01904 521 936
Tour Search



ClassicClassic

Top to Toe of Italy

 
4.1 stars(28 reviews)
You are viewing the 2026 itinerary. Select your departure year
202520262027
Duration
16 days
From per person
£4,999
Tour code
TTG26
Mobility Rating 4
View Dates & Pricing
View Dates & Pricing
Gallery
Map

Discover Italy's ancient monuments, diverse culture and mouthwatering cuisine, on a journey from the northern city of Turin to the Mediterranean island of Sicily

From the Alpine foothills to the island of Sicily and all that lies between, uncover the best of Italy. Travelling the country's length, we delve into the history and culture of Italy's remarkable destinations, including Venice, Florence and Rome.

Bask in the beauty of the Amalfi Coast and marvel at the remains of ancient Pompeii before venturing by train to Sicily - home to Mount Etna.

Complete with delicious culinary experiences - a Sorrentine farm-to-fork lunch, pizza-making and a cannolo tasting - this journey offers an authentic taste of Italy.

Unforgettable experiences

Touring Italy’s great cities
Touring Italy’s great cities
Discover UNESCO-listed sights and acclaimed culture of Italy's greatest cities on expertly guided tours in Venice, Florence, Rome, Siena, Lucca, Pisa and Taormina.
Indulging in a farm-to-table meal at an agriturismo
Indulging in a farm-to-table meal at an agriturismo
Experience field-to-table fresh produce and an introduction to delicious Sorrentine food as we enjoy lunch and a limoncello tasting at an agriturismo on the Sorrento Peninsula.
Staying in Sorrento on the Amalfi Coast
Staying in Sorrento on the Amalfi Coast
Spend three nights in the laid-back coastal town of Sorrento, nestled between the Bay of Naples and hillsides of fragrant lemon orchards.
Stepping back in time in Pompeii
Stepping back in time in Pompeii
Uncover what remains of a city captured in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79AD on a guided tour featuring Pompeii's ancient streets, temples, baths, theatres, shops and markets – all remarkably preserved.
Cruising along Italy’s iconic Amalfi Coast
Cruising along Italy’s iconic Amalfi Coast
Experience one of Italy’s most renowned stretches of coastline during a boat trip from Sorrento to the beautiful towns of Amalfi and Positano, with free time to explore each destination.
Viewing Europe’s most active volcano by rail
Viewing Europe’s most active volcano by rail
Explore the craters and surreal landscape of Europe's most active volcano, Mount Etna, and admire its lava fields while following a scenic stretch of the Circumetnea Railway around the base of this famous volcano.

What’s included on the tour?

Itinerary

DAY1A first taste of Italy in Turin

Your holiday begins at London St Pancras International, where you meet the Tour Manager before joining the train to Paris. Travelling in style in spacious Eurostar Plus, we are served a light meal at our seats.

In the French capital, we change trains and continue by First Class rail to Turin in northern Italy. This city of Baroque architecture has an incredible history, and as we approach this evening, you may notice its Alpine backdrop, which only adds to the overall charm of the region.

A coach transfer takes us to our hotel on arrival, and after checking in for the night, we walk to a nearby restaurant for the first three-course dinner of our holiday in Italy.

Includes
  • Eurostar Light Meal
  • Dinner
DAY2Through northern Italy to Venice

Begin your day with a buffet breakfast and a free morning to get acquainted with Turin. You might like to visit one of the local cafés to try a bicerin, a hot drink which combines espresso and chocolate, or wander round Turin's beautiful piazzas. Both Piazza San Carlo and Piazza Castello are within walking distance of our hotel. The Royal Plaza of Turin and the Palatine Gate are other impressive sites you could visit before we depart.

Around midday, we begin our First Class train journey to the famous city of Venice. Our rail route takes us via Milan, where we switch trains and continue to Venice.

As our train arrives early this evening, a private boat takes us to our five-star hotel on the island of Lido. With a beachside location, this hotel is away from the crowds of Venice, yet has all the city's attractions within reach. We enjoy dinner in the on-site restaurant after checking in to our hotel for the first of two nights.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
DAY3Touring the ‘Floating City’ of Venice

This morning, we discover Venice on a guided tour. An intricate network of lagoons and canals makes this one of the most unique cities in the world. A boat transfer takes us to Cornoldi Pier, where our excursion begins.

