You'll get all this!
$400 price reduction (was $2,995) for all 2012 departures! In nine dazzling days, you'll experience the very heart of Italy. Beginning with the amazing art of Renaissance Florence, you'll journey to the cliff-hugging villages of the Cinque Terre, the pedestrian-friendly streets of Lucca, and the Tuscan hill town ambiance of Volterra, ending in the Eternal City of Rome. Along the way, you'll enjoy Italy's most distinctive art, wine and cuisine.
- A small, friendly group of 24-28 people — half the size of most tour groups
- Full-time services of a professional Rick Steves guide and local experts who will make the fascinating history, art and culture of Italy come alive for you
- All tours and admissions — at no extra cost — covering at least 18 group sightseeing events • Florence's Accademia (Michelangelo's David) • Renaissance Florence walking tour • Uffizi Gallery tour • Orientation for "vacation" day on Italian Riviera • Lucca walking tour • Pesto demonstration • Volterra walking tour • Guarnacci Etruscan Museum tour • Alabaster workshop visit • Wine tasting • Ancient Rome walking tour • Colosseum tour • Roman Forum tour • Pantheon • Evening walk through Rome's piazzas including Trevi Fountain • St. Peter's Basilica • Vatican Museum tour • Sistine Chapel...and more
- All group transportation by bus and train from Florence to Rome
- 8 nights accommodations in memorable, centrally-located hotels
- All breakfasts and half your dinners
- All tips for guides and driver
- Free stuff including Rick Steves' Italy guidebook, Italy Sightseeing Supplement, Italian phrase book, day pack, moneybelt and earplugs
- Guaranteed tour price, locked in the moment you make your deposit
- Optional single supplements — this tour has a limited number of private rooms for solo travelers for an additional fee
- Tour alum discount of $50 for each tour you've taken prior to 2012
- 50% discount on a consulting appointment with our in-house experts to assist with your pre- or post-tour travel plans
- Flexibility should you need to transfer, or cancel/interrupt your tour
- Fine print: You are responsible for the cost of your drinks and free-time sightseeing. See our Tour Conditions Agreement for important details regarding everything listed above
Daily itinerary
Walking Key
- Light = 2-4 miles of mostly level walking throughout the day.
- Moderate = 2-6 miles walking throughout the day with some hills and stairs.
- Strenuous = 2-8 miles walking throughout the day with lots of hills, stairs and uneven terrain.
Day 1: Welcome to Italy
We'll have a get-acquainted meeting at 3 p.m. at our hotel in Florence. Then we'll begin our tour with a Renaissance walking tour of the city's historic center. We'll see and learn about Brunelleschi's magnificent cathedral dome, Ghiberti's Baptistery doors, and other creations that helped define this world-changing era before enjoying our first Italian dinner together at a favorite restaurant. Sleep in Florence (2 nights). No bus. Walking: moderate.
Day 2: Florence and the Uffizi Gallery
This morning we'll devote our time to the breathtaking Renaissance art of the Uffizi — home to the finest collection of Italian paintings anywhere — including masterpieces by Leonardo, Botticelli, Michelangelo and more. The afternoon is yours to visit more of the city's art-filled churches and museums, or browse the colorful markets. Later we'll regroup at the Accademia Gallery to marvel at works of sculptural genius: Michelangelo's rough-hewn Prisoners and his greatest masterpiece, David. Then you'll be free to find a special trattoria for dinner on your own. No bus. Walking: strenuous.
Day 3: To the Italian Riviera
Today we'll head west to the land of pesto and seafood. Once we've settled into our hotel, your guide will introduce you to the Cinque Terre, the legendary string of cliff-hugging, path-connected villages teetering at the edge of the Mediterranean. You'll have plenty of free time to explore and find dinner (fresh seafood anyone?) on your own. Sleep on the Italian Riviera (2 nights, may be split between 2 hotels). Train: ¼ hr. Bus: 4 hrs. Walking: moderate.
Day 4: Exploring the Cinque Terre
You'll take a "vacation from your vacation" today in our Mediterranean getaway. You may choose to hike the famous cliff side paths, taking in lots of fresh air and panoramic views between Cinque Terre villages. Or pick a village where you can spend your day exploring the stairways and alleyways, sunning yourself on the rocks, or sipping cappuccino or vino, and catching up on your journal at an outdoor café. We'll gather this evening for a pesto-making demonstration and dinner at a local family restaurant. No bus. Walking: light to strenuous (your choice).
