Day 1: Venice Arrival | Welcome Dinner
Meet your tour director at 4:00 PM for a welcome reception and take a one-hour orientation walk around the city known as the ‘Queen of the Adriatic'. Spend a couple of hours exploring on your own before gathering again for an ample dinner with your fellow travelers.(D)
Day 2: The Sights of Venice | Gondola Ride
Take a walking tour of Venice, the most serene of cities, with a local guide. See it's glorious architecture, charming bridges and canals. Visit the magnificent Doge's Palace and the acclaimed Piazza and Basilica of San Marco. Journey along the canals for a view of the city from a gondola. Delight in an evening of independent dining and exploration.(B)
Day 3: Bologna | Florence Dinner
Take a private group water taxi from your hotel to your coach and travel on to Florence. During your journey stop for free time and lunch on your own at the lively historic foodie city of Bologna. Arrive at your hotel outside Florence's city centre. Take a break, then depart for an orientation tour with your tour director. Enjoy some free time in this beautiful city, the capital of Tuscany and the birthplace of the Renaissance. This evening enjoy a typical Tuscan dinner with your group at a local Florence restaurant.
(B, D)
Day 4: Florence Walking Tour | Accademia Gallery
Take a walking tour of Florence with a local guide 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. The remainder of afternoon and evening are free to explore this magnificent city at your leisure.
(B, L)
Day 5: Orvieto | Roman Colosseum
They say that all roads lead to Rome so you're off to the Eternal City with a special and delicious stop in Orvieto for a local wine tasting. Visit the historic Colosseum, the iconic structure of imperial Rome constructed between 72 and 80 AD. This engineering marvel could hold between 50,000 - 80,000 spectators of public spectacles, gladiator battles, and classical dramas. Imagine the ghosts of the Caesars in the ruins of the Forum, the ancient heart of the Roman Empire. *Please note on some departures the Colosseum may be moved to day 6. Your hotel tonight is in Rome's historic centre.
(B)
Day 6: Independent Exploration | Vatican Tour | Farewell Dinner
Discover Rome independently this morning as you enjoy some free time to explore. In the afternoon, visit the Vatican for a guided tour of the Museums with entrance to the Sistine Chapel and St Peter's Basilica.*Please note on some departures this visit may be moved to day 5. Also, the Vatican may decide to close the Sistine Chapel and St Peter's Basilica at very short notice. Unfortunately this is out of our control therefore visits are subject to availability. This evening enjoy a farewell meal at a local restaurant.(B, D)
Day 7: Tour Ends in Rome
Your tour ends after breakfast.
(B)
B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner
Authentic Local Experiences:
- View the amazing art collection at 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 a guided tour with entrance to the Sistine Chapel.
Trip Highlights:
- Venice Gondola Ride
- Doge's Palace, Venice
- Michelangelo's David Sculpture
- Bologna
- Orvieto Wine Tasting
- Colosseum and Forum*
- Vatican Museums with Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica*
*Visits subject to availability
Dining Experiences:
- 6 breakfasts (B), 1 lunch (L) and 3 dinners (D) including a welcome dinner in Venice and dinner in a charming Roman Restaurant.
Hotels - 6 Nights:
- Hotel Bonvecchiati | Venice (2 Nights)
- Star Hotels, Tuscany | Florence (2 Nights)
- The Tribune Hotel | Rome (2 Nights)
INSIDER TIP! Extend your vacation with pre-nights in Venice or post-nights in Rome. We've negotiated special hotel rates to make it easy and affordable.
*Only single/double/twin rooms are available on this tour*