14 Day Northern Italy Tour (Explore Rome, Florence, Venice & More)

Tour Overview

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Countries Visited: 1 Activity Level: 2 Tour Style: Cultural

Few places in the world have as high of a reputation as a cultural and historic tour de force as Italy does. While dreaming of an Italian vacation, one is lured by the culinary capabilities of the country, or where scenes of priceless cultural riches are found around every corner. On our Northern Italy tours, we take you to the heart and soul of the country and introduce you to the charms that make this country so easily on the top of any destination wish list.

Northern Italy tours are a chance to discover the cultural icons that have emerged from this Mediterranean nation. In Rome, Italy's capital, we will explore the Eternal City's ancient monuments and spectacular galleries which are looking more magnificent than ever after an extensive restoration program.

From the 2,000 year old Colosseum, built to seat 55,000 spectators for Rome's most brutal gladiatorial combats to the Roman Forum, one can experience a depth of historical sites in a city that was once the centre of the largest Empire in the world.

It could take a lifetime to discover all the hidden treasures of this ancient city, from early aqueducts to over-the-top fountains in grand piazzas, each neighbourhood has a charm worthy of visiting. Our Northern Italy tours venture from Rome into one of the world's smallest microstates, The Vatican, for a guided tour of the immense Vatican Museums including Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel. For those who love art, this is a place not to be missed.

Out of the capital, join us as we tour Florence, the birthplace of Renaissance. Steeped in history and art, the city is filled with beautiful statues, historic bridges, quaint alleyways and a magnificent cathedral. It is also home to the Uffizi Gallery, with collections by artists such as Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Michelangelo, Titian and Caravaggio.

Surrounded by Tuscany, a visit to this region would not be complete without a trip to the fertile plains and hills that produce terrific wines and delicious balsamic vinegars found on nearly every Italian table.

With stops in Ravenna, an incomparable treasure-store of Byzantine monuments, and Verona, the setting for Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet', it becomes quite clear to those on our Northern Italy tours that each destination is multifaceted with many reasons to visit.

From the small villages of the interior to the impressive coastal spots on Cinque Terre, each corner of Italy is a marvel to explore. On an easy-paced walk between the coastal villages of the Italian Riviera we discover why Cinque Terre is considered to rival the Amalfi Coast near Naples for its stunning views and gorgeous sunsets.

Another area best explored by foot, Siena today seems frozen in time. The town has traditionally been Florence's rival as the centre of art and architecture in Tuscany. While Florence is known for its Renaissance art and buildings, Siena takes us straight back to the Middle Ages.

And after all those walks in magnificent settings, our Northern Italy tours conclude with the chance to put your feet up and cruise the canals of one of the world's most romantic cities, Venice.

Whether it is your first time or your hundredth time to Italy, our Northern Italy tours offer a chance to get off the beaten path while still admiring some of the most cherished places in this timeless country.

Dates & Prices

Prices below are per person, twin-sharing costs in US Dollars (USD). Pricing does not include airfare to/from the tour and any applicable taxes. For single supplement rates and taxes (if any), please refer to below Prices & Dates table. For general information on flights to/from the tour, click here.

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2024

2025

Optional Single Supplement: $930 USD (number of singles limited).

Full Itinerary

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Day 1 Arrive in Rome
Today we arrive in Rome and transfer to our hotel.

Few cities in the world are as beautiful as Rome, and few are as glamorous. The Eternal City's ancient monuments and spectacular galleries are looking more magnificent than ever after an extensive restoration program.

Overnight in Rome.
Included Meal(s): Dinner

Day 2 Rome: City Tour
We begin our guided tour* of Rome at the 2,000 year old colosseum. Built to seat 55,000 spectators, this arena staged Rome's most brutal gladitorial combats. Next we walk through the Roman Forum where we will see the Curia, the Rostra, the Temple of Vesta, the Basilica of Constantine, and the Arch of Titus. Continuing onwards and upwards we reach the Campidoglio (Capitoline Hill), seat of the Roman Senate since the 12th century and the original citadel of the city. This beautiful square was redesigned by Michelangelo in the 16th century.

We arrive at Piazza Navona where we can break for lunch at one of the many restaurants and cafes on or near the square. In the square itself we can admire the impressive Fountain of the Four Rivers, with detailed figures representing the Nile, Ganges, Danube and Palata rivers.

