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18 Days Italy Tour & Flights
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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
- 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
Bask in the beauty of Italy and discover the must-see destinations of Rome, Venice, Florence, Pompeii and more!
See the Leaning Tower of Pisa and drink in the beauty of Cinque Terre. Admire the Tuscan countryside and explore stunning Sicily – a hotspot for Italian summer holidays. Experience ancient cities, historic monuments and marvel at Renaissance art. Not to forget the fantastic food, rich culture and beautiful landscapes at every turn – this is how to explore Italy!
Everything you want on an Italian holiday and more – this escorted journey is one of our favourite, all-encompassing tours to Italy!
Pay only $100 per person deposit and SAVE 10% when you book by 31 October 2021.
Departing in 2022: Pay for your airfare and additional tour deposit of $500 per person by 31 January 2022.
Departing in 2023: Pay for your airfare and additional tour deposit of $500 per person by 30 September 2022.
Extended final payment: Balance of payment is due 60 days prior to departure.
Plus, this tour has special Book With Confidence conditions that give you great flexibility and peace of mind when you book by 31 October 2021
As a reward for booking early, if your departure is impacted by COVID19 you will receive a travel credit and can choose how you want to use it:
- Book the same tour on a different departure date & get 10% off the new tour price
- Book a different tour & get 10% off the price of the new tour
- Gift the travel credit to a friend!
See the brochure and Book With Confidence tab for conditions.
SEE THE BROCHURE
Inclusions at a glance
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Flights
- Return economy airfares to Rome
- Fly from Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide or Perth
Accommodation
- 15 nights in twin share hotel rooms with private en-suite facilities
- 1 night in twin share cabin on ferry with private en-suite facilities
- Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room/cabin
Meals
- 16 breakfasts, 1 antipasto, 7 dinners
Vegetarian options available for all meals on request
Transport
- Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and toilet onboard
- Overnight ferry from Palermo to Naples
- Any public transport used as part of the tour days (excludes free days)
Extras
- Services of your English-speaking tour leader, who will be on hand with advice and tips to ensure that you get the most from your trip
- All taxes and fees included
Special features
- Evening tour of Rome
- A classic Italian meal for dinner
- See Mount Vesuvius; explore the ruins of Pompeii
- Stop in the ancient cave city of Matera
- Visit Alberobello; explore the trulli stone houses and museum
- Guided walk of Taormina
- Visit Cefalù, an attractive seaside town
- Walking tour of Palermo
- Enjoy a truly Italian welcome dinner
- Walking tour of Rome with a local guide
- Visit Orvieto; a historic city perched on a rocky cliff
- Orientation tour to the heart of Venice
- Enjoy a photo stop at Lake Garda
- Guided tour of Florence; the heart of the Italian Renaissance
- Explore Cinque Terre’s picturesque villages
- Visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa; one of Italy’s iconic monuments
- Stop and explore San Gimignano
- Visit the UNESCO World Heritage town of Siena
- Enjoy a wine tasting with antipasto
- Visit the ancient city of Syracuse
- Explore the Valley of the Temples
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- DAY 18
Depart Australia
Board your overnight flight to Europe!
Start of tour in Rome
Welcome to Rome, the Eternal City! Enjoy the morning free to relax at the hotel or explore the local area, then meet your tour leader at our accommodation in the afternoon and prepare for the tour of a lifetime! If you arrive early, head into the city and see some of the sites that make Rome famous the world over. 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. Tonight, you’ll meet the rest of the tour group at our included welcome dinner.
Rome city tour - Vatican City optional excursion
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 – and of the Roman Empire at large. Be sure to see sightseeing highlights like the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, the Roman Forum, the Pantheon and the countless other attractions that make Rome famous the world over. Later, you’ll have the option of taking a guided walking tour of the Vatican City. Marvel at glittering artworks, vast marble halls and opulent architecture – all part and parcel of the Vatican’s status as the seat of papal power. Eating and drinking well is also an important part of Roman life, and as they say, ‘When in Rome, do as the Romans do.’ Try excellent Italian cuisine, and be sure to grab a famous Roman gelato while you’re sight-seeing!
