Rome, Florence and Venice are among Italy's most iconic cities and must-see destinations for first-time travelers. Rome, nicknamed the Eternal City, offers a plethora of famous historical monuments and remarkable collections of art to admire; from the Colosseum to the Vatican, Rome is filled with unforgettable gems just waiting to be discovered. Florence and its historic architecture will transport travelers back in time to the Renaissance, while a trip through the rolling hills of the Tuscan countryside allows for wine tastings at historic wineries among breathtaking panoramas. Last but not least, the beauty of the Island of Venice with its unique canals, winding streets and ornate architecture is sure to impress. This 11 day independent travel package offers the perfect mixture of local guided tours and time at leisure to ensure that travelers make the most of their once-in-a-lifetime vacation to Rome, Florence and Venice.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:
Rome, Vatican, Assisi, Siena, Pisa, Cinque Terre, Florence, Verona and Venice
TRAVEL ITINERARY
Day 01 - USA/ROME;
Board your overnight flight and leave the United States. Your Italian adventure has begun!
Day 02 - ROME
Benvenuti in Italia! Once you arrive at the airport, your tour assistant will meet and escort you to your first class hotel in one of Rome’s charming neighborhoods. After check-in, you will have time to explore Rome at your leisure for the remainder of the day. During this time, you may wish to visit one of Rome’s famous markets, the most historical of which is Campo de’ Fiori, located in the heart of Rome. In the evening, you will enjoy a Welcome Diner at a typical restaurant featuring delicious Roman dishes such as spaghetti alla carbonara or bucatini all’amatriciana. Afterwards, you will return to your hotel for the night.
Day 03 - ROME
After breakfast at your hotel, you will enjoy a walking tour of Rome’s famous ancient sites including the Roman Forum, the Palatine Hill, the Imperial Forum, and the Colosseum. During the tour, you will have the opportunity to explore the Colosseum from the inside. The next part of the tour will feature the Arch of Constantine, the Circus Maximus, the Aventine Hill, and finally the Trevi Fountain, where you will have the chance to launch your own coin into the water of the fountain and secure your return trip to Rome one day. You will have the remainder of the day to shop at your leisure, see more sites such as Castel Sant’Angelo, or relax and enjoy a typical Roman snack, such as suppli’ (a fried rice ball filled with mozzarella).
Day 04 - ROME/VATICAN
After breakfast at your hotel, you will travel to the Vatican, the smallest country in the world located in the heart of Rome. Here, you will enjoy a private guided tour of the Vatican Museums. Inside the Vatican Museums you will find the largest collection of artwork in Europe, boasting more than 65,000 masterpieces. A few highlights include the Bernini Staircase from the 16th century, the Candelabra Gallery filled with statues and frescoes, the Tapestry Gallery which dates back to the 16th and 17th centuries, the Gallery of Historical Maps made by Ignazio Danti, the Sistine Chapel commissioned by Pope Sixtus in the 15th century and decorated by Ghirlandaio, Perugino, Botticelli, and, of course, Michelangelo, St. Peter’s Basilica (which is the largest church in the world) featuring several Papal Tombs, millions of skillfully crafted mosaics, and Michelangelo’s masterpiece "The Pietà". You will have the remainder of the day at your leisure to further experience the spirit of the lively capital of Italy. We suggest a visit to Trastevere, one of Rome’s characteristic neighborhoods where you will have the opportunity to enjoy more exquisite cuisine in local trattorias, explore typical shops and interact with the locals.
Day 05 - ROME/ASSISI/FLORENCE
After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, you will travel from Rome, through the scenic countryside of Umbria, to the city of Assisi. Here, you will enjoy a guided walking tour of Assisi and a visit to the Basilica of Saint Francis and the Basilica of Saint Clare. After your tour of Assisi ends in the late afternoon, you will travel to your new hotel in the heart of Florence. Once you check-in, you will have free time to relax or explore the city independently. If you are interested, we suggest walking through the city center to the Ponte Vecchio bridge to get your first taste of the many flavors this famous Tuscan city offers. Afterwards, you will enjoy dinner at the famous restaurant in Florence called Il Latini where you will experience delicious Tuscan cuisine for the first time.
Day 06 - FLORENCE
After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, you will take a guided walking tour of Florence, the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance and one of the world’s most iconic cities. You will visit the main sites of the city center including Brunelleschi’s Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, the Baptistery with its famous golden entry doors, Giotto’s Bell Tower, Piazza della Signoria, Loggia della Signoria, the Galleria dell’Accademia where Michelangelo’s “David” is on display, and the famous Ponte Vecchio. After the tour, you will have time to explore Florence on your own to witness its characteristic streets and visit its popular markets.