We continue to the famous Trevi Fountain, designed by Nicholas Salvi in 1732. Its water was supplied by one of Rome's earliest aqueducts. Throwing a coin into the fountain is said to ensure your safe return to Rome. We also visit the temple-turned church called the Pantheon, and have the opportunity to admire its perfect proportions on our way to the Spanish steps, where we finish our day's tour.

* NOTE: Due to traffic problems and the fact that today's sites are reasonably close to each other, much of today's tour will occur on foot and with Rome's efficient public transit system (cost of tickets included). Any sightseeing / touring not accomplished today will be moved to tomorrow afternoon.

Overnight in Rome.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 3 Rome: the Vatican Museums & St. Peter's
Today we travel by metro to the west side of the Tiber River and begin our visit to Vatican City with a guided tour through the immense Vatican Museums.* This amazing collection houses some of the most important Greek and Roman sculptures, Renaissance paintings, Flemish tapestries and mosaics in the world. Understandably this collection is visited by more than 3 million people a year. We also visit Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel to take in its breathtaking frescoes.

Heading into the cavernous interior of St. Peter's Basilica, we can appreciate it's many treasures, including Michelangelo's Pieta. At the end of the Vatican tour we visit the elegantly symmetrical Piazza St. Pietro.

After a break for lunch we will continue with any sightseeing carried over from yesterday.

* NOTE: The timing/order of today's sightseeing can vary depending on seasonality. Early spring and late fall tours can often begin in the morning due to lighter crowds at these times of year. Busier times often dictate an afternoon/evening visit in order to avoid morning crowds; indeed, we may include lunch instead of dinner today in order to expedite the flow of our activities. Your Tour Leader will advise of any adjustments upon your arrival in Rome.

Overnight in Rome.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 4 Rome - Assisi - Siena
This morning we drive from Rome to Siena, a region famous for its wines.

Our first stop will be Assisi. Despite the millions of tourists and pilgrims it attracts every year, the hometown of St Francis remains a beautiful and tranquil refuge. St Francis was born here in 1182 and his spirit hovers over every aspect of the city's life. He renounced his father's wealth in his late teens to pursue a life of chastity and poverty, founding the order of mendicant friars known as the Order of Minors (the Franciscans after his death) which attracted a huge following in Europe.

St Francis' Basilica is the city's, and possibly Umbria's, primary attraction; after a guided tour of the basilica we depart for Siena, arriving later in the afternoon.

Overnight in Siena.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 5 Siena & San Gimignano
Siena is best seen on foot. In fact, the city council was Europe's first to ban motor traffic from the city centre. Siena today seems frozen in time. The town has traditionally been Florence's rival as the centre of art and architecture in Tuscany. While Florence is known for its Renaissance art and buildings, Siena takes us straight back to the Middle Ages. Perhaps by preserving its original character more than any other city in Italy, Siena is a showcase of the Italian Gothic style. The walled city of Siena occupies three hill tops and contains a rich artistic heritage.

Included on our guided walking tour of Siena's charming medieval streets and squares is a visit to the Palazzo Pubblico (Town Hall), a famous example of Italian medieval architecture with Gothic influences. Also famous for its frescoes, the best-known are a secular series on government in the Hall of the Nine (also known as Sala della Pace), by Ambrogio Lorenzetti. These frescoes are collectively known as "Allegory and Effects of Good and Bad Government."

Our next stop is the Duomo. This huge cathedral, built in bands of black and white marble, dates from the 12th century. Built in the Romanesque and Italian Gothic styles, it has a dramatically painted façade -- partly designed by Giovanni Pisano -- and a soaring black and white bell tower. The inlaid marble floor depicts different Biblical scenes and the cathedral contains a glass-enclosed box with an arm. Tradition maintains that the arm is that of John the Baptist and was used to baptise Christ.

This afternoon we drive to San Gimignano, called the Manhattan of Tuscany. The medieval town preserves 13 of its noble brick towers, which give it a skyscraper skyline. Today its fortress-like severity is softened by the subtlety of its quiet, harmonious squares, and many of its places and churches are enhanced by Renaissance frescoes.

Our drive this afternoon back to Siena takes us through the wine growing region of Chianti.

Overnight in Siena.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 6 Siena - Volterra - Pisa - Lerici
This morning we drive through beautiful and quintessential Tuscan rolling countryside to Volterra.