We tour the characterful backstreets, viewing the church where composer Antoni Vivaldi was born, before passing the Bridge of Sighs and arriving in St Mark's Square. Here, we view St Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace, as well as Caffè Florian, a coffee house that has stood here since 1720.

In the afternoon and evening, you are free to explore independently and may opt to enter the basilica or Doge's Palace (payable locally). Venice's winding alleys and twisting lanes in the historic centre are ideal for idly wandering, and there is incredible art and architecture to discover before perhaps settling down in a restaurant to enjoy some of the country's finest seafood. Experience it like a local by ordering some cicchetti (Venetian tapas) accompanied by one of the city's signature drinks - prosecco, Aperol spritz or Bellini.

Includes
  • Breakfast
DAY4Arrival in Renaissance Florence

A private boat transfer takes us to the railway station this morning to travel by First Class rail to Florence. After checking in to our central and stylish four-star hotel, there is time to relax before we embark on a guided tour of this fascinating city.

Along the way, we view some of Florence's World Heritage treasures, including the red-tiled Duomo and the free-standing campanile tower designed by Giotto. The dome and tower dominate Florence's skyline, but seeing the detail of the polychromatic exterior up close is a delight.

Moving to the historic centre of Florence, we view medieval gems including the fortified 13th-century Palazzo Vecchio and Loggia dei Lanzi in the Piazza della Signoria before concluding our tour at the famous 14th-century Ponte Vecchio which overlooks the Arno river.

There is some free time to continue sightseeing at your own pace, or relaxing before meeting for dinner at a local restaurant this evening.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
DAY5The traditional Tuscan city of Siena

A new location lies ahead today as we take a day trip to medieval Siena, a Tuscan city where a labyrinth of narrow streets opens to charming piazzas.

After arriving by rail, we discover Siena's most popular destinations on a guided tour from the Fortress of Santa Barbara. We continue to the church of San Domenico, where we enjoy free admission, and then proceed to the Baptistery and the Duomo, which is one of Italy's most magnificent. Enjoy the medieval scenery and architecture as we continue along via di Città to Siena's city centre, Tolomei Square and, finally, the city's most famous sight, Piazza del Campo.

There is time at leisure this afternoon before we journey back to Florence by rail. You could sample some locally cured meats and cheeses or climb the spiral staircase at the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo for a panoramic view over the medieval city.

Tonight you are free to wander the historic streets and to choose a place to eat independently, possibly alfresco at a relaxed trattoria, or indoors at a more formal ristorante.

Includes
  • Breakfast
DAY6Another side of Tuscany in Pisa and Lucca

After breakfast, we travel by rail to Pisa, best known for its fascinating Leaning Tower. On arrival, we see this structure and many others on a guided tour. Entering the 'Field of Miracles' through the Porto Nuevo, we view the white marble Romanesque cathedral, the circular Baptistry, and the Leaning Tower of Pisa itself. This popular tourist attraction began to lean during its construction in the 12th century.

This afternoon we travel by rail to the walled city of Lucca, where you are free to walk along the World Heritage ramparts and explore the picturesque streets. Lucca's historic centre is full of Renaissance treasures including the Duomo and other frescoed churches. In the maze-like centre is the wonderful Piazza Anfiteatro, once a Roman amphitheatre. The city has a botanical garden and art galleries, all inside the city walls. For lunch, you could try a typical Luccese soup or the filled pasta, tordelli.

After returning to Florence early this evening, you are free to continue exploring and may like to stroll alongside the Arno river to experience the city at sunset.

Includes
  • Breakfast
DAY7From Florence to the Eternal City, Rome

With a final morning at leisure in Florence, you could wander through Florence's impressive galleries, churches and Medici palaces, which display a fifth of the world's Renaissance art. If you plan to visit the Uffizi or the nearby Accademia gallery, it's wise to book your tickets ahead of time. Alternatively, you may prefer to stroll across the river to the formal Italianate Boboli gardens, which has fantastic views of Florence, or visit the colourful Mercato di San Lorenzo - the city's largest market.

In the early afternoon, we head to the train station for our journey to Rome, Italy's capital and Eternal City, in First Class. This dynamic city is a melting pot of art, history and religion, with ancient sights around every corner. After checking in to the hotel this afternoon, you are free to begin getting acquainted with Rome's many offerings.

This evening we dine at a local restaurant.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
DAY9A free day in glorious Rome

With a full free day ahead, there are countless ways to experience Italy's great capital. Of course, the biggest attraction in Vatican City is the Sistine Chapel, whose interior is covered in Renaissance frescoes by Botticelli, Ghirlandaio and, most famously, Michelangelo. We recommend booking your visit online, ahead of your holiday.

