The Grand Canal, Venice
Caption: The Grand Canal, Venice
Caption: Milan's iconic Duomo Cathedral
Caption:  The Cathedral skyline of Florence
Caption: St Peter's Basilica and the Vatican
Caption: The famous Leaning Tower of Pisa
Caption: The Galeria Vittorio Emmanuele II, home of Milan's fanciest shops
Caption: Gondolas are an ideal way to explore Venice
Caption: The beautiful rolling Tuscan countryside
Caption: Nightfall in Rome
BEST VALUE
Journey Price from: $813
8713 Points Applied: -$2614
Cash Remainder: $6099
Prices per person sharing a room. 30% @$0.30 per point. Gold, Platinum, Premier & Premier Plus Members

 Deposit 20%.
Prices are per person based on 2 people sharing a cabin/room. Single room supplement $915.00.

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Book online or call Call us on:Toll Free US and Canada: 1.855.624.4386 Monday - Thursday 9:00am - 8:00pm, Friday 9:00am - 5:30pm (London time)

Book your journey

Choose from the list below to book your journey

Available journeys:

  • Cash Only Option 23 May - 02 Jun 2024 from $8,173 Book Now
  • Gold, Platinum, Premier & Premier Plus members:
    Apply 8,713 points per person at $0.30 per point leaving a cash remainder of $6099 per person
    23 May - 02 Jun 2024 from $6,099 Book Now
  • Cash Only Option 22 May - 01 Jun 2025 from $8,999 Book Now
  • Gold, Platinum, Premier & Premier Plus members:
    Apply 8,999 points per person at $0.30 per point leaving a cash remainder of $6299 per person
    22 May - 01 Jun 2025 from $6,299 Book Now
Book online or call Toll Free US and Canada: 1.855.624.4386

Journey Snapshot

Activity level: Level 2 Requires moderate physical activity. You need to be able to participate in physical activities such as longer walking tours, walking over uneven terrain, climbing steps and be comfortable with some periods of standing. Not suitable if you have limited mobility or require a wheelchair/mobility scooter.
Destination: Enticing Northern Italy, Tuscany & Rome
Duration: 11 days, 10 nights
Flight information: Please arrange your flights to arrive into Milan Malpensa Airport [MXP], on Day 1 and to return from Rome Fiumicino Airport [FCO] on Day 11.
Pickup location: Milan Malpensa Airport [MXP]

Overview

May 23 - Jun 02, 2024

May 22 - Jun 01, 2025

Discover the very best of Italy from Milan to Lake Maggiore, to Verona to Venice to Florence to Pisa and Rome!

A fantastic tour offering all that is the very best of Italy. On our journey from Milan to Rome we will visit the classic cities of Verona, Venice, Bologna, Florence, Pisa and Lucca.  See spectacular Lake Maggiore, experience the magnificent scenery of Tuscany, walk in the footsteps of Roman emperors, sample traditional food and wine, enjoy iconic buildings such as the Colosseum, St Mark's and the Leaning Tower of Pisa and visit some of the world's most famous museums that Italy has to offer.  These are just some of the highlights that are awaiting you on this memorable journey through Italy.

If that's not enough then we also have our Sicilian Adventure that starts where this one finishes - why not join us?

Itinerary

Itinerary summary: DAY 1 - Benvenuti in Italia!
DAY 2 - Magical Lake Maggiore
DAY 3 - Milan & Verona
DAY 4 - Venetian Highlights
DAY 5 - Bologna & Tuscany
DAY 6 - Discovering Florence
DAY 7 - Pisa & Lucca
DAY 8 - Chianti Vineyards & Rome
DAY 9 - Ancient Rome
DAY 10 - The Vatican City
DAY 11 - Arrivederci Roma
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Full Itinerary

DAY 1 - Benvenuti in Italia!

Welcome to Italy! Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel on the shores of Lake Maggiore.

This evening we will join our fellow travellers and enjoy a welcome drink and tour presentation, followed by dinner together in a nearby restaurant.

Included meals: Dinner 
Accommodation: Grand Hotel Britsol, Stresa (2024) / Grand Hotel Dino, Baveno (2025) 

DAY 2 - Magical Lake Maggiore

This morning we will enjoy a boat excursion to the Borromean Islands, which lie in the heart of Lake Maggiore. 

