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Multiple departures from April - December 2026 & 2027
You’ve dreamed about Italy—its magnificent architecture, majestic cathedrals, ancient ruins, world-class art, sumptuous cuisine and wine, and relaxing cafés—and now it is your time to experience it. On this affordable Italy tour, explore the most famous cities and discover the unique sights as you visit Rome, Siena, Montecatini, and Venice. This affordable Italy tour offers the opportunity to step back in time. Imagine what life was like in Rome 2,000 years ago, as the city was the political, social, and trading center of the Roman Empire. Imagine life during the Middle Ages as you explore San Gimignano’s medieval squares, town walls, streets, alleyways, and 14 towers still standing. Fast forward to Renaissance times with a walking tour of Florence, featuring beautiful Piazza Signoria, the hub of the city’s social and political life since the 14th century. Discover some of Italy’s magnificent cathedrals: in Vatican City, wonder at the masterful St. Peter’s Basilica and square; in Orvieto, the Cathedral is a great example of Gothic architecture in Italy; in Assisi, where St. Francis was born, the world-famous Romanesque and Gothic Basilica is a permanent exhibition of Giotto’s frescoes. Discover Pisa’s Square of Miracles—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—with its three famous buildings (Leaning Tower, Cathedral, and Baptistery) that have historically been central to religious life. From a more secular viewpoint, experience a wine tasting in Greve, the capital of Chianti, and visit Venice, reaching St. Mark’s Square by boat. Witness Venetian glassblowers creating works of art just as they did centuries ago, and spend free time admiring the crisscrossing canals, the legendary gondolas passing under the arched bridges, the palaces, and the quaint piazzas. All of this and more—including views of the most scenic Italian landscapes—are included on this fabulous Italy vacation designed for the value-minded travel lover.
*Advertised pricing is based on per person twin share on 4 October 2026 departure. Correct as of 17 February 2026. Included flights are up to the value of $2,300 per person. Save up to $300 per couple offer is valid until 31 March 2026, unless sold out prior.
Inclusions
Return airfares from Australia*
Hand selected accommodations
12 meals: 8 breakfasts, 4 dinners
Guided sightseeing
Transport between destinations
Cosmos expert tour directors and local guides
Complimentary headsets
Private, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi
Guided sightseeing in Rome, featuring the iconic St. Peter’s Square
Orientation in Orvieto, featuring its charming Cathedral
Stop in Siena and its famous Piazza del campo, the historic stage of the centuries-old Palio di Siena
Stop in San Giminiano to admire the town’s medieval towers
Wine tasting in Chianti, a land rich in vineyards and history
Guided sightseeing in Florence, the heart of Renaissance art and culture
Scenic trip on a small train to Pisa’s Piazza dei Miracoli, home to the legendary Leaning Tower
Venice boat ride to St. Mark’s Square, featuring glass-blowing workshop
Guided sightseeing in Assisi, including a visit to St. Francis Basilica
Special Departures Include:
Departure 21 December: Christmas lunch in Florence
Departure 30 December: New Year’s Eve festive dinner in Rome
*Included flights are up to the value of $2,300 per person.
Itinerary
Day 1 | Arrive in Rome, Italy
Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore this ancient capital with the help of the CosmosGO app. This evening, meet your Tour Director and travel companions.
Day2 | Rome
The “Eternal City” is steeped in history, vibrantly alive and exciting, and absolutely unique! Start the included introduction to Rome’s landmarks from St. Peter’s Square with a Local Guide. Enjoy a drive along the iconic landmarks of the city: the Tiber River, the Caius Cestius Pyramid, the Aurelian Walls, and the Caracalla Baths. Complete the experience with a walk back in time from the Circus Maximus to the Arch of Constantine and to the fascinating Colosseum, symbol of the Roman Empire.
Meals: breakfast
Day 3 | Rome - Orvieto - Siena
Journey to charming Orvieto in the Umbria region to visit the black basalt and travertine cathedral, an excellent example of Italian Gothic architecture. Reach Siena, with time to visit this Tuscan jewel. The focal point of the town is Piazza del Campo, a special square, famed all over the world for its medieval-style Palio horse race.
Meals: breakfast, dinner
Day 4 | Siena - San Gimignano - Greve - Montecatini
Today, enjoy an included excursion to Florence. Your Local Guide will show you the city highlights on the walking tour. You will see Piazza Santa Croce; beautiful Piazza Signoria; Palazzo Vecchio and its courtyard and Loggia dei Lanzi. To top it all, marvel at the Piazza del Duomo and the Cathedral with the Giotto Campanile, and the magnificent East Doors of the Baptistry, known as the “Gates of Paradise.”
Meals: breakfast, dinner
Day 5 | Montecatini - Excursion to Florence
Florence, the Renaissance gem and city of the Medicis, will keep you enthralled the entire day. Wander at leisure and admire the city’s timeless beauty. Don’t miss out on the included walking tour with a Local Guide, which features special city highlights. You will see Piazza Santa Croce; beautiful Piazza Signoria; Palazzo Vecchio; Loggia dei Lanzi; and, to top it all, Piazza del Duomo and its cathedral with the Giotto Campanile, and the magnificent East Doors of the Baptistry, known as the “Gates of Paradise.”
Meals: breakfast, dinner
Day 6 | Montecatini - Pisa - Venice Area
This morning, drive to Pisa and enjoy a mini-train ride to the impressive Square of Miracles with the amazing Leaning Tower—180 feet high and approximately 4 degrees out of the perpendicular. Head across the wooded Apennine hills into the farmlands of the Po Valley to the Venice area. Do you believe in magic? An optional evening boat ride on Giudecca Canal, dinner in a local restaurant, and St. Mark’s square at night will remove all doubt!
Meals: breakfast
Day 7 | Venice Area
Venice is more like a magical film set than a real-life city, with its crisscrossing canals, gondolas and water buses, arched bridges, palaces, and piazzas. Your included orientation starts with a boat ride to St. Mark’s Square and is followed by time at leisure and a chance to watch Venetian glassblowers create their delicate works of art as they did centuries ago. Enjoy free time at leisure or join an optional excursion like a Venetian gondola ride through iconic canals with a local troubadour to serenade you.
Meals: breakfast, dinner
Day 8 | Venice Area - Assisi - Rome
Travel across the Po Delta, then into the green Apennines to Umbria. Stop in medieval Assisi, where St. Francis was born in 1182. Visit the town and the upper and lower basilicas with a Local Guide, then head for Rome.
Meals: breakfast
Day 9 | Rome
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
Meals: breakfast
Booking terms and conditions apply.
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Term and conditions apply: All pricing subject to change and availability. Advertised prices are per person twin share unless stated otherwise. Offers may be withdrawn at any time. Itineraries are subject to change. Booking Conditions and Phil Hoffmann Travel Schedule of Professionalism* applies. Please speak to your Phil Hoffmann Travel Consultant for more information.
