Italian Intermezzo Escorted Tour

Explore Italy’s iconic cities on this 8-day guided tour

Experience Italy in style on an unforgettable 8-day guided tour, journeying from the canals of Venice to the timeless charm of Rome. Begin in cosmopolitan Milan with a welcome dinner paired with delicious regional wines. Cruise through the Venice’s waterways aboard a private boat to the bustling St. Mark’s Square, home to the opulent basilica. Then, enjoy a classic gondola ride through the city’s romantic canals, accompanied by the gentle melodies of traditional local musicians. In Rome, marvel at the mighty Colosseum before exploring the Vatican Museums with a Local Expert who will guide you through the papal art collection and on to Michaelangelo’s Sistine Chapel. Citalia has partnered with Insight Vacations to bring you a range of Italy Group Escorted Tours.   

Intensity: Dynamic

Expect up to  4 miles of walking on some days and may involve some steep hills and uneven surfaces.

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

2026 Tour Departure Dates 

March  15th, 22nd
April 5th, 12th, 26th
May 3rd, 10th, 17th, 31st
June 7th, 14th, 28th
July 12th, 19th, 26th
August 2nd, 16th, 23rd, 30th
September 6th, 13th, 20th
October 4th, 11th, 18th
November 8th
December 19th, 26th

2027 Tour Departure Dates

March  14th, 21st

At a glance

  • 8-day guided tour through Milan, Venice, Pisa, Florence, and Rome
  • Group size approximately 40 guests
  • Explore the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and the Colosseum
  • Visit Pisa, Florence, and Venice
  • Explore Chianti Country and Umbrian Orvieto
  • Experience a Leatherwork Demonstration with Local Craftspersons
  • Enjoy a private Gondola ride in Venice
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.
Famous buildings, gondolas and monuments by the Rialto Bridge of Venice on the Grand Canal, Italy
Ponte Vecchio Bridge and the Arno River in Florence

Trip Itinerary

Day 1 : Milan

Meet your Travel Director at Milan’s Malpensa Airport. Enjoy a welcome dinner featuring fresh local produce and wines and get to know your fellow travellers. 

Milan Cathedral, Duomo di Milano, Italy, one of the largest churches in the world on sunrise

Accommodation: Duo Milan Porta Nuova | 4-star hotel

Meals included: 

  • Dinner
Day 2 : Milan to Venice

Travel through the Veneto plain, a region celebrated for its vineyards and peach orchards, with the Dolomite mountains framing the skyline. Your hotel captures the true spirit of Venetian style, beautifully reflecting the history and culture of the surrounding area. As night falls, take a chance to soak up the magic of St. Mark’s Square, with its orchestras and charming alfresco cafés. 



Accommodation: Hotel Indigo Venice – Sant’Elena | 4-star hotel

Meals included: 

  • Breakfast
Day 3 : Venice and the Magic of La Serenissima

Wake up ready to take in the charm of Venice. One of the best ways to experience Venice is from the water - cruise past elegant palazzos and historic churches on a private boat ride to St. Mark’s Square. Visit the famous basilica, the Doge’s Palace, and the Bridge of Sighs. No trip to Venice is complete without a gondola ride through its beautiful canals. Sit back and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere as local musicians serenade you with traditional songs. Later, take part in an optional experience with a visit to a traditional glassblowing workshop. The afternoon and evening are yours to spend as you like. Or join another optional excursion to the island of Burano. Leave behind the busy streets of St. Mark’s and enjoy a private boat cruise through the Venetian lagoon. Alight at Burano to discover brightly coloured houses, local lace-making traditions, and a famously leaning bell tower that rivals Pisa’s.



