Reflections of Italy featuring Verona and Lake Como in winter
Reflections of Italy featuring Verona and Lake Como in winter
11 Days Starting in Rome, Italy and ending in Lake Como, Italy
Visiting: Rome, Assisi, Florence, Venice, Verona, Lake Como
Tour operator:
Tour code:
16050
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating winter journey through Italy with the "Reflections of Italy" tour, featuring the enchanting cities of Verona and Lake Como. Begin your adventure in Rome, exploring the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica, before traveling to the medieval town of Assisi. Experience the charm of Tuscany with visits to Cortona and a historic winery in Chianti, where you'll enjoy a chef-led cooking class. Discover the Renaissance treasures of Florence and the romantic waterways of Venice, including a glass-blowing demonstration on Murano Island. In Verona, choose between a guided tour or free exploration, and conclude your trip with a serene ferry ride on Lake Como, taking in the picturesque views of Bellagio. This tour offers a perfect blend of cultural exploration, culinary delights, and breathtaking landscapes, ensuring an unforgettable Italian experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Overnight Flight
Location: Rome
Accommodation Name: Grand Hotel Palatino
Welcome to Italy, a land rich in history, culture, art and romance. Your journey begins with an overnight flight.
Day 2 : Rome, Italy
Location: Rome
Meals Included: Dinner
Begin in Rome, the “Eternal City.” This evening, get to know your fellow travelers during a welcome dinner featuring regional specialties.
Day 3 : Rome
Location: Rome
Accommodation Name: Sangallo Palace Hotel
On a guided tour of the Vatican Museums* explore the extensive Papal palace housing priceless artifacts from ancient Egypt, classical Greco-Roman statuary, and works by great Renaissance masters. In the Sistine Chapel, marvel at Michelangelo’s frescoed ceiling and brilliant Last Judgment. Next, wander through the towering columns of St. Peter’s Basilica, a daring feat of human artistry and engineering. Admire the baroque spirals of Bernini’s altar canopy and gaze up at Michelangelo’s dome – still the tallest in the world. Return to the hotel mid-afternoon. The evening is yours. Perhaps you’ll join an optional dinner in a popular restaurant, indulging in a hearty meal accompanied by wine and local entertainment.
Day 4 : Rome - Assisi - Perugia
Location: Assisi
Accommodation Name: Hotel Albani
Travel to Assisi, birthplace of St. Francis. Take in the old-world atmosphere on a guided walking tour of the Basilica of St. Francis. Then you’re off to medieval Perugia, the historic capital of Umbria. With free time to explore, consider wandering along the Corso, Perugia’s main street, where gothic facades are lined with shops and restaurants.
Day 5 : Perugia - Cortona - Florence
Location: Florence
Head through Tuscany’s graceful low-lying hills to the Etruscan city of Cortona. Perched on the side of a hill, take in the ornate facades and gothic architecture. Peek at the adjacent Lake Trasimeno, situated off in the distance. You might recognize the city as the charming setting for the book and film Under the Tuscan Sun. End your day in Florence – the “Cradle of the Renaissance.”
Day 6 : Florence
Location: Florence
Accommodation Name: Hotel Carlton on the Grand Canal
This morning, experience Florence’s cultural treasures on a walking tour, passing by the Duomo, the Baptistery, the Palazzo Vecchio, and the Piazza della Signoria. The rest of the day is yours to explore this veritable open-air museum. Perhaps you’ll join an after-hours tour of the 14th-century Certosa monastery, followed by dinner featuring local wines, Tuscan food, and live entertainment.
Day 7 : Florence - Venice
Location: Florence
Meals Included: Lunch
Start your day with a visit to a historic winery in the heart of the Chianti region. In the shadow of a 12th-century castle, learn about Tuscan wines and enjoy a chef-led cooking class. Next, sit back and savor regional delicacies during a delicious lunch. This afternoon, journey through central Italy, crossing the Apennine Mountains toward the Po River Valley. Enchanting Venice awaits with 117 tiny islands and its latticework of 150 canals and 400 bridges.
