Best of Italy – 15 Days – From $4,418
RENAISSANCE AND ROMANCE FROM ROME TO VENICE
The enduring phrase ‘la dolce vita’ (the good life) truly captures the essence of Italy. On this trip, you’ll spend 14 days discovering the heart of all things Italian on a culturally rich adventure from the piazzas of Rome to the canals of Venice. Discover the Tuscan countryside on a leisurely cycle along Lucca’s Serchio River, peer into Pisa, take to the trails of the Cinque Terre for some stunning coastal views and walk the Portofino Peninsula with its glamourous residents. With time spent wine tasting in rural villages, cruising along Lake Como and relaxing along canals in Venice, you’ll soon understand why Italy remains in the hearts of all who visit.
Itinerary
Buongiorno! Welcome to Italy. Crowded with ancient ruins and religious monuments, Rome is the perfect spot to kick off your trip. Your adventure starts in Rome with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. Packed with designer shops, restaurants, cafes and nightlife spots, it’s recommended that you arrive a few days early to see everything and experience the culture of this fantastic city. Maybe sip an espresso at one of the tiny streetside cafes and throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain to ensure a return visit to Rome. After, why not head out for dinner with your group and get to know each other over your favourite carb?
Accommodation
Day 2 • Florence
Day 3 • Florence
Day 5 • Pisa
DAY 5: VISIT THE “DAVID”
Today, admire the main sights of the city of the Renaissance, including the Accademia Gallery, where you will see Michelangelo’s famous “David.” Enjoy the afternoon at your own pace.
Walking Tour of Florence and visit the Accademia Gallery to meet David
A pleasant walk in Florence is just what you need to be introduced to the city and its splendor and secular heritage! Get the chance to have a taste of one of the most important and charming cities of UNESCO World Heritage. Walk through the amazing center of Florence and discover its unique secular heritage and breathtaking beauty with an expert and fun tour guide. Our tour explores the historic and architectural evolution factors from the Roman foundation through medieval centuries and its Renaissance glorious period up to modern time Florence. Learn about the Medici: masters of Florence. During this walk, you will see Piazza della Signoria with the town hall Palazzo Vecchio, the Duomo, the Baptistery with its Gates of Paradise, Giotto's independent bell tower, Brunelleschi's Dome, Santa Trinita and Orsanmichele Church, Pontevecchio Bridge and the secret Vasari Corridor, as well as famous shopping streets and the Oltrarno – the fourth and last district, the manual crafts neighborhood (exterior visits only). Also, stop for a surprise tasting a nice and delicious break during your pleasant walk. You will then enter the Accademia Gallery museum with a fast-track priority entrance ticket and discover the original Michelangelo's masterpiece that has become the symbol of Renaissance splendor: The David.
Admire it from every perspective, gaze in awe at David, that dominates the central gallery of the museum.
PICKUP
Meeting point: Booking Office, Piazza Mentana 2 rosso, opposite Arno river
Tour departs at 10.00am please arrive 15 minutes earlier
Tour operates daily excpet Monday
INCLUSIONS
Walking tour, 2 and 1/2 half hours plus 1 hour at Museum
Licensed English speaking guide
Gelato (Italian ice cream) (or espresso/cappuccino in Winter)
Earphones for groups over 5 pax"
Accademia Gallery entrance (skip the line)
DAY 6: FLORENCE AT YOUR LEISURE
Explore Florence on your own or request an optional tour. Become enchanted by Florence's small streets, have lunch overlooking the Arno River, walk across the Ponte Vecchio, shop on Via Tornabuoni or in a local market. The choice is yours!
DAY 7: THE MAGIC OF VENICE
Our driver will transfer you to the train station in time to board a First class train highspeed Frecciarossa to Venice. Upon arrival, a representative will help you board a private water taxi bound for your hotel near St. Mark's Square. Already, the magic of Venice will have you spellbound!
DAY 8: VENICE’S MAIN ATTRACTIONS
Join a morning walking tour of Venice to admire the main sights of the City of Water, including St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace. The afternoon is yours to wander the alleys and canals of Venice.
Walking Tour of Venice
An essential tour to understanding Venice! Walk outdoors through the most characteristic and important places for the history of Venice.
Route: Piazza San Marco - Origins, history and description of the main monuments: Basilica San Marco, Palazzo Ducale, Bell Tower, Clock Tower and Procuratie. Santa Maria Formosa - History and anecdotes related to this wonderful and characteristic square. Campo SS. Giovanni e Paolo - The "Pantheon" of Venice, the Great School of Charity, the Captains of fortune. Marco Polo’s House and Malibran Theatre. Anecdotes and past and recent history cross each other in this beautiful corner of Venice. Return to San Marco through the Mercerie, vital connection between Rialto and San Marco and the main street for the city shopping.
ITINERARY
Departures: Daily at 9:00 am
Duration: 1.5 hours
PICKUP
Meeting Point: Under the clock tower in San Mark Square, near "Yex" exchange office at 8:45 am
DROP OFF
Tour ends: in St. Mark's Square
INCLUSIONS
Local guide
DAY 9: CIAO ITALIA!
Prepare for departure aboard a private water taxi to the airport. This is the perfect way to say goodbye to Venice and to Italy
Pickup
The tour starts with a private transfer from the Rome's airport to your hotel. Our driver will wait for you with your name sign at custom's exit.
Drop Off
The tour will end at Venice's airport. You will have aprivate transfer from your hotel to the airport by private water taxi, with an English speaking assistant and we will include luggage transportation from the water taxi drop off pier to the counter for check in.
Inclusions
- 8 nights hotel accommodation with daily breakfast
- Private transfer from airport in Rome to hotel
- Half-day Vatican Tour
- Half-day Ancient Rome Tour
- Private transfer from hotel in Rome to train station
- First-class train Frecciarossa Rome to Florence
- Private transfers between Florence train station and hotel
- Half-day city tour of Florence, including Accademia Gallery
- First-class train Frecciarossa Florence to Venice
- Private transfer from Venice train station to hotel
- Half-day city tour of Venice
- Private transfer from Venice hotel to airport
Rates:
HOTELS (can be substitued with similar)
First Class
Rome: Hotel Monte Cenci
Florence: Grand Hotel Minerva
Venice: Locanda Vivaldi
*RATES & HOTELS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DEPENDING ON DATES, HOTELS AVAILABILITY AND RATES OFFERED
Weekend supplement in Venice: $110 per person for 2 nights
Prices are subject to change, as hotel rates are dynamic. Inquire for triple and single occupancy room pricing. Inquire of luxury package upgrade (5 star hotels and private tours) Hotels can be substituted with others based on availability.
Blackout dates apply during trade shows, holidays, and events. The tour might be available during blackout dates for an additional cost.
Additional Information
Departing Location: Rome
Tour Type: Independent Tours
Tour Days: 9 Days