2025 Taste of Italy - 7 Days/6 Nights
Day 1: Venice Arrival & Welcome Dinner
Meet 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. (D)
Day 2: Murano Glass Factory, Venice Tour & Gondola Ride
Take 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 visits to the Doge’s Palace and St Mark’s Basilica. Journey along the canals for a view of the city from a gondola. The evening is yours to explore and dine independently. (B)
Day 3: Bologna & Florence
Travel 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. (B, D)
Day 4: Florence Walking Tour & The Accademia Gallery
Take 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. (B, L)
Day 5: Orvieto & Roman Colosseum
You’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. (B)
Day 6: Independent Exploration & Vatican Tour
Discover 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. (B, D)
Day 7: Tour Ends in Rome
Your tour ends after breakfast. (B)
Authentic Local Experiences:
- Enjoy admission to the famed Accademia Gallery, and marvel at Michelangelo's masterpiece of sculpture, the David statue.
- 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.
- Venice Gondola Ride
- Doge's Palace, Venice
- Bologna
- Accademia Gallery with Michelangelo's David Sculpture
- Orvieto Wine Tasting
- Colosseum and Forum
- St Mark's Basilica
- Vatican Museums with Sistine Chapel and St Peter's Basilica*
- 6 Breakfasts (B), 1Lunch (L) , and 3 Dinners (D)
- Avani Rio Novo | Venice (2)
- NH Firenze | Florence (2)
- NH Collection Roma Vittoria Veneto | Rome (2)
Trip Highlights:
*Visits subject to availability
Dining Experiences:
Hotels:
*Only single or double/twin rooms are available on this tour.
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.