Italy continues to be one of our most beloved tours and with great reason. We begin in the Eternal City of Rome to visit the Vatican and its amazing Sistine Chapel and walk through the Colosseum. Then we're off to visit the excavated ancient city of Pompeii and spend time in Sorrento along the famed Amalfi Coast abutting the Mediterranean Sea. We'll travel north to Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance and the gateway to Tuscany. We finish in Venice, the city of canals. Everywhere you turn in Italy you are immersed in stunning art, fantastic ruins and ancient architecture. This trip is ideal for the first-time visitor as it takes you to four must-see cities and includes the highlights of the country. Viva l'Italia!
Highlights of Italy
May 2 - May 12, 2027Highlights
- Explore the wonders of Rome, Florence & Venice
- Marvel at the Sistine Chapel
- Walk through the ruins of Pompeii
- Travel the Tuscan countryside
- Enjoy coastal Sorrento
- Time to explore personal interests
- Suggestions for additional things to see
- And More... See itinerary for details
Activity
Read more about WTT Activity Levels
- 25% Easy
- 60% Moderate (train travel, long distances, long days)
- 15% Strenuous (Extensive Walking - Up to 7 miles in a day on ancient urban streets. A lot of stair climbing.)
Your Responsibilities as a Solo Traveler
As a solo traveler you are responsible for yourself, your possessions, your physical fitness, and all other aspects related to participation in the WTT tour you have chosen. Be sure to read the itinerary closely to better understand the physical requirements necessary for the tour.
WTT tours are not suitable for anyone whose mobility is challenged or compromised. If you struggle with walking, standing or negotiating stairs or if you are in doubt as to your ability to meet the physical activity requirements, you should not sign up for this trip.
Itinerary
Sunday, 02 May 2027: Arrive Rome; Welcome Meeting & Lunch; Orientation Walk (L)
Schedule your flight into Rome to arrive no later than 10:00am and take local transportation (or purchase an optional private transfer) to the hotel. The tour begins at 12:00pm in the lobby of our hotel. We will make introductions and enjoy a light lunch to get to know one another a bit better. Then we're off to stretch our legs and get acquainted with some of Rome's most well-known sights, including stops at the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps. Overnight Rome - 3 nights
Monday, 03 May 2027: Colosseum Tour; Group Lunch; Free Afternoon (B,L)
The Eternal City is the center of one of the history's greatest civilizations and its historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will visit several classical highlights—the Roman Forum, the Circus Maximus, the Colosseum and the Arch of Constantine. After a group lunch together, you'll have the afternoon to spend as you wish. Accompany your WTT Tour Leader on her itinerary for the afternoon or strike out on your own. You may just prefer to return to the hotel to rest up from jet lag.
Tuesday, 04 May 2027: Vatican Museum; Free Afternoon; Group Dinner (B,D)
Vatican City is full of history and artistic masterpieces and this morning we enjoy a guided tour of the vast Vatican Museums and marvel at the Sistine Chapel, one of the most visited sites in the world. After our tour, you can opt to spend additional time in the Vatican, perhaps exploring the gardens on your own. You'll want to be sure to step inside St Peter's Basilica, whose dome was designed by Michelangelo and is one of the largest in the world. We will regroup around 7:00pm for dinner together this evening. Note: Entrance into the Vatican Museums and churches requires a strict dress code of modest attire. Comfortable shoes are recommended.
Wednesday, 05 May 2027: Train to Naples; Pompeii; Travel to Sorrento (B,L)
Sit back and enjoy the scenery as we travel by train to Naples. Upon arrival we meet our local guide and drive to Pompeii, stopping for lunch along the way. In 79 AD, the volcano Vesuvius erupted, burying the nearby town of Pompeii in ash and soot and preserving the city in its exact state. Today Pompeii is an excavation site and outdoor museum of the ancient Roman settlement and is one of the few examples where an ancient city has been preserved in exquisite detail. We then travel on to lovely Sorrento. Overnight Sorrento - 2 nights
Thursday, 06 May 2027: Free Day to Explore Sorrento & Amalfi Coast (B)
We have set aside today so you can opt to do whatever interests you most. The stunning scenery of the Amalfi Coast, the charming town of Sorrento, and the close proximity of Capri will all compete for your attention. Your WTT Tour Leader will help everyone make the most of today, even if relaxing by the pool is your top choice.
