Italy Tours - Tours of Italy. All the work is done for you. All you have to do is find the perfect Italy Tour for yourself. We have gone through all of our most popular tour operators and we separated them according to how many days they are, tour class, and tour information.

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Cities Visited:
Umbria, Orvieto, Todi, Assisi, Siena, Florence, Rome

Explore famous hill towns in Tuscany and Umbria, days 1-3, where traces of medievaltraditions are observed in well-preserved architecture and time-honored antiquities.

• Private Visit, The Vatican
  Tauck Exclusive! A private, after-hours guided visit to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, without the crowds – once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to contemplate the inspirational treasures of the Vatican unhurried.
• Walking Tour of Old Rome
  Through the eyes of a local guide, discover Old Rome on a walking tour; places you will see include the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, and the Pantheon.
• Guided Tour of the Uffizi Gallery
  An art historian introduces you to Renaissance art and the city of Florence, followed by a guided tour of the Uffizi Gallery that details the paintings and the history of one of the world’s greatest art museums.

1. Arrive Rome / Todi
Tour departs: 9:30 AM from Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci Airport in Fiumicino. Travel from Rome through Lazio and Umbria to the town of Orvieto; have lunch at a trattoria, and see one of Italy’s greatest cathedrals. The next two nights are spent in the medieval hill town of Todi, where you’ll stay at the only hotel in the center of town. Experience the real Italy, where everything revolves around the piazza and life unfolds at a lovely pace. Join us this evening for a welcome reception and dinner. Meals LD

2. Assisi / Umbria / Todi
Visit Basilica di San Francesco in medieval Assisi; a local expert shares insights about its 13th- and 14th-century frescoes on a guided tour. Attend a wine tasting at the osteria of a famed winery before you return to Todi to explore the pleasures of small-town Italian life. Meals B

3. Siena / Tuscany / Florence
See the picturesque landscapes of Tuscany en route to Siena, where you’ll tour the ornately decorated Duomo and see the Piazza del Campo – twice a year, the running of the Palio occurs here. Continue on to Florence for a two-night stay. Join us for a visit to the renowned Galleria dell’Accademia, home of Michelangelo’s David, and enjoy a lecture this evening by a local art historian. Meals BD

4. Renaissance Treasures of Florence
A guided walking tour of landmark sites in Florence precedes a tour of the Uffizi Gallery with a local expert; see some of the world’s greatest art masterpieces. The rest of the day is free to explore on your own. Meals B

5. Eurostar to Rome
Travel first class by high-speed Eurostar train to Rome. A walking tour of Old Rome, with a local guide, shows you sites such as Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, the Church of St. Ignatius of Loyola and the Pantheon. Topped off by a gelato (Italian ice cream), it’s a perfect day! Meals BL

6. Private Tour of the Vatican
Tauck Exclusive – a private after-hours tour of the Vatican Museums takes you to the Candelabra Gallery, the Map Gallery, and the Tapestries. A highlight is a visit to the Sistine Chapel – without the crowds, you’ll discover that the floor is as famous as the ceiling! Spend the remainder of the day as you please in Rome. Meals B

7. Rome as You Please
Sightseeing includes the Roman Forum (from above) and visits to the Colosseum, St. Peter’s Basiica, and St. Peter’s Square; the rest of the day is free. Join us this evening for a farewell reception and dinner. Meals BD

8. Journey Home
Tour ends: 7:30 AM at Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci Airport in Fiumicino. Persons departing at other times should secure their own transportation to the airport. You should allow a minimum of 2 ½ hours for check-in. Meals B

Begins Rome
Mar 23, 30
Apr 13, 20
May 11, 25
Jun 8, 15, 22
Jul 6, 20
Aug 17, 31
Sep 7, 14, 28
Oct 5, 19, 26
Nov 9

Dates in red indicate special departures where the single price is the same as the double: $3389, March 23; $3445, July 20 and August 17; $3545, Nov 9.

8 Days from $2,990 plus airfare
(7 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches & 3 Dinners)

Price Per Person

March and April
Double $2990 / Single $3760 / Triple $2850

May
Double $3195 / Single $3895 / Triple $3118

June – November
Ask at time of booking for prices

• International Airfare is additional.
• Please ask at time of booking about additional hotel nights before your tour begins and about our comprehensive Guest Protection Plan.
• Additional departure dates may become available as these sell out, call us for further information

• Night 1,2 Hotel Fonte Cesia  - Todi, Italy
• Night 3,4 Plaza Hotel Lucchesi - Florence, Italy
• Night 5,6,7 Hotel Majestic, Rome - Rome, Italy

Cities Visited:
Positano, Pompeii, Ravello, Naples, Vatican City

On a day 2, drive along the incomparable Coast: explore a colorful world of turquoise sea, purple bougainvillea, vine-colored hills, lemon and olive trees and villas ranging from white to terra cotta to pink.

• Tauck's Yellow Roads
  Drive along the incomparable Amalfii Coast where you'll explore a colorful world of turquoise sea, purple bougainvillea, vine-covered hills, lemon and olive trees - and elegant villas ranging from white to terra cotta to pink.

