Map of Premium Tuscany including Italy

Discover the treasures of Tuscany on an Italian adventure

Uncover the warmth and richness of Italian culture as you journey from Rome to Venice on an eight-day Premium adventure. Travel through the rustic heart of Tuscany as you seek out culinary delights and tucked-away treasures among the rolling countryside. Explore the wonders of Venice’s Piazza San Marco, Pisa’s Leaning Tower and Rome’s Colosseum with an expert local leader. From ancient monuments and lively cities to sprawling vineyards and traditional Tuscan cuisine – this adventure will make memorable moments for both the Italian novice and maestro.


Start
Rome, Italy
Finish
Venice, Italy
Destination
Italy
Style
Premium
Theme
Explorer
Code
ZMPI
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

premium accommodation

Our best accommodation and highest level of service.

premium experiences

Unusual, exceptional and authentic on-trip experiences.

premium knowledge

Led by our most experienced and highest rated local leaders.

  • Nestled in the rolling vineyards of Tuscany, spend two memorable nights at your gorgeous Feature Stay hotel complete with outdoor pool and dine on gourmet cuisine at the onsite restaurant.

  • Explore Rome’s iconic Colosseum by moonlight during an Exclusive Experience evening tour. Walk in the footsteps of gladiators without the jostling daytime crowds.

  • Treasure Tuscany’s love of cuisine and viticulture during a trip to the celebrated wine-growing region of San Gimignano. Visit a family-run winery and sample some world-class wine.

  • Take advantage of local knowledge with a small-group leader joining you on orientation walks in some of Italy’s best cities and recommending places to visit and eat.

  • Venice is the ideal place to wander with no set path. Lose yourself in the town's myriad alleyways, full of artisan shops and eateries, and dine on cicchetti – Venice’s version of tapas.

Is this trip right for you?

  • Summer temperatures can be extreme in this region (over 40°C), which can be uncomfortable. It’s important to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat and drink plenty of water. Please carefully consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season.

  • During your trip you will visit numerous religious sites. You will need to bring clothes that cover the shoulders and knees. A light scarf is a good idea for covering shoulders and arms when it’s hot. Your leader will be able to advise when such clothing is necessary.

