La Dolce Vita
COACH TOUR: Experience the good life in Italy on this 11-day coach tour which starts and ends in Rome. Explore the ancient capital and see the Renaissance-era sights in Florence. Visit picturesque Siena, discover St Mark's Square in Venice, and skip the line to visit the Vatican City. See the Basilica of San Petronio in Bologna, discover the Tuscan wine region, and eat authentic pizza in Naples. Discover the ruins of Pompeii, stop in riverside Padua, and visit the exclusive island of Capri.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes
Tour overview
Itinerary
Day 1 Welcome to Rome!
Day 1 Welcome to Rome!
Welcome to Italy! On arrival in Rome, make your own way to our start hotel, then head out to explore the capital on the Rome Hop on, Hop off bus, allowing you to see the city's main sights at your own pace. Our open-top panoramic buses allow you to enjoy a spectacular view of the most iconic monuments of the Eternal City. All you have to do is jump on board and relax, listen to the audio commentary and get on and off at any of the eight stops available along the route. The bus ticket included is valid for a day.
Day 2 Roma to Firenze
Day 2 Roma to Firenze
Rome - Assisi - Siena - Florence. It's an early start as we depart Rome at 7:15 and journey to the medieval walled town of Assisi. There's time to visit the picturesque Basilica of St Francis independently if you choose.
Then we continue to Siena, a UNESCO-protected town known for its incredibly narrow streets, medieval brick buildings and fan-shaped main square: Piazza del Campo. After a short visit we continue to our hotel in Florence, where dinner is included.
Day 3 Florence sightseeing & optional Pisa
Day 3 Florence sightseeing & optional Pisa
Today we enjoy a half-day sightseeing tour of Florence, 'Cradle of the Renaissance' and home of Michelangelo. Take in the beautiful Duomo, formally known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. Other highlights of the city include the town hall - Palazzo Vecchio and the Basilica of Santa Croce, burial place for illustrious Italians including Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli. We enjoy lunch in a typical Tuscan restaurant in Piazza Santa Croce.
This afternoon you can continue exploring Florence independently. We recommend pre-booking a visit to the Uffizi Gallery or the Academia (home to the original David). Alternatively, you can book an optional excursion to nearby Pisa, home to the iconic Leaning Tower.
Day 4 Bologna, Padua & Venice
Day 4 Bologna, Padua & Venice
Florence - Bologna - Padua - Venice. Departing Florence, we drive to beautiful Bologna, capital of the Emilia-Romagna region. Enjoy a walk through the elegant city centre to see some of the beautiful porticos and shopping streets. Stroll from Piazza Malpighi to Piazza del Nettuno and Piazza Maggiore in the heart of the city, and see the Basilica of San Petronio. There's free time to find a good restaurant for lunch.
In the afternoon we pay a short visit to Padua, a riverside city west of Venice. We'll see the Basilica of Saint Anthony, which is one of the most visited churches by pilgrims in the Catholic world. Then it's on to Venice, where we check into our hotel for the next two nights.
Please note: For tours departing from 23 March 2025 onwards, there will no longer be a stop in Padua. Instead, more time will be spent exploring Bologna, and you will enjoy an included street food experience with a light lunch included.
Day 5 Venice
Day 5 Venice
After breakfast it's time to explore perhaps Italy's most famous and romantic destination. The floating city is a photographer's dream, and we'll be taking in the main highlights. Our tour begins in Piazza San Marco, in English known as St Mark's Square. It's the focal point of the city, dominated by St Mark's Basilica. We also see the Gothic Doge's Palace and the legendary Bridge of Sighs.
After our tour, we enjoy some traditional cicchetti (Italian tapas) and a glass of prosecco in our beautiful setting. Then there is free time for you to explore further - we strongly recommend a gondola ride on Venice's famous canals!
Day 6 Tuscany's wine region
Day 6 Tuscany's wine region
Venice - Tuscany wine region - Rome. Leaving Venice, we head into Tuscany, one of Italy's most idyllic regions. A land known for its beautiful scenery, historic castles, and some of Italy's finest wines. We enjoy a stop in the medieval town of Montepulciano for lunch, where you can try a glass or two of the region's vino. Then we enjoy a short amount of free time to explore the town further, before returning to Rome for the evening.
