Budget Rome to Sorrento & Venice - 13 Days

Once you have arrived in Rome, make your way to the hotel for check-in, which is from 3 PM. If you arrive early then you can leave your luggage at reception and begin exploring the Eternal City at your own pace.

At 17:00, we meet your tour leader and fellow travellers for a welcome briefing before heading out on an engaging evening walk through the heart of Rome. We pass landmarks such as the Colosseum and Roman Forum, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere as they glow in the early evening.

We conclude our first day with an included welcome dinner at a traditional Roman trattoria. We enjoy authentic Italian cuisine, get to know each other and toast to the start of an unforgettable adventure through Italy.

This morning we head out for a walking orientation through Rome's historic centre. We visit iconic spots such as the Pantheon, the Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona and the famous Trevi Fountain – remember to toss a coin for good luck.

We finish our walk in Vatican City. From here, you can choose how to spend the rest of your day. You may explore St Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums at your own pace, or join an optional two-hour guided tour that includes the Vatican Museums and Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel.

The evening is free, so you can find a cosy trattoria, wander through Rome’s lively streets or enjoy a relaxed night in one of the city’s buzzing neighbourhoods.

Today is a full free day in Rome, giving you the chance to shape the experience to your own interests. You might revisit your favourite monuments, stroll through the charming Trastevere district, shop along Via del Corso or relax in one of the city’s beautiful parks.

If you want to add more structure to your day, you can join optional activities such as a guided Colosseum tour with entry, a hands-on cooking class or the Night Tipsy Tour for a fun way to experience Rome after dark.

Rome - Naples - Pompeii - Sorrento. We leave Rome in the morning and take a high-speed train to Naples, then continue on to the ancient city of Pompeii. Entry to the archaeological site is included and you have time to explore the remarkably well-preserved streets, villas and public buildings. If you would like deeper insight into the history here, you can join an optional two-hour guided tour with a local expert.

Later in the day we travel on to Sorrento, a charming town overlooking the Bay of Naples, known for its ceramics, lace and handmade sandals. After we check into our accommodation, we take a short orientation walk so you can get your bearings in the old town.

The evening is free. You may choose to join an optional traditional dinner at a local restaurant to sample regional dishes, or you can simply enjoy Sorrento’s relaxed atmosphere at your own pace.

Sorrento - Capri - Sorrento. Today we set off on a scenic shared boat trip from Sorrento to the island of Capri. During the crossing we enjoy stunning coastal views, and once we arrive you have plenty of free time to explore the island. You might wander through the narrow streets, relax on the beach, seek out the famous Blue Grotto if conditions allow, or enjoy a coffee in one of the piazzas.

If you want an incredible panoramic view over the island and sea, you can take the optional chairlift up to Mount Solaro, Capri’s highest point. In the late afternoon, we visit an ancient Roman natural pool overlooking the coast where we can cool off with a swim and enjoy a drink as the sun sets.

We then return to Sorrento, where you have the evening free to find a restaurant, grab a gelato or experience the local nightlife.

Please note: That in the event of adverse weather or rough sea conditions, boat departures to Capri may be suspended. In such cases, guests will be given free time to enjoy at their leisure.

Sorrento - Amalfi - Positano - Sorrento. We spend today exploring the Amalfi Coast, one of the most spectacular stretches of coastline in the world. We travel along dramatic clifftop roads, passing colourful villages and sparkling bays as we make our way to the town of Amalfi.

In Amalfi you have time to visit the impressive cathedral, relax on the beach or try some local specialties in the centre of town. Later, we continue to Positano, famous for its pastel-coloured houses cascading down the hillside. You can spend the afternoon swimming, browsing boutiques or simply soaking up the views from one of the many terraces.

In some cases, especially with smaller groups, this day may be operated by boat instead of by road, adding an extra sense of adventure. In the evening we return to Sorrento for our final night on the coast.

Please note: For smaller groups, this itinerary may be experienced by boat, adding even more adventure to your Amalfi Coast Day.

Sorrento - Naples - Florence. We depart to Sorrento and travel back towards Naples, where we stop to discover one of Italy’s liveliest cities. We join a guided orientation walk that takes us through the historic centre, including places such as Piazza del Plebiscito and the elegant San Carlo Theatre, and we get a sense of the city’s unique character.

