ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS
Italy Escorted Tour with Flights
- Inclusions
- Itinerary
- Location
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- Brochure & More Info
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What's included
- Accommodation based on twin share room
- Daily breakfast
- Escorted tour
- Hotel taxes and service charges
- International flights from Australia
- Meals as per the itinerary
- Observation and participation in included activities
- Professionally guided local tours
- Transport in air conditioned vehicles
- Airport transfers
- Any items or services not specified in the itinerary
- Gratuities for guides and drivers
- Medical and emergency insurance
- Optional tours and activities
- Personal expenses
Tour overview
If you’re drawn to the good life, then this escorted tour of Italy is for you!
Discover the iconic must-see sites of Rome and Florence with local guides. Explore Pompeii in the shadow of notorious Mount Vesuvius. Stroll along the Amalfi Coast, relax on the isle of Capri and traverse the five villages of the magical Cinque Terre. Cruise Venetian canals, sip wine in the Italian Lakes region and enjoy plenty of time to do as you please.
Discover the true meaning of ‘la dolce vita’. Eat pasta, drink wine and appreciate Italian delights like a local. Experience cultural highlights, artistic wonders, fabulous food, historic sights and amazing architecture on this exciting escorted tour!
Book early to save on 2023 departures!
SEE THE BROCHURE
Inclusions at a glance
Flights
- Return economy airfares from Australia to Rome
- Flights include baggage and airline fees & taxes
Accommodation
- 11 nights accommodation in twin rooms with private en-suite facilities
- Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement for a private room
Meals
- 11 breakfasts, 1 antipasto, 5 dinners
Vegetarian options available for all meals on request
Transport
- Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and toilet on board
- Any public transport used as part of the tour (excludes free days)
Escorted tour
- Services of your English-speaking tour leader, who will be on hand with advice and tips
- All taxes and fees included
Special features
- Enjoy a truly Italian welcome dinner
- Walking tour of Rome with a local guide
- See Mount Vesuvius; explore the ruins of Pompeii
- Visit the Abbey of Montecassino
- Explore Assisi’s churches & basilicas
- Stop in Verona, visit Juliet’s balcony
- Overnight in The Italian Lakes
- Explore Cinque Terre’s villages
- Visit San Marino; one of the oldest republics in Europe
- Explore the heart of Venice on an orientation tour
- See the Leaning Tower of Pisa
- Explore the highlights of Florence
- Watch a leather-making demonstration
- Taste Italian wine in Tuscany
- Marvel at the views in San Gimignano
- Visit Siena; a popular Tuscan town home to the Palio horse race
- Farewell dinner in Rome
- DAY 1
- DAY 2
- DAY 3
- DAY 4
- DAY 5
- DAY 6
- DAY 7
- DAY 8
- DAY 9
- DAY 10
- DAY 11
- DAY 12
- DAY 13
Fly to Italy
Board your flights from Australia to Rome, Italy.
Arrive Rome
Welcome to Rome! If you arrive early enough, head into the city to see what Rome has to offer. An ancient city that has seen the rise and fall of entire empires, there is no shortage of historical real estate to feast your eyes on. Not to mention designer shopping and brilliant food. Meet up with your tour leader at our hotel in the afternoon, and prepare for the tour of a lifetime! Tonight, you’ll meet the rest of the tour group at our included welcome dinner.
Rome
Today, we’ll take a guided walking tour of the city, stopping off at the landmarks that have made Rome a perennial favourite with travellers all over the world. See Ancient Roman architecture, medieval buildings, Renaissance artworks and more remnants of Rome’s illustrious past as capital of this incredible country.
Highlights today include the Spanish Steps, the Pantheon and the Roman Forum. And let’s not forget Trevi Fountain – legend has it that if you drop a coin into the fountain, you’ll return again one day. In your free time this afternoon, why not visit the Coliseum, probably Rome's most recognisable landmark, and the centre of Roman social life. See where countless gladiators, martyrs, wild animals and other unfortunate souls did battle in the name of entertainment.
Pompeii - Sorrento region
Leaving Rome, we’ll head to Sorrento peninsula via Pompeii. As it’s our first day on the coach, take the time to get to know your fellow travel companions, and listen out for tips on Italy from your tour leader. On our way to the coastal region of Sorrento, you will see Mount Vesuvius and we will stop at Pompeii to explore the ruins of this ancient Roman town, destroyed in 79AD in a catastrophic volcanic eruption. Preserved since ancient times under meters of ash and pumice, it offers superb insights into life (and death) in the ancient Roman Empire.
