Contrasts of Italy

  • Overview
  • Itinerary
  • What's Included
  • FAQ
  • Dates

Embark on the "Contrasts of Italy" tour, a captivating journey through Italy's most iconic cities. Begin in Rome, where you'll explore ancient wonders like the Colosseum and Vatican City. Travel by high-speed train to Florence, the heart of the Renaissance, and admire masterpieces such as Michelangelo's David. Experience the charm of Pisa with its famous Leaning Tower, and enjoy a delightful "Be My Guest" lunch in the Tuscan hills. Continue to Venice, where you'll cruise the canals, witness the art of glassblowing, and explore the vibrant Rialto Food Market. Throughout the tour, enjoy the comfort of cherry-picked hotels and luxury transportation, with expert guidance from a Travel Director. This cultural adventure offers a perfect blend of sightseeing, local experiences, and free time to immerse yourself in the beauty and history of Italy.

Highlights
  • content:<h3>Must-see Highlights</h3><ul class='icon-list'><li><i class='fa-regular fa-circle-check'></i>Explore Rome, Florence, Pisa and Venice</li><li><i class='fa-regular fa-circle-check'></i>Visit The Colosseum in Rome, the Academy of Fine Arts in Florence and a glassblowing factory in Venice</li><li><i class='fa-regular fa-circle-check'></i>View the ancient sites in Rome, the Santa Croce Basilica and the Duomo in Florence, the Leaning Tower of Pisa and St. Mark's Basilica in Venice</li><li><i class='fa-regular fa-circle-check'></i>Scenic Cruise by private launch to St. Mark's Square in Venice</li></ul>
  • content:<h3>Make Travel Matter®</h3><p><b>Venice</b>: Meet Davide and the passionate team from Venice Lagoon Plastic Free for an eye-opening session on protecting Venice’s iconic lagoon. You’ll discover the dramatic impact of plastic pollution on wildlife and local life, learn practical ways to make a difference, and take home your very own tools for sustainable travel – including a reusable glass bottle. Together, you’ll help reduce plastic waste and become a part of the global movement for responsible tourism. Your visit directly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water.</p>
  • content:<h3>Be My Guest</h3><p><b>Florence</b>: Meet Sandra and Antonella on their historic family farm for an exclusive Be My Guest lunch at the Agriturismo Borgo Vigna Vecchia in the Tuscan hills.</p>
Dining Summary
  • 3 Dinner (D)
  • 9 Breakfast (B)
  • 1 Lunch (L)
Dive Into Culture
  • Venice: Savor the vibrant atmosphere of Venice during a walk through its calli to a traditional food market in the shadow of the famous Rialto Bridge.
Airfare
International airfare to/from the start/end of your trip is not included in the tour price.
Visas
Visas and other travel documentation are not included and may be necessary depending on your nationality.
Dive into Culture
  • Venice: Savor the vibrant atmosphere of Venice during a walk through its calli to a traditional food market in the shadow of the famous Rialto Bridge.
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-colored 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: During an orientation, your Travel Director will show you 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.
Destinations
  • Europe
  • Italy
Tour Types
  • Sightseeing
  • Rail Tours
  • Foodie and Wine Tours
  • Gardens & Nature Tours
  • Luxury
  • Cultural

Location: Rome

2025 marks a Jubilee Year, a momentous Roman Catholic event celebrated every 25 years, turning Rome into a center of celebration. As festivities unfold, itineraries may be adjusted to ensure you make the most of your time as you visit the Eternal City.Benvenuti a Roma. Your Italian journey begins in the 'Eternal City'. Settle in after your travels or head out for a walk along ancient streets filled with lively cafes and centuries of history. In the evening, join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for dinner and your first taste of Italy.

Accommodation: Grand Palatino

Accommodation Name: Grand Palatino

Meals: Dinner

Location: Rome

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 flavors take center stage as you dine on local specialties.

Accommodation: Grand Palatino

Accommodation Name: Grand Palatino

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Location: Rome

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 marvelous 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.