Day 07 - FLORENCE/SIENA/SAN GIMIGNANO/WINE TASTING
Today after breakfast you will travel through the picturesque area of Chianti production in the enchanting Tuscan countryside. You will first stop in the medieval city of Siena, famous for its Palio horse race. You will discover Siena’s enchanting atmosphere as you immerse yourself in the important sites of the city including the Church of St. Francis, the Church of St. Dominic, the Cathedral, and Piazza del Campo where the Palio is held each year. Next, you will leave Siena and visit a characteristic Chianti wine estate in the beautiful Tuscan countryside. Here you will learn about the production of Chianti wine first-hand from the proprietors and enjoy a light lunch with a wine tasting. Before returning to Florence, you will make one more stop at the hilltop town of San Gimignano, famous for its stunningly preserved towers and city walls. You will then travel back to your hotel in Florence where you will have the rest of the day at your leisure to explore more piazzas and/or churches (such as Piazza San Lorenzo or Santa Croce), or simply relax and enjoy an espresso or gelato in one of Florence’s many cafes.
Day 08 - FLORENCE/PISA/CINQUE TERRE
After breakfast you will travel once more through picturesque Tuscan landscapes, this time stopping in the unique city of Pisa. Besides its famous tower, Pisa is known for its university and its location on the Arno River. While in Pisa, you will admire the Leaning Tower in Piazza dei Miracoli, the Baptistery, and the Cathedral with its remarkable paintings, mosaics, and pulpit. After Pisa, you will leave Tuscany, travel to the seaside region of Liguria, and stop in the Cinque Terre. This unique location is composed of a series of five fishing villages featuring iconic colorful houses resting along the coast and suspended on steep cliffs surrounded by hills, creating one of the most breathtaking landscapes imaginable. After taking in these unforgettable panoramic views, you will return to Florence and have the rest of the day at your leisure to further explore the city and perhaps visit Piazzale Michelangelo to witness stunning panoramic views of the city.
Day 09 - FLORENCE/VERONA/VENICE
After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, you will travel to Verona, the town of Romeo and Juliet, located in the eastern region of Veneto. In Verona you will enjoy a guided walking tour of the town and see the important sites including the Arena and Juliet's balcony. When your visit in Verona concludes, you will travel on to the famous water city of Venice. Once there you will take a private water taxi to your hotel and check-in. You will then have the remainder of the day at your leisure to rest or to explore Venice on your own. We suggest strolling through the city’s narrow streets, called calli, and visiting any local shops that may interest you.
Day 10 - VENICE
Today marks your last full day in Italy and it will be dedicated to exploring one of Italy’s most famous jewels: Venice. After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, you will embark on a guided walking tour of Venice. The first stop will be the iconic Piazza San Marco with St. Mark’s Bell Tower, St. Mark’s Basilica, the Bridge of Sighs, and the Doge’s Palace. Inside the Doge’s Palace you will observe, among many other artworks, the largest oil painting in the world, “Paradise” by Jacopo Tintoretto, which measures 23 feet by 75 feet. During the tour you will also witness the prison in which Casanova was incarcerated before he escaped. After the tour you will have time for lunch on your own, the perfect opportunity to sample some of Venice’s delicious seafood. Then, for the rest of the afternoon you will be free to discover the heart of Venice on your own. You will then enjoy a final Farewell Dinner in one of Venice’s typical restaurants.
Day 11 - VENICE/USA
In the morning, take a private water taxi to Venice Airport and board your flight back home. Arrivederci!
Boungiorno Tommaso,
We had a wonderful time! If you can give us a few days we can let you know what we liked the most and least. Brett took
"Tommaso, Venice, Florence, San Gimignano, Siena were wonderful! Just arrived in Rome. Ciao!"
PACKAGE START AT $2,699.00
PACKAGE INCLUDES:
- An English-speaking tour leader for your entire visit in Italy
- Accommodations for 3 nights in Rome at a centrally located superior First class hotel(Atlante Star or similar)
- Accommodations for 4 nights in Florence at a centrally located superior First class hotel(Kraft or similar)
- Accommodations for 2 nights in Venice island at a first class hotel (Palazzo Giovanelli or similar)
- 10 daily Italian buffet breakfasts
- 3 dinners
- Travel on a deluxe air-conditioned motor coach for each transfer and tour as described in the itinerary.
- Sightseeing at each stop as described in the itinerary with English speaking local guides
- Entrance fees are included as per itinerary
- 1 lunch and wine tasting at Castle Oliveto
- Round trip transfer to and from Venice by private water-taxi
- Hotel Taxes and service charges
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED:
- All Land & Air prices: Additional U.S. & Foreign Departure Taxes and Surcharges Fee(s) assessed by the Airlines.
- Hospitality city tax. Where applicable, it must be paid locally at the hotel.
-beverages
- Additional Porterage service (if requested).
- Entrance Fees to Monuments or Museums, Tips, Extras.
- All which is not listed under PACKAGE INCLUDES.
GENERAL CONDITIONS:
English Speaking escorted group tour.
All departures are Guaranteed.
(**) Rate based on two adults sharing a double or twin bedded room with private bathroom. Single rooms are available at an additional supplement. Childrens, triple room rates and alternative accommodation arrangements are available upon request. (Additional and different charges may apply).
