Grand Tour of Italy - from Venice to Italy

Tour Itinerary

• Day 1 • UK - Venice - Bassano del Grappa

  Our nationwide shared chauffeur service collects you from home for your flight to Venice. Transfer to Bassano del Grappa for a three-night stay.

• Day 2 • Venice

  Depart early this morning to travel into Venice on a local train. Enjoy a guided walk that reveals the main sights, including the Piazza San Marco and the Bridge of Sighs. This afternoon, there will be free time to explore at leisure. Perhaps view the stately arcades that line Piazza San Marco; or stroll through the warren of backstreets and discover the ‘local’ Venice. Alternatively, an optional excursion (pre-bookable only) visits the Doge’s Palace, with its grand façades and ornamentation – a reflection of the city’s 14th-century wealth and power, portrayed with elaborate, Venetian Gothic flair.

• Day 3 • Bassano del Grappa

  Today is at leisure.

• Day 4 • Ferrara - Bologna - Lucca

  Set off early to travel into the region of Emilia-Romagna en route to Tuscany. Stop in Ferrara, one of the greatest walled cities in Italy, before continuing to the regional capital, Bologna, known for its porticoed red-brick buildings and historic university. Stay three nights in Lucca, or in Montecatini Terme on departures on August 31 and September 7 2027.

• Day 5 • Pisa and Lucca

  Visit Pisa and Lucca on a full-day excursion. Travel to Pisa and take the mini train to the Piazza del Duomo. Explore the square and visit some of its most famous landmarks, with two monument tickets included (these do not include entry to the Leaning Tower of Pisa). In the walled medieval town of Lucca, enjoy a guided walk to Piazza del Mercato, also known as Piazza dell’Anfiteatro – where a Roman amphitheatre once stood. This evening, you have the option to take a shuttle bus to the edge of town, where you’ll find a choice of local restaurants.

• Day 6 • Florence

  Board a local train this morning for the journey to Florence for a walking tour of some of the city’s highlights. From towering, frescoed buildings, Gothic churches and the red-tiled Duomo, the Renaissance city of Florence has many attractions. Spend the rest of your time in Florence at leisure, before returning to your hotel later in the afternoon.

• Day 7 • Lucca - Siena - Rome

  Depart early this morning to begin the journey to Rome, stopping in Siena to spend some time exploring the ‘contrade’ (districts) of one of Italy’s most beautiful medieval cities. Then continue south, pausing to sample wine in one of the best grape-growing areas of Tuscany, before arriving in Rome late afternoon. Spend the next three nights in Rome.

• Day 8 • Rome

  Known as the Eternal City, Italy’s capital has an extensive history dating back some 3,000 years. Its iconic sights include the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain, the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Pantheon. This full day introduction to Rome includes a guided walk, a visit to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, and entrance to the Colosseum.

• Day 9 • Rome

  Spend the morning exploring independently. This afternoon, visit the world-renowned Vatican and Sistine Chapel and see iconic artworks, including those of Michelangelo.

• Day 10 • Rome - Pompeii - Salerno

  Today’s tour takes you to Pompeii for a walking tour. This once wealthy town was buried and frozen in time in AD 79, following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. It is arguably Europe’s most compelling archaeological site. Next, continue to Salerno for a two-night stay.

• Day 11 • Sorrento and Gragnano

  Head to Sorrento this morning, for some free time to explore this pretty town on the Gulf of Naples. Then continue to Gragnano, renowned for its distinct type of pasta. Visit a pasta factory for a demonstration and tasting lunch, before returning to Salerno.

• Day 12 • Salerno - Giardini Naxos

  Continue south, covering lots of mileage, from Naples through Calabria - the ‘toe’ of Italy - down to Sicily. Along the way, visit a mozzarella producer for a tasting of this buffalo milk cheese - you may glimpse the buffalo herds as you travel through the countryside. Then, enjoy a short sea crossing from Reggio di Calabria to Messina, on Sicily’s north-eastern tip. Stay three nights in Giardini Naxos.

• Day 13 • Giardini Naxos

  Enjoy a day at leisure in this relaxed Italian coastal town.

• Day 14 • Giardini Naxos

  Spend another day enjoying your surroundings or join a full-day optional excursion to Mount Etna and Taormina, where there will be a guided walk and entrance to the ancient Greek theatre.

• Day 15 • Giardini Naxos - Acireale - Catania - UK

  Today you depart for the airport, stopping along the way in the coastal baroque town of Acireale. On arrival in the UK, a vehicle will be waiting for your return journey home.