Situated like many Etruscan cities on a high plateau, Volterra offers uninterrupted views over the surrounding hills. In many places the town's ancient Etruscan walls still stand. The exact origins of the Etruscans and when they arrived in Italy, are unknown. Their civilisation was centred in the area between present-day Rome and Florence, and had its Golden Age from the eighth until the sixth century BC. After this period the Etruscan empire was gradually superseded by the rising power of Rome, although in the process, the Romans incorporated many aspects of Etruscan culture into their own society and beliefs. Although the Etruscans had their own language and alphabet, nothing of their literature has survived. What we know of their civilisation comes mainly from their highly decorated tombs which were stocked with everything the deceased would need in the afterlife -- food, drink, clothes, weapons and furniture.

We also visit the city walls and the Etruscan Gate with its basalt heads of Etruscan gods dating back to the sixth century BC. Before leaving Volterra we view the Roman amphitheatre, dating to the first century BC. This is one of the best-preserved Roman theatres in Italy and enough of the original structure has survived to allow an almost complete reconstruction. In your free time here, we suggest Volterra's famous Museo Guarnacci, which contains one of Italy's best collections of Etruscan artifacts. Pride of place in the museum goes to the collection of 600 Etruscan funerary urns, depicting many aspects of Etruscan customs and beliefs.

Our next stop is Pisa, where we will spend most of our time concentrating on the town's principal monuments -- the Duomo, the Baptistery, and the most famous structure in Pisa, the gravity-defying "Leaning Tower." We will take ample time to view and photograph the tower from the outside (to climb the tower requires advance reservations and a considerable amount of time to queue for entry; time constraints make this impractical for our tour).

We continue to Lerici, set dramatically on a beautiful bay on the Ligurian coast.

Overnight in Lerici.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 7 Lerici - Cinque Terre - Florence
Today we leave behind Lerici and travel (weather depending) by boat along the Ligurian coast to village of Riomaggiore in the Cinque Terre. Here we begin our easy-paced walk between the coastal villages. This spectacular section of the Italian Riviera is considered to rival the Amalfi Coast near Naples for its stunning views and gorgeous sunsets. From Riomaggiore we take an easy half hour walk on the Via D'Amore (lover's Walk) to Manarola. The next section (about 1 hour) takes us to Corniglia.*

Those not wishing to continue with the next two more difficult sections may walk up to Corniglia centre to sample the delightful town with its wonderful panoramic views. It is also possible to take a local train to the nearby town of Vernazza to enjoy this jewel of a village. Those wishing to continue may start on the 2-hour hike to Vernazza. The hills of the rugged coast are covered in vineyards which grow the grapes for the local Morasca, Chiaretto del Faro and Sciacchetra wines.

We continue by train to Monterosso Al Mare, thus named for the red colour of the area. Here we find a large statue carved into the cliffs and a lovely beach.

* PLEASE NOTE: Due to past flooding in the region, our day may need to be adjusted depending on what trails are open or under repair.

Tonight we arrive in Florence.

Overnight in Florence.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 8 Florence: Walking Tour
Florence is a city steeped in history and art. Our walking tour today begins with a guided tour of the Accademia, which was Europe's first Academy of drawing and today houses a superb art collection, including Michelangelo's David, probably the most famous statue in the world. We then proceed to the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo), complete with its magnificent red dome. Upon its completion in 1436, the dome was hailed as the greatest architectural achievement of its day, equaling, perhaps even surpassing, the monuments of antiquity. The cupola's diameter is greater than that of St Peter's in Rome and the nave is the third largest in Christendom. Even today its brilliant engineering is not fully understood.

We continue along the pedestrian mall to the Ponte Vecchio, the oldest bridge in Florence and the only one in the city to survive World War II. The Ponte Vecchio was built in 1345 and used to be lined with butchers' shops which have now been replaced by rows of gold and silver shops on both sides. At the Piazza Santa Croce, we stop to admire the facade of the Franciscan church of the same name. Inside we see the tombs of Michelangelo and Galileo Galilei and chapels covered in frescoes by Giotto.

Balance of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Florence.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 9 Florence: Uffizi Gallery
This morning we visit the Uffizi Gallery, Giorgio Vasari's extraordinary administrative buildings which he designed for Cosimo I Medici in the mid-sixteenth century. The galleries here contain the greatest collection of Italian artworks, including hundreds of paintings by such great artists as Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Michelangelo, Titian and Caravaggio. The galleries also contain one of the most famous paintings in the world -- Botticelli's 'Birth of Venus.'

The afternoon is free to take in the atmosphere of this sophisticated city.

