Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating journey through Italy with the "Reflections of Italy" tour, where history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes await. Begin in Rome, exploring the Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica, before traveling through Tuscany's picturesque hills to medieval Assisi and the charming village of Cortona. Discover the artistic treasures of Florence, including Michelangelo's iconic statue of David, and indulge in a chef-led cooking class at a historic Chianti winery. Experience the romance of Venice with a boat trip to Murano Island for a glass-blowing demonstration and an optional serenaded gondola ride. Conclude your adventure with a scenic ferry ride on Lake Como, surrounded by stunning villas and gardens. Enjoy comfortable accommodations and savor regional delicacies throughout this unforgettable Italian escape. ...more ...less
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 locally guided tour of the Vatican Museums* explore the Papal palace housing priceless artifacts from ancient Egypt along with works by great Renaissance masters such as Perugino, Botticelli, Ghirlandaio. In the Sistine Chapel, marvel at Michelangelo’s frescoed ceiling and brilliant Last Judgement. 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. Later this afternoon, take in views of the River Tiber, the Circus Maximus and the Colosseum during a panoramic drive back to your hotel. 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: Rome, Assisi, Perugia
Accommodation Name: Hotel Albani
Ease your way into the local culture as your Tour Manager shares a few key Italian phrases. 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 Piazza IV Novembre or visiting medieval palaces and elegant cathedrals.
Day 5 : Perugia - Cortona - Florence
Location: Cortona, 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 medieval 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” – and visit the world-famous Academy Gallery* to see Michelangelo’s David.
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. 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: Chianti, Venice
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 - Lake Como
Location: Venice, Lake Como
Meals Included: Dinner
This morning, you’ll be whisked across the plains of northern Italy to the shores of glamorous Lake Como. During a one-hour ferry ride*** of the southern section of the lake, admire the endless succession of historic villas, lush gardens, and colorful villages reflected in the lake’s blue waters. Your panoramic sailing is accompanied by the live commentary of an expert local guide. This evening, celebrate the end of an unforgettable trip with a farewell dinner at your hotel.
Day 10 : 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 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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Boat Trip to Murano Island
Enjoy a boat trip to Murano Island for a glass-blowing demonstration.
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Visit to a Historic Winery
Visit a historic winery in the heart of the Chianti region.
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Chef-led Cooking Class
Enjoy a chef-led cooking class with lunch in a historic castle.
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Welcome Dinner in Rome
Get to know your fellow travelers during a welcome dinner featuring regional specialties.
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Farewell Dinner at Lake Como
Celebrate the end of an unforgettable trip with a farewell dinner at your hotel.
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Scenic Journey through Tuscany
Enjoy a scenic journey through Tuscany's graceful low-lying hills.
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Serenaded Gondola Ride in Venice
Experience the romance of Venice with a serenaded gondola ride.
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Ferry Ride on Lake Como
Enjoy a ferry ride on Lake Como, admiring the historic villas and lush gardens.
What's Not Included
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Optional Dinner in Rome
Optional dinner in a popular restaurant in Rome, indulging in a hearty meal accompanied by wine and local entertainment.
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Optional After-hours Tour in Florence
Optional 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
Optional tour featuring Venice's most famous pastime – a serenaded gondola ride.
Experiences
- Enjoy a boat trip to Murano Island for a glass-blowing demonstration.
- Explore Cortona, the postcard-worthy village that serves as the setting for Under the Tuscan Sun.
- Step to the front of the line to see Michelangelo’s famous statue of David.
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.
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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
- Behold medieval Assisi, the hometown of St. Francis.
- Enjoy a scenic journey through Tuscany’s graceful low-lying hills.
- Set out on a locally guided tour of the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica.
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).
Michelangelo’s David The Statue of David by Michelangelo is one the most famous Renaissance sculptures in the world. The statue is housed in Florence’s Accademia Gallery along with other works by Michelangelo. The statue depicts the biblical hero David as a young man. It was commissioned at the turn of the 16th Century as part of a project for the Florence Cathedral, but it was instead placed in the public square. In the late 1800’s it was moved to its current home.
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.
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.
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Mode of Transport
Travel through Italy with ease, starting with an overnight flight to Rome. Enjoy scenic journeys through Tuscany's hills, a ferry ride on Lake Como, and a boat trip to Murano Island. Experience the beauty of Italy's landscapes and waterways as you move from city to city.
Accommodation
Stay in comfort at the Grand Hotel Palatino in Rome, the Sangallo Palace Hotel, and the Hotel Albani in Perugia. Experience the charm of the Hotel Carlton on the Grand Canal in Florence and the Hotel Barchetta Excelsior in Venice, ensuring a delightful stay throughout your Italian journey.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a boat trip to Murano Island for a glass-blowing demonstration, a visit to a historic winery in the Chianti region with a chef-led cooking class, and a guided tour of the Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica.
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What optional activities are available during the tour?
Optional activities include a dinner in a popular restaurant in Rome with local entertainment, an after-hours tour of the Certosa monastery in Florence with dinner, and a serenaded gondola ride in Venice.
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What is the starting point of the tour?
The tour starts in Rome, Italy.
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How does the tour conclude?
The tour concludes at Lake Como, Italy, with a farewell dinner at the hotel.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
You will stay in comfort at the Grand Hotel Palatino in Rome, the Sangallo Palace Hotel, and the Hotel Albani in Perugia. In Florence, you'll experience the charm of the Hotel Carlton on the Grand Canal, and in Venice, you'll stay at the Hotel Barchetta Excelsior.
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What are some of the highlights of the tour?
Highlights include exploring medieval Assisi, enjoying a scenic journey through Tuscany, visiting the Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica, and experiencing a serenaded gondola ride in Venice.
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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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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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Terms and Conditions
Reflections of Italy
10 Days Starting in Rome, Italy and ending in Lake Como, Italy
Visiting: Rome, Assisi, Perugia, Cortona, Florence, Chianti, Venice, Lake Como
Tour operator:
Tour code:
15404
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 44
Age range:
5-99
