9-day tour around all of Italy's regions from Rome

Welcome to "The Eternal City", the wonderful Rome. You will make your own way to the city centre and check in at your hotel. Free time for the rest of the day.

Greca Tip: Come to Rome in the most comfortable shoes you have.  There are a lot of cobblestones and they are made of basalt, which can be quite unforgiving on your body.

After enjoying a delicious breakfast at the hotel, we will begin a fascinating panoramic tour of Rome, one of the most iconic cities in the world. Over the course of approximately three hours, we will combine a bus tour with a pleasant walking tour through Imperial Rome. We will have the opportunity to admire historic landmarks such as the Arch of Constantine, the impressive exterior of the Colosseum, and the majestic Imperial Forums—eternal symbols of the grandeur of Ancient Rome.

While on board the bus, we will also pass by other iconic sites such as the Circus Maximus, the ancient Baths of Caracalla, the elegant Basilica of Saint Mary Major, the mysterious Pyramid of Cestius, and the imposing Castel Sant'Angelo, located on the banks of the Tiber River.

We will conclude our tour in Vatican City around 11:00 a.m. After the visit, our guide will offer you the opportunity to join an optional excursion to explore the artistic treasures of the Vatican Museums and marvel at the magnificent Sistine Chapel, Michelangelo’s masterpiece.

In the late afternoon, we will include a transfer to the charming Trastevere neighborhood, known for its lively atmosphere, narrow cobblestone streets, and traditional restaurants where you can enjoy authentic Roman cuisine. Return to the hotel is scheduled for approximately 8:30 p.m.

Greca Tip: While strolling through Trastevere, be sure to try a supplì—a fried rice croquette filled with melted cheese. This typical Roman treat is perfect for savoring as you explore the vibrant streets of the neighborhood.

Today we will enjoy a completely free day in Rome, a perfect opportunity to connect with the living history of the Eternal City at our own pace. In the morning, after breakfast, you may stroll through Rome’s elegant squares, from Piazza Navona with its baroque fountains to the iconic Trevi Fountain, where tradition invites you to toss a coin to ensure your return to the city.

In the afternoon, you may wish to walk through Trastevere, a neighborhood of cobblestone streets filled with trattorias, artisans, and photogenic corners, ideal for experiencing the most authentic side of Rome. Another excellent alternative is exploring the Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum, where every stone seems to whisper stories of emperors, temples, and ancient glories.

As night falls, the city lights up softly and offers a magical atmosphere for dining outdoors, enjoying an artisanal gelato, or simply contemplating how Rome reveals its eternal beauty at every corner.

At the end of the day, we will return to the hotel to rest.

Greca Tip: Rome is perfect for discovering flavors; try an authentic gelato near the Pantheon or a cacio e pepe pasta in a traditional trattoria.

Once breakfast is behind us, we leave Rome and head north across the Apennines, where olive groves, cypress trees and hilltop villages announce the arrival of Tuscany. Our destination is Florence, the city where the Renaissance reshaped European art, science and power. We begin at Piazzale Michelangelo, a terrace above the Arno that reveals the whole city at once: the great dome of the Duomo, the tower of Palazzo Vecchio and the river bending beneath its old bridges. Lunch is at leisure, so you may choose a trattoria at your own pace.

In the afternoon, a guided tour through the historic center brings us to Ponte Vecchio, the medieval bridge still lined with goldsmiths' shops, then to the Duomo and Piazza della Signoria, the political heart of the Florentine Republic. Florence is compact and best understood on foot, an open-air museum where every street holds a story. With free time afterwards, you may return to the corner that most caught your attention, while the golden evening light on the Arno brings the day to a gentle close.

Greca Tip: Brunelleschi's dome, completed in 1436, was built without a wooden framework and is still studied by engineers today.

After enjoying a delicious breakfast, we will depart from Florence and head toward Pisa. There, we will board a small tourist train from the parking area to the impressive Campo dei Miracoli, where the famous Leaning Tower stands beside the cathedral and the baptistery, forming a stunning monumental ensemble.

We will then continue our journey toward the splendid Ligurian Coast to discover one of the most fascinating landscapes on the European shoreline: Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These five charming coastal villages are known for their dramatic position between mountains and sea, with colorful houses clinging to cliffs and narrow, lively streets.

We will travel by train to one of the villages—usually Vernazza—though during high season we might visit Manarola or Corniglia, which are equally beautiful but less crowded. There will be free time to have lunch, soak in the local atmosphere, and admire the breathtaking views.