As we leave Pompeii behind, you will have the option to visit the beautiful Amalfi coast, with some free time to explore the town of Amalfi. Upon arrival on the Sorrento peninsula we have a two night stay. Amongst other things, this area is famous for limoncello (a sweet lemon liqueur), and this is the perfect way to finish off your meal.
Sorrento region: Free Day
A gorgeous old town hugging the coastline, the Sorrento peninsula is our base for the day. Explore the towns in your own time, and seek out little shops producing lace-work, ceramics and specialising in marquetry (the art and craft of applying pieces of veneer to create incredible artwork). Alternatively, choose our optional excursion to the famous Isle of Capri. Capri has charmed everyone from Roman emperors to modern showbiz elites. Try it for yourself and enjoy the smooth mix of cafés, rugged coastline, ancient Roman ruins and stylish piazzas.
Montecassino - Assisi
Today, we depart the coast and head north to Assisi, stopping en route in Montecassino. Famed for the site of the Abbey of Montecassino, along with its rolling green hills, vineyards and rivers, the city was also the scene of fierce fighting in World War II, which left the town almost completely destroyed. After a comfort stop here, we continue on to the region of Umbria and the medieval town of Assisi, whose most famous son, St Francis, was born here in 1181. A charming town and the most popular pilgrimage site in Italy, you will enjoy the ancient churches and basilicas – many of them are just as St Francis would have seen them almost one thousand years ago!
San Marino - Venice
Leaving the churches and basilicas behind, we head to Venice, stopping off for a comfort stop in Europe’s third-smallest state – San Marino. Claiming to be the oldest surviving sovereign state in the world, San Marino was founded by Saint Marinus on the 3rd of September 301, and is now one of the most popular day-trip destinations for visitors to the area. Situated on a hilltop, you will witness stunning views of the surrounding countryside and the Adriatic Sea. Later, we arrive in Venice in the early evening. You have the evening free to relax at the hotel, or explore Venice with the option to join your tour leader on a twilight water taxi cruise of the Venetian canals.
Venice: Free Day
This morning we’ll take an orientation walking tour with your Expat Explore tour leader, who will introduce you to sights including the Rialto Bridge and St Marks Square. The rest of the day is then free for you to explore as you wish. Every visit to Venice should include a gondola ride, which your tour leader can organise for you, as well as a trip further out into the lagoon to visit Murano and Burano. These islands are famous for their glass-blowing and lace-making crafts respectively, and rows of beautiful multi-coloured houses. Alternatively, you can simply relax and soak up the sun on the sandy Lido beach. There’s also The Bridge of Sighs and the Doge’s Palace to see, and any number of culinary delights to sample too!
Verona - Italian Lakes
First up today, we’ll stop off in ‘fair Verona’ to catch a glimpse of Juliet’s balcony, where Romeo supposedly wooed Juliet in Shakespeare’s classic ‘Romeo & Juliet.’ Beset by family feuds, drama and romance since its founding in Roman times, Verona has its share of stories to tell, and is an unmissable stop on Italian tours. Look out for the 2,000 year old arena and the ancient city gates. Later, we head to the Italian Lakes – and you’ll find out just why famous writers like DH Lawrence and Hemingway were so inspired by this region of Italy. Peek at palatial lakeside villas, and revel in the pleasant mix of luxury and rural charm.
Cinque Terre - La Spezia
Leaving the beautiful Italian Lakes, we head to the Cinque Terre region. Made up of five picturesque Italian towns, Cinque Terre features hiking routes and trains running regularly along the coastline between the towns of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. With cars and motorcycles banned from the towns, you’ll have a wonderful time exploring the towns by train or by foot. Each town has its own unique charm - we are certain you will fall in love with each and every one! As you explore, why not taste local wines along with local produce such as pesto, freshly-caught fish and sweet lemons? Unforgettable!
Pisa - Florence - Tuscany
On our way to Florence, stop off at the famous town of Pisa to get a few shots of its distinctive Leaning Tower. This is a classic sight in Italy and well worth a visit. Bragging rights are all yours! Upon arrival in Florence, take a walking tour of the city with an expert local guide, exploring many of the most famous sights. Expect to see the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Ponte Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria and the replica of the statue of David. Then it’s time for another quintessential Tuscan experience: a visit to a local Italian leather shop to learn more about local leather crafting and why Italian leather brands have been dominating the fashion world for centuries. After exploring, it’s off to the Tuscan hills, where your accommodation for the night awaits. Later, you are free to search for that perfect Italian restaurant for dinner.