• Lecture at a Private Villa
  At a private villa on Capri, attend a lecture by a noted professor on contemporary Italian society.

• Convertible Car Sightseeing, Capri
  Feel like a jetsetter when convertible cars provide most of the sightseeing on the island of Capri, from arrival by ferry to your visit to Anacapri.

1. Arrive Rome
Tour departs: 10:00 AM from Rome's Leonardo da Vinci Airport in Fiumicino. Travel through the beautiful Campania countryside to the Amalfi Coast. Your home for the next two nights is close to the picturesque town of Positano, nestled on steep cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Join us this evening for a welcome reception and dinner. Meals LD

2. Amalfi Drive / Positano / Ravello
A drive along the spectacular Amalfi Coast today, one of Europe’s most beautiful shorelines, includes views of lush gardens and olive-green slopes, hovering over the clear sea below. Explore Amalfi and visit the Cathedral of St. Andrew, then travel to Ravello for a visit to exquisite Villa Rufolo. Lunch today is at a local restaurant where you'll get a real state of Italy - and your cheeks pinched by the owner! The rest of the day is free at your hotel. Meals BL

3. Pompeii / Isle of Capri
Take a guided visit through the remains of the ancient city of Pompeii, frozen in time from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79, then travel by jet boat to the Isle of Capri. Upon arrival, you'll feel like a celebrity as you're whisked away by convertible taxi to one of the most celebrated hotels in Europe. Spend two nights on Capri, enjoying the pleasures of a less-crowded island after the last ferry carrying the day-trippers departs. Your hotel is set in the exclusive "Via Camerelle" in the heart of Capri, a few steps from the Piazzetta. Meals BLD

4. Isle of Capri
Touring today is by convertible car, first to Anacapri and beatiful Villa San Michele, built atop the ruins of Capri's Roman palaces and villas. Next up is a visit to a private villa overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea where you'll attend a lecture on contemporary Italian society. The rest of the day is free to experience Capri as you like. Meals BD

5. Naples / Archaeological Museum
A sightseeing tour of Naples today shows you Posillipo, Santa Lucia, magnificent Piazza del Plebiscito, Teatro San Carlo, and Castel Nuovo. A guided visit to the Museo Archeologico Nazionale features an impressive collection of Pompeii artifacts. This afternoon, travel first class on the high-speed TAV train to Rome. Meals BL

6. Explore Rome
Guided sightseeing is balanced with time at leisure today - see Piazza Venezia, Trajan's Forum, the Imperial Palaces, the Circus Maximus, and the Roman Forum. Visit San Pietro in Vincoli and the Colosseum. Meals B

7. Vatican / Rome at Leisure
Go inside the Vatican Museums on a gudied tour. Visit the Sistine Chapel, and explore St. Peter's Basilica and St. Peter's Square. Join us for a farewell dinner. Meals BD

8. Journey Home
Tour ends: 7:30 AM at Rome's Leonardo da Vinci Airport in Fiumicino. Persons departing at other times should secure their own transportation to the airport. Meals B

Begins Rome
Apr 13, 20, 27
May 11, 18, 25
Jun 1, 15, 22
Sep 7, 21, 28
Oct 5, 12, 19

Price Per Person

April
Double $3890 / Single $5059 / Triple $3722

May through June
Double $4090 / Single $5364 / Triple $3873

September and October
Double $4190 Single $5422 Triple $3987

International Air is Additional.

Please ask at time of booking about additional hotel nights before your tour begins and about our comprehensive Guest Protection Plan.

• Night 1,2 Le Agavi Hotel
  Positano Positano, Italy
• Night 3,4 Grand Hotel Quisisana
  Capri, Italy
• Night 5,6,7 Hotel Spendide Royal
  Rome, Italy

Cities Visited:
Monteriggioni, Siena, San Gimignano, Spoleto, Assisi, Perugia

Stroll around charming medieval hilltop towns and experience the rich cultural legacy of the great art masters on this Tuscany, Umbria, and Florence tour. Step back into the Middle Ages in villages such as Siena, Monteriggioni, and San Gimignano. See amazing frescoes and art in cathedrals in Perugia and Spoleto, as well as in the Basilica in Assisi where St. Francis is buried. Enjoy the refined sights in Florence, including Michelangelo’s sculpture of David. Tour the Uffizi Gallery with an art historian. Enjoy a Tuscan cooking demonstration, a wine-tasting, and a visit to the local food market.

Tauck’s Yellow Roads
A true Yellow Roads experience, enjoy the lush Umbria and Tuscany countryside throughout most of your journey.

• Chocolate Making in Perugia
  Travel over the rolling hills and vine-covered valleys of Tuscany on a bicycle ride led by experienced cycle guides.

• Wine Tasting in Tuscany
  Visit one of Tuscany’s famed vineyards for an opportunity to sample their products at a wine tasting.

• Cooking Class in Cortona
  Attend a Tuscan cooking demonstration and have lunch at a gastronomic school in a 15th-century house.