Overnight in Florence.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 10 Florence - Ravenna: Town Tour
From Tuscany we drive into the region of Emilia Romagna, an area of fertile plains surrounding the Po River. The area is known for balsamic vinegar, and today we'll visit an acetaia where balsamic vinegar is produced. We will see the machinery, cellar, the barrels, indeed the whole process and all the products that result.

We arrive in Ravenna, an incomparable treasure-store of Byzantine monuments. Ravenna was made capital of the Western Roman Empire in AD 402 as Rome was threatened by the unstoppable Barbarians. Later in the fifth century Ravenna also succumbed, but was recaptured in 540 by the Byzantines under the emperor Justinian. From the sixth to the eighth centuries Ravenna flourished as a great centre of Byzantine (Eastern Orthodox) culture and religion. Its influence came not from the rest of Italy but from Constantinople (today's Istanbul); indeed the humble-looking churches of Ravenna house the most spectacular Byzantine mosaics outside of Istanbul (if you are a kean aficianado of mosaics, your Tour Leader can point you in the right direction for your free time, ie the Church of San Vitale and/or the Basilica of Sant Appollinare in Classe).

We'll have a walking tour of the charming streets of Medieval Ravenna, during which we visit the spectacular mausoleum of Galla Placidia, a Roman princess who married a Barbarian chief. The walls, floor, and ceiling of her tomb are completely covered in dazzling decoration. The Mausoleum of Theodoric, built in AD 520 to house the mortal remains of an enlightened ostrogothic ruler, has a dome cut from a single block of stone weighing almost 336 tonnes (300 tons)!

Overnight in Ravenna.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 11 Ravenna - Verona - Padova (Padua)
Today we drive from Ravenna to Verona via the Colli Eugani region, known in English as the Eugenian Hills. This glorious area is well-known for its thermal springs and terrific wines.

Onto Verona, the setting for Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet'. With its pink marble Roman structures and rose-painted buildings, Verona is one of Italy's most appealing towns. The town contains many Roman ruins including the first century Arena which is now used as Verona's opera house, the third largest such structure in existence. The Teatro Romano is often used for the performance of plays, particularly those of William Shakespeare.

During our time in Verona we'll have a walking tour starting with the Piazza Bra, the centre of Veronese life. We'll wander the rosy-hued streets admiring the palaces, townhouses and churches. We see the Gothic mausoleum of the Scaligeri rulers of the 13th and 14th centuries. We also visit the family's fortified residence on the River Adige and a bridge named after them.

We continue to Padova.

Overnight in Padova.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 12 Padova: Town Tour - Venice
We begin our walking tour of Padova with a visit to the towering Basilica of Saint Anthony, patron saint of lost things. With its minaret-like towers and byzantine cupolas, the structure is a blend of eastern and western elements and a focal point for a constant flow of pilgrims. When we step inside its precincts, we leave Italy and enter the Vatican State. This is the only Vatican property (apart from Vatican City) in Italy that is extra-territorial. We also visit a unique structure -- Europe's oldest permanent anatomy theatre, built in 1594, with viewing balconies so narrow that when students fainted they would be prevented from falling. After a short walk from the university we come to the Piazza Bo, the scene of one of the liveliest daily markets in Italy.

We then travel the rest of the distance to Venice by road. After a brief orientation by your Tour Leader, you will have free time this afternoon for independent exploration. This evening you may choose to visit the casino, take a gondola ride, or perhaps spend an evening at the theatre.

Overnight in Venice.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 13 Venice: City Tour
On our guided walking tour this morning we concentrate on St Mark's Square, surrounded with elegant, historic buildings. Napoleon called Piazza San Marco, "the drawing room of Europe". We start with a tour of the Doge's Palace. This former seat of Venetian power has the second largest wooden room in Europe. Of interest as we walk through the council rooms, is Tintoretto's Paradise over the Grand Council Chamber -- alleged to be the largest oil painting in the world. The palace is connected to the old prison by the 'Bridge of Sighs.' In the late 16th century the decision was made to build new airier prison cells to replace the original dark dungeons. It was from this new prison that Casanova made his daring escape across the rooftops in 1755.

The highlight of the square is St Mark's Basilica, a Byzantine masterpiece. This cathedral was begun in 830 to house the tomb of St Mark whose relics were stolen from Alexandria in Egypt. The inside walls are encrusted with precious art, rare marbles and magnificent mosaics. Behind the altar is the famous gold altarpiece, 'Palla d'Oro,' which is one of the finest examples of gold craftsmanship.