San Gimignano - Siena - Rome
This morning we make our way through one of the world’s most picturesque countryside landscapes, admiring Tuscan farmhouses, vineyards and olive groves as we drive by. Our first stop of the day will be in San Gimignano, a small walled hill town. Known as the 'Town of Fine Towers', it offers beautiful Romanesque and Gothic architecture and 12 well-preserved tower houses. We'll then make the short drive to Siena, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for the 'Palio' horse race held twice a year in the main piazza, or public square. We'll enjoy a wine tasting accompanied with antipasto, before we head back to Rome and round the off the day with a farewell dinner together on our last night of the tour.
End of tour
After breakfast, we say goodbye to our travel companions. We hope you have enjoyed your 12-day Italian tour. Arrivederci, Italia!
Please catch a taxi to Rome airport for your onward travel or flights to home to Australia.
More about Italy
My Travel Experience Review
This coach tour is great way to experience so much of Italy in 12 days. An experienced tour leader looks after you all the way and there are great inclusions, like orientation tours, visits to iconic monuments, daily breakfast and five dinners. Plus for single travellers, there is no extra charge to share with another traveller or opt to pay a single supplement if you want a private room.
More about this tour
See the brochure
Click here to view, download or print a copy of this tour brochure.
The brochure includes details of the inclusions, itinerary (where applicable) and other relevant travel information. Information contained in the brochure is subject to change and at the time of booking you will be provided with an updated copy that includes the current details for your reservation.
Tour departures
This tour departs Australia on select dates in 2022 and 2023:
2022 - 17 April; 15 May; 21 August; 4, 18 September
2023 - 16 April; 14 May; 24 June; 23 July; 20 August; 3, 17 September
Please ask us for your preferred departure date and we will advise availability.
Tour start time
The start time listed for this tour is 1:00pm but this is a guide only and will be confirmed by our office.
If you book international flights, you will be advised of your flight details and check-in times when your booking is confirmed.
Important to remember...
The day-by-day tour descriptions are intended as an indicative guide only. Travel by nature is unpredictable. Weather patterns, sea or river conditions, road accessibility, public holidays, travel restrictions and a multitude of other factors may necessitate itinerary changes that are ultimately for the client's benefit. It is essential that travellers are flexible and open minded in this regard.
Speak to a travel specialist
The My Travel Experience team are travel experts and we're here to help you enjoy the best holiday - from the time you start to plan your trip until the day you return home. We are only a phone call or email away whenever you need us, so please contact us today with any questions.
Email [email protected]. Phone 1300 168 910 (in Australia) or +61 400 226 454 (from overseas or via mobile).
Book with Confidence - Early Bird Special
This tour has special Book With Confidence conditions that give you greater flexibility and peace of mind when you book in advance.
When you book early, if you need to change your tour dates due to COVID19 travel restrictions, you will receive travel credits to the same value as your original tour.
Plus, you will have the following options:
1. Book the same tour, different departure date
Receive a full travel credit and to transfer to a new travel date. Check your travel voucher to confirm its validity and if you originally booked with a discount, that same saving will be applied to your new travel date.
2. Book a different tour
If you choose to book a different tour, then the travel credit will be transferred to that new tour booking. Check your travel voucher to confirm its validity and if you originally booked with a discount, that same saving will be applied to the cost of your new tour.
3. Travel credits as a gift
For ultimate flexibility, travel credits can be used for a new booking for other travellers. Thus, credits can be redeemed towards the new booking and that can be for someone other than the original booker(s). The original lead traveller will need to email our customer service team to confirm the transfer. Make sure you check the date on the travel credits voucher to know the redemption deadline.
Important to know:
- Travel credits are non-refundable.
- Date changes must be made 60 days prior to departure or fees will apply as per standard standard Booking Terms & Conditions.
- Airfares are non-refundable once tickets are issued and separate future travel credit conditions apply.
- These conditions only apply to this tour and/or flights if confirmed arrangements are disrupted or cancelled due to COVID19.
New safety measures and greater peace of mind
The wellbeing and safety of our passengers and staff is always a priority, especially as we adjust to a new world for travellers. My Travel Experience is committed to ensuring your peace of mind with customer-friendly booking practices and enhanced health and safety standards on our trips.
We work closely with tour operators that have received the Safe Travels stamp by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), which enables travellers to recognise companies around the world that have adopted health and hygiene global standardised protocols.
Travel requirements for this tour:
The tour operator is implementing a number of enhanced health and safety protocols on their trips. These additional precautions have been introduced to help prevent the transmission of Covid-19 and to help ensure that travellers and the tour team are as safe and protected as possible while on tour.
