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Monastery Stays' Classic Tour takes you through the highlights of Bella Italia!

Monastery Stays' Classic Tour takes you through the highlights of Bella Italia!

From the grandeur of Ancient Rome & grace of a Papal gathering in St. Peter's Square, to the serenity of Assisi & onto the hilltops of Tuscany, immerse yourself in Renaissance Florence & then wonder at the enchantment of Venice.

Monastery Stays takes you on a fully escorted, small group tour (maximum 20 people) for 10 nights / 11 days, through the classic heart of Italy.

Lodging in unique Monastery Stays guest houses, dining experiences & local tips on where to find the best gelati! Expert guided sightseeing including 'whisper headsets', your own time at leisure & touring in fully equipped modern coaches are all a part of this carefully crafted & value for money tour.


Rome, Assisi, Florence & Venice
10 nights / 11 days
from €3,495 per person
Quality, all inclusions, no single supplement
Breakfasts & Dinner included every day - great value
Lunch daily, except on afternoons at your leisure!



Tour Itinerary - click to explore day by day & Trip Notes

Start your Booking - complete the detail below, register & we'll contact you as a priority

Download- this detail & start dreaming of your Monastery Stays' Classic Tour

Tour Itinerary

Rome

Day
1
Welcome to the Eternal City

Benvenuto a Roma! You will be welcomed on arrival into the airport or the central train stationT & by a driver for your private transfer to your first Monastery Stay in Rome.

At the guest house in Rome you will be met by your Tour Director who will be guiding you through this true slice of Italian life, the sights & flavours of your Classic Italy Tour with Monastery Stays.

Check into your room, relax or explore the surrounding streets for an espresso & lunch if you wish, before embarking on your discovery of the historical centre of Rome - the streets, piazzas & monuments that provide the backdrop to the dramatic rise & fall of the Roman Empire.

Admire the genius of Bernini & Borromini in one of the most spectacular piazzas in Rome - Piazza Navona. Wonder at the intriguing architectural mysteries of the largest unsupported concrete dome ever built, that is the Pantheon.

Relive the Emperor Trajan's victory over the Dacians, visit the extraordinary Fontana di Trevi (don't forget to throw your coin!) & finish off the day at the iconic Spanish Steps.

Finish off your first day getting to know your travel companions over your first delicious Italian dinner & a vino!

Guest houses from:Domus Nova Bethlem
Istituto Maria Santissima Bambina
Casa Maria Immacolata
Casa Santa Lucia Filippini
Casa Santa Maria alle Fornaci
Daily: Breakfast Lunch Dinner | T:see Trip Notes

Day
2
The Pope, Piazzas & Ancient Rome

This morning you are off to the smallest country in the world, Vatican City! Take in the grandeur & join the excitement of the gathering in St. Peter's Square for the Angelus, Papal Blessing at noon.

Enjoy a light lunch at a local restaurant, before having the afternoon at your leisure to explore Rome - go back to that street you liked from yesterday's walking tour, or discover something new!

Meet up with your travel companions to exchange your afternoon's adventures over dinner.

Guest houses from:Domus Nova Bethlem
Istituto Maria Santissima Bambina
Casa Maria Immacolata
Casa Santa Lucia Filippini
Casa Santa Maria alle Fornaci
Daily: Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day
3
Vatican Museums, Basilica's & Catacombs

This morning we return to the Vatican for an expertly guided tour of the vast Vatican Museum, including the Sistine Chapel to view the wonderful ceiling painted by Michelangelo in the 15th century, finishing in St. Peter's Basilica – our first of the Major or Papal Basilicas of Rome.

After lunch at a local restaurant we take our coach to visit some of the other amazing Major or Papal Basilicas of Rome; explore inside the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore with its impressive mosaics then walk down the tree-lined Via Merulana to the Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano with its ornate facade, it is the Cathedral of the Bishop of Rome (The Pope!) & so is the superior of the basilicas (it is also the oldest dating back to 324 AD).

Back on the coach to the Catacombs of Domitilla for an underground tour viewing just a small selection of the 17 kms of tunnels & tombs.

Dinner with your travel companions to enjoy our last night in the Eternal City.

