SHORTLIST

Best of Italy

Discover the Best of Italy, from the ancient treasures of Rome to Renaissance Florence and everything in between. Imagine staying overnight in a renovated Franciscan monastery in Assisi, lapping up the chic lifestyle on Capri, and taking a private guided visit to Pompeii to see a Roman city frozen in time.
Sightseeing highlights
  • Fast-Track to the Vatican Museums
  • Explore Rome, Pompeii, Capri, Assisi and Florence
  • Discover Venice, Milan and San Gimignano
  • Visit Vatican Museums, St. Peter's Basilica, the Colosseum and the Sistine Chapel in Rome, the excavations at Pompeii, the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi, a glassblowing factory in Venice, Lake Como and the Florence American Cemetery and Memorial
  • View Juliet's Balcony in Verona, St. Mark's Basilica in Venice, the Cathedral and La Scala Opera House in Milan, the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Duomo in Florence
  • See the ancient sites of Rome and the Abbey on Monte Cassino
  • Scenic Cruise Ferry to the Isle of Capri, private launch to St. Mark's Square in Venice
Iconic Experience
  • Rome: During an orientation with your Travel Director see the medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches scattered throughout the city.
  • Enjoy an after-hours visit to the Basilica of Santa Maria in Cosmedin. Get up close to the legendary Mouth of Truth, an ancient Roman marble mask said to bite any liar who places their hand in the mask’s mouth. Dare to test the legend yourself and take one of the city’s most coveted photos.
  • Rome: Be inspired by the magnificence of Michelangelo and da Vinci at the Vatican Museums.
  • Vatican: In the Vatican City visit St. Peter's Basilica with a Local Specialist. Witness the early genius of Michelangelo as you take in the Pietà.
  • Rome: Discover ancient treasures of Rome with a Local Specialist. See Circus Maximus and the Ancient Forum, and stand beside the Colosseum, which bears witness to the limitless courage of the gladiators.
  • Pompeii: Walk with a Local Specialist through the cobbled streets of this ill-fated town, frozen in time since the 1st century.
  • Capri: Join a Local Specialist on a walk through elegant Capri to gain insight into the island's local culture and historic landmarks.
  • Assisi: With a Local Specialist, find out why the Basilica of St. Francis is considered to be one of the crowning artisitic achievements of 13th-century Europe.
  • Modena: Travel through the lush landscape of Emilia-Romagna, past hilltop towns and agricultural lands.
  • Milan: See Milan's central highlights on an orientation tour with your Travel Director.
  • Como: Take in exquisite views of the lake and its alpine backdrop as you enjoy an orientation of this magnificent town.
  • Pisa: During an orientation, your Travel Director will show you the baptistery, cathedral and the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.
  • Florence: See the area around Santa Croce Basilica, famous for the quality of its luxury goods, and witness a gold and leatherwork demonstration.
  • Florence: Join a Local Specialist to view the Multi-coloured marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery, adorned by Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise. Visit the political heart of the city, Signoria Square.
  • Florence: Stop at the Florence American Cemetery and Memorial. Framed by wooded hills, view the memorial marked by symmetrical rows of 4, 392 headstones and towering pylon monument.
  • San Gimignano: Visit the medieval Manhattan of Italy as you explore the UNESCO-listed centre of San Gimignano and admire the city's distinctive towers.
Tour details
Tour Provider Trafalgar
Price From
$5,375
Number of Days
13
Start Location
Rome, Italy
End Location
Rome, Italy
Age Range
Avg. 45+
Group Size
20 to 45
Tour Style
Comfort
Tour Themes
No specific theme
Physical Rating
Easy to Moderate
Itinerary Open all
Welcome to Rome
2025 marks a Jubilee Year, a momentous Roman Catholic event celebrated every 25 years, turning Rome into a centre of celebration between December 24, 2024, and December 31, 2025. As festivities unfold, itineraries may be adjusted to ensure you make the most of your time as you visit the Eternal City. Ciao Roma! Explore this imperial city of emperors and senators, gods and goddesses before joining your Travel Director for an introduction to the 'Eternal City'. Arrive at Basilica Santa Maria in Cosmedin for a private after-hours visit to the Mouth of Truth. See the church, crypt and relics of the famous saint of love, Valentine, and learn about the legend of the Mouth of Truth. This evening, enjoy dinner with your travel companions.