Negative PCR or Antigen Tests
All travellers, regardless of their vaccination status, will be asked to produce a negative PCR test or negative Antigen test in order to embark on our escorted tours. This helps to ensure the safety of our travellers and staff.
Self-monitor for Covid-19 symptoms
We request that all travellers self-monitor daily before the tour for any COVID-19 related symptoms. All travellers will be required to complete a Covid-19 Acknowledgement of Risk (sent by our customer service team) before departing for the tour, and each traveller will be required to sign a Responsible Traveller Pledge (committing to the safety and wellbeing of yourself and fellow travellers). We advise all travellers to check their home country's rules and regulations regarding the quarantine period upon return from your tour as well as any requirements they may have before you travel.
Face masks and sanitising
Each traveller will be required to bring their own mask and wear it at all (required) times. We ask that our travellers familiarise themselves with the best way to use, clean and store face masks (especially if they are reusable). Travellers should bring their own face masks for use throughout the journey as well as spares. Always remember to practice good hygiene and wash or sanitise your hands frequently. Travel tip: Plastic bags are good for storing used face masks.
As per regulation - face masks will be compulsory while on the coach, boat and train. Face masks will be available for purchase from your tour leader for those who do not have supplies. Hand sanitisers with at least 60% alcohol will be available to travellers and staff at all times.
Adequate Travel Insurance
All tour travellers are required to show proof of adequate travel insurance before embarking on tour. Your policy of insurance is required to cover you and your party against the cost of cancellation by you; the cost of assistance (including repatriation - medical and non-medical) in the event of accident or illness; loss of baggage and money; protection against any Covid-related claims and other expenses.
Please Note: If you cannot provide the tour team with proof of adequate travel insurance prior to the start of your tour, you will not be permitted to embark on day one.
Health and Safety on Tour
On the4 coach tours, elevated hygiene and safety procedures will be put into place. The safe and comfortable coaches are cleaned and sanitised before the start of each tour and daily cleaning is maintained throughout the tour.
Safety Measures for Social Distancing on Tour
In line with precautions from various government authorities, such as the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), social distancing and face masks will be necessary on both rail and coach tours.
Carrying out responsible social distancing while on the coach and train, during city tours, on visits to landmarks, museums and more, will be necessary to help ensure the safety of yourself, the other travellers in your group and our travel crew. This extends to the use of face masks on board the coach and train and where necessary when visiting different destinations.
Coach boarding will be adjusted in line with social distancing measures.
What if someone gets sick on tour?
All travellers are required to inform their tour leader if they are feeling unwell. Your tour leader will then direct you to a medical practitioner, it is strongly advised that travellers then take all the reasonable steps to ensure the traveller(s) meet all the requirements as laid out by their travel insurance provider.
Travel Crew are Trained and Here to Help
The travel crew, which includes your tour leaders and drivers, have previously been trained for important health and hygiene needs while on tour. In addition to this, the crew will have received additional, in-depth health and hygiene training prior to embarking on any future tours. This training is in line with guidelines set out by public health authorities.
The team is regularly reviewing government tourism and travel updates and ensuring that tours run in accordance with the prevailing public health advice, and recommendations by the World Health Organisation, the Centres for Disease Control, the European Centre for Disease Control, and the Public Health Agency of Canada. We are hoping to make this adjustment to the "new normal" of travel as stress-free as possible!
These guidelines are subject to change as the global situation evolves. The enforcement of certain measures (i.e. social distancing and mask-wearing) will vary in different regions. We will defer to local health authorities for best practices in their region. Check with your home country's policies on testing and post-trip self-isolation as well as the latest travel advisories.
How to make a booking:
This deal is valid for a limited time and may change without notice.
Price is correct as of 09 November 2021. Please contact us for current rates.
Advertised price is based on lead-price departure(s) and rates will be advised for your preferred travel date prior to any payment being required.
All prices are per person, based on twin share, and listed in Australian dollars (AUD). The package is subject to confirmation at the time of booking and prices may change without notice. Booking conditions and cancellation fees apply.
Please read My Travel Experience Booking Terms & Conditions prior to making a reservation. By booking any travel service with us, you have agreed to be bound by these terms and conditions.
To make a booking please call My Travel Experience on 1300 168 910 or email [email protected].
You can also select a trip and request it via this website - please enter your preferred departure date (if known) and the number of people travelling. If you wish to submit an enquiry, please let us know your travel dates plus any other information that will help us provide a quote, such as departure city and travel preferences.
No payment is required to submit an online booking request - your booking is pending confirmation and no place is being held.
Your reservation status will be advised when you hear from our travel consultants. Bookings are normally actioned within 24 hours - Monday to Friday.
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