Compare Ultimate Italy by G Adventures vs Italian Vista by Globus
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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Duration | 14 days | 8 days |
Price From | $ 2,974 | $ 2,459 |
Price Per Day | $ 212 | $ 307 |
Highlights |
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Trip Style | Small group tour | Small group tour |
Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
Physical Level |
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Travel Themes |
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Countries Visited | ||
Cities and Attractions |
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Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | No |
Activities |
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Meals Included | 13 breakfasts | N/A |
Description |
From the villages of the Cinque Terre to Tuscany's medieval splendour, this is an adventure for those looking to indulge in all of Italy’s delights. Walk through grand piazzas and winding lanes, stroll the canals of Venice, and float past villas on Lake Como. Marvel at the ancient grandeur of Rome and the Renaissance masterpieces of Florence. Your expert local CEO (Chief Experience Officer) will take care of the details so you can travel at a leisurely pace and appreciate the scenery, whether it’s sipping vino in Tuscany or sampling local delicacies within the walls of charming Montepulciano. Experience the best of Italy in this all-encompassing tour. |
Explore hidden cobblestone streets, watch the world go by from a sidewalk cafe, sail across beautiful blue waters and delight at the local specialties on this incomparable Italian vacation. If you’ve envisioned it, you’ll see it, hear it, experience it, and taste it on this scenic and scintillating tour of Italy—from the historic Colosseum of Rome to the song-filled canals of Venice, the quiet back alleys of Assisi to the bold storefronts of Milan, and the sweet views of Lake Como to the bittersweet Aperol liqueur of Padua. Warm locals welcome you in each ancient city, medieval village, and indulgent resort, sharing with youth stories behind the architecture, the tales behind the sculptures, the meaning behind the brushstrokes, and if you’re lucky, the secret ingredients on your plate! |
Day 1 Rome
Arrive at any time.
There are no planned activities until tonight's welcome meeting.
We recommend booking pre-tour accommodation to fully explore this magnificent city. Please speak to a G Adventures representative about booking accommodations in Rome before Day 1 of this itinerary. Please note that if Vatican City is on your must-see list, we highly recommend purchasing your tickets online several weeks prior to your trip. Advance tickets can be reserved online at https://tickets.museivaticani.va/home. Same-day entrance to St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums (including the Sistine Chapel) cannot be guaranteed without advance tickets. We also recommend pre-booking your ticket to the Colosseum to guarantee entrance and avoid long queues: https://ticketing.colosseo.it/en
Day 2 Rome
Enjoy a G Adventures supported migrant led walk of Rome before enjoying a free day to explore a myriad of options. Opt to tour Vatican City, cross the river to charming Trastevere, eat some gelato in Piazza Navona, or swing by the Colosseum and Forum.
While you're here, why not opt to rent a Vespa for the day? Live "la dolce vita" and opt to pre-book the Rome Vintage Vespa Tour on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this optional on your tour.
Day 3 Rome/Montepulciano
Travel to Montepulciano in the heart of the Tuscan countryside. Explore the medieval and renaissance hill town with an orientation walk.
Montepulciano is famous for producing delectable local pork, cheese, "Pici" pasta, and honey. It is also major wine producing area. Take in the stunning vistas, wander cobbled lanes, or opt to sample the local delicacies in small, family-run establishments.
Day 4 Montepulciano
Spend the day in the Italian countryside. The famous wine-producing region is the perfect place for an optional vineyard tour and wine tasting, or a bike ride in the rolling hills.
Opt to travel further afield to the thermal springs of Bagni San Filippo.
Day 5 Montepulciano/Florence
Continue on to Florence. Enjoy an evening walk to Piazzale Michelangelo for a fantastic panoramic view of the city.
Continue to the inimitable Firenze. Walk through the city catching a glimpse of the Duomo, Piazza Indipendenza, Piazza della Signoria, and the Ponte Vecchio. Continue to Piazzale Michelangelo for the most famous and photographed vista of the city. Opt to visit the local leather markets and souvenir stalls set up all over the city.
Day 6 Florence
With a free day, the choices are endless. Opt to visit the Duomo, David at the Galleria dell’Accademia, Uffizi Gallery, medieval Ponte Vecchio, or the Medici Chapels, just to name a handful.
