Experience the best of Italy's countryside and its famed cities—Rome, Florence, and Venice—on this grand journey from the Amalfi Coast to the Adriatic. Acquire a comprehensive insight into Italy's ancient sites, priceless art, traditional cuisine, and unique lodgings. 

Starting at: $6,174 * Includes airfare, taxes & all fees Make a Reservation Ask Us A Question or Call 855-330-1542
The Roman Forum Michelangelo's early <i>Pieta</i> in St. Peter's Basilica, the Vatican Village of Positano, along the Amalfi Coast Remarkable Pompeii, with Mount Vesuvius in the background Painted wall found in Pompeii The Colosseum of Rome Florence with its iconic Duomo View of Rome from St. Peter's Basilica, with Bernini's colonnade St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City Interior of St. Peter's Basilica with Bernini's Baldacchino Michelangelo's ceiling fresco in the Sistine Chapel The Etruscan town of Orvieto, sitting high above the Umbrian plain The dramatic facade of Orvieto's cathedral The Campo, or main square, in Siena The Basilica of San Francesco d'Assisi Panoramic view of Florence Michelangelo's <i>David</i>, at the Accademia. Credit: John Kellerman/Alamy Visitors outside the renowned Uffizi Gallery. Credit: John Kellerman/Alamy The quintessential Tuscan countryside, replete with rolling hills, cypress trees, and farmhouses Enjoy private food and wine tastings. Credit: Steve Bly/Alamy The hill town of San Gimignano, featuring its many medieval towers Venice View of the Doge's Palace and Campanile from the canal in Venice

Highlights of Italy

16 days from $6,174 | includes airfare, taxes and all fees

Experience the best of Italy's countryside and its famed cities—Rome, Florence, and Venice—on this grand journey from the Amalfi Coast to the Adriatic. Acquire a comprehensive insight into Italy's ancient sites, priceless art, traditional cuisine, and unique lodgings. 

or Call 855-330-1542

Tour Details

TOUR BROCHURE

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WHAT OUR TRAVELERS SAY

So much more was offered than described in the brochures, many surprise extras, top quality hotels, transport, tour leaders!

- Regina G.

This was truly the trip of a lifetime. We did and saw things we never would have had we made the trip on our own. Every detail was planned for and I would have been very happy to continue longer.

- Diane C.

I had always traveled independently so this was my first experience with a group tour. I picked well! This was a great experience with a wonderful group of people. I loved the combination of being "guided" and opportunities to go on my own at times. 

- Sharon W.

Our Smithsonian tour was a true delight. These days, it is rare to receive such an outstanding value. We look forward to many more tours, and they all will be with Smithsonian. 

- Phil W.

The Highlights of Italy tour met all of my expectations. We thoroughly explored the abundant art and architecture of the regions we visited. The study leader and tour director were knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and friendly, and the other members of the tour were as inquisitive as I am.

- Michael Z.

It is because of exceptional customer service consistently provided by your company and your guides that we choose Smithsonian Journeys as our #1 tour operator. We’ve had the pleasure of traveling with you multiple times and haven’t been disappointed yet. So thank you for the fantastic tour and thank you for the excellent service you provide!! We always speak of Smithsonian Journeys with pride!

- Gary M. & Nina B.

JOURNEYS DISPATCHES

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Accommodations

* Click on hotel name to visit hotel web-site.

Marmorata Hotel (Select Dates)

Amalfi, Italy

A former paper mill owned by the Camera d'Afflitto family, the Marmorata has been converted into a 37-room hotel overlooking the romantic Amalfi Coast. It boasts a tranquil, secluded atmosphere just 1½ miles from the town of Amalfi. Still owned and personally run by the d'Afflitto family, the hotel features a restaurant, bar, Internet access, laundry services, fitness center with Jacuzzi, outdoor swimming pool, and access to the sea. Each air-conditioned room comes decorated with a navy theme and fully equipped with a private bath with hair dryer, mini-bar, TV, and phone. Please note that you will need to negotiate a steep driveway down to the hotel.

Number of nights: 3

Hotel San Francesco (Apr 12, Sep 7, and Sep 14 Departures)

Amalfi, Italy

The contemporary Hotel San Francesco overlooks the longest stretch of the Amalfi coast while standing amongst orchards of citrus trees and floral gardens. The 44-room hotel features restaurant and bar, safe deposit box, Internet access, laundry and dry cleaning services, and private beach. Each air-conditioned room has a private bath with hair dryer, private terrace, mini-bar, TV, and phone.

Number of nights: 3

Empire Palace

Rome, Italy

A well-located hotel just a two-minute walk from the Via Veneto, the 110-room Empire Palace is an actual palace, built in 1870 and completely refurbished and converted to a hotel that offers a restaurant and bar, fitness center, Internet access, and laundry and dry cleaning services. Air-conditioned rooms feature private bath with hair dryer, in-room safe, mini-bar, TV, and phone. Please note that because of the unique nature of this hotel, room sizes vary.

