The Best 12 Day Italy Tours 2025
Looking for the best 12 day Italy tours?
If you’ve been dreaming of a sun-drenched escape to Italy, then a 12 day tour might just be the perfect solution for you.
Italy is one of our absolute favourite holiday destinations and we’re lucky to have visited it numerous times. We’ve seen many of the sites Italy is most famous for, and it would be impossible to choose a favorite.
That’s why we always suggest people book a trip that includes more than one stop off when they visit Italy. Tours that take you to several different Italian cities and regions will mean you get the most out of visiting this spectacular country.
Offering amazing journeys that will take you from the breathtakingly beautiful coasts to the lively cities and everything in between, there are plenty of incredible experiences awaiting on a range of different tours.
Each tour will give you ample opportunity to explore all the country has to offer – from savoring delicious Italian cuisine and shopping at traditional markets in Rome to sipping magnificent Tuscan wines and witnessing awe-inspiring art and architecture throughout Florence.
If you’re looking for a unique way to take on this Mediterranean paradise then read on – we’ve reviewed some of the most highly recommended 12 day trips throughout Italy that provide a breathtaking look at this stunning country!
All you have to do is pick the one that sounds best to you.
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Table of Contents
- Ultimate Italy
- Road to Rome
- Italy’s Treasures Art, Food & Wine of Italy
- Elegant Italy
- 12 days in Italy
- Best of Italy
- Italian delights
- A Taste Of Italy
- Italy by rail
- Deluxe Italy
- Italy by cruise and rail
- Road To Rome 12 Day Tour
- Europe escape
The Best 12 Day Italy Tours
We recommend you book your 12 days in Italy through a reputable tour agency that has plenty of experience in making vacations special. Our top picks are Bookmundi, Viator, and Get Your Guide which are all big names in the industry and have many, many happy customers under their belts!
Let’s dive into the best 12 day tours of Italy.
#1 Ultimate Italy
The ultimate 12 day tour of this beautiful country. This organised vacation will take you to all the hot spots in Italy so that you can fully experience all there is on offer here. Here’s a brief run down of the highlights, but you need to check out this tour in full to get a real idea of how much you’ll pack in!
Start in Rome, one of our absolute favourite cities in Europe. You’ll visit some of the incredible Roman ruins here including the famous Colosseum and you’ll have skip the queue passes so you don’t miss out on precious time standing in lines.
Pompeii is also on your itinerary. This fascinating ancient city was engulfed by a volcanic eruption in the 1st century, so you’ll be able to see life exactly as it was when the tragic even went down.
If you’ve heard about Italian fashion then you’ll have heard of Capri. Embark on a private cruise that takes you around the dramatic coast, and don’t forget to keep a look out for celebrities while you’re here!
You will also visit world-famous Pisa, where you can get a photo by the Leaning Tower Of Pisa, Cinque Terre, the incredible UNESCO site that appears in every postcard or Instagram feed, and of course the enchanting city of Venice.
All of this and more, including a stop at a responsible tourism site where you’ll get to learn about how some projects here are helping bring money to those in need in the country.
This is the kind of tour you just won’t find anywhere else, and you’ll experience things you simply couldn’t if you travelled here alone.
✅ Book the ultimate 12 day tour of Italy here
#2 Italy’s Treasures Art, Food & Wine of Italy
Italy is world-famous for its stunning art, fine wine, and delicious food (if you haven’t tasted Italian pizza then you haven’t lived!) If you’re keen to see the very best of what Italy has to offer then this tour is the one for you.
Start your tour on the shores of Lake Maggiorein the breathtaking Alpine lakes region. Cruise to Isola dei Pescatori, one of the most picturesque Borromean Islands and visit StresaIn, an ancient village in the mountains
Here you’ll meet the locals who make their very artisanal cheeses (and get to try them of course!) alongside the perfect wine pairing.
Visit Lake Orta, an ancient glacial lake in the Alpine foothills and head to one of Italy’s most photographed places – Cinque Terre. These medieval colourful towns scattered down mountainsides are surrounded by vineyards and the perfect place to find your favourite Italian wine.
You’ll explore the best sights in the rolling hills of Tuscany, one of our absolute favourite spots in Italy, and learn to cook with an Italian family in the grounds of their home.