Other attractions in Rome, include the Villa Borghese park, at the top of the Spanish Steps, where you can relax in landscaped gardens or see art and sculptures in the Borghese Gallery.

Rome offers an array of eateries, many of which provide alfresco seating. For lunch and dinner, maybe enjoy a leisurely plate of pasta with a glass of wine or enjoy people watching from an outdoor café.

Includes
  • Breakfast
DAY10To Sorrento, on the Amalfi Coast

The delights of coastal Italy are on the horizon as we transfer to Rome's station for our First Class rail journey to Naples this morning. On arrival, we transfer by coach to Sorrento, stopping enroute at a local agriturismo - a traditional farmhouse - established and run for four generations by the same family. Here, enjoy a lunch of fresh produce from the estate, including homemade limoncello and mozzarella, while surrounded by ancient olive groves, lemon orchards and vineyards.

Arriving in Sorrento late this afternoon, we check-in for the first of three nights at our hotel, which has views across the town and bay towards Mount Vesuvius. We then get to know this alluring town, set in its own small bay within the vast Bay of Naples, on a short orientation tour. Sorrento is perched on a natural terrace above dramatic cliffs overlooking the sea, and its narrow, cobbled streets feature Renaissance palaces and Romanesque churches.

As the tour concludes, you are free to relax or continue exploring further for the remainder of the evening.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch
DAY11Cruising the Amalfi Coast

The rich culture and captivating beauty of the Amalfi Coast beckons as we set out on a cruise on the Tyrrhenian Sea. This scenic coastline is a UNESCO World Heritage site stretching along the Gulf of Salerno, south of the Sorrento Peninsula.

A coach transfer takes us to Sorrento's port, where we board our cruise. First, we sail to Amalfi, the 'Jewel of the Amalfi Coast'. With free time here, you could visit the cathedral, Duomo di Sant'Andrea, which overlooks the town's main piazza.

Our cruise continues to Positano, where pastel houses are set among rocky hillsides and tucked-away beaches open to turquoise water. Here, we are at leisure to soak up the atmosphere, wander streets draped with wisteria, and maybe stop for lunch at a café in the harbour area.

We return to Sorrento in the late afternoon with a free evening ahead to relax and dine independently. You may like to try the local 'gnocchi alla Sorrentina', a hearty potato dumpling dish with a rich tomato sauce and mozzarella.

Includes
  • Breakfast
DAY12Exploring the ancient streets of Pompeii

Today is a highlight of our holiday as we travel back in time this morning to Pompeii, the city preserved by volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Following a coach transfer to the station, we travel by local train to this fascinating archaeological site for a guided tour.

Our guide takes us through the remarkably intact streets of Pompeii, where we walk among the shops, villas, baths, temples, and restaurants of this UNESCO World Heritage site. We also see Pompeii's amphitheatre - the oldest in the world - and some of the city's extraordinary frescoes. Our tour provides a tangible understanding of daily life in an ancient city, and after, you are free to continue exploring its ash-preserved wonders independently.

After retracing our journey by train and shuttle back to our hotel, we sit down to dinner together in the hotel's restaurant.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
DAY13Travelling by rail to Sicily

Following an early breakfast at the hotel, we leave Sorrento behind, transferring to the town of Salerno, where we travel by First Class train to Sicily. Our route provides excellent views of the gleaming Tyrrhenian Sea as we travel the full length of the Calabrian coast and into the unspoilt region of Calabria, known as the 'toe' of Italy.

In Villa San Giovanni, the train is shunted on to a ferry specially equipped with rails for a journey across the Strait of Messina. You are welcome to stay in your seat on the train or relax on board the ship while enjoying great views of Sicily. As the ferry docks, we return to the rails for the final leg of our journey to Taormina and then continue by coach to our hotel in nearby Giardini Naxos.

Our accommodation here is an elegant beachfront hotel with a private beach. The laid-back coastal town has a good choice of restaurants for dinner this evening, serving local specialities, including swordfish, and the baked pasta dish 'ncasciata.

Includes
  • Breakfast
DAY14Exploring Mount Etna

A highlight of our Sicilian trip awaits today as we visit the island's most iconic sight. Mount Etna is Europe's most active volcano with a height of more than 10,000 feet and a circumference of around 93 miles.

