THE ESSENCE OF ITALY in 10 days
My Essence of Italy tour visits my all-time favorite destinations in Italy in ten days. Beginning in Rome, you’ll visit the essential tourist sights and classic destinations. Then, travel to the delightful villages of the Cinque Terre to experience a seaside vacation where the mountains fall into the sea. Volterra, my favorite Tuscan hilltown is sure to win you over to the “la dolce vita” lifestyle. Finally, you’ll have two days in Florence, walking in Michelangelo’s footsteps and exploring the Renaissance’s roots. Your Adventure Starts Here!
| PRICE FROM | DATES | |
|---|---|---|
| $3959 + air | May 1-10, 2025 |  |
| $3959 + air | Jun 5-14, 2025 | |
| $3959 + air | Sept 3-12, 2025 | |
| $3959 + air | Oct 21-31, 2025 | |
Rome – 2 nights
Cinque Terre – 2 nights
Volterra – 2 nights
Siena – 1 night
Florence – 2 nights
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$3959 + air = Double Occupancy
$4718 + air = Single Room
ITINERARY
DAY 1: BUON GIORNO A ROMA! – Let’s plan to meet in our hotel lobby at 2:00 p.m. for introductions and information. Then, we will set off to explore the sites of ancient Rome. Enjoy a walk through the Colosseum and Forum, assisted by David’s audio-guided walking tour. Later, we will enjoy a grand “welcome to Italy” dinner at a favorite restaurant. Sleep for 2 nights in Rome. Walking: moderate. Dinner.
DAY 2: THE VATICAN AND HEART OF ROME– We’ll get an early start to join our local guide at the Vatican Museum. Enjoy an in-depth tour of this vast treasure trove of the world’s finest works of art, capped off with an awe-inspiring look at Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel. Then, enjoy a visit to the massive St. Peter’s Basilica, the world’s largest Christian church. After lunch, we’ll begin our walking tour of Rome’s historic central core seeing the Pantheon and several other sights in the area. You’ll have the remainder of the afternoon and evening to do a little exploring on your own. Walking: strenuous.
NOTE: As of July 2023, a Pantheon ticket is required for entry. Due to group restrictions, Pantheon entrance is not included in your walking tour. If you want to enter, pre-purchase your tickets here, museiitaliani.it. Tickets are €5 each. Book your entry AFTER 15:00, during your free time in Rome.
DAY 3: BULLET TRAIN TO THE CINQUE TERRE – We’ll get an early start this morning on our way up to the Ligurian coast. Train travel in Italy is fun and mostly worry-free, so enjoy the ride. The Cinque Terre is a delightful collection of five little villages spilling from the mountains into the sea. After settling in, we’ll get you oriented to the region and set up with walking and transportation passes. Then, head out on your own to explore! We’ll meet later tonight for dinner featuring fresh food from the region. Sleep for 2 nights in the Cinque Terre. Walking: light. Train: 4 hours. Dinner.
DAY 4: THE CINQUE TERRE –You’ll have the entire day on your own to explore the Cinque Terre. Traveling to and from the “five villages” in the region is easy by train, boat, or foot. The National Park is loaded with scenic trails providing endless opportunities to get out and explore the outdoors. You may wish to stake your claim on one of the many beaches to catch some sun. Each village has its own character, decor, and ambiance, as well as plenty of shopping and dining options. Walking: your choice.
DAY 5: VOLTERRA – It will take about an hour by train to get away from the coast and meet up with our driver. Then we’ll travel the backroads of Tuscany en route to my favorite little hilltown. Volterra has become “famous” in recent years for The Lair of the Vampires in the Twilight book series. It has long been known as a quaint and off-the-beaten-path destination for savvy travelers. After settling in, enjoy a walking tour of the historic town followed by a guided wine tasting at my favorite wine cave. By now, you’ll be well on your way to knowing the town, so enjoy dinner on your own and an event-free evening. Sleep for 2 nights in Volterra. Train: 1 hour. Driving: 1.5 hours. Walking: moderate.
