Italian Expresso - 5 days

Italian Expresso - 5 days

333 Views
5 Days From

$1235

$741

Italian Expresso - 5 days

5 Days Starting in Rome and ending in Tuscany

Visiting: Rome, Florence, Bologna, Venice, Tuscany

Tour operator:

On The Go Tours

Tour code:

2509/ITEX

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 50

Age range:

No Minimum Age. Children aged 0 - 5  travel free. Children aged 6+ pay adult priceMaximum Age: No maximum age but not suitable for pax with mobility issues

Trip Styles:

Active, Small Group

From: $1235 $741 Operator discount: -$494 -40%

NB: Prices correct on 22-Oct-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

COACH TOUR: Perfect for those short on time, this 5-day express tour takes in all the main highlights of Italy. Starting and ending in Rome, you will visit UNESCO-listed Siena and tour the 'Cradle of the Renaissance' in Florence. Enjoy a wander around Bologna, visit Padua, and take a guided sightseeing tour of Venice. Drive through Tuscany's beautiful wine region, tuck into lunch in medieval Montepulciano, and then return to the Italian capital.

Highlights

  • Siena - Visit this famous UNESCO-listed town, known for its narrow streets and picturesque town square

  • Florence - Explore the home of Michelangelo on a guided tour, taking in the Duomo, Palazzo Vecchio, Basilica of Santa Croce and more

  • Bologna - Take in the highlights of this classical Italian city independently, and find a local restaurant in which to enjoy lunch

  • Padua - See the Basilica of St Anthony, one of the most visited churches by pilgrims in the Christian world

  • Venice - Join a guided tour to highlights including St Mark's Square, sip a glass of prosecco and perhaps take a gondola ride independently

  • Tuscany - Drive through idyllic scenery and tuck into lunch in the medieval Tuscan town of Montepulciano - remember to try the wine!

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Rome

Location: Rome

Meals Included: Dinner

Rome - Assisi - Siena - Florence. Welcome to Italy! It's an early start as we depart Rome at 07:15 and journey to the medieval walled town of Assisi. There's time to visit the picturesque Basilica of St Francis independently if you choose.





Then we continue to Siena, a UNESCO-protected town known for its incredibly narrow streets, medieval brick buildings and fan-shaped main square: Piazza del Campo. After a short visit, we continue to our hotel in Florence, where dinner is included.





Please note: The tour departs at 07:15 on Day 1 from the Hotel St Martin in Rome. Please arrive in Rome the day before your tour to ensure you don't miss the coach.

Day 2: Florence

Location: Florence

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Today we enjoy a half-day sightseeing tour of Florence, 'Cradle of the Renaissance' and home of Michelangelo. Take in the beautiful Duomo, formally known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. Other highlights of the city include the town hall - Palazzo Vecchio and the Basilica of Santa Croce, burial place for illustrious Italians including Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli. We tuck into lunch at a typical Tuscan restaurant in Piazza Santa Croce, and the rest of the day is at leisure.





Spend the afternoon strolling the cobblestone streets of Florence on your own or take a short trip to Pisa (optional), for a tour of the Piazza dei Miracoli with the Duomo, Pisa’s symbol “the Leaning Tower” and the Baptistery.

Day 3: Bologna

Location: Bologna

Meals Included: Breakfast

Florence - Bologna - Padua - Venice. Departing Florence, we drive to beautiful Bologna, capital of the Emilia-Romagna region. Stroll through the elegant city centre to see some of the beautiful porticos and shopping streets. Stroll from Piazza Malpighi to Piazza del Nettuno and Piazza Maggiore in the heart of the city, and see the Basilica of San Petronio. There's free time to find a good restaurant for lunch.





In the afternoon we pay a short visit to Padua, a riverside city west of Venice. We'll see the Basilica of Saint Anthony, which is one of the most visited churches by pilgrims in the Catholic world. Then it's on to Venice, where we check into our hotel for the next two nights.





Please note: For tours departing in April 2025 onwards, there will no longer be a stop in Padua. Instead, more time will be spent exploring Bologna, and you will enjoy an included street food experience with a light lunch.

Day 4: Venice

Location: Venice

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, it's time to explore perhaps Italy's most famous and romantic destination. The floating city is a photographer's dream, and we'll be taking in the main highlights. Our tour begins in Piazza San Marco, in English known as St Mark's Square. It's the focal point of the city, dominated by St Mark's Basilica. We also see the Gothic Doge's Palace and the legendary Bridge of Sighs.





After our tour, we enjoy some cicchetti (Italian tapas) and a glass of prosecco in our beautiful setting and there is free time for you to explore further - we strongly recommend a gondola ride on Venice's famous canals!