Day 7 The Vatican
Day 7 The Vatican
Today we explore Vatican City, home to the Pope and technically an independent country - another one you can tick off your list!
Departing the hotel after breakfast, we'll enjoy a guided tour of the Vatican's museums and galleries with 'skip the line' tickets. Take in the Gallery of Tapestries, the beautifully decorated frescoes of Raphael's Rooms, and of course, the Sistine Chapel. We can also admire the stunning St Peter's Basilica from the outside. This iconic landmark dominates the Vatican and is one of the largest Christian churches in the world, as well as being the pinnacle of Renaissance architecture. It is allegedly where Saint Peter was buried and titans of Italian design including Donato Bramante and Michelangelo had a hand in its creation. The rest of today is at leisure in Rome.
Day 8 Pompeii & Sorrento
Day 8 Pompeii & Sorrento
Rome - Pompeii - Sorrento. As we set off from Rome once more, we head south this time, passing through the regions of Lazio and Campania to reach Naples, the birthplace of pizza! Once we reach the town of Pompeii, we enjoy an authentic Neapolitan pizza for lunch before our tour of the archaeological site.
In the year 79 AD, the residents of Pompeii, a prosperous and sophisticated Roman city, were going about their day. Suddenly and without warning, the normally quiet Mount Vesuvius erupted, burying the city in up to 6 metres of ash and pumice. Whilst many Pompeiians escaped, approximately 2,000 people were buried and perished. The ash perfectly preserved the city, and on our guided tour we will see some of the surviving artifacts, mosaics and buildings, and will find out more about the eruption and what life was like in the city before this fateful day.
After our tour of Pompeii we head along the picturesque Sorrentine coast to Sorrento, where dinner is included - please dress smartly as it is a formal dinner!
Day 9 Capri
Day 9 Capri
Sorrento - Capri - Sorrento. Today we explore the beautiful and exclusive Mediterranean island of Capri. Weather permitting, we will visit the Blue Grotto sea cave by row boat. You can enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before there is free time to explore the island. Capri was a summer home for the Roman emperor Augustus and today is popular with celebrities. After our visit, we return to Sorrento.
Please note: On winter departures of this tour during the months of November - March, we are unable to include a day trip to Capri. Instead, you will enjoy a free day in Sorrento. Perhaps head to the Amalfi Coast for a day trip, or enjoy a relaxing day of sightseeing and shopping at leisure!
Day 10 Return to Rome
Day 10 Return to Rome
Sorrento - Rome. There is free time today for you to explore Sorrento. Perhaps enjoy some shopping, or sample some local limoncello. You can also book an optional excursion to the Amalfi coast before we return to Rome at approximately 16:00.
Day 11 Arrivederci, goodbye!
Day 11 Arrivederci, goodbye!
Enjoy a final breakfast in the hotel before our tour arrangements come to an end.
Tour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Prices & Dates
Hotels
With a great central location by the Piazza della Repubblica and opposite the metro, the Hotel St Martin is a perfect base for those exploring the Italian capital. Rooms in this modern 4-star hotel are bright and spacious, with ensuite bathrooms, air-conditioning, satellite TV and a kettle. There is complimentary high speed Wi-Fi connection throughout the property. A continental buffet breakfast is served daily and there is also a bar. For those not wishing to head into the city to eat, fresh Mediterranean food is also served at the onsite Restaurant Sidera.
In the heart of the city, a short distance from the Termini station, the welcoming family-run Hotel Diana is situated in a prime location within a 10-minute walk of Teatro dell ‘Opera di Roma and Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore. The Trevi Fountain and Roman Forum are also within 1 mile (2 km). Enjoy the spectacular views overlooking the rooftops of this amazing city whilst enjoying a delicious dinner or glass of fine Italian wine whilst watching the sun set from the panoramic gardens. The charming air-conditioned rooms feature a minibar, free wi-fi and satellite TV, as well as private bathrooms.
Bettoja Hotel Massimo d'Azeglio is a historic hotel located in central Rome, near Termini Station. Known for its elegant 19th-century architecture, the hotel combines classic charm with modern amenities. Relax in it's spacious rooms, dine in their traditional Italian restaurant and enjoy a range of cocktails in the sophisticated bar. The hotel’s location makes it a great base for exploring Rome's iconic landmarks.