Day 8 : Venice
Location: Venice
Accommodation Name: Hotel Barchetta Excelsior
See Venice from the water and take a boat** to Murano Island. At a glass-blowing demonstration, discover the secrets of this ancient art up-close and marvel at the one-of-a-kind designs. Make your way to the historic center of Venice and see the Castello district with a local expert. End in St. Mark’s Square, taking in the basilica and the opulent façade of the Doge’s Palace. The remainder of the day is yours. Consider an optional tour featuring Venice’s most famous pastime – a serenaded gondola ride.
Day 9 : Venice - Verona - Lake Como
Location: Verona
This morning, you’ll be whisked across the plains of northern Italy to Verona, the city of Romeo & Juliet. Then, it’s your choice! Explore Verona on foot with an expert local guide, taking in the city’s must-sees, like Juliet’s balcony and the impressive exterior of the Arena, an ancient Roman amphitheater -OR- enjoy ample free time to explore Verona however you’d like: peruse the alluring storefronts of Via Mazzini or wander around the market stalls of Piazza delle Erbe. After some time for lunch on your own, relax aboard your bus during a full afternoon transfer to Como, where you check into your hotel in the early evening.
Day 10 : Lake Como
Location: Lake Como
Meals Included: Dinner
This morning, admire the shores of glamorous Lake Como during a ferry ride*** to alluring Bellagio. Admire the endless succession of historic villas, lush gardens, and colorful villages reflected in the lake’s blue waters. Enjoy some time at leisure to explore Bellagio’s charms before sailing back to Como. This evening, celebrate the end of an unforgettable trip with a farewell dinner at your hotel.
Day 11 : Lake Como - Tour Ends
Location: Lake Como
Your journey comes to a close in Como this morning.
What's Included
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Guided Tour of the Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica
Set out on a locally guided tour of the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica.
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Visit to Assisi
Behold medieval Assisi, the hometown of St. Francis.
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Scenic Journey through Tuscany
Enjoy a scenic journey through Tuscany’s graceful low-lying hills.
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Explore Cortona
Explore Cortona, the postcard-worthy village that serves as the setting for 'Under the Tuscan Sun.'
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Boat Trip to Murano Island
Enjoy a boat trip to Murano Island for a glass-blowing demonstration.
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Stroll along Bellagio’s Waterfront Promenade
Take in the views as you stroll along Bellagio’s waterfront promenade.
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Visit a Historic Winery in Chianti
Visit a historic winery in the heart of the Chianti region.
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Chef-led Cooking Class with Lunch
Enjoy a chef-led cooking class with lunch in a historic castle.
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Dine on Regional Delicacies
Dine on regional delicacies and fine Italian wines.
What's Not Included
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Optional Dinner in Rome
The evening is yours.
Perhaps you’ll join an optional dinner in a popular restaurant, indulging in a hearty meal accompanied by wine and local entertainment. -
Optional After-Hours Tour in Florence
Perhaps you’ll join an after-hours tour of the 14th-century Certosa monastery, followed by dinner featuring local wines, Tuscan food, and live entertainment.
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Optional Serenaded Gondola Ride in Venice
Consider an optional tour featuring Venice’s most famous pastime – a serenaded gondola ride.
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Lunch on Your Own in Verona
After some time for lunch on your own, relax aboard your bus during a full afternoon transfer to Como.
Experiences
Explore Cortona, the postcard-worthy village that serves as the setting for Under the Tuscan Sun.Enjoy a boat trip to Murano Island for a glass-blowing demonstration.Take in the views as you stroll along Bellagio’s waterfront promenade.
Options
Rome: Roman Serenade Enjoy a pleasant serenade with dinner in Trastevere, a charming, bohemian district where Rome’s locals often frequent. Indulge in a hearty, traditionally Roman menu, complete with wine. As you savor the delicious tastes of Italy, talented performers entertain you with folk songs. This lively, fun-filled evening will be an unforgettable part of your visit to Rome and an engaging immersion into Italian culture. Duration approximately 4 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 15 passenger(s) is required to operate this option.
Gratuities are included.