Number of nights: 3

Grand Hotel Italia

Orvieto (Umbria), Italy

Located in Orvieto's medieval town center, this refurbished 19th-century building with hanging gardens is close to some of Orvieto's key points of interest, including the Palazzo del Popolo, Moro Tower, and the Duomo. The intimate 46-room hotel also features a bar, rooftop terrace, library, Internet access, and laundry service. Air-conditioned guest rooms have private bath with hair dryer, in-room safe, TV, and phone.

Number of nights: 3

Hotel Borgo di Cortefreda

Florence (Tuscany), Italy

The Hotel Borgo di Cortefreda enjoys a spectacular location in the heart of Tuscany, with sweeping vineyard views from the hotel’s garden-filled grounds. Amenities of this classic Italian villa include a restaurant and bar, spa, sauna, outdoor swimming pool with poolside bar, complimentary Wi-Fi access, and laundry service. Air-conditioned guest rooms include private bath with hairdryer, minibar, TV, and phone.

Number of nights: 4

Carnival Palace Hotel

Venice, Italy

Opened in August 2012, the contemporary Carnival Palace overlooks the Cannaregio Canal in the heart of historic downtown Venice. Along with a garden and waterfront terrace bar, the 67-room hotel offers Internet access and laundry service. Guest rooms have Venetian furnishings, private bath with hair dryer, mini-bar, in-room safe, TV, and phone.

Number of nights: 2

Activity Level

Activity Level 2: Moderate


Expectations: One of our Classic Land Journeys, this tour features visits to many cities, iconic sites, hidden gems, and various regions. Although comprehensive, it's not rushed, but well paced and finely tuned. Expectations include longer touring days with many full-day motor coach excursions and five different hotels. Mostly full-day excursions from four to six hours, with ten afternoons at leisure. Standing and walking for long periods of time during city tours, museum visits, and outdoor activities. Daily walks of up to three miles; walking over sometimes difficult terrain that includes cobblestones and city hills (especially in Tuscan hilltowns), uneven pavement (especially archaeological sites), stairs without handrails, and absence of elevators; longer walks to get to city centers where coaches are prohibited. There are two longer coach rides of approximately three and four hours duration. This tour also features one boat trip along the Amalfi Coast, as well as a drive along the winding Amalfi Coast roads from above.

Appropriate for: Travelers who are physically fit and comfortable with longer days of touring (both walking tours and coach time).

Tour Extension

Venice Post-Program Option – 3 Days, 2 Nights
Enjoy time on your own in this most timeless of cities. Your tour price includes:

  • 2 nights accommodations at Carnival Palace Hotel (Superior First Class)
  • 2 meals: 2 breakfasts
  • Transfer to airport

Carnival Palace Hotel
Opened in 2012, the contemporary Carnival Palace overlooks the Cannaregio Canal in the heart of historic downtown Venice. Along with a garden and waterfront terrace bar, the 67-room hotel offers Internet access and laundry service. Guest rooms have Venetian furnishings, private bath with hair dryer, minibar, in-room safe, TV, and phone.

Testimonials

WHAT OUR TRAVELERS SAY

So much more was offered than described in the brochures, many surprise extras, top quality hotels, transport, tour leaders!

- Regina G.

This was truly the trip of a lifetime. We did and saw things we never would have had we made the trip on our own. Every detail was planned for and I would have been very happy to continue longer.

- Diane C.

I had always traveled independently so this was my first experience with a group tour. I picked well! This was a great experience with a wonderful group of people. I loved the combination of being "guided" and opportunities to go on my own at times. 

- Sharon W.

Our Smithsonian tour was a true delight. These days, it is rare to receive such an outstanding value. We look forward to many more tours, and they all will be with Smithsonian. 

- Phil W.

The Highlights of Italy tour met all of my expectations. We thoroughly explored the abundant art and architecture of the regions we visited. The study leader and tour director were knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and friendly, and the other members of the tour were as inquisitive as I am.

- Michael Z.

It is because of exceptional customer service consistently provided by your company and your guides that we choose Smithsonian Journeys as our #1 tour operator. We’ve had the pleasure of traveling with you multiple times and haven’t been disappointed yet. So thank you for the fantastic tour and thank you for the excellent service you provide!! We always speak of Smithsonian Journeys with pride!

- Gary M. & Nina B.
Reading List
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Travel Insurance

For the convenience of our travelers, Travel Guard provides an on-tour Insurance Plan. On-tour emergency evacuation insurance (up to $100,000), medical expense coverage (up to $25,000), dental expense coverage (up to $500), travel medical assistance and worldwide travel assistance (U.S. Residents only). It also includes up to $25,000 medical and up to $500 dental expense coverage, and 24-hour worldwide travel and medical assistance. Please click here to view complete coverage details.

Please visit www.TravelGuard.com/SmithsonianJourneys or call Travel Guard at 1-800-208-6142 to learn about additional (optional) coverage.

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