to Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi

    Visit the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi.

  • Guided Sightseeing in Rome

    Includes the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Square and Basilica, and the Colosseum.

  • Guided Walking Tour of Pompeii

    Take a guided walking tour of the excavations in Pompeii.

  • Orientation Walk in Sorrento

    Enjoy an orientation walk in Sorrento.

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What's Not Included

  • Flights

    Flights to and from Italy are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included.

  • Personal Expenses

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

  • Optional Excursions

    Optional excursions and activities are not included.

  • Gratuities

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

UNESCO Sites

Archeological Site of Pompeii|Assisi (the Basilica of San Francesco)|Assisi (the Basilica of San Francesco)|Historic Centre of Florence|Historic Centre of Rome - various properties Vatican City|Piazza del Duomo Pisa|Venice and its Lagoon

Accommodation

Venice Island: Carlton on the Grand Canal, Florence: Grand Hotel Mediterraneo, Florence: Hotel Royal Firenze, Assisi: Cenacolo, Rome: Starhotels Michelangelo, Sorrento: Grand Hotel Cesare Augusto

Small Group

Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on select dates. A Small-Group Discovery is limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Globus escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery trip is the perfectly sized tour—without the crowds.

Notes

This tour requires walking on uneven terrain, especially at archaeological sites, which may pose a challenge to guests with physical limitations or reliant on mobility devices such as wheelchairs.
For operational reasons, schedule changes for the Rome program cannot be excluded.

Meals

8 Breakfasts, 3 Dinners

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of accommodation can I expect on the Bella Italia Escape tour?

    The tour includes stays at several high-quality hotels: Carlton on the Grand Canal in Venice Island, Grand Hotel Mediterraneo and Hotel Royal Firenze in Florence, Cenacolo in Assisi, Starhotels Michelangelo in Rome, and Grand Hotel Cesare Augusto in Sorrento.

  • What activities are included during the stay in Venice Island?

    In Venice Island, you will take a private boat ride on the canals, enjoy a guided walking tour that includes St. Mark’s Square, views of the Basilica, Doges’ Palace, and the Bridge of Sighs. There will also be a glassblower demonstration and free time to explore.

  • What will I see in Florence during the tour?

    In Florence, the guided sightseeing includes Michelangelo’s masterpiece, David, at the Academy of Fine Arts, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistry’s heavy bronze 'Gates of Paradise,' and Signoria Square.

  • What is included in the visit to Assisi?

    In Assisi, you will visit the Basilica of St. Francis and have free time to explore the area.

  • What are the highlights of the Rome visit?

    In Rome, the guided sightseeing includes the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Square and Basilica, and the Colosseum. You will also have a free afternoon to explore on your own.

  • What can I expect during the visit to Pompeii?

    In Pompeii, you will take a guided walking tour of the excavations, which offer a glimpse into Roman life and the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D.

  • What will I do in Sorrento?

    In Sorrento, you will have an orientation walk and free time in the afternoon. The day concludes with a farewell dinner.

  • What is the final day of the tour like?

    The final day of the tour includes breakfast in Sorrento, and the nearest airport for departure is Naples.

  • 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 Archeological Site of Pompeii, the Basilica of San Francesco in Assisi, the Historic Centre of Florence, the Historic Centre of Rome including various properties in Vatican City, Piazza del Duomo in Pisa, and Venice and its Lagoon.

  • Is there an option for a smaller group tour?

    Yes, Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on select dates, which are limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure. These tours include all the features of a traditional Globus escorted tour with extra space for health and safety.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    For over 90 years.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies

  • 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 Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    The Globus Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways and Cosmos, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.

Reviews of this operator

Lisset  

Great Value for your Money

19-Dec-2022

This is my second time travelling with Globus, would have been my third if not for COVID. The way they plan everything is super organized, the tour managers are very caring and knowledgeable. We always enjoy all the site visits planned for each trip. They start by picking you up from the airport and from then on everything is taken care of up until the last day of your trip, even dropping you off at the airport not matter the time of day or night. The hotels at every city are always great and centrally located so you can walk around during your free time or plan your own visits to different sites.