DAY 6: VOLTERRA – You will have the entire day to explore more of Volterra independently. Consider visiting the shops devoted to handmade items such as leather, alabaster, jewelry, and more. The town offers several fine museums dedicated to art and the Etruscans. Alternatively, join a multi-course cooking class at a countryside farmhouse (see below). Later, we will head out into the countryside for dinner at a local winery and farmhouse. Walking: your choice. Dinner
OPTIONAL COOKING CLASS ($125) Mid-afternoon, we will travel 15 minutes to nearby Podere Marcampo, a vineyard and farmhouse in the countryside. Our host will teach you to prepare traditional Tuscan foods such as ravioli, fresh tomato sauce, vegetable tart, stuffed guinea fowl, bread, dessert, and more. After your hands-on cooking lesson, we’ll sit down to enjoy the fruits of your labor with a grand dinner feast. Please make a note on your tour application or contact us should you choose to participate in the optional cooking class.
DAY 7: SIENA – It is a short drive through the hills of Tuscany to Siena. Upon arrival, join an informative walking tour, lacing together its famous sites such as the Basilica of San Domenico, the Cathedral, and Il Campo. Then, you’ll have the remainder of the day and evening to savor Siena. Consider assembling a picnic and camping out on Il Campo for dinner, walking with the locals on their passigiata, or visiting the Duomo and its museum. Sleep 1 night in Siena. Driving: 1.5 hours. Walking: moderate.
DAY 8: FLORENCE –Join a walking tour linking together Florence’s famous historical sights, followed by a visit to the Galleria Accademia, home of Michelangelo’s masterpiece, the statue of David. Then, enjoy more of Florence on your own. Sleep for 2 nights in Florence. Walking: moderate. Driving: 1.5 hours.
DAY 9: FLORENCE – You’ll have the entire day to explore more of Florence on your own. Visit another of the city’s museums, check out the Pitti Palace, get in some shopping, visit the market, or soak up the local ambiance. Tonight, join your group for a farewell to Tuscany dinner at a favorite ristorante. Walking: moderate. Dinner.
DAY 10: THE TOUR CONCLUDES AFTER BREAKFAST – It is easy to reach Florence’s airports by taxi, bus, or on foot. Your guide will be happy to assist with your post-tour travel needs. Ciao e buon viaggio!
Itinerary specifics are subject to change.
INCLUSIONS
Transportation is provided by coach, minibus, and train from your Rome hotel to your Florence hotel.
9 nights accommodations in centrally located hotels, guesthouses, and B&Bs. All rooms have private en-suite baths.
All tips and gratuities to guides, drivers, restaurants, and hotel staff.
Guaranteed Small Group of 6-18 travelers.
All breakfasts and four of your dinners or lunches.
Traditional dining experiences at some of David’s personal favorite restaurants. Eating well is a priority, and you’ll enjoy fine regional fare featuring the best each locale has to offer.
Water is included with all group meals. Sodas, wine, beer, and other drinks are your responsibility.
All tours and admissions at no extra cost: Walking tours in Rome, Volterra, Siena, and Florence. Entrance to the Rome Colosseum and Forum. Guided tour in the Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Cinque Terre orientation and a train and trail pass. Guided wine tasting in Tuscany. Guided tour of the Galleria Accademia in Florence (Michelangelo’s David) and much more (itinerary specifics are subject to change).
A full-time Exploring Europe guide and local experts who are dedicated to bringing to life the art, history, and culture of the tour destinations.
David’s tour handouts are delivered electronically and detail each day’s historical and cultural experiences.
Free luggage tags and David’s custom-designed drawstring backpacks.
Our Unconditional Tour Price Guarantee, once locked in, will never change.
$50 Tour Alumni discount for each David McGuffin tour you’ve taken prior to this travel year.
