Reflections of Italy
Classic
Embark on a captivating journey that takes you from the piazzas of Rome to the canals of Venice. Discover the rolling hills of the scenic Tuscan and Umbrian countryside. Explore medieval hill towns and visit Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis. Spend time at a historic winery in the heart of the Chianti region and enjoy a chef-led cooking class with lunch. Discover the masterpieces of the Renaissance in Florence. See glass transformed into exquisite art on Murano Island. Linger in iconic Venice for 2 nights. Journey to the shores of glamorous Lake Como. Encounter a land rich in history, culture, art and romance.
- Wine
Rome
Rome is the capital of modern Italy and the historical home of one of the great civilizations in history, the Roman Empire. The historical city was founded in 753 BC and has grown to a size of over 3 million inhabitants today. The city is home to major monuments like the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain and many more. The city was built on the seven ancient hills along the Tiber River. Today it is a collection of neighborhoods with vibrant shops, restaurants and museums just waiting to be explored.
Vatican Museums
The Vatican City is the smallest independent state in the world. Inside the Vatican walls are the Papal Palace, St Peters Basilica, the curia of the Vatican state, extensive gardens and the Vatican Museums. The museums were founded in the early 16th century and house some of the most important masterpieces of the Renaissance. The collections are houses in a series of interconnected palaces that lead visitors through collections of ancient sculptures, frescoed maps, tapestries and ends in the highlight of any visit, the Sistine Chapel. The Sistine Chapel contains Michelangelo’s masterpieces, the painted ceiling and the The Last Judgement.
Sistine Chapel
St. Peter’s Basilica
St. Peter's Basilica is an example of late Renaissance architecture and was designed by great architects like Raphael, Michelangelo and Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Completed over the course of 120 years, St. Peter's is one of the largest churches in the world, and an important holy site for Catholics. The church is built over the burial site of Saint Peter and contains the tombs of numerous popes. The church is known for its mosaic decorations and grand dome.
Assisi
Join us on a guided walking tour of the town of Assisi, birthplace of St. Francis. Here you'll discover a blend of Roman ruins, winding medieval streets and beautiful churches that make this a must-see destination. Once a pilgrimage site and historical treasure, Assisi offers you the chance to return to another time. With a history that stretches back to 1000 B.C. (predating the Roman Empire), the town rests among the gently rolling hills of Umbria. Marvel at the Basilica of San Francesco, find an out-of-the-way shop, look out at the stunning landscape, or sit and relax at a quiet café.
Perugia
Perugia is the regional capital of Umbria. The architecture of the city reflects its medieval history, but it also is home to one of the few remaining Etruscan arches dating back to its prominence as one of twelve original cities in the Etruria confederacy. Today its notoriety comes from the two universities and Italy’s most famous chocolate company, Perugina. Perched on a hill, the city offers panoramic views over the Umbrian countryside and a vibrant city center with many shops, cafes and pedestrian areas to explore.
Cortona
Cortona is an Etruscan city perched on the side of Tuscany’s low-lying hills. Take in the ornate facades and medieval architecture. Peek at the adjacent lake, situated off if in the distance. You might recognize the city as the charming setting for the book and film Under the Tuscan Sun.
Florence
Florence is the regional capital of Tuscany and home to countless Renaissance masterpieces. The city developed great wealth during the late Middle Ages and was the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance that produced great artists like Michelangelo, Raphael, Brunelleschi and many others. Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with numerous museums, stunning architecture and charming piazzas. The city offers something for everyone from culture, to great food and excellent shopping (like their famous gold or leather).
Michelangelo’s David
The Statue of David by Michelangelo is one the most famous Renaissance sculptures in the world. The statue is housed in Florence’s Accademia Gallery along with other works by Michelangelo. The statue depicts the biblical hero David as a young man. It was commissioned at the turn of the 16th Century as part of a project for the Florence Cathedral, but it was instead placed in the public square. In the late 1800’s it was moved to its current home.
Chianti Winery & Cooking Class
Tuscany is world-renowned for its rolling hills, country roads and of course, numerous vineyards. Tuscany's most famous export is unquestionably Chianti wine, and true Chianti can only be produced in a section of the country that stretches from Florence to Siena. On your visit to a historic winery in the heart of the Chianti region, you'll enjoy a chef-led cooking class. During the tour, guests will learn about the wine making process from vine to bottle. After you've been educated on the intricacies of thsi fine grape, you can sit back and savor regional delicacies during a delicious lunch.
