Italian Elegance Escorted Tour

Journey Through Stunning Tuscany on a 12-Day Escorted Tour of Italy

Discover the charm, cuisine, and culture of Italy on this 12-day guided tour. Begin in Rome, where you’ll visit the Colosseum and explore the Vatican Museums with a Local Expert. Travel north to Florence and into the heart of Tuscany, stopping in the hilltop town of San Gimignano to try gelato from a world-champion gelato maker. Later, arrive at your hotel and enjoy a tasting of the region’s bold red wines. Take a classic photo beside the Leaning Tower of Pisa before heading to the UNESCO-listed Cinque Terre, where a Local Expert will guide you through the coastal villages, finishing with a sea-to-table meal in Monterosso. In Venice, enjoy a gondola ride through the canals and watch a skilled artisan craft delicate glassware using traditional Venetian techniques. Citalia has partnered with Insight Vacations to bring you a range of Italy Group Escorted Tours.

Intensity: Balanced

Typically features up to 1-3 miles of walking, primarily on flat surfaces with some stairs. 

Please note, hotels may be subject to change, but similar alternatives will be provided.

2026 Tour Departure Dates 

April  17th
May  1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd
June 5th, 26th
August 7th, 21st
September 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th
October 2nd

 

At a glance

  • 12-day guided tour through Rome, Venice, Florence and more
  • Group size approximately 40 guests
  • Explore the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and the Colosseum
  • Visit Pisa, San Gimignano and Cinque Terre
  • Explore the Tuscan countryside
  • Experience a Glassblowing Demonstration with Local Craftspersons
  • Take part in a Prosecco tasting
a man holding a sign

Join this tour

Start planning your Citalia holiday by getting in touch with one of our Personal Travel Planners.

Lines open: Monday to Saturday 09:00 to 17:30, Bank Holidays 10:00 to 16:00.
Isola Bella and Stresa town aerial panoramic view. Isola Bella is one of the Borromean Islands of Lago Maggiore in north Italy.
Beautiful view on hart of amazing Florence city and the Cathedral at sunrise, Florence, Italy

Trip Itinerary

Day 1 : The Eternal City

The year 2025 marks a special Jubilee Year – a significant Roman Catholic celebration held every 25 years, that transforms Rome into a hub of festivities. During this time, your itinerary may be adapted to help you make the most of your time in Rome.

Arrive in Rome, a magnificent city filled with ancient treasures, medieval architecture, Renaissance palazzos, and stunning Baroque churches. Take some time to unwind before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a delightful dinner accompanied by wine.

Accommodation: Golden Tulip Rome Piram | 3.5-star hotel

Meals included: 

  • Dinner
Day 2 : Rome Sightseeing and the Vatican

Take in the very best of Rome, beginning with fast-track entry into the Vatican Museums, guided by a Local Expert. View the impressive Papal art collection before stepping into the Sistine Chapel to admire Michelangelo’s renowned ceiling. Afterwards, visit the grand St. Peter’s Basilica. Later, cross the Tiber River to explore ancient Rome, where you’ll see the legendary Circus Maximus, once the site of thrilling chariot races, and the iconic Colosseum.

Please note that due to high demand during the Jubilee Year, access to the Vatican Museums may be limited. If tickets are unavailable, your sightseeing will instead include a visit to the Capitoline Museums, home to the iconic Capitoline Wolf.



Accommodation: Golden Tulip Rome Piram | 3.5-star hotel

Meals included: 

  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Day 3 : Renaissance Florence

Discover the history of Florence, starting with a visit to the Accademia Museum to see Michelangelo’s iconic statue of David. Afterwards, continue on foot to admire the striking marble façade of the cathedral, bell tower and baptistery, where Ghiberti’s famous Gates of Paradise have been recreated. Wander through the Piazza della Signoria, still the political heart of the city, and marvel at the open-air gallery of Renaissance sculptures, including Neptune, Hercules and Cacus outside the Palazzo Vecchio. Alternatively, enjoy a relaxed stroll with your Travel Director and stop for a classic Italian treat in a local café.



Accommodation: Villasanpaolo | 4.5-star hotel

Meals included: 

  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Day 4 : The Flavours of San Gimignano

Spend time exploring the maze of alleyways and admire scenic views across the valley. Stroll along winding streets to the artisan gelato parlour of world champion gelato maestro, Sergio Dondoli, for a taste of his finest frozen treats.



Accommodation: Villasanpaolo | 4.5-star hotel

Meals included: 

  • Breakfast
Day 5 : The Chianti Hills to Pisa, Portofino and Santa Margherita

Travel through the scenic Chianti hills, with its rolling vineyards, olive groves and fragrant cypress trees. Continue on to Pisa, home to the iconic Leaning Tower, where Galileo is thought to have explored the principles of motion. Visit the magnificent cathedral and baptistery, decorated with marble and detailed mosaics. Afterwards, make your way to the coast and, weather permitting, enjoy a cruise along the dramatic Ligurian shoreline to the stylish harbour village of Portofino, a true expression of la dolce vita. End the day in the charming seaside resort of Santa Margherita Ligure, a hidden gem on the Riviera.

