Start off in Rome to experience the Italian capital and marvel at the ancient architecture and extensive history. Then head off to Italy’s art capital of Florence to see work by Italian masters, and finish up in Venice for a romantic gondola ride and even more breathtaking surroundings. As well as these cosmopolitan wonders, you’ll also get a chance to see some of the rural Tuscan countryside, of course tasting local delicacies and exquisite wines along the way.
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You can request to book this tour privately, travelling only with people you know.
DAY 1: WELCOME TO ROME
Welcome to Italy! Meet your private driver upon arrival in Rome and transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, meet your Tour Host at the hotel. You will learn more about your tour and familiarize yourself with your travel companions.
Later, enjoy a walking tour of Rome and gaze upon the Baroque and Ancient highlights of the city including Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, the Spanish Steps, and the Italian Parliament. Walkthrough the lively maze of picturesque flowered cobblestone streets and shop-lined alleys which lead to gorgeous squares, the famed Roman piazzas, and famous landmarks. Afterward, walk to the restaurant and enjoy a tasty welcome dinner. Overnight in Rome. Meals: D
Accommodation at the Hotel Villa Glori, Rome, or similar
DAY 2: THE VATICAN & ROME COOKING EXPERIENCE
After breakfast, transfer from your hotel to the Vatican Museums where you will meet your guide. With your guide, discover one of Rome’s greatest symbols. Experience the history of the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica.
Spend the early evening learning the secrets of pasta-making in a cooking class with a local chef. After some sips of tasty Prosecco and a bite or two of Roman treats, get a crash course on making authentic pasta that you can recreate at home. Dust the flour with your fingertips and cleanse your palette with the perfect wine while you sit down with your fellow classmates to enjoy your meal. In the end, return transfer to your hotel. Meals: B, D
Accommodation at the Hotel Villa Glori, Rome, or similar
DAY 3: ROME AT LEISURE (OPTIONAL ANCIENT ROME TOUR)
This tour has been designed to offer the best of each city visited combined with some free time to customize your travel experience as well as take your time to relax. There are many available experiences. Among these, we like to suggest exploring Imperial Rome with Colosseum and Forum, to visit one of the most beautiful collections in Europe at Palazzo Borghese or the near Tivoli with the astonishing Villa Hadriana, built by Emperor Hadrian and Villa d’Este, a masterpiece of Italian gardening. Meals: B
Accommodation at the Hotel Villa Glori, Rome, or similar
DAY 4: ROME TO FLORENCE WITH SIENA & SAN GIMIGNANO
After breakfast, meet your driver for a private transfer to the train station to board a high-speed train to Florence. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.
In the early afternoon, enjoy a visit to two of Tuscany's most beautiful towns and sample local flavors with a typical Tuscan dinner and wine tasting. Leaving Florence in the afternoon, enjoy the drive to Siena, the first stop on the tour. Enjoy a guided tour of its UNESCO-listed historic center, which includes the unique shell-shaped square where the legendary Palio race takes place twice a year.
Next, reach San Gimignano, the stunning medieval town with an impressive skyline crowned by 14 towers that have survived through the centuries. Get some time to explore its atmospheric cobbled lanes, then take the road to the hills of Chianti and admire the beautiful colors of Tuscany at sunset. Dinner will take place at a charming wine estate, where you’ll visit the cellars and dine on traditional Tuscan dishes paired with their fine wines. Meals: B, D
Accommodation at the Hotel Executive, Florence, or similar
DAY 5: FLORENCE HIGHLIGHTS WITH ACCADEMIA GALLERY
Start your exploration of Florence from the unknown and most picturesque sides of the city. Visit the market of San Lorenzo, where it’s possible to see the food arriving from the Tuscan countryside. In the afternoon, meet your guide at the hotel and get ready to explore the heart of the town. We’ll visit Piazza della Signoria, walk by the Palazzo Vecchio, the Duomo with Giotto's bell tower (exterior), and Ponte Vecchio. Our walkthrough of Florence will end with a visit to the Accademia to admire, among the many masterpieces, the jewel of Michelangelo, the statue of David. Meals: B
Accommodation at the Hotel Executive, Florence, or similar
DAY 6: FLORENCE AT LEISURE (OPTIONAL CINQUE TERRE TOUR)
Today is a free day to explore Florence on your own. Why not join a small group tour of Cinque Terre? You will discover the most beautiful villages of Cinque Terre, and enjoy a relaxing escape from the crowds through luxuriant panoramic seaside vineyards. Savor a delicious fresh seafood lunch, including Cinque Terre wine, and experience a fantastic boat trip to take the most beautiful pictures of Cinque Terre from the sea. Meals: B
Accommodation at the Hotel Executive, Florence, or similar
DAY 7: FLORENCE TO VENICE
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the Florence train station and board a high-speed train to Venice. Arrive late morning and transfer to the hotel. Free time to explore Venice on your own. Meals: B
Accommodation at the Palazzo Veneziano, Venice, or similar
DAY 8: VENICE HIGHLIGHTS WITH GONDOLA RIDE
Start your day early in the morning near the Rialto Bridge, where you'll learn about the history of Venice. Begin your stroll from the bustling Rialto Fish Market. You will then pass through the backstreets of Venice, passing quiet piazzas and picturesque bridges, occasionally stopping at landmarks like the childhood home of Marco Polo. Later, enjoy a 30-minute gondola ride that takes you through busy thoroughfares and quieter residential canals.
After a break for lunch, you'll meet again in St. Mark's Square and stroll into St. Mark's Basilica with pre-reserved, skip-the-line tickets. Learn how a Byzantine-style building became Venice's most significant landmark while pointing out some of the more remarkable stories featured in the golden mosaics that cover the ceilings. Finally, enter the Doge's Palace. In this building, the Doge, or Duke of Venice, lived where he lorded over an empire of immense wealth but almost no actual land. In the end, return to your hotel on your own. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner in a lovely restaurant. Meals: B, D
Accommodation at the Palazzo Veneziano, Venice, or similar
DAY 9: VENICE DEPARTURE
After breakfast, make your way to the airport or train station for your onward journey. Optional private transfers are available. Meals: B