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Pricing and Dates

Dolce Vita (8 Days Tour)

Vacation Code: EVBI8D09
8 Days and 7 Nights
11 Meals: (7 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 1 Dinner)

Tour Description > View Itinerary

The perfect introduction to Europe’s most visited destination, this eclectic tour travels from Rome heading north of this amazingly diverse country, providing our guests an opportunity to explore the most beautiful and intriguing parts of Italy, from its vibrant cities, like Rome and Venice, to its awe inspiring countryside. A balanced blend of sightseeing, guided touring, and time for leisure, this tour is ideal for travelers of all experience levels, from the novice European visitor to seasoned travelers who’ve already scoped out their favorite parts of this remarkable country. From beginning to end, this tour provides you with memories that last a lifetime, all wrapped up in one neat little vacation package – Italy!

 

View Dolce Vita in a larger map

Vacation Package Itinerary at a Glance



Day 1: Rome
Day 2: Rome – Assisi – Siena – Florence
Day 3: Florence
Day 4: Florence – Bologna – Padova – Venice
Day 5: Venice
Day 6: Venice – Montepulciano – Rome
Day 7: Rome
Day 8: Rome


Day 1: Rome



Welcome to Italy! Get ready to embark on an unforgettable experience. Upon your arrival, a private driver will meet you and take you to the hotel. At 07:45 pm pick-up at the hotel and reach Via del Teatro Marcello. Our local expert guide will lead you to discover the wonders of the Eternal City, charming by day – absolutely romantic at sunset. You will cross the characteristic area of the Jewish Ghetto, one of Rome’s most beautiful neighborhoods, full with history and with a real Roman atmosphere. As you know, one of Rome’s typical landmarks are its beautiful fountains, and one of the prettiest is the Turtle Fountain (Fontana delle Tartarughe) in Piazza Mattei. The Jewish Ghetto of Rome is the second most ancient after the one in Venice and it can be considered the heart and soul of Roman cuisine! Then you will walk into Piazza Della Rotonda and enjoy the lit view of the Pantheon, the former temple of Marcus Agrippa later converted into a church: this is the only ancient Roman temple that remained untouched through the centuries and it’s stunning at night when the crowds are away. Next Stop… Close your eyes and throw a coin over your right shoulder straight into the Trevi Fountain: it’s said that those who do so, are granted to come back to Rome someday. Your walk continues towards Piazza di Spagna, one of the city’s most popular squares, known for its setting at the bottom of the Spanish Steps. Walk up these famous steps to enjoy a lovely view from the top! After this intense and gratifying walk, there is only one thing missing to end this experience: relax enjoying a creamy and tasty Gelato, it’s on us! The tour ends in Spanish Steps area. Enjoy on your own the rest of the night. Return to the hotel on your own and overnight stay.


Day 2: Rome – Assisi – Siena – Florence (Breakfast, Dinner)



Early morning departure from the hotel.

We’ll board a deluxe coach, for our trip to the town of Assisi. In this city surrounded by ancient walls, you’ll have free time to explore on your own. Visit the Basilica of St. Francesco, a nod to St. Francis of Assisi, with its wonderful frescoes by artists Giotto and Cimabue.

After a lunch break (not included), we’ll head to Siena, a medieval town known for its marvelous Romanesque cathedral, the shell-shaped Piazza del Campo – famous for hosting the Palio horse race, a breathtakingly beautiful town hall, and several other notable structures.

Departing Siena, we’ll reach our destination for the evening, magnificent Florence. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in the largest city in the Tuscan region.


Day 3: Florence (Breakfast, Lunch)



After breakfast, we’ll spend the morning exploring this popular city of Etruscan- Roman origins, which flourished in the Middle Ages as a free commune. Now the most populated city in Tuscany, Florence is recognized as the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance and is lauded for its magnificent sites. You’ll visit the architectural gem of Florence, the domed cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, better known as The Duomo (outside visit). This 14th century masterpiece is visible throughout the city and is the most-visited attraction in Florence. The tour will then proceed to the Campanile (bell tower), partly designed by Giotto, and the accompanying Baptistery, graced with spectacular bronze doors that artist Michelangelo dubbed “The Gates of Paradise.

Lunch in a typical restaurant in Santa Croce Square.

