The Italian 'Grande'
18 Days | Fully Escorted Small Group Tour | From Milan to Rome, Italy
Italy has a way of capturing the imagination like few other destinations. From shimmering lakes and vineyard-covered hills to medieval villages, artistic masterpieces and dramatic coastal scenery, every region offers its own distinct character and charm. The challenge is never deciding whether to visit Italy, but rather how much of it to see.
The Italian 'Grande' Tour is designed for travellers who want to experience Italy in depth. Over 18 glorious days, you'll journey from Milan to Rome, exploring the country's most iconic cities while discovering lesser-known treasures along the way. From the romance of Venice and the beauty of Tuscany to the spectacular Amalfi Coast and the ancient wonders of Pompeii, this is Italy at its most rewarding.
Drive the Scenic Coastal Road of the Amalfi Coast
More Than Just Italy's Famous Cities
While Italy's celebrated cities certainly feature, one of the real highlights of this journey is the time spent beyond the major tourist centres. Cruise across the sparkling waters of Lake Como and Lake Maggiore, wander the colourful fishing villages of the Cinque Terre, soak up the atmosphere of medieval hilltop towns and enjoy authentic local experiences in the heart of Tuscany.
With multiple-night stays in carefully selected locations and plenty of opportunities to explore independently, you'll have time to truly appreciate each destination rather than simply ticking sights off a list. This tour requires a moderate level of fitness and includes walking through historic towns, cobbled streets, hilltop villages and archaeological sites. It is best suited to travellers who are comfortable exploring on foot and navigating uneven terrain in some locations.
What Your Journey Looks Like
Italian Lakes & Alpine Scenery Cruise across the sparkling waters of Lake Como and Lake Maggiore, visit elegant lakeside villas and gardens, and soak up spectacular views framed by the Alps
Venice's Timeless Romance Wander through Venice's maze of canals and hidden alleyways, cruise by private boat to St Mark's Square and discover the grandeur of the Doge's Palace with a local guide
Tuscan Flavours & Medieval Treasures Explore Florence, Siena and San Gimignano, enjoy olive oil and wine tastings at a local farmhouse, and experience the slower pace of life in the heart of Tuscany
Cinque Terre & Coastal Beauty Cruise along one of Italy's most scenic coastlines, discovering colourful fishing villages perched dramatically above the Ligurian Sea
The Magic of the Amalfi Coast Sail to Capri, stroll the charming streets of Amalfi and Ravello, and take in some of the Mediterranean's most breathtaking coastal scenery
Ancient Italy Brought to Life Walk through the remarkably preserved ruins of Pompeii, visit Villa Adriana in Tivoli and uncover the history behind some of Italy's most significant archaeological sites
Your Tour Itinerary
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Your journey begins in Milan, where you'll be transferred to the elegant lakeside town of Stresa on Lake Maggiore. This evening, enjoy a welcome drink and dinner while getting to know your Tour Manager and fellow travellers
Meals Dinner Overnight Stresa, Lake Maggiore Hotel La Palma Hotel
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Travel to the beautiful shores of Lake Como and visit the renowned Villa Carlotta, famous for its spectacular Italian gardens and lakeside setting. Later, enjoy a private cruise across the lake to the charming village of Bellagio, where you'll have free time to explore its elegant streets, boutiques, and waterfront cafés
Meals Breakfast, Dinner Overnight Stresa, Lake Maggiore Hotel La Palma Hotel
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Head into the Italian Alps and visit the picturesque mountain village of Macugnaga, nestled beneath the dramatic Monte Rosa massif. Enjoy free time to explore before continuing to the charming lakeside town of Orta San Giulio, set on the shores of romantic Lake Orta
Meals Breakfast Overnight Stresa, Lake Maggiore Hotel La Palma Hotel
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Cruise by private boat to the enchanting islands of Lake Maggiore. Visit Isola Bella and tour the magnificent Borromeo Palace and gardens before continuing to the picturesque Fisherman's Island, where you'll have time to explore at your own pace. The afternoon is free to enjoy the lakeside atmosphere of Stresa
Meals Breakfast Overnight Stresa, Lake Maggiore Hotel La Palma Hotel
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Depart Lake Maggiore and travel east to beautiful Lake Garda, Italy's largest lake. Spend time exploring one of the colourful lakeside towns before continuing to the foothills of the Dolomites and your unique castle hotel accommodation
Meals Breakfast, Dinner Overnight Cison di Valmarino Hotel Hotel CastelBrando
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Discover the timeless beauty of Venice with a guided walking tour through its historic centre. Visit the magnificent Doge's Palace before enjoying free time to wander the city's canals, bridges, piazzas, and hidden alleyways at your own pace
Meals Breakfast, Dinner Overnight Cison di Valmarino Hotel Hotel CastelBrando
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Journey south into the heart of Tuscany and arrive in the elegant spa town of Montecatini Terme. This evening, enjoy a special dinner at a local olive oil estate in the picturesque Tuscan countryside
Meals Breakfast, Dinner Overnight Montecatini Terme Hotel Hotel Ercolini & Savi
