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Our classic escorted tour of Italy’s most iconic cities! Discover the capital city Rome, hilltop town Assisi, fascinating Orvieto, Florence and the Renaissance, historic Bologna, ancient Padova and the stunning canals in Venice.

Inclusions
  • Airfare to Rome and return from Venice
  • 7 nights guided vacation
  • 7 nights in 4-star hotels
  • Breakfast daily
  • Transfers in air-conditioned vehicles as indicated in the itinerary.
  • Visits and entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary.
  • Guided walking tours in Florence and in Venice and a panoramic view on the bus in Rome
  • Tour Leader from day 2 to day 8. Guided visit to the Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill in Rome
2024 Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, Montreal
Jun 16, 18 from $3629
Jul 11, 30 from $3329
Aug 22 from $2929
Aug 27 from $3629
Sep 15, 24 from $3229
Oct 15, 17 from $3129
Nov 24, Dec 3 from $2829
Single occupancy add from $650
Winnipeg: add from $100 more
Victoria: add from $300 more

Dates, prices and promotion are subject to change without notice.
Other departure cities are available – please call for more details!

Not Included: hotel tax (approximately €6 per person, per night in Italy), tips and other services not mentioned in the itinerary.

Day 1: Canada – Night on board
Pack your bags and head to your departure airport, ready for a flight to the eternal city of Rome.* Night on board.

* If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

Day 2: Rome
Land in Rome, the Italian capital known as the Eternal City. Transfer to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, the remainder of the day is free to begin exploring this romantic, historic city. The evening is the most magical time of day in Rome when the streets take on an even more charming character, wander around the quaint streets and charming piazzas while you indulge in their world-famous gastronomy. Overnight stay in Rome.

Day 3: Rome (B)
Breakfast at the hotel. Your guide will greet you at the hotel in the morning. Today, enjoy a panoramic view on the bus and discover the eternal city. Learn about the history of this empire, from its birth to the gladiatorial fights in the Colosseum with a guided tour, and appreciate the preserved corners of ancient Rome in the Forum and the Palatine Hill. We recommend the optional dinner at an authentic Italian restaurant*. Overnight stay in Rome.

Optional Authentic Italian Dinner at a restaurant in Campo Di Fiori ($): Enjoy an evening of authentic Italian cuisine in beautiful Campo Di Fiori Square, nestled in the heart of historic Rome. Soak up the atmosphere as you indulge in Italian dishes at a local restaurant.

Day 4: Rome  (B)
Breakfast at the hotel, today enjoy a day at your leisure in Rome. Perhaps visit the Vatican, trace the footsteps of the greats in the ancient streets of the old city or simply indulge in some delicious Italian ice cream. However you choose to spend your day, Rome is sure to delight you with its old-world charm and unbeatable sights. We suggest taking the optional Guided tour of Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. Overnight stay in Rome.

Optional Skip-the-line Guided Tour of Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica and Sistine Chapel ($): Explore the priceless treasures held within the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel! Visit the Pio Clementino Hall, Laocoon and Apollo Belvedere, Maps Gallery, Candelabra Gallery, Tapestries Gallery and the incredible Sistine Chapel. Afterwards, discover the incredible St. Peter’s Basilica and the atmospheric St. Peter’s Square, dominated by Michelangelo’s imposing Cupola!

Please note: Optional tour available Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays afternoon, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays only. Sundays are closed. If you depart for Italy on a Sunday, the optional Skip-the-line Guided Tour of the Vatican Museum, St. Peter’s Basilica and Sistine Chapel, will take place on the following Wednesday evening as of 2024. If you depart on a Thursday, it will take place on Saturday.

Optional Rome by Night – Baroque Rome, with Dinner excursion ($): A nocturnal view of Rome, with the splendid squares illuminated and away from the daytime bustle. The charming Plaza de España with its spectacular staircase, the fairytale frame of the Trevi Fountain, the majesty of the Pantheon and the baroque Piazza Navona, a route structured to go back in time and evoke the times of the “Dolce Vita” fellini. The tour will end with a typical Roman dinner.

Day 5: Rome – Orvieto – Assisi – Florence (B)
Breakfast at the hotel. Leave Rome early this morning to transfer to the beautiful city of Florence. To break up this journey, stop in Orvieto*, a quaint town especially known for its renowned Duomo, European Gothic architecture and the San Patrizio Well, a masterpiece of hydraulic engineering in which you can immerse yourself, descending into the bowels of the earth. Next, take a break in Assisi, a majestic hilltop town known for its medieval architecture and the Basilica of St. Francis, a huge 2-level church. In the early evening, arrive in Florence, the heart of the Italian Renaissance, and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure exploring the city and the Italian cuisine in this gourmet paradise. We recommend an evening excursion of the city lit up that includes a delicious dinner**. Overnight stay in Florence.

*Upon arrival at Orvieto you’ll need to take a funicular to reach the hilltop meeting point as it’s not accessible by bus. We advise you to take cash to pay for your ticket upon arrival at the station.