Friday, 07 May 2027: Train to Florence; City Walking Tour (B,L)
We make our way this morning to the train station in Naples where we'll depart by train to the beautiful city of Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance. After arriving and having a quick lunch, we enjoy a guided city tour to learn more about the art and architecture of the city and its historical city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Overnight Florence - 3 nights
Saturday, 08 May 2027: Tuscany Day Trip; Vineyard Lunch (B,L)
Today is a long, event-filled day of exploring the Tuscan countryside. We begin in Siena, a perfectly preserved medieval town set among rolling hills with Renaissance villas, old farmhouses and scenic vineyards. Built on seven hills, this town’s center is lined with narrow cobblestone passages and is considered one of the most beautiful towns in all of Italy. Lunch today is at a vineyard where we will sample local wines with our meal made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. We then stop in the village of San Gimignano, one of the most charming and picturesque Tuscan hill towns, known mainly for its medieval towers and its white wine. The Collegiate Church has frescoes of the New and Old Testament dating to the 14th century. We return to Florence late this evening.
Sunday, 09 May 2027: Free Day with Galleria dell'Accademia Entrance (B)
This morning is at leisure to spend as you wish in Florence. We will have entry tickets to the Galleria dell’Accademia to admire Michelangelo’s David, a Renaissance masterpiece that has become a symbol of the city. You'll be able to walk freely in the museum and go at your own pace. Then, the rest of the day is yours to spend as your wish. Perhaps you want to visit the Uffizi Gallery or shop for authentic Italian leather goods. Pisa, home to it's iconic Leaning Tower, is a short distance away and is easily accessible by train (at your own expense). Your Tour Leader will be able to provide suggestions for things to do.
Monday, 10 May 2027: Train to Venice; Walking Tour; Doge's Palace (B,L)
This morning we take the train to Venice, considered one of the world's most beautiful cities. Upon arrival, we'll meet our local guide who will walk us around the city introducing us to such sights as St. Mark's Square and the Doges' Palace, a pink marble Gothic masterpiece containing a precious art collection. Venice is a walking-intensive city. To see the iconic sights, you will be walking about 4-5 miles and negotiating many stairs in the Doges' Palace and throughout the streets and across the bridges of Venice. The remainder of the day is yours to explore Venice further. Overnight Venice - 2 nights
Tuesday, 11 May 2027: Free Day in Venice; Farewell Dinner (B,D)
Spend the entire day exploring the museums and sites that interest you most. You might want to float along the canals in a gondola or take the Murano-Burano island boat tour. Your Tour Leader will be available to assist in making the most of your day and will have planned activities for those who want to join her. Later we'll get together for our Farewell Dinner and reminisce about our time spent in Italy.
Wednesday, 12 May 2027: Return Home from Venice (B)
Sadly our tour of Italy has come to an end. Schedule your return flight at your convenience, remembering you will need to depart the hotel at least 3 hours prior to your flight departure. Your Tour Leader will assist with organizing ride-sharing to the airport.
Highlights of Italy
May 2 - May 12, 2027Pricing
Room Share
$6,791.00Single Room
$8,901.00Non-Members
ADD $100.00Status of this Tour
Space Available
Tour Pricing Includes
- All meals and activities expressly listed in the itinerary, PLUS...
- All tipping of local guides
- WTT Tour Leader to enhance the individual & group experience
- Arranged room sharing with another solo traveler
- Travel Dollar credits (a benefit of WTT membership) toward future travel with WTT
Not Included In The Price
- Transportation from your home and return to your home
- Arrival & Departure transfers
- Meals and activities not specified in the itinerary
- Beverages other than coffee, tea & still water unless otherwise noted
- Any personal expenses
- Any pre- or post- tour arrangements
- Passport fees
- Any gratuities for WTT Tour Director
- Trip Cancellation / Trip Interruption Insurance
- Mandatory Emergency Medical / Evacuation Insurance
NOTE: Mandatory Emergency Medical/Evacuation Insurance is required to take this trip. See "Insurance Reminder" section for suggested companies that sell this insurance.
Payment Dates -and- Cancellation Terms for This Tour
You have 3 days to cancel and receive a refund. Thereafter, the amount required at time of reservation is non-refundable and the following cancellation penalties will be enforced.
Tuesday, 3 Nov 2026: Last day $750 deposit can be converted to a credit for use on a new reservation; thereafter the deposit is forfeited.