Itinerary

Welcome to Rome! Enjoy a complimentary transfer to your hotel and settle in. If you arrive with time to spare, the city’s magnificent buildings are best appreciated on foot, so perhaps wander in search of an espresso. Your Italian adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm, where you will meet your local leader and fellow travellers. Once the formalities are out of the way, get your first taste of Italy over an included dinner with your group at an excellent local restaurant. Sitting down to dinner in Rome means experiencing generations of culinary know-how and timeless traditional recipes. Once your leader introduces you to some of Italy’s best dishes, you’ll understand why this country is so renowned for great food.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Exe International Palace or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Rome - Welcome Dinner at Local Restaurant
  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
Meals Included
  • Dinner
Special Information
Please advise your travel agent of your flight details at the time of booking so we can organise the arrival transfer for you. It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
From incredible ancient monuments to glamourous restaurants and boutiques, Rome is a city of great beauty and diversity. Today your leader will take you back in time as you learn about historical monuments during an orientation walk of the city. Marvel at the Roman Forum, the Victor Emmanuel Monument, the Pantheon, the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona and Venezia, the Spanish Steps and Via Dei Condotti. Stop in at a local bar for a quick coffee or gelato. The afternoon is free for you to explore as you please – perhaps take the chance to visit the majestic Vatican City and St Peter’s Basilica. Rome’s grandiose Colosseum is its most iconic site, and this evening you’ll have the opportunity to avoid the daytime crowds and explore the Colosseum by night. Follow the footsteps of gladiators and Roman emperors as your leader shares the unbelievable history of this great arena.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Exe International Palace or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Rome - Orientation Walk
  • Rome - Afterhours Visit to the Colosseum
Optional Activities
  • Vatican City - Vatican Museum - EUR21
  • Vatican City - St Peter's Dome Climb - EUR8
  • Rome - Venezia Palace - EUR12
  • Rome - Galleria Borghese - EUR15
  • Vatican City - St Peter's Dome Climb & Elevator - EUR10
  • Rome - Pantheon - EUR2
  • Rome - Castel Sant'Angelo - EUR14
  • Rome - Christian Catacombs - EUR8
  • Rome - Keats-Shelley Memorial House - EUR6
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
You can pre-book tickets to the Vatican Museum online to avoid the long queues. Visit museivaticani.va for more information.
Today you’ll take a private vehicle to the gorgeous city of Siena, where your leader will show you the most interesting sights on an orientation walk. At the city’s heart is Piazza del Campo – home to the biannual Palio horse race, and nearby is the stunning Siena Cathedral. Next you’ll visit Monteriggioni – a charming medieval walled town. Over a dozen towers are spread throughout the town, once used to defend Sienese territory from the Florentines. You will have time to explore this tiny hilltop spot before arriving at your Feature Stay accommodation near San Gimignano. This country hotel with cinematic views of a tree-studded landscape and a refreshing outdoor pool is a fine spot to unwind. Tonight, indulge in an included gourmet dinner at your hotel with your group – the food is made with local ingredients and pays homage to traditional Tuscan dishes, with a modern twist.
Accommodation
  • Terre Rosse or Villa San Giorgio (Feature Stay) or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Siena - Orientation Walk
  • Monteriggioni - Orientation Walk
  • Chianti Region - Gourmet Dinner
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today’s journey is approximately 3.5 hours.
Start the day with a visit to San Gimignano – the 'Town of Fine Towers'. Explore the medieval Old Town centre and its fine Gothic and Romanesque architecture, with your leader on hand to answer any questions inspired by your explorations. This region is also renowned for its ancient Vernaccia grapes, which are the basis for one of Tuscany's finest white wines. Your group will visit a local agriturismo, where you’ll explore the vineyards and sample some of their celebrated wine, before enjoying an included lunch featuring regional cheese, fine olive oil and bruschetta. Return to your Feature Stay accommodation for another delicious dinner.
Accommodation
  • Terre Rosse or Villa San Giorgio (Feature Stay) or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • San Gimignano - Agriturismo Winery Tour & Tasting
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 4 hours.
Today you’ll visit Pisa. It’s not always possible to climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa due to its precarious state, but as your leader shares the history of this legendary building, you will have the opportunity to photograph it from the ground. Your next stop is Lucca, where you’ll take a short walk along the city’s beautifully preserved Renaissance walls.

Next up, depart to Florence where you’ll discover the city on an orientation walk with your leader. Marvel at the Duomo cathedral, visit St. John's Baptistery and hear stories of the Medici family who ruled over the city during the Renaissance. Cross the iconic Ponte Vecchio bridge and stop by the Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy. Established in 1221, this is believed to be the oldest operating pharmacy in the world. You’ll visit the Giardino delle Rose for a sweet-scented walk among 400 rose species before heading to Piazzale Michelangelo for sweeping views of Florence’s timeless skyline.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Laurus al Duomo or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Florence - Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy Visit
  • Florence - Orientation Walk
  • Florence - Piazzale Michelangelo & Giardino delle Rose
  • Pisa - Pisa Visit & Orientation walk
  • Lucca - City Walls & Orientation Walk
Optional Activities
  • Pisa - Leaning Tower of Pisa - EUR18
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Enjoy a free day in Florence to explore the city and its museums and galleries – ask your leader for some local tips on the best way to spend the day. Visiting the Uffizi while you are here is highly recommended – it is one of the oldest galleries in the world, and a building of great beauty. Sample some of the culinary delicacies on offer from across Tuscany, with dishes known for their freshness, simplicity and quality. Olive oil, beans and herbs are a feature here. Two standout dishes of the region are bistecca alla fiorentina, a large steak sliced on the bone and shared between multiple diners, and ribollita, a simple, hearty soup of bread, vegetables and beans. Panforte is the signature sweet treat.

