Italy's Best (6390)

14 Day Tour from Rome to Rome

2026 Tour Details View 2027 Tour Details »

With its magnificent architecture, beautiful landscapes, sumptuous cuisine, ancient ruins, and brilliant art, Italy is a country like no other. On this affordable Italy’s Best tour, you’ll experience all of this and more. The excursion to the spectacular Cinque Terre—five medieval seaside villages, is not to be missed. The area is noted for its natural beauty with terraces built into the mountainside on cliffs that drop down into the sea. Delight in the unique charm of the area and take in the breathtaking views. On your journey through Tuscany, watch the undulating hills, terraced vineyards, olive groves, and rural villages. More stunning scenery awaits at Lake Maggiore, one of Italy’s largest lakes. Located on the edge of the Swiss Alps, it’s the perfect place to relax and soak in the beauty. Briefly cross the border into Switzerland to Lugano, a lakeside town with a Mediterranean flair. In southern Italy, witness magnificent views of the crystal-clear, blue sea in the vibrant town of Sorrento, and enjoy a day trip to Capri where the crashing sea has formed awe-inspiring caves. On this comprehensive Italy adventure, history comes alive. Visit Pompeii, buried during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. This amazingly preserved archaeological site gives you a detailed insight into ordinary life at the peak of the Roman Empire. In Rome, during the city sightseeing tour with a local guide, see the main sights, as well as Vatican City with St Peter’s Basilica. In Genoa, boasting Europe’s largest medieval historical district, view the remains of the city’s 17th-century fortifications. Visit St Francis’ Basilica in Assisi, a medieval town set in the green Umbrian hills. Guided city sightseeing tours are planned in Rome, Florence, Assisi, and Genoa. Your visit to Venice includes a boat trip to St Mark’s square to see the maze of canals forming this unique romantic city. These are just some of the many highlights of this affordable tour of Italy!

The world is within reach with everything you need for perfectly affordable touring. Cosmos includes hand-selected accommodations, guided sightseeing, and seamless transportation between destinations—with value-minded travel lovers in mind. Explore with expert Cosmos Tour Directors and Local Guides, complimentary headsets, and private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi. Enhance your free time to explore like a local with your CosmosGO mobile app!

Your Tour Includes:
  • Guided sightseeing in Rome, featuring St. Peter’s Square
  • Guided sightseeing in Florence
  • Scenic mini-train to Piazza dei Miracoli, site of the Leaning Tower of Pisa
  • Scenic train through Cinque Terre
  • Guided sightseeing in Genoa
  • Visit to Milan
  • Excursion to Lugano
  • Visit to Verona
  • Venice boat ride to St. Mark’s Square, featuring glass-blowing workshop
  • Guided sightseeing in archaeological Pompeii
  • Scenic ferry to the Mediterranean island of Capri

Departure December 24 includes Christmas lunch in Rome and New Year’s festive dinner in Venice.

Dates & Prices Book Online
800.646.5374
Single supplement waived for select 2026 Cosmos Europe Tours*
Ready. Set. Go! Save $500 per couple on select 2026 Cosmos Tours Worldwide*
Ready. Set. Go! Save $300 per couple on select 2026 Cosmos Tours Worldwide*
Italy's Best map

 Photo Highlights

 Meals

 Meals & Itinerary

Buffet breakfast daily; 4 dinners


Notes:

For operational reasons, schedule changes to the Rome program cannot be excluded.

This tour requires walking on uneven terrain, especially at archaeological sites, and navigating stairs to board the Cinque Terre train; which may pose a challenge to guests with physical limitations or reliant on mobility devices such as wheelchairs.

 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.

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Day 2 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. *

* For operational reasons, changes to the Rome program cannot be excluded.

