Daily Itinerary | Dates & Rates | Request Quote | Chat a Journey Specialist
NO OTHER ITALY TOUR IS LIKE JOURNEY:
START SLOWLY AND SOAK UP ITALY —
Imagine no crowds as the red-orange sun sets over Venice while you leisurely stroll through the hauntingly beautiful Piazza San Marco... Walk the shadow-strewn streets of Florence and marvel at the same sites as did Leonardo da Vinci... Escape to the country-side of Tuscany and discover its special allure... Maybe you'll say hello to Francis Mayes in Cortona... Maybe you just enjoy enjoy your glass of Vino and watch people go by... the Empire that was Rome awaits to delight you just like when It thrived... And the Amazing Amalfi Coast is the finalé that will truly delight all of your senses.
On Journey's Great Cities we know how and where to tour to avoid the crowds and the rush. We're different from the mainstream.
Jump to Itinerary: Day-by-Day Itinerary
THIS IS WHY WE SUGGEST JOURNEY FOR YOUR ITALIAN VACATION:
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DELUXE AND CLASSIC?
Journey's Deluxe package includes a full, hot daily breakfast (table service or buffet), 5 of the 9 dinners and 4+ to 5 Star hotel properties featuring large, air-conditioned guestrooms with ensuite bathrooms. Journey's Classic package includes a daily continental breakfast, Venice Welcome Dinner (guests may upgrade to the total 6 dinners included for $450 per person), and 3 to 4 Star hotel properties featuring air-conditioned guestrooms with ensuite bathrooms.
ALL-INCLUSIVE, TRUE SMALL GROUP TOUR
Our tour commences on Tuesdays and Saturdays in Venice (Airport VCE), and ends on Saturdays and Wednesdays in Sorrento (use Airport Naples NAP). Rates are per person/US dollars. Solo Supplement in Deluxe: $2287. Classic Solo: $1679.
Choose from Deluxe or Classic Packages:
Deluxe: $8,289/person
4+ to 5 Star Properties with Dinner Package
Extension: Lake Como Pre-Tour: $1,945
Classic: $6,489/person
3 to 4 Star Properties
Extension: Lake Como Pre-Tour: $1,575
Read about the differences between Deluxe and Classic
Jump to Itinerary: Day-by-Day Itinerary
2022 Tour Dates
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| Trip Dates | Deluxe | Classic | |
Apr 12-23 |
$8,289 | $7,175 | WAIT LISTED |
Apr 23-May 4 |
$8,289 | $7,175 | WAIT LISTED |
Apr 30-May 11 |
$8,389 | $7,375 | WAIT LISTED |
| May 10–21 SALE ON |
$8,167 | $6,967 | REQUEST: SAVE ON THIS DEPARTURE |
May 14–25 |
$8,479 | $7,575 | REQUEST |
May 21–Jun 1 |
$8,167 | $6,967 | REQUEST: SAVE ON THIS DEPARTURE |
May 28–Jun 8 |
$8,479 | $7,475 | REQUEST |
Jun 4–15 |
$8,379 | $7,375 | REQUEST |
Jun 14–27 |
$8,379 | $7,375 | REQUEST |
Jun 18–29 |
$8,379 | $7,375 | REQUEST |
Jun 25–Jul 6 |
$8,379 | $7,175 | WAIT LIST |
| Jul 1–-Jul 12 Friday Departure Holiday Escape |
$8,167 | $6,967 | REQUEST |
Jul 9–20 |
$8,289 | $7,175 | REQUEST |
Jul 16–27 |
