7-Nights Classic Italy: Rome, Florence & Venice

Day 1: Arrive in Rome

Transfer: Rome Fiumicino Aptto Rome - Vatican

Hotel: Hotel Twenty One (4 Star Rating)

Located on Via Cola di Rienzo, the hotel is situated in the elegant Prati district, home to the Vatican and Saint Peter's Basilica. Vatican City can be reached in around 15 minutes on foot and Piazza del Popolo and Piazza di Spagna are also within walking distance. The airport can be reached within a 30-minute ride. The hotel is a charming modern boutique hotel with a bar and restaurant available. The rooms are elegant and feature attention to detail for a pleasant stay. They are also well equipped with all the essential amenities needed for a comfortable experience.

Day 2: Small Group Half Day Glory of Ancient Rome Tour

This half day walking tour begins at the Colosseum, originally known as the Flavian Amphitheater, built between 72 and 80 AD by the Flavian emperors. Once seating up to 70,000 spectators, it hosted spectacular battles of gladiators and wild beasts, scenes famously revived in the film Gladiator. The nickname Colosseum comes from the nearby 35-meter statue of Emperor Nero, known as the Colossus.

The walk continues to the Roman Forum, once the vibrant political, commercial, and religious heart of Rome. Stroll along the original cobblestones of the Via Sacra, leading to Capitoline Hill, and admire ancient basilicas, arches, and columns. The tour concludes at Piazza Venezia, where the grand Vittoriano Monument, dedicated to Italy's first king, Victor Emmanuel II, dominates the square.

Day 3: Small Group Half Day Pasta Lesson

Course concentrates on the techniques to make fresh pasta (flour + egg and flour + water) with the accompanying sauces.

Cooking lesson and lunch with a meal including:
- Two first dishes
- Dessert
- 1 soft drink or water and wine

Day 4: Rome to Florence

Transfer: Rome - Vatican to Roma Termini Railway Station

Transfer: Roma Termini Railway Station to Firenze Santa Maria Novella Train Station

Transfer: Firenze Santa Maria Novella Train Station to Florence - City Centre

Hotel: Hotel Centrale (4 Star Rating)

Hotel Centrale is located in the heart of Florence, a stone's throw from the Duomo and the main monuments of the city. A few meters from the Central Station of Santa Maria Novella, from the Fortezza da Basso (home of the most important trade fairs) and from the Palazzo Dei Congressi.

Its location inside the prestigious Palazzo Malaspina, then Palazzo de' Conti, frames a finely and carefully furnished structure, where you can breathe an emotional atmosphere of the past, attributable to the beauty and taste of the old houses. We welcome our customers in a family context giving them the opportunity to communicate in English, French, German and Spanish. We have a unique hall of frescoes and a cozy and characteristic bar room, where our guests can pleasantly spend relaxing moments enjoying the different services offered to them. The Management and Staff of the Hotel Centrale make the customer satisfaction their primary and constant commitment.

Day 5: Half Day Walk in Florence + Meet David

Discover the heart of Florence, a UNESCO World Heritage city, on our expertly guided walking tour through its historic streets. Begin at Piazza della Repubblica, a lively square rich in history, and continue to the iconic Loggia del Porcellino. Explore Piazza della Signoria with its remarkable sculptures, visit the historic Chiesa di Orsanmichele, and stroll along the bustling Via Calzaiuoli to the magnificent Piazza del Duomo. Pause at Palazzo Medici Riccardi, a stunning example of Renaissance architecture and former Medici residence.

After some free time, continue to the Galleria dell'Accademia to experience Florence's artistic treasures. Discover the Museum of Musical Instruments, the Sala del Colosso, and masterpieces by Giambologna, Lippi, Botticelli, and Pontormo. The tour's highlight is Michelangelo's David, along with his unfinished Prisoners, offering insight into his genius. Your knowledgeable English-speaking guide will provide fascinating commentary, making this a comprehensive journey through Florence's history, art, and architectural evolution.

Day 6: Florence to Venice

Transfer: Florence - City Centre to Firenze Santa Maria Novella Train Station

Transfer: Firenze Santa Maria Novella Train Station to Santa Lucia Station

Transfer: Santa Lucia Station to Venice-Difficult Canal

Hotel: Hotel Ca' dei Conti (4 Star Rating)

Housed in an eighteenth-century Venetian building, the 4-star Ca' dei Conti offers its guests an authentic Venetian atmosphere located in the centre of Venice. The hotel is made up of two fully restored historical buildings with marble floors, refined carpets, Baroque furnishings and Murano glass chandeliers. It is conveniently located within a few walk to St. Mark's square and Riva degli Schiavoni with its many vaporetto stops to allow access to the beautiful islands of the Venetian Lagoon.

Day 7: Private Half Day Classic Venice Saint Mark's Area Tour

The not-to-miss walking tour in the heart of Venice: see St. Mark's Square, the heart of political and religious power of the Venetian Republic for centuries, and learn the history that lies behind the walls of its most famous landmarks; the Basilica and its Byzantine heritage, the Doge's Palace and the Prisons, that retain the true secrets to comprehend how a city built on swamps became one of the most enlightened cities in the western world, the Bridge of Sighs and it’s romantic traditions. You'll see Marco Polo's House, a Merchants’ Warehouse, explore the lively Campo Santa Maria Formosa, the Church of San Giovanni e Paolo (the Pantheon of Venice) the walk ends at the evocative Rialto Bridge overlooking the Grand Canal and the Rialto Market.

Day 8: Depart from Venice

Transfer: Venice-Difficult Canal to Venice Marco Polo Apt