Compare Simple Italy 8days / 7nights by Italy on Budget Tours

Day 1:Arrival To Venice

Welcome to Venice!  Check in starts from 2:00pm by feel free to arrive earlier to relax and take a bite before you meet with the other Italy on a Budget travelers and tour leader in the early afternoon. Your guide will go through the itinerary of the entire week and afterwards will take everyone on an orientation tour of the ‘City of Canals’. See the magnificent byzantine Cathedral of Saint Mark, the Ducal Palace and Rialto Bridge. The evening is free for you to roam and explore the winding streets of this beautiful city and enjoy a dinner with traditional delicacies.

Day 2: Venice Free Day

It is an entire day dedicated to exploring Venice at your leisure! Feel free to ask your guide for suggestions or activities to do in the city. There is an optional half-day tour of the islands of Burano and Murano for those who wish to witness and learn the art and craft of lace and glass making or hop on a gondola and have the gondolier serenade you under the Venetian stars.

Day 3: Rome

We set off to Rome on this day. After check in, you will have some time to relax before meeting up with your guide at 5:00pm for an orientation walk of the Eternal City. Watch the sunset over the Colosseum and Roman Forum before we end the day with a traditional Italian dinner at our favorite local restaurant.

Day 4: Rome & Vatican City

We rendezvous in the morning to discover more of Rome by walking down her winding backstreets. Discover famous attractions such as Piazza Navona, Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, Spanish Steps and lots more. We will then arrive at Vatican City where you will have free time to explore the home of Pope at your leisure. You may also participate in an optional tour of the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel with a licensed guide (tickets to this tour are included with the trip). Free evening.

Day 5: Florence

Take the morning and explore more of Rome before we leave in the early afternoon to Florence. After check in, your tour leader will take for an afternoon orientation walk of the birthplace of the Renaissance. You will get to see the marvelous gothic Cathedral, Palazzo Vecchio and the Ponte Vecchio or ‘Old Bridge’. The tour will end on one of the busiest streets of Florence, renowned for its bars and nightlife. We will have a traditional aperitivo at a bar favored by locals, which is a meal consisting of cocktails and an all-you-can-eat-buffet. Nothing gets more Italian than aperitif: an entire evening filled with laughter and stories between friends over delicious cocktails and a food. It is the cherry on top of a perfect day!

Day 6: Pisa & Cinque Terre

This day starts bright and early as we take the train to Pisa at 7:00am. You will have some leisure time to explore the Square of Miracles and see the beautiful Cathedral, Baptistery, Campo Santo, and the world famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Take as many pictures as you would like with the Leaning Tower and get creative with your poses! We will then take the train to La Spezia and arrive at the Cinque Terre, home to some of the most stunning coastal villages of the Liguria Region. This area is famous for its natural beautiful, scenic trails and is dotted with sandy beaches. Here we will visit the villages of Riomaggiore, Manarola and Vernazza. The day will end with sunbathing on the beach or taking a dive in the warm waters of Vernazza. We will return to Florence at 8:00pm approx.

Day 7: Chianti Region

Today we head into the stunningly beautiful hills of the Chianti Region. Our first stop in the Wine Tasting School where you will sample 4 different types of wine including but not limited to: Chianti Classico, Brunello of Montalcino, and some Super Tuscans. You will also get to try a truffle olive oil and a 30-year old balsamic vinegar. Learn how to differentiate the flavors and expand your palate with a passionate local wine producer. Our next stop will be a local winery where the wine makers will lead you through their vineyards and cellar, sharing their secrets to wine and olive oil production. You will sample 3 types of wines: D.O.C.G. Vernaccia white wine, a Rosé, and a Chianti colli senesi D.O.C.G. Last but not least, the day will conclude with a stop in the medieval town of San Gimignano, also known as the ‘Manhattan of Tuscany’ for her many towers. Your guide will provide you with maps and suggestions for the best places to visit in this historic city. It is also home to an award-winning gelateria, so be sure to treat yourself before we return to Florence!

Day 8: Check Out

Our tour official ends on this day. Check out is 10:00am but feel free to store your luggage at the accommodation if you wish to explore more of Florence before your departure.

Want to explore more of Italy and go on another adventure? Join us once again and book our tours for the South of Italy! Go beach hopping with our Amalfi Coast tour or Let’s Go South. Come see the rest of the country and keep the good times rolling! If you are returning to Venice, our team can help you organizing the train tickets.