Rome, Florence and Venice are the stars of the show on the most incredible of Italy trips. This unforgettable trio features visits to food markets, ancient Roman ruins and the artistry of great masters. But that’s not all, as you’ll also get to dine with an Italian family in their beautiful Tuscan villa.
Visit the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, the Villa Barberini Gardens in Castel Gandolfo, the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi and a glassblowing factory in Venice
Rome Orientation
During an orientation with your Travel Director see the medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches scattered throughout the city.
Day 2
Explore Ancient Rome and the Vatican City
This morning we join our Local Specialist for a very special experience as we Dive Into Culture in the smallest nation on earth – Vatican City. Explore the extraordinary collections of the Vatican Museums and stand beneath Michelangelo’s sublime ceiling in the Sistine Chapel, admiring the artistry of great masters and walking in the footsteps of popes who have found peace within the walls of this enclave for centuries. Visit the expansive St Peter’s Basilica before continuing to the Pontifical Villas of Castel Gandolfo, where you’ll enjoy a tour of the lush gardens and lunch in its beautiful surrounds before returning to Rome.
Study the Masterpieces of the Vatican Museums
Be inspired by the magnificence of Michelangelo and da Vinci at the Vatican Museums.
Piazzas and Fountains
Discover the most charming areas in the city with a Local Specialist. Wander through the labyrinth of narrow streets and beautiful squares of Rome’s historic centre, leading to highlights such as the Trevi Fountain, as well as hidden corners of the Eternal City.
Day 3
Rome Your Way
Enjoy a full free day to explore Rome your way, or consider an Optional Experience delving into the tragic history of Pompeii – the Roman city frozen in time by the devastating eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Your Local Specialist will bring the ancient story of this city to life before you return to Rome, passing by the Abbey of Monte Cassino, the site of fierce fighting during the Second World War.
Discover Pompeii
Join our Local Specialist on a tour of the excavations of Pompeii, the perfectly preserved Roman town engulfed by Mount Vesuvius’ eruption in AD 79. You’ll witness the devastating destruction it had on the area and have the opportunity to go back in time to catch a glimpse of everyday Roman life, frozen for almost 2,000 years. We then return to Rome, passing the formidable Abbey of Montecassino, one of the greatest shrines of Christendom and the site of an epic battle in 1944.
Roman Delights with Dinner
Tonight, relax and enjoy typical Italian cuisine, soaking up Rome’s unique atmosphere in a characteristic trattoria with drinks and music.
Day 4
Admire Assisi and on to Florence
Journey north through the rolling hills of Umbria to the birthplace of St. Francis of Assisi. Here your Local Specialist will reveal the story of this most venerated figure on a visit to the Basilica of St. Francis, the final resting place of this famous saint and home to a wonderful series of frescoes by Giotto. Later we continue our journey through the scenic Tuscan countryside to Florence. Tonight, we Connect With Locals over dinner at a Be My Guest experience enjoying delicious specialties against the backdrop of picture-perfect olive groves and vineyards.
Visit the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi
With a Local Specialist, find out why the Basilica of St. Francis is considered to be one of the crowning artisitic achievements of 13th-century Europe.
Dine with Count Fulcis near Florence
Eight generations of history with plenty of stories to tell. Enjoy a local Tuscan Be My Guest dinner with Count Miari Fulcis on his 15th-century organic olive oil estate in the Tuscan hills, used as a location for many famous films like ‘Room with a View’ and ‘Tea with Mussolini’.
Day 5
Discover Renaissance Florence
Enjoy a leisurely encounter with the artistic and architectural marvels of Florence during your walking tour with a Local Specialist. Visit the striking Piazza della Signoria with its impressive sculptures and palazzi. Amble through the charming cobblestone lanes to the multi-colored marble Duomo and Baptistery, before admiring the scenic view of the Ponte Vecchio straddling the Arno River. Learn about the quality and workmanship of two of this city’s historic industries at demonstrations of Florentine leathercraft and 18-carat gold. Spend the rest of the afternoon sauntering through the historic center of Florence, shopping for high-quality leather for which the city is famous, or admiring the artistic contribution of the Medici at every turn.
Florence City Tour
Join a Local Specialist to view the multi-colored marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery, adorned by Ghiberti’s Gates of Paradise. Visit the political heart of the city, Signoria Square.
Florence Leather Demonstration
See the area around Santa Croce Basilica, famous for the quality of its luxury goods, and witness a gold and leatherwork demonstration.
Day 6
Uncover Pisa’s Treasures
After a morning at leisure in Florence, cross the fertile Arno Valley to Pisa and join a Local Specialist to visit the Square of Miracles, home to the incredible Leaning Tower and the iconic marble Cathedral. See the ornate Baptistery and the Camposanto, a monumental cemetery built on sacred soil brought back from the Holy Land during the Crusades.
Visit Pisa with a Local Specialist
Visit Pisa’s Square of Miracles with a Local Specialist. Learn about the history of the iconic Leaning Tower and see the ornate Bapistry and Cathedral.
Day 7
Journey to Bologna and Venice
Travel north, through the Apennines, to the medieval city of Bologna, perhaps best known for the delicious pasta sauce that bears its name. Your sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist includes views of the Kissing Towers which lean towards each other, seemingly poised to embrace. Then it’s off to the romantic island city of Venice with its rich cultural and artistic heritage. Spend time at leisure gliding along its enchanting canals in a gondola or wander through the city’s labyrinthine lanes, over bridges and into quiet campi.
Bologna City Tour
Join a Local Specialist on an exploration of Bologna. See the medieval squares and red-bricked façades of this historic city.
Day 8
Cruise Venice’s Canals
Savor the iconic and unexpected highlights of Venice as you cruise by private launch to St. Mark’s Square to admire the Bridge of Sighs, Palladian churches, Customs House, St. Mark’s Basilica and the ornate Doge’s Palace. This afternoon, your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience will see you enjoy one of the city’s last remaining studios where you’ll gain insights into the delicate Venetian art of glassblowing. Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure admiring this city on water or consider an Optional Experience to the island of Burano where colorful fishermen’s homes line the canals.
Learn about the History and Ancient Skills on Venetian Glassblowing
Learn about the history and ancient skill of Venetian glassblowing, playing your role in ensuring the survival of this traditional craft through your visit.
Day 9
Experience Venice’s Food Market
Sites made famous in poetry, song and prose are explored today when we join a Local Specialist for a walking tour from our hotel along the canals to the famous Rialto Bridge, where all the flavors of Italy come to life at a centuries-old food market. Amble through the narrow calli of Venice and admire the beautiful architecture, walking over the Rialto Bridge before spending the rest of the day visiting the sights of your choice. Our love affair with Italy’s great Italian cities comes to an end this evening as we enjoy a Farewell Dinner.
Discover a traditional food market by the famous Rialto Bridge
Savor the vibrant atmosphere of Venice during a visit to a traditional food market in the shadow of the famous Rialto Bridge.
Day 10
Farewell Venice
For now, it’s time to say a fond arrivederci to Italy and newfound friends who have shared in the memorable sights, sounds and flavors.
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