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Breakfast Breakfast

Day 3 ROME–PISA–MONTECATINI

Vistas of rolling hills, rows of cypress trees, terraced vineyards, olive groves, and rural villages form the backdrop of your journey through beautiful Tuscany. Stop in Pisa and take a mini-train ride to the Square of Miracles with the amazing Leaning Tower. Arrive in Montecatini. Everything tastes better in Tuscany! See for yourself with an optional culinary experience in the Tuscan countryside to indulge in authentic traditional dishes—with wine, of course!
Today’s Distance: 273 mi/ 440

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Breakfast Breakfast

Day 4 MONTECATINI. EXCURSION TO FLORENCE

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.”
Today’s Distance: 81 mi/ 130 km

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Breakfast Breakfast
DinnerDinner

Day 5 MONTECATINI–LA SPEZIA–CINQUE TERRE–GENOA

Reach La Spezia and hop aboard a train that travels by the Cinque Terre villages. The beauty of these rugged cliffs and romantic fishing villages once inspired the poet, Lord Byron. Enjoy spectacular views from the train, plus a stop with free time to discover one of the villages. Later, re-join the coach and head towards Genoa, birthplace of explorer Christopher Columbus.
Today’s Distance by coach: 149 mi/ 240 km

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Breakfast Breakfast

Day 6 GENOA–MILAN–LAKE MAGGIORE

Today’s included guided tour is an excellent introduction to Genoa. A maze of squares and alleys, the city grew around the port, a natural inlet, and boasts the largest medieval historical district in Europe. Next, head north into the plains of Lombardy, and stop in Milan, where fashion, history, and culture converge in Northern Italy’s vibrant heart. Then, continue to Lake Maggiore.
Today’s Distance: 186mi/ 300 km

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Breakfast Breakfast

Day 7 LAKE MAGGIORE. EXCURSION TO LUGANO, SWITZERLAND

Time to relax and get to know Lake Maggiore, one of Italy’s largest lakes, located on the very edge of Alpine Switzerland. On clear days, you can see the peaks of the Alps. Take advantage of the included excursion to visit Lugano in the Italian-speaking Swiss Canton Ticino.
Today’s Distance: 56mi/ 90 km

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Breakfast Breakfast

Day 8 LAKE MAGGIORE–VERONA–VENICE AREA

Travel across the fertile Po River plain. Stop in the romantic city of Verona for some time at leisure. Admire the Roman Arena, perfectly preserved and still hosting concerts and festivals during the summer, shop, or taste some of the excellent local wines. Continue 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!
Today’s Distance: 242mi/ 390 km

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Breakfast Breakfast

Day 9 VENICE

Venice is more like a romantic film set than a real-life city, with its crisscrossing canals, gondolas and water buses, arched bridges, palaces, and piazzas. The 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 fashion their delicate objects as they did centuries ago. O Sole Mio! Don’t miss out on the optional gondola trip, gliding along the picturesque canals with a local troubadour to serenade you.

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Breakfast Breakfast
DinnerDinner

Day 10 VENICE AREA–ASSISI AREA

Enjoy an interesting drive southward right across the Po Delta, through the Emilia-Romagna region to Assisi, enclosed by ramparts and little changed since the Middle Ages. This is the town of the deeply mystical and poetic St. Francis. See the Basilica of St. Francis with its famous frescoes by Giotto, with history brought to life by a Local Guide.
Today’s Distance: 261mi/ 420 km

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Breakfast Breakfast
DinnerDinner

Day 11 ASSISI AREA–POMPEII–SORRENTO COAST

Travel to Pompeii, where time stopped for the rich, aristocratic town with the terrible eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD. On the included guided visit of the archaeological site, see the remains of luxurious villas, temples, theatre, and forum. Carry on to Sorrento, set on a plateau above the waters of the Bay of Naples. Wander the winding streets lined with shops and stalls and relax absorbing the easy-going lifestyle of this charming resort.
Today’s Distance: 258mi/ 415 km

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Breakfast Breakfast

Day 12 SORRENTO COAST. BOAT TRIP TO CAPRI

Enjoy a day trip to the legendary island, surrounded by a rocky coastline where the crashing sea has formed awe-inspiring caves. The town with its pretty "piazzetta," maze of streets, fashionable boutiques, and inviting restaurants, is a mecca for the jet set. Explore on your own or take an optional island tour.

