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VENICE • BOLOGNA • FLORENCE • ORVIETO •  ROME

Whisked away to Italy: Local Experts in Every City.

Italian Odyssey

Travel Light, Travel Smart
Streamlined & Affordable.  

Italy, Made Simple.
That's why we crafted Italian Odyssey – a thoughtfully-paced, affordable way to experience Italy's most iconic cities and sights, guided by local experts.

Welcome to the Italian Odyssey

Our 9-day Journey takes you through the essentials of Venice, Florence, and Rome — with rich cultural moments and just the right amount of structure. Led by Local Tour Directors in each city at key times, you’ll enjoy meaningful insights without the cost of a Now Journey luxury trip like 'Great Cities.'

This is Italy, done Smart.

Enjoy our private vehicle transport throughout along with essential inclusions like our Venice and Florence welcome dinners and our Rome farewell dinner with a glass of delicious Italian wine, beer or soda, and choose from optional add-ons that let you shape your own experience — without paying for things you may not want.

See Full ItineraryAbout this Tour

It's the freedom to enjoy Italy – with smart choices, meaninful moments, and a price that makes the dream more possible than ever.

★ A Quick Look

DAY 1: Arrive Venice, Welcome Dinner
DAY 2: Venice Sights
DAY 3: To Florence, Welcome Dinner
DAY 4: Florence Sights
DAY 5: Florence at Leisure
DAY 6: To Orvieto and on to Rome
DAY 7: Rome Sights
DAY 8: Rome at Leisure, Farewell Dinner
DAY 9: Departure Day (Use Rome FCO Airport)

★ Included Highlights:

  • Welcome Dinner in Venice
  • Walking tours in Venice, Florence, and Rome with expert local guides
  • Balsamic tasting stop in Bologna
  • Visit to hilltop Orvieto
  • Farewell Dinner in Rome
  • Arrival shared transfer in Venice
  • Private vehicle between cities
  • Self-portage of your luggage

Optional experiences:

  • Gondola Ride in Venice –  $140 per person
  • Tuscan Cooking Class or Winery Visit in Florence or Countryside
    • Florence –  $160/person
    • Countryside with Transfers – $360 per person
  • Vatican City Guided Tour – $325 per person

See Full ItineraryItinerary: Streamlined & Smart.

One of Now Journey's most popular itineraries begins upon arrival at Venice Marco Polo International Airport (VCE Airport Code).

After your overnight flight, enjoy a shared trasnfer to your hotel.

DAY 1: Venice, Italy

Your Italian Odyssey begins in the magical city of Venice. Upon arrival at Venice Marco Polo Airport, enjoy an included shared water transfer to your hotel.

Included Dinner: This evening, meet your Local Tour Director for a warm Welcome Dinner with 1 glass of wine, beer or soda, setting the tone for the days ahead.

Journey Hotels IconWhere We Stay in Venice, 2 Nights with continental breakfast

Our Classic Hotels Collection — 
Hotel Torino, Hotel Do Pozzi or Similar

DAY 2: Venice

Today enjoy a walking tour to discover the Secrets of the Serenissima. Admire the iconic facades of St. Mark’s Square and Basilica di San Marco, walk past and learn the store of the amazing Bridge of Sighs and Doge’s Palace as our local guide comments on the grand history of Venice.

Opt to visit the Isle of Murano for a traditional glass-blowing demonstration - included but optional.

Gondola IconOption to Consider: Venetian Gondola Ride

Glide through the canals on a shared Gondola Ride ($140 per person).

BACK TO TOP      Got a question? CHAT HERE.


DAY 3: Bologna and on to Florence

Today we Journey by our vehicle to the culinary capital of Bologna. Enjoy a walking discovery tour with your Local Tour Director and a balsamic vinegar tasting before continuing to Florence via private transfer.

Included Dinner: After checking into your Florence hotel, relax and unwind before tonight’s Welcome Dinner with 1 glass of wine, beer or soda with your Local Tour Director.


Journey Hotels IconWhere We Stay in the Heart of Florence, 2 Nights with breakfast

Our Classic Hotels Collection — 
Hotel Rosso 23, Hotel Renaissance or Similar

BACK TO TOP      Got a question? CHAT HERE.

DAY 4: Florence

This morning, enjoy a Walking Tour of Florence with our local guide, featuring exterior visits to the Duomo and Piazza del Duomo, the Baptistry of San Giovanni, Piazza della Signoria and Palazzo Vecchio. Hear the stories that shaped the Renaissance as you stroll the historic center.

Following our tour the balance of the day is at your leisure.

May we suggest some optional activities to fill up your afternoon?