Rome - Orvieto - Venice
Leaving the capital behind, we'll drive through the region of Umbria. Known as the 'fruit bowl of Italy', it is famous for its produce, food and beautiful mountainous landscapes. Prepare for one of the most spectacular sights in Europe as we approach Orvieto, a city perched dramatically atop sheer vertical volcanic rock. We'll take the funicular up to the historic centre, where you'll have some free time to explore and see the sights, including the exquisite facade of the Cathedral of Orvieto, the papal residence and the Albornoz fortress, before we travel on to Venice. 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
You’ll start your stay in Venice with an orientation tour led by your tour leader so you can get your bearings, after which you have free time to explore this unforgettable city at your leisure. 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!
Lake Garda - Florence - Tuscany
Today, we travel on to Florence and the beautiful region of Tuscany. Along the way we'll make a stop at Lake Garda for a photo opportunity. This is the biggest lake in Italy and an internationally famous holiday destination that has inspired artists of all persuasions for centuries. On arrival in Florence your Expat Explore tour leader will take you an on orientation tour. A cultural and political focal point during the Renaissance, the city is endowed with a huge variety of Renaissance artworks and Roman ruins. Sights to see in Florence during your free time include the Ponte Vecchio bridge and Florence Cathedral. We’ll then make our way to our accommodation in Tuscany.
Cinque Terre - Pisa - Tuscany
This morning we drive north to La Spezia in the Liguria region. This city is the gateway to Cinque Terre, five picturesque fishing villages on the rugged Italian Riviera coastline. The harbours are filled with fishing boats, vines climb the terraces and the houses are painted in bright colours - you'll undoubtedly take some fantastic photos here! Each village is linked by hiking trails and a railway, giving you the choice of how best to explore. This afternoon we'll head back to Tuscany, stopping off on the way at the Leaning Tower of Pisa. A highlight of any tour to Italy, you’ll be able to snap photos of this legendary structure and explore the grounds, which include a cathedral and baptistery.
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 an included dinner, the perfect chance to say goodbye to the travellers on the Taste of Italy tour that is leaving us tomorrow morning.
Rome: Free Day
Welcome back to Rome! Enjoy a free day to explore any of the sights you missed on your first visit to this historic city. Later on, meet back up with your tour leader and fellow travellers, including those joining us from the Highlights of Southern Italy & Sicily tour, and experience 'Rome by night’ - explore some of the iconic sights of the Eternal City including the Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona and the Pantheon. Afterwards we'll enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Rome - Pompeii - Sorrento
Leaving Rome, head to the Sorrento peninsula, stopping off along the way to see Mount Vesuvius and to explore the ancient ruins of Pompeii, destroyed in 79AD in a catastrophic volcanic eruption. Then, choose the option to explore the Amalfi Coast for the rest of the day, or simply explore the area at your own pace! Later this afternoon, settle in for a two-night stay on the Sorrento peninsula. This area is famous for limoncello (a sweet lemon liqueur), the perfect way to finish off your included dinner this evening!
Sorrento: Free Day
Today you have a free day in Sorrento! A gorgeous old town hugging the coastline, the Sorrento peninsula is your base for the day.
Explore the town in your own time, or choose our optional excursion to the famous Isle of Capri, where you can spend some free time exploring the rugged coastline, ancient Roman ruins and stylish piazzas.
Sorrento - Matera - Alberobello
Today we’ll head east and explore the southern Italian region of Apulia, taking a comfort stop along the way in the ancient cave city of Matera. Known as "la Città Sotterranea" (the Subterranean City), it is famous for its extensive cave-dwelling districts, the ‘sassi’. Later we'll arrive in Alberobello, and enjoy an orientation tour of the region's famous ‘trullo’ houses. These beautiful 14th century whitewashed stone huts have iconic conical roofs and are specific to the Itria Valley. This afternoon you’ll have free time to further explore Alberobello; check out the trullo church of St Antony and the Trulli museum.
