Taste Of Italy
Taste Of Italy
$1955
Taste Of Italy
7 Days Starting and ending in Hotel in Rome
Visiting: Rome, Italy, Orvieto, Venice, Lake Garda, Florence, Tuscany, Cinque Terre, Pisa, San Gimignano, Siena, Rome
Tour operator:
Tour code:
ITT
Recommended For:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
10 - 51
Age range:
10-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Dreaming of exploring Italy but pressed for time? Embark on this 7-day tour for the ultimate Italian experience! Explore Rome and Florence on foot with local guides, discover Venice's top attractions on a free day, soak up views of Italy's gorgeous hills and countrysides and marvel at the Renaissance architecture in Florence. Visit San Gimignano, Siena and Cinque Terre and tick the top experience off your bucket list, from the Colosseum to the Venetian canals! All the while, savour Italy's top wines, indulge in local cuisine and enjoy the bella Italian life!
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Start Of Tour In Rome
Location: Rome
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to day one in Rome and the start of one of our most beloved Italy tours! Set out to explore the city after meeting up with your tour guide and new travel companions this morning. In this afternoon's free time, explore some of the top attractions, including ancient Roman architecture, medieval buildings, Renaissance artworks and more in the old capital of the Roman Empire. This evening, enjoy an included welcome dinner to get to know your tour leader and tour group.
Enjoy a guided walking tour of Rome
Sit down for a welcome dinner in Rome
Day 2: Rome - Orvieto - Venice
Location: Italy, Rome, Orvieto, Venice
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, depart the capital city and traverse the Umbria region. Discover why it's called the 'fruit bowl of Italy', thanks to its renowned produce, food and picturesque scenery. Get ready for what some consider the most spectacular view in Europe as the tour continues to Orvieto, perched at the pinnacle of an impressive volcanic rock. Explore at leisure after taking the funicular to the top. Witness the stunning views of the Cathedral of Orvieto's facade, marvel at the papal residence and behold the Albornoz fortress. Next, head to Venice. Explore at leisure this evening or opt for the twilight water taxi cruise of the Venetian canals.
Visit Orvieto; a historic city perched on a rocky cliff
Day 3: Venice: Free Day
Location: Venice
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoying a full free day to spend as you wish. Don't miss out on the quintessential Italian experience on the optional gondola ride. Alternatively, choose to visit the colourful islands of Murano and Burano on an optional excursion to the Venice Lagoon (also known as the "Floating City"), and learn all about their iconic glass-blowing and lace-making practices. Choose to enjoy both optional excursions to make the most of today's free day!
Experience the magic of Venice
Day 4: Lake Garda - Florence - Tuscany
Location: Lake Garda, Florence, Tuscany
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today, the journey continues to Florence with a photo stop en route at Lake Garda. Upon arrival in Florence, set out on a guided orientation tour to uncover the city's rich heritage, witness the Renaissance artworks and marvel at the ruins of Rome. See the top sights in Florence, including the Ponte Vecchio, the Basilica of Santa Croce and the replica of Michelangelo’s David at the Piazza della Signoria. Next, enjoy a leather-making presentation at Leonardo Leather before sitting down for an included dinner in Florence this evening. Up next is the ancient spa town of Montecatini Terme for tonight's accommodation.
Enjoy a photo stop at Lake Garda
Explore Florence; the heart of the Italian Renaissance
Learn all about Italian leather-making
Day 5: Cinque Terre - Pisa - Tuscany
Location: Cinque Terre, Pisa, Tuscany
Meals Included: Breakfast
The tour continues towards La Spezia today, the entryway to the Cinque Terre. These "Five Lands" are located on the robust seaside and comprise five scenic coastal towns linked by footpaths: Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. Since cars and motorcycles are prohibited, enjoy the opportunity to explore the area by walking or on a train ride. This afternoon, head back to Tuscany with a stop on the way to marvel at the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa. This must-see Italian attraction is over 800 years old, so be sure to snap a picture with it! This evening, join the optional Tuscan dinner accompanied by stellar views.
Explore Cinque Terre’s picturesque villages
Visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa; one of Italy’s iconic monuments
Day 6: San Gimignano - Siena - Rome
Location: San Gimignano, Siena, Rome
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Traverse one of the world's most scenic landscapes today as the tour continues past Tuscan farms, lavish vineyards and gorgeous olive groves. Today's first stop is the tiny, walled hilltop town of San Gimignano. The 'Town of Fine Towers' is home to stunning Romanesque and Gothic architecture as well as 14 tower houses that are impeccably preserved. Take a short drive to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Siena, where the biannual 'Palio' horse race is held at the main piazza. Savour a wine and antipasti pairing before returning to Rome. Tonight, end the day's adventure with a final group dinner.
Visit San Gimignano; known as the “Town of Fine Towers”
Discover Siena, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Enjoy a farewell dinner in Rome
Day 7: End Of Tour In Rome
Location: Rome
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast today, this exciting Italy tour concludes. With 8 days worth of incredible experiences and travel stories of Italy's delights, it's time to say goodbye tola bella vita! Before heading off, remember to swap contact details so you can stay in touch with your new travel family! Share your incredible memories with us on social media using #ExpatExplore and #TravelMadePossible.Buon viaggio!
Day 8: End Of Tour In Rome
Location: Rome
Meals Included: Breakfast
The tour ends after breakfast this morning. After an amazing 8 days of discovering the delights of Italy, it is time to wrap up this Italian adventure. Swap memories, and exchange contact details with your new-found travel friends. Don’t forget to share your amazing tour memories with us online using the hashtags #ExpatExplore and #TravelMadePossible.Arrivederci, Italia!
What's Included
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Accommodation
6 nights in 2, 3 & 4* hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms
Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room (subject to availability) -
Transport
Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and toilet onboard
Any public transport used as part of the tour (excludes free days) -
Meals
6 Breakfasts, 3 Dinners*Vegetarian options available for all meals on request
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Tour Leader
Fully guided tour with experienced tour leader
Tour leader will accompany group throughout and manage all logistical details
What's Not Included
International flightsTravel to the start point and from the end point is not included. We recommend using Skyscanner to find the best deals on international flights.Travel insuranceFor a relatively small price, travel insurance provides you with peace of mind so that you can enjoy your tour without any worries.
All passengers travelling on an Expat Explore tour are required to have valid travel insurance cover and you are responsible for arranging your own insurance.
Mode of Transport
Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and toilet onboard
Any public transport used as part of the tour (excludes free days)
Accommodation
6 nights in 2, 3 & 4* hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms
Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room (subject to availability)
Traveller Comfort - *COACH* tours
We welcome all travellers on our tours but we would like to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible. In light of this, please ensure that you are happy with the below information and level of fitness required.
Expat Explore tries to be as accommodating as possible, however, our tours are unfortunately not designed for people travelling with wheelchairs or severe mobility issues.
Our tours are fast paced because they are designed for you to see the most a destination has to offer. We also want to ensure that you explore as much as possible, which may require long periods without stops on the coach as we drive to a new destination.
We offer walking tours in most cities (up to 3 hours), and a wheelchair is not always a practical option as there are often cobbled streets and stairs on these tours.
For travellers in wheelchairs, you will only be able to store your wheelchair under the coach with the other luggage. Thus, on the long drives between cities you will not necessarily have access to your wheelchair if we make a quick bathroom stop along the way. Please note that travelling with a wheelchair could prove difficult as our coaches don't have wheelchair lifts, as such you will need to be able to board and alight the coach on your own.
With regards to our accommodation, not all hotels have lifts and this means potentially having to carry bags up and down stairs.
For more information regarding traveller fitness please see our Terms and Conditions.
Health and Fitness
We welcome all travellers on our tours but we would like to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible. In light of this, please ensure that you are happy with the below information and level of fitness required.
Expat Explore tries to be as accommodating as possible, however, our tours are unfortunately not designed for people travelling with wheelchairs or severe mobility issues.
Our tours are fast paced because they are designed for you to see the most a destination has to offer. We also want to ensure that you explore as much as possible, which may require long periods without stops on the coach as we drive to a new destination.
We offer walking tours in most cities (up to 3 hours), and a wheelchair is not always a practical option as there are often cobbled streets and stairs on these tours.
For travellers in wheelchairs, you will only be able to store your wheelchair under the coach with the other luggage. Thus, on the long drives between cities you will not necessarily have access to your wheelchair if we make a quick bathroom stop along the way. Please note that travelling with a wheelchair could prove difficult as our coaches don't have wheelchair lifts, as such you will need to be able to board and alight the coach on your own.
With regards to our accommodation, not all hotels have lifts and this means potentially having to carry bags up and down stairs.
Experiences
Enjoy a guided walking tour of Rome
Sit down for a welcome dinner in Rome
Visit Orvieto; a historic city perched on a rocky cliff
Experience the magic of Venice
Enjoy a photo stop at Lake Garda
Explore Florence; the heart of the Italian Renaissance
Learn all about Italian leather-making
Explore Cinque Terre’s picturesque villages
Visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa; one of Italy’s iconic monuments
Visit San Gimignano; known as the “Town of Fine Towers”
Discover Siena, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Enjoy a farewell dinner in Rome
Check out our Q&As
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
All our tours are conducted in English.
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What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
All travellers are required to carry their own bags, get on and off the coach, and use public transport. Our city walking tours can last up to 3 hours and certain places involve walking up and down lots of steps. We want you to enjoy your tour, so read through the itinerary thoroughly and make your own conclusions as to whether you feel that you are fit and healthy enough.