Exploring More of Florence

May We Suggest?
• We think simply soaking up Florence this afternoon is a great plan, but if you'd like to fill it up a bit more, consider:

—  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) is the principal Franciscan church in Florence and a minor Basilica of the Catholic Church. Many illustrious Italians are buried there including Michelangelo, Galileo, Rossini, Marconi, Machiavelli. Thus it is known as the Temple of the Italian Glories.

Optional Guided Experiences for your afternoon:
We usually schedule most of these at around 3PM if possible.

• Uffizi Gallery: Private Tour with Guide: $339 per person (3 Hours).
Guided our licensed guide with a PHD in Art History, as well as a published art books author, you will discover the unique artistic and cultural richness as the cradle of the Renaissance. The Uffizi Gallery is one of the most incredible art collections in the world of Italian and European Paintings. During the tour the guide will tell you the incredible stories of such masterpieces including those made by Giotto, Piero della Francesca, Filippo Lippi, Botticelli, Michelangelo, Raphael, Titian, Leonardo da Vinci and Caravaggio.

•  Uffizi Gallery: Small Group Guided Tour: $179 per person.
Enjoy the Gallery in a small group: The art history expert will guide you through the Uffizi Gallery and to the masterpieces contained within. During your tour, the guide will accompany you from hall to hall, taking you on a journey into art and its history as he or she illustrates the most beautiful works of art in the museum. Not only will you learn about the importance of each painting, but also the context in the times when they were made.

•  Uffizi Gallery: Admission Ticket Only: $49 per person.
Enjoy an admission ticket to the Gallery.

•  Climb the Duomo Ticket: $59 per person.
Enjoy a climb to the top of the cupola by climbing its 463 steps to get an extraordinary view of Florence.

• A private tour of the Pitti Palace in Florence Ticket: $339 per person (2 hours, 2 guest minimum for this privately guided tour.
Italy, provides a personalized journey through this Renaissance marvel, led by an expert guide. Beginning with an introduction to the palace's rich history and Medici legacy, visitors delve into its opulent interior, admiring frescoes, stuccowork, and masterpieces by artists like Raphael and Caravaggio. The tour navigates grand halls, sumptuous apartments, and private chambers, culminating in exploration of the world-class art collections housed within. Following this, a leisurely stroll through the Boboli Gardens offers panoramic vistas and insights into Renaissance landscape architecture. With flexibility for customization, the experience caters to individual interests, ensuring an enriching encounter with Florence's cultural heritage amidst the palace's splendor.

• Admission only to Pitti Palace and/or Gardens.
Option 1: Pitti Palace only (not including gardens) - admission only (no guide): $32 per person
Option 2: Pitti Palace Gardens (Boboli Gardens) only (not including Palace) - admission only (no guide): $23 per person
Option 3: Pitti Palace & Boboli gardens combo; admission only (no guide): $45 per person

Your Tour Captain will invite you to an optional dinner tonight or you can explore Florence at leisure.

 

DAY 5: Florence at Leisure

Your Day, Your Way

Enjoy a full day at leisure in Florence. Or choose from optional experiences like:

  • A cooking class in Florence or the Tuscan countryside

  • A wine tasting adventure in Chianti

A visit to the Uffizi or Accademia galleries

 

Exploring More of Florence

May We Suggest?
• We think simply soaking up Florence this afternoon is a great plan, but if you'd like to fill it up a bit more, consider:

—  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) is the principal Franciscan church in Florence and a minor Basilica of the Catholic Church. Many illustrious Italians are buried there including Michelangelo, Galileo, Rossini, Marconi, Machiavelli. Thus it is known as the Temple of the Italian Glories.

Optional Guided Experiences for your afternoon:
We usually schedule most of these at around 3PM if possible.

• Uffizi Gallery: Private Tour with Guide: $339 per person (3 Hours).
Guided our licensed guide with a PHD in Art History, as well as a published art books author, you will discover the unique artistic and cultural richness as the cradle of the Renaissance. The Uffizi Gallery is one of the most incredible art collections in the world of Italian and European Paintings. During the tour the guide will tell you the incredible stories of such masterpieces including those made by Giotto, Piero della Francesca, Filippo Lippi, Botticelli, Michelangelo, Raphael, Titian, Leonardo da Vinci and Caravaggio.

•  Uffizi Gallery: Small Group Guided Tour: $179 per person.
Enjoy the Gallery in a small group: The art history expert will guide you through the Uffizi Gallery and to the masterpieces contained within. During your tour, the guide will accompany you from hall to hall, taking you on a journey into art and its history as he or she illustrates the most beautiful works of art in the museum. Not only will you learn about the importance of each painting, but also the context in the times when they were made.