1. Arrive Rome / Siena
Tour departs: 10:00 AM from Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci Airport in Fiumicino. Join your fellow travelers fro a drive on the scenic country roads to Siena, stopping for lunch and a walking tour in the tiny Renaissance city of Pienza. Arrive late afternoon at your grand hotel, ideally located in the heart of Siena, and enjoy a welcome reception and dinner tonight. Meals LD

2. The Grandeur of Siena
Once rivaling Florence in magnificent cultural riches, hilltop Siena is still a treasure to behold. Start your day with a guided walking tour along medieval city streets, rewarded by mesmerizing views at every turn. Visit historic Piazza del Campo and the spectacular Duomo, one of Italy's greatest cathedrals. The remainder of the day is free for you to enjoy as you wish; explore the city's maze of narrow medieval streets, adorned with flags, plagues and symbolic animal carvings, or relax in a local cafe. Meals B

3. San Gimignano / Florence
Look for the thirteen medieval towers that dominate the skyline as you journey to 12th-century San Gimignano for a guided tour and lunch, followed by a wine tasting at a local vineyard. Continue on to Florence for a three-night stay and experience a dine-around tonight. Meals BD

4. Discover the Art of Florence
Today's guided tour of the Galleria dell'Accademia is enhanced is enhanced by the learned expertise of a noted art historian who shares insights about Europe's first art school during a lecture. Seeing Michelangelo's most important works inside, including the famous statue of David, makes this an experience to remember! Venture into the bustling food markets with our local guide, then spend the rest of the day exploring on your own. Meals B

5. Art Treasures of the Uffizi Gallery
Botticelli, Bellini, Michelangelo, Raphael, da Vinci, Rembrandt and Titian are just a few of the artists whose work graces the halls of the Uffizi, renowned for showcasing some of the greatest art oft he Renaissance. See them on a guided tour this morning. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Meals B

6. Cortona / Cooking Class
Travel into the heart of Italy for a three-night stay in Perugia. Visit the Etruscan city of Cortona, featured in the movie, Under the Tuscan Sun; a walking tour includes a visit to the Museo Diocesano, housing the artist Fra Angelico’s famous painting, Annunciation. Have lunch and see a Tuscan cooking demonstration at a gastronomic school located in a 15th-century house. Your 5-star hotel in Perugia overlooks the Umbrian valley below. Meals BL

7. Perugia, Capital of Umbria
A town rife with Gothic palaces, Perugia is thought to have been inhabited since prehistoric times. Its history includes Etruscan and Roman rule - and it was once under the direct control of the Papal State. Discover its ancient sights on a guided walking tour with a local guide. The town is rich with medieval influences and architectural treasures, from the 15th-century Duomo to the Oratorio di San Bernardino. Perugia is also well known for its mouth-watering chocolate, Baci Perugina; learn the closely guarded secrets of making this delectable treat at a chocolate-making demonstration this afternoon, but don't spoil your appetite for your candlelight dinner at La Taverna - this popular restaurant is justly renowned for its romantic ambiance and delicious desserts! Meals BD

8. Assisi and Perugia
The medieval hilltop town of Assissi is heir to the legacy of St. Francis, who buried in its most famous church, the Basilica di San Francesco. Pilgrims from around the world visit this great Christian shrine each year to pay homage to this humble saint and to see the colorful frescoes depicting his life. Tour the Basilica and enjoy free time to explore the town on your own; fountain-splashed piazzas and lovely views provide a picturesque setting for the many Romanesque churches found here. Return to Perugia for an afternoon at leisure and join us this evening for a farewell reception and dinner. Meals BD

9. Journey Home
Tour ends: 7:30 AM at Rome's Leonardo da Vinci Airport in Fiumicino. Persons who are departing on flights scheduled before 12:00 noon will have to depart Perugia very early (pre-dawn hours) to transfer to Rome's Leonardo da Vinci Airport in Fiumicino, 2 1/2 hours away. For those departing on later flights after 12:00 noon, Tauck's included transfer will depart the Hotel Brufani Palace in Perugia at 8:00 AM, arriving at Rome's Leonardo da Vinci Airport in Fiumicino at 10:30 AM. Persons departing at other times should secure their own transportation. Meals B

Begins Rome
Apr 12, 21
May 1, 10, 19, 29
Jun 7, 16, 26
Jul 5, 24
Aug 2, 21, 30
Sep 4, 8, 13, 15, 18, 22, 25, 27
Oct 2, 6, 11, 16, 20

Dates in red indicate a Small Group Departure with no more than 26 Tauck guests, specially priced from $3,890 per person double; inquire at time of booking.

9 Days from $3,290 plus airfare
(8 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches & 4 Dinners,
1 Dine-Around in Florence included)

Price Per Person

April
Double $3290 / Single $4090 / Triple $3026

May through June; September - October
Double $3490 / Single $4298 / Triple $3226

July - August
Double $3390 / Single $4182 / Triple $3126

International Air is Additional.

Please ask at time of booking about additional hotel nights before your tour begins and about our comprehensive Guest Protection Plan.