Day 5: Tuscany

Location: Tuscany

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Venice - Tuscany wine region - Rome. Leaving Venice, we head into Tuscany, one of Italy's most idyllic regions. A land known for its beautiful scenery, historic castles, and some of Italy's finest wines. We enjoy a stop in the medieval town of Montepulciano for lunch, where you can try a glass or two of the region's vino. Then we have a short amount of free time to explore the town further, before returning to Rome. Our tour arrangements ends when we get back to the city.





Please note: We will not arrive back in Rome until late afternoon or early evening, so please be aware of this when arranging your flights. We would encourage you to stay in Rome for an extra night, and book your onward flight for the day after our tour concludes.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    4-star hotels

  • 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches & 1 dinner

  • 4 nights 4 star hotels

  • Escorted by an English-speaking Italian tour leader with specialist guides for some sightseeing

  • Transportation by deluxe coach with Wi-Fi, audio headsets and onboard toilet

  • Guided sightseeing in Florence and Venice

  • Cicchetti & Prosecco or Spritz experience in Venice

  • Note: Touring is operated in conjunction with other tourist groups, not solely On The Go. You will join travellers who booked through other operators for sightseeing each day, some staying in different hotels, and spend your evenings at leisure. The group

What's Not Included

  • International flights and visas

  • Additional meals and drinks unless specified

  • Airport transfers

  • Entrance fees not mentioned in Inclusions

  • Tipping - an entirely personal gesture

  • City tax of €1 - 6 per person per night (tax varies by city), to be paid directly to the hotel at check-in/out. See Trip Notes for details. Please note we recommend paying your city tax when checking in or in the evening during your stay to save time on c

Age Policy

No minimum age. Children under 6 travel free

Check out our Q&As

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1998

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Deidre Halton  

Italian Expresso - 5 days

21-Jun-2024

Nicole (tour guide) and Frank (bus driver) were both fantastic. Nicole was very informative and knowledgeable; she was always clear on instructions for meeting points etc. and kept the group together. Overall, the tour was just amazing, never having been to Europe previously I had no idea what to expect and was not disappointed by the places we went or the attractions we were taken too. If anything, I feel we may have seen a little too much & at times felt we could do with more time in one place to really 'soak up' the full experience of the place. The bus/ coach was clean, comfortable and the speaker was clear for when Nicole was required to use the microphone. The breakfast was a little disappointing especially in our hotel at Florence and the coffee was truly disgusting. Both accommodations - Nil Hotel & Antony Hotel were clean, comfortable & the locations of both were easy enough to find our own way 'home' although both require better coffee facilities in the room.

Susan Burton  

Italian Expresso - 5 days

27-Jun-2024

I think this is quite good value for money for this tour. Our tour guide, Stefano, arranged optional extra tours (to pay in cash on the day), executed the tour itinerary very well and managed minor issues very professionally. Luigi, our coach driver, was professional and courteous. There was plenty of free time for exploring independently. Stefano gave clear instructions on meeting times and places, and went out of his way to provide maps, local restaurant recommendations, and how to navigate local public transport options (when returning from free time activities, if they weren't included in the tour). The hotels (and hotel breakfasts) were adequate - nothing fantastic, but good enough as a place to sleep. The stops at smaller places on the way (Assisi, Siena, Bologna, Padua) to Florence and Venice were really good - places you may not normally go to. Overall, a delightful Italian experience. Highly recommend.

Dennis Knutson  

Italian Expresso - 5 days

29-Apr-2024

Excellent tour of Italy. So much packed into 5 days but it was exactly what we wanted. The tour guide was knowledgeable, organized, and helpful to everyone.

Amanda Macleod (NZ)  

Italian Expresso - 5 days

27-Sep-2024

Our tour guide and driver were fabulous. The tour info suggested our bus would have toilets, I think this should not be advertised, as we didn't on any of the on the go tours we booked. The food at our first hotel and the hotel weren't that great to be honest. The meat was so tough we couldn't eat it. Our second hotel and food were 10x better.

Carin  

Italian Expresso - 5 days

28-Sep-2024

Carlos was a very informative guide. He spoke good english and had a good sense of humor. He kept us all safe when moving about. For the itinerary it would have been nice to have a bit longer in the tuscan wine country and maybe even out on a vineyard to get a real authentic experience of the wine tasting. Possibly an extra half day. When in Venice the organised boat ride back and pick up was appreciated. The hotels we stayed in were lovely but no tea and coffee making facilities in the rooms.