Joan Cupp (Google Reviewer)  

My go-to escorted travel Co My...

01-Mar-2024

My go-to escorted travel Co My 4th trip with Globus and the did not disappoint. The sales deals they offer make it affordable for me to travel. All of the guides are well versed in the history of the area you travel in.

David R  

What a wonderful trip, thanks Globus

10-Jan-2023

Globus is my favorite travel agency. I tried others, but always come back to Globus. It is a 100% stress free one-stop shop. Easy booking with flight, hotel, transportation and travel insurance all in one place. Great customer service at reasonable prices. Lots of information prepared for the trip to handle travel logistics. I planned and booked my trip within 24 hours. Highly recommended to everyon

Alexander Wright  

Great guide, accommodations, and tours.

28-Dec-2022

We had a fantastic guide, with a great mix of free time and guided tours.

CTRTeach 11  

Globus exceeded my expectations!

20-Dec-2022

This is my first Globus tour. I was pleasantly surprised with the depth and quality. The hotels were top notch, and the cruise on the Nile exceeded my expectations. The cabins were roomy and comfortable, and the food was very good.

Nancy Arias  

The experience was amazing!!

30-Dec-2022

The trip was amazing. Our tour guide was so kind and very knowledgeable. I needed to attend a very important meeting via zoom. She was very understanding and accommodating to my needs and made it happen. I was very grateful! Our driver was by far the best driver I’ve ever encountered! I was beyond impressed with our guide, driver and trip!! I will definitely be back for another adventure!!

Irish Beth Maddock (Google Reviewer)  

Did the Globus Highlands and...

30-Sep-2023

Did the Globus Highlands and Islands Scottish Tour with Ian and Allister. What a trip!! With his sharp wit, immense knowledge and fun humour, Ian absolutely brought Scotland to vivid life with his many tales, informative quips and total, utter passion for history. Was spellbound. Am so VERY thankful I had the opportunity to be on Ian's last bus tour before retiring with Globus. In addition, to being so hard working and helpful, with Allister our driver, I cannot tell you how safe and secure I felt in his capable driving hands. He had some very awkward traffic and interesting roads to navigate with our large bus, (especially on the islands and up north) but he handled it all expertly and without a hitch. So much so, I was able to relax and enjoy the journey. All in all, with our tour, you could tell both these kind men cared very much for those of us who needed the extra help and advice. Made my bucket list trip to Scotland so memorable and wonderful. Thank you Ian and Allister! Globus is truly fortunate to have you both.

Patty Walker (Google Reviewer)  

Specifically, Cosmos Tour of Ireland...

11-Aug-2024

Specifically, Cosmos Tour of Ireland and Scotland. August 2024. Let me begin with the positive , the Tour guide was knowledgable, personable and educated! He also was extremely professional and took a genuine interest in providing the highest quality of service to the client. The bus was clean and comfortable and well maintained. The driver was highly experienced and provided excellent transportation. The excursions were acceptable and enjoyable. The Variety of age groups on the trip made for wonderful traveling companions. But unfortunately, that is where the positive ends. The Leonardo hotels that are part of the chain and experience for this specific tour are below quality. We spent a night in a room with a leak in the ceiling. That was known before we checked in and continued to leak while we were there. Another Leonardo hotel, we could not get out of our room. Due to the carpet being ripped up and blocking the door. Most of these hotels I would have walked away from, had I been on my own individual trip. The customer service is missing, customer safety is also missing in these hotels. There is lack of concern to assist customers to their rooms even when it is there responsibility to change the room, there isn't assistance offered. Never have I experienced where you had to absolutely be your own advocate. Because there is no customer concern or care. Quality of food provided is also below standards. It is frowned upon if you request something and often denied. We even had a situation where another individual was placed in the same room we were in and it was considered a "oh well too bad for you." Again, we had to transport our own luggage and bags to a new room. Only after we were our own advocates. We said this stranger and ourselves are not going to stay in the same room. Finally, we received a good room, a room that would be found acceptable in every day normal travel, and we had to change again. Because there was a missing part in a Radiator and this was known to the hotel but yet they still booked us into a room. The radiator would not turn off and the room was steaming hot. So once again, we had to transfer all of our luggage and personal items and trudged down stairwell and elevators to once again change rooms. This is so sad for a bucket list, once in a lifetime, save your money and go on your anniversary trip. The rooms are old and out, dated with stains and tears in carpets and materials. Some of the missing items are a safety concern. Buyer beware! The communication for traveling in other countries is not to the level of customer service and satisfaction that we are used to, we did not expect this level of unacceptable accommodations, much like staying in a hostile. It is the Globus/Cosmos Travel companies responsibility to make sure their accommodations for housing is up to the level of expectations of their customers. The accommodations provided are a reflection of Globus/Cosmos business model and integrity in the global travel industry. This is not everything we experienced, but just a few examples. At this time, their brand appears to be old, outdated, without concern or care for the safety of their clients or their health and welfare as applied to accomodations.Customer service, is their lost art. Choose carefully for travel service. And I would not recommend Globus or Cosmos.