Friday, 22 Jan 2027: Balance Due. Cancellation after this date but before Wednesday, 3 Mar 2027 results in a cancellation penalty of 75% of your Total Tour Cost.
Wednesday, 3 Mar 2027: Cancellation on or after this date results in a cancellation penalty of 100% of your Total Tour Cost.
Using Parked Credits: If traveler cancels during the 3-day cancel without penalty period, used credits will be re-parked with the original expiration date(s). Thereafter, cancellation will result in forfeiture of the total amount of parked credits used. If applicable, additional cancellation penalties will be assessed based on date of cancellation.
To Cancel: Should you need to cancel after
your space on this tour is confirmed, you must use the Cancellation Form. Cancellation penalties are based on the date we receive your
cancellation form. No other method of communicating a cancellation will be accepted.
Insurance Reminder
Trip Cancellation / Trip Interruption Insurance is not included in the cost of the tour. It is your responsibility to determine the amount and type of coverage you require to recoup some or all of your travel investment, whether you cancel, are unable to complete the tour, or the tour cannot operate. Section 4.0 of WTT Terms & Conditions explains what will happen to your payments in the unlikely event that your tour cannot operate. You can purchase travel insurance from any provider you choose. To get an idea of rates, please go to NTA Travel Protection Plan (Enter 206063 for the "Tour Operator Location #") or TravelGuard.
Highlights of Italy
May 2 - May 12, 2027Flights, Transfers & Lodging
Documents Required for this Tour
Passport: Travelers are required to have a valid passport. Most countries require your passport to be valid up to six months after your RETURN date, and have at least two consecutive blank pages.
VISA: US Citizens do not need a Visa to enter Italy. All other passport holders should check each Country's Embassy website to determine if they need a VISA. VISA requirements are based on your country of residence.
New Online Registration Requirements: All US and Canadian citizens traveling to EU Schengen member countries and/or the UK are now required to register electronically prior to travel.
EU - European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS)
Arrival & Departure Information
Travelers will make their own air arrangements as follows:
When searching for flights for this trip, be sure to search "Multi-city" or "Multiple Destinations." For comparison, you may also want to search for one-way fares.
Arrival Airport: FCO - Rome, Italy (Leonardo da Vinci Intl Airport)
Arrival Date: Sunday, May 2. Arrive no later than 10:00am.
Arrival Transfer: Airport Transfer not included. Optional private transfer available for purchase.
Departure Airport: VCE - Venice, Italy (Venice Marco Polo Airport)
Departure Date: Wednesday, May 12th. Depart at your convenience.
Departure Transfer: Not Included. The WTT Tour Leader will organize ride-sharing to the airport based on departure times.
When to Book Your Air
It is up to you to decide how soon you want to make your travel arrangements, however we recommend waiting until you receive your final payment invoice. You will still have plenty of time to get your air (about 4 months).
Once you have booked your flights (or other transportation arrangements), use the Travel Arrangements Form to send WTT your flight details. Use the same form to update your information should it change.
Airport Transfer Information
Getting from the airport to the hotel (i.e. the arrival transfer) can be a point of concern for some travelers. Locate the "Arrival and Departure Information" -OR- "Want to Arrive a Day Early?" on this page to see if the arrival transfer is, or is not, included.
When arrival transfers are not included: WTT will provide suggestions to get to the hotel in your Final Travel Instructions about 2-3 weeks before the start of the tour. You'll also be able to see who else is arriving at the same time if you want to coordinate ride-sharing to the hotel.
This tour offers an Optional Arrival Transfer, listed as a choice on the Reservation Form
Don't Worry. We're Expecting You: One of the reasons we ask for your travel arrangements is so we know when you're arriving and can approximate when you should be at the hotel. Your Final Travel Instructions will have instructions on what to do and who to contact if you flight is delayed.
Lodging / Hotels
Rome: The Building Hotel
Sorrento: Hotel Cristina Sorrento
Florence: Hotel Firenze Lauras al Duomo
Venice: Hotel Pesaro Palace
Whenever possible, we choose hotels that are near the city center and/or where there are things to do and places to eat within walking distance of the hotel. When the chosen hotel is not within walking distance of much, transportation options, at the traveler's expense, are typically available.
