Italy’s Classic Cities
Savor art, history, culture, and cuisine in this captivating small group journey to a collection of Italy’s classic cities: cosmopolitan Milan; Verona, the “little Rome;” Bologna, with its medieval charm and culinary delights; Renaissance-tinged Florence, and the Eternal City of Rome. Add a pleasing combination of guided touring and ample free time – and it’s magnifico!
Italy’s Classic Cities
Dates: October 15 – 30, 2026
Deposit: $500
Land Only (transfers not included): Coming soon.
From San Francisco (air-inclusive)*: Coming soon.
Single Supplements: Coming soon.
*Other cities listed on brochure, which can be downloaded on the overview tab of this trip approximately nine months before departure. Airline prices are subject to change, and airline upgrades will be additional to the costs listed above.
Please note, all prices are for a standard, double room unless listed otherwise.
Your Tour Price Includes:
- Round-trip air transportation from listed cities
- 14 nights’ accommodations in Superior First Class and First Class hotels
- 24 meals: 14 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 8 dinners
- Extensive sightseeing as described, including all entrance fees
- Services of an Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director
- Private motorcoach transportation throughout your trip
- Luggage handling for one bag per person
- Gratuities for local guides, dining room servers, airport and hotel porters, and all drivers
Book your trip today by filling out the form and emailing it to ietravel@ucsc.edu.
Travel Dates: October 15-30, 2026
October 15, 2026
This evening we depart the US for Milan.
October 16, 2026
We arrive in Milan and transfer to our hotel. As guests’ arrival times vary, we have no group activities planned during the day. This evening, we meet our Odysseys Tour Director and fellow travelers for a briefing about the journey ahead, followed by a welcome dinner at our hotel.
Accommodations: NH Collection Milano Touring
(D)
October 16, 2026
We discover this world capital of design and fashion, and Italy’s center of commerce and finance, on today’s tour that features the multi-spired Milan Cathedral (Duomo), the world’s third largest; the historic La Scala opera house; and the landmark Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the city’s grand arcaded shopping mall. After lunch at a local restaurant, we visit the Brera Picture gallery, housing works by Caravaggio, Tiepolo, Tintoretto, and other great masters.
Accommodations: NH Collection Milano Touring
(B, L)
October 17, 2026
A tour highlight today as we travel to Italy’s celebrated Lake District, where we enjoy a cruise on stunning Lake Como in the foothills of the Alps. Flanked by grand villas, palm trees, and wooded mountainsides, the lake and its surroundings have drawn visitors since Roman times. Following our cruise, we have free time for lunch and to explore on our own in this beautiful setting.
Accommodations: NH Collection Milano Touring
(B)
October 18, 2026
En route to Verona today, we stop in historic, and beloved, Bergamo. Here we ride a funicular to the Città Alta (Upper Town), with its fortified city walls, cobblestone alleys, Renaissance architecture, and dramatic views that stretch to the Alps. After lunch together, we continue to Verona, arriving late afternoon.
Accommodations: Hotel Indigo Verona – Grand Hotel des Arts
(B, L)
October 19, 2026
Rich in history, art, and culture – and of course, Shakespearean connections – Verona retains monuments from its 1st-century CE Roman era, as well as from its thriving medieval period. Highlights of our morning tour here include the austere Castelvecchio, the ancient Roman gate of Porta Borsari, Piazza delle Erbe, the 14th-century Scaliger Tombs, and Verona Arena, built in 30 CE and still used today. We also see Juliet’s balcony on the 13th-century home of the Del Capello family said to be the inspiration for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Late this afternoon we take a guided tour of the Teatro Filarmonico, among Europe’s leading opera houses, then dine together at a local restaurant.
Accommodations: Hotel Indigo Verona – Grand Hotel des Arts
(B, D)
October 20, 2026
A free morning for independent exploration. Later today, we embark on an immersive wine experience at the historic estate of the Gaetano Bertani family, pioneers of Verona winemaking. We tour the frescoed rooms and romantic gardens of the neo-classical manor house and walk through the vineyards lush with ancient grape varieties for Amarone and Valpolicella Classico. Our tour concludes with a tasting that showcases the region’s unique terroir.
Accommodations: Hotel Indigo Verona – Grand Hotel des Arts
(B, D)
October 21, 2026
We leave Italy’s Veneto region today for Emilia-Romagna, stopping first in Modena, known especially for its culinary heritage – and as the birthplace of the Ferrari. We visit the Museo Casa Enzo Ferrari; take a guided walking tour; and visit a family-run acetaia, where we learn about the making of balsamic vinegar, a Modena specialty. Then we travel on to Bologna and dine tonight at our hotel.
Accommodations: Hotel Internazionale Bologna
(B, D)
October 22, 2026
We get our first taste of this lively historic capital and largest city of Emilia-Romagna on a morning walking tour of grand Piazza Maggiore and its highlights: Basilica of San Petronio, with its half-finished marble façade; 12th-century Asinelli Tower, and the Fountain of Neptune. We also see the Teatro Comunal opera house and stroll through Quadrilatero Market, abounding with fresh local foods of all kinds – and some of Italy’s best street food. The remainder of the day is free to explore as we wish, and for lunch and dinner on our own in this city renowned for its fine cuisine.