$8,289 | $7,175 | REQUEST |
Jul 23–Aug 3 |
$8,289 | $7,175 | WAIT LIST |
Jul 30–Aug 10 |
$8,289 | $7,175 | REQUEST |
Aug 6–17 |
$8,289 | $7,175 | REQUEST |
Aug 13–24 |
$8,289 | $7,175 | REQUEST |
Sep 3–14 |
$8,479 | $7,375 | REQUEST |
Sep 10–21 |
$8,479 | $7,375 | REQUEST |
| Sep 13–24 Tuesday Departure 10 Spots Left |
$8,167 | $6,967 | REQUEST |
Sep 17–28 |
$8,167 | $6,967 | REQUEST |
Sep 20–Oct 1 |
$8,167 | $6,967 | REQUEST |
Sep 24–Oct 5 |
$8,167 | $6,967 | REQUEST |
Sep 27–Oct 8 |
$8,167 | $6,967 | REQUEST |
Oct 1–12 |
$8,167 | $6,967 | REQUEST |
Oct 8–19 |
$8,167 | $6,967 | REQUEST |
Oct 15–26 |
$8,167 | $6,967 | REQUEST |
Oct 18–29 |
$8,167 | $6,967 | REQUEST |
Oct 25–Nov 5 |
$8,167 | $6,967 | REQUEST |
Nov 1–12 |
$8,289 | $7,175 | REQUEST |
Nov 8–19 |
$8,289 | $7,175 | REQUEST |
Nov 19–30 |
$8,289 | $7,175 | REQUEST |
Nov 29–Dec 10 |
$8,289 | $7,175 | REQUEST |
| Dec 17–28 Christmas in Italy Holiday Time |
$7,575 | $7,175 | REQUEST |
| Dec 23–Jan 4 Christmas in Italy Holiday Time |
$7,675 | $7,175 | REQUEST |
2023 Tour Dates
|
|||
| Trip Dates | Deluxe | Classic | |
Mar 11-22 |
$8,289 | $7,175 | REQUEST |
Mar 18–29 |
$8,289 | $7,175 | REQUEST |
Mar 25–Apr 5 |
$8,289 | $7,175 | REQUEST |
Apr 8–19 |
$8,289 | $7,375 | REQUEST |
Apr 15–26 |
$8,289 | $7,375 | REQUEST |
Apr 22–May 3 |
$8,289 | $7,375 | REQUEST |
Apr 29–May 10 |
$8,489 | $7,375 | REQUEST |
May 6–17 |
$8,489 | $7,375 | REQUEST |
| May 13–24 |
$8,489 | $7,375 | REQUEST |
| May 20–31 |
$8,489 | $7,375 | REQUEST |
| May 27–6 |
$8,489 | $7,375 | REQUEST |
| Jun 3–14 |
$8,489 | $7,375 | REQUEST |
| Jun 10–21 |
$8,489 | $7,375 | REQUEST |
| Jun 17–28 |
$8,489 | $7,375 | REQUEST |
| Jun 24–Jul 5
|
$8,289 | $7,375 | REQUEST |
| Jul 1–12 |
$8,289 | $7,175 | REQUEST |
| Jul 8–19 |
$8,289 | $7,175 | REQUEST |
| Jul 15–26 |
$8,289 | $7,175 | REQUEST |
| Jul 22–Aug 2 |
$8,289 | $7,175 | REQUEST |
| Jul 29–Aug 9 |
$8,289 | $7,175 | REQUEST |
| Aug 5–16 |
$8,289 | $7,175 | REQUEST |
| Aug 12–23 |
$8,289 | $7,175 | REQUEST |
| Sep 2–13 |
$8,489 | $7,375 | REQUEST |
| Sep 9–20 |
$8,489 | $7,375 | REQUEST |
| Sep 16–27 |
$8,489 | $7,375 | REQUEST |
| Sep 23–Oct 4 |
$8,489 | $7,375 | REQUEST |
| Sep 30–Oct 11 |
$8,489 | $7,375 | REQUEST |
| Oct 7–18 |
$8,489 | $7,375 | REQUEST |
| Oct 14–25 |
$8,489 | $7,375 | REQUEST |
| Oct 21–Nov 1 |
$8,489 | $7,375 | REQUEST |
| Oct 28–Nov 8 |
$8,289 | $7,375 | REQUEST |
| Nov 4–15 |
$8,289 | $7,175 | REQUEST |
| Nov 11–22 |
$8,289 | $7,175 | REQUEST |
| Nov 18–29 |
$8,289 | $7,175 | REQUEST |
| Nov 25–Dec 6 |
$8,289 | $7,175 | REQUEST |
| Dec 9–20 |
$8,489 | $7,175 | REQUEST |
| Dec 12–23 Christmas Season Holiday Time |
$7,575 | $7,175 | REQUEST |
| Dec 19–30 Christmas in Italy Holiday Time |
$7,775 | $7,175 | REQUEST |
| Dec 23–Jan 3 Christmas & New Year's Holiday Time |
$7,775 | $7,175 | REQUEST |
Solo Supplement in Deluxe: $1979.
