The Essential of Italy end Milan

Duration

9 Days

Physical rate

Moderate

Starting city

Rome

Available

April 2024 / March 2025

Cities to visit: Rome; Orvieto; Castiglione Del Lago; Siena, Tuscany; Monteriggioni; San Gimignano, Siena; Florence; Pisa, Tuscany; Cinque Terre; Genoa; Portofino; Milan

Detailed day by day description

Introduction

This tour is part of our flexible coach touring range, guaranteed with a minimum of 2 people. Once the tour is booked, it is guaranteed so it will definitely go ahead, and will never cancel.

This tour is guided in English only. Please note if English speaking attendance numbers are low, the tour can become bilingual either accompanied by two tour leaders, one for each language, or a single tour leader providing explanations in both languages.

The tour offers flexibility, allowing you to customize it to your preferences. By clicking 'Quote or Book,' you will have the choice to select your desired start and end dates and destinations within the tour's defined parameters. Given this flexibility, it's important to note that the same people, tour guides or drivers may not be on your entire journey.

Day
Welcome to Europamundo! We’ll transfer you to the hotel and you’ll have some free time. In the afternoon, you’ll find information about the start of your tour on the boards located at the hotel reception.
IMPORTANT: Please note that hotel check-in time is typically at 14:00 p.m. If you need early room access, consider booking an additional night at the start of your trip.
If you have booked additional nights, your room will be prepared upon arrival, but your trip guide will generally only contact you when the scheduled activities begin. At reception, you’ll find a sign with contact details and assistance hours for our staff. Until the tour begins, your schedule is free, and the hotel staff can assist with any inquiries.
Optional activities: During your trip, your guide may offer optional activities. We recommend booking these activities well in advance through the Europamundo app or your "My Trip" link to ensure availability. Last-minute bookings may result in limited availability (e.g., tickets, coach seats).
Note: The timings in this itinerary are indicative. The guide may adjust schedules as needed to make sure you have the best experience.
08:30 a.m. - In the morning, we’ll go on a 2-and-a-half-hour panoramic tour of the capital of Italy, one of the most influential cities in Western civilization. We’ll explore Rome by coach, adhering to the city’s strict regulations for tourist coaches. During the tour, you´ll get to know ancient Rome: the Colosseum, the Arch of Constantine, the Theatre of Marcellus, Capitoline Hill, the Roman Forums, Circus Maximus, the Basilica of Saint Mary in Cosmedin with the Bocca della Verità (the Mouth of Truth), Republican temples, the Baths of Caracalla, the Aurelian Walls, the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, the Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran, the Minor Basilica of Saint Mary in Domnica alla Navicella, the Pyramid of Cestius, Porta San Paolo, Lungotevere Avenue with the Babylonian-style Jewish Synagogue, Tiber Island, and the exterior of Castel Sant´Angelo.
This tour will finish at St. Peter´s Square in the Vatican. The Vatican Museums are closed on Sundays, so, if you are interested, we recommend visiting at this time. For the most curious travelers, our guide will offer an optional visit after the city tour, where you’ll be able to see in more detail the most notable rooms of the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and the Basilica of St. Peter. Free time in the afternoon. Optionally, our guide will offer a tour of the squares and fountains.
06:30 p.m. - In the evening, we’ll provide a transfer to the Trastevere area, known for its traditional little restaurants.
08:30 p.m. - Return to hotel.
Enjoy a full day of free time to continue exploring the city. Today, we recommend an optional excursion to Naples, Capri, and Pompeii.
Total distance covered: 295 km.
Scenery: Beautiful landscapes in Lazio, Umbria, and Tuscany; hills and very picturesque villages.
07:30 a.m. - Departure from Rome. We’ll head north towards Umbria.
09:15 a.m. - Orvieto. We’ll arrive in this medieval city located on a large summit. First, we’ll visit the marvelous viewpoint offering stunning views of the city and its walls. Then, we’ll take the cable car (included) to the medieval center, where the cathedral, a masterpiece of Italian Gothic art, stands proudly. The city also features a network of underground tunnels used as shelters and water reserves during wartime. After that, you’ll have time to explore its charming streets that transport us to another era.
11:30 a.m. - Departure from Orvieto.
01:15 p.m. - Castiglione del Lago. Nestled on the shores of Lake Trasimeno, this picturesque historic village offers spectacular views over the water. Enjoy time to stroll and have lunch in this enchanting setting.
03:00 p.m. - Departure from Castiglione del Lago towards Tuscany.
04:30 p.m. - Siena. We’ll arrive in this magnificent city, rich in medieval history. You’ll have free time to explore the center with its narrow streets, towers, and palaces, including the famous Piazza del Campo and the Cathedral, before we head to the hotel at 07:00 p.m.
Total distance covered: 110 km.