(We do not include a tour of the interior of the basilica as lengthy queues usually make this impractical for our program. We encourage you to visit the site during your free time this afternoon. Your ticket is valid for the Doge’s Palace and the combined itinerary of Museo Correr, Museo Archeologico Nazionale and Monumental Rooms of the Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana.)

Later we take the vaporetto, or public water bus, on the Grand Canal and then walk along the maze of canals, sidewalks and bridges that are uniquely Venice. At the Rialto Bridge we visit the market area. The name Rialto derives from 'high bank' because this area was one of the highest points on the islands that make up the core of Venice and was thus considered a safe gathering point. The market here is vibrant with locals buying fruit and vegetables brought in from the mainland, and a vast array of fish caught fresh in the Adriatic.

Overnight in Venice.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 14 Departure
Departure from Venice.

BUON VIAGGIO!
Included Meal(s): Breakfast

Trip Info

Inclusions
Breakfast and dinner (mostly local restaurants) daily. All sightseeing and entrance fees for sites noted as 'visited' in the detailed itinerary. Gratuities for local guides, drivers, restaurant staff, porters. Airport transfers for land & air customers and for early arriving/late departing land & air customers who book their extra hotel nights through us.

Exclusions
International airfare to/from the tour. Tour Leader gratuities, lunches, drinks, personal items (phone, laundry, etc), air taxes (if applicable), and excursions referenced as 'optional'. Airport transfers for Land Only customers. Optional trip cancellation insurance. Our post-reservation trip notes offer further guidance on optional meal costs and shopping.

Seasonality and Weather
This tour is offered in spring, summer, and fall, the most popular being spring and fall when temperatures are mild, crowds thinner, and air fares lower. Spring is popular with visitors who enjoy green landscapes and wildflowers. The region has a mild Mediterranean climate with early springs, long hot and dry summers, and autumns that are bright and warm into late October. Showers are possible in spring, rare in summer, and possible in fall.

Transport and Travel Conditions
Transport throughout by private air-conditioned motor coach, 24-36 seats depending on ultimate group size (see 'group size'). Though we will have some full bus days, road travel is not particularly arduous as there are plenty of stops of interest and beautiful scenery along the way. Road are in good condition, though a little winding on some stretches.

This trip is typical of most of our European tours, which are ambitious and involve full days of travel and sightseeing. While we don't have any actual strenuous activity (ie hiking) built into the program, you will do a lot of walking on this trip. These walks will mostly be in the form of walking tours of towns and cities and short walks to dinner. Being Europe, and a hilly/mountainous area, cobbles, uneven surfaces, and slopes/stairs are common. If you are accustomed to typical "bus tours," which rely heavily on vehicular transport for all sightseeing activities, you should be aware that this tour is considerably more active.

Am I suitable for this tour? Please refer to our self-assessment form.

Accommodation
Well-located, air-conditioned, mid-range hotels and inns (3-star) used throughout. Some hotels are smaller properties (3-4 story) that may not have elevators. All hotels have en suite bath, though some may have shower only. Porter service is sometimes available (see 'inclusions') though you should be independent with your luggage. Single rooms are limited and likely smaller than twins.

Staff and Support
Tour Leader throughout, driver (s), local step-on guides in various locales.

Group Size
Maximum 18 plus Tour Leader

Tour Extensions
This tour is part of a series that can be upgraded to make for a longer trip. For more options, please refer to tour code/s:

20 Day South & North Italy Tour

MAY SEP

TOUR CODE: IT3

Tour Overview

24 Day Italy Tour: North & South

MAY SEP

TOUR CODE: IT2

Tour Overview

29 Day Malta Tour & Italy

MAY

TOUR CODE: ML3

Tour Overview

38 Day Tunisia Tour, Malta & Italy

APR MAY

TOUR CODE: TM3

Tour Overview

24 Day Italy Tour: North & South TOURCODE: IT2 Guided tours of all major towns and cities visited; Ancient Greek Temples at Agrigento and Paestum; Rome - The Vatican & the Sistine Chapel; The Accademia & Michelangelo's David; Water taxi ride on Venice canals

Tour Overview Countries Visited: 1 Acivity Level: 2 Tour Style: Cultural

What do you get if you mix the incredible cultural riches of Italy's north with the laid back beauty of Southern Italy? You get one of the best guided tours of Italy encompassing the elegant beauty of the Roman Empire's most iconic buildings, a curated look into one of the world's largest collections at the Vatican, postcard perfect settings on the Amalfi Coast and Cinque Terre, a cruise along the canals of Venice, and so much more. Our guided tours of Italy are the chance to understand first hand why this destination captures the heart of all those who enter its borders.