Classic Solo: $1379.
Not quite ready to book the trip?
Chat to discuss your trip with a Journey Trip Planner:
ENJOY THE UNIQUE APPROACH WITH SMALL GROUP TRAVEL
Our Journey begins in Venice. Fast Train to Rome. Portage included separately. Enjoy our micro-coach thru Tuscany to Rome and on to Pompeii and Sorrento (only a total of 6 hours on a vehicle the entire tour).
FIRST THINGS FIRST: Consider our Flight and Early Arrival Options
Your flight to Venice should land on Day 1 of the itinerary — this means you should depart your home airport the day prior — your round-trip travel time on this Journey is 13 Days (12 days / 11 nights land). Many of our travelers arrive a "full day early" to recover from their overnight flight — inquire with us about a pre-tour overnight hotel room in Venice. Airfare is not included. Inquire about our Business Class and Premium Economy Airfare.
CONSIDER EXPANDING YOUR JOURNEY
Expand the Journey: Start your Journey with 2 days and nights on Lake Como in the beautiful village of Bellagio! Includes Welcome Dinner, walking tour and boat tour. Inquire with your Journey Trip Planner about this magical beginning!
Venetian Magic for 2 Days, 2 Nights — Ah! Venice!
One of Journey's most popular small group adventures begins upon arrival to Marco Polo Airport in Venice. After clearing customs you will be met by our team and transported via private water taxi to our hotel on San Marco island. Check-in, drop luggage and then relax until our Discovery Walk later this afternoon.
Discovery Walk: Venice
You will enjoy a get-to-know-Venice Discovery Walk — a hallmark of the Journey style of traveling and exploring new destinations hosted by your Journey Tour Director. We will take in the beautiful sights of Piazza San Marco, the "Campanile" or clock tower, the Grand Canal and more.
Enjoy some time at leisure before meeting tonight for a special 'Welcome to Venice' evening from one of our exclusive perspectives to see Venice.
Welcome to Venice Dinner: A Special Dining Event Tonight
We then make our way to our favorite restaurant in Venice where we will be delighted with cuisine from several regions throughout Italy including the Veneto, Lazio and Campania (all paired with delicious wines and premium beverages - and all included with Journey).
Accommodation in Venice, 2 Nights with breakfast
Deluxe: Hotel Saturnia & International
Classic: Hotel Bonvecchiati or Similar
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DELUXE AND CLASSIC?
Journey's Deluxe package includes a full, hot daily breakfast (table service or buffet), 5 of the 9 dinners and 4+ to 5 Star hotel properties featuring large, air-conditioned guestrooms with ensuite bathrooms. Journey's Classic package includes a daily continental breakfast, Venice Welcome Dinner (guests may upgrade to the total 5 dinners included for $390 per person), and 3 to 4 Star hotel properties featuring air-conditioned guestrooms with ensuite bathrooms.
Today's Adventure: Venice Secrets & Treasures
Venice's Secrets & Treasures is Journey's unique touring experience through this dramatic and historic port city. Today, learn of Venice's fascinating and colorful past, including everything from Napoleon to an exploration of her many back alleys and streets (called calles). Venice's character springs to life as we make our way through her nooks and crannies and mysterious alley ways.
Journey's professional local guide provides expert commentary as we enter the fascinating and colorful Basilica San Marco (St. Mark's Basilica). Then we go back in time with our visit to the Doge's Palace, the Old Prison (and yes, you will learn about the gentleman Casanova), and the famous Bridge of Sighs.
Special sightseeing today includes:
Special Adventure: Venetian Gondola Experience
Later today, just before sunset enjoy our included Gondola ride through the canals of Venice with our professional musicians to make the ambiance perfect. On occasion inclement weather will prevent the gondola ride. In this scenario an alternate activity will be substituted later in the tour.