Accommodation: Grand Palatino

Accommodation Name: Grand Palatino

Meals: Breakfast

Location: 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.<br/>

Accommodation: Ambasciatori

Accommodation Name: Ambasciatori

Meals: Breakfast

Location: Pisa

Cross the Arno River and see 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, the Cathedral, Baptistery and Camposanto, built on soil brought back from the Holy Land during the Crusades. Over lunch, at the Agriturismo Borgo Vigna Vecchia where you’ll enjoy 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, see the beautifully lit Duomo or visit a cozy enoteca for some wine tasting.<br/>

Accommodation: Ambasciatori

Accommodation Name: Ambasciatori

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Location: 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.<br/>

Accommodation: Ambasciatori

Accommodation Name: Ambasciatori

Meals: Breakfast

Location: 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 cozy bacaro, people-watch in St. Mark's Square, the gateway to Venice, or take an unforgettable gondola ride along the city's enchanting canals.<br/>

Accommodation: Principe

Accommodation Name: Amadeus, Principe

Meals: Breakfast

Location: 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 sidewalk café or take a cruise to colorful Burano for a delicious meal.

Accommodation: Principe

Accommodation Name: Amadeus, Principe

Meals: Breakfast

Location: Venice

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.

Accommodation: Principe

Accommodation Name: Amadeus, Principe

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Location: Venice

Say arrivederci to Italy and your fellow travelers as your fascinating holiday comes to an end.<br/>

Meals: Breakfast

Included
  • 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 utilized

Not Included
  • Airfare
    -International airfare to/from the start/end of your trip is not included in the tour price.
  • Visas
    -Visas and other travel documentation are not included and may be necessary depending on your nationality.
Yes, there are optional experiences available, such as visiting the Villa d'Este in Tivoli, exploring the hilltop town of San Gimignano, and enjoying a Tuscan dinner in the Chianti region.
The tour includes high-speed train journeys from Rome to Florence and from Florence to Venice. Additionally, a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi is used for other parts of the journey.
Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
The glassblowing experience in Venice is part of the MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® initiative, which supports the preservation of traditional crafts and aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
The tour offers cherry-picked hotels that are tried and trusted. Specific accommodations include the Grand Hotel Palatino in Rome, Ambasciatori Hotel in Florence, and Hotel Principe in Venice.
The tour includes breakfast daily, up to half of your evening meals, and one exclusive 'Be My Guest' lunch.
Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.
The tour includes a 'Be My Guest' lunch experience at the Agriturismo Borgo Vigna Vecchia in the Tuscan hills, where you will meet Sandra and Antonella on their historic family farm. Additionally, there is a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience in Venice, where you will witness the centuries-old craft of glassblowing.
The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.

You will have the option to book your own flights independently with the operator.

Dates Price Availability
09-Jun-2025
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Single £3666.25
09-Jun-2025
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Triple £2698.75
09-Jun-2025
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30-Jun-2025
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30-Jun-2025
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30-Jun-2025
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01-Sep-2025
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Single £4015.00
01-Sep-2025
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01-Sep-2025
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08-Sep-2025
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08-Sep-2025
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Triple £3125.00
08-Sep-2025
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15-Sep-2025
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Single £4265.00
15-Sep-2025
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15-Sep-2025
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22-Sep-2025
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22-Sep-2025
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22-Sep-2025
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29-Sep-2025
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29-Sep-2025
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29-Sep-2025
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06-Oct-2025
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06-Oct-2025
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06-Oct-2025
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13-Apr-2026
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13-Apr-2026
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13-Apr-2026
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20-Apr-2026
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20-Apr-2026
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20-Apr-2026
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27-Apr-2026
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04-May-2026
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11-May-2026
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18-May-2026
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25-May-2026
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08-Jun-2026
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15-Jun-2026
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22-Jun-2026
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29-Jun-2026
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06-Jul-2026
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20-Jul-2026
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27-Jul-2026
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03-Aug-2026
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03-Aug-2026
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10-Aug-2026
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10-Aug-2026
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10-Aug-2026
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17-Aug-2026
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17-Aug-2026
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24-Aug-2026
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24-Aug-2026
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31-Aug-2026
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31-Aug-2026
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07-Sep-2026
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14-Sep-2026
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21-Sep-2026
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21-Sep-2026
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28-Sep-2026
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05-Oct-2026
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05-Oct-2026
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05-Oct-2026
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This tour is operated by Trafalgar

10 days from £2550 pp exc.flights; Enquire
Start:Rome, Italy
Finish:Venice, Italy
Group size:25 - 52
Suitable for: 5-99
Physical rating:Low
Tour operated in: English
Tour Reference: ITGVZN20
Contact us
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Thank you for your enquiry, one of our specialists will be in touch shortly.
2 Call directly 0203 7939446