Welcome to day 1 of this exciting Italy tour! After arriving at the hotel in Rome, meet up with your tour leader and new travel companions for a quick outline of the activities planned for the tour. Next, embark on a walking tour of the city with an expert guide. Explore some of Rome's top attractions, like the Spanish Steps, the Pantheon and the Roman Forum. Explore some more at leisure and after, join the tour group for an included welcome dinner.

Experiences

• Discover Rome on a walking tour

• Welcome dinner in Rome

Meals Dinner

Today, say goodbye to Rome and continue the journey to Venice! On the way, traverse the Umbria region with its striking mountains, known for incredible local produce and traditional cuisine. Next, visit Orvieto, a small city atop a volcanic rock with some of the most spectacular views! Journey to the city centre at the top and discover the town's main street, Corso Cavour, with some free time. Don't miss out on the impressive 14th-century Orvieto Cathedral and the awe-inspiring Albornoz Fortress. Arrive in Venice, the majestic floating Italian city. This evening, enjoy free time to relax and explore or opt for the Venice by Night optional excursion and join your tour leader for a cruise along the breathtaking Venice canals.

Experiences

• Visit Orvieto, a historic city perched on a rocky cliff

Meals Breakfast,

This morning, join your tour leader for an orientation tour after breakfast. Then, explore at leisure for the rest of the day. Consider enjoying one of Venice's top activities – an iconic gondola ride! To set out on this optional excursion, simply arrange with your tour leader. Another unmissable optional excursion is the trip to the colourful islands of Murano and Burano. Explore the islands respectively known for blowing glass and making lace. Otherwise, enjoy the free day and see more of the top sights in Venice, like the Bridge of Sighs and Doge’s Palace, or simply stroll around and take in the majesty of Italian Christmas decorations.

Experiences

• Experience the magic of Venice

Meals Breakfast,

Say goodbye to Venice today and journey towards the Tuscany region of Italy. En route, enjoy a stop at Sirmione, a resort town on the Lake Garda banks, for some incredible photos! Upon arrival in Florence, set out on a guided tour with an expert local guide. Learn more about the “Jewel of the Renaissance” as Florence is known, thanks to its impressive Renaissance artworks, as well as the ancient Roman ruins. Once the tour concludes, explore at leisure and see more sights such as the Florence Cathedral, Ponte Vecchio, Palazzo Vecchio and the Basilica of Santa Croce. Enjoy an included dinner in Florence before travelling onwards to the Tuscan town of Montecatini for tonight’s accommodation.

Experiences

• Discover Florence on a guided tour

Meals Breakfast, Dinner

Today, journey to one of Italy's most spectacular regions and enjoy an Italian Christmas Eve! Continue to La Spezia this morning, the entryway to Cinque Terre – five scenic coastal villages along the robust Italian Riviera. The towns of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore are lovely to explore by walk or rail since motorcycles and cars are prohibited. Head back to the Tuscan region this afternoon and stop in Pisa on the way. Make the most of the opportunity to take photos with the Leaning Tower of Pisa, an 800-year-old Italian must-see! Choose to spend the evening exploring the town of Montecatini and enjoy a Christmas Eve dinner when you join the optional excursion.

Experiences

• Explore the colourful villages of Cinque Terre

• See the Leaning Tower of Pisa

Meals Breakfast,

Buone Feste!Have a merry Christmas morning travelling through the spectacular sights and captivating countryside of Tuscany! Take in the splendour as Tuscan farms, stunning vineyards and gorgeous olive groves roll past. Next up is the quaint medieval hilltop town of San Gimignano in Tuscany. Marvel at the impressive skyline of preserved medieval towers and explore the Romanesque and Gothic architecture. This afternoon, savour a wine tasting paired with antipasto. Then, continue the Tuscan journey to the city of Siena, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is renowned for its biannual Palio horse race which takes place in the medieval Piazza del Campo. End the day with a group Christmas dinner back in Rome.

Experiences

• Visit San Gimignano, a medieval hilltop town

• Explore the Tuscan city of Siena

• Enjoy a Tuscan wine tasting

Meals Breakfast,

Spend the free day in Rome exploring at leisure! Roam the Italian streets to discover more top sights. From the ruins of ancient Rome and medieval buildings to luxury shops and contemporary restaurants, the options are endless. Join the Colosseum & Roman Forum tour to embark on a guided tour of Rome’s most iconic ancient sites! This excursion is extremely popular and must be booked prior to the start of the tour. Consider exploring Vatican City today, home to the Pope and especially popular over Christmas for its impressive tree and captivating Nativity scene. Otherwise, enjoy some retail therapy to pick up some final souvenirs or wander around and grab a refreshment at a local café.

Experiences
Meals Breakfast,

Today, this 8-day Italy Christmas tour comes to an end after breakfast. Bid your new travel companions“addio”and remember to exchange contact details to keep in touch. Expat Explore hopes you had a memorable Christmas filled with life-enriching experiences!

Experiences
Meals Breakfast,