Get your first taste of the delights of Venice, Florence, Rome, and more on this enchanting Italian tour. You'll ?get to enjoy the ancient ruins, architectural and artistic masterpieces, and of course, indulge in Italy's legendary food and wine.
Authentic Local Experiences:
- Enjoy admission to the famed Accademia Gallery, and marvel at Michelangelo’s masterpiece of sculpture, David.
- Visit charming Orvieto on the way to Rome and indulge in a tasting of local wines.
- Step into the grandeur of the Vatican Museums on our privately guided tour with entrance to the Sistine Chapel.
Dining Experiences:
- 6 breakfasts (B), 1 lunch (L) and 3 dinners (D)
Trip Highlights:
- Accademia Gallery and Michelangelo’s David Sculpture
- Bologna
- Colosseum and Roman Forum
- Doge’s Palace
- Orvieto Wine Tasting
- Murano Glass Factory
- Vatican Museums with Sistine Chapel and St Peter’s Basilica
- Venice City Tour
Hotels:
- Avani Rio Novo, Venice (2)
- NH Firenze, Florence (2)
- NH Collection Roma Vittorio Veneto, Rome (2)
Day 1: Venice Arrival & Welcome DinnerMeet your tour director at 4:00 PM for a welcome reception and orientation walk around the city known as the ‘Queen of the Adriatic.’ ?Enjoy a welcome drink and dinner with your fellow travelers.
Hotel: Avani Rio Novo Venice
Meals: (D)
Day 2: Murano Glass Factory & Venice TourTake a scenic cruise around the Venetian Lagoon to Murano Island, known for centuries for its artisanal glass industry. Tour a factory and see a demonstration of the art of glass blowing. Cruise back to the splendid Piazza San Marco for a walking tour, with a visit to the Doge’s Palace. The rest of the day is yours to explore and dine independently.
Hotel: Avani Rio Novo Venice
Meals: (B)
Day 3: Bologna & FlorenceTravel to historic Bologna, a culinary haven known as “La Grassa” (The Fat One). With medieval architecture, the iconic Two Towers, and the oldest university in the Western world, Bologna offers a rich blend of history, culture, and exceptional cuisine. You’ll have free time for an independent lunch before moving on to your hotel in Florence’s city center. In Florence, take an orientation walk with your tour director and then savor time to discover this magnificent city, the capital of Tuscany and the birthplace of Renaissance art and architecture. Enjoy dinner with your group.
Hotel: NH Firenze
Meals: (B, D)
Day 4: Florence Walking Tour & The Accademia GalleryTake a walking tour of Florence and marvel at the sights of the city center such as the Duomo, Palazzo Vecchio, and Piazza della Signoria. Visit the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo’s iconic sculpture of David. Savor a local lunch in the heart of Florence. After lunch you’ll have the rest of the day to explore the city at your leisure.
Hotel: NH Firenze
Meals: (B, L)
Day 5: Orvieto & Roman ColosseumYou’re off to the Eternal City – Rome. Along the way, stop in the scenic hill town of Orvieto for a delicious tasting of its renowned local wine. Visit the Colosseum, imperial Rome’s iconic structure, built between 72 and 80 AD. This engineering marvel could hold up to 80,000 spectators for gladiator battles and dramatic productions. Imagine the ghosts of the Caesars in the ruins of the Forum, the ancient heart of the Roman Empire. Enjoy a free evening.
Hotel: Nhow Roma Vittorio Veneto
Meals: (B)
Day 6: Independent Exploration & Vatican TourDiscover Rome independently this morning, with free time to explore. In the afternoon, visit the Vatican to see the awe-inspiring cultural heritage of the world’s smallest sovereign state. Take a guided tour of the Museums, see Michelangelo’s masterpieces in the Sistine Chapel, and walk through St Peter’s Basilica. Then it’s off to dinner in a local restaurant.
Hotel: Nhow Roma Vittorio Veneto
Meals: (B, D)
Day 7: Tour Ends in RomeYour tour ends after breakfast.
Meals: (B)
Meal Abbreviations: B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner