Taste of Italy
Authentic Local Experiences:
- Enjoy admission to the famed Accademia Gallery, and marvel at Michelangelo's masterpiece of sculpture, the David statue.
- Visit charming Orvieto on the way to Rome and indulge in a tasting of local wines.
- Step into the grandeur of the Vatican Museums on our privately guided tour with entrance to the Sistine Chapel.
- Venice Gondola Ride
- Doge's Palace, Venice
- Bologna
- Accademia Gallery with Michelangelo's David Sculpture
- Orvieto Wine Tasting
- Colosseum and Forum
- St Mark's Basilica
- Vatican Museums with Sistine Chapel and St Peter's Basilica*
- 6 Breakfasts (B), 1Lunch (L) , and 3 Dinners (D)
- Avani Rio Novo | Venice (2)
- NH Firenze | Florence (2)
- NH Collection Roma Vittoria Veneto | Rome (2)
Trip Highlights:
*Visits subject to availability
Dining Experiences:
Hotels:
*Only single or double/twin rooms are available on this tour.
INSIDER TIP! Extend your vacation with pre-nights in Venice or post-nights in Rome. We've negotiated special hotel rates to make it easy and affordable.
Day 1: Venice Arrival & Welcome Dinner
Venice Arrival & Welcome Dinner Meet your tour director at 4:00 PM for a welcome reception and orientation walk around the city known as the ‘Queen of the Adriatic.’ ?Enjoy a welcome drink and dinner with your fellow travelers.
Hotel: Avani Rio Novo Venice
Meals: (D)
Day 2: Murano Glass Factory & Venice Tour
Take a scenic cruise around the Venetian Lagoon to Murano Island, known for centuries for its artisanal glass industry. Tour a factory and see a demonstration of the art of glass blowing. Cruise back to the splendid Piazza San Marco for a walking tour, with a visit to the Doge’s Palace. The rest of the day is yours to explore and dine independently.
Hotel: Avani Rio Novo Venice
Meals: (B)
Day 3: Bologna & Florence
Travel to historic Bologna, a culinary haven known as “La Grassa” (The Fat One). With medieval architecture, the iconic Two Towers, and the oldest university in the Western world, Bologna offers a rich blend of history, culture, and exceptional cuisine. You’ll have free time for an independent lunch before moving on to your hotel in Florence’s city center. In Florence, take an orientation walk with your tour director and then savor time to discover this magnificent city, the capital of Tuscany and the birthplace of Renaissance art and architecture. Enjoy dinner with your group.
Hotel: NH Firenze
Meals: (B, D)
Day 4: Florence Walking Tour & The Accademia Gallery
Take a walking tour of Florence and marvel at the sights of the city center such as the Duomo, Palazzo Vecchio, and Piazza della Signoria. Visit the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo’s iconic sculpture of David. Savor a local lunch in the heart of Florence. After lunch you’ll have the rest of the day to explore the city at your leisure.
Hotel: NH Firenze
Meals: (B, L)
Day 5: Orvieto & Roman Colosseum
You’re off to the Eternal City – Rome. Along the way, stop in the scenic hill town of Orvieto for a delicious tasting of its renowned local wine. Visit the Colosseum, imperial Rome’s iconic structure, built between 72 and 80 AD. This engineering marvel could hold up to 80,000 spectators for gladiator battles and dramatic productions. Imagine the ghosts of the Caesars in the ruins of the Forum, the ancient heart of the Roman Empire. Enjoy a free evening.
Hotel: NH Collection Roma Vittorio Veneto
Meals: (B)
Day 6: Independent Exploration & Vatican Tour
Discover Rome independently this morning, with free time to explore. In the afternoon, visit the Vatican to see the awe-inspiring cultural heritage of the world’s smallest sovereign state. Take a guided tour of the Museums, see Michelangelo’s masterpieces in the Sistine Chapel, and walk through St Peter’s Basilica. Then it’s off to dinner in a local restaurant.
Hotel: NH Collection Roma Vittorio Veneto
Meals: (B, D)
Day 7:
Tour Ends in Rome Your tour ends after breakfast. Note: Changes to the daily itinerary may occur due to weather or attraction availability; your tour director will provide updates.This is an active destination, with extended walking and standing, stairs, and uneven terrain that may be wet or slippery. Narrow streets and local regulations may require walking longer distances to reach key sites. Good physical mobility is required. >
Meals: (B)
Meal Abbreviations: B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner
Additional Offers |
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ID: 8901444
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ID: 8852668
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ID: 8922249
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ID: 8852670
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ID: 8965657
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ID: 8902588
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ID: 8852608
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ID: 8901441
|
ID: 8901442
|
ID: 8852659
|
ID: 8902013
|
ID: 8897320
|
ID: 8852662
|
ID: 8852663
|
ID: 8852664
|
ID: 8852665
|
ID: 8852666
|
ID: 8901444
|
ID: 8852668
|
ID: 8922249
|
ID: 8852670
|
ID: 8965657
|
ID: 8902588
|
ID: 8852672
|
ID: 8880047
|
ID: 8852674
|
ID: 8852675
|
Hotel: Avani Rio Novo Venice (Star Rating: 4)
(No detailed description is available at this time.)
Hotel: NH Firenze
(No detailed description is available at this time.)
Hotel: NH Collection Roma Vittorio Veneto (Star Rating: 4)
(No detailed description is available at this time.)
As the leader in Ireland and Britain and one of the longest-standing tour operators in North America, CIE Tours is partnered with the leading tourism authorities, and operates at the highest levels of health and safety guidelines in the US and Europe, including regional and national standards for COVID-19 procedures. We are proud to work in conjunction with the following organizations and charters and operate in compliance with all local and international tourism certification guidelines.
Vaccine Requirement
For guests traveling with CIE Tours after January 1, 2023, COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters are highly recommended, but no longer required.
On the Road
100% of the airflow on the coaches comes from fresh air from outside the vehicle and is continuously run through high efficiency filters. For those who prefer a smaller group and more independence, we have an extensive offering of small group departures, private driver vacations and self-drive options.
Our Team
Our Tour Directors are not only local experts but are also trained to handle a variety of unexpected situations - including illnesses and emergencies. They are thoroughly trained on enhanced hygiene and physical distancing procedures and ensure that guests know what to expect every step of the way. If any issues arise, we have systems and protocols in place and the Tours Directors also have extensive local support to assist.
Our in-country operations and logistics team is on call 24/7. In Ireland alone, we have 30 back-office operations staff with an accumulated 500 years of experience with CIE Tours. This team, based in our Dublin operations office, is always ready to assist you and our Tour Directors in the event of an emergency.
Why travel with us
We go above and beyond to help ensure your trip is just as amazing as you've envisioned. Some of the big (and small) ways we make your vacation special:
Incredible Itineraries
Our vacations balance authentic and exclusive experiences with plenty of down time to let you explore and enjoy on your own.
All-inclusive Pricing
Our all-in inclusive advantage means everything on your itinerary is included in one up-front price, including sightseeing and many meals.
Carefree Touring
We're with you every step of the way, mapping out the logistics so you can enjoy the experience.
Customized Vacations
Travel the way you want, whether you'd like a guided tour, a customized on-your-own trip, or a private driver tour that lets you set the pace.
Knowledgeable Guides
Our friendly tour directors are storytellers with a passion for sharing the history and traditions of the places you'll visit.
Reliability and Experience
We bring more than nine decades of travel experience to each vacation, and your itinerary has been planned to maximize every moment.
Enjoy it all with no hidden costs!
Our Inclusive Advantage
Get more without spending more! Other tour operators charge extra for some aspects of the tour – but with CIE Tours, there are no optional extras. Everything you’ll need is included in the price.
No optional extras means more money in your pocket.
- We include the entrance fees to all listed attractions and traditional entertainment. You’ll get most meals, including daily hot breakfast starting on Day 2, plus a welcome drink to meet your tour director and fellow guests.
- All on-tour transportation is included. Plus, get free wifi on coaches and in hotels. We’ll handle one suitcase per person throughout your holiday, and we’ll cover all local taxes and hotel service charges.