Day 5: The Heart of Tuscany
We'll leave the coast today and drive to Tuscany, stopping in the charming and prosperous town of Lucca, home town of Puccini. We'll take a walking tour of Lucca's elegant pedestrian streets and Roman reminders, with free time to explore its impressive outer walls on foot or by bike. We'll end our day in the hill town of Volterra, enjoying a Tuscan feast together at a favorite enoteca. Sleep in Volterra (2 nights). Train: ¼ hr. Bus: 3 hrs. Walking: moderate.
Day 6: All Day in the Hill Town of Volterra
This morning we'll take a walking tour with a local expert who will make Volterra's traditions and history come alive. We'll also visit an alabaster workshop and tour the Guarnacci Etruscan Museum, one of Italy's best places to learn about this mysterious pre-Roman civilization. Then you'll have time to poke around the ancient lanes on your own. We'll regroup later this afternoon to learn about and taste some of the region's famous wines, followed by dinner on your own. No bus. Walking: moderate.
Day 7: Vatican Rome
Today we'll drive straight to the Eternal City of Rome. We'll get oriented to the city's transportation system, then spend our afternoon at the sprawling Vatican Museum, where we'll tour the seemingly endless collection of treasures as we make our way to the single work of art that dwarfs them all: Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel. We'll then have an orientation to the awe-inspiring St. Peter's Basilica, home to Michelangelo's moving Pietá. You'll have free time to wander through this immense church and climb the dome if you're feeling energetic. Tonight we'll take a fountain-splashing, la dolce vita stroll through the heart of Rome, soaking up the city's evening ambiance at the classy Piazza Navona and the magical Trevi Fountain. Sleep in Rome (2 nights). Bus: 3 hrs. Walking: strenuous.
Day 8: Ancient Rome
We'll devote today to Ancient Rome. A local guide will take us on a walking tour through the ancient heart of Rome, telling us vivid tales of the larger-than-life Colosseum, the awe-inspiring Pantheon, and the birthplace of Ancient Rome: the Forum. You'll have the rest of your day free to wander through the nearby Palatine ruins, St. Peter-in-Chains Church (home to Michelangelo's magnificent Moses) — or climb to the top of the Victor Emmanuel Monument to enjoy a panoramic city view. As it's our final night together, we'll have a grand dinner to share travel memories and toast new friends. Salute! No bus. Walking: strenuous.
Day 9: Tour Over After Breakfast
It's a breeze to reach Rome's airports by taxi or train. Your guide will help you with any post-tour planning, leaving you well prepared for the road ahead. Grazie e ciao!
Itinerary specifics subject to change.
Rick Steves tours are physically active!
This is an integral, essential part of the "back door" experience. On our Heart of Italy in 9 Days tour — among other things — you'll need to happily...
- Carry/roll your luggage over uneven pavement (several blocks possible) and up stairways to reach your hotel; then up several flights of stairs to reach your room.
- Be on your feet for up to 4 hours walking and standing, both inside museums and outdoors in all weather conditions (hot sun, rain, etc.).
- Sleep with no (or weak) air conditioning and street noise in some hotels.
- After orientation and transportation lessons, be able to navigate towns and cities on your own.
Pre Tour
Getting ready for your Rick Steves' tour can be overwhelming, so we've put together some specific information on what you should know about this tour before you go. You'll also find more general information about "Getting Ready for Your Tour" on our Tour FAQ.
Sightseeing On Your Own
If you arrive in Florence before the tour begins, use Rick Steves' Italy guidebook to get oriented. Ride the public transportation, try out a few words of Italian and get over your jet lag with lots of fresh air and exercise.
Here are suggestions for sightseeing that we do not do as a group: Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens; Bargello; Medici Chapel; Casa Buonarroti (Michelangelo's house); Science Museum (Museo di Storia della Scienza); Santa Croce Church; Medici-Riccardi Palace; Duomo cupola climb; Giotto's Campanile (or Bell Tower); Palazzo Vecchio.
Florence's sights have erratic hours and often close early and on Sundays and Mondays; see your guidebook for details. Confirm all sightseeing plans with any tourist information office.
Transportation
There is more than one way to get to and from your tour. We recommend talking to your travel agent about "open jaws" airline tickets (flying into and out of different cities).
Both Florence and Rome are major transportation hubs, making additional travel before or after your tour quite easy. Milan and Venice are both about three hours by train from Florence, our tour's departure point. Siena is less than two hours by train from Florence. From Rome, Naples is two hours south.
Flying within Europe can be reasonable. Ask your travel agent or check Rick's list of European budget airlines. For links to helpful rail and air websites, go to www.ricksteves.com/plan/links and look under "Transportation."