Suneetha Raja (Google Reviewer)  

I have done Newfoundland &...

06-Jul-2024

I have done Newfoundland & Labrador with Iceberg Festival tour with Globus in June 2024. It was absolute rubbish for the price I paid towards the tour. Terrible hotels, horrible meals, barely any sightseeing that is worth while the visit, most importantly, the Iceberg festival never happened. Globus sold this specific tour departure date as the only way to attend this supposed Iceberg Festival. I felt cheated after paying 3527£ for a 13 day tour considering the only reason I picked this departure date was because I wanted to attend this Iceberg festival. I could have used my time and money in a better way doing a different tour with another company. A Canadian company who did the exact same tour is doing it for £2400. I have been travelling with Globus and Cosmos tours since 2008. However, this company tours have been terrible after the covid shutdowns. They are charging more than the premium companies and not providing the equivalent service on par with the prices. Safe to say that I won't be recommending Globus and Cosmos tours to anyone. Try other tour companies that are on the market.

Lynda Bailey (Google Reviewer)  

I really enjoyed my Cosmos...

11-Jun-2024

I really enjoyed my Cosmos tour to Italy last September. However I was totally disappointed by two major things which completely changed the atmosphere of the holiday for me. One was the 'last minute' rearrangement of one of our hotels which then put us well outside of Florence on a trading estate for two nights instead of walking distance from the city walls. That completely blocked any plans or ideas of enjoying Florence in the evening. My biggest disappointment was the terrible travel arrangements and associated advice about travelling through Heathrow Cosmos put in place for me and for which they refused to be accountable despite the fact that they had made the ticket booking on my behalf and I had asked them for appropriate check in advice at all key points before I travelled. As a result I was put on standby when I should never have been (even the BA departure staff were shocked at this) and separated from my luggage which travelled on a later flight. I spent over 6 hrs of my first day in Rome in the airport waiting for my luggage and subsequent transfer to my hotel, without any assistance from Cosmos or BA airside staff. When I complained after my holiday, Cosmos would not take any responsibility at all for the fact that I lost the first day of my holiday and approx. 50% of the time I was due to spend in Rome, preferring to blame BA who in turn were uncontactable about my complaint. Very poor customer service indeed.

1 Select your preferred date

Saturday - Sunday

Nov 30, 2024 - Dec 08, 2024
$2325

Saturday - Sunday

Dec 07, 2024 - Dec 15, 2024
$2325 $2072

Operator discount: -$253

Saturday - Sunday

Jan 18, 2025 - Jan 26, 2025
$2224

Saturday - Sunday

Jan 25, 2025 - Feb 02, 2025
$2224

Saturday - Sunday

Feb 08, 2025 - Feb 16, 2025
$2325

Saturday - Sunday

Feb 22, 2025 - Mar 02, 2025
$2527

Sunday - Monday

Feb 23, 2025 - Mar 03, 2025
$2906

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Globus requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of globus charges.

    Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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