Savor art, history, culture, and cuisine in this captivating small group journey to a collection of Italy’s classic cities: cosmopolitan Milan; Verona, the “little Rome;” Bologna, with its medieval charm and culinary delights; Renaissance-tinged Florence, and the Eternal City of Rome. Add a pleasing combination of guided touring and ample free time – and it’s magnifico!
From $6,274
Savor art, history, culture, and cuisine in this captivating small group journey to a collection of Italy’s classic cities: cosmopolitan Milan; Verona, the “little Rome;” Bologna, with its medieval charm and culinary delights; Renaissance-tinged Florence, and the Eternal City of Rome. Add a pleasing combination of guided touring and ample free time – and it’s magnifico!
| 1 | Depart U.S. for Milan, Italy Depart U.S. for Milan, Italy |
| 2 | Milan D D Milan Read More We arrive in Milan and transfer to our hotel. As guests’ arrival times vary, we have no group activities planned during the day. This evening, we meet our Odysseys Tour Director and fellow travelers for a briefing about the journey ahead, followed by a welcome dinner at our hotel. We arrive in Milan and transfer to our hotel. As guests’ arrival times vary, we have no group activities planned during the day. This evening, we meet our Odysseys Tour Director and fellow travelers for a briefing about the journey ahead, followed by a welcome dinner at our hotel. |
| 3 | Milan B L B L Milan Read More We discover this world capital of design and fashion, and Italy’s center of commerce and finance, on today’s tour that features the multi-spired Milan Cathedral (Duomo), the world’s third largest; the historic La Scala opera house; and the landmark Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the city’s grand arcaded shopping mall. After lunch at a local restaurant, we visit the Brera Picture gallery, housing works by Caravaggio, Tiepolo, Tintoretto, and other great masters. We discover this world capital of design and fashion, and Italy’s center of commerce and finance, on today’s tour that features the multi-spired Milan Cathedral (Duomo), the world’s third largest; the historic La Scala opera house; and the landmark Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the city’s grand arcaded shopping mall. After lunch at a local restaurant, we visit the Brera Picture gallery, housing works by Caravaggio, Tiepolo, Tintoretto, and other great masters. |
| 4 | Milan/Lake Como B B Milan/Lake Como Read More A tour highlight today as we travel to Italy’s celebrated Lake District, where we enjoy a cruise on stunning Lake Como in the foothills of the Alps. Flanked by grand villas, palm trees, and wooded mountainsides, the lake and its surroundings have drawn visitors since Roman times. Following our cruise, we have free time for lunch and to explore on our own in this beautiful setting. A tour highlight today as we travel to Italy’s celebrated Lake District, where we enjoy a cruise on stunning Lake Como in the foothills of the Alps. Flanked by grand villas, palm trees, and wooded mountainsides, the lake and its surroundings have drawn visitors since Roman times. Following our cruise, we have free time for lunch and to explore on our own in this beautiful setting. |
| 5 | Milan/Bergamo/Verona B L B L Milan/Bergamo/Verona Read More En route to Verona today, we stop in historic, and beloved, Bergamo. Here we ride a funicular to the Città Alta (Upper Town), with its fortified city walls, cobblestone alleys, Renaissance architecture, and dramatic views that stretch to the Alps. After lunch together, we continue to Verona, arriving late afternoon. En route to Verona today, we stop in historic, and beloved, Bergamo. Here we ride a funicular to the Città Alta (Upper Town), with its fortified city walls, cobblestone alleys, Renaissance architecture, and dramatic views that stretch to the Alps. After lunch together, we continue to Verona, arriving late afternoon. |
| 6 | Verona B D B D Verona Read More Rich in history, art, and culture – and of course, Shakespearean connections – Verona retains monuments from its 1st-century CE Roman era, as well as from its thriving medieval period. Highlights of our morning tour here include the austere Castelvecchio, the ancient Roman gate of Porta Borsari, Piazza delle Erbe, the 14th-century Scaliger Tombs, and Verona Arena, built in 30 CE and still used today. We also see Juliet’s balcony on the 13th-century home of the Del Capello family said to be the inspiration for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Late this afternoon we take a guided tour of the Teatro Filarmonico, among Europe’s leading opera houses, then dine together at a local restaurant. Rich