Isola Bella, the largest of the three islands is our first stop, and home to the historic Borromeo Palace. The islands are private and still owned by the aristocratic Borromeo family, whose antecedent was St (and Pope) Charles Borromeo and whose currnet daughter is now married into the Monegasque Royal family. We will visit the palace and baroque gardens.


Enjoy the afternoon and evening at leisure in the lively lakeside town.

Included meals: Breakfast 
Accommodation: Grand Hotel Britsol, Stresa (2024) / Grand Hotel Dino, Baveno (2025) 

DAY 3 - Milan & Verona

We will depart after breakfast for a panoramic guided coach tour of Milan before heading east for Verona. Sights will include La Scala, Milan's world renowned opera house, Sforzesco Castle and the Cathedral amongst others. 

We will then continue to Verona to discover the historic city, with its ampitheatre, famous piazzas and 'Juliet's Balcony' 

We continue on Venice and its lagoon, our base for the next two nights. 

Included meals: Breakfast 
Accommodation: Hilton Molino Stucky, Venice (2024) / Hyatt Centric Murano (2025)  

DAY 4 - Venetian Highlights

After breakfast, we will enjoy a guided walking tour of the main sights of Venice, including the Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basillica (no entrances included).

After lunch at leisure, we will enjoy a seranaded gondola tour of the city's famous canals.

The rest of the day and evening will be free to explore Venice with your 24hour ACTV Tourist Venice Travelcard (unlimited travel including the water-buses) Perhaps take a boat tour to the islands of Murano and Burano where the famous glassware is produced or treat yourself to an Aperol cocktail in the sunshine!

Included meals: Breakfast 
Accommodation: Hilton Molino Stucky, Venice (2024) / Hyatt Centric Murano (2025)  

DAY 5 - Bologna & Tuscany

This morning we will continue our tour south towards Florence and Tuscany, stopping en-route at the city of Bologna, Italy's culinary capital and, yes, the home of Bolognese Sauce! We'll have lunch before continuing on our journey.

We'll continue to our Tuscan countryside retreat and relax with dinner at leisure in the hotel this evening.

Included meals: Breakfast & Lunch  
Accommodation: Borgo San Luigi, Monteriggioni 

DAY 6 - Discovering Florence

We will depart after breakfast for Florence.  On arrival we will be met by our local guide and taken on a walking tour of this historical city.  We will see a host of famous sites such as the Galleria dell'Accademia (statue of David), Uffizi Gallery, Brunelleschi's Dome, Giotto's Bell Tower, St. John's Baptistry, Ponte Vecchio amongst others.   

After all this exercise, it's time to relax and partake of a traditional gelato. The rest of the afternoon will be at leisure, before returning to our hotel

Included meals: Breakfast 
Accommodation: Borgo San Luigi, Monteriggioni 

DAY 7 - Pisa & Lucca

Following breakfast we will board our coach for a full day tour to Pisa and Lucca. 

First stop will be Lucca for a walking tour of this highly attractive entirely-walled Renaissance town. Walking through the historical centre along the cobblestone streets we will see the Casa di Puccini, where the great opera composer was born which is now a house museum.

There will be time for lunch before we board the coach again and head off to Pisa. We will meet our guide for a tour of the Campo dei Miracoli (Miracles Square) comprising Duomo, Baptistry and the famous Leaning Tower, to which entrance is included for those who want to climb the steps!

 Dinner will be together at our hotel.

Included meals: Breakfast and Dinner 
Accommodation: Borgo San Luigi, Monteriggioni 

DAY 8 - Chianti Vineyards & Rome

As we leave Florence behind we will drive through the picturesque Tuscan countryside and the Chianti region where we will stop at a classic Chianti vineyard for a presentation and wine tasting including local snacks/light lunch. 

After re-boarding our coach we will continue south to the Eternal City that is Rome for the next 3 nights.  

Included meals: Breakfast & Light Lunch 
Accommodation: Villa Pamphili, Rome 

DAY 9 - Ancient Rome

This morning we will have a guided city sightseeing tour by coach where we will discover Ancient Rome including visits to the Colosseum and Roman Forum (including skip-the-queue tickets and headsets). 