• Night 1,2 Grand Hotel Continental
  Siena, Italy

• Night 3,4,5 Hotel Bernini Palace
  Florence, Italy

• Night 6,7,8 Hotel Brufani Palace
  Perugia, Italy

Cities Visited:
Lake Como, Lake Lugano, Tuscany, Siena, The Vatican

Superb travel Italy style! From Michelangelo’s statue of David to the echoes of gladiators at Rome’s Colosseum, the art and drama of the ages inspire this journey. View the original works of the masters at the Uffizi Gallery, Vatican Museums, and Florence's Galleria dell'Accademia. See the Doges’ Palace and St. Mark’s Square in Venice, the Colosseum in Rome; and the medieval town of Siena in the Tuscan countryside. Take a private boat across Lake Como at the foot of the Alps, and a high-speed train ride to Florence. You'lll also have ample time to pursue your own interests in Venice, Florence, and Rome when you travel Italy with Tauck!

• PRIVATE BOAT ON LAKE COMO
  Enjoy a private boat ride across beautiful Lake Como to Bellagio; view some of Italy’s most famous and elegant lakeside villas.

• GONDOLA SERENADE
  Glide through the canals of Venice aboard a gondola, as you are serenaded with Santa Lucia and other traditional Italian songs by local musicians.

• RESERVATIONS AT MUST-SEE SIGHTS
  Confirmed reservations at the Doges’ Palace in Venice, Uffizi Gallery and Galleria dell’Accademia in Florence, the Vatican and Rome’s Colosseum mean no waiting in long lines – an advantage of traveling with Tauck.

Day 1: Welcome to the pleasures of the Italian Lakes
Depart 10:00 AM from Milan's Malpensa Airport. Travel Italy Tauck style – you'll see the best of Italy, from great cities to countryside villages and towns that are off-the-beaten track! Begin by heading through the beautiful northern Italy countryside from Milan to Lugano, Switzerland, set on the edge of a bejeweled lake with views of the city and the not-too-distant Alps. Enjoy free time to explore the waterfront promenade, then meet fellow traveling companions at a welcome cocktail reception and dinner. Meals: Lunch, dinner

Day 2: Villa delights and a cruise on Lake Como
Travel to Tremezzo to visit Villa Carlotta, built in the 18th century, and noted for garden landscaping and sculpture. Admire the dramatic views of the Alps silhouetting the famous villas along the shores of Lake Como on a private boat cruise. Arrive in picturesque Bellagio, and enjoy free time to explore the town as you please. Another private boat cruise takes you past elegant villas to Como, followed by a return to Lugano where the evening is free. Meals: Breakfast

Day 3: Travel Italy from the fabulous lakes to Venice
Journey to Venice, designed along an intricate system of canals within a lagoon. After lunch, head to St. Mark’s Square, the heart of Venice, with a local guide. Visit Piazza San Marco (St. Mark's Square) and St. Mark’s Basilica, one of the greatest buildings in Europe with its exquisite mosaics and detailed carvings. See the Doges’ Palace, a pink marble Gothic masterpiece containing a precious art collection. A serenade aboard a gondola cruise through the canals, and dinner at a popular Venetian restaurant, are the perfect endings to a perfect day. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 4: Explore Venice as you please
Spend the day exploring the museums and sites that interest you most in Venice, a highlight as you travel Italy with Tauck. Perhaps tour the Galleria dell'Accademia or the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, or take a boat ride to islands in the lagoon.
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5: Statue of David in Florence
Travel Italy by rail today to Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance. Get an introduction to the city’s architectural landmarks and great artists from a local art historian prior to a walking tour of the city – a special touch when you travel Italy with Tauck. You'll be totally prepared for your visit to Galleria dell’Accademia, where you're certain to marvel at Michelangelo’s marble statue of David standing nearly 17 feet tall. View Lorenzo Ghiberti’s bronze doors with detailed panels at the Baptistry, part of the Duomo of Santa Maria del Fiori complex. The historical center of Florence is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 6: Masterpieces of the Uffizi
Gaze at some of the world’s greatest art masterpieces at the extraordinary Uffizi Gallery, Italy’s largest art museum, on a guided tour with a local expert. Admire works by Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Michelangelo, Sandro Botticelli, and more. Following your tour, you can spend as much time as you like looking at the art. During your free afternoon you can explore as you please; perhaps you may want to visit the Pitti Palace, the Medici Chapels or stroll across the Ponte Vecchio to the lovely Boboli Gardens. Meals: Breakfast

Day 7: Vineyards and Rome – highlights when you travel Italy
Travel Italy through landscapes featuring olive groves, cypress trees, and vineyards, including the region that produces Chianti wine. Stop in the medieval hill town of Siena, and wander through the narrow streets. See the Piazza del Campo where the Palio bareback horse race is held. Visit the Duomo, one of Italy’s great cathedrals, with scenes inlaid in the marble floors and sculpture by Michelangelo. Continue through scenic Tuscany to Rome, the Eternal City that was the center of the once-powerful Roman Empire. Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Day 8: Visit the Vatican
Explore the rich treasures of the Vatican, starting at the Vatican Museums. In the Sistine Chapel, view Michelangelo’s masterpieces, and admire the art and architecture of St. Peter’s Basilica. Pursue your own special interests in Rome during the afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast

Day 9: A day in Imperial Rome
Get an insider’s view of Rome from a local guide. You'll avoid long lines with pre-arranged reservations at the Colosseum, opened in AD 80 for gladiator combat. Choose among many historic sights and museums for your free afternoon. Share your favorite experiences at the farewell cocktail party and dinner, a special finale when you travel Italy with Tauck. Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Day 10: Arrivederci Rome
Your journey comes to an end at 7:30 AM at Rome's Leonardo da Vinci Airport in Fiumicino. If you are departing at other times, you must secure your own transportation to the airport. Meals: Breakfast

BEGINS MILAN
Mar 27
Apr 8, 19, 26
May 1, 8, 13, 20, 24, 31

Price Per Person

March and April
Double $5590 / Single $7219 / Triple $4996

May
Double $5890 / Single $7483 / Triple $5278

International Airfare is additional.

Please ask at time of booking about additional hotel nights
before your tour begins and about our comprehensive Guest
Protection Plan.

• Night 1,2 Grand Hotel Eden
  Lugano, Switzerland
• Night 3,4 Hotel Danieli Venezia
  Venice, Italy
• Night 5,6 The Westin Excelsior
  Florence, Italy
• Night 7,8,9 St. Regis Grand, Rome
  Rome, Italy

Cities Visited:
Milan, Stresa, Lugano, Bellagio, Verona, Bologna, Modena, Padua, Venice
 

• Tauck’s Yellow Roads
  A picture-postcard setting awaits along every turn, dip and bend of Tauck’s winding Yellow Roads through the beautiful Italian Lakes region – Lake Como, Lake Maggiore and Lake Lugano are tranquility perfected.

• Bueno Gastronomical Experiences
  Bologna is the food capital of Italy, an epicurean delight for every palate; you’ll learn the secrets of a master chef at a cooking class – and enjoy a memorable dinner.

• The Making of Balsamic Vinegar
  Discover the art of producing the Modena region’s specialty, balsamic vinegar, and attend a tasting.

• Dine on Lake Como
  A cruise on beautiful Lake Como takes you past glamorous lakeside villas to the elegant Crotto Dei Platani overlooking the lake; dine on regional specialties that might include cavedano, one of the lake’s fish.

1. Arrive Milan
Tour begins: 6:00 PM at Grand Hotel et de Milan. A transfer is included from Milan Malpensa Airport to Grand Hotel et de Milan. At once you’ll feel the vibrancy of this cosmopolitan city that synergizes ancient and modern cultures in its art, fashion, and cuisine – the best Italy has to offer – set in the incomparably gorgeous lake region of Lombardy. A welcome cocktail reception this evening is followed by dinner. Meals D

2. Milan: City of Fashion & Art
Stand in awe of The Last Supper, painted by Leonardo da Vinci on a wall of the 15th-century convent, Santa Maria delle Grazie. The quiet power of this legendary fresco reverberates through centuries of western culture, still inciting mystery and controversy. Continue from its humble setting to the gilded halls of Castello Sforzesco, home to patrons of Leonardo, and the power center of Milan for generations. Tour the Duomo, one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world; bristling with spires, it is adorned with a staggering display of statues, gargoyles and stained glass. A more recent architectural wonder is the Galleria, a vast 19th-century shopping arcade whose massive glass dome shelters a world of brilliant mosaics, as well as stylish shops and cafés that attract the glitterati. A walking tour of the city center is followed by free time and dinner on your own – your hotel is across the street from one of Milan’s most elegant streets, famed Via Napoleone. Don’t miss the fashion district, Quadrilatera, the heart of Italian chic and the upscale haunt of the rich and glamorous. Meals B

3. Lake Maggiore and Beautiful Como
Long and languorous, Lake Maggiore, with its secluded villas and lazy islands, offers a retreat from the bustle of the city. Arrive at Stresa on your way to Isola Bella, and the ancient home of the Borromeo Family, Palazzo Borromeo. Rising on a small island of landscaped gardens and terraces, the palazzo has hosted countless illustrious visitors, including Napoleon and Josephine. Ferry to a rest stop at stylish Lugano; walk its charming cobbled streets and enjoy the waterfront promenade, boutiques and outdoor cafés set along the lake. A scenic drive along Lake Lugano ends at the Grand Hotel Cadenabbia in Como, for a two-night stay. Meals BLD

4. Lake Como and Bellagio
Lake Como is the most beguiling of Italian lakes, sought after by aristocrats and film stars for its lush green islands, luscious villas, and the stunning Alps as a backdrop. Travel to Tremezzo to visit the 17th-century Villa Carlotta, called “a place of heaven,” on acres of landscaped gardens. Cruise to Bellagio, a resort town on the tip of a slender peninsula with spectacular views of the lake and mountains. Explore the shops and cafés at your leisure. Later, a boat ride past palatial lakeside villas takes you to dinner at Crotto Dei Platani, a restaurant located partially in a cave (or crotto) overlooking the lake, a dreamlike setting at evening. Meals BD