Guest houses from:Domus Nova Bethlem
Istituto Maria Santissima Bambina
Casa Maria Immacolata
Casa Santa Lucia Filippini
Casa Santa Maria alle Fornaci
Daily: Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Assisi

Day
4
Explore the hilltop home of St. Francis

After an early breakfast we farewell our guest house in Rome & beat the queues to explore inside of the Colosseum & The Forum to discover the sheer scale & significance of the Roman Empire.

Immersed in history & wonder, we are then back onboard our luxury coach & heading north on the 'Autostrada del Sole' to the enchanting medieval hilltop town of Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis & St. Clare.

You can get lunch at a service stop en route, or once in Assisi as we make our way to our afternoon walking tour.

Our local experienced guide will take you around the sights & delights of this UNESCO World Heritage city - visiting the 13th century Basilica of St. Francis, the Roman Temple of Minerva, the magnificent Roman columned facade has behind it the 16th century Church of Santa Maria sopra Minerva, finishing at the Roman Forum & Archaeological Museum.

Take in the stunning views & look out for the delights of Umbrian cuisine along the way.

Dinner tonight is in-house at the monastery - a lovely home cooked meal & chance to reminisce on all the Roman history you have experienced today!

Guest houses from:Domus Laetitiae
Monastero San Giuseppe
Daily: Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day
5
Perugia, Vineyards & Olive Groves

A cultural & culinary day, it is a short hop this morning to Perugia & up the 'mini-metro' to this wonderful Umbrian hilltop town where we have a walking tour of the fascinating & beautifully presented historic centre, taking in the vistas over the postcard landscapes below.

We will finish our passeggiata in Perugia with a visit to a great panini shop for a traditional sandwich lunch before heading back down the hill on the 'mini-metro'.

We will make our way back to Assisi via a local vineyard for a tasting of local wine, olive oil & chance to take that magnificent photo looking back up to Assisi!

You'll have the remainder of the day to relax &/or explore Assisi, followed by dinner at a great local restaurant overlooking St Francis Basilica lit up at night.

Guest houses from:Domus Laetitiae
Monastero San Giuseppe
Daily: Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Florence

Day
6
Monte Oliveto & Tuscan Vistas

We farewell Assisi after breakfast & take in the majestic views of the Umbrian & Tuscan countryside, vineyards, olive groves & farms en route to the Abbazia di Monte Oliveto Maggiore.

The picturesque hilltop Abbey is surrounded by forest & it's self-producing farm. We will meet the Benedictine Monks & tour their famous frescoed Great Cloister, before a stop in the Farmacia & Cantina to sample the produce from the farm of the Abbey, along with the Monk's own wine & famous herbal digestif liqueur & then a delicious Tuscan lunch in the restaurant set in the ancient tower archway to the monastery.

We will then make our way into the heart of the terracotta roof tops to meet the wonderfully welcoming Sisters at your home in Firenze.

With an afternoon at your leisure, you can wander the cobblestone streets & myriad of shops with everything from paper to leather goods & artisanal products galore, or find a spot on a piazza to take in the serenity under a Tuscan sun...

We'll enjoy 'la passeggiata' & walk to dinner at a great Tuscan restaurant.

Guest houses from:Suore Oblate dell'Assunzione - Borgo Pinti Daily: Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day
7
Renaissance Florence

Today is immersed in historic Florence with a local experienced guide. The city centre is a UNESCO World Heritage site & it's not difficult to see why once you start exploring its cobblestone streets & piazzas. A medieval centre of trade, birthplace of the Renaissance & modern-day cultural wonder, Florence will leave you in awe.

You will take in the story & legacy of the famous & influential Medici family, the Santa Croce Church with it's marvellous facade & the resting places of Michelangelo & Galileo, before circling back to Piazza Duomo, Giotto's Bell Tower, the & the beautiful bronze Baptistery Gates, by which time you might be ready for an afternoon aperitif or a cooling gelato!

The afternoon is at your leisure... you may like to find a spot for a long lunch to simply relax, pondering your favourite Botticelli, da Vinci or Raphael, &/or continue your own exploration of the delights of Florence - perhaps wander the Boboli Gardens taking in Palazzo Pitti, or walk up to Piazzale Michelangelo for a photo over the rooftops of Florence.