Our day begins with a transfer by coach to Rifugio di Sapienza, the highest point of vehicular access on Mount Etna. Here, you can view the Silvestri craters, the elemental volcanic scenery, and the otherworldly landscape of basalt rocks formed from drying lava flows. For another perspective on the scenery, you could book a cable car ride or a Jeep excursion higher up Mount Etna (payable locally).

This afternoon, we get a different view of Mount Etna as we continue to Adrano by coach to join the Circumetnea Railway to Randazzo. This route is the most scenic stretch of the narrow-gauge railway that travels round the base of the volcano and reveals lava fields that often encroach on nearby towns.

Returning to our hotel this afternoon, you have a free evening to enjoy as you wish, relax on the beach or find dinner locally.

Includes
  • Breakfast
DAY15Touring the ancient Greek city of Taormina

Our day begins with a leisurely breakfast at our hotel before we transfer by coach to the historic town of Taormina. During a two-hour guided tour, we see the Greek theatre, which is believed to date from around the third century BC. Dug out of Mount Taurus, this vast venue could seat upwards of 5,000 spectators who would gather to watch Greek tragedies or comedies and, during the later Roman period, gladiators. While the amphitheatre is impressive in its own right, it also offers beautiful views of the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna.

Our tour concludes at a local cake shop or 'pasticceria', where we indulge in a sweet taste of Sicily - a cannolo. Meaning 'little tube', these crisp, ricotta-filled pastries are the island's most famous dessert.

There is the option to spend your afternoon in Taormina following the tour and return the short distance to Giardini Naxos independently this evening. Tonight, we gather in the hotel's restaurant for a three-course dinner to mark our last evening in Italy.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
DAY16Homeward bound

This extensive tour of Italy has taken us from alluring Venice to the rolling vineyards of Tuscany, we have explored the glorious historic cities of Rome, Florence, Pisa and Lucca, walked the streets of Pompeii and sailed to the colourful villages of the Sorrento Peninsula. Ending our tour on the cultural island of Sicily, we experience rich history, delicious cuisine and stunning natural phenomena.

There is time to catch a final glimpse of the Ionian sea and soak up the atmosphere over breakfast before we transfer by coach to Catania airport for our flight to London Gatwick. Our grand Italian adventure draws to a close this afternoon as our plane lands in London, where you are free to make your way home.

Includes
  • Breakfast

Additional information

Discovering La Dolce Vita in Rome

We are introduced to Rome and its history this morning on a guided tour. After a transfer by coach to the Colosseum, Italy's most renowned classical site, our excursion begins with a tour of its exterior. This immense structure is the largest ancient amphitheatre ever constructed, believed to host around 50,000 spectators during gladiatorial contests.

Continuing our walking route, we learn about the powerful governing centre of ancient Rome and its emperors while viewing the outside of the Roman Forum, Piazza Venezia, the Roman Pantheon and the world-famous Trevi Fountain.

Our tour ends in Piazza Navona - a popular square with a Baroque fountain and a border of ochre-hued buildings, cafés and restaurants. You are then free to continue soaking up Rome's beauty and unique style at your own pace this afternoon and evening.

For dinner tonight, you might like to search out some delicious Roman specialities, such as Spaghetti Carbonara or Bucatini all'Amatriciana, a pasta dish which combines fresh tomatoes, chili pepper, pecorino romano and dry white wine.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Classic collection

Our Classic range is what we're known for. Enjoy curated moments with plenty of inclusions. Centrally located hotels, premium travel options and engaging group tours with a seasoned expert are included. You'll be in groups with an average of 20-25 travellers and a maximum of 30*. *Scandinavian and Worldwide tours are on average 30-35 and a maximum of 40.

Departure times

Provisional departure and return times, where available, can be found together with our dates and prices by clicking on the 'Prices & Availability' button. We write to all booked customers approximately 10 weeks prior to the start of their tour to advise the exact departure and return time for their particular group.

Mobility information

Due to the nature of our tours they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. If you’d like to discuss any particular holiday with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us.

Hotels

Hellenia Yachting Hotel
Hellenia Yachting Hotel, Giardini Naxos
View hotel
Bettoja Hotel Mediterraneo, Rome
Bettoja Hotel Mediterraneo, Rome
View hotel
Hilton Sorrento Palace
Hilton Sorrento Palace, Sorrento
View hotel
Hotel Excelsior Venice Lido Resort, Venice
Hotel Excelsior Venice Lido Resort, Venice
View hotel
Hotel Cellai, Florence
Hotel Cellai, Florence
View hotel
Train Information

See more about this tour's trains.