Venice
Venice is the regional capital of the Veneto region in the northeast section of Italy. Venice has a unique design like no other city, built on over a hundred different islands in the center of the Venetian Lagoon. Early Venetians built their city on the islands to escape barbarian invaders. The islands of the city are separated by numerous small canals and connected by hundreds of small bridges. The city is famous for its romantic gondola-filled canals and ornate palaces that line the Grand Canal. The famous glass factories of Venice are located on Murano Island. Today the Murano Islands are home to a dwindling number of glass factories, whose artists are producing handmade Murano Glass.
Murano Island
Murano is located in northern Italy and houses important attractions such as, the Church of Santa Maria e San Donato, the chapel of the Ballarin family, and artworks by Giovanni Bellini. The island is primarily known for their history in glass production. It became Italy’s glass art capital in 1291. The community of glassblowers was relocated by the government to Murano. Glass making originally began in Venice; however, because the houses were made out of wood, the government deemed it too risky because of the kilns constantly going.
Lake Como
Originally a lake of glacial origin in Lombardy, Italy, it has been a popular place to retreat for aristocrats and wealthy people since Roman times, and since has become a popular tourist attraction for its artistic and cultural gems. It has become a venue for many watersports such as sailing, windsurfing, and kite surfing.
Grand Hotel Palatino
Via Cavour 213, Rome, Italy
Sangallo Palace Hotel
Via Masi, 9, Perugia, Italy
Hotel Albani
Via Fiume, 12, Florence, Italy
Hotel Carlton on the Grand Canal
Santa Croce, 578, Venice, Italy
Hotel Barchetta Excelsior
Piazza Cavour 1, 22100 Como, Como, Italy
We consider everyone who travels with us to be our personal guest.
Every moment matters to us because we know it matters to you. This may be because at heart we are a family owned company that has been in business for over 100 years. It may be because our team are passionate about sharing their own love of travel and uncovering mysteries.
Choosing Collette comes with benefits that take your guided travel experience to another level. Our inclusive tours provide you more value for your money and more of what makes travel special.
The Benefits of Collette Guided Travel
- Value of Guided Travel
- Easy & Convenient Booking
- Expert Tour Managers
- Private Airport Transfers
- Carefully Selected Accommodations
- All the Iconic Must-Sees
- Immersive Cultural Experiences
- Authentic Culinary Experiences
Every moment of travel is important to us.
Whether it’s helping you select your perfect dream destination, giving you a ride to and from the airport in a sleek black sedan, offering the security of our unrivalled Travel Protection plan or 24-7 support, we are with you every step of the way to make sure everything is perfect.
We don’t think of guided travel as a business. We think of it as a great honor and privilege to be able to share what’s so wonderful about the world with our guests. Since it’s so personal for us, we treat each and every traveler as a valued friend. We want you to sit back and let us handle all the details so you can have the time of your life.
Guaranteed to Go
We have guaranteed thousands of tour departure dates across over 170 of our tours. This means that you can book your tour with peace of mind knowing that it will depart as planned and your departure date will not change.
Travel Protection
We understand that life happens and sometimes plans change, so we don’t want you to book with us only to be socked with fees if you have to cancel your trip. That just adds insult to injury! That’s why we offer an industry leading travel protection plan that offers you a full refund, less the cost of the plan. Cancel for any reason right up to the day before your departure.
Sedan Service
Getting to and from the airport can be the most stressful and difficult part of any trip. Start and end your adventure in hassle-free luxury with our private sedan that comes straight to your door, loads your bags and whisks you off to the airport and back home again when you return. Now that’s how to start and end a trip the right way.
Social Responsibility: It's a way of life
It’s at the heart of everything we do and every decision we make. We believe that travel should be a force for good and by uniting with our employees, partners and travelers, we can make a positive impact in our local and global communities.
Our Mission
Social Responsibility at Collette means working together to take care of the places we live, work and travel. We focus on four key areas – Community, People, Travel and Planet – taking a holistic approach by striving to do good in every area of our business.
COMMUNITY
Our nonprofit, the Collette Foundation, supports worldwide communities in need through hunger and education initiatives. Each year, employees volunteer more than 4,500 hours of their time to efforts in their own communities and across the world.
TRAVEL
We strive to create an experience our guests not only enjoy, but also feel good about. We work to sustain and preserve communities, cultures, and traditions through tourism, and positively impact the places we come to know as travelers.
PEOPLE
We couldn’t deliver the amazing travel experiences that we do without our incredible team. We offer our employees a variety of tools to be happy, healthy, and successful including learning and growth opportunities.
PLANET
Our world is filled with awe-inspiring natural wonders. That’s why we are actively making responsible decisions to reduce our carbon footprint and care for our planet, the place we all call home.