EXCLUSIONS
Anything not listed above in the “inclusions” area is not included in the cost of your tour.
TERMS & CONDITIONS
CANCELLATION POLICY
CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS:
Deposits- Deposits for tours are fully refundable for 30 days from your initial application and deposit date, unless otherwise noted. If you book a tour less than 90 days before its departure date, full payment is due immediately, and the entire tour cost becomes non-refundable after seven days. After these dates, deposits are not refundable and will be forfeited if you cancel your tour reservation.
Payments- Tour payments are due in full 90 days before your tour departure date. If you find you must cancel between 90-0 days before your tour departure, please contact us immediately. We will work with you to transfer your payments to another tour departing within 18 months. We strongly recommend that everyone purchase comprehensive travel insurance that covers tour cancellations, emergency medical, and other unexpected events.
Cancellations will be effective when the written notification is received at David McGuffin›s Exploring Europe by mail, e-mail, or fax.
SIGN UP BY EMAIL OR POST
If you do not want to sign up online:
You may download a tour application and send it to us with payment.
-OR-
You may return it by:
- FAX 1-800-570-1351
- Email – info@davidmcguffin.com
- email – take a photo of the form with your smartphone and attach it to an email
- TXT – take a photo with your smartphone and TXT to 904-612-8149
KEY TO WALKING & ACTIVITY
Walking and Physical Activity: We have planned this trip to provide maximum tour experiences. The basic nature of Europe does require some degree of physical activity to get out and see the sights, especially in the big cities. To help you plan, we’ve included a daily projection of physical activity. Here is the key for our walking activity ratings:
Light – Walking done on level surfaces with some hills and elevation gains. Two miles or less of required walking during the day.
Moderate – Walking done on paved and gravel paths and cobbled city sidewalks. To enjoy the full tour experience, some uphill and downhill walking is expected, as is standing while viewing sights or museums. Four to six miles of walking per day.
Strenuous – Walking done on rugged and rocky paths and city-cobbled sidewalks. There will be steps and stairs. Up to three hours standing in museums or experience sites. Up to eight miles of walking per day.
Your Choice – No matter what your walking ability, we will help you find alternative ways to enjoy and experience all Europe has to offer. To get the most out of our tours, you should be able to operate at the light level every day with spurts of moderate and strenuous.
PRE-TOUR RESOURCES
Now that you’ve decided to join this tour, we are sure you’ll have some questions. Don’t worry; we are here to help you through each aspect of your tour from start to finish.
DAVID’S AUDIO & E-PRINT PDF DESTINATION GUIDES
David has a complete PDF and Printable Guidebook for all destinations on his Essence and Best of Italy tours. You’ll also find downloadable AUDIO WALKING TOURS for Rome’s Colosseum and the Roman Forum. https://davidmcguffin.com/dg-italy/
DAVID’S VIDEO SERIES: THE BEST OF ITALY
David and his team have produced an episodic video series detailing many of the destinations on this tour itinerary. They are all neatly organized on his YouTube channel. Watch the complete series or view one episode at a time on his Best of Italy Playlist.
DAVID’S 60 SECONDS DESTINATION VIDEOS
Join David as he shares impromptu moments from his travels in Italy. Watching these short 60-second segments are a great way to experience David’s travel style and adventures. Watch David’s Explore Italy.
DAVID’S TRAVEL TALK TUESDAY ALMOST-WEEKLY BROADCAST AND VIDEO SERIES BLOG.
Every week, when David is not traveling in Europe, he presents a LIVE broadcast on Zoom and Facebook. Check it out on Tuesdays at 7:30 PM Eastern Time.
Each Travel Talk Tuesday session is recorded. Watch them here.
DAVID’S BLOG ARTICLES
David and his team have answered many travel-related questions, and they are all tucked away on his blog. But, no need to go there. Just type in a keyword in the search box at the top or bottom of this page (it’s the gray rectangle with a small magnifying glass icon), and you will get results for your query.