Helen Holyoake  

Italian Expresso - 5 days

30-Sep-2024

The tour was fast as expected due to it being only 5 days. Hotels were not 4 star as indicated. The first hotel the bathroom wasn't cleaned. No kettles or hot bevareage facilties as indicated on website. The food was DISGUSTING when it was apart of group meals. To be in italy you would expect good food. The only good food we had with the group was the friday lunch in Montepulcino. No indication of how much mobility was needed as some the group couldn't walk far. The stops in towns were great. Tour group size was too big. It should be limited down a bit more. Bus clean.

Italian Expresso - 5 days

17-Sep-2024

Stefano was great. The walking tours with the guides were extremely boring. The hotels we stayed in were definitely not four star hotels so was not very impressed with that. The food included in the tour was terrible.

Read all 7 reviews

1 Select your preferred date

Saturday - Wednesday

Oct 26, 2024 - Oct 30, 2024
$1365 $819

Operator discount: -$546

Monday - Friday

Oct 28, 2024 - Nov 01, 2024
$1365 $819

Operator discount: -$546

Monday - Friday

Nov 11, 2024 - Nov 15, 2024
$1235 $741

Operator discount: -$494

Monday - Friday

Nov 18, 2024 - Nov 22, 2024
$1235 $741

Operator discount: -$494

Monday - Friday

Nov 25, 2024 - Nov 29, 2024
$1235 $741

Operator discount: -$494

Monday - Friday

Dec 02, 2024 - Dec 06, 2024
$1235 $741

Operator discount: -$494

Monday - Friday

Dec 16, 2024 - Dec 20, 2024
$1235 $741

Operator discount: -$494

Monday - Friday

Dec 30, 2024 - Jan 03, 2025
$1765 $1059

Operator discount: -$706

Monday - Friday

Jan 13, 2025 - Jan 17, 2025
$1235 $741

Operator discount: -$494

Monday - Friday

Jan 27, 2025 - Jan 31, 2025
$1235 $741

Operator discount: -$494

Monday - Friday

Feb 10, 2025 - Feb 14, 2025
$1235 $741

Operator discount: -$494

Monday - Friday

Feb 24, 2025 - Feb 28, 2025
$1235 $741

Operator discount: -$494

Monday - Friday

Mar 10, 2025 - Mar 14, 2025
$1235 $926

Operator discount: -$309

Monday - Friday

Mar 24, 2025 - Mar 28, 2025
$1515 $1136

Operator discount: -$379

Monday - Friday

Mar 31, 2025 - Apr 04, 2025
$1515 $1136

Operator discount: -$379

Monday - Friday

Apr 07, 2025 - Apr 11, 2025
$1515 $1136

Operator discount: -$379

Monday - Friday

Apr 14, 2025 - Apr 18, 2025
$1515 $1136

Operator discount: -$379

Saturday - Wednesday

Apr 19, 2025 - Apr 23, 2025
$1515 $1136

Operator discount: -$379

Monday - Friday

Apr 21, 2025 - Apr 25, 2025
$1515 $1136

Operator discount: -$379

Saturday - Wednesday

Apr 26, 2025 - Apr 30, 2025
$1515 $1136

Operator discount: -$379

Monday - Friday

Apr 28, 2025 - May 02, 2025
$1515 $1136

Operator discount: -$379

Saturday - Wednesday

May 03, 2025 - May 07, 2025
$1515 $1136

Operator discount: -$379

Monday - Friday

May 05, 2025 - May 09, 2025
$1515 $1136

Operator discount: -$379

Saturday - Wednesday

May 10, 2025 - May 14, 2025
$1515 $1136

Operator discount: -$379

Monday - Friday

May 12, 2025 - May 16, 2025
$1515 $1136

Operator discount: -$379

Saturday - Wednesday

May 17, 2025 - May 21, 2025
$1515 $1136

Operator discount: -$379

Monday - Friday

May 19, 2025 - May 23, 2025
$1515 $1136

Operator discount: -$379

Saturday - Wednesday

May 24, 2025 - May 28, 2025
$1515 $1136

Operator discount: -$379

Monday - Friday

May 26, 2025 - May 30, 2025
$1515 $1136

Operator discount: -$379

Saturday - Wednesday

May 31, 2025 - Jun 04, 2025
$1515 $1136

Operator discount: -$379

Monday - Friday

Jun 02, 2025 - Jun 06, 2025
$1515 $1136

Operator discount: -$379

Saturday - Wednesday

Jun 07, 2025 - Jun 11, 2025
$1515 $1136