In Southern Italy, it is easy to get lost in the island lifestyle of Sicily. Markets are filled with fresh fish and the countryside is lined with orange and lemon trees. Fresh ingredients make mealtime a treat, while the days are complete with wanderings across ancient Greek temples and medieval cities, with a backdrop of active volcanoes and a rugged landscape.

Our guided tours of Italy vary from walking tours in old city squares to discovering the buried city of Pompeii, a city frozen in time beneath volcanic ash and pumice stone that covered the city nearly 2,000 years ago.

Take a step back into the days of the Roman Empire with a guided tour of the colosseum, an arena which held nearly 55,000 spectators, before venturing into the Roman Forum and onto the Spanish Steps. Rome is a city so vibrant it practically hums, replete with squares designed by Michelangelo and fountains by Salvi. Rome contains the walled state of the Vatican, itself home to the amazing collections at the Vatican Museums.

For art enthusiasts, our guided tours of Italy take us to the heart and birthplace of Renaissance, where we stand in awe of the world's most famous sculpture: Michelangelo's David. Nearby, we complete an art pilgrimage with a visit to the Uffizi Gallery, home to Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Michelangelo, Titian and Caravaggio, as well as one of the most famous paintings in the world: Botticelli's 'Birth of Venus.'

It is easy to understand how Italy inspired the great minds and artistic legends of history particularly as we tour the Tuscan countryside. We are surrounded by endless grape vines clinging to rolling hills, stretching towards timeless cities such as Siena, or medieval fortresses such as that found at San Gimignano.

More inspirational sights are revealed on a cruise along the windy road cut into the rock on the Amalfi Coast, or strolling from village to village in the brightly coloured Cinque Terre. Indeed, much of Italy feels like a step back in time.

Life moves at a slower pace in the fertile plains, where wine and balsamic vinegar are created. Step back in time to see the Byzantine monuments erected after the 5th century in Ravenna. Some might conclude that the rose coloured buildings of Verona make it among Italy's finest towns, while others may conclude that it is Venice's canals or Agrigento's Greek Temples or Palermo's markets that stole their heart.

Wherever you go on our guided tours of Italy, it is a sure bet that it will be one that is both memorable and inspiring.

Map & Hotels

Regions visited: Western Europe
Countries visited: Italy

*The red tour trail on the map does not represent the actual travel path.

The following is a list of sample hotels at some locations included on this tour. The hotels shown here are meant to provide a general sense of the standard of hotel we usually aim for; they are not necessarily confirmed for your chosen departure.

Gioberti Art Hotel

Location: Rome

Country: Italy

The Gioberti Art Hotel is a brand new concept hotel in the center of Rome, with an ideal location: close to Termini Station and a few steps from the church of Santa ... Maggiore, the Opera Theater and the Baths of Diocletian. The noble nineteenth-century building, faithfully restored, is internally interpreted in a contemporary key.

The common thread running through every room of the Gioberti Art Hotel is painting and sculpture in particular, which accompany the guest in an immersive artistic experience: for a new concept of hospitality, capable of bringing those traveling to Rome for work and tourism closer to the art and architecture of the most contemporary made in Italy.

Click here to visit hotel website

Hotel Minerva

Location: Siena

Country: Italy

Hotel Minerva, with a lift and outdoor area, is one of the most historic 3-star hotels in the city of Siena: it has 56 rooms and offers a choice of four different ... Easy, Elegant Standard, Superior Room and Junior Suite.

The hotel is located within the ancient city walls of Siena, in the northern area of the city, just a few steps away from Piazza Campo: the heart of the historic center of the city, famous throughout the world as the City of the Palio.

Click here to visit hotel website

Europa Grand Hotel

Location: Lerici

Country: Italy

The Europa Grand Hotel is 300m from the center of Lerici, reachable via a staircase that leads from the hotel to Piazza Garibaldi, where you will find the embarkation point for boats ... the 5 Terre and the equipped beaches.
The hotel offers ample free parking and an excellent breakfast served until 11:00. From June to September free shuttle service until midnight.