•  Uffizi Gallery: Admission Ticket Only: $49 per person.
Enjoy an admission ticket to the Gallery.

•  Climb the Duomo Ticket: $59 per person.
Enjoy a climb to the top of the cupola by climbing its 463 steps to get an extraordinary view of Florence.

• A private tour of the Pitti Palace in Florence Ticket: $339 per person (2 hours, 2 guest minimum for this privately guided tour.
Italy, provides a personalized journey through this Renaissance marvel, led by an expert guide. Beginning with an introduction to the palace's rich history and Medici legacy, visitors delve into its opulent interior, admiring frescoes, stuccowork, and masterpieces by artists like Raphael and Caravaggio. The tour navigates grand halls, sumptuous apartments, and private chambers, culminating in exploration of the world-class art collections housed within. Following this, a leisurely stroll through the Boboli Gardens offers panoramic vistas and insights into Renaissance landscape architecture. With flexibility for customization, the experience caters to individual interests, ensuring an enriching encounter with Florence's cultural heritage amidst the palace's splendor.

• Admission only to Pitti Palace and/or Gardens.
Option 1: Pitti Palace only (not including gardens) - admission only (no guide): $32 per person
Option 2: Pitti Palace Gardens (Boboli Gardens) only (not including Palace) - admission only (no guide): $23 per person
Option 3: Pitti Palace & Boboli gardens combo; admission only (no guide): $45 per person

Your Tour Captain will invite you to an optional dinner tonight or you can explore Florence at leisure.


DAY 6: To Orvieto & Rome

Through Umbria to Rome
Today we travel south with a scenic stop in Orvieto, a medieval town perched on a volcanic bluff. Enjoy a discovery walk and time for lunch (at your leisure), then continue to Rome by private transfer.

Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy an evening at your own pace.

Journey Hotels IconWhere We Stay in Rome, 3 Nights with continental breakfast

Our Classic Hotels Collection — 
Hotel Navona or Similar


DAY 7: Rome

Ancient Rome Uncovered

Meet your guide for a Walking Tour of Rome’s ancient and medieval sites, including exterior views of the Colosseum, the ruins of the Roman Forum, Capitoline Hill and more. It's a timeless stroll through the layers of history that make Rome unforgettable.


DAY 8: Rome

The Choice is Yours

Relax, shop, or dive deeper into Rome.

Optional Experience: Add Vatican City with Guided Tour ($325 per person), including the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica. Guests make their way to the designated meeting point.

Included Dinner: This evening, toast to your Italian Odyssey at our Farewell Dinner with 1 glass of wine, beer or soda with your Local Tour Director.


DAY 9: Departure Day

Option to add private departure transfer from the Rome hotel to the airport $125 per person (minimum 2 guests).

See Full ItineraryWhat's Included: Essentials

Simplify your Journey and enjoy these inclusions.

This is Italy done smart:

✅ Great locations
✅ Authentic experiences
✅ No big buses
✅ No forced shopping
✅ More flexibility, lower price point

Traveling Smartly!
You’ll carry your own luggage, enjoy essential inclusions like welcome and farewell dinners, and choose from optional add-ons that let you shape your own experience—without paying for things you may not want.

Included highlights:
• Welcome Dinner in Venice
• Walking tours with expert local guides
• Balsamic tasting stop in Bologna
• Visit to hilltop Orvieto
• Farewell Dinner in Rome

Optional experiences:
• Gondola Ride in Venice ($)
• Tuscan Cooking Class or Winery Visit ($)
• Vatican City with Guided Tour ($)

It’s the freedom to enjoy Italy—with smart choices, meaningful moments, and a price that makes the dream more possible than ever.

Important - Not Included

Passport Requirements

To ensure smooth travel, your passport must be valid for at least six (6) months beyond the end of your journey. Additionally, you should have at least two (2) blank visa pages available for entry and exit stamps for each country you visit.

If you are not a U.S. citizen, please check with your consulate or embassy to confirm the entry requirements specific to your nationality.

Visa Requirements

Entry requirements and visa regulations frequently change, and it is your responsibility as a traveler to secure the necessary documentation for every destination on your journey.

Transit & Visa Information

If you have a layover or connection in the United Kingdom, the ETA visa (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta#apply-for-an-eta) is the only requirement to be aware of at this time.

Additionally, keep an eye out for the European Union's ETIAS (Link: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en), which is expected to take effect later in 2025. It is the Now Journey Guest responsibility to secure all Passports and Visas/electronic travel authorities and the like.

