Real Italy
10 Days Starting and ending in Rome, Italy
Visiting: Rome, Vatican City, Venice, Bologna, Florence, Sorrento, Capri, Pompeii
Tour operator:
Tour code:
WITMM19
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 with the "Real Italy" tour, exploring iconic cities and breathtaking landscapes. Begin in Rome, where you'll walk in the footsteps of emperors and visit the Vatican Museums and Colosseum. Discover the artistry of Venetian glassblowing in Venice and cruise to the Isle of Capri. Experience the rich history of Bologna and the Renaissance wonders of Florence, including a special lunch with the Landi family amidst Tuscan vineyards. Journey to the stunning Amalfi Coast, with time in Sorrento and a visit to the ancient ruins of Pompeii. With expert guides, cherry-picked accommodations, and flexible sightseeing, this tour offers a perfect blend of cultural immersion and leisure. Enjoy daily breakfasts and select dinners, ensuring a taste of Italy's culinary delights. Conclude your adventure back in Rome, enriched by the diverse experiences and memories of this captivating country.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Rome
Location: Rome
Accommodation Name: Crowne Plaza St. Peter's
Meals Included: Dinner
2025 marks a Jubilee Year, a momentous Roman Catholic event celebrated every 25 years, turning Rome into a centre of celebration between December 24, 2024, and December 31, 2025. As festivities unfold, itineraries may be adjusted to ensure you make the most of your time as you visit the Eternal City. 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, 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, Venice
Accommodation Name: Principe
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
Accommodation Name: Principe
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: Grand Mediterraneo
Meals Included: Breakfast
The northern Italian city of Bologna’s vibrant, red-tiled houses, and medieval Renaissance structures take centre 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
Accommodation Name: Grand Mediterraneo
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-coloured 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 And Sorrento
Location: Sorrento
Accommodation Name: Johanna Park
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 - and introduction to the Amalfi Coast - is the clifftop town of Sorrento. Admire the pastel rainbow of colourful houses stacked upon one another. Perhaps take a stroll overlooking the warm Mediterranean waters before dinner at your hotel.
Day 8: Isle Of Capri Excursion And Free Time
Location: Capri
Accommodation Name: Johanna Park
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 Sorrento, Pompeii And Rome
Location: Sorrento, 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 civilisation 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 utilised.
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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 included.
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Optional Experiences
Optional Experiences and free time are part of the tour.
What's Not Included
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Flights
International and domestic flights are not included in the tour package.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Optional Tours
Optional tours and activities not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
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Visa Fees
Visa fees and related expenses are not included in the tour package.
Dining Summary
- 5 Dinner (D)
- 9 Breakfast (B)
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 expert drivers and flexible sightseeing with audio headsets.
Accommodation
Stay in cherry-picked hotels like Crowne Plaza St. Peter's in Rome, Principe in Venice, Grand Mediterraneo in Florence, and Johanna Park in Sorrento, ensuring comfort and convenience throughout your Italian journey.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience in Venice where you can discover the ancient skill of Venetian glassblowing, supporting sustainable cities and communities. Additionally, there is a 'Be My Guest' experience in Florence where you will enjoy a traditional lunch with the Landi family at their home, set within a garden of oak trees against the backdrop of Tuscan vineyards and olive groves.
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Are there any special events or occasions during the tour?
Yes, 2025 marks a Jubilee Year, a significant Roman Catholic event celebrated every 25 years, which may affect the itinerary in Rome to ensure you make the most of your visit during this time of celebration.
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What kind of meals are provided during the tour?
The tour includes 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 is the starting and ending point of the tour?
The tour starts and ends in Rome, Italy. Transfers are available to Rome Fiumicino Airport at the end of the tour.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?
The tour includes stays at cherry-picked hotels that are tried and trusted. On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
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What are some of the key sightseeing highlights of the tour?
Key highlights include exploring Rome, Bologna, Florence, Capri, and Pompeii, discovering Venice and Sorrento, visiting the Sistine Chapel, the Vatican Museums, and the Colosseum in Rome, and a Venetian glassblowing workshop in Venice. You will also view the kissing towers of Bologna and the Duomo in Florence, and enjoy a scenic cruise ferry to the Isle of Capri and a private launch to St Mark's Square in Venice.
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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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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