Scenery: Pleasant landscapes throughout the journey. Hills adorned with olive groves and vineyards where the famous Chianti wine is produced.
08:30 a.m. – Departure from Siena. We’ll travel through the picturesque Tuscan countryside.
09:00 a.m. - Monteriggioni. Time to explore this enchanting medieval walled village.
10:00 a.m. – Departure from Monteriggioni. We’ll continue through the lush vineyards of the Chianti region.
10:45 a.m. - San Gimignano – a charming town, renowned for its towering medieval architecture and beautifully preserved historic center. We’ll have time to stroll and enjoy lunch.
01:30 p.m. – Departure from San Gimignano.
02:45 p.m. - Florence. We’ll stop to take a picture at the Michelangelo viewpoint, offering one of the most stunning views of the city. For those interested in art, we recommend visiting some of Florence´s magnificent museums, such as the Uffizi Gallery (Italy’s finest art gallery) or the Accademia Gallery, home to Michelangelo´s original David.
09:00 a.m. - We’ll start with a city tour led by a local guide through Florence, one of the most visited cities in the country. This city, known as the cradle of the Renaissance, has inspired some of the most influential artists and thinkers in history, such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Raphael. Highlights include the Gothic Cathedral (Duomo di Firenze), the ancient stone bridge (Ponte Vecchio) with its goldsmith stores, and Piazza della Signoria, the political heart of the city with the town hall in a medieval building. We’ll spend about two hours exploring these sites on foot.
Today, you’ll have plenty of free time, which we suggest spending with a stroll through the artistic center of the city. Visit the Ponte Vecchio with its shopping arcades and explore the majestic squares.
Total distance covered: 317 km.
Scenery: Today is a day by the sea. The Ligurian Rivera coastline offers some of the most beautiful scenery and coastal gems in Europe.
07:30 a.m. – Departure from Florence.
09:15 a.m. - Pisa. We’ll be required to drop you off at the tourist bus parking area. From there, we’ll include a ride on the tourist train to access the monumental site. You’ll have time to explore the impressive complex of Pisa, featuring the Leaning Tower, Baptistery, and Cathedral.
11:00 a.m. – Departure from Pisa. We’ll continue traveling along the Mediterranean coast. Along the way, we’ll pass the Carrara Marble Mountains, which appear as if they are covered in snow.
12:45 p.m. - Levanto. We’ll arrive by train (tickets included) to one of its charming towns (normally Vernazza, but on peak tourism dates, it could be Manarola or Corniglia, very similar towns that are somewhat less crowded).
The train is scheduled to depart at 01:05 p.m. (subject to change), taking us through long tunnels next to the sea into the Cinque Terre region. Buses can’t access this area because of its steep, mountainous terrain. The area remained isolated, preserving its traditions. Today, it is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
01:30 p.m. - Vernazza - Arrival by train. We’ll arrive in one of the five villages of the Cinque Terre region, which retains its coastal character. Highlights include the Santa Margherita Church, built in 1318 on the seashore. Time for lunch.
03:44 p.m. – Departure from Vernazza (time subject to change). We’ll return by train to Levanto, where our bus will continue along the coast towards Genoa.
Note: The train to Cinque Terre is a regular commuter service, not a tourist train. During peak tourism times, there can be long waits as trains may be full, and seat reservations are not available. In some cases, the journey might be done standing. If this happens, we recommend walking to the monumental site, which is approximately 900 meters away.
05:45 p.m. - Genoa - Arrival. The city where Christopher Columbus was born. Time to explore its monumental center.
Total distance covered: 170 km.
Note: By boat, we’ll reach the enclave of Portofino. It’s advisable to wear warm clothing to enjoy the trip on deck.
08:30 a.m. – Departure from Genoa. We’ll travel along the stunning Italian Riviera.
09:00 a.m. - Santa Margherita Ligure.
10:15 a.m. - We’ll take a boat for a 20-minute crossing to Portofino, one of the most exclusive destinations in Europe. Enjoy some free time to explore this charming town.
12:00 p.m. - We’ll return to Santa Margherita, a delightful coastal town. There will be time for a leisurely walk and lunch.
Note: During winter, weather conditions may prevent the boat to Portofino from operating. In such cases, we’ll spend more time in Santa Margherita. If you wish, you can take an urban minibus to Portofino (service quality may be poor, with sometimes long waits).
02:00 p.m. – Departure from Santa Margherita.
04:30 p.m. – Milan. Free time until 07:30 p.m. We recommend a stroll through its historic center, bustling with commercial life, and home to the magnificent Gothic cathedral.
After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.
Note: Please be aware that the hotel check-out time is usually 10:00 a.m. You can leave your luggage in reception upon check-out, allowing you to explore the city without carrying your bags. You can retrieve your luggage at your convenience later in the day. If you require additional time to use your room, we recommend booking an extra night at the end of your tour.

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From AUD 1,698