in history, art, and culture – and of course, Shakespearean connections – Verona retains monuments from its 1st-century CE Roman era, as well as from its thriving medieval period. Highlights of our morning tour here include the austere Castelvecchio, the ancient Roman gate of Porta Borsari, Piazza delle Erbe, the 14th-century Scaliger Tombs, and Verona Arena, built in 30 CE and still used today. We also see Juliet’s balcony on the 13th-century home of the Del Capello family said to be the inspiration for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Late this afternoon we take a guided tour of the Teatro Filarmonico, among Europe’s leading opera houses, then dine together at a local restaurant. |
| 7 | Verona B D B D Verona Read More A free morning for independent exploration. Later today, we embark on an immersive wine experience at the historic estate of the Gaetano Bertani family, pioneers of Verona winemaking. We tour the frescoed rooms and romantic gardens of the neo-classical manor house and walk through the vineyards lush with ancient grape varieties for Amarone and Valpolicella Classico. Our tour concludes with a tasting that showcases the region’s unique terroir. A free morning for independent exploration. Later today, we embark on an immersive wine experience at the historic estate of the Gaetano Bertani family, pioneers of Verona winemaking. We tour the frescoed rooms and romantic gardens of the neo-classical manor house and walk through the vineyards lush with ancient grape varieties for Amarone and Valpolicella Classico. Our tour concludes with a tasting that showcases the region’s unique terroir. |
| 8 | Verona/Modena/Bologna B D B D Verona/Modena/Bologna Read More We leave Italy’s Veneto region today for Emilia-Romagna, stopping first in Modena, known especially for its culinary heritage – and as the birthplace of the Ferrari. We visit the Museo Casa Enzo Ferrari; take a guided walking tour; and visit a family-run acetaia, where we learn about the making of balsamic vinegar, a Modena specialty. Then we travel on to Bologna and dine tonight at our hotel. We leave Italy’s Veneto region today for Emilia-Romagna, stopping first in Modena, known especially for its culinary heritage – and as the birthplace of the Ferrari. We visit the Museo Casa Enzo Ferrari; take a guided walking tour; and visit a family-run acetaia, where we learn about the making of balsamic vinegar, a Modena specialty. Then we travel on to Bologna and dine tonight at our hotel. |
| 9 | Bologna B B Bologna Read More We get our first taste of this lively historic capital and largest city of Emilia-Romagna on a morning walking tour of grand Piazza Maggiore and its highlights: Basilica of San Petronio, with its half-finished marble façade; 12th-century Asinelli Tower, and the Fountain of Neptune. We also see the Teatro Comunal opera house and stroll through Quadrilatero Market, abounding with fresh local foods of all kinds – and some of Italy’s best street food. The remainder of the day is free to explore as we wish, and for lunch and dinner on our own in this city renowned for its fine cuisine. We get our first taste of this lively historic capital and largest city of Emilia-Romagna on a morning walking tour of grand Piazza Maggiore and its highlights: Basilica of San Petronio, with its half-finished marble façade; 12th-century Asinelli Tower, and the Fountain of Neptune. We also see the Teatro Comunal opera house and stroll through Quadrilatero Market, abounding with fresh local foods of all kinds – and some of Italy’s best street food. The remainder of the day is free to explore as we wish, and for lunch and dinner on our own in this city renowned for its fine cuisine. |
| 10 | Bologna B D B D Bologna Read More Today is free for independent exploration, perhaps to explore some of the nearly 25 miles of porticoes (a UNESCO site) dating to the Middle Ages that start in the well-preserved city center; to see the Michelangelo sculptures in San Domenico Basilica; or to explore more of Bologna’s impressive food scene. Tonight, we savor a small group highlight as we attend a private cooking class where we make Bologna’s traditional tortellini, tagliatelle, and ragu – then enjoy our handiwork for dinner. Today is free for independent exploration, perhaps to explore some of the nearly 25 miles of porticoes (a UNESCO site) dating to the Middle Ages that start in the well-preserved city center; to see the Michelangelo sculptures in San Domenico Basilica; or to explore more of Bologna’s impressive food scene. Tonight, we savor a small group highlight as we attend a private cooking class where we make Bologna’s traditional tortellini, tagliatelle, and ragu – then enjoy our handiwork for dinner. |