Eurostar

The high-speed Eurostar trains link St Pancras International in London with Paris and Lille in France as well as Brussels in Belgium.

The Circumetnea Train

On our trips in Sicily, we have the chance to travel around the base of one of the world's most active volcanoes, Mount Etna. We travel on the Circumetnea, along the most scenic stretch of line, a narrow-gauge railway opened in 1898 that offers spectacular views of the surrounding lava fields. Mount Etna sometimes produces smoke rings, which are extremely rare, and also features in Greek mythology, as it was thought to be where Vulcan, the god of fire, kept his Smithy.

Enhance your holiday

London Hotels

Spending a night in London before your tour can make such a difference to the first day of your holiday - you can arrive in the capital in good time, relaxed and ready to join your Tour Manager the next morning. You may even want to take in a show on the West End or dine in one of London's famous restaurants. Perhaps on your return to London, you would like to break your journey with an overnight stay before continuing home.

Read more

We can book a wide range of hotels in central London or, for our holidays beginning with a flight, at Heathrow, Gatwick, or Manchester Airport for the night before or after your holiday. If you require a quote for single occupancy at any of the hotels, please contact us on 01904 734 805.

London hotels
UK rail connections

Buying tickets for UK train services can be a tricky business - there are so many fares to choose from, each with different rules and restrictions. As you are connecting with an international departure, we strongly recommend that you book a fully flexible ticket to ensure that should the departure times for your holiday change, your rail ticket can allow for these changes.

Read more

We can book fully-flexible UK rail tickets from your local station to join your holiday whether this be a European holiday from St Pancras or a UK holiday. The prices are competitive and tickets are not restricted to a particular train or time of day, and in most cases offer you a free choice of routes.

For an up to date quote from your local station, please ask one of our Tour Advisors.

UK train tickets
Door to door luggage service

Enjoy hassle-free travel with our return door-to-door luggage transfer service for only £179 per bag.

Read more

The service includes one 20kg bag per person which will be collected from your home before you depart and will be ready and waiting for you at your first destination hotel. Your bag will also be delivered back to your home address on your return.

If your tour involves an overnight stay enroute, you'll need to travel with an overnight bag as your luggage will be delivered direct to your first destination hotel. The luggage service is not available where you are flying to or from your destination and you will need to take your own luggage with you on the flight.

Reviews

4.1 stars4.1 / 5 · 28 reviews

  1. 5 stars
    (12)
  2. 4 stars
    (9)
  3. 3 stars
    (5)
  4. 2 stars
    (2)
  5. 1 star
    (0)

Mr P Blow

5 stars

Submitted 28 Oct 2024

A great trip, taking in all the most important parts of the country. Lots of train travel during which we met some interesting people! Hotels were on the whole good and central, so easy to do our own exploring after the guided tours. And plenty of opportunities to sample that Italian cucina!

Collected by Trustpilot

M Gretton

5 stars

Submitted 14 Oct 2024

Great organisation and tour manager - fantastic trip - seamless.

Collected by Trustpilot

S Crook

5 stars

Submitted 07 Oct 2024

We had a wonderful holiday. Seeing amazing places . Our tour manager was fantastic and nothing was too much trouble. We enjoyed the company of our fellow travellers and enjoyed this trip very much.

Collected by Trustpilot

Mr Noble

5 stars

Submitted 28 Oct 2023

The hotels and travelling logistics was excellent and well planned. Communication prior to the holiday was good. The cities we visited and day excursions were well organised. Our tour guide was excellent always at hand to answer questions of iron out little snags. If any negative the organised evening meals were of poor quality, but overall it was a five star holiday.

Collected by Trustpilot

David Williams

5 stars

Submitted 09 Oct 2023

Well organised, excellent hotels, excellent team leadership and fellow travellers.

Collected by Trustpilot

D Togwell

5 stars

Submitted 20 May 2023

Absolutely fabulous ! Itinerary Guide Etc Dave & Gail

Collected by Trustpilot

Show 6 more reviews
Europe Holidays 2026 Preview

Europe Holidays 2026 Preview

Rich history, diverse cultures, and stunning scenery await in Europe. Experience the Swiss Alps, indulge in Italy, explore castles in France, and much more.

Related inspiration from our journey blog