PLEASE SEND US AN EMAIL OR GIVE US A CALL.
We are happy to answer your travel questions and give advice and suggestions. tours@davidmcguffin.com or 800-570-1351.
Testimonials & Reviews of our ITALY Tours
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Traveling on the Essence of Italy 10-day vacation tour was an exhilarating journey filled with breathtaking sights and a whirlwind of activities, all supported by expert tour guides. For the September 3-12 2023 tour, our group of six friends joined up to form a total of 15 travelers. We were all Americans, in middle to late-middle age, mixed men and women, mixed marrieds and singles and mixed experienced and newbies to Italy.
One of the undeniable strengths of the tour was the infectious high energy of our knowledgeable, meticulous and very fun tour guide Ilaria Mercuri. “Allora!” she exclaimed, as she kicked off the tour with great enthusiasm and set the tone for an immersive exploration of Italy's gems. Ilaria provided critical logistical guidance as we navigated each location. In addition, the three local experts for walking tours of the Vatican (Julie), Volterra (Annie) and Florence (Paola) were exceptional in presenting fascinating historical insights and local anecdotes that enriched our understanding of the stunning destinations.
The itinerary offered a nice mix of big cities, small towns, coastline and countryside. The tour, however, moved along at an aggressive clip and the physical demand of the trip should not be underestimated. The strenuous walking and luggage handling made the tour challenging – mostly, in a good way. For example, over our 10 days, we logged 155,804 steps or 68 miles and we burned 26,344 calories. Whew!
We typically plan and execute our own trips and this tour was our first experience with a commercial tour operator. We thoroughly appreciated that the tour managed all the usual and voluminous details. We also loved having our friends with us and found that this tour offered something for everyone. We did find that, overall, there wasn’t as much unscheduled time as we imagined from reading the brochures - - that is, we had enough time to do a bit of shopping or catch up on a nap but not much time to do alternative excursions. Indeed, we arrived 1 day early and rode the hop-on bus around Rome and we stayed for 3 extra days back in Rome; this time allowed for exploring Trastevere, Testaccio and the EUR district south of central Rome, with the Coloseo Quadrato and historic Art Deco architecture, at a leisurely pace.
Some highlights and some feedback:
• Cinque Terre: cruise ships unload tourists further south and they swarm and clog these towns during the day by using the local trains. These same trains are also the fastest way for you to move between towns and cover a lot of ground. Try to take a ferry back to Monterosso. Evenings are quieter and much less crowded.
• Volterra was our group’s favorite stop and the large group dinner at Podere Marcampo was an unforgettable experience. Some participated in the cooking class to help prepare the meal, while others arrived in time for the beautiful Tuscan country sunset. Very, very special.
• Hotel Etruria in Volterra boasts a back patio leading to an archaeological, open park with some ruins. It is both very beautiful and very quiet.
• Train travel was really fun but the trains were always late - - thus, eating into the limited time in these locations.
• There was an unscheduled detour from Cinque Terre through Pisa on our way to Volterra - - which was a major letdown, as it proved to be a total waste of time. We lost most of the day checking bags at the train station, schlepping over to the Tower and back, retrieving bags, and grabbing the surface rail to meet the mini coach. Our time would have been better spent going straight to Volterra and having more time to explore there.
• Siena was a fun and interesting stop but could have been handled as a day trip from Florence, thereby, reducing the number of hotel changes.
• The tourist crowds and the heat were crushingly oppressive. We bought the recommended portable fan and grabbed a second room key to keep the electricity running. Obviously, these issues come with the location…but, by the 8th day, I thought I was in a fever dream.
• Hotels in city locations were near the train stations which, in the case of Florence, was an uncomfortably dodgy experience, especially at night. It’s time to identify a better hotel.
