Pearls of Italy is a 8-day guided tour designed for travelers who wish to experience Italy’s iconic sights with a touch of elegance.
- Venice
- Florence & Tuscany
- Amalfi Coast & Sorrento
- Pompeii Archaeological Site
- Rome
- Vatican
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First Class Hotels
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Venice
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Rome
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14
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Arrival and departure as detailed in the itinerary
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Luxury Bus
Dates
The same itinerary, with a minimum of 6 participants, can also be offered as a private tour at no additional cost. Your private trip combines comfort, exclusivity, and exceptional value—ensuring an unforgettable Italian experience crafted just for you. Request your private tour using the form below (end of the page), or contact us at: info@greattoursofitaly.com
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Available PackagesSundayMay 3, 2026SundayMay 10, 2026EUR 3300
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Available PackagesSundayMay 17, 2026SundayMay 24, 2026EUR 3300
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Available PackagesSundayJune 7, 2026SundayJune 14, 2026EUR 3300
Pearls of Italy is an 8-day tour, a great introduction to the best of Italy! This tour is scheduled to depart on a Sunday in Venice (VCE) and arrive the next Sunday in Rome (FCO). Your tour will begin in VENICE and proceed through the landscape of Tuscany to visit a local winery and FLORENCE, then head south to SORRENTO, AMALFI COAST, POMPEII, and will end in ROME and the VATICAN CITY. As we travel from city to city, you will enjoy many picturesque towns. Some of these cities are part of the cultural and natural heritage deemed by the World Heritage Committee as having outstanding universal value (whc.unesco.org). Pearls of Italy is a perfect choice for big families with children and groups of friends who want to enjoy Italy without missing anything, including nice restaurants, wineries, as well as historical and cultural venues.
Highlights
- Start in Venice (VCE) – End in Rome (FCO)
- 14 Meals to include – 7 buffet breakfasts, 6 dinners, 1 wine tasting with dinner
- 8 Day Tour – Venice, Florence, Rome, Vatican City, Sorrento, Amalfi Coast, Pompeii
Welcome to Venice Int. Airport (VCE). Upon your arrival, our Tour Director will be waiting for you. Your private airport transfer will leave for your hotel at 1:00 pm. In the late afternoon meet your tour guide for an orientation meeting, stroll in Venice, time for shopping and a gondola ride, followed by a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Hotel: Voco, Belstay or similar (1 night)
This morning, meet your local guide for a walking tour through Venice city center. See the Bridge of Sighs, created at the beginning of the 17th century to serve as a link between the prisons and the inquisition rooms of Doge’s Palace. Continue to St. Mark’s Square and visit a glass factory to learn why venetian glass is famous for its superior quality, exquisite range of colors, and unmatched craftsmanship. In the afternoon depart from Venice and travel through the golden landscape of Tuscany to reach a countryside farm to enjoy a wine tasting and dinner at a family run vineyard.
Hotel Fattoria degli Usignoli, Vespucci or similar (2 nights)
Enjoy a walking tour of Florence with a local guide. See the Duomo, celebrated for its magnificent dome designed by Brunelleschi, and the Baptistery’s renowned “Gates of Paradise” by Ghiberti. Walk through the open-air museum at Signoria Square, and end at the splendid Ponte Vecchio. Enjoy the afternoon in this spectacular Renaissance city at your leisure before a stop at Piazzale Michelangelo for a panoramic photo. Tonight, ride through the Tuscan hills a dinner of typical local cuisine.
After a comfortable departure, drive southwards on the Highway of the Sun passing by the hilltop monastery of Cassino. Reach Pompeii, the city buried in 79AD by an eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Visit the ruins of this best-preservedf Roman city as our local guide illustrates the everyday life of the Romans who once lived here. Enjoy a short drive through the Amalfi Coast followed by an authentic Amalfitana dinner at the hotel’s restaurant.
Hotel: Hotel Club 2 Torri, La Lucertola or similar (2 nights)
Enjoy the morning at your own pace in Sorrento. Lunch in a local restaurant with a breathtaking panoramic view. After lunch, take in views of the colorful towns built on steep inclines along the Amalfi Coast, including the distinctive Moorish homes of Positano (a UNESCO World Heritage Site).