Enjoy the balance of the afternoon and evening at your leisure.
Journey is Different: Your Journey Tour Director will invite you to an optional dinner after the Gondola ride, and they can also help you with dining reservations if you choose to explore lovely Venice on your own.
Birthplace of the Renaissance – 2 Days, 2 Nights
This morning enjoy a leisurely start with breakfast and then join your Journey Tour Director as we transfer by boat to the Venezia Santa Lucia Train Station for the included Fast-train passage to Florence. Your bags are portaged separately so you can enjoy the ride.
We zip along the Italian countryside and arrive in Florence at the Santa Maria Novella Train Station where we deboard the train for our short walk to our hotels in the very heart of Florence.
After some time to freshen up, we begin our chapter in Florence.
Discovery Walk: Florence
On the Discovery Walk we will orient you to the very heart of historic Florence. In addition to seeing many of the major sites including Giotto's Campanile (Bell Tower) and the Baptistery, the Florence Cathedral, also known as the Duomo, we will enjoy entrance to Orsanmichele church and the church of Via Santa Margherita which was the parish of many Florentine families, such as Cerchi, Donati, Adimari and Portinari.
Enjoy the balance of the afternoon at leisure until our welcome dinner tonight.
Welcome to Florence Dinner: Tuscany's Dining Delights You Tonight!
Your Journey Tour Director hosts an amazing welcome dinner in Florence with authentic Tuscan cuisine served by Fiorentini who love what they do. Florence welcomes us with a variety of regional culinary tastes, premium beverages, and ample portions of fine local wines from Toscana and Chianti.
Accommodation in Florence, 2 Nights with breakfast
Deluxe: Hotel Bernini Palace or Similar
Classic: Rosso 23 or Similar
Today's Adventure: Florence Secrets & Treasures
Journey's Florence Secrets & Treasures tour boasts a variety of fine sights to see including Santa Maria del Fiore, the Baptistery's Bronze "Gate of
Paradise," Giotto's Bell Tower, Signoria Square, and the Galleria dell'Accademia, where Michelangelo's David is housed.We will take our time walking through the Piazza della Repubblica, the famous Piazza Signoria with her old palace, Palazzo Vecchio, and make our way through the portico of the Uffizi complex before arriving at the Arno River and a visit to the "old bridge," or Ponte Vecchio. This was the only bridge in Florence to survive the World War II bombing raids.
Special Sightseeing Includes:
Following our Secrets & Treasures adventure the balance of the day is at your leisure.
Interested in checking out the leather market? What about a climb of the Duomo? We can arrange visits, admissions and more for you in advance. Consider a visit to the Basilica di Santa Croce (Basilica of the Holy Cross) or just explore at your leisure. This Basilica is the principal Franciscan church in Florence, Italy, and a minor basilica of the Roman Catholic Church. It is the burial place of some of the most illustrious Italians, such as Michelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli, Foscolo, Gentile, Rossini, and Marconi, thus it is known also as the Temple of the Italian Glories (Tempio dell'Itale Glorie).
Enjoy the balance of the afternoon and evening at your leisure.
Journey is Different: Your Journey Tour Director will invite you to an optional dinner tonight or you can explore Florence at leisure.
Today's Adventure: Tuscan Glory
It's a great day to explore further into the Tuscan countryside.
Our first stop is the hilltop village of San Gimignano. One of San Gimignano's most impressive sights is the medieval skyline made up of 13 remaining towers dating back from the 11th century. San Gimignano rises on a hill dominating the Elsa Valley. The town increased in wealth and developed greatly during the Middle Ages thanks to the "Via Francigena", the trading and pilgrim's route that crossed it. Once in San Gimignano, we enjoy free time to explore the city of towers. San Gimignano also has several distractions for shopping - so dig in and enjoy!
We'll toast our arrival into the countryside of Tuscany with a unique perspective and our first taste of Vernaccia, a white wine that hails from San Gimignano.
Journey Exclusive: Winery Experience
Enjoy our in-depth experience at our winery estate in the heart of Tuscany - simply stunning.