The day is yours to explore. Check out the Mercato Centrale or any number of cafés and trattorias. If you came to shop, start at one end of the city and just keep going. There's beautiful architecture, famous museums, Renaissance art pieces, and charming cobblestone streets everywhere. If you wish to go further afield, take a wine tasting bike tour up to Fiesole and the vineyards of Chianti. For a truly local experience, indulge your inner gastronome on a culinary tour of the city. Opt to pre-book the "Florence Food Tour" on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this optional on your tour.
If you wish to visit popular museums like the Uffizi and Accademia Galleries, we strongly advise reserving tickets in advance to avoid waiting in line for a long time (especially during the high season from May-September, where this can take several hours). Advance tickets can be reserved online at https://www.uffizi.it/en/tickets and https://www.galleriaaccademiafirenze.it/tickets/
Day 7 Florence
Enjoy a day trip to vibrant Siena. After an orientation walk around this medieval city, opt to visit Torre del Mangia, Battistero, il Campo, or the Duomo or to take a "passeggiata" and meet the Sienese locals. Return to Florence at the end of the day.
Day 8 Florence/Cinque Terre
Visit Pisa en route to the coast. Settle into the colourful, charming town in the Cinque Terre.
Head by train to Pisa and stop for a visit at the Field of Miracles to see the famous leaning tower (entrance fee not included). Later, head on to the coastal paradise of Cinque Terre.
Day 9 Cinque Terre
Walk the coastal path between Riomaggiore and Monterosso or opt to take the train. Visit charming, colourful towns along the way.
The national park pass and daily unlimited train ticket is included. Opt to follow your CEO along centuries-old footpaths and mule tracks leading through olive groves, vineyards, and orchards on a full day hike, or hop on and off the train, experiencing each town on your own. Choose to rest in each of the 5 villages, sampling delicacies in each place, such as local pesto, espresso, or delicious gelato.
Please note that some popular hiking paths along the Cinque Terre have been temporarily closed due to water erosion and damage caused by landslides in 2016. Your CEO will guide you on the best, most accessible path for today's hike.
Day 10 Cinque Terre/Lake Como
Travel to Lake Como, a perfectly picturesque region laden with villas and lush gardens. Arrive in the late afternoon and start exploring the town.
Set out from Cinque Terre on a train journey with a few changes en route, passing through Milan and on to elegant Como Town, located on the shores of Lake Como. On the border with Switzerland, enjoy the spectacular backdrop of the snowy-peaked Alps.
Day 11 Lake Como
Spend the day on Lake Como with a day pass for the Lake Como boat. Visit multiple towns along the shores. Opt to take the funicular to Brunate for a fantastic view over the area.
Set out by boat to explore the lake and its many elegant villas and towns, such as Bellagio with its shops, restaurants, and fine residences. In the afternoon, there is plenty of free time for soaking up the elegant atmosphere in one of the lakeside cafés or restaurants. Take some time for shopping — some of the finest Italian designers are to be found in Como's chic boutiques.
Day 12 Lake Como/Venice
Travel to Venice, the "city of canals," and enjoy an orientation walk over bridges and canals and view Piazza San Marco.
Travel east to captivating Venice, the unique "city of canals," full of magnificent monuments. There will be plenty of time to wander the narrow cobblestone streets and wide piazzas, crossing hundreds of tiny bridges and, of course, getting lost in Venice's labyrinth.
Day 13 Venice
Spend the day getting lost in Venice. Opt for a vaporetto (water taxi) ride to the islands of Murano and Burano, take a gondola under the Ponte Rialto (Bridge of Lovers), explore the Doge's Palace and Bridge of Sighs, or get lost in the twisting maze of the city.
Day 14 Venice
Depart at any time.
We recommend staying an extra day or two to fully experience all this beautiful city has to offer.