- Our Inclusive Advantage means savings for you - up to $550 per couple per week!
CIE Tours’ Commitment to Responsible Tourism
CIE Tours has in its heritage a passion for service, to care for travelers and share the best of Ireland and other destinations while respectfully inhabiting the places we live, work, and visit. Continuously owned since 1932 by Córas Iompair Éireann (CIÉ), the national transport company of Ireland, CIE Tours is an important contributor to Ireland’s tourism sector and to rural regions. As the largest inbound tour operator of North American visitors to Ireland, we have a unique opportunity to positively impact Irish people, places and culture and help set the standards of responsibility in our sector.
We are committed to offering authentic travel experiences that appeal to a diversity of travelers, delivered with exceptional quality, impeccable service and a commitment to responsible tourism.
We believe in improving the sustainability of our tourism ecosystem through a responsible tourism policy which informs our mission of respecting the places, people and environments we serve.
CIE Tours is aware that its business activities impact upon the environment and we are committed to alleviating those negative impacts. CIE Tours is a proud signatory of the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism. In doing so, we pledge to deliver an aligned plan to cut tourism emissions in half by 2030 and aim to reach net-zero emissions as soon as possible before 2050.
To support the creation of and underpinning our policies on responsible tourism, we have aligned with internationally recognised standard frameworks including the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG Protocol) for carbon measurement, and the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). Across the three pillars of social, economic, and environmental and overseen by best-in-class Governance, CIE Tours commits to:
- Social: Protect and share the heritage and cultural diversity of Ireland, Britain, and other destinations we visit.
- Economic: Provide economic opportunity and ensure benefits accrue to the communities where we travel, live, and serve.
- Environmental: Work with the tourism industry and partners to support our destinations while furthering national, local and industry environmental priorities.
To achieve this, CIE Tours undertakes specific behaviors in each category:
Social
- We support organizations that promote greater cultural awareness of, and connection between, the US and Ireland, and support diversity of the Irish American experience.
- We welcome people of all backgrounds to join our team in a workplace where they can thrive.
- We foster a culture of responsibility through employee training and awareness of the principles of responsible tourism.
- We collaborate with key stakeholders to identify opportunities for additional impact.
- We provide guests with opportunities to interact with local people and communities while encouraging respect for local landscapes
Economic
- We seek a diverse set of regional and independent businesses to partner with to extend business and economic benefits into local and rural communities.
- We work with local guides and suppliers in each destination, enhancing local livelihoods and our customers’ experience.
- We offer great benefits and fair pay, ensuring employees are treated fairly and respectfully through our Employee Handbook policies.
- We commit to diversity, equity, and inclusion that invite all to participate in the business opportunities we offer.
Environmental
- We find ways to be more efficient and conserve finite resources, on tour and in our workspaces.
- We align with our parent organization Córas Iompair Éireann (CIÉ) and the tourism industry in efforts to measure and reduce emissions.
- We inspire travelers to minimize their waste and reduce unnecessary single-use plastics
- We encourage suppliers to adopt more sustainable practices that support superior travel experiences with a reduced carbon footprint.
- We support projects and organizations that effectively minimize negative environmental or community impacts from tourism.
- We protect the natural landscapes by following the guidelines and regulations set forth in Ireland and in each destination we visit.
Hotel: Avani Rio Novo Venice (Star Rating: 4)
(No detailed description is available at this time.)
Hotel: NH Firenze
(No detailed description is available at this time.)
Hotel: NH Collection Roma Vittorio Veneto (Star Rating: 4)
(No detailed description is available at this time.)
As the leader in Ireland and Britain and one of the longest-standing tour operators in North America, CIE Tours is partnered with the leading tourism authorities, and operates at the highest levels of health and safety guidelines in the US and Europe, including regional and national standards for COVID-19 procedures. We are proud to work in conjunction with the following organizations and charters and operate in compliance with all local and international tourism certification guidelines.
Vaccine Requirement
For guests traveling with CIE Tours after January 1, 2023, COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters are highly recommended, but no longer required.