Perhaps pay a visit to Galleria dell'Accademia, the home of Michelangelo's world-famous statue of David, or kick up your heels and watch the world go by with an excellent local coffee in hand. Florence boasts a delectable array of restaurants so be sure to ask your leader for recommendations.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Laurus al Duomo or similar (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Florence - Museo dell'Opera di S.Maria del Fiore - EUR15
  • Florence - Pitti Palace (Boboli Gardens, Museo Argenti, Costume Gallery, Porcellain Museum) - EUR12
  • Florence - Bargello Museum - EUR13
  • Florence - Palazzo Vecchio - EUR12
  • Florence - Uffizi Gallery - EUR24
  • Florence - Medici Chapels - EUR15
  • Florence - Baptistry - EUR10
  • Florence - Duomo & Campanile - EUR15
  • Florence - Accademia - EUR16
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
All the Florentine State Museums require tickets and the queues can be long. Booking your tickets online in advance (uffizi.org and accademia.org) is essential. Your leader can be of assistance booking these but be sure to organise it at the beginning of your trip.
In the morning, head to the railway station and take a high-speed train to Venice. Upon arrival your leader will take you on an orientation walk so you can get acquainted with the city’s maze of canals and learn about its unique history. Lunch today is a tasting of cicchetti – Venice’s version of tapas. Enjoy a delicious array of small dishes such as black ink calamari, polenta with seafood and seasonal vegetables. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore. The Grand Canal, the quaint shopfronts that line the Rialto Bridge and the Piazza and Basilica di San Marco are all worthy sights to visit, or simply meander around the tiny cobbled streets and discover the beautiful markets, cafes, galleries and churches. A Venetian gondola ride down the canals is a must, as is a taste of the region’s dessert speciality, tiramisu.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Venice - Cicchetti Tasting
  • Venice - Orientation Walk
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Special Information
Our means of transportation between Florence and Venice is by 1st class high-speed train (approximately 2 hours).
With no activities planned for today, your trip comes to an end after breakfast. Those looking to extend their stay can arrange additional nights' accommodation at the time of booking the trip (subject to availability).
Optional Activities
  • Venice - Museum of St Mark's Basilica - EUR5
  • Venice - Gondola Ride - EUR80
  • Venice - St Mark's Campanile - EUR12
  • Venice - Glass Museum Murano - EUR11
  • Venice - Ca' Rezzonico Museum of Eighteenth Century Art - EUR11
  • Venice - Scuola Grande di San Rocco - EUR14
  • Venice - Guggenheim Museum - EUR17
  • Venice - Doge's Palace & Bridge of Sighs - EUR30
  • Venice - Venezia Ca' d'Oro - EUR15
  • Venice - St Mark's Basilica Treasury - EUR5
  • Venice - Accademia Gallery - EUR16
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Meals

7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners

Transport

High-Speed Train, Private vehicle

Accommodation

Comfortable hotel (5 nights), Feature Stay (2 night)

Included activities

  • Rome - Welcome Dinner at Local Restaurant
  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
  • Rome - Orientation Walk
  • Rome - Afterhours Visit to the Colosseum
  • Siena - Orientation Walk
  • Monteriggioni - Orientation Walk
  • Chianti Region - Gourmet Dinner
  • San Gimignano - Agriturismo Winery Tour & Tasting
  • Florence - Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy Visit
  • Florence - Orientation Walk
  • Florence - Piazzale Michelangelo & Giardino delle Rose
  • Pisa - Pisa Visit & Orientation walk
  • Lucca - City Walls & Orientation Walk
  • Venice - Cicchetti Tasting
  • Venice - Orientation Walk

Premium Inclusions

  • Arrival airport transfer
  • Tipping for accommodation, activities and transport
  • Luggage transfer
  • Daily breakfast and signature local meal experiences
  • 24/7 on-ground support

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Premium Tuscany trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

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Important notes

1. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. There are a limited number of single supplements available per trip departure. Please speak to your booking agent for further information. 
3. Porterage is not included at train stations and on/off trains.
4. Multiple hotels may be used as our Feature Stay in the Tuscan countryside, including Torciano Hotel Vecchio Asilo, Villa Ducci, or Hotle Terre Rosse.
5. Travel is always an adventure and, as destinations reopen, there are a few challenges as everyone gets back up to speed and adjusts to the new normal. Our leaders are experts when it comes to dealing with anything unexpected along the journey, so pack your understanding and flexibility, sit back and relax while they take care of the rest.

Essential trip information

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