Accommodation: Best Western Regina Elena | 4-star hotel

Meals included: 

  • Breakfast
Day 6 : Pisa and the Tuscan Countryside

Make your way to the port town of La Spezia for a true highlight of your journey, the spectacular Cinque Terre, one of Italy’s most breathtaking coastal landscapes. Accompanied by a Local Expert, take in the stunning views as you arrive by boat at one of the charming fishing villages nestled along the shoreline. Enjoy a delightful sea-to-table lunch, using the freshest local flavours. Afterwards, take some time to wander among the colourful houses, explore the quaint boutiques or simply relax at a café on the piazzetta, watching the boats gently bobbing in the harbour.



Accommodation: Best Western Regina Elena | 4-star hotel

Meals included: 

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Day 7 : Lake Maggiore

Head north to the beautiful Italian Lake District, a popular destination for the rich and famous where Alpine landscapes combine with lush forestry. Relax and enjoy your afternoon at leisure at this popular resort and beautiful lake with plenty to see. Why not head out on a boat trip to the Borromean Islands, a group made up of three small islands, is known for its picturesque setting. The standout is Isola Bella, known for its grand 17th century palazzo.



Accommodation: Hotel Simplon | 4.5-star hotel 

Meals included: 

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Day 8 : Cortina d’Ampezzo

Journey through the beautiful northern Italian countryside to one of the world’s most spectacular wine regions. The rolling vineyards around Conegliano Veneto are home to Italy’s finest sparkling wine. Enjoy a tasting of crisp prosecco before continuing through the dramatic peaks of the Dolomites to the stylish mountain resort of Cortina d'Ampezzo.



Accommodation: Hotel de la Poste | 4-star hotel

Meals included: 

  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Day 9 : Experience the Dolomites

Enjoy a full day at leisure to take in the dramatic scenery of the Dolomites, one of the most striking mountain ranges in the Alps. During summer, once the snow and ice have melted away, a breathtaking landscape is revealed. Adventurous guests can follow well-marked walking trails through unspoilt Alpine wilderness, while those seeking a gentler pace might opt for an optional experience to the summit of a nearby peak, where sweeping panoramic views await.



Accommodation: Hotel de la Poste | 4-star hotel

Meals included: 

  • Breakfast

Day 10 : Venice, Queen of the Adriatic

Leave the mountains behind as you make your way to the romantic city of Venice. A private boat will take you along serene canals lined with elegant palaces, arriving at the iconic St Mark’s Square. Take in landmarks such as the basilica, the Doge’s Palace and the Bridge of Sighs before checking into your luxurious hotel. With the afternoon free, you might choose to explore further with a cruise across the Venetian Lagoon to the colourful island of Burano, where you can enjoy a meal of local specialities paired with regional wine.



Accommodation: Splendid Venice – Starhotels Collezione | 4.5-star hotel

Meals included: 

  • Breakfast

Day 10 : Venice at Leisure

Enjoy a visit to a traditional arts centre, where skilled glassblowers demonstrate the intricate craft of Venetian glassmaking, preserving centuries-old techniques. Afterwards, take time to explore this enchanting city at your own pace. Browse the open air markets near the Rialto Bridge and wander through quiet backstreets and squares where locals go about their day. Later, enjoy a romantic gondola ride through the city’s hidden canals, as musicians serenade you with traditional songs. This evening, savour classic Venetian flavours inspired by seasonal ingredients during a memorable dinner.



Accommodation: Splendid Venice – Starhotels Collezione | 4.5-star hotel

Meals included: 

  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Day 9 : Arrivederci Venice

Your departure transfer arrives at Venice Marco Polo airport.

Meals included: 

  • Breakfast 

12 days from £3,795 per person

What's included:

  • Daily breakfasts and relaxed morning starts after 9am
  • 24/7 personal service with knowledgeable Travel Director & expert Driver
  • Superior dining in top rated restaurants
  • Handpicked 4- & 5-star hotels
  • ‘Business Class’ style coaches with extended legroom
  • Local discovery led by Local Experts
  • Porterage, plus tips and gratuities at hotels and restaurants 
  • Private UK transfers (up to 50 miles)
  • Return flights from London with checked baggage – call for regional options
  • Transfers provided as part of the tour at set times

What's not included:

  • Tourist tax (approx. €21 per person)

Optional experiences: 

  • Piazzas and Fountains (€49 per person)
  • Hidden Venice optional experience (€46 per person)
  • Burano Excursion & Meal optional experience (€86 per person)
  • Dinner in Tuscany optional experience (€78 per person)
  • Isola Bella optional experience (€64 per person)
  • Dinner on Isola dei Pescatori optional experience (€82 per person)
  • Grand Tour of the Dolomites optional experience (€82 per person)
  • Dinner in the Mountains optional experience (€79 per person)
  • Highlights of Innsbruck optional experience (€100 per person)
  • Magical Venice optional experience (€64 per person)

These are bookable and payable locally.

Practical Information

Visa Information

At the current time, British citizens do not require a visa to visit Italy.

Tipping

Whilst tipping isn’t embedded into Italian culture it is always appreciated as an acknowledgement of good service. Nowadays people generally round up a bill in a bar or cafe and leave 5-10% extra on a restaurant bill. Taxi bills are usually also rounded up. 
 
On guided tours/excursions, it is customary to leave a token of appreciation for the driver and guide.
 
On small group escorted tours, it is customary to leave a token of appreciation for the driver and guide at the end of the tour.

Details

The price is based on 2 adults sharing, travelling in May 2026. Our Italy Experts can personalise all of our Touring holidays for a date and destination that suits you. For a bespoke quote, give one of our Personal Travel Planners a call on 01293 765055.

Quote reference number: 53655837

For more information, call our Italy Experts on:

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