Delve into Venice’s rich history and explore the romantic city’s highlights. Visit a glassblowing factory in Murano, where you’ll watch a demonstration of traditional Venetian glassblowing by master craftsmen. Walk through the historic city centre of Florence and explore the birthplace of the Renaissance. Visit the majestic Leaning Tower of Pisa including a stop in Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis. Stroll the streets and piazzas of Rome, the eternal capital, and explore the enduring symbols of the city including the Vatican Museums and the Colosseum.
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You can request to book this tour privately, travelling only with people you know.
DAY 1: WELCOME TO VENICE
Arriving at Venice airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure until you gather for a Welcome Dinner with your Tour Director and traveling companions. Meals: D
Accommodation at the NH Santa Lucia, Venice, or similar
DAY 2: VENICE SIGHTSEEING
We begin exploring Venice with a boat ride to Murano Island, famous for its artistic glassware. Visit a glassblowing factory, where you will watch a demonstration of traditional Venetian glassblowing by master craftsmen. Then, on to St. Mark’s Square, for the walking tour, visiting St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace, and enjoying views of the Bell Tower and Bridge of Sighs. The balance of the day is at leisure to enjoy Venice at your own pace, shop, or join an optional gondola ride. Meals: B
Accommodation at the NH Santa Lucia, Venice, or similar
DAY 3: VENICE TO FLORENCE VIA FERRARA & PISA
Drive to Ferrara, a Renaissance gem in the Emilia-Romagna region, standing on the banks of the Po River. After an orientation tour, continue to Pisa where you’ll view the famous Piazza del Miracoli with its Leaning Tower, Baptistery, and Duomo. Then on to Florence for dinner and a free evening. Meals: B, D
Accommodation at the Hotel Club, Florence, or similar
DAY 4: FLORENCE SIGHTSEEING
This morning begins with a city tour of the majestic Piazza del Duomo to see the Cathedral crowned by Brunelleschi’s awe-inspiring Dome, Giotto’s Bell Tower, and the Baptistery with Ghiberti’s splendid bronze “Gates of Paradise.” Then, visit the Accademia Gallery, where Michelangelo’s David is displayed. The tour ends at the Piazzale Michelangelo with a spectacular view over Florence. The remainder of the day is yours to savor the Renaissance splendor of the Tuscan capital your own way. Meals: B
Accommodation at the Hotel Club, Florence, or similar
DAY 5: FLORENCE TO ROMA VIA ASSISI
Travel through the stunning panorama of Tuscany with its iconic landscapes as you make your way to Assisi, the hometown of St. Francis. Take a walking tour to see the main square and visit the impressive Basilica of St. Francis. Continue to Rome for dinner and an evening at leisure. Meals: B, D
Accommodation at the Starhotels Metropole, Rome, or similar
DAY 6: ROME IN A DAY (VATICAN & ANCIENT ROME)
A full-day sightseeing tour shows you all the highlights of the incomparable Eternal City. Visit the Vatican Museums with the moving Sistine Chapel and grand St. Peter’s Basilica. Then on to visit the Coliseum, ancient Palatine Hill overlooking Circus Maximus and the Imperial Palace, and the Roman Forum. Meals: B, L
Accommodation at the Starhotels Metropole, Rome, or similar
DAY 7: ROME AT LEISURE
Your day is free in spectacular Rome! Your Tour Director will have suggestions on how to spend your time. You might want to visit some of the chic shops, galleries, and museums; do some more sightseeing on your own or relax in a sidewalk cafe with a glass of fine Italian wine, a cold Limoncello, some refreshing gelato, or a hearty dish of pasta. Tonight, a festive farewell dinner with your fellow travelers is the perfect way to celebrate your glimpse of Italy. Meals: B, D
Accommodation at the Starhotels Metropole, Rome, or similar
DAY 8: ROME DEPARTURE
One last breakfast in Italy before you are transferred to Rome’s airport or extend your trip to the sun-soaked Amalfi Coast! Meals: B