Entry Fees in Certain Cities

The City of Venice (along with other European cities) have enacted a new Euro per person entry fee for day-trippers. This fee will not apply to Now Journey Guests staying overnight in the city of Venice.

Now Journey Guests must still complete an online exemption form which will provide you with a QR Code as proof of your lodging in the city. Link: https://cda.ve.it/en/

Health & Vaccination Guidelines

Guests should check with the relevant government agencies or consulates to confirm any vaccination requirements for the countries they will be visiting or transiting through.

Items not speficially mentioned as included on the Itinerary.

 



See Full ItineraryDepartures: Best Times of the Year

2025-2026 9-Day Tour Departures through amazing Italy.

ITALIAN ODYSSEY
Prices are Per Person in US Dollars and based on 2 guests in a room. International airfare is not included. Solo Supplement for a Double for Use room: Classic: $1979 

2025 Tour Dates
Request a Reservation

TRIP DATES   CLASSIC
PACKAGE		  
July & August: It's Summer in Italy!
The reminds one of the fresh, hot days of summer from the states —  but it's still a great time to explore Italy.
Jul 1-19
   $5,779
INQUIRE		  
Jul 15-23

   $5,779
INQUIRE		  
Aug 12-20

  $5,779
INQUIRE		  
SEP 2-10

   $5,779
INQUIRE		  
September: Great Harvest
September is still considered high season these days and for good reason: The harvest in Tuscany and other areas is in swing and the weather is so very special. Highs in the 70s in mid to late September.
Sep 9-17
   $5,779
INQUIRE		  
Sep 16-24

   $5,779
INQUIRE		  
Sep 23 -
Oct 1
   $5,779
INQUIRE		  
Italy in October
Though the hot summer temps are gone, October can still see some warm days. Highs in the 60s to low 70s.
Sep 30 -
Oct 8

   $5,779
INQUIRE		  
Oct 7-15
   $5,779
INQUIRE		  
Oct 14-22

   $5,679
INQUIRE		  
2026 Tour Dates
Request a Reservation

TRIP DATES DELUXE
PACKAGE		 CLASSIC
PACKAGE		 LOTUS
PACKAGE
Italy in Early Season
A great time to be in Italy to avoid the crowds and enjoy special savings on hotels.
Feb 24-
Mar 4		   $5,379
INQUIRE		  
Mar 10-18   $5,579
INQUIRE		  
Mar24-
Apr 1 		  $5,779
INQUIRE		  
Italy in the Spring
This is one of the best times to be in Italy: No crowds, moderate temps averaging in the 60s, and some showers to bring May flowers! Seasonal air conditioning is limited due to government regulations.
Mar 17-25
   $5,779
INQUIRE		  
Apr 7-15
   $5,779
INQUIRE		  
Apr 14-22
   $5,779
INQUIRE		  
Apr 21-29
   $5,779
INQUIRE		  
Apr 28 -
May 6
   $5,779
INQUIRE		  
May: Near Perfect
It's difficult to beat Italy in May. Early May can see some showers, but mid to late May is the time for moderate crowds, great temps in the 70s, sunshine and La Dolce Vita!
May 5-13
   $5,779
INQUIRE		  
May 12-20
   $5,779
INQUIRE		  
May 19-27   $5,779
INQUIRE		  
May 26 -
Jun 3		   $5,779
INQUIRE		  
June: Graduate to More Perfection
The weather is near perfect in June, that's why the volume of travelers is high. It's a great time to celebrate our graduate as well!
Jun 9-17   $5,779
INQUIRE		  
Jun 23 - Jul 1   $5,779
INQUIRE		  
July & August: It's Summer in Italy!
The reminds one of the fresh, hot days of summer from the states —  but it's still a great time to explore Italy.
Jun 30 - Jul 8

   $5,779
INQUIRE		  
Jul 14-22
   $5,779
INQUIRE		  
Aug 11-19
   $5,779
INQUIRE		  
Sep 1-9
   $5,779
INQUIRE		  
September: Great Harvest
September is still considered high season these days and for good reason: The harvest in Tuscany and other areas is in swing and the weather is so very special. Highs in the 70s in mid to late September.
Sep 8-16   $5,779
INQUIRE		  
Sep 15-23

   $5,779
INQUIRE		  
Sep 22-30
   $5,779
INQUIRE		  
Italy in October
Though the hot summer temps are gone, October can still see some warm days. Highs in the 60s to low 70s.
Sep 29 -
Oct 7
   $5,779
INQUIRE		  
Oct 6-15

   $5,779
INQUIRE		  
Oct 13-21
   $5,779
INQUIRE