Click here to visit hotel website

Hotel Caravaggio

Location: Florence

Country: Italy

Located in the historic center of Florence in a 19th century building, the Hotel Caravaggio Firenze is within walking distance of the central station, Santa Maria Novella, as well as the Fortezza ... Basso exhibition centre, Palazzo dei Congressi and Stazione Leopolda, where trade fairs and international congresses.

The structure is an ancient 19th century building, elegantly furnished and with a refined and pleasant environment, equipped with all modern comforts: a beautiful hall with Internet access, a breakfast room, a meeting room and a lounge.

Click here to visit hotel website

Palazzo Cendon

Location: Venice

Country: Italy

Palazzo Cendon is located in one of the most authentic Venetian areas: just by walking down the streets and the canals you will lose yourself in a past that is still present. ... classy and traditional landscape awaits you – hidden in an ancient palace overlooking the Canal of Cannaregio, near the main attractions of the city centre.

Click here to visit hotel website

Gallery

Northern Italy

Our Northern Italy tour features some of the most iconic cities in the world, including Venice, Rome, and Florence. Along the way, travellers can marvel at the stunning architecture, art, and culture that define this captivating region. From visiting the famous canals of Venice to exploring the magnificent villages of Cinque Terre, our Northern Italy tour offers a wide range of experiences for travellers.

Exciting Videos of
Tourcode: IT1

Northern Italy

Our Northern Italy tour features some of...

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Frequently Asked Questions

ASK A QUESTION

Frequently Asked Questions

ASK A QUESTION

01. What is the maximum number of participants on a trip?

Most of our tours carry a maximum of 18 participants; some tours (ie hiking tours) top out at 16. In the event that we do not achieve our minimum complement by our 60-day deadline, we may offer group members the option of paying a "small-group surcharge" as an alternative to cancellation. If all group members agree, we will confirm the trip at existing numbers; this surcharge is refundable in the event that we ultimately achieve our regular minimum. If the small group surcharge is not accepted, we will offer a refund of your deposit or a different trip of your choice.

02. Can I extend my tour either at the beginning or end? What about stopovers?

Yes, you can extend your tour either at the beginning or the end and we can book accommodation in our tour hotel. Stopovers are often permitted, depending on air routing. Stopovers usually carry a "stopover" fee levied by the airline.

03. How do I make a reservation? How and when do I pay?

The easiest way to make a reservation is to contact us by telephone. You can also book online through our website. A non-refundable deposit is payable at the time of booking; if a reservation is made within 60 days, full payment is required. Some trips require a larger deposit. If international airline bookings require a non-refundable payment in order to secure space or the lowest available fare, we will require an increase in deposit equal to the cost of the ticket(s). Early enrolment is always encouraged as group size is limited and some trips require greater preparation time. Once we have received your deposit, we will confirm your space and send you a confirmation package containing your trip itinerary, any visa/travel permit related documents, invoice, clothing and equipment recommendations, general information on your destination(s), and forms for you to complete, sign and return to us. Your air e-tickets (if applicable), final hotel list, final trip itinerary, and instructions on how to join your tour, will be sent approximately 2-3 weeks prior to departure.

04. What about cancellations, refunds, and transfers?

Please review our cancellation policy page for details.

05. I am a single who prefers my own room. What is a single supplement?

All of our tours have a single supplement for those who want to be guaranteed their own room at each location. This supplement is a reflection of the fact that most hotels around the world do not discount the regular twin-share rate for a room by 50% for only one person occupying a room. Most hotels will give a break on the price, but usually in the range of 25-30% of the twin-share rate. This difference, multiplied by each night, amounts to the single supplement. The conventional amount can also vary from country to country and some destinations are more expensive than others for single occupancy. In order to be "single friendly," the supplements we apply are not a profit centre for us and we do our best to keep them as reasonable as possible. On most tours we limit the number of singles available, not to be punitive, but rather because many hotels allow for only a limited number of singles; some smaller hotels at remote locations also have a limited number of single rooms available. Please note that most single rooms around the world are smaller than twin-share rooms and will likely have only one bed.

06. Do you have a shared accommodation program?

Yes! If you are single traveller and are willing to share, we will do our best to pair you with a same-gender roommate. On most of our tours, if we fail to pair you, we will absorb the single supplement fee and you will default to a single room at no extra charge. At some destinations, however, where single rooms are not significantly discounted, or not at all, we may apply a "mandatory" single in the event that we cannot find you a share partner. This is usually 50% of the usual supplement, but can be as much as 100%. If applicable, this proviso will be noted on each tour page on this website, on your invoice, and in our tour date/price book (available for download under "Resources").