After exploring some of the most beautiful stops in Tuscany it’s on to Florence, a city of culture and art. Florence is the birthplace of the Renaissance and the beloved home of the Medici family, Galileo, Botticelli, and da Vinci. It also does some amazing gelato! Florence is gorgeous in February, so you could plan a visit for your love over Valentine’s as a real treat.
Spend a day in Bologna, Italy’s food capital, before heading to Venice. Venice should be on everyone’s bucket list. It’s one of the most beautiful places in the whole of Italy. Make sure you see the Bridge of Sighs, the Bell tower, and St. Mark’s Basilica.
Combining art and culture, food and wine, this Italian tour is a great way to see the very best of this beautiful country.
#3 Elegant Italy
This 12 day tour starts in Rome and ends in Venice, the two most famous cities in Italy. You will also visit Florence, San Gimignano, Cinque Terre, Portofino, and Pisa, and some less famous but equally beautiful towns and villages too.
Your knowledgeable guide will show you the best sights in Rome including Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches, and the even more impressive colosseum and ancient Roman ruins. I can honestly say that Rome is one of the most impressive cities I have ever visited – you really won’t be disappointed!
Florence is another of Rome’s beautiful cities. What stood out to me were the incredible pieces of artwork and architecture here. Visit Michelangelo’s famous statue ‘David’ and explore the markets and pretty cafes.
Another highlight on your tour of Italy will be Pisa and the 11th-century cathedral the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Make sure you snap a few shots here!
Cinque Terre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most photographed places in Italy. You’ll see why when you visit. You’ll find Cinque Terre tucked away on the mountainous Italian Riviera coastline, where the colourful fishing villages tumble down to meet the sea.
After visiting beautiful Portofino and experiencing a whole lot more along the way, you’ll end the tour in Venice where you can float down the canals on a gondola or explore the charming hidden backstreets of this fascinating culture capital.
If you’re keen to see the best of what Italy has to offer then you can’t go wrong with the Elegant Italy tour.
#4 12 Days In Italy
This tour includes the famous cities of Venice, Rome and Florence, but also gives you the opportunity to head deep into the Italian countryside. A side of Italy that is often unreachable to the city breakers that swarm to Italy every year.
Start your vacation in Venice, one of the most incredible parts of Italy and definitely its most unique city. Take a gondola ride or simply watch the world go by in a cafe as you get a feel for the Italian culture and way of life. In the evening enjoy a live musical performance.
After exploring Venice you’ll head deep into the Romagna countryside and get a glimpse into what Venice and Ravenna looked like to ancient Roman settlers making their way here from the south.
Explore the wetlands by boat and learn all about the ecosystem that thrives here and the lives of the farmers and fishermen who still work here today.
You’ll be staying here for three nights in a wine resort hotel, where you can relax in the onsite spa or explore Ravenna UNESCO site. You’ll have the chance to experience a hands-on cooking class with a local chef where you’ll learn how to cook one of Romagna’s famous pasta dishes.
You’ll need your passport to visit the Republic of San Marino, the fifth-smallest country in the world which is found at the top of Mount Titano.
You’ll end your tour by exploring Florence and Rome, two cities known for their art, architecture and culture. Rome was a massive highlight for us and one of the best cities we’ve ever visited in Europe.
You’ll have a guided tour of all the best sights in both of the cities – just make sure you have your camera charged!
#5 Best Of Italy Tour
If you’re looking to experience some of the glitz and glamour of Italy’s elite scene then this is the tour for you (but not to worry, you won’t miss out on the most famous sights either). This 12 day tour includes some of Italy’s most fashionable destinations, so don’t forget to dress for the occasion.
Start your vacation in Milan, fashion capital of Italy and home to the rich and famous. Head to the Duomo Terraces for a panoramic city view or shop for a chic new outfit on Via Montenapoleone.
After Milan it’s off to Venice for some real culture. Visit the famous Bridge of Sighs and St. Mark’s Basilica, or meander down the canals on a gondola tour.
You’ll also visit Florence where you can take a walking tour of this fascinating city and see the medieval Ponte Vecchio, and the Medici Chapels.