We'll again enjoy 'la passeggiata' & walk to dinner at a great Tuscan restaurant.

Guest houses from:Suore Oblate dell'Assunzione - Borgo Pinti Daily: Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Venice

Day
8
Gallerie! Frecciarossa! Canali!

After breakfast, we farewell the Sisters & you have a stroll through the heart of Florence (your bags will be transferred) to soak up the morning atmosphere en route to visit two of the most famous galleries in Florence if not the world!

Starting at the Uffizi – you'll be guided through one of the world's greatest collections of art, especially of the Renaissance, an amazing legacy of the famous Medici family. Then onto the Galleria dell'Accademia to view the famous statue of David by Michelangelo amongst other treasures.

It is then off to the grand, Santa Maria Novella Train Station. You can get yourself lunch at any of the great cafes on the forecourt, before boarding the Frecciarossa for the First Class, high speed scenic train ride, direct to the Grand Canal in Venice!

Our guest house is located in the historic & authentic district of Cannaregio. We transfer from the station by boat with your luggage, so you will arrive ready to take on the maze of bridges & canals that is the magical city of Venice.

We will walk to dinner, taking in the unique sights of this wonderous city on the water along the way.

Guest houses from:Don Orione Artigianelli
Casa Caburlotto
Casa Cardinal Piazza
Daily: Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day
9
Marco Polo, Doges & Bridges

We take a morning walking tour of the historic centre of Venice in & around Piazza San Marco.

Stops to view Rialto Bridge, the oldest of the four bridges spanning the Grand Canal, St. Mark's Square, Marco Polo's House, Campo San Luca & the Bridge of Sighs before we go inside the Doge's Palace & St. Mark's Basilica to view the amazing mosaics as well as the Treasury – a huge collection of precious artefacts made from gold, silver, precious metals & stones.

The afternoon is yours to explore - maybe a lunch on the side of a canal, a gondola ride, or a wander around the world-famous Biennale...

We will reconvene for dinner in Cannaregio where we can all share our Venetian highlights.

Guest houses from:Don Orione Artigianelli
Casa Caburlotto
Daily: Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day
10
Murano the Glass Island

This morning we take a Vaporetto (water bus) across the Venice lagoon to the island of Murano, renowned for its tradition of glass blowing. Watch artisans at their craft & find that something special to take home as a memory.

After taking in the sights of Venice from the water on our return, your last afternoon in this unique city is at your leisure - maybe an afternoon recital, a spot of shopping for a Carnevale mask, or a gelato from the famous Venchi Chocolate store..?

In the evening we will toast the last night of our Classic Italian Tour over dinner amongst the beauty of La Serenissima.

Guest houses from:Don Orione Artigianelli
Casa Caburlotto
Daily: Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day
11
A dopo e Buon Viaggio!

All good things come to an end & after breakfast we will farewell each other & our last Monastery Stay in Venice for our onward travelsT.

If you are not quite ready to leave, then we can book additional nights for you at Monastery Stays across Italy or Austria (it's a beautiful bus/train transfer to Salzburg!)
Daily: Breakfast Lunch Dinner | T:see Trip Notes

Map

Route Map

Need to Know

Tour Terms & Conditions

  • Introduction
    Monastery Stays Tours are ticketed bookings inclusive of accommodation, ground transport, dining & itinerary activities (guide, entry fees & 'whisper headsets'), as detailed in the Tour Itinerary at monasterystays.com/?a=tours

    The following Tour Terms & Conditions apply to Monastery Stays Tours booked through www.monasterystays.com

    Separate Booking Terms & Condition apply to accommodation only bookings, they can be viewed here

    In booking a Monastery Stays Tour you ('the Customer') understand & accept the following terms & conditions of the booking service provided by www.monasterystays.com ('Monastery Stays').