What People are Saying

Paul T.

Elora, ON - CA

It is difficult to decide our favourite part as the sightseeing in Padua, Ravenna, Volterra, Assissi and Siena was very interesting. Local guides were all excellent - knowledgeable. The bus was comfortable, especially since there were extra seats. The driver was great. The consulting staff were very helpful and competent. Adventures Abroad is fortunate to have Peter in their employ as a tour leader. We recommend him highly and without reservation. Given our past use of Adventures Abroad and how pleased we were with this tour, it really goes without saying that our overall impression is very positive.

Doris K.

Rego Park - US

This was the right tour to take with my friends. Never having been to Italy and hardly knowing the language, I liked the tour because it provided an extensive itinerary and covered many highlights of the country. It was a whirlwind tour that gave me a taste of the country. From this tour, I gained greater appreciation of the country in so many different ways - culture, history, religion, cuisine. Local people were helpful and warm. Plus all the planning was done for me, so I just had to show up and didn't have to wrestle with logistical items and trying to figure local transportation systems, etc.!I loved every dinner I had on the tour. Our tour leaders knew exactly where to take us so we could enjoy local regional cuisine in varied restaurant settings. They were all different and all delicious. Our tour leaders leadership and guidance for the tour was terrific. He has the right personality for the role because he is a great problem solver, project manager, coordinator and people person. These are all elements needed for success to lead a tour with almost 20 people with 20 unique personalities over several days.

Roy V.

Mount Holly, NC - US

Excellent transportation. Enjoyed all sights and cities. Fantastic sightseeing!

Douglas Z.

Aurora, ON - CA

All aspects were excellent. All guides were excellent and had a love for what they were doing. Bus was excellent and Leonardo was very considerate. Very careful driving skills. Excellent meals throughout. Yvette is your perfect guide. Knowledge of the country and locations is excellent. Her abilities to deal with situations is second to none. She made the trip run smoothly and provided us with a great insight to what were seeing and doing. Yvette has great organization skills and is very personable. She made the trip very enjoyable. We would always look to traveling with Yvette on future AA trips.

Linda Z.

Rome guide was outstanding in every way and the others were excellent as well. Our tour leader Yvette's sense of humour and patience are outstanding. Yvette was perceptive about clients' needs and anticipated them. Yvette has a wealth of knowledge about the history, art, geography, and culture of the Mediterranean area.

William W.

Ottawa, ON - CA

Met all our expectations. Group was just the right size. Great details and history provided at every location. The churches, paintings, sculptures and artifacts, all of historical nature were very enlightening. Local guides were most knowledgeable in their respective area. They were easy to understand and answered every question that was asked. Every local guide certainly met our expectations. Transportation and handling of baggage was first class. Bus driver was most courteous and a very cautious driver. He knew all the hotels and the most direct route to them from each city. Bus was very clean inside and out. Yvette was our tour leader, have done many trips and tours around the world and would rate her the best one yet. A well organized and well oiled machine providing a first class service. Nothing left to worry about.

Sheila C.

Bath, ON - CA

Lindsay was someone we would all love to add to our family. She treated us like we were so special. We were very pleased with the excursions on the tour, from the Colosseum to St. Peters Square in Venice. Assisi, Sienna, San Gimignano, Volterra and especially Lerici with the beautiful Cinque Terre at our doorstep. Florence was beautiful, but oh so busy, then on to Ravenna, Verona and Padova. It was all so great.

Richard K.

Vero Beach, FL - US

Yvette has a great deal of first-hand knowledge of the Mediterranean world, so she not only gave us insight into Italy past and present, she also shared her experience and view of the politics in the Mediterranean region, including Tunesia, which was in the news during our entire trip. Her cosmopolitan background, world knowledge, general intelligence and smooth dealings with restaurants, tour guides, etc, makes her my new #1 Favorite Tour Leader.

Lynn G.

CINCINNATI, OH - US

It was great traveling with the 9 of us. This was the best tour we have taken with AA. We loved all our trips. Victor is a true professional.

Stasia K.

Easley, SC - US

Yvette is extrememly organized, meticulous in her planning, obviously very knowledgable and has a great sense of humor. We thoroughly enjoyed her company and hope that we can travel with her again. She works very hard to make the tour a success and wonderful experience for everyone.

14 Day Northern Italy Tour Rome, Florence & Venice

14 Day Northern Italy Tour

Rome, Florence & Venice