After our walk, we sit down to enjoy authentic Neapolitan pizza for lunch, a true local speciality and a must-try while we are here. In the afternoon we board a high-speed train to Florence, arriving in the cradle of the Renaissance.

Once we have checked into our accommodation, we head out for an evening walk through Florence’s historic streets. We see landmarks such as the Duomo, Piazza della Signoria and the Ponte Vecchio, and start to get a feel for the city. The night is then free, and if you like you can join an optional traditional aperitivo to enjoy a spritz and local snacks in a typical Florentine setting.

Florence - Tuscany - Florence. Today we escape the city and journey into the rolling hills of Tuscany. We travel into the Chianti region to visit a local winery, where we learn about the winemaking process and taste some of the area’s renowned wines alongside locally produced olive oil.

If you want to enhance the experience, you can choose an optional wine-and-food pairing, combining regional dishes with the wines we have just discovered. In the afternoon we continue to San Gimignano, nicknamed the “Manhattan of Tuscany” thanks to its medieval towers.

You have free time to explore the cobbled streets, browse the artisan shops and, if you wish, try some award-winning gelato from one of the town’s famous gelaterias. Later we return to Florence, and the evening is free for you to relax or keep exploring.

Florence - Pisa - Cinque Terre - Florence. We set off by train for a full-day adventure. Our first stop is Pisa, where you have time to explore the Piazza dei Miracoli, home to the Leaning Tower, the Cathedral and the Baptistery. It’s the perfect place for photos and for appreciating the architecture.

We then continue to the Ligurian coast to visit the Cinque Terre, a collection of colourful villages perched dramatically on the cliffs. You might spend your time in places such as Riomaggiore, Vernazza or Manarola, wandering through narrow streets, visiting small shops or relaxing by the sea.

If you feel like being active, you can walk a section of the coastal paths for sweeping views over the Mediterranean. You may also choose to enjoy fresh seafood or a glass of local white wine while looking out over the water. In the evening we return to Florence.

Today is completely free for you to enjoy Florence at your own pace. You might spend your time shopping in local markets, relaxing in cafés or simply wandering through the historic streets and across the bridges.

If you would like to focus on art and culture, you can join optional guided visits to the Accademia Gallery, home to Michelangelo’s David, or the Uffizi Gallery, which houses works by Botticelli, Leonardo and many more. In the evening, you could join the Night Tipsy Tour to experience Florence’s nightlife in a fun and social way.

Florence - Venice. We leave Florence and travel by train to Venice, the famous city built on water. After we arrive, we drop our bags at the accommodation and then head out on an orientation walk that starts at Ponte degli Scalzi, one of the bridges crossing the Grand Canal.

From there we follow a route through Venice’s maze of streets and canals to reach major landmarks such as Piazza San Marco, St Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace. Along the way we get a feel for the city’s unique atmosphere.

The evening is free, and you might choose to enjoy dinner by the canals, wander through the quieter backstreets or join an optional cicchetti and spritz experience, sampling Venetian tapas-style snacks with a local drink.

You have a free morning in Venice to spend however you like. You may revisit favourite spots, shop for masks and glassware, or simply enjoy getting lost in the narrow alleyways and over the many bridges.

In the afternoon we join a four-hour boat trip to the islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello. On Murano we see traditional glassblowing in action and learn why the glass made here is so famous. On Burano we wander among brightly coloured fishermen’s houses and see examples of the island’s lace-making tradition. On Torcello we experience a quieter side of the lagoon, with time to appreciate its old churches and peaceful atmosphere.

After we return to Venice, the evening is free. If you want the classic Venice experience, you can choose an optional gondola ride to see the city from the water.

Our adventure in Italy comes to an end today. After breakfast and check-out, you can store your luggage and spend a little more time enjoying Venice before you leave. You might take one last walk through the narrow streets, sip an espresso in a square or pick up some final souvenirs.

You will then make your way to the airport for you onward flight If you need to return to Rome, let us know your plans in advance and we can help arrange train tickets back to the capital.