International Tours: Please be aware that hotels outside the US may have smaller room sizes, may involve steps to enter the hotel and may not have air conditioning. While WTT strives to find hotels that are similar to US standards, we cannot guarantee it.
In the unlikely event WTT is unable to provide the hotel accommodation(s) listed, for whatever reason, WTT will substitute similar quality accommodation(s) at no additional cost to the traveler.
Want to Arrive a Day Early?
Worried about possible flight delays? Consider arriving one day before the official tour start date. Many of our travelers choose this optional service. Your pre-tour package includes:
- The room (standard check-in times apply)
- Breakfast the following morning
- Optional activity suggestions prior to tour
$180.00 Roomshare pp $357.00 Single Occupancy
The pre-tour package is an optional service. Rates are established at time of tour posting. Early check-in is solely at the discretion of the hotel and cannot be arranged in advance.
Early Arrival Hotel: This tour uses the same hotel used on the first night of the tour.
Optional Purchases For This Tour
- Private Arrival Transfer to the Hotel $110pp
CANCELLATION TERMS: Cancellation of Optional Purchases, which become part of your Total Tour Cost, are subject to the same cancellation terms as the main tour.
Highlights of Italy
May 2 - May 12, 2027Destination Information
What do others say about this tour and traveling with WTT?
How Does Room Sharing Work?
On the Reservation Form there are 3 choices regarding room-sharing.
Note: Certain room-types may be unavailable at the time you make your reservation. If a room-type is unavailable the choice will be greyed out.
- Select "Yes, I want to share a room" and WTT will assign you a roommate when Final Travel Instructions are sent.
- You can specify a roommate by entering her name where indicated. If your named roommate is not on the tour, for any reason, WTT will assign you a roommate unless you pay to have your own room, if available.
- Select "No, I do not wish to share a room" if you want to have your own room. Additional costs apply.
- All shared rooms have 2 beds
- All shared rooms are non-smoking
- No special requests about your roommate can be accommodated
- See "Frequently Asked Questions" TAB for more details
How Active is this Tour?
- 25% Easy
- 60% Moderate (train travel, long distances, long days)
- 15% Strenuous (Extensive Walking - Up to 7 miles in a day on ancient urban streets. A lot of stair climbing.)
Your Responsibilities as a Solo Traveler
As a solo traveler you are responsible for yourself, your possessions, your physical fitness, and all other aspects related to participation in the WTT tour you have chosen. Be sure to read the itinerary closely to better understand the physical requirements necessary for the tour.
WTT tours are not suitable for anyone whose mobility is challenged or compromised. If you struggle with walking, standing or negotiating stairs or if you are in doubt as to your ability to meet the physical activity requirements, you should not sign up for this trip.
What is the Group Size?
You will be introduced to the WTT Tour Leader when you receive your Final Travel Instructions, about 2-3 weeks before the tour begins.
Learn about your fellow travelers after final payment by visiting MyWTT. Room sharing assignments will be listed in the Final Travel Instructions.
What meals are included and how are dietary restrictions accommodated?
Each day of the itinerary lists the included meals for that day (B,L,D,O). When a meal is not included, the WTT Tour Leader will have suggestions for where to eat.
You do not have to dine alone unless it is your personal choice. You'll most likely be dining with new acquaintances you've made, or you can join the Tour Leader.
Dietary Restrictions on International Tours: WTT has limited to no control over food selections or variety from meal-to-meal, especially at hotels. While we do our best to accommodate dietary requests and ensure variety of options, we cannot guarantee either.
What clothing and items should I pack for this trip?
In general the temperature, rainfall and humidity levels vary based on the time of the year. We suggest you monitor weather apps before you depart for the most current information.
For This Trip You Will Need—
- Modest clothing for visiting the Vatican. Your shoulders or knees must be covered. A scarf or long-sleeved shirt is recommended.
- Comfortable walking shoes.
- Lightweight jacket or sweater for cooler mornings and evenings.
- One smart-casual outfit if you'd like to dress up a bit for dinners.
- Sunscreen and swimsuit - the Sorrento hotel has a nice pool.
- Bring what you need to get a good night's sleep, such as ear plugs, white noise generator, sleeping aids, etc. Unfamiliar noises of all types can disrupt your rest.
- Pack a limited amount of comfortable, casual clothing that layer and coordinate. Your fellow travelers will not mind or even notice – seeing you in the same clothing.
