Real Italy
10 Days Starting and ending in Rome, Italy
Visiting: Rome, Vatican City, Sistine Chapel, Colosseum, Circus Maximus, Orte, Orvieto, Venice, St. Mark's Square, Byzantine Basilica, Bridge of Sighs, Doge's Palace, Bologna, Florence, Duomo, Florence, Piazza Michelangelo, Florence, Palazzo Vecchio, Florence, Bay of Naples, Mount Vesuvius, Naples, Capri, Pompeii
Tour operator:
Tour code:
WITMN26
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, History
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Italy and Vatican City with the "Real Italy" tour. Begin your adventure in Rome, exploring iconic landmarks like the Colosseum and the Sistine Chapel. Discover the charm of Venice with a private cruise to St. Mark's Square and a visit to a traditional glassblowing workshop. Experience the rich history of Bologna and the artistic wonders of Florence, where you'll enjoy a special meal with the Landi family. Travel to the vibrant city of Naples, the birthplace of pizza, and take a scenic ferry to the glamorous Isle of Capri. Conclude your tour with a visit to the ancient ruins of Pompeii before returning to Rome. With expert guides, cherry-picked accommodations, and a blend of guided tours and free time, this tour offers a perfect balance of exploration and relaxation.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Rome
Location: Rome
Accommodation Name: Grand Tiberio
Meals Included: Dinner
Your launch pad to an epic Italian tour begins in the Eternal City of Rome. Tread in the footsteps of gods and goddesses, emperors and gladiators as you explore its ancient streets before joining your Travel Director for dinner.
Day 2: Rome Sightseeing and Free Time
Location: Vatican City, Sistine Chapel, Colosseum, Circus Maximus, Rome
Accommodation Name: Crowne Plaza St. Peter's
Meals Included: Breakfast
Unlock local secrets on a tour of the Vatican Museums with a Local Specialist. Admire Michelangelo's frescoed ceiling in the Sistine Chapel. Later, cross the Tiber into Ancient Rome and enjoy a guided in depth experience visiting the Colosseum, before seeing Circus Maximus, once the site of celebrated chariot races. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore Rome on your own or relax in one of the city's piazzas watching the world go by.
Day 3: Rome to Venice
Location: Rome, Orte, Orvieto, Venice
Accommodation Name: Principe, Amadeus
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Pass the hilltop towns of Orte and Orvieto as you cross the steep Apennine Mountains. Enjoy a refreshing lunch stop before arriving in Venice, the Queen of the Adriatic.
Day 4: Venice Orientation and Free Time
Location: Venice, St. Mark's Square, Byzantine Basilica, Bridge of Sighs, Doge's Palace
Accommodation Name: Principe, Amadeus
Meals Included: Breakfast
The culture of Venice springs to life as you watch the delicate craft of Venetian glassblowing at a glassblowing workshop on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Take a private cruise to St. Mark's Square, sharing the city's waterways with ferries, gondolas and yachts. Be dazzled by the Byzantine Basilica, the Bridge of Sighs and the ornate Doge's Palace before spending the rest of the afternoon on your own exploring the labyrinthine calli or enjoying a refreshing spritz.
Day 5: Journey to Bologna and Florence
Location: Bologna, Florence
Accommodation Name: Villa Neroli
Meals Included: Breakfast
The northern Italian city of Bologna’s vibrant, red-tiled houses, and medieval Renaissance structures take center stage today as your Local Specialist points out the key features. Tonight, opt for a one-of-a-kind experience in the picturesque Tuscan Hills to dine on delicious food and wine.
Day 6: Florence Sightseeing and Free Time
Location: Florence, Duomo, Florence, Piazza Michelangelo, Florence, Palazzo Vecchio, Florence
Accommodation Name: Villa Neroli
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
The birthplace of the Renaissance, with its world-class museums and Tuscan cuisine, Florence offers one remarkable sight after the next. Join a Local Specialist ticking off the must-sees of this epic city. See the multi-colored Duomo with its impressive dome engineered by Brunelleschi and the gilded doors of the Baptistery. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore a city that inspired artists, poets and painters to create masterpieces. Consider a visit to the Academy of Fine Arts to see Michelangelo's statue of David, enjoy spectacular views from Piazza Michelangelo or marvel at the Medici legacy at the Palazzo Vecchio. This evening, you'll Connect with Locals on a Be My Guest experience.