Accommodations: Hotel Internazionale Bologna
(B)
October 23, 2026
Today is free for independent exploration, perhaps to explore some of the nearly 25 miles of porticoes (a UNESCO site) dating to the Middle Ages that start in the well-preserved city center; to see the Michelangelo sculptures in San Domenico Basilica; or to explore more of Bologna’s impressive food scene. Tonight, we savor a small group highlight as we attend a private cooking class where we make Bologna’s traditional tortellini, tagliatelle, and ragu – then enjoy our handiwork for dinner.
Accommodations: Hotel Internazionale Bologna
(B, D)
October 24, 2026
We travel today to Florence, “cradle of the Renaissance” and storied city of arts and culture. Our first stop: San Lorenzo Market, where we can browse the outdoor stalls and have lunch on our own at the indoor Central Market. This afternoon’s touring takes in the historic city center (a UNESCO site): the Baptistry, Giotto’s Bell Tower, and Santa Maria del Fiore – the fabled Duomo of Brunelleschi’s dome. Then, we visit the Galleria dell’Accademia to see Michelangelo’s David and his sculptures for the papal tombs.
Accommodations: Hotel Rivoli Boutique
(B, D)
October 25, 2026
On this morning’s excursion to Scuola del Cuoio, we learn about Florence’s time-honored leather-making process and watch artisans as they craft fine bags, jackets, and other items. This afternoon is free for independent exploration; tonight, we dine together at a local restaurant.
Accommodations: Hotel Rivoli Boutique
(B, D)
October 26, 2026
Another tour highlight today as we visit the world-renowned Uffizi Gallery of paintings and sculpture, home to Botticelli’s Birth of Venus and La Primavera, da Vinci’s Annunciation, and other masterpieces by Michelangelo, Caravaggio, and Fra Angelico, among others. Then we have the rest of the day to explore Florence as we wish.
Accommodations: Hotel Rivoli Boutique
(B)
October 27, 2026
We travel through the gentle scenery of the Italian countryside en route to Rome today. After our mid-day arrival, we join our Tour Director for an informal walking tour of the neighborhood surrounding our hotel.
Accommodations: Monti Palace Hotel
(B)
October 28, 2026
More outstanding art is on tap as we tour the famed Borghese Gallery, with its collection of masterworks by Raphael, Titian, Correggio, Bernini, and more. From here, we’re free for independent exploration in this city brimming with history. Tonight, we celebrate our adventure and bid arrivederci to Italy at a farewell dinner.
Accommodations: Monti Palace Hotel
(B, D)
October 29, 2026
We transfer to the airport this morning for our return flight to the U.S.
(B)
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
Accommodations:
NH Collection Milano Touring, Milan, Italy / Days 2-4 / First Class
NH Collection Milano Touring occupies a prime location in Republic Square, directly next to the Indro Montanelli public park and gardens and steps away from public transport. The contemporary, stylish, brightly-decorated hotel features amenities including a restaurant, cocktail bar, fitness center, bicycle rental (for a fee), laundry and dry-cleaning services (for a fee), and complimentary Wi-Fi internet access. Air-conditioned guest rooms have private bath with hair dryer and rain shower, minibar, tea- and coffee-making facilities, in-room safe, and TV.
Hotel Indigo Verona – Grand Hotel des Arts, Verona, Italy / Days 5-7 / First Class
Located just a short walk from Porta Nuova, Piazza Bra, and the Arena, this boutique hotel embraces the refined style of Italian art and design. The décor – inspired by the opera Roméo et Juliette by Charles Gounod – blends jewel-toned colors, rich textures, and ornate accents, including a collection of classical art pieces. Amenities include a restaurant, cocktail bar, private courtyard garden, solarium, and complimentary Wi-Fi internet access. Air-conditioned guest rooms offer private bath with hair dryer, minibar, tea- and coffee-making facilities, in-room safe, TV, and phone.
Hotel Internazionale Bologna, Bologna, Italy/ Days 8-10 / First Class
Recently renovated, the Hotel Internazionale Bologna occupies a historic building in the heart of Bologna, close to public transportation, shopping, restaurants, museums, and entertainment. Amenities include a restaurant, bar, laundry and dry-cleaning services (for a fee), and complimentary Wi-Fi internet access. Classically decorated, air-conditioned guest rooms have private marble bath with hair dryer, minibar, in-room safe, TV, and phone.
Hotel Rivoli Boutique, Florence, Italy / Days 11-13 / Superior First Class
Located in the heart of Florence, the Hotel Rivoli Boutique is set inside a restored 14th-century Franciscan convent, and features original architectural details dating back over 500 years. Amenities of this boutique hotel include a restaurant and bar, complimentary Wi-Fi internet access, and an internal garden patio featuring a hot tub. Every air-conditioned guest room has been skillfully restored and each offers unique touches, while all include private bath with hair dryer, classic Tuscan-style furniture, in-room safe, minibar, TV, and phone. Please note that due to the unique nature of this hotel, room size and décor will vary.
Monti Palace Hotel, Rome, Italy / Days 14-15 / Superior First Class
Sitting just a 10-minute walk from Rome’s famed Colosseum, the Monti Palace Hotel occupies a 19th-century building in the heart of the Eternal City. Amenities of this stylish and contemporary 55-room hotel include a rooftop bar with terrace overlooking the city, library bar and lounge, fitness center, laundry service (for a fee), and complimentary Wi-Fi internet access. Air-conditioned guest rooms have private bath with hair dryer, minibar (for a fee), tea- and coffee-making facilities, in-room safe, TV, and phone.
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