Florence: Tuscan Feast This evening, set off on a scenic drive to nearby Galluzzo, famous for its Carthusian monastery which rests upon one of the beautiful hills surrounding Florence. Prior to dinner, enjoy an after-hours visit to this 14th-century monastery – La Certosa.* Revel in the beauty that lurks inside and experience the monastery’s magnificence as you learn about monastic daily life. Then your evening of fun continues at one of the area’s most popular dining establishments. Experience an authentic and traditional dinner served family-style! Savor local wines and Tuscan food and enjoy the entertainment. It’s a memorable – truly Italian – evening out that you won’t want to miss! Duration approximately 4.5 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 15 passenger(s) is required to operate this option.
*Visit to the monastery may not be possible when weddings are taking place. Gratuities are included.
Venice: Venetian Serenaded Gondola Cruise Experience the romance that can only be found in Venice – La Serenìssima – while traveling on its famous waterways. Partake in one of Venice’s most famous pastimes – a gondola cruise. Take a pleasant stroll toward the Grand Canal to board your gondola. As you relax in your elegant watercraft, your gondolier navigates the Grand Canal as well as smaller side canals. Admire the scenery as you listen to the melodic voice serenading you in true Italian style – just like in those romantic Italian movies! Duration approximately 1 hour(s). Transportation is not included A minimum of 15 passenger(s) is required to operate this option.
This option operates weather-permitting.
Duration of the gondola cruise is approximately 30 minutes. Gondolas hold 5 to 6 guests. Transportation is not included and in most cases not required as the start of this excursion is usually within walking distance.
Culinaries
Visit a historic winery in the heart of the Chianti region.Enjoy a chef-led cooking class with lunch in a historic castle.Dine on regional delicacies and fine Italian wines.
Must See
Set out on a locally guided tour of the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica.Behold medieval Assisi, the hometown of St. Francis.Enjoy a scenic journey through Tuscany’s graceful low-lying hills.
Choice Highlights
Rome Rome is the capital of modern Italy and the historical home of one of the great civilizations in history, the Roman Empire. The historical city was founded in 753 BC and has grown to a size of over 3 million inhabitants today. The city is home to major monuments like the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain and many more. The city was built on the seven ancient hills along the Tiber River. Today it is a collection of neighborhoods with vibrant shops, restaurants and museums just waiting to be explored.
Vatican Museums The Vatican City is the smallest independent state in the world. Inside the Vatican walls are the Papal Palace, St Peters Basilica, the curia of the Vatican state, extensive gardens and the Vatican Museums. The museums were founded in the early 16th century and house some of the most important masterpieces of the Renaissance. The collections are houses in a series of interconnected palaces that lead visitors through collections of ancient sculptures, frescoed maps, tapestries and ends in the highlight of any visit, the Sistine Chapel. The Sistine Chapel contains Michelangelo’s masterpieces, the painted ceiling and the The Last Judgement.
Sistine Chapel
St. Peter’s Basilica St. Peter's Basilica is an example of late Renaissance architecture and was designed by great architects like Raphael, Michelangelo and Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Completed over the course of 120 years, St. Peter's is one of the largest churches in the world, and an important holy site for Catholics. The church is built over the burial site of Saint Peter and contains the tombs of numerous popes. The church is known for its mosaic decorations and grand dome.
Assisi Join us on a guided walking tour of the town of Assisi, birthplace of St. Francis. Here you'll discover a blend of Roman ruins, winding medieval streets and beautiful churches that make this a must-see destination. Once a pilgrimage site and historical treasure, Assisi offers you the chance to return to another time. With a history that stretches back to 1000 B.C. (predating the Roman Empire), the town rests among the gently rolling hills of Umbria. Marvel at the Basilica of San Francesco, find an out-of-the-way shop, look out at the stunning landscape, or sit and relax at a quiet café.
Perugia Perugia is the regional capital of Umbria. The architecture of the city reflects its medieval history, but it also is home to one of the few remaining Etruscan arches dating back to its prominence as one of twelve original cities in the Etruria confederacy. Today its notoriety comes from the two universities and Italy’s most famous chocolate company, Perugina. Perched on a hill, the city offers panoramic views over the Umbrian countryside and a vibrant city center with many shops, cafes and pedestrian areas to explore.
Cortona Cortona is an Etruscan city perched on the side of Tuscany’s low-lying hills. Take in the ornate facades and medieval architecture. Peek at the adjacent lake, situated off if in the distance. You might recognize the city as the charming setting for the book and film Under the Tuscan Sun.