5. Roman Treasures of Northern Italy
Drive to Lake Garda and Sirmione, which the Roman poet Catullus called “the gem of all the peninsulas,” set in a dramatic landscape of glacier-carved cliffs and mountain pines. Since the first century, conquerors have fallen under the spell of its majesty. A storybook castle, Rocca Scaligera, guards the tip of the peninsula and its belfries, battlements, inviting gardens, churches and villas. Spas, outstanding restaurants, thermal baths, markets, and fashionable shops seduce the modern traveler. Depart for the nearby city of Verona and arrive at the Due Torri Hotel Baglioni for a two-night stay; you’ll dine at a local restaurant this evening. Meals BD

6. Verona and a Taste of Amarone
Verona is second only to Rome in its number of Roman ruins, which even includes a coliseum. Pastel villas, built from rosso di Verona, the local pink limestone, line the cobbled streets – and Romeo and Juliet played out their illicit affair here. But besides its romantic history, the city is celebrated for its outstanding wine and cuisine. Discover its epicurean essence on a tour of a local winery, L’Azienda Allegrini. For generations, the Allegrini family has been synonymous with Valpolicella, and producers of Amarone, a world-famous wine unique to the region. After the wine and food tasting, return to the city. Meals B

7. Mantua and Modena
Mantua (Mantova), a city of imposing Gothic architecture, bounded on three sides by lakes, is the birthplace of the poet Virgil and the setting for Verdi’s Rigoletto. Your tour includes the Palazzo Ducale, and the Castello San Giorgio, a 14th-century fortress that houses an outstanding art collection. After lunch, drive to Modena, home of the Ferrari and Maserati. Besides fast cars, Modena is famous for balsamic vinegar, produced only in the lakes region. A tour of a local museum reveals the art of balsamic vinegar making – an elaborate process of rendering grapes and decanting must into wooden barrels – as well as sampling this aromatic staple of gourmet cooking. Arrive at the Grand Hotel Bologna where you’ll dine at a local restaurant tonight for a gastronomic delight. Meals BLD

8. Epicurean Delights in Bologna
Enjoy a walking tour of the elegant center of Bologna, where palaces cluster in the shade of two colossal medieval towers. The afternoon is yours to explore on your own. Discover why the city’s nickname is La Grassa (the Fat One); gastronomic opportunities abound in this gourmet capital! A cooking class by a master chef will show you some secrets, followed by a memorable dinner. Meals BD

9. Ferrara, Padua and on to Venice
Arrive in Ferrara, where the battlements and towers of Castello D’Etense loom over the city center. A walking tour of the town uncovers a wealth of museums, art galleries, and palazzi. Have lunch at a local restaurant, and then continue on to Padua, famous as a medieval seat of learning. Visit the Basilica de Sant Antonio de Padua (Il Santo), where the saint himself lies in a tomb of carved marble. Continue on to the lovely city of Venice for a two-night stay; your hotel, the Hilton Molino Stucky, Venice, is set on Giudecca Island with breathtaking views of the canals. A flourmill in 1895, the restoration has created an architectural delight, just minutes by boat to Piazza San Marco. Meals BL

10. Venice Delights
Venice is art itself, in all its passion, eccentricity, and poignancy; its streets are a maze of canals arched by bridges and lined with magnificent palazzi. Travel by boat to Piazza San Marco for a guided walking tour, where you’ll get an insider’s view. The basilica features exquisite mosaics and carvings. You will also visit the Doges’ Palace, official residence of Venetian rulers in the Middle Ages. Nothing compares to a serenade on a gondola ride along the canals; it is something you expect to do in Venice – yet it will tug at your heartstrings long after your return. Spend the afternoon exploring on your own before returning to the hotel for a farewell cocktail reception and dinner. Meals BD

11. Journey Home
Tour ends: Venice, Italy. Fly home any time. A transfer from Hilton Molino Stucky, Venice to Venice Marco Polo Airport is included. Allow 2 1/2 hours for flight check-in. Meals B

Begins Milan
May 2, 16, 30 Jun 6, 13, 27
Jul 25
Aug 22
Sep 5, 19, 26 Oct 3, 17

11 Days from $4,960 plus airfare
(10 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches & 7 Dinners)

Price Per Person
Double $4960 / Single $6299 / Triple $4690

International Airfare is additional. Call for special rates on international air for travel originating in the U.S. (subject to availability).

Please ask at time of booking about additional hotel nights before your tour begins and about our comprehensive Guest Protection Plan.

• Night 1,2 Grand Hotel et de Milan
  Milan, Italy
• Night 3,4 Grand Hotel Cadenabbia
  Lake Como, Italy
• Night 5,6 Due Torri Hotel Baglioni
  Verona, Italy
• Night 7,8 Grand Hotel Bologna
  Bologna, Italy
• Night 9,10 Hilton Molino Stucky, Venice
  Venice, Italy

Cities Visited:
Amalfi Coast, Lipari, Segesta, Taormina

Exclusive Tauck Cruise! From Malta, cruise aboard the sporty yacht Le Ponant to enchanting Sicily for in-depth exploration of historic sites steeped in ancient history and mythology, as well as a treasure trove of natural wonders. Travel the Amalfi Coast, and spend two memorable nights in Rome at one of the city’s most celebrated hotels.

