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!
April 23 - May 2, 2028
Celebrate spring in Italy!
April 23 - May 2, 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 - UNAhotels Deco Roma
Perugia - Sangallo Palace Hotel
Florence - Hotel Albani Firenze
Venice - Hotel Avani Rio Novo Venice
An alternative hotel may be used if necessary.
Double Occupancy: $5,999/person
Single Occupancy: $7,199/person
Triple Occupancy: $5,899/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 October 17, 2027 are based upon availability.
- Final payment due by January 24, 2028.
- Deposits are refundable up until October 24, 2027.
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.
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:
Available PrePaid Options:
- Tuscan Feast - $129.00 (Visit to the monastery may not be possible when weddings are taking place. Gratuities are included)
- Venetian Serenaded Gondola Cruise - $79.00 (This option is a weather-permitting basis)
- Roman Serenade - $129.00
Extend your vacation!
Optional 4 Days/2 Nights Rome Pre-Tour Extension
Day 1 - April 21 - Overnight Flight- Give yourself the luxury of extra time in Rome and take a deeper dive into the history, art, and architecture of Italy’s capital city, spanning over 26 centuries.
Day 2 - April 22- Rome, Italy-Arrive in Rome for an extended stay in the city Romans call Caput Mundi (capital of the world). Your local host will meet you at the hotel for an orientation briefing before leading you on a neighborhood walk, providing you with dining suggestions for your evening at leisure.
Day 3 - April 23 - Rome- Start your day with a locally guided tour of Rome’s Renaissance and Baroque highlights. Walk to the top of the Spanish Steps for views of the city’s skyline and down its famous 135 stairs. Stroll over cobblestone streets and weathered passageways to discover famous sights like the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon’s imposing facade. Finish a full morning of exploration in the oval-shaped Piazza Navona before an afternoon at leisure. Perhaps you’ll meander through Rome’s lively Monti district to soak in the local life.
Day 4 - April 24 - Rome-This morning, dive into the history of the Roman Empire. Your extensive walking tour of Ancient Rome begins with an in-depth visit to the Colosseum, where your guide recounts its rich history. Your guided tour continues with a stroll along the avenue of Imperial Fora for views of the remains of the Basilica of Maxentius and Trajan’s Market. The afternoon is yours to explore more of the Italian capital before joining your Reflections of Italy tour.
Please Note:
The overall activity level of this extension is a level 3. (See description below in Activity Level)
Please see FAQs below for important need-to-know details of the add-on excursions.
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.
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 October 17th, 2027 are based upon availability.
Final payment due by January 24,2028.
Deposits are refundable up until October 24, 2027.
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.
Being prepared before you travel means knowing whether you’ll need an adapter and/or a power converter for your electronic devices. An adapter allows your plug to fit into the local outlet, while a converter adjusts the outlet’s voltage so your device can be used safely.
To determine what you need, first verify if the plugs on your devices fit the outlet of your destination.
Plug Types: In Europe, the plug type is C, which has two round pins. If your plugs do not match this description, you will need an adapter.
Voltage and Device Compatibility: 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.
In Europe, the voltage is 220v-230v. If necessary, make sure to get a converter that converts to this voltage.
Medical Equipment: If you plan to bring a sleep apnea machine, please remember to bring an extension cord along with the adapter and voltage converter, as not all hotels have sockets next to the bed.
Booking is easy! Simply complete the sign-up form with your guest information, including names, contact details, and any special requests.