9-Day Essential Italy Tour from Rome to Milan: Orvieto, Siena, Florence, Pisa & Genoa | Ferry to Rapallo/Portofino

What you'll experience

Highlights

9 days

Day-by-day itinerary

1. 1

   Day 1 — Rome

   Welcome to Rome!
   We'll transfer you to the hotel and you'll have some free time. In the afternoon, you'll find information about the start of your tour on the boards located at the hotel reception.
   - Check-in: Please note that hotel check-in time is usually at 02:00 p.m. 
   - Optional Activities: During your trip, your guide may offer optional activities. If these activities are available on the local operator's app or through your "My Trip" link, we strongly recommend booking them as early as possible to ensure availability. Waiting until the last minute may result in missed opportunities due to limited tickets, bus seats, or other factors.
   - The schedules provided in this itinerary are indicative. The guide may adjust them as needed to enhance the trip experience.

   Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Ergife, Marriott Rome Park
2. 2

   Day 2 — Rome

   In the morning, we'll take a three-hour guided tour of the Eternal City, combining a walking tour of Imperial Rome with a panoramic bus ride to admire one of the oldest and most influential cities in Western civilization. During the tour, we'll see several iconic sites, including the Arch of Constantine, the exterior of the Colosseum and the Imperial Forums, the Circus Maximus, the Baths of Caracalla, the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, the Pyramid of Cestius, and Castel Sant' Angelo.
   This tour will end around 11:00 a.m. at Vatican City, an independent state within Rome and the center of the Catholic Church. For those who are especially interested, our guide will offer an optional visit after the panoramic tour to explore in more detail the most important halls of the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel.
   Free afternoon.
   6:00 p.m. – To wrap up the day, we'll include a transfer to the popular Trastevere neighborhood, known for its charming restaurants and lively atmosphere.
   8:30 p.m. Return to the hotel (Approx.)

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Ergife, Marriott Rome Park
3. 3

   Day 3 — Rome

   Free day. If you wish, you'll have the option to join an optional excursion, which will vary depending on the time of year. From April through late October, you can discover the charming island of Capri. From November through late March, you will have the option to visit Naples and the fascinating ruins of Pompeii.

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Ergife, Marriott Rome Park
4. 4

   Day 4 — Rome - Orvieto - Castiglione del Lago - Siena

   Total distance covered: 295 km.
   Scenery: Beautiful landscapes in Lazio, Umbria, and Tuscany; hills and very picturesque villages.
   07:30 a.m. - Departure from Rome. We'll head north towards Umbria.
   09:15 a.m. - Orvieto. We'll arrive in this medieval city located on a large summit. First, we'll visit the marvelous viewpoint offering stunning views of the city and its walls. We'll then ride the escalators that connect the lower part of the town with the medieval center, where we'll marvel at the cathedral, a stunning masterpiece of Italian Gothic art. After that, you'll have time to explore its charming streets that transport us to another era.
   11:30 a.m. - Departure from Orvieto.
   01:15 p.m. - Castiglione del Lago. Nestled on the shores of Lake Trasimeno, this picturesque historic village offers spectacular views over the water.
   03:00 p.m. - Departure from Castiglione del Lago towards Tuscany.
   04:30 p.m. - Siena. We'll arrive in this magnificent city, rich in medieval history. You'll have free time to explore the center with its narrow streets, towers, and palaces, including the famous Piazza del Campo and the Duomo, before we head to the hotel at 07:00 p.m.

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Executive
5. 5

   Day 5 — Siena - Monteriggioni - San Gimignano - Florence

   Total distance covered: 110 km
   Scenery: Pleasant scenery throughout the journey — rolling hills with olive groves and vineyards where the famous Chianti wine is produced.
   Note: Due to traffic regulations established by the City Council of Florence, tourist buses are not allowed to enter the historic city center. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes.
   08:30 a.m. – Siena – Departure. We travel through the heart of Tuscany.
   09:00 a.m. – Monteriggioni – Arrival. A small, walled medieval village full of charm and magic.
   10:00 a.m. – Monteriggioni – Departure. Through the vineyard-covered hills of the Chianti region.
   10:45 a.m. – San Gimignano – Arrival. A delightful small town with tall medieval towers and a perfectly preserved historic center. Time to stroll and have lunch.
   1:30 p.m. – San Gimignano – Departure.
   2:45 p.m. – Florence – Arrival. We´ll walk to the city's historic center, where we can enjoy Florence's lively atmosphere. We suggest that those interested in art visit one of its magnificent museums today, since they are closed on Mondays, such as the Uffizi Gallery (considered the finest art museum in Italy) or the Accademia Gallery (home to Michelangelo's original David). Dinner is included.
   Note: Due to traffic regulations established by the Florence City Council, tourist bus access is restricted. For this reason, our bus will drop us off at Vittorio Veneto neighborhood and we will walk from there to the historic center where we will have time to stroll around, enjoy the Florentine atmosphere or visit its museums such as the Uffizi Gallery (considered the finest art museum in Italy) or the Accademia Gallery (home to Michelangelo's original David (please note both are closed on Mondays). Transfer to the hotel is scheduled at 7:30 p.m.. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes.

