Discover the rolling hills of the scenic Tuscan and Umbrian countryside. Explore medieval hill towns and visit Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis. Spend time at a historic winery in the heart of the Chianti region and enjoy a chef-led cooking class with lunch. Discover the masterpieces of the Renaissance in Florence. See glass transformed into exquisite art on Murano Island. Linger in iconic Venice for two nights. Encounter a land rich in history, culture, art, and romance.
Explore the full tour itinerary below!
Exact dates coming soon!
Spring of 2028
Spring 2028
An overnight flight transports you to a country of stunning landscapes, lively cities, and stirring history.
Welcome to Italy, a land rich in history, culture, art, and romance.
Begin in Rome, the “Eternal City.” As arrival times will vary, there is no scheduled sightseeing today. Spend the day as you wish, exploring the city independently. This evening, get to know your fellow travelers during a welcome dinner featuring regional specialties.
On a guided tour of the Vatican Museums,* explore the extensive Papal palace housing priceless artifacts from ancient Egypt, classical Greco-Roman statuary, and works by great Renaissance masters. In the Sistine Chapel, marvel at Michelangelo’s frescoed ceiling and brilliant Last Judgment. Next, wander through the towering columns of St. Peter’s Basilica, a daring feat of human artistry and engineering. Admire the baroque spirals of Bernini’s altar canopy and gaze up at Michelangelo’s dome, still the tallest in the world. Return to the hotel mid-afternoon. The evening is yours. Perhaps you’ll join an optional dinner in a popular restaurant, indulging in a hearty meal accompanied by wine and local entertainment. (B)
Depart Rome today en route to the iconic hill town of Orvieto. As you approach, its distinctive profile rises on the horizon, crowned by the facade of its famous cathedral. Delve into the local scene, exploring Orvieto’s rich history and Etruscan heritage. Perhaps you’ll pause to savor a glass of its renowned Orvieto Bianco, a wine that has delighted popes and nobility since the Renaissance. Then, you’re off to medieval Perugia, the historic capital of Umbria. With free time to explore, consider wandering along the Corso, Perugia’s main street, where gothic facades are lined with shops and restaurants. (B)
This morning, travel to Assisi, birthplace of St. Francis. Take in the old-world atmosphere on a guided tour of the Basilica of St. Francis. Then, enjoy free time to wander among the rose-hued stone buildings of this medieval hill town. This afternoon, journey into the surrounding Umbrian countryside, where olive groves blanket the hillsides, and visit a traditional frantoio (olive mill) where olives are pressed each November.** Learn about the region’s trees and oil-making methods, sample a variety of extra virgin olive oils produced at the mill, and enjoy dinner in the serene setting of the grove. (B,D)
Head through Tuscany’s graceful low-lying hills to the Etruscan city of Cortona. Perched on the side of a hill, take in the ornate facades and gothic architecture. Peek at the adjacent Lake Trasimeno, situated off in the distance. You might recognize the city as the charming setting for the book and film Under the Tuscan Sun. End your day in Florence, the “Cradle of the Renaissance.” (B)
This morning, experience Florence’s cultural treasures on an extensive walking tour, passing by the Duomo, the Baptistery, the Palazzo Vecchio, and the Piazza della Signoria. The rest of the day is yours to explore this veritable open-air museum. Perhaps you’ll join an after-hours tour of the 14th-century Certosa monastery, followed by dinner featuring local wines, Tuscan food, and live entertainment. (B)
Start your day with a visit to a historic winery in the heart of the Chianti region. In the shadow of a 12th-century castle, learn about Tuscan wines and enjoy a chef-led cooking class. Next, sit back and savor regional delicacies during a delicious lunch. This afternoon, journey through central Italy, crossing the Apennine Mountains toward the Po River Valley. Enchanting Venice awaits with 117 tiny islands and its latticework of 150 canals and 400 bridges. (B,L)
See Venice from the water and take a boat*** to Murano Island. At a glass-blowing demonstration, discover the secrets of this ancient art up-close and marvel at the one-of-a-kind designs. Make your way to the historic center of Venice and see the Castello district with a local expert. End in St. Mark’s Square, taking in the basilica and the opulent facade of the Doge’s Palace. The remainder of the day is yours. Consider an optional tour featuring Venice’s most famous pastime - a serenaded gondola ride. This evening, celebrate the end of an unforgettable trip with a farewell dinner. (B,D)
Your tour of Italy comes to a close today with memories to last a lifetime!
