Italy is a vast and beautiful country, and travelers taking advantage of this eleven day Grand Tour of Italy package will experience Italy primarily through the popular vacation destination cities of Rome, Florence, and Venice. When in historical Rome, see the Roman legacy still evident in the ruins of the Colosseum as well as the spirituality of St. Peter's Basilica, and architectural wonders like the Pantheon. A scenic train ride to Florence brings visitors to a city overflowing with art in the Galleria dell'Accademia and the Duomo complex. A stop in Venice enchants visitors with romantic gondola rides, the majesty of St. Mark's Basilica, and the unique craftsmanship of blown glass and lace making. Discover the best of Italy's most famous cities during this captivating tour of Rome, Florence, and Venice.
Day 01: OUT-BOUND FLIGHT
Board your overnight flight to Rome.
Day 02: ROME
After arriving in Rome, private car transfer to your hotel. Check into your hotel and then you'll have the rest of the day at leisure to familiarize yourself with the Eternal City.
Day 03 - ROME
After a buffet breakfast at your hotel, meet with your local guide and start a half day city tour of Rome's historical city center. During the tour you will have the chance to see some of Rome's most iconic sites including the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon and Navona Square. Afterwards you will visit the monumental St. Peter's Basilica, which is filled with stunning works of art including "Pietà", a sculpture of Mary cradling the body of Jesus, considered to be among Michelangelo's masterpieces. After the tour enjoy a nice lunch on your own and then spend the rest of the day admiring more of Rome's famous monuments.
Day 04: ROME
Enjoy breakfast and then you will have a full day to explore Rome at your leisure. As the largest city in Italy, there will be plenty to keep you occupied. For instance, you may wish to catch a glimpse of the Colosseum or stop by the Vatican Museums to visit the famous Sistine Chapel (advanced reservations are recommend for the Colosseum and the Vatican Museums and can be arranged separately upon request). You could also visit more of Rome's ancient sites such as the Mouth of Truth or Largo di Torre Argentina, a vast square with the ruins of 4 Republican Temples that today is also home to a cat sanctuary. There are also plenty of museums you could visit depending on your tastes, such as the Gallery of Modern Art or the museum in Castel Sant'Angelo. To take in a lovely panoramic view of Rome, you may wish to stop by the Vittoriano Monument where you can take the elevator to the top and enjoy one of the best 360 degree panoramas in all of Rome. No matter your interests, the Eternal City offers something for everyone and we are certain you be bored on this day.
Day 05: FLORENCE
Say goodbye to Rome then travel by high speed train to Florence. Upon arrival check into your hotel and then take a walk through the city center to acquaint yourself with the beauty of Florence. The rest of the day will be at your leisure, so be ready to take some stunning photos of Florence's historic architecture.
Day 06: FLORENCE
Once you finish breakfast, you will take a half day tour of Florence. The first stop is Piazzale Michelangelo, located on the outskirts of the city this large square offers wonderful panoramic views of Florence. During the next part of the tour you will have the chance to admire some of Florence's most famous monuments including the Duomo, Giotto's Bell Tower and the Baptistery with its large doors nicknamed "The Gates of Paradise". Your last stop will be the acclaimed Accademia Gallery where you will stop to admire an unforgettable sight: the David sculpture by Michelangelo. Once the tour ends, you will have the rest of the day to continue exploring Florence's cobblestone streets.
Day 07: FLORENCE
Today is at your leisure for shopping (Florence is famous for its leather making tradition as well as its gold and jewelry) or additional sightseeing. Depending on your interests, you may wish to visit the Uffizi Gallery, one of the largest art museums in the world featuring art by all of the Renaissance masters. Alternatively, you could take an optional excursion to Pisa to see the Leaning Tower or to the breathtaking Tuscan countryside for wine tasting at a historic winery; the choice is yours!
Day 08: VENICE
After breakfast, board your high speed train from Florence to Venice where you will check into your last hotel. Then, take a half day guided walking tour of Venice's city center. During the tour you will admire Venice's must-see monuments including St. Mark’s Square, St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge's Palace, the Prisons and the Bridge of Sighs. You will have the rest of your day to yourself for further sightseeing or to enjoy a gondola ride (we recommend going around sunset for an unforgettable experience).
Day 09: VENICE
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, and then you may choose to spend the day visiting some of Venice's other iconic highlights such as Murano Island, famous for its glass-blowing tradition, or Burano Island, renowned for its lace-making and colorful buildings. Another option would be to visit one of Venice's museums, and there are plenty to choose from, such as the Guggenheim Museum or the Accademia di Belle Arti. Lastly, you could choose to take it easy by visiting the local markets or taking a pleasant walk along the canals.
Day 10: VENICE
For your final day in Italy, we recommend getting lost in the winding streets of Venice. The Floating City is filled with secrets and hidden treasures just waiting to be discovered. Alternatively, you could choose to take an optional excursion outside of the Venice, and the nearby city of Verona with its vast history and romantic charm, could be a perfect option.
Day 11: RETURN FLIGHT
Transfer to Venice airport for your return flight home.
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 $2,495.00 INCLUDES:
-Round trip flights in economy class with in-flight meals, drinks, and entertainment (*)
-3 nights accommodation in a premium 4 star Hotel (**) in Rome
-3 nights accommodation in a premium 4 star Hotel (**) in Florence
-3 nights accommodation in a premium 4 star Hotel (**) in Venice
-9 Daily Italian Buffet Breakfasts
-4 Half day guided city tour
-Ground transfer from/to Airport
-2nd Class train ticket from Rome to Florence and from Florence to Venice
-Vat Taxes and Service Charges (in Italy) included
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED:
· U.S. & Foreign Departure Taxes and Surcharges Fee(s) assessed by the Airlines.
· Hospitality city tax which varies by city and hotel category. If applicable it has to be paid locally to the hotel.
· All that is not listed under “PACKAGE INCLUDES”.
(*) Rate based on NYC departure gates. Alternative U.S. departure cities available upon request at 1-866-GO ITALY or Email Trips2italy .
(**) Rate based on two adult persons sharing a double or twin bedded room with private bathroom. Single rooms are available at an additional supplement. Children’s, triple room rates and alternative accommodation arrangements are available upon request. (Additional and different charges may apply).
For additional information about Rome, Florence, Venice Other hotels and destinations are available. Please don’t hesitate to ask our Trips 2 Italy travel specialists.
