Iconic Italy: Rome, Milan, Italian Lakes & Cinque Terre – 7 Days

Activity code: 342196
Duration
7 days
Guiding Style
Partially Guided
Hotel Rating
3 or 4 star hotels
Start / End
Rome → Milan
Group Size
Min 1 / Max 40
Physical Rating
Easy Light activity
Travelers can expect some light physical activities

Highlights

Enjoy a journey from Rome to Milan blending history and scenic beauty. Explore Rome at leisure, then join a guided tour of the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum. Travel by train to Milan and discover Lake Como and Bellagio with a scenic boat cruise.

Visit the UNESCO-listed Cinque Terre — Manarola and Monterosso al Mare — and enjoy a coastal boat cruise. Return to Milan with free time and the option to extend your trip to the Swiss Alps and St. Moritz aboard the legendary Bernina Red Train.

  • Arrive in Rome and enjoy free time to explore the city's charming streets at your own pace
  • Guided tour of the Colosseum, Palatine Hill and Roman Forum with a certified professional guide and personal audio receiver
  • Travel by included train from Rome Termini to Milan Centrale and spend the afternoon exploring Milan at leisure
  • Full-day trip to Lake Como – enjoy a 1-hour boat cruise and explore the celebrated town of Bellagio and Como's historic centre
  • Full-day trip to Cinque Terre – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – visit Manarola and Monterosso al Mare and enjoy a 90-minute coastal boat cruise
  • Free day in Milan or optional excursion to the Swiss Alps and St. Moritz on the legendary Bernina Red Train (extra charge)
  • 6 nights in 3 or 4-star hotels with daily breakfast included – 2 nights in Rome, 4 nights in Milan

7-Day Iconic Italy Tour Itinerary

  1. Day 1

    Welcome to Rome

    Upon arriving in Rome, make your way to the hotel and check in. Spend the rest of the day exploring the charming streets of the city at your leisure.

  2. Day 2

    Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

    Ancient Romans were not fond of sleeping in — most people rose at sunrise and made their way to the Forum to begin the day's affairs. You'll be led by a certified professional guide and equipped with a personal audio receiver and headphones, ensuring you can clearly follow every explanation and story. Explore the Flavian Amphitheater, remarkably preserved through the centuries, and discover how Romans spent their free time as you walk through the very spaces where gladiators battled.

    The tour continues to Palatine Hill, the legendary birthplace of Rome, founded over 2,772 years ago by the twin brothers Romulus and Remus. From there, you'll wander through the Roman Forum, once the vibrant centre of political, social, and commercial life. Let your guide bring this extraordinary era back to life and transport you deep into the past.

  3. Day 3

    Rome to Milan by Train

    Make your own way to Rome Termini Station and take the train to Milan. When you arrive, head on your own to your hotel. Spend the afternoon exploring the city at your leisure. Overnight in Milan.

  4. Day 4

    Lake Como & Bellagio

    Head from Milan to Tremezzina on Lake Como's shore, an area known for luxury villas set against the Alps. After getting there, take a 1-hour boat cruise to see the lakeside from the water. Then visit Bellagio, which has steep alleys and good cafés scattered throughout. From there, another boat ride takes you to Cadenabbia and Como, where you can explore the historic centre and look through local boutiques before returning to Milan in the late afternoon.

  5. Day 5

    Cinque Terre with Cruise

    Experience the magic of Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Picture colourful houses perched on cliffs with the sea as a backdrop. Depart from Milan, arriving in Manarola, one of Cinque Terre's most scenic villages. Enjoy free time to explore and sample local flavours.

    Next, continue by train to Monterosso al Mare, the largest village, noted for its medieval fortifications. Free of car traffic, it preserves the authentic spirit of a fishing village on the Italian Riviera. Enjoy its inviting streets or relax by the seafront, where restaurants, bars, and accommodations retain a simple, welcoming charm. End the day with a 90-minute boat cruise along the coastline, admiring the breathtaking beauty of the five villages. Afterwards, your coach will be waiting to take you back to Milan.

  6. Day 6

    Day at Leisure in Milan or Optional Swiss Alps & St. Moritz with Bernina Red Train

    Today is free for you to enjoy Milan at your own pace. Alternatively, you may choose to book the optional Swiss Alps and St. Moritz with Bernina Red Train experience at an additional charge.

    Optional excursion: Your adventure departs from the meeting point in Milan. By air-conditioned coach you'll arrive in St. Moritz, where you can admire the Alps while sipping famous Swiss hot chocolate at the best chocolate house in Switzerland, walk around the lake, or shop in luxurious boutiques. The legendary Bernina Red Train — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — departs from St. Moritz through the Engadin Valley up to Bernina Pass (2,253 m) before descending to Italy, crossing the helical stone viaduct at Brusio and ending in Tirano. Along the way you pass wild gorges, icy glaciers, soaring bridges and loop tunnels. At the end, return to Milan by coach.

  7. Day 7

    Departure from Milan

    After breakfast, check out of your hotel. This marks the end of our services.

What's Included

Accommodation
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation in Rome – Bed & Breakfast (standard room)
  • 4 nights hotel accommodation in Milan – Bed & Breakfast (standard room)
  • Choice of 3-star or 4-star hotel
Guided Tours
  • Guided tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill (with personal audio receiver and headphones)
  • Lake Como & Bellagio – Full Day Trip from Milan
  • Cinque Terre with Cruise – Full Day Trip from Milan
  • Professional local tour guides as per the itinerary
Meals
  • 6 breakfasts (daily at hotel)
Transport
  • One-way train tickets from Rome Termini to Milan Centrale
  • Round-trip transportation for tours from the meeting point

Not Included

  • International flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Pre & post tour accommodation
  • Optional experiences
  • Other activities and services not listed under Included
  • City tax (payable directly at the hotel)
  • Transfers to/from meeting points for guided visits
  • Transfers from/to stations or airports unless specified

Additional Information

  • You will receive an e-ticket for this tour.
  • This tour operates year-round, subject to availability.
  • English-speaking guides provided for all included guided activities.
  • Tour reference code: 342196

Dates & Availability

Frequently Asked Questions