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: Raffaello
6. 6

   Day 6 — Florence

   Note: We recommend wearing comfortable shoes for the visit to Florence.
   09:00 a.m. - We begin the morning with a transfer to the Michelangelo Viewpoint, where you will enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of the city. Afterward, we will walk to the historic city center, where we´ll have a city tour led by a local guide through Florence, one of the most visited cities in the country. This city, known as the cradle of the Renaissance, has inspired some of the most influential artists and thinkers in history, such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Raphael. Highlights include the Gothic Cathedral (Duomo di Firenze), the ancient stone bridge (Ponte Vecchio) with its goldsmith stores, and Piazza della Signoria, the political heart of the city with the town hall in a medieval building. We'll spend about two hours exploring these sites on foot.
   Today, you'll have plenty of free time, which we suggest spending with a stroll through the artistic center of the city. Visit the Ponte Vecchio with its shopping arcades and explore the majestic squares.

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Raffaello
7. 7

   Day 7 — Florence - Pisa - Cinque Terre - Genoa

   Total distance covered: 317 km.
   Scenery: Today is a day by the sea. The Ligurian Rivera coastline offers some of the most beautiful scenery and coastal gems in Europe.
   07:30 a.m. – Departure from Florence.
   09:15 a.m. - Pisa. We'll be required to drop you off at the tourist bus parking area. From there, we'll include a ride on the tourist train to access the monumental site. You'll have time to explore the impressive complex of Pisa, featuring the Leaning Tower, Baptistery, and Cathedral.
   11:00 a.m. – Departure from Pisa. We'll continue traveling along the Mediterranean coast. Along the way, we'll pass the Carrara Marble Mountains, which appear as if they are covered in snow.
   12:45 p.m. - Levanto. We'll arrive by train (tickets included) to one of its charming towns (normally Vernazza, but on peak tourism dates, it could be Manarola or Corniglia, very similar towns that are somewhat less crowded).
   The train is scheduled to depart at 01:05 p.m. (subject to change), taking us through long tunnels next to the sea into the Cinque Terre region. Buses can't access this area because of its steep, mountainous terrain. The area, which remained isolated and preserved its traditions, now thrives on sustainable tourism—thanks to its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and its international fame—complemented by high-quality agriculture and traditional fishing.
   01:30 p.m. - Vernazza - Arrival by train. We'll arrive in one of the five villages of the Cinque Terre region, which retains its coastal character. Highlights include the Santa Margherita Church, built in 1318 on the seashore. Time for lunch.
   03:44 p.m. – Departure from Vernazza (time subject to change). We'll return by train to Levanto, where our bus will continue along the coast towards Genoa.
   Note: The train to Cinque Terre is a regular commuter service, not a tourist train. During peak tourism times, there can be long waits as trains may be full, and seat reservations are not available. In some cases, the journey might be done standing.
   05:45 p.m. - Genoa - Arrival in the city of elegant Renaissance palaces and the birthplace of Christopher Columbus. Free time in its historic center—one of the largest in Europe—a labyrinth of narrow streets filled with palaces, churches, and charming little trattorias.

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Tower Genova Airport, AC Marriott Genova
8. 8

   Day 8 — Genoa - Rapallo - Portofino - Milan

   Total distance covered: 170 km.
   Note: By boat, we'll reach the enclave of Portofino. It's advisable to wear warm clothing to enjoy the trip on deck.
   08:00 a.m. – Departure from Genoa. We'll travel along the stunning Italian Riviera.
   09:00 a.m. - Rapallo.
   10:15 a.m. - We'll take a boat for a 20-minute crossing to Portofino, one of the most exclusive destinations in Europe. Enjoy some free time to explore this charming town.
   12:00 p.m. - We'll return to Rapallo, a delightful coastal town in the Liguria region. There will be time for a leisurely walk and lunch.
   Additional note: Due to adverse weather conditions or during winter, the boat trip to Portofino (whether from Rapallo or Santa Margherita) may be canceled due to weather conditions. In such cases, you will have extra free time in the town, and if you wish, you can reach Portofino by local shuttle buses. Please note that this service may have limitations in frequency and comfort, including long waiting times.
   02:00 p.m. – Departure from Rapallo.
   04:30 p.m. – Milan. Arrival in this elegant city, a symbol of modernity and culture in northern Italy. You'll have time to stroll through the city center, where you'll find Milan's famous Gothic cathedral in Piazza del Duomo, along with the statue of Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of unified Italy in 1861. We also recommend walking through the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II—an iconic shopping arcade with impressive glass vaults—and continuing to the city's renowned opera house, La Scala.
   7:30 p.m. – Transfer to the hotel.