Focus on family. We’ll handle the rest.
There are countless benefits to family travel. Experiencing new things together. Taking time to enjoy each other’s company without life’s typical distractions. Connecting with loved ones who don’t live near us.
No matter why you decide to travel together, or where you choose to go, spending quality time with family should be the only thing that matters. That’s why families book Collette tours – to let experts take care of all the details.
Why Book Your Multigenerational Family Trip with Collette?
Making Memories Together
Unique experiences are made richer with family by your side. And the journey lives on through memories retold. Do you remember that game drive with Grandma? We came so close to the elephants!
Don't Sweat the Small Stuff
Planning a trip is hard work. Organizing the Blarney Stone visit? Finding a ride to the river cruise in Costa Rica? That stuff takes away from your time to focus on each other. Let us handle the logistics.
Learning From Each Other
Traveling with family is the best game of trivia. From architectural features to history, the facts your family memers have tucked away may surprise you. (And your Tour Manager can fill in any gaps!)
Exploring Your Ancestry
Cultural heritage forms our family traditions and beliefs. Tracing your family's roots is powerful. There's no better way to discover these countries than with your family. Go together, with an expert by your side.
Less is More on a Low-Season Tour
Explore popular destinations with more flexibility and fewer crowds. Whether you're searching for tranquility or a deeper connection with the locals, off season travel is one of the best ways to experience a destination.
6 Reasons to Love the Low Season
More Affordable
Off-season travel offers significant cost savings on flights, accommodations, and day-to-day activities.
Better Service
Smaller crowds mean more personalized service and shorter wait times at restaurants, museums, and attractions.
More Peace
Peak season can be crowded and overwhelming, while the low season offers opportunities for quieter, more serene travel experiences.
Authentic Experiences
Experience destinations like the locals do - with less hustle and more room to appreciate the beauty around you.
More Sustainable
Low season travel reduces the strain on a destination’s resources, meaning less waste and lower pollution levels.
Support Local Economies
Low season tourism brings vital income to local economies during quieter periods, helping to sustain businesses and livelihoods year-round.
Rome
Rome is the capital of modern Italy and the historical home of one of the great civilizations in history, the Roman Empire. The historical city was founded in 753 BC and has grown to a size of over 3 million inhabitants today. The city is home to major monuments like the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain and many more. The city was built on the seven ancient hills along the Tiber River. Today it is a collection of neighborhoods with vibrant shops, restaurants and museums just waiting to be explored.
Vatican Museums
The Vatican City is the smallest independent state in the world. Inside the Vatican walls are the Papal Palace, St Peters Basilica, the curia of the Vatican state, extensive gardens and the Vatican Museums. The museums were founded in the early 16th century and house some of the most important masterpieces of the Renaissance. The collections are houses in a series of interconnected palaces that lead visitors through collections of ancient sculptures, frescoed maps, tapestries and ends in the highlight of any visit, the Sistine Chapel. The Sistine Chapel contains Michelangelo’s masterpieces, the painted ceiling and the The Last Judgement.
Sistine Chapel
St. Peter’s Basilica
St. Peter's Basilica is an example of late Renaissance architecture and was designed by great architects like Raphael, Michelangelo and Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Completed over the course of 120 years, St. Peter's is one of the largest churches in the world, and an important holy site for Catholics. The church is built over the burial site of Saint Peter and contains the tombs of numerous popes. The church is known for its mosaic decorations and grand dome.
Assisi
Join us on a guided walking tour of the town of Assisi, birthplace of St. Francis. Here you'll discover a blend of Roman ruins, winding medieval streets and beautiful churches that make this a must-see destination. Once a pilgrimage site and historical treasure, Assisi offers you the chance to return to another time. With a history that stretches back to 1000 B.C. (predating the Roman Empire), the town rests among the gently rolling hills of Umbria. Marvel at the Basilica of San Francesco, find an out-of-the-way shop, look out at the stunning landscape, or sit and relax at a quiet café.
Perugia
Perugia is the regional capital of Umbria. The architecture of the city reflects its medieval history, but it also is home to one of the few remaining Etruscan arches dating back to its prominence as one of twelve original cities in the Etruria confederacy. Today its notoriety comes from the two universities and Italy’s most famous chocolate company, Perugina. Perched on a hill, the city offers panoramic views over the Umbrian countryside and a vibrant city center with many shops, cafes and pedestrian areas to explore.
Cortona
Cortona is an Etruscan city perched on the side of Tuscany’s low-lying hills. Take in the ornate facades and medieval architecture. Peek at the adjacent lake, situated off if in the distance. You might recognize the city as the charming setting for the book and film Under the Tuscan Sun.