** Optional Illuminated Florence Tour with Dinner excursion ($): Depart from the hotel and stop at Piazzale Michelangelo where you can admire Florence from the best hill of the city with the most interesting viewpoint, continue to the center from where a night walk will begin to enjoy the illuminated city. The walk will end with a typical Florentine dinner.

Day 6: Florence (B)
Breakfast at the hotel. Today head to the Historic Centre for a guided walking tour of Florence and discover the hidden secrets of the Tuscan capital. Start discovering the up-market Piazza Repubblica, before heading to Loggia del Mercato Nuovo, a building within which a local market takes place.

Keep exploring the streets of Florence before arriving at the beautiful and well-known Ponte Vecchio, the most iconic bridge in the city and one of its main symbols. You will then walk through the Piazza della Signoria, the heart of Medieval Florence with the imposing Palazzo Vecchio. End the tour admiring Piazza San Giovanni, home to the impressive Florence Cathedral, with its iconic Brunelleschi cupola and the famous Giotto Belltower.

Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure to continue exploring the captivating sights of Florence. Why not explore the city in more depth with one of our optional excursion to either the Uffizi* or the Leaning Tower**? Overnight stay in Florence.

*Optional excursion to The Uffizi ($): The Uffizi Gallery, designed in the mid-sixteenth century by Giorgio Vasari, consists of 90 museum rooms that host the most important and famous paintings in the history of art: works by Giotto, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Botticelli, in addition to numerous paintings by Flemish and Dutch painters exhibited in chronological order. A visit to this museum is a real journey through time by means of art.

Please note that this activity can de purchased up to 30 days before departure of your trip. This option is not available on Mondays.

**Optional Half-Day Tour to Pisa & The Leaning Tower ($): No trip to Italy is complete without a photo at the iconic leaning tower, so don’t miss your chance to take a day trip to Pisa! Enjoy a guided walking tour of Piazza dei Miracoli and its monuments before spending time at the legendary Leaning Tower of Pisa, learning all about the history of this University city along the way.

Day 7: Florence – Bologna – Padova – Venice Mestre (B)
Breakfast at the hotel. Today leave Florence early this morning to transfer you head to the city of Venice. During the journey, stop in Bologna and discover this lively, historic capital of the Emilia-Romagna region, free time before continuing with your journey. Make another stop in Padova, a city rich in beauty, which retains traces of its glorious past, and one of the most important cultural capitals during the fourteenth century.

Finish the day in the historic and enchanting Venice Mestre, the mainland town connected to Venice by rail and road bridges over the lagoon. Spend the night at your leisure and embrace the convenience of numerous transportation options, such as the frequent trains/buses to Venice center. The train station/bus stop is at walking distance from your hotel and it will take you to the iconic Venice center.

Venice built across more than 100 small islands, Venice is a pleasure to explore on foot as you get lost in the labyrinthine streets, stumbling across hidden cafes and cultural gems along the way. Get out and discover the plentiful delights of this eternal city, such as the immense Piazza San Marco. Overnight stay in Venice Mestre.

Day 8: Venice (B)
Breakfast at the hotel. Today, embark on a walking tour of Venice to discover all the beauty this city has to offer. Enjoy a guided walking tour through the City of Canals to learn about the history, culture and artistic heritage. Stroll through the most emblematic neighborhoods, see Venice’s famous markets and pay a visit to the iconic Rialto Bridge.

The rest of the day is at your disposal to continue discovering this unique city at your own pace. Alternatively, we recommend taking part in one or both of the following optional activities: first, you can enjoy a quintessentially Venetian gondola ride* and then you can take part in an excursion to Murano and Burano islands**. Overnight stay in Venice Mestre.

*Optional Gondola Ride Experience excursion ($): One of the most well-known characteristics of Venice are its historic gondolas. You can be a part of this legacy! Experience an unforgettable gondola ride through the charming waterways of Venice including the iconic Grand Canal. The quintessential Venetian experience! Note: Please note that it is a shared gondola (up to five people for each one) so you might have to share it with other people.

**Optional Half-Day Murano and Burano excursion ($): Discover the most beautiful islands in Venice, enjoying the enchanting scenery of the Venetian lagoon. The tour includes two stops to visit Murano and Burano and discover their typical artisan products: the centuries-old glass processing in Murano, the fine lace in Burano. Enjoy the original colorful buildings as you tour this enchanting area.

Day 9: Venice – Canada (B)

Breakfast at the hotel*. At the indicated time, transfer from Venice Mestre to the airport for your return flight.

* Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.

** Depending on the return flight schedule, you may arrive in the Canada the next day and the total duration of the trip would be 10 days.

