Arrival in Rome, the famed city of the Roman Empire and the Seven Hills. Welcome and transfer from airport to hotel.
Day 02 ( Rome )
After breakfast, enjoy your morning at leisure to walk through the heart of Rome including the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain which are just minutes from your hotel. In the afternoon, take a small group walking tour to discover all of ancient Rome’s treasures including special access to the famous Colosseum. With your expert guide, visit Ancient Rome’s major sites and learn about its mythical origins. Admire the splendid Arch of Constantine, climb Palatine Hill and stomp on the legendary Via Sacra. In the evening, we suggest you do as the Romans do: stop at a local café for a quick shot of espresso; explore the city’s many piazzas and dine at a trattoria with authentic Italian cuisine and impressive house wines.
Day 03 ( Rome – Florence )
After breakfast, transfer to the train station to board your train to Florence, the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Take some time to wander the oldest streets in the city including the Arno River and the famous Ponte Vecchio. Be sure to experience an authentic Florentine gelato, considered by many to be the best in the world.
Day 04 ( Florence )
After breakfast, begin a small group walking tour of the historical center of Florence, seeing famous sculptures, frescoes and paintings in three famous churches, the Duomo, Santa Trinita and Orsanmichele. Hear incredible stories of the Ponte Vecchio, Brunelleschi’s Dome and so much more. Enjoy your free afternoon to perhaps tour the Uffizi Gallery to see the impressive paintings of Leonardo, Botticelli and many more. Florence is home to one of the oldest pharmacies in the world, Santa Maria Novella located inside a former Dominican monastery which sells beautifully packaged perfumes and elixirs; a great place to pick up some unique souvenirs or just visit their museum.
Day 05 ( Tour of Tuscany )
After breakfast, begin your full-day small group tour of the Best of Tuscany. Visit the medieval hilltop town of San Gimignano where you can explore the maze of cobbled streets, the small squares and many local artisan shops. Arrive in Siena, where you will begin a walk around the most important squares en route to the Cathedral with a visit of its interior. Stop at the charming and tiny walled castle town of Monteriggioni. Lunch at a Tuscan villa estate and enjoy wine tasting and a cellar visit. Return to Florence.
Day 06 ( Florence – Venice )
After breakfast, transfer back to the train station to board your train for Venice, the incredibly romantic floating city. Transfer to your hotel. Venice is the world’s only pedestrian city and quite easy to navigate by foot. Take some time to explore the small streets and admire the superb architecture and incredible urban landscape of man-made islands connected by bridges.
Day 07 ( Venice )
After breakfast, enjoy your day at leisure. Optional tours include a visit of Doge’s Palace and San Marco’s Square (not included). In the late afternoon, take a tour of the Grand Canal including a ride in a deluxe motor launch along the famous waterways that snake through the heart of Venice, the perfect vantage point to see the great number of stunning palaces lining it. Your guide will recount the history of the palaces and of those that lived there.
Day 08 ( Venice – Home )
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, then check out and transfer to the airport for your flight home.