Leave the Amalfi Coast to reach the eternal city of Rome and meet our local guide who will take us to the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. In the evening enjoy a sightseeing tour of Rome’s city center to see the highlights of Rome including the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps. Wrap the day up with dinner at a local restaurant.
Hotel: Belstay Roma or similar (2 nights)
Today, discover the independent Vatican State (Museum, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica with its monumental St. Peter’s Square) with our local guide. At the end of the tour, there will be time to stroll around, shop, or treat yourself to an espresso at a quaint cafe amongst the locals. Tonight enjoy a dinner to celebrate success of your trip.
Arrivederci Italy! Your departure transfer will arrive at Rome’s Fiumicino Leonardo Da Vinci Airport (FCO) at 7:00 am and 9 a.m.
What's included
Experiences
- Venice: walking tour (WLG)*
- Tuscany: wine tasting
- Florence: walking (WLG)*
- Rome: Colosseum and the Forum, Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter Basilica skip the line tickets (WLG)*
- Rome: walking tour (WLG)*
- Pompeii: skip the line tickets andwWalking tour (WLG)*
- *(WLG) = With local guide and wireless headsets
Optional Experiences
- Venice: gondola ride
Overall Trip Rating:
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By Amanda K.(Canada)October 18, 2025 Fantastic experienceFantastic experience from start to finish. The guided tours were clear and engaging, and the free time was just right. A great value for the price.
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By Roxana October 10, 2025 Great Tours of Italy escapeOur Italy Great Tours of Italy escape was remarkable. Francesco is fabulous!
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By Pamela S. April 27, 2025 ExcellentExcellent tour for anyone wanting to see Italy’s most iconic cities in one trip. Venice was dreamy, Florence was full of art and history, and Rome was simply spectacular. Great Tours of Italy kept everything stress-free, and the hotels were better than expected for the price. I would absolutely travel with them again!
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By Robert(United States (US))April 26, 2025 Keep up the good jobs!Keep up the good jobs!
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By Mary and Christine October 19, 2024 Perfect introduction to ItalyVenice, Florence, Rome, Vatican City, Amalfi Coast — what a lineup! The logistics were so thoughtfully managed: hotels, transfers, guided tours… all taken care of. If you want a stress-free taste of Italy’s highlights, we raccomend this tour.
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By Cynthia C.(Italy)October 15, 2024 Italian TapestryOur tour guide was EXCEPTIONAL and very well-versed in delivering information. Our driver was extraordinary as well. This itinerary hit so many points of interest in a very short amount of time.
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By Sara J. P.(Italy)October 1, 2024 All good thingsOur family just returned from the 8 day Pearls of Italy tour and cannot say enough good things about the Great Tours of Italy tour group and our tour leader, who was top-notch! Everything was planned out and executed to a T and had the most amazing time exploring history and beautiful sites. We will surely use you all again in the future!
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By Sibi(Canada)September 30, 2024 Bella ItaliaThe tour was excellent and our tour manager Elisa was incredible. My most memorable experience was the gondola ride in Venice.
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By Debbie(United States (US))September 27, 2024 Great VaccationSeriously knowledgeable about travel in Italy. We had a great vacation!
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By Denise Larson(Italy)May 7, 2024 Vatican StateMy husband and I took a Great Tours of Italy tour to Italy mostly because I wanted my husband to experience and see the Vatican. It was an amazing trip from beginning to end. Monica, our tour director was the best. The guides were all very knowledgeable. The itinerary, the food - all were thought of well to make the trip unforgettable. And because the group was just right, not a big group - we all got along well. I definitely will recommend Great Tours of Italy
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By Fred Casale J.(Italy)October 10, 2023 Italian heritageIt was a very emotional, and magical time for me. My father had passed away in the year before. He was very proud of his Italian heritage. He was also very proud of his family, and between work, his kids, and then his Grandkids, time and his life slipped by without ever making his dream of a pilgrimage to Italy a reality. I had decided to make this pilgrimage for him, taking with me and leaving remembrance cards of him in Italy. Having traveled for work my whole life, I had developed pretty high standards for myself in terms of efficiency, organization, and comfort. I was not looking forward to dusting off my travel skills and organize this entire trip for myself. It was then I was introduced to Great Tours of Italy. I decided on the Pearls of Italy trip, so I called to book my trip and pay my deposit. It was like joining an exclusive club. From that moment forward, every question I had was answered, every concern addressed, and every fear mitigated. Great Tours of Italy endured my endless interrogatories with patience and tact. In Venice we met our tour guide. He led us through the trip with confidence, organization, smooth logistics and exemplary ease. From the Rooms, to the meals, to the excursions, the entire trip was also exemplary. I spent some very deep quality time with my father in Rome, Pompeii, Amalfi, Capri, etc. I even shared a pizza and glass of red wine with him in Rome. So very poignant. If you are wondering if touring with Perillo is worth the money, it is. If you are concerned about communication or logistics, stop. If you're worried about the walking, know that they take their time and accommodate all travelers of all ages and abilities. My Dad and I have had great time!