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Breakfast Breakfast
DinnerDinner

Day 13 SORRENTO COAST–ROME

Today, enjoy time at leisure or step into a picture-perfect postcard with an optional excursion to Positano to be amazed at the Amalfi Coast as it follows the curves of the coastline, dotted with colorful clifftop villages. Return to Rome.
Today’s Distance: 168 mi/ 270 km

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Breakfast Breakfast

Day 14 ROME

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

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Breakfast Breakfast

 Tour Director

With COSMOS, there’s no better way to get to know your destination than through the eyes of a Tour Director. We’d like you to meet one of our Tour Directors, who average over a decade of experience and are representative of the type of expert that will be with you on your vacation.

ANDREA BOLDRINI

Escorting tours for more than 15 years

“Traveling has always been a passion of mine. The thrill of exploring new destinations, immersing myself in different cultures, and meeting people from all over the world is truly exhilarating. As a Tour Director, I have the unique opportunity to share this passion with others, steering a group through the magnificent landscapes of the world. I love crafting engaging commentaries that foster the best of each destination, from hidden gems to iconic landmarks. Guiding groups through these experiences and witnessing their excitement and wonder is incredibly rewarding. Every tour is a new adventure, filled with unforgettable moments and the chance to create lasting memories for my guests. Being a Tour Director allows me to combine my love for travel and enthusiasm, with my desire to educate and inspire others, making it the perfect career for me.”

Tour Director - ANDREA BOLDRINI

 Accommodations

 Optional Excursions

No matter what you’re into: food, wine, history, art, music or anything else, we give you the freedom to personalize your vacation with optional excursions that speak to your interests.

When you book your excursions with us, you can be assured that every optional excursion that we offer coordinates with the free time that you'll have in your destination, so you'll never have conflicts between included and optional activities. Our team of travel experts carefully selects each optional excursion that we offer to ensure that you receive the highest quality at a great value. Our tried-and-true partners have a finger on the pulse of the city in which they operate so they deliver the very best experiences. We offer experiences you cannot create on your own and because you’re booking with us, we coordinate all your transportation and timing needs.

The following optional excursions are examples only for this vacation. These may or may not be offered, and availability is subject to days of operation and seasonality. Please select a departure date to view optional excursions and pricing for a specific date (due to currency fluctuation, pricing shown is subject to change until purchased). Optional excursions are available for purchase on our MyCosmos site 90 days prior to the tour start date.

Price Ranges

$ ($50 USD and under)
$$ ($51 - $100 USD)
$$$ ($101 - $150 USD)
$$$$ (Over $150)


Montecatini
Florence
Lake Maggiore
Lugano
Venice
Verona
Sorrento Coast
Rome
Sorrento

Montecatini

Tuscan Dinner

Tuscan Dinner

Enjoy a wonderful dinner in the delightful Tuscan countryside, featuring authentic traditional dishes using the finest local ingredients.

Price Range: $$

Florence

Florence Taste & Tales

Florence Taste & Tales

Step back in time on this captivating tour through Florence's historic streets and taste authentic Florentine specialties and wine.

Price Range: $$

VIP Skip-the-Line Accademia Tour: Michelangelo' s David with Expert Local Guide

VIP Skip-the-Line Accademia Tour: Michelangelo' s David with Expert Local Guide

With limited spots available, this exclusive experience grants you priority access to the world¿renowned Accademia Gallery ¿ home to Michelangelo¿s masterpiece, the David, and other Renaissance icons. Your expert guide will bring the artworks to life, revealing stories of genius, history, and hidden details that most visitors miss. Enjoy a seamless visit, skipping the long queues, and immerse yourself in the beauty of Florence¿s cultural heritage in an intimate, privileged way. To preserve the quality of the experience, groups are kept small and limited to a maximum of 19 participants, ensuring a personal and engaging atmosphere.