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Is free Wi-Fi available in the accommodation used?
All of the hotels on this tour offer Wi-Fi, which is available free of charge as part of your Expat Explore tour.
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
Our tour leaders come from all walks of life, with different backgrounds and interests. They are all confident and well-travelled with an in-depth knowledge of the destinations they are working in, and a passion for helping you make the most out of your Expat Explore tour.
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Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
No, visas are each traveler’s personal responsibility, and we recommend that plenty of time is allowed for visas to be applied for. When applying for your visa, please ensure that the proper research is carried out before you apply, and that you deal directly with the embassies or certified agents with regard to acquiring correct and timely information. We cannot take responsibility for customers
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What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?
We have searched and invested in excellent accommodation options, either located in cities or well placed with public transport connections. Clean linen, towels is always included. Toiletries (shampoo, shower gel etc) and hair dryers are not always included, so you may wish to bring these with you. Accommodation is provided in twin share en-suite rooms. We use a mix of mostly 2, 3 & 4-star hotels.
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
Yes, As detailed in the itinerary
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Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour?
Our travelers come from all walks of life, with different backgrounds and interests.
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
No, you will need to make your own arrangements to get to the meeting point for the first day of your tour. Please see the meeting point information for details on how to reach the meeting point.
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
No, entrance fees are not included.
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Do you require a visa for this holiday?
Certain nationalities may require a visa(s) for this tour.
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Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?
Due to weight and space limitations, you are allowed to bring one main piece of luggage weighing no more than 20kg, and one small soft bag for hand luggage weighing a maximum of 7kg. On all tours, you will have to carry your own luggage (e.g. into hotels and up to your room if hotels don’t have elevators). Please bear this in mind when you are deciding what to pack
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What is the maximum group size?
It depends on how many other people book! There could be up to 51 other passengers, so you will have the opportunity to make lots of friends!
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
A full list of confirmed accommodation names and addresses for your particular departure will be emailed to you around 1 week before the tour starts.
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What is the tipping policy?
Whilst we fully understand that some nationalities are not accustomed to tipping, this is a normal part of the culture in many of the countries we visit. Tipping has become an increasingly accepted practice in all areas of the service industry, but particularly in restaurants, bars and taxis worldwide. Expat Explore crew members
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Our tours are not suitable for young children, so we set a minimum age limit of 10 years old.
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Is the tour coach air conditioned?
Yes, Full air-conditioning
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
There is an optional single supplement/private room upgrade available for single travellers who wish to have a private room. This can be added at the time of booking or by contacting our customer services team. Please note that the room provided may be a single room with a single bed.
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Are flights included in this tour?
No, you will need to make your own arrangements to get to the meeting destination for the first day of your tour. Make sure you keep departure times and possible delays in mind when booking flights.
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Are vaccinations required for this tour?
We are committed to curating excellent travel experiences and to do so we need all of our travelers to feel safe.
In order to ensure the peace of mind and safety of our travelers and staff on board the coach, we are still requesting that all travellers, regardless of their vaccination status, produce a negative Covid test. This test can be a PCR test -
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
If you are travelling alone there is no compulsory charge - you will share a twin room with another passenger of the same gender. There is an optional single supplement/private room upgrade available for single travellers who wish to have a private room. This can be added at the time of booking or by contacting our team.
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Children on tour?
Our tours are not suitable for young children which is why we have a minimum age limit of 10 years old. However, at the discretion of Expat Explore we may consider younger children on certain tours if they meet certain criteria and a request is received in writing via email. Minors (between 10 and 18 years of age) must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who accepts full responsibility for them. Unaccompanied minors will not be accepted on tour. Expat Explore reserves the right to decline any booking at our discretion. Any minor (between 10 and 18 years of age) is priced the same as an adult.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
The health and safety of our travellers and employees are our top priority. Which means, when you travel with us, our enhanced hygiene protocols will ensure you do so in a safe and responsible way - ask for details of current policies.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 2005
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
At Expat Explore we value responsible travel and are committed to exploring the world consciously and kindly. We are proud to make responsible travel possible with a number of our sustainable travel practices!
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
Relate is a South African based not-for-profit organisation that Expat Explore supports. The group aims to help those less fortunate create better lives for themselves through a variety of fundraising initiatives. On our South Africa tours, each passenger will receive an Expat Explore branded Relate bracelet. We donate the cost of these bracelets to our chosen Relate charity: the Nelson Mandela Sc
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Free Date Changes
Expat Explore Travel allows you to make 5 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 91 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
Expat Explore Travel requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of expat explore travel charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 20% of booking price.
At 44 days before tour starts: Forfeit 40% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.