Day 7: Journey to the Bay of Naples
Location: Bay of Naples, Mount Vesuvius, Naples
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Travel through the Campanian plains to the Bay of Naples, which lies in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius. Your home for the next two nights is the vibrant city of Naples recognised by UNESCO for its impressive historical center. From its 1st-century Greek origins, Naples has developed into a thriving city with an important business district and elegant suburbs and its cuisine is internationally know as the birthplace of pizza.
Day 8: Isle of Capri Excursion and Free Time
Location: Naples, Capri
Meals Included: Breakfast
We cross the Bay of Naples today by ferry to the glamorous Isle of Capri. This chic island playground is packed with sights you'll discover with a Local Specialist. Take time to soak up the sophistication of this lovely island and consider an optional experience to explore more of what Capri has to show you.
Day 9: Discover Pompeii and Rome
Location: Pompeii, Rome
Accommodation Name: Shangri-La Roma
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
There’s no better place to learn about Italy’s ancient history than in Pompeii. Explore the tragic immortalisation of this civilization preserved by volcanic ash when Vesuvius erupted. Your Local Specialist reveals secrets on a walking tour as you learn about the day-to-day life of the city's former residents. Your Italian tour ends in Rome where you join your Travel Director and fellow traveling companions for dinner, celebrating in true Italian style.
Day 10: Depart Rome
Location: Rome
Meals Included: Breakfast
It's time to bid Italy a fond arrivederci. Transfers are available to Rome Fiumicino Airport.
What's Included
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Hotel Accommodation
On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
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Porterage and Gratuities
All porterage and restaurant gratuities are included.
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Audio Headsets
Audio headsets are provided for flexible sightseeing.
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Expert Guidance
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver are included.
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Sightseeing
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras are part of the tour.
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Optional Experiences
Optional Experiences and free time are available.
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Cherry-picked Hotels
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted, are included.
What's Not Included
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs and additional activities are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended.
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Flights
International and domestic flights are not included.
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Visa Fees
Visa fees and processing are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel through Italy with ease, enjoying scenic ferry rides to the Isle of Capri and private launches to St. Mark's Square in Venice, complemented by the expertise of a professional driver and travel director.Accommodation
Stay in cherry-picked hotels such as Grand Tiberio in Rome, Crowne Plaza St. Peter's, Principe, Amadeus in Venice, Villa Neroli in Florence, and Shangri-La Roma, ensuring comfort and convenience throughout your Italian journey.Dining Summary
- 5 Dinner (D)
- 9 Breakfast (B)
Iconic Experience
- Rome: Be inspired by the magnificence of Michelangelo and da Vinci at the Vatican Museums.
- Rome: Discover ancient treasures of Rome with a Local Specialist. See Circus Maximus and visit the mighty Colosseum, which bears witness to the limitless courage of the gladiators.
- Venice: As you journey along some of the water highways of the city, famous sights such as the Doge's Palace and the Bridge of Sighs come into view and introduce you to Venice before docking near St. Mark's Square.
- Bologna: Join a Local Specialist on an exploration of Bologna. See the medieval squares and red-bricked facades of this historic city.
- Florence: Join a Local Specialist to view the multi-colored marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery, adorned by Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise. Visit the political heart of the city, Signoria Square.
- Florence: See the area around Santa Croce Basilica, famous for the quality of its luxury goods, and witness a gold and leatherwork demonstration.
- Capri: Join a Local Specialist on a walk through elegant Capri to gain insight into the island's local culture and historic landmarks.
- Pompeii: Walk with a Local Specialist through the cobbled streets of this ill-fated town, frozen in time since the 1st century.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique experiences are included in the Real Italy tour?
The Real Italy tour includes a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience where you can watch Venetian glassblowing in Venice, supporting sustainable cities and communities. Additionally, there is a Be My Guest experience in Florence where you enjoy a traditional meal with the Landi family at their home.
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What kind of meals are provided during the tour?
The tour provides breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals. There are 5 dinners and 9 breakfasts included in the dining summary.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect on the tour?
The tour includes cherry-picked hotels that are tried and trusted. On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
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What is the starting and ending point of the Real Italy tour?
The tour starts and ends in Rome.
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Are there any guided tours included in the itinerary?
Yes, the tour includes guided experiences such as a tour of the Vatican Museums and the Colosseum in Rome, and a walking tour in Pompeii with a Local Specialist.
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Is there any free time included in the itinerary?
Yes, the itinerary includes free time in several locations such as Rome, Venice, Florence, and the Isle of Capri, allowing you to explore on your own.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Trafalgar requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of trafalgar 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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Terms and Conditions
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