Florence Florence is the regional capital of Tuscany and home to countless Renaissance masterpieces. The city developed great wealth during the late Middle Ages and was the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance that produced great artists like Michelangelo, Raphael, Brunelleschi and many others. Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with numerous museums, stunning architecture and charming piazzas. The city offers something for everyone from culture, to great food and excellent shopping (like their famous gold or leather).
Chianti Winery & Cooking Class Tuscany is world-renowned for its rolling hills, country roads and of course, numerous vineyards. Tuscany's most famous export is unquestionably Chianti wine, and true Chianti can only be produced in a section of the country that stretches from Florence to Siena. On your visit to a historic winery in the heart of the Chianti region, you'll enjoy a chef-led cooking class. During the tour, guests will learn about the wine making process from vine to bottle. After you've been educated on the intricacies of thsi fine grape, you can sit back and savor regional delicacies during a delicious lunch.
Venice Venice is the regional capital of the Veneto region in the northeast section of Italy. Venice has a unique design like no other city, built on over a hundred different islands in the center of the Venetian Lagoon. Early Venetians built their city on the islands to escape barbarian invaders. The islands of the city are separated by numerous small canals and connected by hundreds of small bridges. The city is famous for its romantic gondola-filled canals and ornate palaces that line the Grand Canal. The famous glass factories of Venice are located on Murano Island. Today the Murano Islands are home to a dwindling number of glass factories, whose artists are producing handmade Murano Glass.
Murano Island Murano is located in northern Italy and houses important attractions such as, the Church of Santa Maria e San Donato, the chapel of the Ballarin family, and artworks by Giovanni Bellini. The island is primarily known for their history in glass production. It became Italy’s glass art capital in 1291. The community of glassblowers was relocated by the government to Murano. Glass making originally began in Venice; however, because the houses were made out of wood, the government deemed it too risky because of the kilns constantly going.
Verona Verona is a charming city in northern Italy, built along the Adige River. The city is the setting of Shakespeare’s famous Romeo and Juliet. A small stone house in the city center is said to be the home of the fictional heroine. In the courtyard of the home, below a small balcony, is a bronze statue of Juliet that tourists pose with for a photo. The city is also home to a mix of beautiful buildings ranging from a Roman amphitheater to medieval palaces.
Walking Tour of Verona or Free Time In Verona, decide how to explore the city by joining either a guided walking tour or explore Verona on your own.
Verona Walking Tour
Activity Level: 3
Guided walking tour of the old town’s highlights, taking in Juliet’s Balcony and the impressive exterior of the Arena, the ancient Roman amphitheater.
Free Time
Actiivity Level: 1
Make the most of your free time and explore Verona however you’d like, perhaps perusing the alluring storefronts of Via Mazzini or wandering around the market stalls of Piazza delle Erbe.
Lake Como Originally a lake of glacial origin in Lombardy, Italy, it has been a popular place to retreat for aristocrats and wealthy people since Roman times, and since has become a popular tourist attraction for its artistic and cultural gems. It has become a venue for many watersports such as sailing, windsurfing, and kite surfing.
Mode of Transport
Travel through Italy's picturesque landscapes with ease, enjoying scenic journeys by bus and ferry. Experience the beauty of Lake Como with a ferry ride to Bellagio, and explore Venice's canals with a boat trip to Murano Island.
Accommodation
Experience comfort and elegance at the Grand Hotel Palatino in Rome, the Sangallo Palace Hotel, and the Hotel Albani in Assisi. Enjoy the charm of the Hotel Carlton on the Grand Canal in Florence and the Hotel Barchetta Excelsior in Venice, offering a blend of luxury and convenience.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique experience can I expect in Venice during the tour?
In Venice, you will have the opportunity to take a boat to Murano Island for a glass-blowing demonstration, where you can discover the secrets of this ancient art up-close and marvel at the one-of-a-kind designs.
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What activities are included in the visit to the Chianti region?
During the visit to the Chianti region, you will explore a historic winery and participate in a chef-led cooking class. You will also enjoy a delicious lunch featuring regional delicacies.
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What can I expect during the visit to Lake Como?