Discover Ancient Rome and the Vatican City Dive Into Culture
The Holy See takes centre stage today as you join a Local Specialist for an included sightseeing tour in the Vatican Museums. Admire Michelangelo’s magnificent frescd ceiling in the Sistine Chapel. See the marble masterpiece of the Pietà, housed in the Basilica before crossing the Tiber into Ancient Rome. Enjoy a guided in depth walking experience around the walls of the Colosseum, before seeing Circus Maximus, once the site of celebrated chariot races. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore Rome. Indulge in an espresso in the Piazza Navona or clamber up the Spanish Steps.
Explore the Ruins of Pompeii and Sorrento
We journey south to the well-preserved ruins of Pompeii. Here we join a Local Specialist who will share details of the devastation caused by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius as we wander through the ancient paved roads of a city that was frozen in time. Later, we arrive at our hotel in the clifftop town of Sorrento where we’ll dine tonight.
Cruise to the Isle of Capri
We cross the Bay of Naples today by ferry to the glamorous Isle of Capri to visit some of its landmark sights. Wander past the chic boutiques and pavement cafés in Capri town in the company of a Local Specialist before taking your time to soak up the sophistication of this lovely island. Later, we return to the mainland.
Onwards to Assisi
Marvel at the beauty of the Bay of Naples and mighty Vesuvius as you leave the Sorrento coastline. Glimpse the Benedictine Abbey of Cassino perched high on the mountain peak, known as the site of the Battle of Monte Cassino in 1944 before heading north to the slopes of Mount Subasio. Arrive in the mystical town of Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis, under whose protection this medieval city is said to remain. Join your Local Specialist for a visit of Basilica of St. Francis, before some free time to explore this fascinating hilltop town. Tonight, you'll stay at one of Trafalgar’s Stays With Stories – a fully renovated old Franciscan monastery.
Discover Verona and on to Venice
Journey through the glorious countryside of the Emilia Romagna region. This area is renowned for its gastronomy and is credited with being the origin of tortellini, mortadella and parmesan cheese. Travel to Verona, the home of Shakespeare's star-crossed lovers, to admire the ancient Roman arena and Piazza Brà. Arrive later into beautiful Venice, the 'Queen of the Adriatic' to spend time admiring this unique city.
St. Mark's and More in Venice Make Travel Matter
Cruise your way through Venice by private launch to soak up the sights and sounds of what was once one of the world's greatest ports. Your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with the glassblowing artisans of Venice follows. Watch as they share their centuries-old glassmaking traditions. Your visit helps to preserve this delicate craft for which Venice is justifiably famous and you’ll want to remember your visit by purchasing a souvenir or two to display at home. From there, continue past the Bridge of Sighs and the Doge's Palace to St. Mark's Square to view the impressive square and Basilica. Consider an optional experience to see the colourful fishermen's houses on the Island of Burano or search for a cosy bacaro and indulge in some tasty Venetian treats, starting with that refreshing Venetian Spritz which is the local drink of choice.
Stroll around Milan and on to Varese
The Winter version of this tour will overnight in Varese. Cross the lush green plains of Lombardy to sophisticated Milan, Italy's capital of design and fashion. An orientation tour takes us past the intricate, Gothic Duomo, La Scala Opera house and the famous Galleria. Later arrive in Varese where we will enjoy a dinner with your fellow travellers.
Enjoy a Visit to Como - Varese
The glistening blue waters of Lake Como beckon this morning. We’ll enjoy some free time to explore the lakeside lifestyle and beautiful scenery which has enchanted visitors for centuries. Explore Como's historical quarter, indulge in the area’s delicious gelato, or consider a cruise on the lake.
Admire Pisa and on to Florence
Tuscany lures us across the forested Apennine Mountains, past the marble quarries of Carrara to the famous city of Pisa and its Square of Miracles where we will enjoy an opportunity to view the Leaning Tower. Our next stop is Florence, the 'Cradle of the Renaissance'.
Experience Art and Architecture in Florence Connect with Locals
Delve into the extravagant history of the Medici family, whose legacy of art and architecture are explored in the company of a Local Specialist. We visit Piazza della Signoria with its exquisite statues and palazzi and enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the beautiful skyline of Florence, dominated by the elegant Duomo and the almost 700-year-old Ponte Vecchio, from Piazzale Michelangelo. Later, learn about the quality and workmanship of two of this city's historic industries at demonstrations of Florentine leathercraft and 18-carat gold. This evening you'll Connect With Locals over dinner at a Be My Guest experience.
Treasures of San Gimignano and Return to Rome
This morning, stop at the Florence American Cemetery and Memorial. Continuing south, visit the charming Tuscan hill-town of San Gimignano, with its extraordinary medieval architecture and rich history. Venture to the centre of town to view the Piazza del Duomo, surrounded by medieval towers and 13th-century city walls. This evening in Rome, enjoy dinner in the company of newfound friends and your Travel Director.