Bettoja Hotel Mediterraneo is a luxurious hotel located near Rome's Termini station which has an Art Deco style with spacious rooms and modern amenities. Embrace panoramic views of the city on the rooftop terrace and dine in their restaurant serving Italian cuisine. Its central location makes it a practical choice for visitors, with easy access to major sites.
The recently renovated Raffaello Hotel is located in an atmospheric residential area, just a 10-minute tram ride from the city centre. When in the hotel guests can relax in the Raffaello Garden with a drink, or tuck into delectable Tuscan cuisine at Restaurant La Fornarina. A buffet breakfast is included and served daily and there is free Wi-Fi throughout. Rooms come with Sky television, minibar, safe and ensuite bathrooms and are tastefully decorated, as they should be in the city of the Renaissance!
Hotel Delfino Venezia Mestre is located in the lively Corso del Popolo in the heart of Mestre, the mainland section of Venice. The hotel is just 10 minutes by bus from Venice itself, with a stop across the road - reception can arrange bus tickets for guests if needed. Rooms at this 4-star hotel are well appointed and spacious, equipped with ensuite bathrooms, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi and television. Buffet breakfast is served onsite and there is a bar and lounge area where guests can enjoy cocktails and apertifs.
The B&B Hotel Venezia Tronchetto offers an ideal blend of comfort and convenience in historic Venice. Found on the island of Santa Croce, this hotel is perfect for travellers seeking easy access to the city's major attractions. Enjoy dinner in one of the two hotel restaurants and a rooftop terrace with panoramic city views. With its strategic location near the Venice People Mover, the B&B Hotel Venezia Tronchetto ensures a memorable stay with seamless connectivity to the enchanting wonders of Venice.
The idyllic Hotel Michelangelo is located in the heart of Sorrento, offering ocean views and developed around a rustic 16th-century tower. The harbour is located a 10-minute walk away and the historical centre of Sorrento is also just a short walk away. Rooms feature tiled flooring and wooden furniture, with ensuite bathrooms, TV and minibar. There are two onsite restaurants and a buffet breakfast is served daily, whilst guests can spend their free time lounging beside the outdoor swimming pool on the sun terrace. There is free Wi-Fi at the property and the rooftop terrace is the perfect place to watch the sunset over the Gulf of Naples with a cocktail in hand.
Tour Reviews
1) The tour guide Spanish pronunciations of English were hard to understand. Better with Spanish people. Ex: canal pronounced like candle. 2) Chaotic bus transfer with luggage in Pompeii. 3) Hotel in Florence had terrible room design. Nearly fell w/step down. 4) Hotel Vesuvio was excellent. 5 star
The overall tour was very good. There is room for improvement. The tour guides were very knowledgeable and some were more engaging than others. The hotels all came with breakfast but it should be noted that some start serving breakfast 7am and later which made it difficult on some days to get a good breakfast because the pickup was either before 7am or before. While some had on the go breakfast it was very substandard. Some of the hotels need to be upgraded or better maintained.
The tour was very good and we enjoyed it immensely. Our only criticism is that a visit and tour of the Colosseum in Rome should have been part of the package, as this is one of the great sites that everyone in Rome goes to see and there was certainly time in the afternoon after the Vatican tour. Also we felt that whilst in Venice, the return trip from Venice to the accommodation at the end of the day should have been included and not extra cost. Getting back on one's own using public transport (boat & bus) was very complicated and time consuming, and so more than 80% of our group of 50 came back by making the additional payment. Overall very good and 7.5/10. Well done.
The tour was fantastic, extremely well organized and efficient. Hotels we stayed at were very pleasant but we definitely will be coming back to the Vesuvio Hotel in Sorrento.
The guides, especially Patricia, Valencia and Sasha in Pompei were wonderful, and we highly recommend them. The tour itself was possibly a little busy and fast-packed, but mostly enjoyable nevertheless. HOWEVER, as a regular OTG client (this was my fifth OTG tour), I have two serious complaints: the extremely poor quality of some of the so-called ‘4-star’ hotels, including the breakfasts and a dinner ; and the fact that despite OTG’s assurances that the tour busses would be equipped with toilets, this was not the case.
Extras and add-ons
Tour Upgrades
Find alternative tours below with Upgrades to this tour