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Spend the day exploring Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance. Join a local guide to discover the city's iconic landmarks, including the Duomo and Piazza della Signoria. Visit the renowned Accademia Gallery, home to Michelangelo's David, before enjoying free time to explore Florence at your leisure
Meals Breakfast, Dinner Overnight Montecatini Terme Hotel Hotel Ercolini & Savi
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Visit the charming medieval town of Lucca, known for its ancient walls, historic churches and elegant piazzas. Continue to Pisa to see the famous Leaning Tower and explore the impressive Piazza dei Miracoli. Later, enjoy an olive oil tasting accompanied by local wines and produce at a traditional Tuscan farmhouse
Meals Breakfast, Dinner Overnight Montecatini Terme Hotel Hotel Ercolini & Savi
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Explore the breathtaking Cinque Terre, a collection of colourful fishing villages perched along the dramatic Ligurian coastline. Enjoy a scenic coastal cruise, visit picturesque villages, and travel by train through one of Italy's most spectacular regions
Meals Breakfast, Dinner Overnight Montecatini Terme Hotel Hotel Ercolini & Savi
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Enjoy a full day at leisure. Relax in the spa town, revisit Florence independently, explore local cafés and boutiques, or simply unwind and soak up the Tuscan atmosphere
Meals Breakfast Overnight Montecatini Terme Hotel Hotel Ercolini & Savi
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Travel through Tuscany, visiting the medieval hilltop town of San Gimignano, famous for its iconic towers. Continue to Siena, where you'll have time to explore its historic streets and beautiful Piazza del Campo, before arriving in the charming Umbrian town of Spoleto
Meals Breakfast, Dinner Overnight Spoleto Hotel Hotel Dei Duchi
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Visit the stunning hilltop town of Assisi and enjoy a guided tour of the Basilica of St Francis, renowned for its remarkable frescoes. Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore before returning to Spoleto for a relaxed afternoon at leisure
Meals Breakfast Overnight Spoleto Hotel Hotel Dei Duchi
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Travel south to Tivoli and explore the magnificent Villa Adriana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Roman Empire's most impressive archaeological treasures. Continue to the stunning Amalfi Coast, where you'll spend the next three nights
Meals Breakfast, Dinner Overnight Maiori, Amalfi Coast Hotel Reginna Palace Hotel
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Cruise along the Amalfi Coast to the glamorous island of Capri. Explore Anacapri, visit the beautiful Gardens of Augustus, and enjoy free time to browse stylish boutiques or simply soak up the island's stunning scenery
Meals Breakfast, Dinner Overnight Maiori, Amalfi Coast Hotel Reginna Palace Hotel
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Cruise along the spectacular Amalfi Coast and spend time exploring the historic town of Amalfi. Later, visit the hilltop village of Ravello, famous for its breathtaking coastal views, elegant villas, and charming medieval streets
Meals Breakfast Overnight Maiori, Amalfi Coast Hotel Reginna Palace Hotel
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Discover the extraordinary ruins of Pompeii with a local guide and gain fascinating insights into daily life before the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Later, continue to Rome, where you'll celebrate your journey with a special farewell dinner
Meals Breakfast, Dinner Overnight Rome Hotel Best Western Premier Hotel Royal Santina
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After breakfast, your Italian adventure comes to an end. Bid farewell to your fellow travellers and make your onward journey
Meals Breakfast
Note The itinerary, inclusions and hotels featured are based on 2027 tour departures and may be subject to change. Any questions, please contact your Travel Expert for further details.
Tour Inclusions
Fully Escorted Touring with an experienced Tour Manager & local guides
Travel in a first-class air-conditioned touring coach
Welcome Drink on Day 1
Accommodation 17 nights in specially selected hotels
Complimentary Wi-Fi in most Hotels
Included Meals 17 breakfasts, 12 dinners with complimentary glass of wine, beer or soft drink
ALL excursions, scenic drives, sightseeing and entrance fees
Scenic Cruises & Boat Rides Lake Como Cruise, Lake Maggiore Boat Excursions, Venice Private Boat Transfers, Cinque Terre Coastal Cruise, Capri Ferry & Amalfi Coast Cruising
Tour Suitability Moderate fitness level required
Tips & gratuities for Tour Manager, Driver and Local Guides
Small Group Tour Maximum of 28 guests
From $17,734* per person share twin, based on departure dates 31 Mar & 06 Oct 2027*.
*Other dates available throughout the year.
Florence, Tuscany, Italy
Terms & Conditions Pricing is to be used as a guide only and is subject to availability at the time of booking. Tour itineraries, accommodation and inclusions may be subject to change. International and domestic airfares are not included unless otherwise stated. Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Travel agent service & credit cards fees are additional. For full terms & conditions, current availability and pricing for your preferred departure date, contact your Wanderlust Travel Experts.
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