Alberobello - Taormina
Today we take a coastal drive beside the Ionian Sea, before we leave the mainland behind and take a short ferry ride over to the island of Sicily, home of Mount Etna. Prepare for stunning views as we make our way to Taormina. Upon arrival your tour leader will take you on an orientation walk of this hilltop town, showing you some of the highlights you can explore further on your free day tomorrow, including the historic Porta Catania and the Villa Comunale. This evening we’ll top off our Sicilian experience with an included dinner at our beachside hotel.
Taormina: Free Day
Enjoy a free day to relax on Sicily's beautiful beaches, or explore the island's quaint towns. The town of Taormina itself is one of Italy’s most popular summer destinations, perched on the side of a mountain and offering medieval churches, a castle and Greek amphitheatre. For those looking to explore further afield on their Italian tour, speak to your tour leader for their recommendations, including boat tours of the beautiful coastline, paragliding and 'Godfather' tours.
Taormina - Syracuse - Agrigento
Drive through the heart of Sicily, along the way taking a lunch stop in enchanting Syracuse. Syracuse is a city that was founded as a Greek colony in 734 BC. Today it’s a UNESCO-listed historic centre and wonderland boasting beautiful baroque buildings and. This afternoon, get your cameras ready as stopping at the ‘Valle dei Templi’ (Valley of the Temples), one of the most outstanding examples of Magna Grecia art and architecture. Stay over tonight in Agrigento.
Agrigento - Cefalù - Palermo
Leaving Agrigento this morning, take a scenic drive through central Sicily as you set out to the town of Cefalù for lunch. Cefalù is a historic town that boasts some of Italy’s finest beaches. Arriving in Palermo in the early afternoon, enjoy a walking tour that will introduce you to the city’s highlights.
Founded more than 2,700 years ago by the Phoenicians, Palermo is noted for its history, culture, architecture and food. Sights you'll see on your walking tour include the Piazza Indipendenza and Porta Nuova.
Palermo: Free Day
Enjoy a full day to further explore Sicily’s capital. Over the centuries Palermo has been colonised by many different rulers over the centuries, including the Greeks, Romans and Normans making it melting pot of cultures and architectural styles. You also have the option to join your tour leader for an excursion to Monreale to see and explore the UNESCO-listed Monreale Cathedral. The excursion includes lunch at a local farmhouse to feast on some traditional Sicilian food. This evening, we’ll take an overnight ferry back to the Italian mainland.
End of tour: Palermo, Naples or Rome
This morning we’ll arrive in Naples where travellers can choose to end their tour (with a drop off at the port), or continue on the coach with the tour leader and make our way back to Rome, where the coach will drop off and you can catch a taxi to the airport for your return flight to Australia.
If you would like to extend your stay and book post-tour accommodation for this evening, please contact us.
More about Europe
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My Travel Experience Review
This escorted group tour covers all the essential highlights of Italy in 16 days. Plus flights from Australia are included. Single travellers have the option to share or pay a supplement to ensure a private room on tour.
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 escorted tour includes flights from Australia and departs on select dates:
2022 – 07, 30 April; 21 May; 11, 15 June; 20 August; 01 October
2023 – 08, 22 April; 06, 20 May; 03, 17 June; 01 July; 09 September
Departures are subject to availability and prices may vary at time of booking. Please ask us for your preferred date and we will advise availability and cost. Contact us to find out about departures at other times of the year.
Important to remember...
The day-by-day tour descriptions in the itinerary are intended as an indicative guide only. Travel by nature is unpredictable. Weather patterns, 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 reservations@mytravelxp.com. Phone 1300 168 910 (in Australia) or text +61 437 851 966 (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 by 31 October 2021.
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.
How to make a booking:
This early bird deal is valid until 31 October 2021 and may change without notice.
Price is correct as of 14 September 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 reservations@mytravelxp.com.
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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