 

Optional Tours

(Price is per person based on double occupancy – additional cost will apply to solo travelers or group with odd numbers)


Day 3:Authentic Italian Dinner at a Restaurant in Campo Di Fiori in Rome
Price: from $45
Enjoy an authentic Italian dinner in beautiful Campo Di Fiori Square, nestled in the heart of historic Rome.
What’s included: Appetizer, main course with a side dish, water, 1 glass of wine and coffee.
Not included: Transport not included

Day 4: Skip-the-line Guided Tour of Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica and Sistine Chapel
Price: from $107
Explore the treasures held within the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel! Visit Pio Clementino Hall, Candelabra Gallery, Tapestries Gallery and the incredible Sistine Chapel, among other sights. Also discover St. Peter’s Basilica and St. Peter’s Square.
What’s included: Skip the line entrance tickets, professional guide, and headsets.
Not included: Transportation to and from the meeting point not included

Day 4: Pack of 2 Excursions: Skip-the-line Guided Tour of Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica and Sistine Chapel and Must-sees of Italy
Price: from $160
Make the most of your time in Italy with this pack of two unmissable experiences: a Skip-the-line guided tour of Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel and a gondola ride in Venice
What’s included: Skip-the-line Guided Tour of Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica and Sistine Chapel & Gondola ride experience in Venice
Not included: Transport to and from the meeting point not included

Day 5: Baroque Rome by Night & Dinner
Price: from $89
A night tour of Rome, with the splendid illuminated squares and away from the bustle of the day. The tour will end with a typical Roman dinner.
What’s included: Appetizer, first and second course, coffee, dessert and 1 glass of wine.
Not included: Pick up and return to the hotel by your own

Day 5: Illuminated Florence Tour with Dinner
Price: from $116 
Night tour of Florence to see the city lit up in all its splendor, with a fantastic Florentine dinner to finish off a wonderful evening.
What’s included: Transportation included from and to the hotel, guided walking tour, 3-course meal
Not included: Drinks are not included

Day 6: Half-Day Tour to Pisa & The Leaning Tower
Price: from $84
A night tour of Rome, with the splendid illuminated squares and away from the bustle of the day. The tour will end with a typical Roman dinner.
What’s included: Appetizer, first and second course, coffee, dessert and 1 glass of wine.
Not included: Pick up and return to the hotel by your own

Day 6: The Uffizi Gallery
Price: from $105 
Designed in the mid-sixteenth century by Giorgio Vasari,the museum consists of 90 rooms that host the most important and famous paintings in the history of art.
What’s included: English guide.
Not included: Transportation not included. Meeting point: via cavour 12 nero.

Day 8: Half-Day Murano and Burano Excursion
Price: from $72 
Discover Murano and Burano, the two most beautiful islands in Venice and learn of their typical artisan products.
What’s included: Boat transportation included from the meeting point to the islands.

Day 8: Gondola Ride Tour in Venice (shared)
Price: from $54 
One of the most famous characteristics of Venice is its historic gondolas and now you can be a part of this legacy yourself! Experience an unforgettable 30-minute gondola ride through the charming waterways of Venice including the iconic Grand Canal.
What’s included: Gondola Ride
Not included: Transportation to and from the meeting point not included

  • Entry requirements
    Passport with a minimum of 6 months validity required.
    Visa is not required for Canadian citizens

  • Important: please bear in mind that the accommodation included in Venice is located in Venice Mestre, which is situated outside the island, approximately 25-30 minutes away by train, bus or Taxi.

  • Please note that there is no luggage assistance included throughout the trip. We recommend packing accordingly.

  • Please note: If you depart for Italy on a Sunday, the optional Skip-the-line Guided Tour of the Vatican Museum, St. Peter’s Basilica and Sistine Chapel, will take place on the following Wednesday evening as of 2024. If you depart on a Thursday, it will take place on Saturday.

  • Due to the nature of the destination the terrain can be uneven at times, it may require you to walk on a rocky path, and up and down hills.

  • Please bear in mind that some of the points of interest are not accessible by bus. In these cases, you will either walk the final stretch or take alternative transport such as the metro.

  • Times and days in Rome can be changed in according to the availability of the colosseum tickets. Clients will be inform by the tour leader during the welcome speech. All included excursion are already guaranteed.

  • If you visit during a religious or an official event or during a national holiday, certain attractions may be closed. The availability of some activities cannot be guaranteed during major holidays, including Christmas & Holy Week.

Terms & Conditions

All rates are per person, based on double occupancy in Canadian dollars (unless otherwise stated) New bookings only. Space and price may be limited and subject to availability at the time of booking.  Errors or omissions may occur on the above information with no guarantee of being honoured. Terms and conditions apply. Tax is not included in the above base fare. Above tax amount includes non-refundable $30 per adult Booking Management Fee. $50 per adult cancellation fee. Not included in the above rates: Xpresspost fee, recommended medical, cancellation or baggage insurance. Child rate is applicable when travelling with 2 paying adults sharing 1 hotel room, using the existing bedding. Price Match Policy: Travel Best Bets makes every effort to remain competitive by offering our ‘Match or Beat Any Price’ offer however due to certain restrictions  there will be some product we cannot match or beat. Please note the star ratings found on www.travelbestbets.com are determined by Travel Best Bets based on a number of factors and may not match the star rating found in the Tour Operator’s brochure. Please view our star ratings by clicking here. Due to an increasing volume of disputed bookings, we will only accept payment for air only travel to India, the Philippines and the continent of Africa through the following means: book and pay cash in person or by direct deposit into our business account – once the transaction is verified and a copy of the receipt emailed or faxed to our office, we will confirm the booking. Please contact us for details on how to book using this method. Please contact [email protected] for photo credit information. BPCPA #3287