Signature Tour · Couples Welcome

Grand Tour of
Italy

October 17 – 28, 2026 · 12 Days, 11 Nights

From the shores of Lake Como to the cliffs of the Amalfi Coast, with Florence, Tuscany, Rome, and Vatican City in between. Roundtrip airfare from the US included.

12 DaysThe full Italy
$6,997Per person, double
17 MealsIncluded
US AirfareIncluded
About Your Trip

Italy has a way of getting into your heart.

The food, the scenery, the history, the people. This trip is our way of giving you all of it without the stress of figuring out the logistics yourself.

Over twelve unforgettable days, we'll journey from the shimmering shores of Lake Como to the Renaissance streets of Florence, through the rolling vineyards of Tuscany, into the Eternal City of Rome, and down to the sun-drenched cliffs of the Amalfi Coast. You'll stand beneath Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel, sip wine in the hills of Chianti, walk the ancient streets of Pompeii, and dine at a lemon farm overlooking the Mediterranean.

This trip is the perfect mix of scheduled experiences and free time to explore on your own. We've built in guided tours at the places you don't want to miss, paired with leisurely afternoons and evenings where the day is yours. That means plenty of time to wander cobblestone streets, duck into a family-run trattoria, find the gelato shop the locals love, or linger over a glass of wine as the sun sets.

Everything is handled — your flights, hotels, meals, admissions, and a knowledgeable tour director every step of the way. All you have to do is show up and enjoy.

Where You'll Stay

From the Lakes to the Coast.

Lake Como, Tuscany & Florence

Days 2–6 · Northern Italy

Begin in shimmering Lake Como with a cruise to Villa Carlotta and Bellagio. Travel south through Tuscany to Florence — the cradle of the Renaissance — with a guided tour of the Duomo and a face-to-face moment with Michelangelo's David. A free day to wander, plus a full day in the Chianti wine country.

Rome, Sorrento & the Amalfi Coast

Days 7–12 · Central & Southern Italy

The Eternal City — Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, and a full Vatican day including the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica. Then south to the Amalfi Coast, dinner at a lemon farm, and a guided visit to Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius.

Day-by-Day

Your twelve days in Italy.

Day 1 · Saturday, October 17

Overnight Flight to Italy

Our Italian adventure begins today. You'll board your overnight transatlantic flight to Milan, settling in for the journey ahead.

Meals: None · Overnight: Overnight flight
Day 2 · Sunday, October 18

Arrival in Milan • Lake Como

Benvenuti in Italia! We'll be warmly greeted on arrival in Milan, then head north toward the breathtaking shores of Lake Como. Check into your lakeside hotel, then gather for a welcome dinner featuring the regional specialties of northern Italy.

Meals: Dinner · Overnight: Lake Como
Day 3 · Monday, October 19

Lake Como • Villa Carlotta • Bellagio

A guided walking tour of elegant Como, then we cruise across the lake to Villa Carlotta with its world-renowned gardens, continuing to Bellagio — the Pearl of the Lake — for an afternoon of pastel villages and unforgettable views.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner · Overnight: Lake Como
Day 4 · Tuesday, October 20

Lake Como • Tuscany • Florence

South into Tuscany — cypress-lined roads and rolling vineyards — and on to Florence. A guided walking tour of the historic center includes the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, then a visit to the Galleria dell'Accademia to stand face-to-face with Michelangelo's David.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner · Overnight: Florence
Day 5 · Wednesday, October 21

Florence at Leisure

The day is yours. Wander the Uffizi, shop the San Lorenzo leather markets, duck into artisan workshops, or settle into a sunny piazza with a cappuccino and watch the world go by.

Meals: Breakfast · Overnight: Florence
Day 6 · Thursday, October 22

Chianti Wine Region

A day in the celebrated Chianti countryside — a visit to a local vineyard and organic farm to learn how traditional Italian wine and olive oil are made, followed by a guided tasting of regional wines paired with local cheeses, meats, and fresh-baked bread.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch · Overnight: Florence
Day 7 · Friday, October 23

Florence • Rome

South to Rome — the Eternal City. A guided city tour includes the Colosseum, the Spanish Steps, and the Trevi Fountain. Your evening is free to find a neighborhood trattoria and start falling in love with Rome on your own terms.

Meals: Breakfast · Overnight: Rome
Day 8 · Saturday, October 24

Vatican City

A day you'll never forget. Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel beneath Michelangelo's breathtaking ceiling, and St. Peter's Basilica — arguably the most awe-inspiring church ever built. Your afternoon is free to explore.