Enjoy an afternoon at leisure, with the option of visiting nearby Pisa (46 euros per person to be paid directly to the tour guide). Known, of course, for the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, the city achieved notoriety as one of Italy’s four 11th century Maritime Republics and was the birthplace of physicist/astronomer Galileo. While in Pisa, we’ll take time to admire the Square of Miracles where we’ll find the lovely Duomo, the quirky Leaning Tower, and many other notable sites.

Upon return to Florence, settle in for an overnight stay


Day 4: Florence – Bologna – Padova – Venice (Breakfast, Dinner)



Start the fourth day of your trip with a delicious breakfast and then depart for Bologna.

Known for its excellent quality of life, Bologna has a strong industrial tradition and is known for its medieval towers and ramparts and its many elegant porticos. We’ll visit the Piazza del Nettuno with its beautiful Neptune fountain, Piazza Maggiore, and other sites in the heart of the city like King Renzo’s Palace, the Podestà Palace, and the Basilica of San Petronio, one of the largest basilicas in the world.

In the afternoon, we will continue towards the town of Padova, where Shakespeare set his “Taming of the Shrew.” Here, visitors can view the 13th century Pisano-designed Sant’ Antonio Basilica and other historic structures. In the evening, head for Venice, world-famous for its canals and gondolas and its numerous museums, palazzi, churches, and villas.

Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in the city the New York Times called “undoubtedly the most beautiful city ever built by man.”


Day 5: Venice (Breakfast)



Eat breakfast and then transfer by vaporetto to St Mark Square. You’ll tour You’ll tour the square and see some famous sights such as St Mark’s Cathedral and Dodge’s Palace (outside), a symbol of the glory and authority of Venice, former residence of the Dukes, and seat of the government and the Court of Justice. We’ll cross the famous Bridge of Sighs, where it is said prisoners would catch their last glimpse of Venice before being incarcerated in the attached prison.

Enjoy an afternoon at leisure and the chance to visit numerous other Venetian sites such as Ca d’Oro – one of the city’s most magnificent palazzi, or the Basilica de Santa Maria della Salute.

Return to the hotel on your own and overnight.


Day 6: Venice – Montepulciano – Rome (Breakfast, Lunch)



Breakfast and departure by motor coach from Piazzale Roma to the Chianti Region of Tuscany, known for its wines, and then on to Montepulciano, Tuscany, a Renaissance hill town known for its churches and palazzos.

A great place to explore on foot, Montepulciano is famous in Italy for its Vino Nobile, considered one of the best wines in the country and available in many locations throughout the town. Lunch in a typical restaurant. Spend the afternoon exploring Montepulciano at your own pace.

Use your free time to enjoy a glass or two or to visit the 16th century church of Santa Maria delle Grazie.

In the evening, return to Rome to conclude the sixth day of your trip.


Day 7: Rome (Breakfast)



Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and depart at approximately 7:30 am for a walking tour of Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica and jump the lines! No stress to reach the area: upon arrival at Vatican City, your guide will lead you into the museums where you will visit one of the most important art collection in the world.

Admire the beautiful spiral stairway, the gallery of tapestries and geographical maps, before arriving at the famous Sistine Chapel. The tour also includes the visit of St. Peter’s Basilica.

After lunch, meet the group by the Colosseum for an afternoon guided tour. The Romans built an empire of truly gigantic proportions. The testimony of its greatness is still visible in the places where the city was built, more than 2772 years ago, by the legendary twin brothers Romulus and Remus.

To see it with your own eyes, join us and our professional guide on this 3- hour-tour: we’ll provide you with a pocket radio receiver and earphones, and let you access the Colosseum skipping the long line. You’ll walk inside the Flavian Amphitheater, seeing the places where the Ancient Romans used to watch a variety of events, such as gladiatorial shows or staged animal hunts, and you’ll learn more about the way Romans used to enjoy their leisure time.

You’ll stroll around the Palatine Hill, the place where Rome was founded and where Roman emperors used to live: the view is spectacular from here, so get your camera ready for some perfect shots from above! You’ll also reach the Roman Forum, the pulsating heart of ancient Roman life, to see some very well preserved ruins of that time: let the tour guide take you back in time and try to imagine how it was like to be a Roman citizen.

Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure exploring more sites, eating gelato, or hobnobbing with the friendly locals.