On the Road
100% of the airflow on the coaches comes from fresh air from outside the vehicle and is continuously run through high efficiency filters. For those who prefer a smaller group and more independence, we have an extensive offering of small group departures, private driver vacations and self-drive options.
Our Team
Our Tour Directors are not only local experts but are also trained to handle a variety of unexpected situations - including illnesses and emergencies. They are thoroughly trained on enhanced hygiene and physical distancing procedures and ensure that guests know what to expect every step of the way. If any issues arise, we have systems and protocols in place and the Tours Directors also have extensive local support to assist.
Our in-country operations and logistics team is on call 24/7. In Ireland alone, we have 30 back-office operations staff with an accumulated 500 years of experience with CIE Tours. This team, based in our Dublin operations office, is always ready to assist you and our Tour Directors in the event of an emergency.
Why travel with us
We go above and beyond to help ensure your trip is just as amazing as you've envisioned. Some of the big (and small) ways we make your vacation special:
Incredible Itineraries
Our vacations balance authentic and exclusive experiences with plenty of down time to let you explore and enjoy on your own.
All-inclusive Pricing
Our all-in inclusive advantage means everything on your itinerary is included in one up-front price, including sightseeing and many meals.
Carefree Touring
We're with you every step of the way, mapping out the logistics so you can enjoy the experience.
Customized Vacations
Travel the way you want, whether you'd like a guided tour, a customized on-your-own trip, or a private driver tour that lets you set the pace.
Knowledgeable Guides
Our friendly tour directors are storytellers with a passion for sharing the history and traditions of the places you'll visit.
Reliability and Experience
We bring more than nine decades of travel experience to each vacation, and your itinerary has been planned to maximize every moment.
Enjoy it all with no hidden costs!
Our Inclusive Advantage
Get more without spending more! Other tour operators charge extra for some aspects of the tour – but with CIE Tours, there are no optional extras. Everything you’ll need is included in the price.
No optional extras means more money in your pocket.
- We include the entrance fees to all listed attractions and traditional entertainment. You’ll get most meals, including daily hot breakfast starting on Day 2, plus a welcome drink to meet your tour director and fellow guests.
- All on-tour transportation is included. Plus, get free wifi on coaches and in hotels. We’ll handle one suitcase per person throughout your holiday, and we’ll cover all local taxes and hotel service charges.
- Our Inclusive Advantage means savings for you - up to $550 per couple per week!
CIE Tours’ Commitment to Responsible Tourism
CIE Tours has in its heritage a passion for service, to care for travelers and share the best of Ireland and other destinations while respectfully inhabiting the places we live, work, and visit. Continuously owned since 1932 by Córas Iompair Éireann (CIÉ), the national transport company of Ireland, CIE Tours is an important contributor to Ireland’s tourism sector and to rural regions. As the largest inbound tour operator of North American visitors to Ireland, we have a unique opportunity to positively impact Irish people, places and culture and help set the standards of responsibility in our sector.
We are committed to offering authentic travel experiences that appeal to a diversity of travelers, delivered with exceptional quality, impeccable service and a commitment to responsible tourism.
We believe in improving the sustainability of our tourism ecosystem through a responsible tourism policy which informs our mission of respecting the places, people and environments we serve.
CIE Tours is aware that its business activities impact upon the environment and we are committed to alleviating those negative impacts. CIE Tours is a proud signatory of the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism. In doing so, we pledge to deliver an aligned plan to cut tourism emissions in half by 2030 and aim to reach net-zero emissions as soon as possible before 2050.
To support the creation of and underpinning our policies on responsible tourism, we have aligned with internationally recognised standard frameworks including the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG Protocol) for carbon measurement, and the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). Across the three pillars of social, economic, and environmental and overseen by best-in-class Governance, CIE Tours commits to:
- Social: Protect and share the heritage and cultural diversity of Ireland, Britain, and other destinations we visit.
- Economic: Provide economic opportunity and ensure benefits accrue to the communities where we travel, live, and serve.