• An exclusive cruise aboard Le Ponant with only 60 Tauck guests

• Private Tauck Shore Excursions in every port and 3 days sightseeing on land – $796 Value!

• Two nights in Rome at Grand Hotel Parco Dei Principi, a sumptuous hotel overlooking the city

• Special Tauck Experiences include a traditional Sicilian entertainment evening, a “Taste of Palermo” featuring regional culinary specialties and a night sail by the volcanic island of Stromboli for an unforgettable view

• Wine with dinner aboard Le Ponant

• All gratuities to cruise ship staff aboard Le Ponant

1. Arrive Malta
Tour begins: 6:00 PM, Le Méridien Phoenicia, Valletta, Malta. A transfer is included upon arrival from Malta International Airport to your hotel, Le Méridien Phoenicia. Please join us this evening for a welcome dinner. Meals D

• 2. Explore Malta / Embark Le Ponant
A guided tour of Malta includes the medieval walled city of Mdina and a drive around St. Julian’s Bay, where the oft-pictured colorful Maltese boats are sheltered. Return to Valletta for a walking tour, and visit the elaborate Co-Cathedral of St. John. Arrive at the Grand Harbour to board the yacht Le Ponant for Sicily. Meals BLD

• 3. Savor the Day at Siracusa, Sicily
Le Ponant docks at Siracusa, an important stronghold of ancient Greece. Visit Neapolis Parco Archeologico and its masterpiece, Teatro Greco, a 15,000-seat theatre hewn out of rock. Explore Latomia del Paradiso, featuring the Ear of Dionysius. Spend the afternoon in the city’s historic cultural center, the island of Ortigia; return to Le Ponant for the Captain’s reception, followed by dinner. Meals BLD

• 4. Explore Historic Taormina, Sicily
The views of Mt. Etna astound as Le Ponant approaches the terraced town of Taormina. Spend the day exploring, including a guided visit to spectacular Teatro Greco, built in 3 BC by the Greeks and remodeled by the Romans, and take a stroll along the Corso Umberto through Old Town. Meals BLD

• 5. A Taste of Palermo, Sicily
Spend the day in Palermo, the capital of Sicily. Set in a natural amphitheatre, Palermo was once an Arab emirate, once the seat of a Norman kingdom, and once Europe’s grandest city. See the Cathedral, Porto Nuovo, the Palazzo dei Normani and Fontana Pretoria, a beautiful – yet controversial – 16th-century fountain. Sample regional culinary specialties during lunch for an authentic taste of daily life, and enjoy traditional entertainment tonight. Meals BLD

• 6. Antiquities and Artifacts of Sicily
Drive to Segesta to see the never-completed temple, which was started in 426 BC; in addition to its well preserved Doric columns, it boasts some of the most magnificent views in Sicily. Continue on to the ancient town of Erice for lunch. Established some 3,000 years ago, medieval influences are everywhere, from the Duomo to Castello di Venere; explore at leisure. Meet Le Ponant in Trapani. Meals BLD

• 7. Enjoy the Pleasures of Lipari
Explore Lipari, including a 16th-century castle and a 17th-century cathedral perched above the harbor. Sail by the island of Stromboli tonight, home to one of the world’s few constantly active volcanoes; the view is unforgettable! Meals BLD

• 8. Travel the Incomparable Amalfi Coast
Journey to the town of Amalfi for a guided walk, then wind along the mountain drive to Ravello. Visit Villa Rufolo and savor incredible scenic views during lunch. Return to the ship for the Captain’s farewell dinner. Meals BLD

9. Disembark Le Ponant / Naples / Rome
Disembark for a sightseeing tour of Naples, including the Posillipo, Santa Lucia and Castel Nuovo. Visit the Museo Archeologico Nazionale, and enjoy a traditional pizza lunch before heading to Rome. Meals BLD

10. Rome, Capital of the Ancient World
See Rome’s landmark sights with a local guide, including a walk through the Vatican. Following free time this afternoon, join us for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. Meals BD

11. Journey Home
Tour ends: Rome, Italy. A transfer to the airport is included. Allow 2 1/2 hours for flight check-in. Inquire at time of booking for additional nights in Rome. Meals B

Begins Rome: Southbound – Rome to Malta
May 3
Sep 27
Oct 11

Begins Malta: Northbound – Malta to Rome
Apr 27
Sep 21
Oct 5

11 Days from $6,390 plus airfare
(10 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches & 10 Dinners)

Land / Cruise Price Per Person
Double $6390 Single $10,220 Triple $5690

International Airfare is additional.
Land / Cruise Price includes private Tauck shore excursions, cruise fare, port charges, wine with dinner aboard Le Ponant, and gratuities to ship staff.

Travel North or South – Cruise operates north from Malta and south from Rome. Sightseeing is identical; southbound itinerary is available upon request.

Please ask at time of booking about additional hotel nights before your tour begins and about our comprehensive Cruise Protection Plan.