• Meals: hotel breakfasts were generous and helped fuel the day. Tour dinners ranged in quality (lots of pasta), with the Rome kick-off dinner as the most disappointing. Boiled pasta and red sauce were served outside on a tilting sidewalk on Via Cavour, competing with bus fumes and dust. Not the best for opening night. Photos of Da Tudini 1969 show a lovely interior; maybe, let folks eat inside, next time.
• Pickpockets seemed to be most aggressive at the Rome Termini station subway stop. They work the crowds who are rushing for the doors. One thief will block you from entering the subway car while their partner stays outside pulling on your handbag. The thief who blocked us was a tall, sturdy adult male and his partner was a tiny female in an oversized visor and a surgical mask – thus, posing as tourists. We had locking zippers on our crossbody handbags and, thankfully, avoided a problem. You’ll see local Roman women riding the trains with a very tight grip on their handbags.
Some restaurant ideas:
• Baccano, Via delle Muratte, in Rome off Trevi Fountain square
• La Regina di Manirola, in Manirola up on Via Ettore Cozzani. Climb uphill on Via Antonio Discovolo. At Chiesa di San Lorenzo, turn right and back down a small alley. Via Ettore Cozzani is tucked into the hillside; enjoy for patios, umbrellas and great views.
• L’Osteria, in Monterosso on Via Vittorio Emanuele
• Ristorante Da Beppino, in Volterra on Via delle Prigioni
• Antica Trattoria Papei, in Siena on Piazza Mercato
• Casa Toscana, in Florence on Via Giovanni Verrazzano near Santa Croce
• Ristorante da Meo Pastacca, in Rome/Trastevere on Piazza dei Mercanti
The Essence of Italy tour delivered an exhilarating adventure, blending breathtaking sights and a flurry of activities. Led by the infectious energy of tour guide Ilaria Mercuri, our diverse group of 15 travelers explored Italy's gems with expert guidance from local specialists in the Vatican, Volterra, and Florence. The itinerary, though vigorous, offered a mix of big cities, small towns, coastline, and countryside, demanding physical effort but in a rewarding manner. Highlights included the unforgettable large group dinner in Volterra's countryside, Hotel Etruria's patio access to a serene park, and the captivating experience of Cinque Terre evenings. Despite some challenges, such as unscheduled detours and oppressive crowds, the tour provided an overall immersive and unforgettable journey through Italy's diverse landscapes and rich history.
We did the Best of Italy tour in May 2023, our first David McGuffin tour. Ilaria was our Exploring Europe tour guide and she was wonderful. We were shocked to find out that we were the only ones on the tour (except for another couple in Rome) and very happy to see that David didn't cancel the tour because of that.
Ilaria was very easy to be with and extremely helpful - a wonderful guide. We even invited her to stay with us if she travels to this area.
We loved all the destinations (the tour covers a LOT of ground) but have decided that moving every other day to another place is a bit more than we prefer, especially as we traveled mainly by train although there were some private vehicle trips which were much easier. When David suggests packing light, listen to his advice. It was tough pulling myself and my luggage onto the trains each trip.
Hotels were a mixed bag. Usually located near a train station, but in some areas (Volterra, Lake Como, and Venice in particular), we had either a good 15-minute or longer walk to the hotel from the town. We stayed in Lido, not Venice, which added at least 30 minutes to our trip to get into and return to Venice, which was less than ideal.
Water pressure in some hotels left something to be desired, so shampooing was sometimes postponed as I wasn't certain I could rinse out the soap. Keep in mind that you will have food, entrance, and transportation fees in addition to what your tour costs. We were on our own for lunches and half the dinners (and all drinks are on you). Usually, we had a day to ourselves in each city, which allowed us to do and go where we wanted.
Without pinching pennies, we spent approximately $800 each in addition. Ilaria would often give us suggestions on places to eat and give guidance on how to get around when we were on our own..
