Rick Steves Home > 2008 Tours > Italy

Best of Italy in 17 Days

$4,595 + air • 24-28 people • Begins in Varenna and ends in Rome

Italy is where poets rhyme, gluttons feast, painters pant, romantics blush, drivers honk, and where lovers of life return, again and again.

In 17 days you'll experience the places you've always dreamed of: timeless Venice, Renaissance Florence, eternal Rome, romantic Verona, medieval Siena, and St. Francis' Assisi. But you'll also spend magical nights well beyond the typical tour bus route: in a sun-sea-and-wine-drenched Riviera village; amidst the vineyards and olive groves on an Umbrian hillside; and overlooking a cozy Lake Como harbor. And the food? Make sure your waistband is elastic.

For history, art, la cucina and la dolce vita, there is no contest: Mamma mia, it's Italia!

Your day-by-day itinerary

Day 0: Depart USA

Remember, you'll arrive in Europe the day after you depart the USA.

Day 1: Welcome to Italy

The sleepy Lake Como village of Varenna is a quick, easy train connection from Milan. At around 5 p.m. we'll meet our guide and fellow tour members at the hotel. Sleep in Varenna (2 nights). No bus. Walking: light.

Day 2: The Day is Yours on Lake Como

Equipped with your included Lake Como ferry boat pass, you'll have all day on your own to explore the unforgettable vistas and villages of romantic Lake Como. No bus. Walking: light to strenuous (your choice).

Day 3: Drive Up into the Dolomites

We'll drive to Verona this morning, where you can inspect the Roman Arena and walk in Juliet's footsteps. Then our bus will climb up to Italy's Teutonic rooftop. We'll have dinner together at our alpine hotel with stupendous views of Dolomite peaks and valleys. Sleep peacefully in the Alpi di Siusi area (2 nights). Bus: 6 hrs. Walking: moderate.

Day 4: All Day to Hike the Dolomites

From your totally-yodely home base, you'll have all day to explore the Dolomites. Choose from among many challenging hikes or relaxing walks in Europe's largest alpine meadow. We'll regroup at our hotel for dinner. No bus. Walking: light to strenuous (your choice).

Day 5: Downhill to Venice

We'll drive downhill from the Dolomites, where we'll transfer from bus to boat, and have ample time to get oriented and begin soaking-in the magical atmosphere of Venice, where we'll sleep (2 nights). Bus: 5 hrs. Walking: light.

Day 6: All Day to Explore Venice

After a morning walking tour, you'll be free to cruise the canals and poke around the alleys of this fantastically-preserved city, assemble a dinner from pub-crawl appetizers and savor a moonlit gondola ride. No bus. Walking: moderate.

Day 7: Florence and Michelangelo's David

You'll have an unforgettable introduction to Florence today as we visit the Accademia Museum and Michelangelo's David. Sleep in Florence (2 nights). Bus: 4 hrs. Walking: moderate.

Day 8: Wonders of Renaissance Florence

Our guide will lead us on a historical treasure hunt of Renaissance Florence, including the masterpiece-packed Uffizi Gallery. The rest of the day is yours to visit Florence's historic churches, browse the markets and sample many helpings of gelato. No bus. Walking: moderate.

Day 9: Cinque Terre Villages

Today we'll head west; our destination is the Cinque Terre, a string of path-connected villages on the Italian Riviera, where we'll sleep (2 nights). Bus: 4 hrs. Walking: light.

Day 10: Free Day to Roam the Cinque Terre

You'll take a "vacation from your vacation" today in our Mediterranean getaway. Hike through the vineyards from one town to the next, sun yourself on the rocks, or find a waterfront bench and catch up on your journal. No bus. Walking: light to strenuous (your choice).

Day 11: Siena and the Heart of Tuscany

After a brief stop to admire Pisa's leaning tower, we'll venture into the heart of Tuscany and the traffic-free "living museum" of Siena, brimming with some of Italy's finest Gothic architecture. Sleep in Siena (2 nights). Bus: 4 hrs. Walking: moderate.

Day 12: All Day to Savor Siena

After a morning walking tour, you'll be well oriented for your free afternoon to enjoy Siena, from its dramatic city hall tower to its elaborate cathedral and its well-respected enoteca (wine bar/museum). No bus. moderate.

Day 13: Assisi and the Umbrian Countryside

This morning we'll visit the hill town of Assisi and its impressive Basilica of St. Francis. We'll end our day amid the picturesque olive groves of Umbria. Sleep near Orvieto (2 nights). Bus: 4 hrs. Walking: moderate.

Day 14: Umbrian Hill Towns and Vineyards

This morning we'll visit Orvieto, a classic hill town, where you'll have some free time to wander and relax.  Later we'll return to our Agriturismo for a tasting of its award-winning wines and a sampling of local Umbrian specialties.  Bus: 1 hr. Walking: moderate.

Day 15: A Walk through Caesar's Rome

Today we'll discover ancient Rome, as we do the Caesar shuffle through the Colosseum, Forum and Pantheon. This evening should be ideal for a floodlit fountain walk through Rome's great piazzas. Sleep in Rome (2 nights). Bus: 2 hrs. Walking: strenuous.

Day 16: Renaissance Rome

We'll devote today to Catholic Rome, visiting St. Peter's Basilica, the immense Vatican Museum and the brilliantly restored Sistine Chapel. You'll also have free time to find the Roma of your dreams: climb the Spanish Steps, toss coins in fountains, or do any last-minute shopping. As it's our final night together, we'll have a grand dinner. No bus. Walking: strenuous.

Day 17: 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.

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Recommended reading and viewing list for this tour

 

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