Grand Tour of Italy

This Spring Break, trade your everyday routine for the Grand Tour of Italy, embarking on an extended journey through the country's most spectacular and historic destinations.

The Grand Tour is a European cultural tradition dating back to the 1700s. Army Outdoor Recreation takes the stress out of planning yours by organizing all the transportation, hotel logistics, and sightseeing for this epic excursion. After a comfortable overnight drive, you will experience the island city of Venice, where you can explore St. Mark's Square or ride a gondola on the Grand Canal. From there, the journey winds south through the independent microstate of San Marino and into the rolling hills of Umbria, where you will spend two nights in the medieval hilltop city of Perugia and enjoy a fully guided day trip to the stunning ancient towns of Assisi and Spello.

Your Grand Tour continues into the heart of the ancient world with a multi-night stay in Rome, offering both an expert-led walking tour and a completely free day to explore the Colosseum, Vatican, or local cafes at your own pace. Next, you will sweep through the legendary landscapes of Tuscany, soaking in the world-renowned art of Florence and the medieval charm of Siena. You will also capture the perfect photo at the Leaning Tower of Pisa before finishing your Grand Tour in the bustling fashion capital of Milan.

Spring Break is one of the most highly anticipated travel seasons of the year. Hotel spaces are strictly limited around Easter, and only 3 triple rooms are initially available for this trip. Save your money for the sights! An Early Bird Discount saves you $200 per adult, but only until the 30th seat is booked. Contact Army Outdoor Recreation to reserve your space today!

Price, Seats 1-30:

• Double Occupancy: $1999 per person
• Single Occupancy: $2799

Price, Seats 31-48:

• Double Occupancy: $2199 p.p.
• Single Occupancy: $2999

Premium Assigned Seating (Rows 2–5): +$50 per seat
Guaranteed seat in the premium block. Requests for specific seats in this block are not guaranteed.

Deadline: Thursday, January 7
Reservations made on or after Friday, January 8 are subject to availability and may incur rebooking fees or surge pricing.
Empty bus seats remaining available do not guarantee hotel room availability after unused hotel rooms are released back to the venues for resale on the hotel deadline date.

• 1 child aged 2-11 in triple room with 2 paid adults: $1649
• Limited to a maximum of 3 triple rooms per hotel. Additional triple or quad family rooms are strictly on request and subject to vendor availability.
• Infants under 2 on existing bedding: $349

Trip Includes:

• Round trip tour bus transportation
• Depart from your choice of Pulaski or Smith Barracks
• Free on-post parking
• 9 hotel overnights
  • 2 overnights with breakfast buffet at hotel Hampton by Hilton Isola Nuova Venice*** or equivalent
  • 2 overnights with breakfast buffet at hotel Perugia Park**** or equivalent
  • 2 overnights with breakfast buffet at hotel Cardinal St. Peter Rome**** or equivalent
  • 2 overnights with breakfast buffet at hotel Nilhotel Florence**** or equivalent
  •  1 overnight with breakfast buffet at hotel Amedia Hotel Milano**** or equivalent
• Guided city walk in Venice
• Full day guided tour from Perugia to Assisi and Spello
• Guided city tour of Rome
• Guided city walk in Siena with tasting of Ricciarelli and Panforte and 1 glass of wine
• Guided city walk in Florence
• Guided city walk in Milan
• Pay in US Dollars
• Support your local Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) programs

What to Bring:

• Comfortable, weather appropriate shoes and clothing
• Credit/Debit card or Euro
• Powerbanks (Army Outdoor Recreation cannot guarantee charging or internet capability on 3rd party busses)
• Military ID and Passport

Any required paper or electronic travel documentation is the personal responsibility of each traveler

Departure:

• 10 p.m. from Wagon Wheel Theater, Smith Barracks
• 11 p.m. from Kaiserslautern Outdoor Recreation, Pulaski Barracks, Bldg. 2905

Return: Late evening of Sunday, April 4 

Your Grand Tour of Italy | Estimated Itinerary

Thursday: The Journey South

Your Grand Tour of Italy begins the moment you board your modern motorcoach at your choice of Pulaski or Smith Barracks. Settle into your seat and prepare to cross the Alps. Unlike Hannibal, you won’t have to battle mountain tribes or ride war elephants to Italy: sleep comfortably on the overnight drive as you make your way toward the Italian border. Don't forget the essentials! Pillows, blankets, powerbanks, snacks, and drinks will all help make your journey more enjoyable.

Friday: Padua & Arrival in Venice

Benvenuti in Bella Italia! Kick off your Italian adventure with a highly recommended stop in the historic city of Padua. Here, you can stretch your legs, grab your first authentic Italian espresso (remember, in Italy you never drink cappuccinos if it’s after 11 AM!), and admire the beautiful piazzas and stunning architecture before you complete the final leg of your drive to Venice.

In the afternoon, you will check into your hotel, conveniently located on the island of Isola Nuova with direct water-taxi connections via the Grand Canal to the "original pedestrian zone." Take the evening to relax, familiarize yourself with your surroundings, and enjoy a quiet waterfront dinner in anticipation of a busy week ahead.

Saturday: The Wonders of Venice

Your first morning in Venice begins with a guided walking tour through the heart of this marvelous island city. You will explore the monumental St. Mark’s Square, view the exterior of the historic Doge’s Palace, and cross the bustling, world-famous Rialto Bridge while learning about Venice's rich maritime history from an expert local guide.

