Compare The Best of Italy by SmarTours vs Great Italian Cities (Summer) by Trafalgar
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 9 days | 10 days |
| Price From | $ 3,199 | $ 2,650 |
| Price Per Day | $ 355 | $ 265 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
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N/A |
| Flights & Transport | Airfare included | No |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included |
7 Breakfasts and 4 Dinners |
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| Description |
Experience the Italy with SmarTours by visiting Florence, Rome and other historic city. view the famous Piazza del Miracoli and the amazing Leaning Tower. |
Rome, Florence and Venice are the stars of the show on the most incredible of Italy trips. This unforgettable trio features visits to food markets, ancient Roman ruins and the artistry of great masters. But that’s not all, as you’ll also get to dine with an Italian family in their beautiful Tuscan villa. |
Day 1: Depart USA
Your exciting journey begins as you depart New York this evening on your overnight flight to Italy.
Day 2: Arrive Venice/Venice Lido (Italy)
Meals: Dinner
Welcome to beautiful Italy! After landing at Venice airport, you’ll be met and escorted to your beautiful hotel located along the water in Venice Lido. This evening your Tour Director hosts an orientation followed by welcome dinner with wine. Hotel Villa Mabapa or Albergo Quattro Fontane
* Note: If your departure flies into Milan instead of Venice, you’ll be met at the airport and enjoy a panoramic city tour of Milan before transferring to Venice/Venice Lido.
Day 3
Meals: Breakfast
Discover the charms of romantic Venice. First, embark on a boat tour to the island of Murano, world renowned for its glass craftmanship. Back in Venice a local guide will bring this remarkable city to life as you explore on foot St. Mark’s Square, the Golden Byzantine Basilica of San Marco, the lavish Doges’ Palace and the Bridge of Sighs. This afternoon marvel at Venice at your own pace or shop for unique local crafts.
Day 4: Venice/Pisa/Florence
Meals: Breakfast
Today journey south to Pisa, where you’ll view the famous Piazza del Miracoli and the amazing Leaning Tower. Visit a Tuscan countryside farm for wine tasting and sampling of local specialties. Arrive in Florence, the splendid capital of Tuscany. Grand Hotel Diplomat
Day 5
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
This morning’s tour of Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance, starts with a breathtaking view of Florence from Michelangelo Square. Proceed to visit the Accademia of Fine Arts housing Michelangelo’s celebrated David. You’ll also visit the sculpture-filled Signoria Square, the famous Duomo Cathedral and Ponte Vecchio, the “Old Bridge”, lined with craft shops. Afternoon at leisure to visit some of the museums that make Florence a magnet for artlovers and enjoy a stroll along the romantic Arno River. This evening a special treat awaits. Travel to the hills surrounding Florence and enjoy a typical dinner complete with wine and local entertainment at a picturesque Tuscan Villa.
Day 6: Florence/Assisi/Rome
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Depart south through the stunning panorama of Tuscany and Umbria to the Medieval hilltown of Assisi and view the fabled Basilica of St. Francis and Giotto’s frescoes. Late afternoon arrival in Rome, the “Eternal City”. Settle into your centrally located hotel. The Building Hotel Rome
Day 7
Meals: Breakfast
A morning tour to the Vatican includes visits to St. Peter’s Basilica, the spectacular Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museum abundant with priceless collections of art and treasures. Afternoon is at leisure for shopping or to indulge in Rome’s favorite pastime: people watching at the outdoor cafes of the bustling Via Veneto.
Day 8
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
This morning explore Imperial Rome on an included guided tour. Listen to the echoes of Emperor Nero in the Colosseum, walk under the Arch and marvel at the ruins of the Roman Forum. Afternoon at leisure to explore Rome’s elaborate piazzas and fountains on your own. Tonight, you are our guest at a lavish gala dinner at a typical Roman restaurant complete with wine and entertainment. Cap your evening with a tour of illuminated Rome by night.
Day 9: Rome/USA or Sorrento & Amalfi Coast Extension (See Additional Info)
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, say “ciao” to Italy and transfer to the airport for your return flight arriving back in the USA the same day, or continue on to the magnificent Sorrento & Amalfi Coast Extension. Please see the “Additional Info” tab for more details.
Day 1: Welcome to Rome
You're in for a bellissimo journey through the spectacular cities of Italy, which kicks off in the 'Eternal City' of Rome. Join your travel companions and Travel Director for a delightful Welcome Dinner. Your introduction to la dolce vita begins with an orientation drive past Rome's most magnificent sights.
