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Small-group departure · Italy

Grand Tour of Italy – 12 Days

A 12-day escorted journey through Naples, Rome, Florence, Pisa, Venice and Milan, with train travel, guided sightseeing and handpicked cultural experiences.

The route5 cities, joined by cruise.
Loading map…
12 days, 11 nightsDuration
5 citiesWhere you sleep
Breakfast included each dayMeals

Why this journey

Travel across Italy in 12 days on an escorted journey that links the country’s most recognisable cities with time for food, art and independent exploration. The trip begins in Naples, where you settle into a central hotel before exploring the city’s historic layers, from its cathedral and royal squares to the ruins of Pompeii and the volcanic slopes of Vesuvius.

The route then continues south-to-north by rail, with luggage transport helping the moves between hotels. In the Amalfi Coast section, you travel via Sorrento for a boat journey to Amalfi and Positano, giving you a mix of coastal views, village streets and time to pause in the harbourside atmosphere. In Rome, the pace turns toward the city’s classic landmarks, with a guided walk through the historic centre and a separate visit to the Colosseum, Imperial Forums and Palatine Hill.

Florence brings a shift to Renaissance Italy, with a Tuscan lunch and wine tasting followed by a walking tour of the city’s landmarks and a full-day excursion to Pisa, where the Piazza dei Miracoli and the Leaning Tower form one of the trip’s most memorable stops. The journey then moves on to Venice, using train and water taxi transfers to reach the canals before a guided walk through the city’s most important quarters and St. Mark’s Square.

Italy’s final stop is Milan, where you have a relaxed afternoon to explore at your own pace before the tour concludes. With centrally located hotels, daily breakfast, included rail travel and a balance of guided visits and free time, this itinerary suits travellers who want a broad introduction to Italy’s cultural capitals without having to manage the logistics themselves.

Trip highlights

  • 01Covers Italy’s key cultural cities in one continuous northbound route
  • 02Includes central 4-star hotels in every overnight stop
  • 03Uses train travel between cities with luggage transport included
  • 04Combines guided sightseeing with free time in each destination
  • 05Visits Pompeii and Vesuvius with included guided touring
  • 06Adds a boat day to Amalfi and Positano from the Sorrento area
  • 07Includes a Tuscan lunch and wine tasting outside Florence
  • 08Finishes with time in Venice and a final night in Milan

Day-by-day itinerary

What's included

Included in your trip10 items covered in this fare
Hotels1
  • 4-star city-centre hotels in Naples, Rome, Florence, Venice and Milan
Transfers2
  • Luggage transfer between train stations and hotels
  • Transfers to and from the airport or station
Sightseeing1
  • Guided visit to Pompeii and the Vesuvius crater
Entrances1
  • Tickets for included sights and excursions such as Pompeii, Vesuvius and Pisa
Guides1
  • Private and shared guided sightseeing in major cities and at key landmarks
Meals2
  • Breakfast included each day
  • Lunch with regional wines and local specialities near Florence
Train1
  • Second-class rail travel between Naples, Rome, Florence, Venice and Milan
Experiences1
  • Shared boat tour to Amalfi and Positano
Plan and pay separately6 items not covered by this fare
Flights1
  • Flights to and from Italy are not included
Meals1
  • Meals unless specifically mentioned
Taxes1
  • Local city taxes payable directly where applicable
Optional Tours1
  • Optional activities such as the Rome night golf cart tour, Vatican Museum visit and Murano-Burano tour
Tips1
  • Gratuities for guides, drivers and hotel staff
Personal Expenses1
  • Laundry, phone calls, minibar, shopping and similar costs

Your hotels

Hotels are named on your confirmation — all are of the stated category.

Meeting & drop-off
You're met atNaples city centre hotel arrival transfer
You're dropped atMilan hotel or airport transfer at tour end

You leave from a different place than you arrive — book an open-jaw flight, not a return.

Airport or station transfers are included at the start and end of the tour.