Rome -
Perugia -
Florence -
Venice -
An alternative hotel may be used if necessary.
PACKAGE INCLUDES:
- Round-trip flights between Bismarck (or other cities) and Italy
- Transfers between airport, hotel, and all cities
- Some Meals
- Handpicked accommodation in central locations
- Tour Manager from Collette with you the entire journey
- Scenic journey through Tuscany’s graceful low-lying hills.
- Locally guided tour of the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica.
- Boat trip to Murano Island for a glass-blowing demonstration.
- Olive mill tour in the Umbrian countryside.
- Explore Cortona, the postcard-worthy village that serves as the setting for Under the Tuscan Sun.
- Enjoy a chef-led cooking class with lunch in a historic castle.
- Dine on regional delicacies and fine Italian wines.
- Visit a historic winery in the heart of the Chianti region.
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED IN THIS PACKAGE:
- Travel insurance
- Gratuities
- Items of a personal nature
- Alcoholic beverages unless noted
ADDITIONAL OPTIONS:
Coming Soon
Double Occupancy: $/person
Single Occupancy: $/person
- A deposit of $698 per person is due upon reservation.
- Reservations are made on a first come, first served basis.
- Reservations made after the seat reduction date of XXXXXX are based upon availability.
- Final payment due by XXXXX
- Deposits are refundable up until XXXXX
Included in Price: Round Trip Air from Bismarck Municipal Airport or Fargo Hector International Airport, Air Taxes and Fees/Surcharges, Hotel Transfers
Not included in price: Cancellation Waiver and Insurance
The purchase of travel insurance is recommended. Request to purchase travel insurance in your booking form. Price quoted at the time of request.
Yes, we highly recommend purchasing travel protection to safeguard your investment and provide peace of mind. We offer travel insurance options at the time of booking.
Absolutely! We offer customization options, from private tours to dietary accommodations. We'll work closely with you to create a personalized itinerary aligned with your interests.
A deposit of $698 per person is due upon reservation.
Reservations are made on a first come, first served basis.
Reservations made after the seat reduction date of XXXXXX are based upon availability.
Final payment due by XXXXX.
Deposits are refundable up until XXXXX
Your comfort is important to us. With that in mind, we charter coaches that are temperature-controlled. While some coaches may have a toilet facility, it is for emergency use since local laws require the vehicle to stop for safety reasons. Rest assured that frequent stops will be made along the touring route for your comfort and convenience.
Please note, outlets for charging devices may not be available on the coach. Therefore, if you anticipate using electronic devices, we recommend bringing portable power banks.
Change your seat, change your view! At least once a day, the Tour Manager will ask all travelers to change seats. This ensures that every traveler has an opportunity to enjoy a variety of views as they travel and a chance to get to know each other better.
Depending on availability, single travelers may be seated next to another traveler. In fairness to all, there will be no exceptions to this policy.
Activity Level 3 - Active
You’re an on-the-go traveler. You don’t want to miss a thing, so walking and standing for longer periods of time (2-3 hours) isn’t a big deal. A moderately paced two-and-a-half-hour walking tour, covering several miles, hills, and uneven surfaces, is no problem for you. Walking four miles over the course of a day is very doable, as is climbing into and out of various modes of transportation (tuk-tuk, cable car, zodiac, etc.). You can climb three flights of stairs easily and handle altitudes between 6,000 and 9,000 feet. Expect some longer days balanced with free time to recharge or set out on your own adventure. This level is not a fit for travelers who require mobility assistance devices.
Tipping is a great way to show your appreciation for the people who help keep your tour running smoothly. Tipping is discretionary and should be on an individual basis.
Gratuities for hotel housekeeping staff, local sightseeing guides, transfer drivers, on-tour motor coach drivers, and your Tour Manager are not included in the price of your tour. The suggestions below are provided in US Dollars to help you budget for your trip. Plan to convert the total US Dollar amounts into the equivalent local currency, which is generally the preferred option when giving.
Tour Manager: equivalent of $10 US Dollars per person for each travel day, given at the end of your tour. For this 9-day tour, this would amount to $90 US Dollars total per person.
Local Guide: equivalent of $2-3 US Dollars per person, given at the end of your day or time with them. There are 3 local guides on this tour.
