Your holiday itinerary (ex Perth, Western Australia)

Day 1. Arrival to Venice (D)
Upon your arrival at Venice airport, a water taxi will be waiting to take you to your accommodation. In the evening, gather for a delightful welcome dinner.
Overnight: Hotel Belle Epoque, Venice (3-star hotel), or similar

Day 2 – Venice (B)
After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, you will meet your guide in the lobby to begin your half-day guided tour of Venice. Your first stop is the Doge's Palace, a stunning example of Venetian Gothic architecture and a key landmark in the city. This historic palace served as the residence of the Doge of Venice, the highest authority of the former Republic. Originally constructed in 1340, it underwent various extensions and modifications in the centuries that followed.
Overnight: Hotel Belle Epoque, Venice (3-star hotel), or similar

Day 3 – Free day in Venice (B)
After breakfast this morning, you’ll have a free day to explore this enchanting city at your own pace. There’s so much to see and do. Your Tour Leader is available to help with recommendations, or you can take advantage of your 48-hour Vaporetto Pass to navigate the city by ferry.
Overnight: Hotel Belle Epoque, Venice (3-star hotel), or similar

Day 4 – Venice to Bologna (BD)
This morning, after breakfast, pack your bags and check out of your hotel in Venice. You may have some time for last-minute shopping before taking a short walk to the train station for your journey to Bologna. Your luggage will be transported directly from the hotel to the station for you. Train travel is popular among Italians due to its speed and comfort, with options for coffee, drinks, and snacks available on intercity services. Expect amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and tray tables; some seats even have a table. The travel time from Venice to Bologna is approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes, depending on the train service. Upon arrival, a coach transfer will take you from the train station to your hotel. After checking in and settling in, you’ll have some free time to explore before we regroup for dinner.
Overnight: Zanhotel Tre Vecchi, Bologna (4-star hotel), or similar

Day 5 – Half day guided tour Bologna (B)
This morning, we’ll gather in the lobby after breakfast to begin our half-day guided walking tour of Bologna. As the vibrant historic capital of the Emilia-Romagna region in northern Italy, Bologna boasts a rich cultural heritage. The expansive Piazza Maggiore is surrounded by arched colonnades, charming cafes, and impressive medieval and Renaissance buildings, including City Hall, the Fountain of Neptune, and the Basilica di San Petronio. Among the city’s many medieval towers are the iconic Two Towers, the leaning Asinelli and Garisenda. The afternoon and evening are yours to explore this remarkable regional city at your leisure.
Overnight: Zanhotel Tre Vecchi, Bologna (4-star hotel), or similar

Day 6 – Bologna to Florence (BD)
After checking out of our hotel, we board our coach for our journey to Florence, stopping in Ravenna along the way. The journey from Bologna to Ravenna is just 78 kilometres and takes about an hour. Upon our arrival in Ravenna, we'll meet our local guide for a half-day guided tour, exploring this stunning city known for its vibrant mosaics. Highlights include the octagonal Basilica di San Vitale, the 6th-century Basilica di Sant' Apollinare Nuovo, and the cross-shaped Mausoleo di Galla Placidia. Don’t miss the Mausoleo di Teodorico, a Gothic circular tomb built in the 6th century for King Theodoric the Great. After our tour, we'll board the coach again for the approximately 198-kilometer drive to Florence, which takes just under three hours. Sit back and enjoy the scenic Italian countryside along the way. In the evening, we’ll gather for a delicious Italian 3-course meal.
Overnight: Hotel Corona, Florence (3-star hotel), or similar

Day 7 – Florence (B)
This morning after breakfast, we will meet in the lobby for our half day guided walking tour of Florence. As the capital of Tuscany, Florence is renowned for its incredible Renaissance art and architecture. One of its most iconic landmarks is the Duomo, featuring a stunning terracotta-tiled dome designed by Brunelleschi and a bell tower crafted by Giotto. We’ll also visit the Galleria dell' Accademia, home to Michelangelo’s famous sculpture of "David". In the afternoon, we’ll explore one of the world’s most celebrated museums, the Uffizi Gallery, where you can admire Botticelli’s "The Birth of Venus" and da Vinci’s "Annunciation."
Overnight: Hotel Corona, Florence (3-star hotel), or similar

Day 8 – Free day in Florence (B)
Today, feel free to explore at your own pace and according to your interests. Whether you want to indulge in window-shopping, pick-up souvenirs, people-watch, or visit more historic sites, our tour leader will be available to offer suggestions to help make your free day in Florence truly memorable. If you’re a foodie, don't miss a special gem just around the corner from your hotel—the Mercato Centrale. Nestled between via dell' Ariento, via Sant' Antonino, via Panicale, and Piazza del Mercato Centrale, this market dates to the late nineteenth century when Florence was the capital of Italy. Here, you can taste Tuscan specialties like lampredotto, porchetta, and trippa. Since 2014, the top floor of the Mercato Centrale has been transformed into a food lover's paradise, offering an unforgettable Italian culinary experience.
Overnight: Hotel Corona, Florence (3-star hotel), or similar

Day 9 – Lucca & Pisa (B)
Today, after breakfast, we’ll spend the day traveling by coach to the beautiful cities of Lucca and Pisa in the heart of the Tuscany region. Pisa is renowned for its iconic Leaning Tower, a 56-meter white-marble bell tower that has been tilting since its completion in 1372. Located in the Piazza dei Miracoli, the tower stands alongside the stunning Romanesque cathedral, as well as the Baptistry, known for its remarkable acoustics showcased by amateur singers daily, and the Camposanto Monumentale cemetery. You’ll have time to explore the area, where you can enjoy more than just the tower—perhaps stopping at one of the many cafes to savour a coffee or lunch while taking in the view. On our way back to Florence, we’ll also visit Lucca, one of Italy’s most captivating and well-preserved medieval cities, which enchants visitors with its charming alleys, picturesque squares, and distinctive churches, all reflecting its rich historical and cultural heritage.
Overnight: Hotel Corona, Florence (3-star hotel), or similar

NOTE: If you'd like to climb to the top of the Leaning Tower of Pisa and enjoy a breathtaking view of the city of Pisa you will need to pre buy tickets. This is the most visited monument in Italy so be sure to purchase early to avoid disappointment.