Now you’ve ticked off two of the big three – Florence and Venice – it’s time to head to Rome. You could easily spend weeks exploring this vibrant and fascinating city and it’s definitely high on our list of places to return to.
Make sure you visit the Vatican, the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. The Roman ruins here are like nothing we’ve ever seen before!
Now on to Pompeii for a city with a very different feel. After being buried in the ash of an erupting volcano centuries ago, Pompeii is a morbid insight into the lives of this ancient settlement which is preserved exactly as it was on the day of the eruption.
The Amalfo Coast is also on the itinerary and you’ll have the chance to explore the beautiful city of Sorrento, the glamour of Capri and the Sorrentine and the picturesque towns of Positano, Ravello, Scala, and Amalfi.
✅ Book the best of Italy tour here
#6 Italian Delights
This is one of the best tours to ‘see it all’. We wouldn’t necessary call this tour relaxing, as they really do pack in the activities, but you will certainly get a lot for your money.
On this 12 day tour you’ll have the chance to visit nearly all of Italy’s top destinations, along with some fantastic unique experiences that you simply wouldn’t have if you were travelling alone.
We’ve detailed just a few highlights from this trip, but make sure you read the full itinerary to get a real idea of everything you’ll get to experience.
This tour starts in Rome, Italy’s capital city and one of the most fascinating cities in all of Europe. Start with a walking tour of the city where you’ll see all of Rome’s most famous sights, including ancient Roman ruins and the iconic Trevi Fountain (remember a coin to toss into the fountain for good luck!)
Next, explore Pompeii and the legendary Mount Vesuvius. You’ll also have the option to visit the Amalfi Coast and the town of Amalfi.
Head to Sorrento. This area is famous for limoncello (a sweet lemon liqueur), so make sure you try some while you’re in the area and a bottle as a souvineer too. You can choose to explore on your own or head to the famous Isle of Capri where the rich and famous mingle.
You’ll visit several other beautiful towns and villages on this tour, and get an insight into the different ways of life in the Italian countryside. You’ll also stop off at Europe’s third-smallest state, San Marino. It was founded by Saint Marinus in the early 4th century, and is now one of the most popular day-trip destinations for visitors to the area.
Venice is one of the most unique cities on this tour, and in fact, in all of Europe. You’ll get to explore this fascinating place, take a gondola ride on the canals and dine on freshly cooked pasta in the little street cafes.
One of the best stops on this tour is in “fair Verona” where you can spot Juliet’s balcony, where Romeo wooed Juliet in Shakespeare’s classic play. You’ll also visit Italy’s beautiful lakes which have captured the hearts of many a writer and poet.
If you hadn’t seen enough already, you will still want to fit in Cinque Terre, one of Italies most photographed towns, the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, beautiful Florence and the Tuscan vineyards and olive groves.
This tour is really the ultimate whistle stop tour of Italy and packs in a huge number of sights and destinations. If you’re looking to get a taste of all the best places in Italy then this might well be the tour for you.
✅ Book your Italian 12 day tour here
#7 A Taste Of Italy
This tour will give you exactly what it claims, a true taste of Italy.
Explore the tiny town of Assisi in Umbria, somewhere many tourists never discover. This little town is surrounded by walls built in the Middle Ages and famous for the Basilica of St. Francis.
Next on the 12 day itinerary is Siena, and then on to Florence. Florence is the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance and full to the brim of beauty and charm. Visit the Duomo, Giotto’s bell tower, and the Baptistery along with some incredible museums.
Make sure you stop for ice cream here, it does the best we found in Italy!
On this tour you will also stop at Italy’s most fascinating city, Venice, where you can take a gondola ride to explore the canals, visit the legendary Bridge of Sighs, or drink Italian coffee as you watch the world go by.
After Venice, where better to visit than Tuscany wine region, known for its vineyards that produce some of the best wine in Italy.
On this trip you will also visit Rome (one of the best cities in all of Europe in our opinion!), Naples, ill-fated Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast and Capri to dine with the rich and famous.
This tour will give you a taste of all that Italy has to offer, and as you’ll see, that’s a whole lot!
#8 Absolute Italy by Rail
For something a little different why not try the Italy by rail tour, a guided train trip that takes 12 days. You will travel through Florence, Rome, Naples, Pompeii, Milan and more before ending your tour in beautiful Venice.