The other guides in Rome, Volterra, and Siena were all wonderful, although at the beginning, it appeared the guides weren't well informed that tips were included, which made it somewhat uncomfortable for us at the end of each tour not being sure if the guide was aware.
This tour is great for people who are comfortable getting to and from the airport on their own, want to see a lot of places in 2 weeks, are physically able to maneuver their bags on and off trains and up and down stairs and enjoy the mix of group travel and time to do what you want.
Suggestion - remove some items from your bags; you don't need as much as you think.
My husband and I had the good fortune of meeting David McGuffin at the Washington DC Travel and Adventure Show and were impressed by his years of experience in leading small group tours. Equally fortunate, he was offering the 10-day Tuscan Villa experience on the exact dates we wanted to travel - we booked immediately and never had one regret! David has traveled so frequently to these areas that it’s like a second home to him. Even more importantly, he intimately knows the people who live there - the owners of the villa, restaurants, shops and the tour guides that he has done business with for years. The tour guide, Paola, who led us on a private tour of Michelangelo's masterpiece, David, at the Accademia and an impromptu tour of the Uffizi, knew her subject matter so well and yet made it understandable and relatable. Annie’s tour of Volterra brought the town’s history to life, and her husband Francesco’s wine tasting taught us how to select and appreciate wine in general, not just the one label you happen to be sampling.
The itinerary for the Villa experience is very well cultivated. The opportunity to spend multiple blocks of time in Volterra allowed us to get to know the city, explore the back streets, and eat a meal at leisure without feeling rushed to see everything at once. The day trips to Siena, Lucca, and Pisa were an excellent balance of history and time to explore - don’t miss biking the castle walls of Lucca or climbing the Leaning Tower of Pisa!
The stay at the Tuscan Villa at Marcampo is an idyllic setting, the room comfortable, the hostess/owner so gracious. Being able to come back to the same location makes the whole experience much more relaxed. Claudia’s cooking lesson was definitely a highlight - the hands-on experience not only taught the secret tips to making bread and pasta from scratch but had us each making our own bread and pasta dough, rolling out ravioli, collaborating on zucchini souffle, chocolate souffle, and sausage stuffed guinea fowl. The final result? Delizioso! And paired beautifully with the family’s Marcampo wines, which we also got to tour, taste and enjoy throughout our stay.
We were lucky enough to travel with David as our tour leader and enjoyed his easy-going manner and willingness to shift and add to the itinerary. Overall we heartily endorse David McGuffin’s Exploring Europe tours - an experience of a lifetime!
First-time traveler to Italy,(Amalfi Coast), and the tour did not disappoint!
Not being familiar with travel to Europe, we decided to travel with an experienced tour company, and David McGuffin's Exploring Europe was everything that we had hoped for. Everything on that tour, from the quality of the hotels, the comfortable transportation, the great food & wine, and the guided excursions, was everything that David said they would be.
The views were absolutely amazing! There was a nice balance between group tour activities and the individual time that you have to venture out and explore on your own.
Group dinners were filled with wine and laughter!
David's passion for travel and his sincere willingness to teach and encourage others to discover and experience new cultures and destinations is contagious.
Thank you, David, Charlotte, and all the wonderful people in our group, for making our trip a memorable one! We will definitely be exploring Europe again with David and his wife.
Our small group of friends just returned from the fabulous Tuscan Villa vacation with David McGuffin, Exploring Europe.
The itinerary was great: we explored big cities, many day trips to small towns, great restaurants, cooking class, wine tastings & relaxing days at a gorgeous small villa.
All our accommodations were first class: very clean, considerate staff & good breakfasts.
The eating experiences at the restaurants were superb! The local tour guides were excellent! They were all experts in their area, personable & fun to be with.
David had everything planned out but was flexible if we needed to vary the day's activities. We also enjoyed having the delightful Mrs. McGuffin on our tour! If you are looking for a full Tuscan experience, we highly recommend this tour.
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