Florence
Florence is the regional capital of Tuscany and home to countless Renaissance masterpieces. The city developed great wealth during the late Middle Ages and was the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance that produced great artists like Michelangelo, Raphael, Brunelleschi and many others. Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with numerous museums, stunning architecture and charming piazzas. The city offers something for everyone from culture, to great food and excellent shopping (like their famous gold or leather).
Michelangelo’s David
The Statue of David by Michelangelo is one the most famous Renaissance sculptures in the world. The statue is housed in Florence’s Accademia Gallery along with other works by Michelangelo. The statue depicts the biblical hero David as a young man. It was commissioned at the turn of the 16th Century as part of a project for the Florence Cathedral, but it was instead placed in the public square. In the late 1800’s it was moved to its current home.
Chianti Winery & Cooking Class
Tuscany is world-renowned for its rolling hills, country roads and of course, numerous vineyards. Tuscany's most famous export is unquestionably Chianti wine, and true Chianti can only be produced in a section of the country that stretches from Florence to Siena. On your visit to a historic winery in the heart of the Chianti region, you'll enjoy a chef-led cooking class. During the tour, guests will learn about the wine making process from vine to bottle. After you've been educated on the intricacies of thsi fine grape, you can sit back and savor regional delicacies during a delicious lunch.
Venice
Venice is the regional capital of the Veneto region in the northeast section of Italy. Venice has a unique design like no other city, built on over a hundred different islands in the center of the Venetian Lagoon. Early Venetians built their city on the islands to escape barbarian invaders. The islands of the city are separated by numerous small canals and connected by hundreds of small bridges. The city is famous for its romantic gondola-filled canals and ornate palaces that line the Grand Canal. The famous glass factories of Venice are located on Murano Island. Today the Murano Islands are home to a dwindling number of glass factories, whose artists are producing handmade Murano Glass.
Murano Island
Murano is located in northern Italy and houses important attractions such as, the Church of Santa Maria e San Donato, the chapel of the Ballarin family, and artworks by Giovanni Bellini. The island is primarily known for their history in glass production. It became Italy’s glass art capital in 1291. The community of glassblowers was relocated by the government to Murano. Glass making originally began in Venice; however, because the houses were made out of wood, the government deemed it too risky because of the kilns constantly going.
Lake Como
Originally a lake of glacial origin in Lombardy, Italy, it has been a popular place to retreat for aristocrats and wealthy people since Roman times, and since has become a popular tourist attraction for its artistic and cultural gems. It has become a venue for many watersports such as sailing, windsurfing, and kite surfing.
Grand Hotel Palatino
Via Cavour 213, Rome, Italy
Sangallo Palace Hotel
Via Masi, 9, Perugia, Italy
Hotel Albani
Via Fiume, 12, Florence, Italy
Hotel Carlton on the Grand Canal
Santa Croce, 578, Venice, Italy
Hotel Barchetta Excelsior
Piazza Cavour 1, 22100 Como, Como, Italy
We consider everyone who travels with us to be our personal guest.
Every moment matters to us because we know it matters to you. This may be because at heart we are a family owned company that has been in business for over 100 years. It may be because our team are passionate about sharing their own love of travel and uncovering mysteries.
Choosing Collette comes with benefits that take your guided travel experience to another level. Our inclusive tours provide you more value for your money and more of what makes travel special.
The Benefits of Collette Guided Travel
- Value of Guided Travel
- Easy & Convenient Booking
- Expert Tour Managers
- Private Airport Transfers
- Carefully Selected Accommodations
- All the Iconic Must-Sees
- Immersive Cultural Experiences
- Authentic Culinary Experiences
Every moment of travel is important to us.
Whether it’s helping you select your perfect dream destination, giving you a ride to and from the airport in a sleek black sedan, offering the security of our unrivalled Travel Protection plan or 24-7 support, we are with you every step of the way to make sure everything is perfect.
We don’t think of guided travel as a business. We think of it as a great honor and privilege to be able to share what’s so wonderful about the world with our guests. Since it’s so personal for us, we treat each and every traveler as a valued friend. We want you to sit back and let us handle all the details so you can have the time of your life.
Guaranteed to Go
We have guaranteed thousands of tour departure dates across over 170 of our tours. This means that you can book your tour with peace of mind knowing that it will depart as planned and your departure date will not change.
Travel Protection
We understand that life happens and sometimes plans change, so we don’t want you to book with us only to be socked with fees if you have to cancel your trip. That just adds insult to injury! That’s why we offer an industry leading travel protection plan that offers you a full refund, less the cost of the plan. Cancel for any reason right up to the day before your departure.