| 11 | Bologna/Florence B D B D Bologna/Florence Read More We travel today to Florence, “cradle of the Renaissance” and storied city of arts and culture. Our first stop: San Lorenzo Market, where we can browse the outdoor stalls and have lunch on our own at the indoor Central Market. This afternoon’s touring takes in the historic city center (a UNESCO site): the Baptistry, Giotto’s Bell Tower, and Santa Maria del Fiore – the fabled Duomo of Brunelleschi’s dome. Then, we visit the Galleria dell’Accademia to see Michelangelo’s David and his sculptures for the papal tombs. We travel today to Florence, “cradle of the Renaissance” and storied city of arts and culture. Our first stop: San Lorenzo Market, where we can browse the outdoor stalls and have lunch on our own at the indoor Central Market. This afternoon’s touring takes in the historic city center (a UNESCO site): the Baptistry, Giotto’s Bell Tower, and Santa Maria del Fiore – the fabled Duomo of Brunelleschi’s dome. Then, we visit the Galleria dell’Accademia to see Michelangelo’s David and his sculptures for the papal tombs. |
| 12 | Florence B D B D Florence Read More On this morning’s excursion to Scuola del Cuoio, we learn about Florence’s time-honored leather-making process and watch artisans as they craft fine bags, jackets, and other items. This afternoon is free for independent exploration; tonight, we dine together at a local restaurant. On this morning’s excursion to Scuola del Cuoio, we learn about Florence’s time-honored leather-making process and watch artisans as they craft fine bags, jackets, and other items. This afternoon is free for independent exploration; tonight, we dine together at a local restaurant. |
| 13 | Florence B B Florence Read More Another tour highlight today as we visit the world-renowned Uffizzi Gallery of paintings and sculpture, home to Botticelli’s Birth of Venus and La Primavera, da Vinci’s Annunciation, and other masterpieces by Michelangelo, Caravaggio, and Fra Angelico, among others. Then we have the rest of the day to explore Florence as we wish. Another tour highlight today as we visit the world-renowned Uffizzi Gallery of paintings and sculpture, home to Botticelli’s Birth of Venus and La Primavera, da Vinci’s Annunciation, and other masterpieces by Michelangelo, Caravaggio, and Fra Angelico, among others. Then we have the rest of the day to explore Florence as we wish. |
| 14 | Florence/Rome B B Florence/Rome Read More We travel through the gentle scenery of the Italian countryside en route to Rome today. After our mid-day arrival, we join our Tour Director for an informal walking tour of the neighborhood surrounding our hotel. We travel through the gentle scenery of the Italian countryside en route to Rome today. After our mid-day arrival, we join our Tour Director for an informal walking tour of the neighborhood surrounding our hotel. |
| 15 | Rome B D B D Rome Read More More outstanding art is on tap as we tour the famed Borghese Gallery, with its collection of masterworks by Raphael, Titian, Correggio, Bernini, and more. From here, we’re free for independent exploration in this city brimming with history. Tonight, we celebrate our adventure and bid arrivederci to Italy at a farewell dinner. More outstanding art is on tap as we tour the famed Borghese Gallery, with its collection of masterworks by Raphael, Titian, Correggio, Bernini, and more. From here, we’re free for independent exploration in this city brimming with history. Tonight, we celebrate our adventure and bid arrivederci to Italy at a farewell dinner. |
| 16 | Depart for U.S. B B Depart for U.S. Read More We transfer to the airport this morning for our return flight to the U.S. We transfer to the airport this morning for our return flight to the U.S. |
| Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Sep | Oct | Nov | |
| Milan | 47 | 55 | 63 | 71 | 65 | 56 | 46 |
| Bologna | 49 | 56 | 64 | 73 | 68 | 59 | 49 |
| Rome | 51 | 57 | 64 | 73 | 70 | 63 | 55 |
| Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Sep | Oct | Nov | |
| Milan | 47 | 55 | 63 | 71 | 65 | 56 | 46 |
| Bologna | 49 | 56 | 64 | 73 | 68 | 59 | 49 |
| Rome | 51 | 57 | 64 | 73 | 70 | 63 | 55 |
Explore more of the Eternal City at your own pace.
“Ingrid is absolutely wonderful – as a tour guide and as a person. She is very knowledgeable and has a way of sharing things that will be remembered.”
Donna & Keith Kirkendoll
Fort Worth, TX
“If we ever return to Italy, we would want Luigi for our tour director again…He was absolutely marvelous!”
John & Judith Schneider
Grand Rapids, MI
“Sara is the best tour guide we have had, including guides from other tour companies.”