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By Gianna Marillo(Italy)July 11, 2023 FantasticoI went by myself from Chicago to Italy on the Pearls of Italy Tour in July of 2023. I was one of a group of 8 people. I had the most amazing time with our group. The accommodations, food, wine, itinerary were all excellent. The main guide, supplemental guides, and the bus drivers were all fantastico! Highly recommend Great Tours of Italy! I can't wait to go again.
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By Lisa F.(Italy)June 4, 2019 Fantastic experienceMy son and I booked a Pearls of Italy in June through our travel agent Elizabeth. The group was small (10 people) We enjoyed the relaxed stile of the tour. In the morning we always had time to enjoy breakfast. Our tour director and driver were very pleasant. They took care of any details and we felt always safe. The food was always delicious and the tour guides in each city very knowledgeable. We had a fantastic experience in Italy with G.T.I. Great Tours of Italy.
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By Mary J. W.(Italy)April 17, 2018 Pearl of ItalyBest trip ever! We loved how Great Tours of Italy came to pick us up at the Airport and they knew us. Took us to the hotel and again came out to greet us! We have done many other tours with other company’s but this is by far the best!!! The tour guide, was amazing, she made it seem so easy and made sure everyone was taken care of! Great trip would love to go with them again. Highly recommend!
Pearls of Italy is an 8-day small-group journey designed as a perfect introduction to Italy’s most iconic cities. Starting in Venice and ending in Rome, this tour explores Florence, Tuscany, Sorrento, the Amalfi Coast, Pompeii, and Vatican City. It’s ideal for families, couples, and friends who want to experience Italy without missing its most famous highlights.
This itinerary is perfect for:
- First-time visitors to Italy
- Families with children
- Couples and groups of friends
- Travelers who want a structured, worry-free experience
- Guests who love culture, food, history, and beautiful landscapes
Over 8 days, you will visit:
- Venice
- Florence & Tuscany
- Pompeii
- Sorrento
- Amalfi Coast
- Rome
- Vatican City
Expect moderate walking each day, especially through historic centers with cobblestones and steps. Comfortable shoes are essential.
Starts: Venice International Airport (VCE)
Ends: Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO)
- Arrival transfer from Venice Airport departs at 1:00 pm on Day 1.
- Departure transfers to Rome’s FCO airport run at 7:00 am and 9:00 am on Day 8.
Private transfers can be arranged if your flight does not align with these times.
Comfortable, well-rated hotels in convenient locations. Sample hotels include:
- Venice: Voco, Belstay or similar
- Tuscany: Fattoria degli Usignoli, Vespucci or similar
- Amalfi Coast: Hotel Club 2 Torri, La Lucertola or similar
- Rome: Belstay Roma or similar
Yes. Your Tour Director accompanies you throughout the itinerary and ensures smooth coordination from start to finish.
Transportation is provided via a comfortable, air-conditioned coach. All transfers outlined in the itinerary are included.
Yes. All major entrances listed in the itinerary are included, such as:
- St. Mark’s Square highlights
- Wine tasting in Tuscany
- Pompeii archaeological area
- Colosseum & Roman Forum
- Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter’s Basilica
Yes. Local licensed guides will lead you through Venice, Florence, Pompeii, the Colosseum, and Vatican City. Your Tour Director accompanies you throughout the journey.