Farewell Rome
Bid a fond ciao to your newfound friends as your discovery of the best of Italy comes to an end.
Inclusions
  • 6 Dinner (D)
  • 12 Breakfast (B)
  • 1 Be My Guest (BMG)
  • An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
  • Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
  • All porterage and restaurant gratuities
  • All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
  • Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
  • Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
  • Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
  • Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
  • Return cruise to the Isle of Capri
  • Optional Experiences and free time
  • On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised.
Departure dates
All pp pricing is based on twin share occupancy. Single supplements will apply
Start End Availability Price NZD
29 Dec 2024 10 Jan 2025 Available $6,595
05 Jan 2025 17 Jan 2025 onRequest $5,950
26 Jan 2025 07 Feb 2025 Available $5,375
09 Feb 2025 21 Feb 2025 Available $5,375
23 Feb 2025 07 Mar 2025 Available $5,975
02 Mar 2025 14 Mar 2025 Available $6,375
09 Mar 2025 21 Mar 2025 Available $6,375
16 Mar 2025 28 Mar 2025 Available $6,375
28 Mar 2025 09 Apr 2025 onRequest $6,750
04 Apr 2025 16 Apr 2025 Available $6,881
06 Apr 2025 18 Apr 2025 Available $8,095
08 Apr 2025 20 Apr 2025 Available $8,095
11 Apr 2025 23 Apr 2025 Available $6,881
13 Apr 2025 25 Apr 2025 Available $8,095
15 Apr 2025 27 Apr 2025 onRequest $7,051
18 Apr 2025 30 Apr 2025 Available $7,051
20 Apr 2025 02 May 2025 Available $7,051
22 Apr 2025 04 May 2025 Available $8,295
23 Apr 2025 05 May 2025 Available $7,051
25 Apr 2025 07 May 2025 Available $7,098
27 Apr 2025 09 May 2025 Available $8,350
29 Apr 2025 11 May 2025 Available $7,098
30 Apr 2025 12 May 2025 Available $8,350
02 May 2025 14 May 2025 Available $8,550
04 May 2025 16 May 2025 Available $8,550
06 May 2025 18 May 2025 Available $7,268
09 May 2025 21 May 2025 Available $7,268
11 May 2025 23 May 2025 Available $7,268
13 May 2025 25 May 2025 Available $8,550
14 May 2025 26 May 2025 Available $7,268
16 May 2025 28 May 2025 Available $8,550
18 May 2025 30 May 2025 Available $7,268
20 May 2025 01 Jun 2025 Available $7,268
21 May 2025 02 Jun 2025 Available $7,268
23 May 2025 04 Jun 2025 Available $7,268
25 May 2025 06 Jun 2025 Available $8,550
27 May 2025 08 Jun 2025 Available $7,268
30 May 2025 11 Jun 2025 Available $7,268
01 Jun 2025 13 Jun 2025 onRequest $8,550
03 Jun 2025 15 Jun 2025 Available $7,183
04 Jun 2025 16 Jun 2025 Available $7,183
06 Jun 2025 18 Jun 2025 onRequest $7,183
08 Jun 2025 20 Jun 2025 Available $7,183
10 Jun 2025 22 Jun 2025 Available $7,183
13 Jun 2025 25 Jun 2025 Available $7,183
15 Jun 2025 27 Jun 2025 Available $8,450
18 Jun 2025 30 Jun 2025 Available $7,183
20 Jun 2025 02 Jul 2025 Available $7,183
22 Jun 2025 04 Jul 2025 Available $7,183
24 Jun 2025 06 Jul 2025 Available $7,183
27 Jun 2025 09 Jul 2025 Available $7,183
29 Jun 2025 11 Jul 2025 Available $7,183
01 Jul 2025 13 Jul 2025 Available $8,450
04 Jul 2025 16 Jul 2025 Available $6,906
06 Jul 2025 18 Jul 2025 Available $6,906
08 Jul 2025 20 Jul 2025 Available $6,906
11 Jul 2025 23 Jul 2025 Available $6,906