The entire afternoon is yours to experience Venice at your own pace. Choose to glide through the canals on a classic gondola ride, shop for authentic Venetian glass, or simply relax at a canal-side café with a cannoli or glass of local Prosecco.

Sunday: The Microstate of San Marino & Perugia

Wave arrivederci to Venice’s romantic bridges and canals as you head south to a fascinating stop in San Marino. This spectacular mountaintop microstate is the world's oldest republic and its fifth-smallest country. Enjoy the sweeping panoramic views from its historic towers and take advantage of the tax-free shopping before getting back on the road.

This evening, you will arrive in Perugia, the stunning medieval hilltop capital of Umbria, known as the "Turreted City." Enjoy your free evening exploring the lively historic center, perhaps sampling the region's famous chocolate or savoring a hearty local dinner of truffle pasta and slow-roasted porchetta.

Monday: Umbrian Treasures – Assisi & Spello

Today, the bus will visit the deeply spiritual and visually stunning town of Assisi, famous as the birthplace of St. Francis and home to his breathtaking Basilica. Afterward, it will head to the nearby floral village of Spello, known for its beautifully preserved Roman walls and charming, flower-lined streets before returning for the night.

However, if you prefer a slower pace, or simply a break from travel, skip this excursion and design your own day. Perugia is home to many hidden gems and Etruscan ruins waiting to be discovered. Because the bus will return to Perugia tonight, you will have no worry about being left behind if you enjoy a day of independent exploration.

Tuesday: Arrival in the Eternal City

All roads lead to Rome! You will arrive in the Italian capital midday, where you will check in at the four-star Cardinal Hotel St. Peter. Nestled next to Rome's largest park, your hotel boasts stunning rooftop views of Saint Peter's Basilica and features a direct bus line right outside the door, granting you incredibly easy independent access to the city center.

But first, you will dive right into the history of the city with a guided walking tour. You will see some of Rome's most famous monuments: the Spanish Steps, the Vittoriano, and the majestic Piazza Navona, while getting perfectly oriented for tomorrow, another full free day at your own leisure.

Wednesday: Your Roman Holiday

Channel your inner Caesar today while you cross items off your personal “capital of the ancient world bucket-list”! Book an immersive tour of the ancient Colosseum and Roman Forum, stand in awe under the massive dome of the Pantheon, or cross the Tiber River to visit the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel.

If you prefer a slower pace, claim a table at a sunny outdoor trattoria and watch the world drift by over a plate of authentic carbonara, or shop your way through Rome's endless labyrinth of historic streets and charming stone alleys. Don’t forget to toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain to guarantee your return to the Eternal City!

Thursday: Tuscan Charm | Siena, San Gimignano and Sweet Delicacies

Veni, vidi, vici! Having conquered Rome, you travel north into the rolling, cypress-lined hills of Tuscany. Your first destination is the stunning medieval city of Siena. A local guide will lead you through the city's striking red-brick streets to the magnificent Piazza del Campo and the Gothic Siena Cathedral. During the tour, you will enjoy a special tasting of Panforte and Ricciarelli: Siena's famous medieval spiced cake and soft almond cookies.

In the afternoon, you will make a stop in the legendary walled town of San Gimignano, renowned for its towering medieval skyline, before arriving in the Renaissance capital of Florence to check into your hotel.

Friday: Florence | The Art and Soul of the Renaissance

Your day in Florence begins with a guided tour through the historic streets, walking in the footsteps of Michelangelo, Donatello and Botticelli. You will take in the breathtaking sights of the Florence Cathedral (Il Duomo) with its massive terracotta dome, the Ponte Vecchio, and the bustling Piazza della Signoria.

With the guided portion complete, the afternoon becomes your blank canvas to paint your perfect Florence experience. Art lovers can secure tickets to the Uffizi Gallery or see the legendary statue of David at the Accademia, while shoppers can explore the famous leather markets or enjoy a relaxing glass of Chianti by the Arno River before a Florentine Steak dinner.

Saturday: Italy’s Iconic Tower & The Capital of Fashion

Pack your bags as you depart Florence and make a morning stop in the city of Pisa. You will have plenty of time to explore the Field of Miracles and take the mandatory, iconic photos of you and your companions "holding up" the Leaning Tower before you continue your journey northward.

Your final Italian destination is Milan, a global capital of fashion and design. You will arrive in time for hotel check-in and a free evening to enjoy an elegant Milanese dinner or take a stroll past the incredible, illuminated cathedral in the main piazza.

Sunday, April 4: Morning in Milan & Journey Home

Conclude your Grand Tour in Italy's dynamic northern metropolis. Your morning features a guided tour of Milan's historic center, highlighting the staggering Gothic spires of the Duomo di Milano and the opulent, glass-domed Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. As you explore, you will walk in the footsteps of Leonardo da Vinci, who spent his most productive years creating many of his greatest masterpieces, including his legendary “The Last Supper,” right here in Milan.

After lunch, you will board the bus for your return journey. Relax and enjoy the ride while scenic views of the Swiss Alps pass by immediately outside your window. After a dinner stop along the road, you will arrive back in Germany late tonight.