- Environmental: Work with the tourism industry and partners to support our destinations while furthering national, local and industry environmental priorities.
To achieve this, CIE Tours undertakes specific behaviors in each category:
Social
- We support organizations that promote greater cultural awareness of, and connection between, the US and Ireland, and support diversity of the Irish American experience.
- We welcome people of all backgrounds to join our team in a workplace where they can thrive.
- We foster a culture of responsibility through employee training and awareness of the principles of responsible tourism.
- We collaborate with key stakeholders to identify opportunities for additional impact.
- We provide guests with opportunities to interact with local people and communities while encouraging respect for local landscapes
Economic
- We seek a diverse set of regional and independent businesses to partner with to extend business and economic benefits into local and rural communities.
- We work with local guides and suppliers in each destination, enhancing local livelihoods and our customers’ experience.
- We offer great benefits and fair pay, ensuring employees are treated fairly and respectfully through our Employee Handbook policies.
- We commit to diversity, equity, and inclusion that invite all to participate in the business opportunities we offer.
Environmental
- We find ways to be more efficient and conserve finite resources, on tour and in our workspaces.
- We align with our parent organization Córas Iompair Éireann (CIÉ) and the tourism industry in efforts to measure and reduce emissions.
- We inspire travelers to minimize their waste and reduce unnecessary single-use plastics
- We encourage suppliers to adopt more sustainable practices that support superior travel experiences with a reduced carbon footprint.
- We support projects and organizations that effectively minimize negative environmental or community impacts from tourism.
- We protect the natural landscapes by following the guidelines and regulations set forth in Ireland and in each destination we visit.
About CIE Tours

Creating incredible memories for nearly a century
CIE Tours has helped generations of guests experience the beauty and wonder of Europe, forge new friendships, and be welcomed home far away from their homes. Founded in 1932, our reputation for excellence is rooted in our signature Irish hospitality, the genuine warmth of our guides, and a talent for fostering lasting friendships on the road. We offer exclusive access, authentic experiences, and in-depth knowledge that, in the spirit of our heritage, often begins with a story.
Why travel with us
We go above and beyond to help ensure your trip is just as amazing as you've envisioned. Some of the big (and small) ways we make your vacation special:
Incredible Itineraries
Our vacations balance authentic and exclusive experiences with plenty of down time to let you explore and enjoy on your own.
All-inclusive Pricing
Our all-in inclusive advantage means everything on your itinerary is included in one up-front price, including sightseeing and many meals.
Carefree Touring
We're with you every step of the way, mapping out the logistics so you can enjoy the experience.
Top-rated experiences, chosen by you
Each year, CIE Tours honors the hotels, attractions and experiences that get the highest ratings from our most discerning reviewers—tens of thousands of CIE Tours travelers. Our Awards of Excellence are presented annually to the winning companies—and you'll find them featured in many of our itineraries.
About CIE Tours

Creating incredible memories for nearly a century
CIE Tours has helped generations of guests experience the beauty and wonder of Europe, forge new friendships, and be welcomed home far away from their homes. Founded in 1932, our reputation for excellence is rooted in our signature Irish hospitality, the genuine warmth of our guides, and a talent for fostering lasting friendships on the road. We offer exclusive access, authentic experiences, and in-depth knowledge that, in the spirit of our heritage, often begins with a story.
Why travel with us
We go above and beyond to help ensure your trip is just as amazing as you've envisioned. Some of the big (and small) ways we make your vacation special:
Incredible Itineraries
Our vacations balance authentic and exclusive experiences with plenty of down time to let you explore and enjoy on your own.
All-inclusive Pricing
Our all-in inclusive advantage means everything on your itinerary is included in one up-front price, including sightseeing and many meals.
Carefree Touring
We're with you every step of the way, mapping out the logistics so you can enjoy the experience.
Top-rated experiences, chosen by you
Each year, CIE Tours honors the hotels, attractions and experiences that get the highest ratings from our most discerning reviewers—tens of thousands of CIE Tours travelers. Our Awards of Excellence are presented annually to the winning companies—and you'll find them featured in many of our itineraries.