We will enjoy a tour of the production facilities and cellars, followed by a delightful wine-tasting paired with perfect morsels for lunch. Buon Appetito!
Our lunch palate-pleasing appetizers, including pecorino cheese, bruschetta, and other local farm-to-table delights. You'll get your fill of classic Chianti and Super Tuscan varieties along with delicate cuisine hand-made by the chef.
Special Sightseeing today Includes:
To Cortona
Mid to late-afternoon we enjoy a leisurely drive to the delightful hill town of Cortona for our next chapter in the very heart of Tuscany. An absolutely beautiful town awaits us and an equally authentic welcome dinner is included.
In the mid to late Tuscan afternoon we will arrive at our villa hotel in Cortona. Your Journey Tour Director checks you in and there is ample time to freshen up before meeting in the lobby tonight for a short walk to our special Apericena experience.
Discovery Walk: Cortona
On the Discovery Walk of Cortona we make our way to its very heart to learn about its fascinating past with Etruscans and Romans, as well as Hollywood. Your Journey Tour Director welcomes you to the Tuscan countryside and tonight's special Italian experience.
We continue our walk as we explore Via Nazionale up to Piazza Garibaldi and finally into Piazza della Repubblica where you will Learn about the plains of Trasimeno and of the amazing battle of the same name: The Roman-Carthaginian Battle. Soak up the afternoon sunshine as we slow down and enjoy a typical Tuscan evening.
Journey Exclusive: Special Apericena in Cortona
Tonight you will join your Journey Tour Director for a Journey exclusive welcome "aperitivo" called Apericena by the modern Italians.
It's the perfect complement for your palate after a day of great cuisine and wine. Our dinner aperitivo provides a just-right, light meal finale to our beautiful day in the Tuscan countryside and in the magical ambiance of this delightful hill town.
Afterwards, enjoy the balance of the evening at your leisure.
Accommodation in Cortona, 2 Nights with breakfast
Deluxe: Villa Marsili, Monastero di Cortona Hotel & Spa, or Similar
Classic: Hotel Italia or Similar
Enjoy a full free day at your leisure in beautiful Cortona.
Many options are available from Cooking Classes to a day trip to Siena and more. Today, enjoy Tuscany at your leisure - perhaps it's a thorough exploration of delightful Cortona, a cooking class, horse-back riding, Vespa rental and much more.
Cortona is a small but fascinating hill town in the province of Arezzo, Tuscany. It is situated on a commanding hill that overlooks Lake Trasimeno, known for the infamous rout of the Romans by Hannibal and the Carthaginians. Its cyclopean walls, still preserved in great part, are said to be 3000 years old. It was one of the twelve cities of Etruria.
Soak in the morning: enjoy a walk through the vineyards, or a hike up to the castle or a leisurely stroll through the piazza and streets.
Journey is Different: Your Journey Tour Director will invite you to an optional dinner tonight or choose to enjoy your last night in Cortona at your leisure.
Where All Roads Lead — 3 Days, 3 Nights
As we make our way to Rome, we find ourselves going back in time as our surroundings begin to slowly turn into the very center of ancient Rome.
We arrive at our hotels and check in. The locations of our hotels in Rome are within a minute or so walk of the incredible Pantheon.
We check-in, freshen up and then meet for our Discovery Walk.
Discovery Walk: Rome
You will meet the Journey Tour Director for a walk through the very heart of Old Rome.
We begin our exploration of Rome beginning with an elephant and continue to immerse ourselves in over 2000 years of history of the 'Empire. We enter the amazing Pantheon and learn of its interesting history and continue our walk to soak up Piazza Navona, once a site where mock naval battles were held. We continue with our Discovery Walk as we pass through Campo de Fiore (field of flowers) - do you know the name of the figure whose likeness is crafted in the statue in this amazing campo? We walk by Largo di Torre Argentina and learn of Julius Caesar's fate. We will also see a village of modern Roman felines.
Welcome to Rome Dinner: The Cuisine of Lazio Kicks Off the Dining Experience
Tonight you will join your Journey Tour Director for a special welcome to Rome dinner complete with premium beverages and wine from the region of Lazio, Campania and Toscana.
