SHORTLIST

Contrasts of Italy - 13 Apr 2026 to 05 Oct 2026

All aboard this exhilarating journey by high-speed train through Italy’s iconic cities of Rome, Florence and Venice. During your 10 days in Italy, conjure up gladiators and chariots in Rome, shop until you drop on Florence’s ancient Ponte Vecchio, strike a pose in Pisa and discover the secrets of Venice on foot like a local.
Sightseeing highlights
  • Explore Rome, Florence, Pisa and Venice
  • Visit The Colosseum in Rome, the Academy of Fine Arts in Florence and a glassblowing factory in Venice
  • View the ancient sites in Rome, the Duomo in Florence, the Leaning Tower of Pisa and St. Mark's Basilica in Venice
  • Scenic Cruise by 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.
  • 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: Admire the enchanting Tuscan landscape as you travel by high-speed train to Florence.
  • Florence: Visit the Academy of Fine Arts and admire its Michelangelo collection.
  • Pisa: In the Piazza dei Miracoli, see the baptistery, cathedral and the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.
  • Venice: Journey by high-speed train past dramatic mountains and lush plains to ''La Serenissima''.
  • Venice: Discover the ancient skill of Venetian glassblowing and play a part in preserving this traditional craft.
Dive Into Culture
  • Venice: Savour the vibrant atmosphere of Venice during a walk through its calli to a traditional food market in the shadow of the famous Rialto Bridge.
Tour details
Tour Provider Trafalgar
Price From
$5,606
Number of Days
10
Start Location
Rome, Italy
End Location
Venice, 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
Benvenuti a Roma. Our exciting journey through some of Italy's most beautiful cities begins here in the 'Eternal City'. Spend time relaxing after your travels or take a walk along the ancient streets, tracing centuries of art, antiquities and culture before joining your travel companions and Travel Director for dinner and orientation drive through Rome's intoxicating cityscape.
Explore Ancient Rome and the Vatican City
This morning see the Vatican city on your sightseeing tour of Rome, you'll pause to see the majestic exterior of St. Peter's Basilica and its grand square. Then venture into Ancient Rome to see Circus Maximus and visit the Colosseum. This evening, Roman flavours take centre stage as you dine on local specialities.
Rome Your Way
Enjoy a full free day in Rome or consider spending some time in beautiful Tivoli. Join an Optional Experience to see the exquisite house and gardens of the 16th-century Villa d'Este – a marvellous example of Renaissance landscape architecture. As the sun sets over the seven hills of Rome, people-watch in one of Rome’s beautiful squares or admire the Trevi Fountain.
Journey by High-Speed Train to Florence
Sit back on the high-speed train, bound for Florence and watch the Tuscan landscape go by. Join a Local Specialist on a walking tour to gain insights into the city's Renaissance treasures. View the Ponte Vecchio, almost 700 years old and lined with goldsmiths, then visit the Fine Arts Academy to see one of Michelangelo's masterpieces, the statue of David. Your love affair with Florence continues as you stroll to the Piazza della Signoria, featuring Palazzo Vecchio and the Uffizi Gallery.
Admire Pisa Connect with Locals
Cross the Arno River and take in the enchanting skyline of Florence from Piazzale Michelangelo before driving to Pisa through the Arno Valley. Meet your Local Specialist to explore the Square of Miracles and see the famous Leaning Tower, Cathedral, Baptistery, and Camposanto—built on soil brought back from the Holy Land during the Crusades. Enjoy lunch at Agriturismo Borgo Vigna Vecchia with an exclusive Be My Guest experience, surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. This evening, stroll along the Arno River in search of the perfect gelato, admire the beautifully lit Duomo or visit a cosy enoteca for wine tasting.
Discover Renaissance Florence
Today is yours to discover the beauty and elegance of Florence – a city filled with exquisite galleries, lush gardens and opulent palaces. Consider a visit to the hilltop town of San Gimignano, the 'medieval Manhattan' of Tuscany. Venture outside the city to see Tuscan villages and taste rich panforte and tortas, or shop for the latest fashions in Florence's sophisticated boutiques. This evening, consider joining an Optional Experience in the Chianti region for a delicious Tuscan dinner.
Travel by High-Speed Train to Venice
All aboard the express train for Venice. Cross the spectacular Apennines and fertile Veneto plain before arriving at the romantic island city of Venice. Get lost this afternoon, wandering its narrow lanes in search of a cosy bacaro, people-watch in St. Mark's Square, the gateway to Venice, or take an unforgettable gondola ride along the city's enchanting canals.
Cruise the Canals of Venice
This morning, breathe in the salty sea air as you board a private launch and cruise to St. Mark's Square to see the Bridge of Sighs, Palladian Churches, the Customs House, St. Mark's Basilica, and Campanile, as well as the Doge's Palace. Later, witness first-hand the centuries-old craft of glassblowing. You may be tempted to buy a souvenir or two after admiring the talent and skill of the artisans, passed down from generation to generation. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore the city on your own terms, perhaps finding a quiet campo and pavement cafe or take a cruise to colourful Burano for a delicious meal.
Experience Venice’s Daily Life
This morning, learn about conservation efforts in Venice during a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with Venice Plastic Free. Watch the sights and sounds of modern Venice come to life on a walking tour with your Local Specialist. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon with one last taste of Venice. As your journey through Italy's charming cities draws to a close, celebrate newfound friendships and unforgettable memories over dinner.
Farewell Venice
Say arrivederci to Italy and your fellow travellers as your fascinating holiday comes to an end.
Inclusions
  • 3 Dinner (D)
  • 9 Breakfast (B)
  • 1 Lunch (L)
  • 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
  • Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
  • Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
  • High-speed train from Rome to Florence
  • High-speed train from Florence to Venice
  • 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
13 Apr 2026 22 Apr 2026 Available $6,031
27 Apr 2026 06 May 2026 Available $6,031
04 May 2026 13 May 2026 Available $6,078
11 May 2026 20 May 2026 Available $6,184
18 May 2026 27 May 2026 Available $6,184
25 May 2026 03 Jun 2026 Available $6,184
01 Jun 2026 10 Jun 2026 Available $6,184
08 Jun 2026 17 Jun 2026 Available $6,184
15 Jun 2026 24 Jun 2026 Available $6,184
22 Jun 2026 01 Jul 2026 Available $6,184
29 Jun 2026 08 Jul 2026 Available $6,099
06 Jul 2026 15 Jul 2026 Available $5,929
13 Jul 2026 22 Jul 2026 Available $5,929
20 Jul 2026 29 Jul 2026 Available $5,738
27 Jul 2026 05 Aug 2026 Available $5,606
03 Aug 2026 12 Aug 2026 Available $5,606
10 Aug 2026 19 Aug 2026 Available $5,606
17 Aug 2026 26 Aug 2026 Available $5,606
24 Aug 2026 02 Sep 2026 Available $5,759
31 Aug 2026 09 Sep 2026 Available $5,993
07 Sep 2026 16 Sep 2026 Available $6,673
14 Sep 2026 23 Sep 2026 Available $6,673
21 Sep 2026 30 Sep 2026 Available $6,673
28 Sep 2026 07 Oct 2026 Available $6,566
05 Oct 2026 14 Oct 2026 Available $6,566