At Lake Como, you will enjoy a ferry ride to Bellagio, where you can admire the historic villas, lush gardens, and colorful villages reflected in the lake's blue waters. You will have leisure time to explore Bellagio's charms before returning to Como.
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What options do I have for exploring Verona?
In Verona, you can choose to explore the city on foot with an expert local guide, taking in must-see sites like Juliet's balcony and the Arena, or you can enjoy free time to explore Verona at your own pace, perhaps visiting the storefronts of Via Mazzini or the market stalls of Piazza delle Erbe.
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What is included in the guided tour of the Vatican Museums?
The guided tour of the Vatican Museums includes exploring the extensive Papal palace, viewing priceless artifacts from ancient Egypt, classical Greco-Roman statuary, and works by great Renaissance masters. You will also visit the Sistine Chapel to marvel at Michelangelo's frescoed ceiling and the Last Judgment, and wander through St. Peter's Basilica.
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Can I pre-purchase optional excursions/activities?
Yes, the majority of optional excursions and activities are available for advance purchase for applicable tours provided that you make your options purchase prior to 15 days of the tour departure. Collette makes it convenient to reserve presold options by visiting our website for a full listing of activities and excursions or when your reservation is made with our reservations staff. In addition, there are benefits to prepurchasing options including a price guarantee once your tour is paid in full. So, while the cost of an optional activity may change from the time you book your tour, once payment is received in full, your preselected options are guaranteed by Collette at their original price. Although you can still purchase options while on tour, reserving them ahead of time ensures you a spot in the event that the activity sells out. Collette will provide a refund if you cancel a presold option prior to tour departure. Any presold options canceled while on tour are nonrefundable.
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Can my children travel on tour?
Children over the age of 5 may travel on a Collette tour accompanied by an adult. Child land rates are valid for ages 5-12, sharing a room with two full-paying adults. Participation in any products that include Safari or Game Drive components, is limited to travelers aged 13 and up. This will include tours to Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa and India.
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What is the difference between a twin room and double room?
In certain countries, hotel rooms tend to be smaller than U.S. standard accommodations. A double room is designed to accommodate two people, but may not have two separate beds. A twin-bedded room has two separate beds of any size, and is the type most commonly utilized.
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Do you provide VISA processing for all applicable destinations?
Collette does not process VISAs. Every nation has its own specific requirements. Check the embassy or consulate website for the country you are visiting to find the forms and information you need. The process of getting a VISA can take two weeks to two months.
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Do I need a passport?
Government-issued ID is required for all air travel. A valid passport is required for all trips outside the USA. All passengers should check with the appropriate foreign consulate for entry and validity requirements. We recommend that your passport has six months validity, and at least 3 blank pages. Passports and visas are the responsibility of each client. International Borders. Any child under age 16 (traveling without a parent or legal guardian to Canada) must have written permission from a parent or legal guardian. Please be advised that if you have been convicted of an offense, or have committed a criminal act that is an offense under the laws where it occurred and would be an offense in Canada, you may be inadmissible into Canada. You will need to apply for a Minister's Permit of Approval of Rehabilitation at a Canadian Consulate. All other travelers should contact the appropriate consulate for entry requirements in other international destinations. In South Africa, children are required to have a passport as well as additional documentation to travel with you into and out of the country. Please consult the South African Embassy for the current specific requirements related to your travel dates. If travelling internationally with a child under the age of 18, please check directly with the airline for the legal documentation that is required. It is the sole responsibility of the guest to procure the proper documentation to travel and many requirements vary by airline and destination. Collette will not be responsible for costs incurred for missed flights or canceled tours where a guest fails to secure proper documentation.
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Is there a lot of walking on tour?
We pride ourselves on bringing travelers the very best experiences a destination offers. Our itineraries include many activities and may consist of walking on uneven terrain or significant walking at times. Some of the most unique sightseeing can mean accessing locations that restrict motorcoaches, especially in historic areas. Some hotels/lodges in remote locations may not have elevators. For your comfort, we recommend bringing walking shoes.
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Wednesday - Saturday
Dec 10, 2025 - Dec 20, 2025Monday - Thursday
Feb 23, 2026 - Mar 05, 2026Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
CTS demo white label allows you to make 20 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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