Accommodation in Rome, 3 Nights with breakfast
Deluxe: Pantheon Iconic Rome Hotel
Classic: Hotel Navona, Antica Albergo al Sole dal Pantheon, or Similar
Today's Adventure: Vatican City Privileged Access
This morning we will enter Vatican City with our Priority Early Morning Privileged Entry (1 hour ahead of regular Vatican visitors). Enjoy a visit of the Vatican museums to see the amazing tapestries, the Sistine Chapel and its iconic ceiling, and St. Peter's Basilica and Square as the majestic Vatican City comes to life.
After our experience is complete we will exit at St. Peter's Square where you see the multi-color uniformed Swiss Guard on display as they guard the Vatican and the expanse of the beautiful piazza.
Journey's transports are waiting nearby when we're ready to head back to our hotels.
Special Sightseeing Includes:
Enjoy the balance of the afternoon and evening at your leisure.
Journey is Different: Your Journey Tour Director will invite you to an optional dinner tonight or you can explore Rome at your leisure.
Today's Adventure: Imperial Rome
This morning we will enjoy our walking tour of Rome. You will see ancient elements intertwined perfectly with present-day apartment buildings, and discover how the modern Romans have intertwined their vast history into present-day experience.
We're making our way to the Colosseum and Roman Forum, the town center of the Roman Empire, for our special access, in-depth touring experience, complete with admissions.
Special Sightseeing Includes:
Farewell to Rome Dinner: A Very Special Evening
Tonight join your Journey Tour Director for our included 'Farewell to Rome' event.
Our days have been filled with new sights, tastes and discoveries - tonight enjoy reflecting on the incredible journey we've had together. It has been a Journey of Adventure and Discovery, along with making new friends!
Tomorrow we will say, 'Arrivederci Roma!' but tonight we sing and make melody in the very heart of Rome.
Today's Adventure
On our tour of the World Heritage Site of Pompeii we find out the city was lost for nearly 1700 years before its rediscovery in 1748. Enjoy the commentary of our Local Guide as you learn of its colorful history and tragic end.
After our experience we make our way to Sorrento, our home to explore the amazing Amalfi Coast.
Welcome to Sorrento Dinner
Your Journey Tour Director hosts an amazing welcome dinner in Sorrento. The owner, Mario, and Chef Lena and their family welcome us to dinner tonight. Get ready for a wonderful evening of Sorrentina cuisine and hospitality.
Accommodation in Sorrento, 2 Nights
Deluxe: Hotel Minerva Sorrento - Amazing Sea Views
Classic: Hotel Minerva Sorrento - Amazing Sea Views
You will have today completely at your leisure to explore Sorrento or consider one of our optional adventures.
Highly Recommended: Enjoy our optional experience departing this morning and enjoy a boat trip to the Isle of Capri to enjoy free time on the Island and onward exploration of Positano and the Amalfi Coast Highway back to Sorrento. $258 per person.
Your Journey Tour Director will give you great ideas on what to do while you're on island. Occasionally, and weather permitting, we are able to provide an experience that includes (in addition to round-trip service to and from Capri) time on the boat around the island with stops at various Grottos for viewing and swimming if you desire. We only "stop" at the Blue Grotto, we do not go inside the Blue Grotto as this usually takes the majority of the day.
Then later, again weather and seas permitting, we continue to Positano and the Amalfi Coast. We will spend some time in Positano at leisure and then continue along the Amalfi Coast drive back to Sorrento.
Our Special Journey Finalé
After returning to our hotel, enjoy some leisure time and then meet on the terrace for our special Apericena to celebrate our time together. Our days have been filled with new sights, tastes and discoveries - tonight enjoy reflecting on the incredible journey we've had together.
It has been a Journey of Adventure and Discovery, along with making new friends! Until our next Journey — Arrivederci!
Breakfast is included this morning should you have time before your departure. We say Arrivederci to the coast today or perhaps you might want to extend your stay. Inquire with us about adding another night or more on the Amalfi Coast.