Read Rick's Guide to Eurail Passes (www.ricksteves.com/rail) and decide if your travel plans merit a railpass (or contact our Rail Department for advice at rail@ricksteves.com or 425/771-8303 ext. 214). You can get a rough idea of costs from the above guide or Rick Steves' Italy guidebook.
Prior to your tour departure, you will receive detailed directions on how to get from the airport to your first tour hotel, as well as contact information for your first and last hotels in case you wish to book pre- or post-tour hotel accommodations.
For specific details about traveling elsewhere in Italy, please see Rick Steves' Italy guidebook. If you need more information about additional European travel or for specific questions about your tour, contact the Tour Department at 425/608-4217 or email tour@ricksteves.com.
Weather
Italy is usually sunny and warm (or hot) in mid-summer, but cooler temperatures and rain are always possible. Spring days are usually mild and sunny. Autumn is typically warm but not hot, and nights can be cool.
For more specific weather information, see www.weatherbase.com or www.weather.com.
Packing
While it is important to pack light, there is one item we'd like you to consider including when packing for this tour. There are great opportunities for hiking in Cinque Terre. While hiking boots are not necessary, we recommend you bring a pair of comfortable walking shoes with soles offering good traction.
For ideas on what to pack, check Rick's Packing List and our Women's Packing List.
Tour Guide Raves
Karin Kibby
"Karin was a 'WOW'! She took her job so seriously and was detail-oriented but also funny and candid. I cannot imagine a better guide! She built in a number of surprise treats and her knowledge was encyclopedic, her enthusiasm unflagging and her personality endearing."
— Pam in Birmingham, MI
"Nina was terrific! We were always well-prepared for our next event. Her vast knowledge of history and art was incredible and she was so adept at sharing it with us in such a way to make it interesting and captivating. We could not have been happier than to have Nina as our guide and teacher."
— Theresa in Kingsland, TX
Favorite tour memories from recent alums:
"It seemed like there was at least one 'wow' moment every day, but a couple stand out: seeing the Colosseum and St. Peter's Basilica for the first time (both were a lot larger than I imagined... pictures and videos just don't do justice to their enormity) and hiking the Cinque Terre trail and seeing Vernazza from the trail for the first time (it was just as picturesque as I imagined). We also thoroughly enjoyed the tandem bike ride on top of Lucca's wall."
— Frederick in Springfield, MO
"My favorite moment was hiking over the Cinque Terre. It was so beautiful and just such a unique place. I loved it!"
— Dotty in Green Harbor, MA
"My 'wow!' moment was definitely Ancient Rome... the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Pantheon! What an amazing sight! And our local tour guide made it all come alive with her detailed history and overall love of her home, Rome!"
— Nicole in Pleasant Hill, CA
To see more comments on Rick Steves' tours, read through our tour member feedback.
Videos & More
This region is rich in history, art and culture. To help you get the most from your trip, we've put together this collection of travel resources from Rick's TV shows, radio interviews and articles, as well as recommended books, films and music.
Watch
Rick Steves' TV Clips & Shows
(For more Rick Steves' TV clips on this region, visit Rick on YouTube.)
Films
- La Dolce Vita (1961)
- Cinema Paradiso (1990)
- Ciao, Professore! (1994)
- Il Postino (1995)
- Life Is Beautiful (1997)
Listen
Rick Steves' Radio Interviews
(For more radio interviews on this region, see Rick's Audio Europe™ files for iPod, PC & MP3.)
Rick Steves' Audio Tours
- Florence: Renaissance Walk, Uffizi Gallery, Accademia & Michelangelo's David
- Rome: Pantheon, St. Peter's Basilica, Sistine Chapel, Colosseum, Roman Forum
Rick Steves Audio Europe™
Music
- Opera: Puccini, Rossini, Verdi, Andrea Bocelli, Enrico Caruso, Luciano Pavarotti, Ezio Pinza, Three Tenors
- Classical: Vivaldi's Four Seasons
- Pop/rock: Pino Danieli, Dean Martin, Mina, Laura Pausini, Eros Ramazzotti
- Movie Soundtrack: Big Night
Read
Rick Steves' Articles
(For more articles on this region, see Rick's Best Destinations.)
Books: Non-Fiction
- Rick Steves' Italy
- Italian Days — Barbara Grizzuti Harrison
- The Italians — Luigi Barzini
- That Fine Italian Hand — Paul Hofmann
- Under the Tuscan Sun — Frances Mayes
- Stones of Florence — Mary McCarthy
Books: Fiction
- Decameron — Giovanni Boccaccio
- The First Man in Rome — Colleen McCullough
- I, Claudius — Robert Graves
- The Leopard — Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa
- The Birth of Venus — Sarah Duran
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