Price Range: $$

Lake Maggiore

Dinner on Isola dei Pescatori

Dinner on Isola dei Pescatori

Get acquainted with the enchanting Borromean Island of Isola dei Pescatori as you dine on local specialties at a lovely historic restaurant

Price Range: $$

Lugano

Cable Car up Mount Tamaro with Lunch

Cable Car up Mount Tamaro with Lunch

Ride a cable car up soaring Mount Tamaro for a delightful lunch of traditional Ticino dishes!

Price Range: $$

Venice

Venetian Dinner

Venetian Dinner

The magic of Venice comes to life as you enjoy an unforgettable evening at one of the city's most celebrated local restaurants.

Price Range: $$$

Venetian Lagoon Cruise with Burano Visit

Venetian Lagoon Cruise with Burano Visit

Experience the floating city from the water as you cruise along the lagoon to charming Burano Island for free time to explore on your own.

Price Range: $$

Gondola

Gondola

When in Rome, do as the Romans -- and when in Venice, head right for the gondolas! Hop aboard a traditional gondola for a ride through the magical Venetian canals

Price Range: $$

Verona

Magic of Verona

Magic of Verona

Discover Verona by coach and by foot on this guided introduction to the city forever tied to ancient Rome and Shakespeare's "Romeo & Juliet".

Price Range: $

Sorrento Coast

A True Taste of Sorrento

A True Taste of Sorrento

Treat yourself to a relaxing dinner at a local restaurant, where the Mediterranean atmosphere and glimpses of the Gulf of Naples create the perfect setting. Savor the authentic flavors of the region and enjoy an experience that captures the charm of this beautiful town.

Price Range: $$

Island of Capri

Island of Capri

Discover the Jewel of the Mediterranean on this wonderful excursion to the legendary isle of Capri!

Price Range: $$$

Rome

Arrivederci, Roma - Farewell Dinner

Arrivederci, Roma - Farewell Dinner

Immerse yourself in "la dolce vita" as you enjoy a memorable Italian dinner with wine.

Price Range: $$

Sorrento

Charms of Positano

Charms of Positano

The most thrilling drive in Europe awaits as you travel along the famed Amalfi Coast for breathtaking panoramas and a visit to charming Positano!

Price Range: $$

 Private Touring

Private Touring: Cosmos European Private Touring enables you to experience all of the attractions, sights and highlights of your selected Cosmos tour as a private experience - delivered just for you and your traveling party. With Private Touring, you'll have your own dedicated Tour Director, your own private transportation and driver, and your own professional local guides. All with greater flexibility in pace and your experience. For your selected tour, there will be additional per-person cost for the size of your party - from 1 to 24. This additional supplement is reduced with each traveler you add to your party. Here's a sample of the additional cost:

6 guests in a party: $3,072*
18 guests in a party: $937*

Contact Cosmos or your preferred travel agent for pricing for your specific party size as well as any other information on Cosmos Private Touring.

*Supplement pricing is per person (USD) and will be added to the standard published price for your given departure date and is based on availability. Supplement price is valid for 2021 travel year. Occasionally some included and optional activities & excursions may be operated with other guests. Additional restrictions may apply. Not applicable for custom groups. No Group allowances or promotions are available on Private Touring. Published itineraries only. Note that blackout dates may exist where the Private Touring option is not available.


The "Starting at" or listed price is based on the lowest price available to book. Price is per passenger based on double occupancy and does not include International airfare; additional fees/charges are not included. If a price is crossed out, the new price includes a limited time promotional offer(s) – please review current promotions or deals for additional information. Some tours require intra-vacation flights (and in some cases intra-vacation segments must be purchased from Cosmos).