Day 1: ARRIVE IN ROME, ITALY
Welcome to Rome! At 5 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (Dinner)
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Day 2: ROME
When in Rome ROME Guided Sightseeing includes the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with Michelangelo’s ceiling paintings and The Last Judgment. Visit St. Peter’s Square and Basilica to see Michelangelo’s Pietà and visit the Colosseum. Free time this late afternoon and evening. * (Breakfast)
* For operational reasons, schedule changes for the Rome program cannot be excluded.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTLEGENDARY LIVES Stand in awe and wonder amid one of mankind’s greatest artistic achievements in the Sistine Chapel. Hear how in 1508, a young Michelangelo was commissioned by Pope Julius II to decorate the chapel’s ceiling – a request not welcomed by the 33-year-old sculptor. Michelangelo’s 4-year project was indeed one of physical pain and psychological distress, while painting from scaffolds high above the sanctuary floor. Nevertheless, he created what is considered the most famous ceiling in the world, depicting the Creation of Adam in striking fresco style.
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Day 3: ROME–ORVIETO–ASSISI
Historic Halls ORVIETO Spend free time in Piazza del Duomo.ASSISI Visit the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi. Free time this afternoon and evening. (Breakfast) 137 mi / 220 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHTICONIC FOOTSTEPS Walk in the footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi with a visit to the Basilica named after the deacon, friar, and mystic, who became one of the most venerated religious figures in Christianity. Revered for his love of the Eucharist and the Earth, Francis found communion with God through nature here in this Italian village where he lived and died. Marvel at the magnificent frescoes by Italian master Giotto that adorn the Basilica where the Saint is buried.
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Day 4: ASSISI–FLORENCE–PADUA
Legendary Landmarks FLORENCE Guided walking tour includes sights of the cathedral, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the massive bronze doors of the Baptistry’s “Gates of Paradise,” and the sculptures of Signoria Square.PADUA Take an orientation drive, followed by an [LF] Italian aperitivo (pre-dinner cocktail) at Café Pedrocchi. (Breakfast) 249 mi / 400 km
LOCAL FAVORITE LOCAL TASTES They say aperitivo is life. Indulge in the Italian specialties served at Café Pedrocchi with a traditional cocktail before dinner. From the Latin word for ‘open,’ aperitivi cocktails or wine are served between 6 and 9pm as an opener to the evening meal. Alla salute!
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Day 5: PADUA. EXCURSION TO VENICE
Benvenuti a Venezia VENICE A private boat ride and guided walking tour, to see St. Mark’s Square and Basilica, Doges’ Palace, the Bridge of Sighs, and a glassblower demonstration. (Breakfast) 50 mi / 80 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHTHISTORIC SPOT Locals simply call Piazza San Marco “la piazza.” As paired with the smaller Piazzetta, it forms the social, religious, and political hub of Venice, which Napoleon called “the drawing room of Europe.” St. Mark’s Basilica dominates the square, offering visitors a spectacular view of the great arches, marble embellishments, and the Romanesque carvings of its façade. Also gracing the square is Doge’s Palace – a masterpiece of Venetian Gothic architecture. The enclosed Bridge of Sighs, connecting the palace with the prison, is named for the prisoners breathing in their last view of the Rio di Palazzo on their walk to the prison’s interrogation rooms.
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Day 6: PADUA–VERONA–MILAN
Ladies & Gentlemen of Verona VERONA Walk to Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza Bra to admire the Arena.MILAN Orientation walk includes stops at La Scala Opera House, the Galleria, and the Duomo. Free time for dinner. (Breakfast) 174 mi / 280 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHTCULTURE & TRADITION Stroll through the grand piazzas of Verona, where the tradition of La Passeggiata (leisurely stroll) is alive and well near the site of the ancient forum. Where fruits, vegetables, and spices once filled the market squares, now eateries and shops share the space with the ancient arts of sumptuous fountains, monuments, architecture, and people-watching.
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Day 7: MILAN. EXCURSION TO LAKE COMO
Life on the Lake LAKE COMO Take a [LF] private boat ride to Bellagio.MILAN Enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (Breakfast,Dinner) 106 mi /170 km
LOCAL FAVORITE EPIC RIDE Glide on the gorgeous waters of lago di Como on your private cruise to beautiful Bellagio - Lake Como’s most loved village with narrow streets and stunning views. A magical experience to take in Italy’s most famous lake.
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Day 8: MILAN
Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)
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