Day 8: Rome (Breakfast)



Have breakfast at the hotel, say goodbye to the Eternal City, and transfer to the airport for your trip home. (End of services) Not ready to go home yet? Having too much fun exploring magnificent Italy? Your travel specialist will review all the options available to you at the end of the trip, including an extended opportunity to explore the country or the option of spending an extra night in Rome. If you must go, you’ll head to the airport for your return home. Remember, we are always eager to help you create the travel experience you desire, so don’t hesitate to ask if you’d like to keep your travel options open!


Hotel Accommodations:

*4 star hotel pricing available

Additional Information


The tour includes:

  • Transfers to/from Rome airport
  • Transportation by deluxe motor coach
  • Monolingual tour guide and escort
  • Accommodation at the hotels
  • Meals as per itinerary
  • Guided visit with entrance tickets to the Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Church
  • Guided visit with entrance tickets to the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatin Hill
  • Panoramic visits as per itinerary
  • Luggage service: 1 piece of luggage per person in Florence and Venice
  • Taxes and fees
  • 24 hour emergency hotline

These tour packages do not include:

  • Tips
  • Drinks and extras in hotel
  • Entrance fees to monuments and museums not included in the itinerary
  • Everything that is not mentioned in “The tour includes” section
  • Extra luggage may incur an additional fee
  • Rome Hotel Taxes (6 euros per person per day) paid to the hotel
  • Florence Hotel Taxes (4 euros per person per day) to be paid directly to the hotel
  • Venice Hotel Taxes (4 euros per person per day) to be paid directly to the hotel


Frequently Asked Questions


Question 1 – Why choose escorted tours for Italy?

Answer 1 – There are many factors to consider when planning a trip to Italy. Escorted tours to Italy can offer travelers several advantages, from convenience and ease of scheduling to expert local knowledge and guidance. Here are just a few reasons why a tour might be the right choice for your next Italian adventure:

  • Italy escorted tours take the guesswork out of planning. Everything is taken care of for you, from transportation and accommodations to activities and sightseeing. Then, all you have to do is show up and enjoy the ride!
  • Italy tour packages provide travelers with expert local knowledge and guidance. From history buffs to foodies, there’s a tour for everyone.
  • Escorted Italy group tour allow travelers to meet new people and make new friends. Whether traveling solo or with a group, you’ll quickly bond with fellow travelers over shared experiences.
  • Escorted tours provide excellent value for your money.


Question 2 – Do you provide any package offers and deals?

Answer 2 – You’ll often get access to exclusive deals and discounts that you wouldn’t be able to find on your own. With Tour Italy Now, everything is taken care of for you; all you have to worry about is having the time of your life!

Yes, we provide exciting offers depending on the time and the year’s season. One challenge with visiting Italy is that many of the most popular attractions – the Sistine Chapel, Michelangelo’s David – tend to get booked heavily, so many tourists have a hard time getting in. By going with Tour Italy Now, we make arrangements to reserve tickets for you ahead of time, so getting to see these marvelous places won’t be a problem.

If you’re looking for an easy way to travel to Italy, an escorted tour might be just what you’re looking for. With so many advantages, it’s no wonder that guided tours are becoming increasingly popular with travelers of all ages and budgets.

Question 3 – When is the best time to visit Italy?

Answer 3 – Italy is a beautiful country with much to offer all year. The climate in Italy can be called moderate, with hot days and cool nights throughout most of the summer, but there’s also winter (January) and springtime (April). The best times for traveling are between April-June & September-October when it’s not too rainy or cold out yet still warm enough, so you don’t need layers under your clothes! If the off-season sounds better than the high season, then November until March would suit your needs just fine, considering how much lower prices tend towards during this period.

Question 4 – Can I use my ATM card in Italy?

Answer 4 – Yes, you can. However, it can be highly expensive. Italian ATMs are a convenient way to get cash when you need it. You can use your 4-digit PIN and withdraw Euros, but many visitors discover that the fees for international withdrawals add up very quickly. We recommend exchanging money for euros before you leave on your trip to Italy, and withdrawing money in country on a limited basis. Many airports, and even some major shopping malls, have kiosks available for currency exchange.

Question 5 – Is it safe to travel to Italy?

Answer 5 – Italy is one of the most beautiful and safest European countries, with warm, friendly people. Some precautions you should take when visiting large cities around tourist areas: keep an eye out for pickpockets who may be targeting tourists seeking distraction or easy targets like luggage baskets near certain places where crowds gather. Always carry your belongings securely, so they don’t get stolen while walking through crowded streets during your vacation in Italy!