This is a really unique way to see Italy and definitely one of the most fun tours on this list. Europe’s railways are world famous, and this train ride gives you chance to see some of the parts of Italy most never get the chance to, all from the comfort of your window seat.
Start the tour in Rome where you’ll have the chance to explore the famous Roman ruins, intricate churches and religious works of art.
Next on to Naples aboard a high speed train, where you’ll have a full day excursion to the fascinating city of Pompeii and spend the evening in charming Naples. Next you’ll visit Florence, with its stunning architecture. Don’t forget to grab a gelato or three as you’re exploring – you’ll need the energy!
Alongside some more incredible stops, you’ll have the chance to explore Milan and the Duomo, the Castello Sforzesco, the Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio, and the Navigli, the famous canals.
This is one of the only 12 day tours that includes a visit to Italy’s serene Lake Como, the destination of many honeymooners. You can use your ticket for the hop on, hop off boat to explore the lake and stop off for walks along the way.
Your tour will end in Venice, where you can take a guided walking tour through the most famous places in the city (Piazza San Marco with the Basilica and the Clock Tower, the Rialto Bridge, Campo Santa Maria Formosa) or a skip-the-line guided tour of the Doge’s Palace, with the Doge’s luxurious apartments and the famous Bridge of Sighs.
Or you might prefer to take a gondola ride or head off on a boat trip to the islands of the Venice lagoon.
There is so much to see and do in Venice that you might even be tempted to extend your trip!
✅ Book your 12 day rail tour here
#9 Italy Deluxe
This 12 day tour starts in Milan and ends in Campania, taking you through Florence, Sorrento, Como and Milan to name just a few of the famous stops.
Explore the beautiful streets of Milans historical center where you’ll see the famous La Scala theatre, the Vittorio Emanuele II Gallery, the Sforza Castle and the Duomo cathedral. From the terraces here you will find panoramic views of the whole city.
On this tour you’ll have the chance to visit a Tuscan windery, where you’ll learn all about the wine making process and of course taste the wine too!
As well these incredible destinations, you’ll also visit Venice, Florence, Rome, Pompeii and Capri, and some other less famous Italina towns along the way.
✅ Book the Italy Deluxe tour here
The Best Multi Country 12 Day Tours
We’ve included some of the best 12 day tours of Italy and other fascinating countries in Europe.
One of the best things about visiting Europe is just how easy it is to move from border to border, and these tours give a taste of a selection of countries so you can get a feel for the variety of cultures in the EU.
Cruise & Rail: Venice & the Swiss Alps
If you’re tired of the usual bus tours then this is a fantastic option and something way more unique. Take a cruise and train ride through Venice and the Swiss Alps. You’ll have an experience that not many get the chance to, and some great photo opportunities too!
Start your 12 day tour in Venice where you’ll board your ship which will be home for the next few nights. You’ll have the chance to explore Venice and all it’s beauty before ending the day with a private once-in-a-lifetime experience at an after-hours lighting ceremony inside St. Mark’s Basilica.
Next set sail across the lagoon for the islands of Mazzorbo and Burano. Visit Torcello’s famous basilica with an art historian, then stroll through the agricultural island of Mazzorbo and the colourful island of Burano.
After exploring more of this incredible region it’s time to board the Golden Eagle Danube Express and head towards Postojna, Slovenia. During your stay here you’ll have an exclusive private concert in the Postojna Cave, one of the largest show caves in Europe.
Next explore the Slovenian Capital Ljubljana, and enjoy a boat cruise on the Ljubljanica River. Bled is another real highlight, picturesquely situated in the Julian Alps, where you can take a traditional pletna boat across beautiful Lake Bled.
Pass through the alpine ski resort of Kitzbühel before arriving into Innsbruck, Austria. This is a town with a view, and the hub for many ski trip arrivals in the winter months.
Your train leaves St. Anton at breakfast time to travel through the Vorarlberg to Buchs, where you will visit Liechtenstein and its capital, Vaduz. During this visit, stop outside Gutenberg Castle, where you can take in views of the castle and surrounding scenery.
This tour ends in Zurich where you’ll find frequent international flights.