Meals: Breakfast · Overnight: Rome
Day 9 · Sunday, October 25

Rome • Amalfi Coast • Sorrento

South to the dramatic cliffs and sparkling Mediterranean waters of the Amalfi Coast. Check into our Sorrento hotel with time to walk along the sea and soak in the coastal air. The pace slows here — and that's exactly the point.

Meals: Breakfast · Overnight: Sorrento
Day 10 · Monday, October 26

Sorrento & Lemon Farm Dinner

The day in Sorrento is yours — explore Piazza Tasso, stroll the waterfront, shop for limoncello, or take the optional excursion to Capri. This evening, one of the most memorable meals of the whole trip: dinner at a local lemon farm surrounded by the groves that make this region famous.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner · Overnight: Sorrento
Day 11 · Tuesday, October 27

Pompeii & Mount Vesuvius

Two thousand years back in time on a guided excursion to Pompeii — the city preserved by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD. Then up Mount Vesuvius itself for panoramic views over the Bay of Naples. Tonight, a special farewell dinner on the Amalfi Coast.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner · Overnight: Sorrento
Day 12 · Wednesday, October 28

Departure from Naples

After breakfast, transfer to Naples Airport for your flight home. You'll be carrying more than souvenirs — twelve days of memories, new friendships, and stories to tell for years. Grazie for traveling with us. Until next time!

Meals: Breakfast · Overnight: Return flight home
All Inclusive

What's included & what's not

What's Included

  • Roundtrip airfare from the United States
  • 11 nights accommodations (10 hotel nights + 1 overnight flight)
  • 17 meals — 9 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 7 dinners
  • Welcome dinner, lemon farm dinner, Chianti lunch, farewell dinner
  • All ground transportation by private motorcoach
  • Professional English-speaking tour director throughout
  • Local expert guides at key sites
  • All admissions to attractions in the itinerary
  • Lake Como cruise to Villa Carlotta and Bellagio
  • Chianti winery tour and tasting with pairings
  • Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica
  • Guided tour of Pompeii and visit to Mount Vesuvius
  • Most gratuities for included services
  • All applicable taxes
  • Baggage handling (1 bag per person at hotels)

Not Included

  • Meals not listed in the itinerary
  • Personal spending money & beverages not included with meals
  • Travel insurance (strongly recommended — ask for options)
  • Optional excursions (such as the Capri day trip)
  • Gratuities for your tour director and driver
  • Items of a personal nature (laundry, phone calls, room service)
  • Passport fees

We strongly recommend travel insurance for all international trips. Please ask us about options when you reserve.

Before You Book

A few quick answers

Is airfare really included?

Yes — roundtrip airfare from the United States is built into the trip price. Frances will help you sort the right departure city. Upgrades to premium economy or business class are available at additional cost.

Is this trip open to husbands and partners?

Yes — the Grand Tour of Italy is one of our couples-welcome trips. Husbands, partners, and significant others are warmly invited.

How much walking is involved?

Substantial. Italy is best experienced on foot, and Florence, Rome, and Pompeii in particular involve a lot of cobblestone walking. We build in rest stops and free afternoons, but comfortable broken-in walking shoes are essential. If walking is a real concern, please call Frances before booking.

What does a single room cost?

$8,497 per person for guaranteed single occupancy (a $1,500 supplement over double). The trip is offered in single or double occupancy only.

What's the weather like in October?

October in Italy is one of the most beautiful times of year — warm days (65–75°F), cool evenings, the heat of summer gone and the crowds thinned. A light jacket and a scarf are your friends. Detailed packing list provided after booking.

How do I reserve a seat?

A $1,000 deposit per person holds your seat. Click the Reserve button below to email Frances directly, or call 931-801-9900. Final payment schedule is provided at booking.

Can I see the full printed brochure?

Yes — the complete 8-page Grand Tour of Italy 2026 brochure is available. Email or call Frances and we'll send it right over.

Limited Seats · 2026 Departure

Reserve your seat for October 17–28, 2026.

$6,997
per person, double occupancy · airfare from the US included
$8,497per person, single occupancy
$1,000deposit per person

$1,000 deposit holds your seat · Travel insurance strongly recommended · Single or double occupancy only.

Other Upcoming Trips

Looking for something else?

Browse our full lineup of trips, day adventures, and members-only gatherings.

See All Trips →