15 go inside2 walk through1 exterior only
Naples7 places
NaplesEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
PompeiiEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Mount VesuviusEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
AmalfiEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
RomeEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
PositanoPassed through on the guided tour
Walk through
SorrentoSeen from outside — no entry
Exterior view
Rome3 places
ColosseumEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Imperial ForumsEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Palatine HillEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Florence1 places
FlorenceEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Pisa3 places
PisaEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Piazza dei MiracoliEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Leaning Tower of PisaEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Venice3 places
VeniceEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
St. Mark’s BasilicaEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
St. Mark’s SquarePassed through on the guided tour
Walk through
Milan1 places
MilanEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside

Italy

IdealGoodFairAvoid
OctGood

Spring and early autumn are ideal to avoid the July–August crowds. Amalfi Coast is best May–Jun.

Rome
Average High
22°C
Rainfall
111mm
Venice
Average High
18°C
Rainfall
70mm
Florence
Average High
20°C
Rainfall
89mm
Amalfi
Average High
23°C
Rainfall
130mm
Essential

Passport and visa responsibility

  • Make sure your passport is valid for travel to Italy and any transit points.
  • Check visa requirements based on your nationality before booking.
  • Any required vaccinations or entry documents remain the traveller’s responsibility.
Essential

Travel insurance is mandatory

  • You must arrange travel insurance before departure.
  • Your policy should cover medical care, delays, cancellations and lost luggage where possible.

Extra costs to budget for

  • City taxes are excluded and may be payable locally.
  • Plan for lunches, dinners, tips and personal spending during the trip.
  • Optional excursions are not part of the package price.

Hotel style and location

  • The tour uses 4-star hotels in city-centre locations where available.
  • Hotel substitutions of similar standard may be made if required for operations.

Rail travel and luggage handling

  • Train travel is included between the main cities on second-class tickets.
  • Luggage transport is provided between stations and hotels on transfer days.

Pace and mobility

  • The trip includes guided walks, station transfers and time on your feet at major sights.
  • Some visits, such as Vesuvius or old city centres, involve uneven surfaces and steps.

Pack for changing conditions

  • Carry comfortable walking shoes for city tours and sightseeing.
  • Bring layers, a light day bag and weather protection, especially for coastal and hilltop visits.

Respect local visiting etiquette

  • Dress appropriately for churches and religious sites.
  • Follow guide instructions at monuments, museums and crowded public spaces.

Common questions

Is this Italy tour suitable for first-time visitors?

Yes. It covers Italy’s most recognisable cities and adds a mix of guided sightseeing, rail travel and free time, which makes it a strong introduction to the country.

How do we travel between cities?

The itinerary uses second-class train travel between the main cities, with luggage transport included to make hotel changes easier.

Are the main attractions included in the price?

Several key experiences are included, such as Pompeii, Vesuvius, the Pisa excursion and guided visits in Venice and Rome. Optional activities are offered separately.

Does the tour include the Amalfi Coast?

Yes. The trip includes a shared boat experience to Amalfi and Positano, with time to explore both towns.

Are meals included beyond breakfast?

Daily breakfast is included, along with one Tuscan lunch and wine tasting. Other lunches and dinners are at your own expense unless stated otherwise.

Policies & booking terms
Booking terms
  1. Full payment must be completed 30 days prior to departure, unless otherwise specified.
  2. All bookings are subject to availability at the time of confirmation.
  3. Travel insurance is mandatory and must be purchased prior to departure.
  4. Prices are subject to change due to fluctuations in currency exchange rates, taxes, or supplier costs.
  5. Guests are responsible for obtaining valid passports, visas, and any required vaccinations.
  6. Cancellations or amendments are subject to the applicable cancellation policy outlined in the package.
  7. The company is not liable for delays, cancellations, or changes due to unforeseen circumstances such as weather, strikes, or other force majeure events.
  8. All travelers must adhere to the local laws and customs of the destinations visited.
  9. No refunds will be issued for unused services, including but not limited to meals, accommodations, or activities.
  10. The company reserves the right to modify the itinerary or substitute hotels of similar standards if necessary.
  11. All special requests (e.g., room preferences, dietary requirements) are subject to availability and not guaranteed.
  12. Guests are responsible for any additional costs incurred due to personal expenses, such as phone calls, laundry, or minibar charges.
  13. Check-in and check-out times are subject to hotel policies and may vary by property.
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