Road To Rome 12 Day Tour
They say all roads lead to Rome, and while that might not technically be true, on this tour it is!
Start your trip in the legendary city of London. We recommend you arrive a day or two early and give yourself a chance to explore this incredible city before you depart for Europe on the Eurostar train.
Your first stop is Paris, city of love. See the famous landmarks of Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower, and the facades of the Louvre with a knowledgeable guide. Paris is a beautiful city and there is so much to take here, make sure you have your camera at the ready.
Next head for Stanserhorn where you’ll find some beautiful hiking trails at the summit of Mount Stanserhorn. Take a trip to the top of the mountain on a panoramic, open top cable car (powered by solar energy) and spend some time enjoying the breathtaking views from the summit.
After some more fantastic stops you’ll arrive in Innsbruck. This is such a beautiful town surrounded by mountains and full of Austrian history and culture.
The last country on this 12 day tour is Italy, and you’ll have the chance to see both Venice with it’s gondola filled canals, and Pisa where you can snap a shot with the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
This is a busy tour covering a lot of ground, but you’ll leave feeling like you got a really great snapshot of some of the best countries in Europe. We can’t promise you won’t be desperate to come back for more though!
✅ Book the Road to Rome tour here
Europe Escape
If you’re looking to tick off as many European countries as possible on your 12 day vacation then this might be the tour for you.
Start your tour in Rome, but you won’t have long here before the group departs. Don’t worry, you will end here too when you’ll have plenty of time to explore.
The first stop will be Venice, known as the floating city and surrounded by canals instead of walkways. See the world-famous St Mark’s Square, Grand Canal, and Rialto Bridge. Take a romantic gondola ride to explore the ‘streets’ of Venice.
It’s time to say Arrivederci to Italy and head towards Germany, taking in incredible mountain views in the way. You’l have the chance to stop at Innsbruck on your way to Munich. Munich was rebuilt after WW2 and you will find a fascinating ancient and modern history here.
The next country on your itinerary is the Netherlands, home to clogs, windmills and cheese! Amsterdam is a vibrant and inviting city. But for all it’s beauty it has a dark past. Visit the home of Anne Frank for some sobering history.
Next up is the country of Belgium where you can tick off that craving for waffles and beer. Then it’s on to Paris, the city of love, where you’ll want your camera ready for those awesome snaps of the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and the Arc de Triomphe!
After France it’s on to Switzerland, where the air os fresh and the hiking trails plentiful. Trek to clear blue lakes or enjoy the views of snow capped mountains. Switzerland is simply stunning.
It’s time to do a full circle back to Italy, where you’ll stop at Lake Como, Pisa (for shots of the Leaning Tower of Pisa!) and Tuscany with it’s incredible wines. You’ll also make a pit stop at the city of Florence for a walking tour of all the best sights in the city, before ending in Rome.
Take your time exploring the cities most iconic sights, sampling pizza and pasta to your hearts content and you even have the chance to join a local Roman chef showcasing the lesser-known gems in this food obsessed city.
✅ Book your tour of Europe here
Is 12 Days Enough For Italy?
With 12 days in Italy you will be able to see a lot more than most! Most people stop off in Italy as a weekend getaway, and will only squeeze in the top sights in Rome or Venice.
You’ll have the chance to see parts of Italy that most tourists won’t ever venture to, especially if you book through a tour provider who knows the country and the best way to get around. They really maximise your time and experiences when on holiday here.
Travel Insurance
We always recommend travel insurance, as there are so many things that can go wrong on your trip and it’s an inexpensive way to avoid too much worry.
There are tonnes of insurance companies out there that will provide cover. Just make sure you book with a reputable company with a good track record.
✅ We recommend SafetyWing who provides emergency medical travel insurance at an excellent price (from $40 a month).
They are one of the biggest names in the travel insurance industry and are perfect for frequent travellers or anyone who is planning a slightly longer vacation.
🏆You can get a quote for free here
Conclusion: 12 Day Italy Tour
Traveling to Italy is a journey that you will never forget. With countless historical landmarks, delicious food, and pleasant weather, what’s not to love?
These 12-day tours are the best out there, and will take you to all the major cities and attractions so that you can make the most out of your trip. Get booking and have the most incredible time!