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Nh Milano Fiera, Nh Milano 2, Nh Milano 2 Residence
9. 9

   Day 9 — Milan

   After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.
   Note: Please be aware that the hotel check-out time is usually 10:00 a.m. You can leave your luggage in reception upon check-out, allowing you to explore the city without carrying your bags. You can retrieve your luggage at your convenience later in the day. If you require additional time to use your room, we recommend booking an extra night at the end of your tour.

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: Excluded

What's included

Cancellation policy

Important info

Special notes

【Guide】
Please note that your tour guide might be changed once or several times during the tour. On some tours, according to the number of passengers, the service may be provided in bilingual (usually in English and Spanish), either accompanied by two tour leaders, one for each language, or a single tour leader for smaller groups explaining in both languages.
【'My Trip' App】
To make your trip smoother, we highly recommend downloading our local operator's app—'My Trip'. It allows you to check the latest updates to your itinerary anytime. My Trip is an exclusive page for customers that is designed to provide all the details about your trip. On it, you will be able to find information on itineraries, hotels, optional excursions and tour guides, etc. Everything you need for your trip, exclusively for you.
【Luggage allowance】
One suitcase of up to 30 kg per person is allowed, plus one piece of hand luggage such as a backpack or handbag without wheels, as it must fit in the overhead compartment on the coach. If the passenger exceeds this amount, they will have to pay for the extra transport cost.
【Estimated times and operational changes】
The indicated times are approximate, as they may be affected by external factors such as traffic, special events or local holidays. We kindly ask passengers to pay attention to notes in the service summary and check for any updates in the online system. We also request special attention during seasonal changes, as there may be modifications to itineraries or added/removed services. We remind you that, according to our general terms, Tours4fun reserves the right to modify, replace, or reschedule services if necessary.
【Room configuration】
1. Tours4fun acts as an intermediary between hotels and passengers and therefore cannot guarantee a specific type of room(For double rooms, we can't guarantee 1 Queen/King Bed or 2 Separate Beds ). We will always request the passenger's preference, but the confirmation depends exclusively on the hotel.
2. Often, triple rooms are double rooms with an extra bed or sofa bed added, and they are not always comfortable. In some cases, a double and a single room is offered. Triple rooms are not recommended for three adults, only for families with children.
【Multicultural environment and bilingual tours】
1. Our tours may be bilingual and shared with passengers of different nationalities. We believe this cultural diversity enriches the travel experience, but it is important that passengers are informed in advance.
2. Our guides are certified in English (C1 level), but are not necessarily native English speakers, as they may come from various countries. Nevertheless, the service is always provided with full professionalism.
【Other tips】
1. Upon booking your tour or activity and after receiving confirmation, you will be issued an e-ticket detailing our local operator's name and contact information. If at any point you were to suffer a delay arriving at the meeting point (held during customs check, loss of luggage, etc.), missing a connecting flight or your flight number was changed, you must urgently contact the transfer agent or the emergency phone number that you can find on your travel voucher.
2. For tours that include airport pick-up service, please provide your arrival flight information or pickup details at least 7 days prior to the departure date. If you don't provide the information in advance, you will be responsible for failing to arrange the arrival pickup.
3. For tours that include meals, please inform us in advance if any guests have food allergies. Requests for vegetarian meals must be made in advance and are subject to availability, with no guarantee.

Pricing notes (children, single supplement)

* Prices for Single Occupancy apply when one person stays in one standard hotel room.
* Prices for Double/Triple Occupancy apply when two/three people stay in one standard hotel room respectively.
* Triple price does not guarantee a third bed in the room since each room is equipped with 2 beds. Please check the availability at the time of check-in.
* Children under 3 years of age are entitled to a discount of 80% of the double room rate(with a minimum of one adult per child).
* Children from 3 to 8 years of age are entitled to a discount of 40% of the double room rate(with a minimum of one adult per child).
* Children from 9 to 15 years of age are entitled to a 10% discount of the double room rate on the value of the trip.
* Traveler over 65 years of age: 5% discount of the double room rate on the value of the trip.

Travel tips

Tour operator