Grand Palatino
Dinner
Day 2: Explore Ancient Rome and the Vatican City Dive Into Culture
This morning we join our Local Specialist for a very special experience as we Dive Into Culture in the smallest nation on earth - Vatican City. Explore the extraordinary collections of the Vatican Museums and stand beneath Michelangelo’s sublime ceiling in the Sistine Chapel, admiring the artistry of great masters and walking in the footsteps of popes who have found peace within the walls of this enclave for centuries. Visit the expansive St Peter’s Basilica before continuing to the Pontifical Villas of Castel Gandolfo, where you’ll enjoy a tour of the lush gardens and lunch in its beautiful surrounds before returning to Rome.
Grand Palatino
Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3: Rome Your Way
Enjoy a full free day to explore Rome your way, or consider an Optional Experience delving into the tragic history of Pompeii - the Roman city frozen in time by the devastating eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Your Local Specialist will bring the ancient story of this city to life before you return to Rome, passing by the Abbey of Monte Cassino, the site of fierce fighting during the Second World War.
Grand Palatino
Breakfast
Day 4: Admire Assisi and on to Florence
Journey north through the rolling hills of Umbria to the birthplace of St. Francis of Assisi. Here your Local Specialist will reveal the story of this most venerated figure on a visit to the Basilica of St. Francis, the final resting place of this famous saint and home to a wonderful series of frescoes by Giotto. Later we continue our journey through the scenic Tuscan countryside to Florence. Tonight, we Connect With Locals over dinner at a Be My Guest experience enjoying delicious specialties against the backdrop of picture-perfect olive groves and vineyards.
Grand Mediterraneo
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5: Discover Renaissance Florence
Enjoy a leisurely encounter with the artistic and architectural marvels of Florence during your walking tour with a Local Specialist. Visit the striking Piazza della Signoria with its impressive sculptures and palazzi. Amble through the charming cobblestone lanes to the multi-colored marble Duomo and Baptistery, before admiring the scenic view of the Ponte Vecchio straddling the Arno River. Learn about the quality and workmanship of two of this city’s historic industries at demonstrations of Florentine leathercraft and 18-carat gold. Spend the rest of the afternoon sauntering through the historic center of Florence, shopping for high-quality leather for which the city is famous, or admiring the artistic contribution of the Medici at every turn.
Grand Mediterraneo
Breakfast
Day 6: Uncover Pisa’s Treasures Connect with Locals
After a morning at leisure in Florence, cross the fertile Arno Valley to Pisa and join a Local Specialist to visit the Square of Miracles, home to the incredible Leaning Tower and the iconic marble Cathedral. See the ornate Baptistery and the Camposanto, a monumental cemetery built on sacred soil brought back from the Holy Land during the Crusades.
Grand Mediterraneo
Breakfast
Day 7: Journey to Bologna and Venice
Travel north, through the Apennines, to the medieval city of Bologna, perhaps best known for the delicious pasta sauce that bears its name. Your sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist includes views of the Kissing Towers which lean towards each other, seemingly poised to embrace. Then it's off to the romantic island city of Venice with its rich cultural and artistic heritage. Spend time at leisure gliding along its enchanting canals in a gondola or wander through the city's labyrinthine lanes, over bridges and into quiet campi.
Amadeus, Principe
Breakfast
Day 8: Cruise Venice’s Canals Make Travel Matter
Savor the iconic and unexpected highlights of Venice as you cruise by private launch to St. Mark's Square to admire the Bridge of Sighs, Palladian churches, Customs House, St. Mark's Basilica and the ornate Doge's Palace. This afternoon, your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience will see you enjoy one of the city’s last remaining studios where you’ll gain insights into the delicate Venetian art of glassblowing. Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure admiring this city on water or consider an Optional Experience to the island of Burano where colorful fishermen’s homes line the canals.
Amadeus, Principe
Breakfast
Day 9: Experience Venice’s Food Market
Sites made famous in poetry, song and prose are explored today when we join a Local Specialist for a walking tour from our hotel along the canals to the famous Rialto Bridge, where all the flavors of Italy come to life at a centuries-old food market. Amble through the narrow calli of Venice and admire the beautiful architecture, walking over the Rialto Bridge before spending the rest of the day visiting the sights of your choice. Our love affair with Italy's great Italian cities comes to an end this evening as we enjoy a Farewell Dinner.
Amadeus, Principe
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10: Farewell Venice
For now, it's time to say a fond arrivederci to Italy and newfound friends who have shared in the memorable sights, sounds and flavors.
Breakfast