- Bring only two pairs of everyday shoes: one pair of well-broken-in walking shoes, and a second pair that could do double-duty as a walking shoe or a slightly dressy shoe.
- Pare down your beauty regimen to the bare minimum and always pack travel-sized toiletries.
- Pack medication in your carry-on and pack only as much as needed for the duration of your tour plus a few extra days as a precaution.
What are the luggage restrictions for this tour?
- It is best to travel as lightly as possible. Most travelers regret when they have packed too much, especially on this tour due to train travel.
- Bring only one suitcase no larger than 24 - 26 inches high as measured from the FLOOR to the top of the retracted handle, plus one carry-on (comfortable purse or backpack).
- There is significant train travel on this tour. You must be able to get on and off of trains quickly and expediently and navigate train stations with your belongings without assistance. Trains do not wait long at stations. There is no time to search for a porter. Those carrying multiple bags or a very large/heavy bag will have extreme difficulty.
- You are responsible for managing your own belongings. Due to the congested and narrow streets of Italy, your coach will sometimes unload or load passengers and luggage some distance from the hotel/train entrance.
- We expect you to take your belongings from the coach to your room and to bring it back to the coach on days we change hotels. We do not provide luggage pulls; they are not safe and are inconvenient. Steps exists at most hotel entrances.
What are the phone and internet recommendations for this tour?
- You should understand what your current cell phone plan includes in terms of data and minutes. Some, like certain T-Mobile plans, include an international package.
- Contact your cell phone service provider before departing about adding an international calling plan. Most carriers have flat daily rates which will allow your US-based phone to be functional upon arrival in a foreign country.
- Managing data while traveling internationally is important. Using WiFi when available and communicating through apps like What's App help you manage data usage while traveling.
- Learn how to make an international call BEFORE you leave. Consult your cell provider and check out the website www.HowtoCallAbroad.com.
How much money should I bring on this tour?
Only you can determine the optimum amount of cash to take on tour. When budgeting for out-of-pocket expenses, there are several aspects to consider: whether the country you are visiting is a cash-based society, the number of meals you are responsible for, your individual shopping interests and habits, and tipping expectations.
- Italy’s official currency is the Euro (EUR, €).
- ATMs are typically the best way of obtaining cash; they are found in most towns and cities. Euros can be withdrawn from any ATM. ATMS of major banks will often give much better exchange rates than currency-exchange kiosks.
- If using a debit card, it is good practice to limit the amount of cash available in the account and simply transfer money from another account if you need more at any point on tour. Always use caution when withdrawing money.
- Many travelers feel more comfortable having local currency before they depart for the tour. You may be able to order currency from your bank.
- Notify your credit card issuer that you will be traveling and provide dates of travel.
- Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, although many cards charge a foreign transaction fee. Be sure to investigate your card of choice as there are many that do not impose these fees and are better suited for international travel.
- If a merchant gives you the choice between making your transaction in USD or the local currency, always choose the local currency, to avoid dynamic currency conversion which includes a conversion fee.
What are the tipping guidelines for this tour?
- We suggest you read up on tipping culture in the various places you will be visiting so you can show your appreciation for any personal service provided with an appropriate gratuity.
- In Italian restaurants, tips are automatically added to the bill and must be visible on the menu. Normally, just round up the bill a few Euro if you were provided outstanding service. Tipping cab drivers is unusual, but appreciated.
- You may want to tip your WTT Tour Leader for an outstanding job. The amount is entirely a personal preference. If you'd like a guideline, consider $8-$10 per day.
Can I transfer my deposit to another tour?
To get off this tour and register for another tour, you must follow these steps - in the order shown:
2) WAIT before submitting your new reservation! You must receive the Cancellation Confirmation email before submitting your new reservation. This can take up to 2 business days. The Cancellation Confirmation email will list the amount of parked credits from this tour that are now available to use on a new reservation.
3) COMPLETE the new Reservation Form and USE the parked credits towards your deposit on the new tour.
Note: If you used Parked Credits to pay the deposit on this tour, these credits cannot be used a second time and are not eligible to be transferred.
What happens if I need to cancel this tour?
Highlights of Italy
May 2 - May 12, 2027SPACE RESERVATION REQUEST
If becoming a member and signing up for a tour at the same time, you only need to fill out this form.

Our Promise to You
It doesn’t matter which tour you choose.
You’ll find your people and make memories that last a lifetime.