Question 6 – What is the weather like? What kind of clothing should I plan on packing? What kind of shoes should I bring?

Answer 6 – Italy is a four-seasons country, so the clothing you should wear will depend on the time of year you plan to visit. If you go between June and August, the temperature can get into the high 80s to low 90s, so lightweight clothing is definitely recommended.

The tours included in your Italy vacation can involve a fair amount of walking, so you’ll want to wear comfortable shoes. In addition, certain parts of Italy have lots of cobblestone streets, so you’ll probably want to wear something with lots of ankle support.

Question 7 – I heard that Vatican City is its own country? Will I have any problem getting inside? Do I need to have my passport with me to be allowed inside? Should I plan on dressing a particular way when we go to the Vatican Museum?

Answer 7 – It is true that Vatican City is its own independent city-state within Italy (it even has its own ambassador to the United Nations). But you won’t need a passport to get inside Vatican City for your tour – you’ll just need to get through a security checkpoint.

As the official headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church, the Vatican does have a dress code: all visitors should have their knees and upper arms covered. Shorts above the knee, sleeveless tops and low-cut shirts are prohibited. If your clothing doesn’t meet the required standard, Vatican sells plastic cloaks that you can use during your visit.

Question 8 – I don’t speak Italian. How much of a problem will the language barrier be?

Answer 8 – As one of the most popular travel destinations in the world, at least some understanding of English is fairly widespread in certain parts of Italy, particularly in places like hotels, restaurants and tourist areas.

However, Italy is also the country that gave rise to the saying, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do,” so it certainly wouldn’t hurt to learn at least a few Italian phrases prior to your trip.

Question 9 – Will I be able to use my smartphone during my visit to Italy?

Answer 9 – Wireless access is widespread in Italy, and many carriers have options for temporarily adding international roaming to your plan during a specified window of time. Check with your wireless carrier to see if you can make arrangements to use your phone during your Italy vacation.

Question 10 – What do I need to know about public transportation? Is it reliable?

Answer 10 – Busses and trains are widely available across Italy. In some areas, it’s far quicker to get where you want to go by train than by car. However, your tour includes transportation by deluxe motor coach, so you won’t have to worry about getting around in country.

Question 11 – Are there any customs I should be aware of before going?

Answer 11 – There are countless unique customs that visitors discover when traveling to Italy, but here are just a few that many visitors to Italy find surprising.

  • Lots of coffee aficionados seek out an espresso bar when they visit Italy. But it’s common practice to drink while standing at the bar! Feel free you can sit if you want, but it will cost more.
  • Dining in restaurants is considered a lengthy experience relative to other countries. Americans are accustomed to getting through dinner in an hour, but Italians will not rush you. Expect dinner to take at least a couple of hours.
  • When it comes to things like ticket windows, Italians don’t do lines or queues. If you try to get in a line and wait your turn, you may be surprised to discover that your turn never really materializes. Don’t be shy – step up and be served! (But don’t worry about buying tickets. If it’s on the itinerary, we’ll handle it for you.)