• Night 1 Le Méridien Phoenicia
  Valletta, Malta
• Night 2-8 Aboard Le Ponant
  Cruising the Mediterranean
• Night 9, 10 Grand Hotel Parco Dei Principi
  Rome, Italy

Cities Visited:
Sorrento, Rome, Umbria, Tuscany, Florence, Venice

The romance of Italy has inspired the imagination of poets, artists and writers for centuries – and Tauck makes it yours to discover, from the great cities of Rome, Venice and Florence to the lush landscapes of Tuscany and the Amalfi Coast.

Wine Tasting & Cooking Demo
Catch a glimpse of Italian country life on a two-night stay at a country-house hotel in Torgiano; attend a wine tasting from local vineyards and share the secrets of the nuances of Italian cooking with an Umbrian chef.

Lecture, University Professor in Florence
Attend an in-depth briefing by an art historian before a guided walking tour of the famed Galleria dell’Accademia.

Private Boat Ride, Cinque Terre
Aboard a private boat, cruise along the Mediterranean shores of Cinque Terre, the Italian Riviera, to view the unique seaside villages.

1. Arrive Rome / Sorrento
Tour departs: 10:00 AM from Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci Airport in Fiumicino. Travel to the lively resort town of Sorrento on the beautiful Mediterranean coast; your hotel overlooks the Bay of Naples. Join us this evening for a welcome cocktail reception and dinner. Meals LD

2. Travel the Sensational Amalfi Coast
Drive along the Amalfi Coast, with visits to the villages of Amalfi and Ravello; enjoy free time in Sorrento. Meals BL

3. Pompeii / Rome
Explore ancient Pompeii, buried by volcanic ash in 79 AD, with a local expert; arrive late day in Rome. Meals BLD

4. A Day in Vatican City
Visit the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica; dine at a traditional restaurant in Rome. Meals BD

5. Rome of the Caesars
Sightseeing includes views of the Roman Forum, the Palace of Caesar, and Circus Maximus; you’ll also visit the Colosseum. The afternoon and evening are at your leisure. Meals B

6. Hill Towns, Orvieto and Torgiano
Visit the Duomo in Orvieto, and have a trattoria lunch. Your hotel in Torgiano is a 17th-century patrician home – attend a wine tasting featuring their private vineyards. Meals BLD

7. Assisi / Italian Cooking Demonstration
In medieval Assisi, see St. Francis Basilica; discover the secrets of Italian cuisine from a chef who shares insights into the nuances of Italian cooking at a demonstration. Meals BD

8. Under the Tuscan Sun / San Gimignano
Travel through the lush Tuscan hills to San Gimignano and the seaside resort town of Viareggio. Meals BD

9. Cinque Terre Villages / Florence
Cruise by private boat to view the centuries-old fishing villages of Cinque Terre, explore their cobblestone streets and alleyways, and then journey to Florence. Meals BD

10. University Professor Lecture
A university professor gives an in-depth briefing prior to a walking tour of the Galleria dell’Accademia. Meals B

11. Uffizi Gallery / Time at Leisure
Join a local expert for a guided tour of the Uffizi Gallery, featuring works by great Renaissance artists; the rest of the day is free to explore as you choose in Florence. Meals B

12. Rail to Venice / Gondola Serenade
Travel by Eurostar high-speed rail to Venice; transfer by canal boat to your hotel, located on the Grand Canal just steps from St. Mark’s Square. Visit St. Mark’s Basilica and the sumptuous Doges’ Palace – and finish the day with a serenade aboard a gondola on the canals. Meals BL

13. Venice at Leisure
Today it’s truly “as you please” in Venice, where there are many optional sightseeing possibilities. Join us this evening for a reception and farewell dinner. Meals BD

14. Journey Home
Tour ends: 7:30 AM at Venice’s Marco Polo Airport. Persons who are departing at other times should secure their own transportation to the airport. You should allow 2 ½ hours for flight check-in. Meals B

Mar 19, 26
Apr 2, 9, 16, 21, 23, 30
May 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21, 26, 28, 31
June 4, 7, 11, 16, 18, 25
July 2, 9, 23
August 6, 20, 27, 30
September 3, 5, 8, 10, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 26, 29
October 1, 5, 8, 10, 15, 22, 29
November 5

14 Days from $6,390 plus airfare
(13 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches & 8 Dinners

Price Per Person

March
Double $6390 / Single $7950 / Triple $5896

April
Double $6590 / Single $8150 / Triple $6096

May
Double $6890 / Single $8528 / Triple $6370

June – November
Ask at time of booking for prices

Small Group Departures with no more than 26 Tauck guests are available on select dates, specially priced from $7360 per person double; inquire at time of booking.

International Air is Additional.

Please ask at time of booking about additional hotel nights before your tour begins and about our comprehensive Guest Protection Plan.

• Night 1,2 Grand Hôtel Excelsior Vittoria / Hilton Sorrento Palace
  Sorrento, Italy
• Night 3,4,5 The Westin Excelsior, Rome
  Rome, Italy
• Night 6,7 Hotel Le Tre Vaselle
  Torgiano , Italy
• Night 8 Grand Hotel Principe di Piemonte
  Viareggio, Italy
• Night 9,10,11 Grand Hotel, Florence / Hotel Helvetia & Bristol
  Florence, Italy
• Night 12 & 13 The Westin Europa & Regina
  Venice, Italy