Afterward, we will continue by train to Levanto, where our coach will be waiting to take us to Genoa. Upon arrival, you will have free time to explore the historic center of this port city, which in the Middle Ages was one of the most powerful maritime republics in the Mediterranean.

Note: The train to Cinque Terre is a regular commuter service rather than a tourist train. During peak travel periods, trains can be very crowded and long waiting times may occur, as seat reservations are not available. Depending on availability, passengers may need to travel standing.

Greca Tip: While in Cinque Terre, be sure to try focaccia genovese with olive oil and rosemary—a simple yet unforgettable delight.

After enjoying a delicious breakfast at the hotel, we will set off toward the charming coastal town of Rapallo, nestled along the Italian Riviera.

From there, we will embark on an unforgettable boat ride to Portofino, an exclusive and picturesque harbor surrounded by green hills and colorful houses. You will have free time to stroll through its elegant streets, admire the seaside views, and, if you wish, climb up to the Brown Castle viewpoint for a spectacular panorama of the gulf.

After lunch, we will continue our journey to Milan, the capital of fashion and design in Italy. Upon arrival, you will have free time to explore this vibrant and sophisticated city, a symbol of modernity in northern Italy. We recommend visiting its impressive Gothic cathedral, the Duomo of Milan, located in one of the most iconic squares in the country, as well as the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, an architectural gem dedicated to the first king of a unified Italy.

Note: From May 30th to November 2nd, tourist buses are not allowed access to Santa Margherita Ligure. During this period, the stop will be in RAPALLO, another stunning coastal destination in the Liguria region, where we will board the boat to Portofino.

Additional note: Due to adverse weather conditions or during winter, the boat crossing to Portofino (whether from Santa Margherita or Rapallo) may not be operational due to weather conditions.

Greca Tip: If you’d like to experience a Milanese classic, don’t miss risotto alla milanese, prepared with saffron—perfect to pair with a glass of local wine at one of the historic center’s many terraces.

After enjoying a delicious breakfast at the hotel, we will set out on a journey to discover one of the most beautiful natural regions in Europe: the lake district of northern Italy.

Our first stop will be the charming Lake Orta, a lesser-known gem of great beauty. There, we will visit the medieval village of Orta San Giulio, a place that feels frozen in time. We include a pleasant ride on a small tourist train that will take us to the historic center, where we will board a boat to cross over to the Island of San Giulio. This tiny island, surrounded by the lake’s peaceful waters, is home to an ancient monastery and exudes a serene and spiritual atmosphere.

We will then continue to Lake Maggiore, one of the largest and most celebrated lakes in Italy. We will stop in the elegant town of Stresa, from where you may choose to visit the Borromean Islands—especially the famous Isola Bella, known for its opulent Baroque palace and exquisite gardens (closed in winter). You will have free time to enjoy lunch and take in the lakeside ambiance.

In the afternoon, we will continue our journey to Verona, the quintessential romantic city, where we will end the day.

Greca Tip: While in Stresa, enjoy a coffee paired with a slice of Torta di Stresa, a traditional almond cake created in honor of a royal visit in the 19th century.

We will enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel before starting the day in Verona, the city that immortalized the love story of Romeo and Juliet. We will have time to stroll through its charming historic center, admire the Roman Arena, and visit the famous Juliet’s balcony—one of the most photographed spots in all of Italy.

Afterward, we will head to the magical city of Venice. We’ll arrive around midday and, from the pier, board a boat that will take us close to St. Mark’s Square, the heart of this unique city built on water. There, we will enjoy a guided walking tour led by a local expert who will introduce us to the history, art, and hidden corners of this jewel of the Adriatic.

During the tour, we will also witness the traditional Murano glassmaking technique—an artisanal craft that has brought worldwide fame to Venice. After the visit, you will have free time to continue exploring the canals, enjoy a coffee near the square, or, if you wish, experience a romantic gondola ride through the city’s iconic waterways.

At the end of the day, we will stay overnight in the Mestre area.

Greca Tip: Don’t leave Venice without trying some cicchetti—small Venetian tapas-style bites served in traditional taverns, perfect when paired with a refreshing spritz.

After enjoying a delicious breakfast at your hotel, we will transfer you to the airport for your international flight. 

After spending a few days with Greca Travel, we hope to see you again soon! 

Greca Tip: You can extend your stay in Venice at Step 1 of your reservation.