    1. Personal Information
      You will be required to provide standard personal information for the purpose of booking the Tour. Monastery Stays takes your personal privacy very seriously & will never disclose your details other than for the express purpose of managing your Tour booking. You may review our Privacy Policy

    2. Price
      The Price per person is detailed for the Tour. Prices are denominated in Euro.

      The Price includes accommodation, dining, transport (excluding arrival & departure transfers, see Trip Notes), itinerary activities (guide, entry fees & 'whisper headsets'), as detailed in the Tour Itinerary. Tipping & City Visitor Charges are included.

      The Price does not include the cost of passport, visa (check if you require this - Schengen Visa ), your personal Travel Insurance policy (required), flights, meals other than those specified in the Tour Itinerary, arrival & departure transfers (see Trip Notes), excess baggage, taxes & fees payable by cash in country of destination, personal items, such as phone calls, drinks etc.

    3. Baggage Allowance
      Each person is allowed one item of 'checked' luggage 20kgs / 40lbs & one item of 'carry-on' luggage of 7kgs / 15lbs. Any charge for excess baggage will be at your expense.

    4. Payments
      You agree to pay the Price for your selected Tour & any Amendments or Cancellation terms detailed here. All payments are denominated in Euro.

      A non-refundable deposit of 250.00 Euro per person8. is required when making your Tour booking, this can be completed via credit card, PayPal account or bank transfer.

      The balance is due to Monastery Stays no later than 90 days prior to the departure of your Tour, this will be invoiced after your booking is confirmed and is payable via bank transfer.

      Wise - a global money transfer solution that allows you to complete this payment via a simple domestic payment from your bank account to ours, securely & at a lower cost and better exchange rate than your bank would charge - click to open Wise

    5. Communications
      All communications with Monastery Stays are online ensuring secure tracking of your requirements 24/7. Following submission of your Tour booking request, all communication will be via 'reservations@monasterystays.com' & your secure Monastery Stays My Plans console at monasterystays.com/myplans

    6. Amendments
      A fee of 50.00 EUR per person will be charged, in addition to any charges levied by the accommodation or ground operators, for any amendment within 70 days prior to the start date of your Tour, the amendment constitutes a change to a confirmed booking & not a transfer to another & cancellation fees apply.

    7. Extensions
      Bookings for accommodation before or after your Tour are possible & will be managed for you through www.monasterystays.com & are for bed/breakfast accommodation only.

    8. Cancellations
      If you cancel your booking after the deposit is paid, the deposit will be forfeited. If you cancel your booking after the final payment has been made (due by 90 days prior to the start date of your Tour), but more than 70 days prior to the start date of your Tour, a cancellation fee equal to 50% of the Tour Price, per person, will apply. If you cancel your booking at or within 70 days prior to the start date of your Tour, a cancellation fee equal to 100% of the Tour Price, per person, will apply.

      If the group number falls below 10 people the Tour may be cancelled by Monastery Stays. Cancellation of a Tour by Monastery Stays will be advised at/by 90 days prior to the Tour start date. Monastery Stays will offer alternate Tour start dates, or bed & breakfast bookings at the respective Tour guest house accommodations for the same dates, per the details of individual bookings at www.monasterystays.com. If you do not accept the alternate offers, all money will be refunded.

      Voluntary cancellations by you due to political instability, acts of terrorism, government intervention or warning will be subject to the above-detailed cancellation charges, provided the Tour is deemed by Monastery Stays as able to proceed. If Monastery Stays cancel a Tour for any of these reasons, every effort will be made to obtain refunds from accommoation and Tour content suppliers; however no guarantee is provided on their behalf.

      Monastery Stays will not be held responsible for any costs relating to the issuance and/or cancellation of airline tickets, visa fees or other costs that you incur.

    9. Travel Insurance
      You must have personal Travel Insurance & detail of the Insurer and Policy number will be required with the deposit payment. This will be provided to the Tour Director in the event of requirement.

    10. Pricing Policy
      Prices are based on a minimum 10 people per Tour. If the group number falls below 10 people, the Tour may be cancelled; see 8. Cancellations

    11. Changes To Itinerary
      Itinerary details are subject to change either at Monastery Stays' discretion, or if adverse weather conditions or if a civil disturbance deem it necessary to make such changes to ensure the safety & wellbeing of the group. We will endeavour to advise in advance of any changes.