Jeffrey & Janet Messing
Easton, MD
Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director
“This was our 7th Odysseys tour and we would rate Gabe at the top of our list.”
Allan Bauer
Hackensack, NJ
“Lella was the best tour director we ever had. She went above and beyond to make our trip enjoyable. She is smart, funny, caring and really loves her job.”
Josephine & Antonio Ruggieri
Staten Island, NY
"Giulia was terrific and did make our tour outstanding. The whole group just loved her and she was a big part of the quality of the tour."
Frank & Pat Payton
Georgetown, TX
"Professional, very knowledgeable, and a wonderful sense of humor...Can’t express enough how great she was as our tour director."
Michael Plumer
Wilmington, NC
“Leandro is the ultimate tour director, probably world champion! Great personality, very humorous, great storyteller, great on details, very thorough and considerate.”
Eric & Joanne Sailer
Lyme Center, NH
“Valentina was superb, one of best we have had and that's a lot of trips outside Odysseys.”
Stephen & Kathleen Curran
Gastonia, NC
“Zoran did a fantastic job. He worked hard to make sure everyone was having a great time. He made us all feel like family. He really helped us see more of Italy than we ever could have expected.”
Margaret Lee & Wayne Morrison
Vienna, VA
“Katia is the best tour guide we have ever had. Her knowledge of Italy is astounding and her ability to get along with the disparate members of the group impressive.”
Jean & David Forman
Carlisle, MA
Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director
Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director
“Osh was the best tour director I’ve ever had. Knowledgeable, fun, helpful. He went above and beyond.”
Lynn Stewart
Fort Myers, FL
“Lara is the perfect tour director. She is darling, knowledgeable, intelligent, funny, energetic, tireless, caring, and every other positive adjective.”
Elizabeth Whitesell
Phoenix, AZ
“We cannot possibly imagine that you could have a better tour director in your entire system in any category! The very highest praise to Anna. Do not lose her!”
Dr. & Mrs. John Graceffa
Hollis, NH
“Dr. Franco was the absolute best. His mission was to make this the best experience and show the heart of his country. He was a tremendous asset to the trip.”
John Blackwell
Apex, NC
“Mauro was amazing! He was always very professional, but also very personable. Enjoyed his singing on the bus and incredible knowledge about everything Italian.”
Melinda Parker
Crestview, FL
"While I am sure that Odysseys Unlimited has a wonderful team of guides, I am confident that none are better than Arianna…her knowledge of the history and culture of Italy is superb."
Richard & Sandra Cross
Livingston, AL
“We were so lucky to have Marina Caruso; she is one of the best tour directors I have ever had. A real gem—helpful, caring, and ready to go the extra mile.”
Eileen Sutter
Yonkers, NY
“Fabrizio was excellent. He was very knowledgeable, personable, and he attended to all of our needs. He was great.”
Catherine Botta
Springfield, PA
“We enjoyed spending time with Dania. She was thoughtful, knowledgeable, and always positive. She has the perfect temperament for a tour leader.”
Rekha & Craig Arness
McLean, VA
“Is there a higher rating than "Excellent"? Lisa was magnificent! She went above and beyond by arranging special extra sites significant to our particular group.”
Jayne & David Bernanke
Mount Pleasant, SC
“Eva was amazing! Knowledgeable, fun, spirited, personable, always available, and patient. I think she is terrific. She did everything to make the journey a fun and memorable experience for each one of us.”
Nancy Bruchbacher
Powhatan, VA
“Mara was above excellent! Her personality, sincerity, and knowledge were wonderful.”
Suzy Riggins & Tommy Acken
Cape Coral, FL
“Andrea exceeded expectations in every possible area—we felt he went above and beyond what a tour director generally does."
Anne & Jeffrey Abend
Rockville, MD
“Anna is a national treasure – knowledgeable, fun, and great at ‘reading’ the group. She went above and beyond every day.”
Paul Luczak & Kathryn Challenger
Seattle, WA
“Igor was exceptionally cooperative, intuitive, diplomatic, knowledgeable, entertaining, and he exhibited outstanding communication and people skills. He’s a major asset to Odysseys.”
Diane Sarti
New Hope, PA
"Professional, very knowledgeable, and a wonderful sense of humor...Can’t express enough how great she was as our tour director."
Michael Plumer
Wilmington, NC
“This was our 7th Odysseys tour and we would rate Gabe at the top of our list.”