Sedan Service
Getting to and from the airport can be the most stressful and difficult part of any trip. Start and end your adventure in hassle-free luxury with our private sedan that comes straight to your door, loads your bags and whisks you off to the airport and back home again when you return. Now that’s how to start and end a trip the right way.
Social Responsibility: It's a way of life
It’s at the heart of everything we do and every decision we make. We believe that travel should be a force for good and by uniting with our employees, partners and travelers, we can make a positive impact in our local and global communities.
Our Mission
Social Responsibility at Collette means working together to take care of the places we live, work and travel. We focus on four key areas – Community, People, Travel and Planet – taking a holistic approach by striving to do good in every area of our business.
COMMUNITY
Our nonprofit, the Collette Foundation, supports worldwide communities in need through hunger and education initiatives. Each year, employees volunteer more than 4,500 hours of their time to efforts in their own communities and across the world.
TRAVEL
We strive to create an experience our guests not only enjoy, but also feel good about. We work to sustain and preserve communities, cultures, and traditions through tourism, and positively impact the places we come to know as travelers.
PEOPLE
We couldn’t deliver the amazing travel experiences that we do without our incredible team. We offer our employees a variety of tools to be happy, healthy, and successful including learning and growth opportunities.
PLANET
Our world is filled with awe-inspiring natural wonders. That’s why we are actively making responsible decisions to reduce our carbon footprint and care for our planet, the place we all call home.
Focus on family. We’ll handle the rest.
There are countless benefits to family travel. Experiencing new things together. Taking time to enjoy each other’s company without life’s typical distractions. Connecting with loved ones who don’t live near us.
No matter why you decide to travel together, or where you choose to go, spending quality time with family should be the only thing that matters. That’s why families book Collette tours – to let experts take care of all the details.
Why Book Your Multigenerational Family Trip with Collette?
Making Memories Together
Unique experiences are made richer with family by your side. And the journey lives on through memories retold. Do you remember that game drive with Grandma? We came so close to the elephants!
Don't Sweat the Small Stuff
Planning a trip is hard work. Organizing the Blarney Stone visit? Finding a ride to the river cruise in Costa Rica? That stuff takes away from your time to focus on each other. Let us handle the logistics.
Learning From Each Other
Traveling with family is the best game of trivia. From architectural features to history, the facts your family memers have tucked away may surprise you. (And your Tour Manager can fill in any gaps!)
Exploring Your Ancestry
Cultural heritage forms our family traditions and beliefs. Tracing your family's roots is powerful. There's no better way to discover these countries than with your family. Go together, with an expert by your side.
Less is More on a Low-Season Tour
Explore popular destinations with more flexibility and fewer crowds. Whether you're searching for tranquility or a deeper connection with the locals, off season travel is one of the best ways to experience a destination.
6 Reasons to Love the Low Season
More Affordable
Off-season travel offers significant cost savings on flights, accommodations, and day-to-day activities.
Better Service
Smaller crowds mean more personalized service and shorter wait times at restaurants, museums, and attractions.
More Peace
Peak season can be crowded and overwhelming, while the low season offers opportunities for quieter, more serene travel experiences.
Authentic Experiences
Experience destinations like the locals do - with less hustle and more room to appreciate the beauty around you.
More Sustainable
Low season travel reduces the strain on a destination’s resources, meaning less waste and lower pollution levels.
Support Local Economies
Low season tourism brings vital income to local economies during quieter periods, helping to sustain businesses and livelihoods year-round.
About Collette
With Collette, the World is Within Your Reach
True adventures go beyond incredible destinations or inclusive packages. Collette delivers a sense of possibility across all seven continents.
Since 1918, we have been sharing our love of travel. Today our worldwide travel collection features comprehensive land tours, river cruises, rail journeys, small group tours, family trips, garden holidays and more. With Collette, wake each morning on tour with a new experience in front of you, and when your head hits the pillow, you will know it has been an amazing day. Best of all - we seamlessly handle the details. All you have to do is enjoy the adventure.
About Collette
With Collette, the World is Within Your Reach
True adventures go beyond incredible destinations or inclusive packages. Collette delivers a sense of possibility across all seven continents.
Since 1918, we have been sharing our love of travel. Today our worldwide travel collection features comprehensive land tours, river cruises, rail journeys, small group tours, family trips, garden holidays and more. With Collette, wake each morning on tour with a new experience in front of you, and when your head hits the pillow, you will know it has been an amazing day. Best of all - we seamlessly handle the details. All you have to do is enjoy the adventure.