Pricing and Dates

Departure Date Double Single Triple Reservation Deposit
Feb-18-2024$ 1430.00$ 1880.00$ 1430.00$ 300.00
Mar-03-2024$ 1430.00$ 1880.00$ 1430.00$ 300.00
Mar-24-2024$ 1850.00$ 2550.00$ 1850.00$ 300.00
Mar-31-2024$ 1850.00$ 2550.00$ 1850.00$ 300.00
Apr-07-2024$ 1850.00$ 2550.00$ 1850.00$ 300.00
Apr-14-2024$ 1850.00$ 2550.00$ 1850.00$ 300.00
Apr-21-2024$ 1850.00$ 2550.00$ 1850.00$ 300.00
Apr-28-2024$ 1850.00$ 2550.00$ 1850.00$ 300.00
May-03-2024$ 1850.00$ 2550.00$ 1850.00$ 300.00
May-05-2024$ 1850.00$ 2550.00$ 1850.00$ 300.00
May-10-2024$ 1850.00$ 2550.00$ 1850.00$ 300.00
May-12-2024$ 1850.00$ 2550.00$ 1850.00$ 300.00
May-17-2024$ 1850.00$ 2550.00$ 1850.00$ 300.00
May-19-2024$ 1850.00$ 2550.00$ 1850.00$ 300.00
May-24-2024$ 1850.00$ 2550.00$ 1850.00$ 300.00
May-26-2024$ 1850.00$ 2550.00$ 1850.00$ 300.00
May-31-2024$ 1850.00$ 2550.00$ 1850.00$ 300.00
Jun-02-2024$ 1850.00$ 2550.00$ 1850.00$ 300.00
Jun-07-2024$ 1850.00$ 2550.00$ 1850.00$ 300.00
Jun-09-2024$ 1850.00$ 2550.00$ 1850.00$ 300.00
Jun-14-2024$ 1850.00$ 2550.00$ 1850.00$ 300.00
Jun-16-2024$ 1850.00$ 2550.00$ 1850.00$ 300.00
Jun-21-2024$ 1850.00$ 2550.00$ 1850.00$ 300.00
Jun-23-2024$ 1850.00$ 2550.00$ 1850.00$ 300.00
Jun-28-2024$ 1850.00$ 2550.00$ 1850.00$ 300.00
Jun-30-2024$ 1850.00$ 2550.00$ 1850.00$ 300.00
Jul-05-2024$ 1850.00$ 2550.00$ 1850.00$ 300.00
Jul-07-2024$ 1850.00$ 2550.00$ 1850.00$ 300.00
Jul-12-2024$ 1850.00$ 2550.00$ 1850.00$ 300.00
Jul-14-2024$ 1850.00$ 2550.00$ 1850.00$ 300.00
Jul-19-2024$ 1850.00$ 2550.00$ 1850.00$ 300.00
Jul-21-2024$ 1850.00$ 2550.00$ 1850.00$ 300.00
Jul-26-2024$ 1850.00$ 2550.00$ 1850.00$ 300.00
Jul-28-2024$ 1850.00$ 2550.00$ 1850.00$ 300.00
Aug-02-2024$ 1750.00$ 2350.00$ 1750.00$ 300.00
Aug-04-2024$ 1750.00$ 2350.00$ 1750.00$ 300.00
Aug-08-2024$ 1750.00$ 2350.00$ 1750.00$ 300.00
Aug-11-2024$ 1750.00$ 2350.00$ 1750.00$ 300.00
Aug-16-2024$ 1750.00$ 2350.00$ 1750.00$ 300.00
Aug-18-2024$ 1750.00$ 2350.00$ 1750.00$ 300.00
Aug-23-2024$ 1850.00$ 2550.00$ 1850.00$ 300.00
Aug-25-2024$ 1850.00$ 2550.00$ 1850.00$ 300.00
Aug-30-2024$ 1850.00$ 2550.00$ 1850.00$ 300.00
Sep-01-2024$ 1850.00$ 2550.00$ 1850.00$ 300.00
Sep-06-2024$ 1850.00$ 2550.00$ 1850.00$ 300.00
Sep-08-2024$ 1850.00$ 2550.00$ 1850.00$ 300.00
Sep-13-2024$ 1850.00$ 2550.00$ 1850.00$ 300.00
Sep-15-2024$ 1850.00$ 2550.00$ 1850.00$ 300.00
Sep-20-2024$ 1850.00$ 2550.00$ 1850.00$ 300.00
Sep-22-2024$ 1850.00$ 2550.00$ 1850.00$ 300.00
Sep-27-2024$ 1850.00$ 2550.00$ 1850.00$ 300.00
Sep-29-2024$ 1850.00$ 2550.00$ 1850.00$ 300.00
Oct-04-2024$ 1850.00$ 2550.00$ 1850.00$ 300.00
Oct-06-2024$ 1850.00$ 2550.00$ 1850.00$ 300.00
Oct-11-2024$ 1850.00$ 2550.00$ 1850.00$ 300.00
Oct-13-2024$ 1850.00$ 2550.00$ 1850.00$ 300.00
Oct-18-2024$ 1850.00$ 2550.00$ 1850.00$ 300.00
Oct-20-2024$ 1850.00$ 2550.00$ 1850.00$ 300.00
Oct-25-2024$ 1850.00$ 2550.00$ 1850.00$ 300.00
Oct-27-2024$ 1850.00$ 2550.00$ 1850.00$ 300.00
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