Day 10 – Florence to Orvieto via Perugia (BD)
This morning, after breakfast, we’ll check out and board our coach to head towards Orvieto, making a stop in Perugia. The journey from Florence to Perugia takes around two hours, covering 148 kilometres. Our first stop is a guided visit to the Perugia Chocolate Factory, where the famous Italian Baci® Perugina® chocolates are made. You’ll enjoy a tour that highlights the chocolate-making process and the brand’s rich history, known for its delightful combination of dark chocolate and whole hazelnuts. Established in 1922, the name "Baci" means "kisses" in Italian, symbolizing the romantic spirit behind these treats, each wrapped in love notes - perfect for gifting. After a brief stop in Perugia for lunch (at your own expense), we’ll continue our scenic drive to Orvieto, which takes just over an hour, approximately 80 kilometres, to reach our charming old farmhouse on the outskirts of the city. Dinner is included tonight at the farmhouse, where the Tavernetta restaurant has been delighting guests for over 30 years with exquisite dishes made from typical Umbrian ingredients.
Overnight: Farmhouse La Cacciata, Orvieto, or similar

Day 11 – Guided Tour of Orvieto and cooking class (BD)
After breakfast this morning at our farmhouse, we’ll head into Orvieto for our half-day guided tour. The coach will drop us off at the Orvieto Funicular, which connects the Orvieto station to Piazza Cahen in the city centre, perched 157 meters above on volcanic rock. The funicular travels through a tunnel in the rampart surrounding the city centre, taking us directly to where we’ll meet our guide for a walking tour. After the tour, you’ll have some free time to explore Orvieto and perhaps enjoy lunch or coffee at one of its charming cafes or restaurants. In the afternoon, we’ll return to the farmhouse for a cooking lesson with our hosts. In Italy, cooking is an art, steeped in centuries of traditional recipes, customs, and regional variations. Meals are celebrated events, shared with friends and family over long conversations. This afternoon, you’ll experience the passion that goes into Italian cuisine, and later, we’ll enjoy the delicious results of our efforts at dinner.
Overnight: Farmhouse La Cacciata, Orvieto, or similar

Day 12 – Orvieto to Rome (BD)
After breakfast today, we’ll check out and enjoy the scenic journey to Rome. Once we arrive and check in to our accommodation, you’ll have the rest of the day to explore at your leisure or simply relax. We’ll regroup for dinner tonight.
Overnight: Hotel Montecarlo, Rome (3-star hotel), or similar

Day 13 – Rome – guided tour (B)
Join us this morning for a captivating, guided walking tour of Rome, where you can explore the grandeur of the Colosseum, a testament to ancient engineering and entertainment. Stroll through the Roman Forum, uncovering the ruins that were once the heart of political and social life in ancient Rome. Marvel at the Pantheon, with its stunning dome and rich history, before we toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain to ensure your return to this eternal city. As we wander through charming piazzas and bustling streets, you’ll experience the vibrant culture and delicious cuisine that make Rome truly unforgettable. This afternoon you have free time to explore this amazing city a bit closer at your pace or enjoy a coffee - a cherished ritual in Rome’s vibrant café culture.
Overnight: Hotel Montecarlo, Rome (3-star hotel), or similar

Day 14 – Rome with a hop on hop off bus adventure (BD)
This morning, after breakfast, make your way to the tourist bus terminal near the train station to start your hop-on, hop-off bus tour, with tickets included. This is an excellent way to explore Rome, especially if you want to see everything without straining your feet. The bus will stop at all major attractions, allowing you to choose where you want to visit. Consider doing a full lap first to familiarize yourself with the city while enjoying the English commentary on Rome's rich history. You’ll have a 1-day pass that runs for 24 hours from your first ride. Tonight, we’ll gather for our final evening together to say farewell to beautiful Northern Italy; we’ll meet in the lobby and walk to a nearby restaurant for another delicious 3 course dinner.
Overnight: Hotel Montecarlo, Rome (3-star hotel), or similar

Day 15 – Homeward bound (B)
We’ll savour our final breakfast in Rome this morning. For those departing today, a group transfer will be provided to Rome airport for your flight home. For those continuing with us to Southern Italy, an exciting new adventure awaits! Please feel free to ask our friendly Villa staff for more information about this holiday combination of North and South Italy.

Please note:
1. Itinerary, inclusions, and pricing are subject to change.
2. Rail journeys are booked in 2nd class and are subject to change due to local authorities.
3. Travel insurance is highly recommended by the Australian Government for any international holiday.
4. Valid Passport and VISA required. It is the responsibility of each traveller to adhere to any visa regulations.
5. This is a land only price. Group Air Package bookable once available. Please ask our friendly Villa staff.
6. If you would like to extend your holiday, please reach out to our Villa staff to discuss it further.

Terms and conditions apply. Free Call 1800 066 272 for details.