      If the group number falls below 10 people, the Tour may be cancelled; see 8. Cancellations

    12. Taxes
      Legislation requires us to collect from you the taxes controlled by Italian government authorities (over-night visitor charges & bus permits). These costs are included in the Tour Price but may change without notice at any time up until departure. Full payment for your Tour does not exempt you from changes to those government taxes. We will offer advice in this regard, but we do not control, nor will we be held responsible for any changes in government taxes and changes May be invoiced for payment prior to departure.

    13. Force Majeure
      Monastery Stays shall not be liable in any way to the passenger for death, injury, illness, damage, delay or other loss or detriment to the person or property or Monastery Stays failure to perform any of its obligations caused by Act of God, war or warlike operations, terrorist activities, civil commotions, labor difficulties, whether or not Monastery Stays is a party, interference by authorities, requisitions of any transport, political disturbance, inability to secure or failure of supplies, perils of the sea, ground or air transport, collisions, breakdown of machinery, accident of any transport, fire or any other cause of whatsoever nature beyond the reasonable control of Monastery Stays ('force majeure events').
  • Trip Notes

    1. Tour Itinerary & inclusions are subject to the Tour Terms & Conditions and these Trip Notes.

    2. Prices are for the Tour Itinerary only. Flights are not included.

    3. Transfers on arrival & departure from the Tour will be arranged on booking per your personal requirements. Transfers are additional to the Tour Itinerary. Indicative pricing per private transfer, for up to 2 people:
      • Rome Fiumicino Airport to guest house - €100.00
      • Rome Termini Train Station to guest house - €80.00
      • Guest house to Venice Marco Polo Airport - €210.00
      • Guest house to Venice Santa Lucia Train Station - €160.00

    4. Breakfast as indicated () is included daily & is European continental style.

      Lunch where indicated () 6/10 days, is one/two courses depending on style with a drink (non alcoholic).

      Dinner as indicated () is included daily & is two courses with a glass of wine or beer and water.

      Your dietary requirements will be requested for meal providers.

    5. Ensure you have a valid passport, Schengen Visa if required, complete the Fitness to Travel and Travel Insurance acknowledgements.

    6. Due to the historic nature of some of the accommodation guest houses and sites visited, this tour is not suitable to those using a wheelchair. If you would still like to experience a Monastery Stay and require wheelchair access, please Contact Us and we will assist with recommendations for your booking individual Monastery Stays.

    7. Group size will be maximum 20 guests + Tour Director, ensuring small group care, comfort and attention to detail. Tour departure subject to a minimum of 10 guests.
      See Tour Terms & Conditions.

    Experience a true slice of Italian life...
    Fully escorted, small group travel
    with the trusted expertise of Monastery Stays


    From the grandeur of Ancient Rome & grace of a Papal gathering in St. Peter's Square, to the serenity of Assisi & onto the hilltops of Tuscany, immerse yourself in Renaissance Florence & then wonder at the enchantment of Venice.

    Monastery Stays takes you on a fully escorted, small group tour (maximum 20 people) for 10 nights / 11 days, through the classic heart of Italy.

    Lodging in unique Monastery Stays guest houses, dining experiences & local tips on where to find the best gelati! Expert guided sightseeing, including 'whisper headsets' your own time at leisure & touring in fully equipped modern coaches are all a part of this carefully crafted & value for money tour.


    Rome, Assisi, Florence & Venice
    10 nights / 11 days
    €3,495 per person
    Quality, all inclusions, no single supplement
    Breakfasts & Dinner included every day - great value
    Lunch daily, except on afternoons at your leisure!  see Tour Itinerary


    Tour Itinerary - click to explore day by day & Trip Notes
    Start your Booking - complete the detail below, register & we'll contact you as a priority
    Download- this detail & start dreaming of your Monastery Stays' Classic Tour

    Start your booking

    Provide your details below - click icon for guidance.
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    • Tours will depart Rome on the Tuesday after the 20th of the month.
    • If the Tuesday after the 20th of the month is not suitable for you, please advise at 'Other Requirements' (below) so that we can assist.
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