Allan Bauer
Hackensack, NJ
“Eva was amazing! Knowledgeable, fun, spirited, personable, always available, and patient. I think she is terrific. She did everything to make the journey a fun and memorable experience for each one of us.”
Nancy Bruchbacher
Powhatan, VA
“Zoran did a fantastic job. He worked hard to make sure everyone was having a great time. He made us all feel like family. He really helped us see more of Italy than we ever could have expected.”
Margaret Lee & Wayne Morrison
Vienna, VA
“Lara is the perfect tour director. She is darling, knowledgeable, intelligent, funny, energetic, tireless, caring, and every other positive adjective.”
Elizabeth Whitesell
Phoenix, AZ
“Fabrizio was excellent. He was very knowledgeable, personable, and he attended to all of our needs. He was great.”
Catherine Botta
Springfield, PA
“Is there a higher rating than "Excellent"? Lisa was magnificent! She went above and beyond by arranging special extra sites significant to our particular group.”
Jayne & David Bernanke
Mount Pleasant, SC
“We enjoyed spending time with Dania. She was thoughtful, knowledgeable, and always positive. She has the perfect temperament for a tour leader.”
Rekha & Craig Arness
McLean, VA
Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director
“Mauro was amazing! He was always very professional, but also very personable. Enjoyed his singing on the bus and incredible knowledge about everything Italian.”
Melinda Parker
Crestview, FL
Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director
“Dr. Franco was the absolute best. His mission was to make this the best experience and show the heart of his country. He was a tremendous asset to the trip.”
John Blackwell
Apex, NC
"While I am sure that Odysseys Unlimited has a wonderful team of guides, I am confident that none are better than Arianna…her knowledge of the history and culture of Italy is superb."
Richard & Sandra Cross
Livingston, AL
“Osh was the best tour director I’ve ever had. Knowledgeable, fun, helpful. He went above and beyond.”
Lynn Stewart
Fort Myers, FL
“Lella was the best tour director we ever had. She went above and beyond to make our trip enjoyable. She is smart, funny, caring and really loves her job.”
Josephine & Antonio Ruggieri
Staten Island, NY
“If we ever return to Italy, we would want Luigi for our tour director again…He was absolutely marvelous!”
John & Judith Schneider
Grand Rapids, MI
“Leandro is the ultimate tour director, probably world champion! Great personality, very humorous, great storyteller, great on details, very thorough and considerate.”
Eric & Joanne Sailer
Lyme Center, NH
“We cannot possibly imagine that you could have a better tour director in your entire system in any category! The very highest praise to Anna. Do not lose her!”
Dr. & Mrs. John Graceffa
Hollis, NH
Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director
“Andrea exceeded expectations in every possible area—we felt he went above and beyond what a tour director generally does."
Anne & Jeffrey Abend
Rockville, MD
“Sara is the best tour guide we have had, including guides from other tour companies.”
Jeffrey & Janet Messing
Easton, MD
“Igor was exceptionally cooperative, intuitive, diplomatic, knowledgeable, entertaining, and he exhibited outstanding communication and people skills. He’s a major asset to Odysseys.”
Diane Sarti
New Hope, PA
“We were so lucky to have Marina Caruso; she is one of the best tour directors I have ever had. A real gem—helpful, caring, and ready to go the extra mile.”
Eileen Sutter
Yonkers, NY
“Anna is a national treasure – knowledgeable, fun, and great at ‘reading’ the group. She went above and beyond every day.”
Paul Luczak & Kathryn Challenger
Seattle, WA
“Valentina was superb, one of best we have had and that's a lot of trips outside Odysseys.”
Stephen & Kathleen Curran
Gastonia, NC
“Katia is the best tour guide we have ever had. Her knowledge of Italy is astounding and her ability to get along with the disparate members of the group impressive.”
Jean & David Forman
Carlisle, MA
“Mara was above excellent! Her personality, sincerity, and knowledge were wonderful.”
Suzy Riggins & Tommy Acken
Cape Coral, FL
"Giulia was terrific and did make our tour outstanding. The whole group just loved her and she was a big part of the quality of the tour."
Frank & Pat Payton
Georgetown, TX
“Ingrid is absolutely wonderful – as a tour guide and as a person. She is very knowledgeable and has a way of sharing things that will be remembered.”
Donna & Keith Kirkendoll
Fort Worth, TX
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