colleseum, rome, italy, sport, spectators, classic architecture, romans, ancient, archaeology
The legendary Roman Colosseum

Highlights of ItalyA new tour showcasing the best of Italy's evocative cities and countryside

Experience the highlights of Italy from the Amalfi Coast to Rome, Florence and Venice
Starting at $5,884
Including airfare, airline taxes & departure fees
Call 855-330-1542
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Overview
  • Experience the best of Italy’s countryside and its famed cities—Rome, Florence, and Venice—on this small group tour. Our new 17-day journey showcases ancient sites, priceless art, outstanding cuisine, and unique lodgings, including a restored Tuscan villa. Starting in Italy’s Campania region, visit haunting Pompeii and sunny Sorrento from your base in the stunning seaside resort of Amalfi. En route to Rome stop in Montecassino and tour the hilltop abbey, rebuilt after its destruction in World War II.

    During three days in Rome discover the city’s most famous sites and enjoy ample free time as well. Then it’s on to Umbria and Tuscany to explore their medieval hill towns—Orvieto, Assisi, Siena, San Gimignano—and enjoy a wine tasting at a local winery. In Florence the Renaissance comes alive on a walking tour that includes Michelangelo’s sublime David and Brunelleschi’s stupendous cupola on the Duomo. Your Italian journey concludes in magical Venice, with a tour of St. Mark’s Square and time on your own to explore the city.
    • Special Value
  • This tour is specially designed for a small group of 16 to 24 Smithsonian travelers and offers outstanding travel value. Prices include airfare, airline taxes, fuel surcharges, and departure fees.
    • Smithsonian Experts
  • Throughout this tour, travel in the company of an exceptional Smithsonian Study Leader. Charlie Ingrao is Professor of History, Purdue University, where he teaches courses on the European World. Charlie will be on the April 13th departure. Read an interview with Charlie Ingrao. Valerie Hedquist is an associate professor of art history at the University of Montana. She will lead the April 20 and October 19 departures. John Dobbins is a classical archaeologist who specializes in ancient Roman art and archaeology. John will lead the May departure. Read an interview with John Dobbins. Gail Cornell is an architectural historian with expertise in urban development. She will lead the September departure.
    • Special Highlights
  • Participate in an Italian cooking demonstration and savor the results at dinner.
  • Explore the Borghese Gallery in Rome and learn about the history of San Gimignano at the 1300 Museum.
  • Stay in historic accommodations such as a palace in Rome, a villa set in the countryside near Siena, and a former embassy located on the Grand Canal in Venice.
    • World Heritage Sites
  • This tour features the following World Heritage sites in Italy:
    • Historic center of Rome
    • Vatican properties
    • Historic center of Florence
    • Historic center of San Gimignano
    • Historic center of Siena
    • Pompeii
    • Amalfi Coast
    • Basilica di San Francesco in Assisi
    See a complete list of all Smithsonian tours featuring World Heritage sites.


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