On-Tour Motor Coach Driver: equivalent of $5 US Dollars per person for each travel day, provided at the end of your tour or time with your driver.
Hotel Housekeeping: equivalent of $1 US Dollar per day, per room, left each morning.
Airport Transfer Driver: If your airport transfer is included in your package or purchased from Collette, gratuities might already be included. Please reference the transfer information section for confirmation. If gratuities are not mentioned, the suggested amount is typically $3 US Dollars (or equivalent in local currency) per person.
We suggest getting some local currency to take with you on the tour to have for small purchases and tipping. The currency in Italy is the Euro.
For larger purchases, we suggest using a credit card.
As you prepare to explore beautiful Scotland, enjoy a casual dress style and be sure to pack comfortable walking shoes. It is recommended to bring clothing that may be worn in layers and can be added or removed as the temperature changes. As rain is not unknown in this part of the world, it is suggested to pack rain gear including a raincoat, collapsible umbrella and waterproof shoes. You may wish to pack some wash cloths for your tour as hotel properties do not always offer them. Ferry crossings and boat trips can be cold and windy even in the summer months. Consider packing warm clothes and/or additional layers in preparation. Individuals prone to motion sickness should pack accordingly. Please note, your Tour Manager, by law, is not allowed to recommend or administer any medication for sea sickness.
When you’re deciding what to bring on your trip, we have a few suggestions for you. In regards to clothing, think layers. It’s much easier to maintain a level of comfort if you can add or remove a layer at a time, especially if you’re traveling to a destination where the temperature can vary widely. So always bring a light jacket or sweater. Fleece or wool is best. We recommend staying away from cotton sweaters or jackets as they won’t keep you warm if they get wet.
Comfortable footwear is crucial. Make sure you bring a pair of shoes that fit well and give you the necessary support. If you decide to purchase new shoes for your trip, we suggest you wear them a number of times before you leave to break them in. Your feet will thank you. Be prepared for all types of weather. For warm, sunny weather, pack sunscreen, a hat or a bandana/scarf to protect your neck from sunburn. For cool, rainy weather, pack a light raincoat, travel umbrella, waterproof shoes and a thin pair of gloves. For your toiletries, pack anything that could leak in plastic bags or a waterproof case. In addition, you might want to bring a washcloth or two. Not all hotels provide them. If you take prescription medication, make sure to bring enough for your entire tour plus a few additional days in the original prescription containers.
Medication should be packed in your carry-on bag, never your checked luggage; this is in case your luggage is delayed. You don’t want to be without your medication. You could also bring extra medication in a separate bag in case any gets lost. In general, we recommend not packing anything of value in your checked bag. You’ll want to take pictures of everything, so make sure to bring a camera as well as extra memory cards and batteries for your entire trip. If you decide to bring a video camera, don’t forget an extra battery for it plus a charger. Be sure to pack chargers and cords for all your electronic equipment. It’s also a good idea to bring a travel alarm clock, a travel sewing kit, a portable scale to weigh luggage, and some hand sanitizer for when soap and water aren’t readily available. If you are travelling with a companion, we suggest dividing the contents of your suitcase with them, that way if one bag is delayed, some of your belongings are still available to you both. If that is not an option for you, you could put a change of clothing in your carry-on if there’s room. That will give you something to wear if your checked luggage i
When traveling to another country, you may need an adaptor and/or electric converter to plug your electrical devices and appliances into the local power grid.
An adaptor changes the plug so it fits into the outlet. A converter changes the voltage coming out of the outlet. To determine what you need, first verify if the plugs on your devices fit the outlet of your destination.
In Scotland, the plug type is G, which has three rectangular pins in a triangle pattern. If your plugs do not match this description, you will need an adaptor. Next, verify the voltage of each device you intend to bring. You can find this information on the cord, plug, or on the device itself. Many devices are dual-voltage. For those, you do not need a converter. If your device is not dual-voltage and it differs from the voltage of your destination, you will need a voltage converter.
Most hotels, if not all, have hairdryers available. Please be aware that if you use any other electrical device, such as hair curlers/straighteners, without a converter, you may damage your appliance. The voltage in Scotland is 230V. If necessary, make sure to get a converter that converts to this voltage. If you plan to bring a sleep apnea machine, please remember to bring an extension cord along with the adaptor and voltage converter.
Booking is easy! Simply complete the sign-up form with your guest information, including names, contact details, and any special requests.