Best of Italy

Discover the Best of Italy, from the ancient treasures of Rome to Renaissance Florence and everything in between. Imagine staying overnight in a renovated Franciscan monastery in Assisi, lapping up the chic lifestyle on Capri, and taking a private guided visit to Pompeii to see a Roman city frozen in time.

Your Holiday Package Includes:

• $2,500 flight credit 
• 12 night Best of Italy guided tour with Trafalgar, Rome return

Includes:

• Cherry-picked accommodation
• 12 breakfasts, 1 Be My Guest, 6 dinners
• Must-see sightseeing & surprise extras
• An expert Travel Director & professional Driver
• Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi
• Return cruise to the Isle of Capri
• Optional experiences & free time
• All porterage & restaurant gratuities
• All hotel tips, charges & local taxes
• Airport transfers

Pricing is based on single occupancy and for travel 26 January – 07 February 2025

Upgrade to your own private room from $900 per person

Alternative departures available, seasonal surcharges apply

Extend your holiday with a cruise, speak to the team about options

Itinerary:

Day 1 / Welcome to Rome

Ciao Roma! Explore this imperial city of emperors and senators, gods and goddesses before joining your Travel Director for an introduction to the 'Eternal City'. Arrive at Basilica Santa Maria in Cosmedin for a private after-hours visit to the Mouth of Truth. See the church, crypt and relics of the famous saint of love, Valentine, and learn about the legend of the Mouth of Truth. This evening, enjoy dinner with your travel companions.

Day 2 / Discover Ancient Rome and the Vatican City Dive Into Culture

The Holy See takes centre stage today as you join a Local Specialist for an included sightseeing tour in the Vatican Museums. Admire Michelangelo’s magnificent frescoed ceiling in the Sistine Chapel. See the marble masterpiece of the Pietà, housed in the Basilica before crossing the Tiber into Ancient Rome. Enjoy a guided in depth walking experience around the walls of the Colosseum, before seeing Circus Maximus, once the site of celebrated chariot races. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore Rome. Indulge in an espresso in the Piazza Navona or clamber up the Spanish Steps.

Day 3 / Explore the Ruins of Pompeii and Sorrento

We journey south to the well-preserved ruins of Pompeii. Here we join a Local Specialist who will share details of the devastation caused by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius as we wander through the ancient paved roads of a city that was frozen in time. Later, we arrive at our hotel in the clifftop town of Sorrento where we’ll dine tonight.

Day 4 / Cruise to the Isle of Capri

We cross the Bay of Naples today by ferry to the glamorous Isle of Capri to visit some of its landmark sights. Wander past the chic boutiques and pavement cafés in Capri town in the company of a Local Specialist before taking your time to soak up the sophistication of this lovely island. Later, we return to the mainland.

Day 5 / Onwards to Assisi

Marvel at the beauty of the Bay of Naples and mighty Vesuvius as you leave the Sorrento coastline. Glimpse the Benedictine Abbey of Cassino perched high on the mountain peak, known as the site of the Battle of Monte Cassino in 1944 before heading north to the slopes of Mount Subasio. Arrive in the mystical town of Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis, under whose protection this medieval city is said to remain. Join your Local Specialist for a visit of Basilica of St. Francis, before some free time to explore this fascinating hilltop town. Tonight, you'll stay at one of Trafalgar’s Stays With Stories – a fully renovated old Franciscan monastery.

Day 6 / Discover Verona and on to Venice

Journey through the glorious countryside of the Emilia Romagna region. This area is renowned for its gastronomy and is credited with being the origin of tortellini, mortadella and parmesan cheese. Travel to Verona, the home of Shakespeare's star-crossed lovers, to admire the ancient Roman arena and Piazza Brà. Arrive later into beautiful Venice, the 'Queen of the Adriatic' to spend time admiring this unique city.

Day 7 / St. Mark's and More in Venice Make Travel Matter

Cruise your way through Venice by private launch to soak up the sights and sounds of what was once one of the world's greatest ports. Your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with the glassblowing artisans of Venice follows. Watch as they share their centuries-old glassmaking traditions. Your visit helps to preserve this delicate craft for which Venice is justifiably famous and you’ll want to remember your visit by purchasing a souvenir or two to display at home. From there, continue past the Bridge of Sighs and the Doge's Palace to St. Mark's Square to view the impressive square and Basilica. Consider an optional experience to see the colourful fishermen's houses on the Island of Burano or search for a cosy bacaro and indulge in some tasty Venetian treats, starting with that refreshing Venetian Spritz which is the local drink of choice.

Day 8 / Stroll around Milan and on to Varese

Cross the lush green plains of Lombardy to sophisticated Milan, Italy's capital of design and fashion is our destination. An orientation tour takes us past the intricate Gothic Duomo, La Scala Opera House and the famous Galleria. Later arrive in the glorious Italian Lakes region.

Day 9 / On to Como and Scenic Varese

The glistening blue waters of Lake Como beckon this morning. We’ll enjoy some free time to explore the lakeside lifestyle and beautiful scenery which has enchanted visitors for centuries. Explore Como's historical quarter, indulge in the area’s delicious gelato, or consider a cruise on the lake.

Day 10 / Admire Pisa and on to Florence

Tuscany lures us across the forested Apennine Mountains, past the marble quarries of Carrara to the famous city of Pisa and its Square of Miracles where we will enjoy an opportunity to view the Leaning Tower. Our next stop is Florence, the 'Cradle of the Renaissance'.

Day 11 / Experience Art and Architecture in Florence Connect with Locals

Delve into the extravagant history of the Medici family, whose legacy of art and architecture are explored in the company of a Local Specialist. We visit Piazza della Signoria with its exquisite statues and palazzi and enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the beautiful skyline of Florence, dominated by the elegant Duomo and the almost 700-year-old Ponte Vecchio, from Piazzale Michelangelo. Later, learn about the quality and workmanship of two of this city's historic industries at demonstrations of Florentine leathercraft and 18-carat gold. This evening you'll Connect With Locals over dinner at a Be My Guest experience.

Day 12 / Treasures of San Gimignano and Return to Rome

This morning, stop at the Florence American Cemetery and Memorial. Continuing south, visit the charming Tuscan hill-town of San Gimignano, with its extraordinary medieval architecture and rich history. Venture to the centre of town to view the Piazza del Duomo, surrounded by medieval towers and 13th-century city walls. This evening in Rome, enjoy dinner in the company of newfound friends and your Travel Director.

Day 13 / Farewell Rome

Bid a fond ciao to your newfound friends as your discovery of the best of Italy comes to an end.

Prices listed are per single traveller in NZD, based on solo occupancy, including all discounts unless otherwise stated. The offer is subject to availability at time of booking and shown on the lowest category available at the time.  Fares are capacity controlled and are subject to change at any time without notice. Prices/Offers are correct as at 24-10-2024 and can be withdrawn without notice.   Cabin categories include prepaid government fees and port taxes unless otherwise stated.  Hotels may charge resort fees not included in this package, payable direct upon check in. Visas are not included.  Payments made by credit card will incur a surcharge.