The rest of the day and evening will be free to explore this amazing city, making our own way back to the hotel.

Included meals: Breakfast  
Accommodation: Villa Pamphili, Rome 

DAY 10 - The Vatican City

Another highlight will be the guided visit we are making today to the Vatican and its museums including the Sistine Chapel (including skip-the-queue tickets and headsets).

Like yesterday, the afternoon will be at leisure for more sightseeing or last minute shopping, making our own way back to the hotel.

This evening we will enjoy a Farewell Dinner together in a local restaurant/trattoria.



Included meals: Breakfast & Dinner 
Accommodation: Villa Pamphili, Rome 

DAY 11 - Arrivederci Roma

Sadly our Italian Experience has come to an end and its time to depart.  Transfers to the airport will be arranged accordingly.

However, if you want to continue your Italian Experience, why not extend your holiday and come to Sicily with us!

Included meals: Breakfast 

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More information

What's includedWhat's not includedImportant information

What's included

  • Arrival Milan Malpensa Airport-hotel transfer/Return departure hotel-Rome Fiumiciano Airport transfer
  • Accommodation as detailed in the itinerary
  • Meals as indicated in the itinerary
  • All transfers/touring and excursions in air-conditioned deluxe motor vehicles.
  • All entrances/guides (English speaking) and visits as indicated in the programme.
  • Porterage at all hotels including luggage assistance for the Venice boat transfers (1 piece per person)
  • Tourist taxes
  • Services of a Big Journey Company Tour Director throughout

What's not included

  • Please arrange your flights to arrive at Milan–Malpensa Airport [MXP], on Day 1 and return from Rome Fiumicino Airport [FCO] on Day 11.
  • Additional food and beverage unless otherwise included in the programme
  • Personal expenses
  • Personal Travel & Medical Insurance
  • Optional excursions/entrances
  • Gratuities 
  • Any COVID tests or related entry & exit requirements

Important information

  • Please let The Big Journey Company know prior to travelling if you have any medical needs or take any medication that we need to be made aware of to ensure that you have a safe and pleasant tour.
  • Check in is after 2pm and check out is before 11am unless otherwise specified in the itinerary.
  • Cancellation 90 – 0 days prior to departure cancellation fee is 100%. It is your responsibility to ensure the correct travel insurance in place to protect you against the need to cancel your holiday. Deposits are non-refundable and final payments are due 14 weeks prior to departure.
  • Further terms and conditions apply and will be provided upon request or at the time of booking. The Big Journey Company reserves the right to withdraw any offer prior to accepting a reservation request. This does not affect your statutory rights. This offer is subject to availability and space is limited.
Once in a lifetime

Book your journey

Choose from the list below to book your journey.

Available journeys:

  • Cash Only Option 23 May - 02 Jun 2024 from $8,173 Book Now
  • Gold, Platinum, Premier & Premier Plus members:
    Apply 8,713 points per person at $0.30 per point leaving a cash remainder of $6099 per person
    23 May - 02 Jun 2024 from $6,099 Book Now
  • Cash Only Option 22 May - 01 Jun 2025 from $8,999 Book Now
  • Gold, Platinum, Premier & Premier Plus members:
    Apply 8,999 points per person at $0.30 per point leaving a cash remainder of $6299 per person
    22 May - 01 Jun 2025 from $6,299 Book Now
Book online or call Toll Free US and Canada: 1.855.624.4386

The big journey promise

The big journey company was set up with one goal in mind, to share our passion for inspirational cultures, destinations and experiences. Over the last 10 years we have had the privilege to escort thousands of travellers on awe inspiring and sometimes life changing journeys. Our promise to every guest who joins us is that we will do everything possible to make sure your journey not only exceeds expectations but delivers at least one moment of true amazement.

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Holiday tours are operated by The Big Journey Company Limited. Registered in England. Registered office: Marron Bank, Branthwaite, Cumbria, CA14 4SZ. Registered number: 6532140. The Big Journey Company Limited is a member of The Travel Trust Association member number U5675 and holds an Air Travel Organiser’s License number T7282.

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