Operator discount: -$379

Monday - Friday

Jun 09, 2025 - Jun 13, 2025
$1515 $1136

Operator discount: -$379

Saturday - Wednesday

Jun 14, 2025 - Jun 18, 2025
$1515 $1136

Operator discount: -$379

Monday - Friday

Jun 16, 2025 - Jun 20, 2025
$1515 $1136

Operator discount: -$379

Saturday - Wednesday

Jun 21, 2025 - Jun 25, 2025
$1515 $1136

Operator discount: -$379

Monday - Friday

Jun 23, 2025 - Jun 27, 2025
$1515 $1136

Operator discount: -$379

Saturday - Wednesday

Jun 28, 2025 - Jul 02, 2025
$1515 $1136

Operator discount: -$379

Monday - Friday

Jun 30, 2025 - Jul 04, 2025
$1515 $1136

Operator discount: -$379

Saturday - Wednesday

Jul 05, 2025 - Jul 09, 2025
$1515 $1136

Operator discount: -$379

Monday - Friday

Jul 07, 2025 - Jul 11, 2025
$1515 $1136

Operator discount: -$379

Saturday - Wednesday

Jul 12, 2025 - Jul 16, 2025
$1515 $1136

Operator discount: -$379

Monday - Friday

Jul 14, 2025 - Jul 18, 2025
$1515 $1136

Operator discount: -$379

Saturday - Wednesday

Jul 19, 2025 - Jul 23, 2025
$1515 $1136

Operator discount: -$379

Monday - Friday

Jul 21, 2025 - Jul 25, 2025
$1515 $1136

Operator discount: -$379

Saturday - Wednesday

Jul 26, 2025 - Jul 30, 2025
$1515 $1136

Operator discount: -$379

Monday - Friday

Jul 28, 2025 - Aug 01, 2025
$1515 $1136

Operator discount: -$379

Saturday - Wednesday

Aug 02, 2025 - Aug 06, 2025
$1515 $1136

Operator discount: -$379

Monday - Friday

Aug 04, 2025 - Aug 08, 2025
$1515 $1136

Operator discount: -$379

Saturday - Wednesday

Aug 09, 2025 - Aug 13, 2025
$1515 $1136

Operator discount: -$379

Monday - Friday

Aug 11, 2025 - Aug 15, 2025
$1515 $1136

Operator discount: -$379

Saturday - Wednesday

Aug 16, 2025 - Aug 20, 2025
$1515 $1136

Operator discount: -$379

Monday - Friday

Aug 18, 2025 - Aug 22, 2025
$1515 $1136

Operator discount: -$379

Saturday - Wednesday

Aug 23, 2025 - Aug 27, 2025
$1515 $1136

Operator discount: -$379

Monday - Friday

Aug 25, 2025 - Aug 29, 2025
$1515 $1136

Operator discount: -$379

Saturday - Wednesday

Aug 30, 2025 - Sep 03, 2025
$1515 $1136

Operator discount: -$379

Monday - Friday

Sep 01, 2025 - Sep 05, 2025
$1515 $1136

Operator discount: -$379

Saturday - Wednesday

Sep 06, 2025 - Sep 10, 2025
$1515 $1136

Operator discount: -$379

Monday - Friday

Sep 08, 2025 - Sep 12, 2025
$1515 $1136

Operator discount: -$379

Saturday - Wednesday

Sep 13, 2025 - Sep 17, 2025
$1515 $1136

Operator discount: -$379

Monday - Friday

Sep 15, 2025 - Sep 19, 2025
$1515 $1136

Operator discount: -$379

Saturday - Wednesday

Sep 20, 2025 - Sep 24, 2025
$1515 $1136

Operator discount: -$379

Monday - Friday

Sep 22, 2025 - Sep 26, 2025
$1515 $1136

Operator discount: -$379

Saturday - Wednesday

Sep 27, 2025 - Oct 01, 2025
$1515 $1136

Operator discount: -$379

Monday - Friday

Sep 29, 2025 - Oct 03, 2025
$1515 $1136

Operator discount: -$379

Saturday - Wednesday

Oct 04, 2025 - Oct 08, 2025
$1515 $1136

Operator discount: -$379

Monday - Friday

Oct 06, 2025 - Oct 10, 2025
$1515 $1136

Operator discount: -$379

Saturday - Wednesday

Oct 11, 2025 - Oct 15, 2025
$1515 $1136

Operator discount: -$379

Monday - Friday

Oct 13, 2025 - Oct 17, 2025
$1515 $1136

Operator discount: -$379

Saturday - Wednesday

Oct 18, 2025 - Oct 22, 2025
$1515 $1136

Operator discount: -$379

Monday - Friday

Oct 20, 2025 - Oct 24, 2025
$1515 $1136

Operator discount: -$379

Saturday - Wednesday

Oct 25, 2025 - Oct 29, 2025
$1515 $1136

Operator discount: -$379

Monday - Friday

Oct 27, 2025 - Oct 31, 2025
$1515 $1136

Operator discount: -$379

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

Similar Tours