Accommodation: Hotel Indigo Venice – Sant'Elena | 4-star hotel

Meals included: 

  • Breakfast
Day 4 : Tranquil Tuscany, Pisa and Florence

Make a stop in Pisa to take in the world-famous Leaning Tower, where Galileo is said to have explored the laws of gravity and motion. Then continue on to Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance, where you’ll enjoy either a visit to the Accademia Gallery to stand before Michelangelo’s masterpiece, David, or take a guided walk through the city’s historic centre to uncover its hidden gems. Marvel at the striking cathedral with its patterned marble façade, and see the nearby bell tower and baptistery, where Ghiberti’s Gates of Paradise have been recreated. Walk through Piazza della Signoria, still the political heart of the city and an open-air gallery of Renaissance masterpieces. Spend time gazing at statues such as Neptune, Hercules, and Cacus in front of the Palazzo Vecchio.  

Alternatively, join your Travel Director for a relaxed stroll and enjoy a classic Italian treat in a nearby café, a chance to slow down and soak up the Florentine atmosphere.



Accommodation: Hotel Albani Firenze | 4.5-star hotel

Meals included: 

  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Day 5 : Free Time in Renaissance Florence

Discover the secrets of Florentine leatherwork during a visit to a local workshop, where you can admire the detailed handiwork. The rest of the day is yours to explore the heart of Tuscany’s capital at your own pace. Browse for leather goods or fine jewellery around Santa Croce or simply relax and take in the atmosphere at one of the many street cafés. Don’t miss the chance to visit Florence’s renowned museums and galleries, home to some of the world’s most celebrated artworks. 

You may also choose to take an excursion to San Gimignano, Tuscany’s famous hilltop town. This well-preserved medieval treasure, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers a glimpse into centuries of history. In the evening, consider joining an optional experience to enjoy authentic Tuscan cuisine paired with local wines, including the iconic Chianti from nearby vineyards.

Accommodation: Hotel Albani Firenze | 4.5-star hotel

Meals included: 

  • Breakfast
Day 6 : Chianti Country to Orvieto and on to Rome

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 the Eternal City. 

Travel to Orvieto, a charming hilltop town in Umbria perched above vineyards. Explore its winding streets with your Travel Director, including a visit to the impressive Piazza del Duomo and its stunning cathedral. Then, continue on to Rome. In Rome, consider joining an optional experience to wander the pedestrian-friendly backstreets on a “passeggiata” (leisurely stroll) led by a Local Expert. Discover the city’s famous piazzas and fountains, admire the ancient Pantheon, and enjoy the elegance of 17th-century fountains and scenic squares. Don’t forget to toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain!



Accommodation: Golden Tulip Rome Piram | 3.5-star hotel

Meals included: 

  • Breakfast
Day 7 : Rome Sightseeing and the Vatican

Start your morning by experiencing the city’s top attractions, including skip-the-line access to the Vatican Museums with a Local Expert. Take in the impressive Papal art collection and step inside the Sistine Chapel to admire Michelangelo’s breathtaking ceiling frescoes. Afterwards, see the grand exterior of St. Peter’s Basilica before enjoying some free time to explore on your own. In the evening, savour traditional dishes from the Lazio region as you celebrate your journey through Italy’s heritage and culture alongside your fellow travellers. 

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. There, you’ll see the famous Capitoline Wolf, ancient Roman bronzes, and Renaissance masterpieces, all set within Michelangelo’s stunning Piazza del Campidoglio, overlooking the Roman Forum.



Accommodation: Golden Tulip Rome Piram | 3.5-star hotel

Meals included: 

  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Day 8 : Arrivederci Roma

Bid farewell to Italy, savouring the memories of its enchanting cities, historic landmarks, and beautiful landscapes.

Meals included: 

  • Breakfast

8 days from £2,395 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) 
  • Roman Dinner Party (€77 per person) 
  • San Gimignano Excursion (€43 per person) 
  • Tuscan Dinner at Villa Machiavelli (€78 per person) 
  • Tuscan Dinner & Cooking Demonstration (€80 per person) 
  • Venetian Splendour (€69 per person) 
  • Hidden Venice (€46 per person) 
  • Guided Visit to the Colosseum (€67 per person) 
  • Milan Uncovered (€52 per person) 
  • Burano Excursion & Meal (€86 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 March 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: 53655784

For more information, call our Italy Experts on:

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