13 Jul 2025 25 Jul 2025 Available $6,906
15 Jul 2025 27 Jul 2025 Available $6,906
18 Jul 2025 30 Jul 2025 Available $8,125
20 Jul 2025 01 Aug 2025 Available $6,906
27 Jul 2025 08 Aug 2025 Available $7,850
29 Jul 2025 10 Aug 2025 Available $6,843
03 Aug 2025 15 Aug 2025 Available $6,673
10 Aug 2025 22 Aug 2025 Available $8,050
15 Aug 2025 27 Aug 2025 Available $6,843
17 Aug 2025 29 Aug 2025 Available $6,843
22 Aug 2025 03 Sep 2025 Available $6,906
24 Aug 2025 05 Sep 2025 Available $7,098
26 Aug 2025 07 Sep 2025 Available $7,098
27 Aug 2025 08 Sep 2025 Available $7,098
29 Aug 2025 10 Sep 2025 Available $8,375
31 Aug 2025 12 Sep 2025 Available $7,718
02 Sep 2025 14 Sep 2025 Available $8,775
03 Sep 2025 15 Sep 2025 Available $7,898
05 Sep 2025 17 Sep 2025 Available $8,775
07 Sep 2025 19 Sep 2025 onRequest $8,775
09 Sep 2025 21 Sep 2025 Available $8,775
10 Sep 2025 22 Sep 2025 Available $8,775
12 Sep 2025 24 Sep 2025 Available $8,775
14 Sep 2025 26 Sep 2025 Available $8,775
16 Sep 2025 28 Sep 2025 Available $8,775
19 Sep 2025 01 Oct 2025 Available $8,775
21 Sep 2025 03 Oct 2025 Available $8,575
23 Sep 2025 05 Oct 2025 onRequest $8,575
26 Sep 2025 08 Oct 2025 Available $8,495
28 Sep 2025 10 Oct 2025 onRequest $8,495
30 Sep 2025 12 Oct 2025 Available $8,495
05 Oct 2025 17 Oct 2025 onRequest $8,495
07 Oct 2025 19 Oct 2025 Available $8,495
10 Oct 2025 22 Oct 2025 Available $8,495
12 Oct 2025 24 Oct 2025 Available $8,495
14 Oct 2025 26 Oct 2025 onRequest $8,495
19 Oct 2025 31 Oct 2025 Available $8,495
26 Oct 2025 07 Nov 2025 Available $7,646
02 Nov 2025 14 Nov 2025 Available $7,350
09 Nov 2025 21 Nov 2025 Available $7,350
16 Nov 2025 28 Nov 2025 Available $7,350
23 Nov 2025 05 Dec 2025 Available $7,350
30 Nov 2025 12 Dec 2025 Available $6,750
07 Dec 2025 19 Dec 2025 Available $6,750
14 Dec 2025 26 Dec 2025 Available $7,225
16 Dec 2025 28 Dec 2025 Available $7,225
21 Dec 2025 02 Jan 2026 Available $7,895
25 Dec 2025 06 Jan 2026 Available $7,695
28 Dec 2025 09 Jan 2026 Available $7,695
04 Jan 2026 16 Jan 2026 Available $7,075
11 Jan 2026 23 Jan 2026 Available $6,775
01 Feb 2026 13 Feb 2026 Available $6,775
15 Feb 2026 27 Feb 2026 Available $6,775
01 Mar 2026 13 Mar 2026 Available $7,375
08 Mar 2026 20 Mar 2026 Available $7,375
15 Mar 2026 27 Mar 2026 Available $7,725
22 Mar 2026 03 Apr 2026 Available $7,725
24 Mar 2026 05 Apr 2026 Available $7,995
27 Mar 2026 08 Apr 2026 Available $8,095
03 Apr 2026 15 Apr 2026 Available $8,525
05 Apr 2026 17 Apr 2026 Available $8,525
07 Apr 2026 19 Apr 2026 Available $8,525
10 Apr 2026 22 Apr 2026 Available $8,525
12 Apr 2026 24 Apr 2026 Available $8,525
14 Apr 2026 26 Apr 2026 Available $8,525
17 Apr 2026 29 Apr 2026 Available $8,525
19 Apr 2026 01 May 2026 Available $8,525
21 Apr 2026 03 May 2026 Available $8,525
22 Apr 2026 04 May 2026 Available $8,525
24 Apr 2026 06 May 2026 Available $8,575
26 Apr 2026 08 May 2026 Available $8,575
28 Apr 2026 10 May 2026 Available $8,575
29 Apr 2026 11 May 2026 Available $8,575
01 May 2026 13 May 2026 Available $8,575
03 May 2026 15 May 2026 Available $8,575
05 May 2026 17 May 2026 Available $8,575
06 May 2026 18 May 2026 Available $8,575
08 May 2026 20 May 2026 Available $8,575
10 May 2026 22 May 2026 Available $8,575
12 May 2026 24 May 2026 Available $8,575
13 May 2026 25 May 2026 Available $8,575
15 May 2026 27 May 2026 Available $8,575
17 May 2026 29 May 2026 Available $8,575
19 May 2026 31 May 2026 Available $8,575
20 May 2026 01 Jun 2026 Available $8,575
22 May 2026 03 Jun 2026 Available $8,575
24 May 2026 05 Jun 2026 Available $8,575
26 May 2026 07 Jun 2026 Available $8,575
27 May 2026 08 Jun 2026 Available $8,575
29 May 2026 10 Jun 2026 Available $8,575
31 May 2026 12 Jun 2026 Available $8,575
02 Jun 2026 14 Jun 2026 Available $8,575
03 Jun 2026 15 Jun 2026 Available $8,575
05 Jun 2026 17 Jun 2026 Available $8,575
07 Jun 2026 19 Jun 2026 Available $8,575
09 Jun 2026 21 Jun 2026 Available $8,575
10 Jun 2026 22 Jun 2026 Available $8,575
12 Jun 2026 24 Jun 2026 Available $8,575
14 Jun 2026 26 Jun 2026 Available $8,575
16 Jun 2026 28 Jun 2026 Available $8,575
17 Jun 2026 29 Jun 2026 Available $8,575
19 Jun 2026 01 Jul 2026 Available $8,575
21 Jun 2026 03 Jul 2026 Available $8,575
23 Jun 2026 05 Jul 2026 Available $8,475
26 Jun 2026 08 Jul 2026 Available $8,475
28 Jun 2026 10 Jul 2026 Available $8,475
30 Jun 2026 12 Jul 2026 Available $8,475
03 Jul 2026 15 Jul 2026 Available $8,350
05 Jul 2026 17 Jul 2026 Available $8,350
07 Jul 2026 19 Jul 2026 Available $8,350
10 Jul 2026 22 Jul 2026 Available $8,350
12 Jul 2026 24 Jul 2026 Available $8,350
14 Jul 2026 26 Jul 2026 Available $8,350
17 Jul 2026 29 Jul 2026 Available $8,350
19 Jul 2026 31 Jul 2026 Available $8,350
21 Jul 2026 02 Aug 2026 Available $8,350
24 Jul 2026 05 Aug 2026 Available $8,250
26 Jul 2026 07 Aug 2026 Available $8,250
28 Jul 2026 09 Aug 2026 Available $8,250
31 Jul 2026 12 Aug 2026 Available $8,250
02 Aug 2026 14 Aug 2026 Available $8,250
04 Aug 2026 16 Aug 2026 Available $8,250
07 Aug 2026 19 Aug 2026 Available $8,250
09 Aug 2026 21 Aug 2026 Available $8,250
11 Aug 2026 23 Aug 2026 Available $8,250
14 Aug 2026 26 Aug 2026 Available $8,250
16 Aug 2026 28 Aug 2026 Available $8,250
18 Aug 2026 30 Aug 2026 Available $8,250
21 Aug 2026 02 Sep 2026 Available $8,350
23 Aug 2026 04 Sep 2026 Available $8,575
25 Aug 2026 06 Sep 2026 Available $8,575
26 Aug 2026 07 Sep 2026 Available $8,575
28 Aug 2026 09 Sep 2026 Available $8,595
30 Aug 2026 11 Sep 2026 Available $8,595
01 Sep 2026 13 Sep 2026 Available $8,595
02 Sep 2026 14 Sep 2026 Available $8,595
04 Sep 2026 16 Sep 2026 Available $8,595
06 Sep 2026 18 Sep 2026 Available $8,595
08 Sep 2026 20 Sep 2026 Available $8,595
09 Sep 2026 21 Sep 2026 Available $8,595
11 Sep 2026 23 Sep 2026 Available $8,595
13 Sep 2026 25 Sep 2026 Available $8,595
15 Sep 2026 27 Sep 2026 Available $8,595
18 Sep 2026 30 Sep 2026 Available $8,595
20 Sep 2026 02 Oct 2026 Available $8,595
22 Sep 2026 04 Oct 2026 Available $8,595
25 Sep 2026 07 Oct 2026 Available $8,525
27 Sep 2026 09 Oct 2026 Available $8,525
29 Sep 2026 11 Oct 2026 Available $8,525
02 Oct 2026 14 Oct 2026 Available $8,525
04 Oct 2026 16 Oct 2026 Available $8,525
06 Oct 2026 18 Oct 2026 Available $8,525
09 Oct 2026 21 Oct 2026 Available $8,525
11 Oct 2026 23 Oct 2026 Available $8,525
13 Oct 2026 25 Oct 2026 Available $8,525
16 Oct 2026 28 Oct 2026 Available $8,525
18 Oct 2026 30 Oct 2026 Available $8,525
25 Oct 2026 06 Nov 2026 Available $8,525