A glimpse at a few days of this itinerary…

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Day 1

Welcome to the Eternal City of Rome

Rome is one of the world’s most historic cities, filled with classic antiquities, medieval buildings, renaissance palaces, and baroque churches. Transfers to your hotel depart Rome’s Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport at 09:30, 12:30, and 15:30. Then this historic city is yours to discover. At 17:30, join your Travel Director for a uniquely Roman Welcome Dinner. Get to know your traveling companions over a relaxed evening of dinner and wine as you join your local host for a truly Italian, home-cooked meal.

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Day 2

Rome Sightseeing and Dinner in the Vatican

Enjoy the best of the city’s highlights in the morning, including visiting the magnificent St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican with your Local Expert. Cross the Tiber River to enjoy ancient Rome. See the incredible Circus Maximus, famous for its chariot races, and the iconic Colosseum. Enjoy special fast-tracked entry into the Vatican Museums in the afternoon with a Local Expert. Admire the Papal art collection before entering the Sistine Chapel to marvel at Michelangelo’s masterpiece on its ceiling. Then you'll be privileged to an exclusive Highlight Dinner inside the Ethnological Museum.

 

Day 3

Rome at Leisure

Spend another day enjoying Rome at your own pace. Stroll to the boutiques of the Via del Corso and Via Nazionale or visit the elegant designer stores near the Spanish Steps. Perhaps take an Optional Experience south to the ill-fated town of Pompeii? As night falls, why not sip a glass of prosecco at a sidewalk cafe in Piazza Navona and enjoy life's pageantry pass by?

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Day 4

On to Florence

Travel to Florence via the Chianti Hills on board a beautiful motor coach with extended legroom and large picture windows.

 

Day 5

Florence, the Birthplace of the Renaissance

  

Choose to visit the Accademia Museum and see Michelangelo's David.

 

Alternatively, wander through the market stalls on a shopping tour, enjoying all the Italian treats and finery on offer. Walk on to the multi-colored marble cathedral, bell tower, and baptistery, where Ghiberti’s Gates of Paradise have been recreated in all their glory. Visit Piazza della Signoria, still the political heart of Florence, and an open-air gallery of Renaissance masterpieces. Spend time gazing at statues such as Neptune as well as Hercules and Cacus along the front of the Palazzo Vecchio. Famous for the quality of its luxury goods like gold and leather, Piazza Santa Croce is also the perfect spot to see the basilica. 

 

Day 6 

Pisa and the Tuscan Countryside

After a leisurely morning in Florence, explore the nearby town of Pisa with a Local Expert. See the Leaning Tower, Baptistery, and the colonnaded bell tower lurching from behind the cathedral.

Visit the organic farm il Poggio and join a guided walk exploring olive oil and wine production. After taking in beautiful views of the rolling Tuscan hills, enjoy tasting the farm's fine wines, olive oil, and an authentic Italian meal prepared with locally sourced ingredients.

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Day 7

On to Venice

Today we travel through the Emilia-Romagna region and stop to sample the flavors of the region and learn about Italian food culture over a delicious lunch with wine. 

Take the autostrada east to Venice, Queen of the Adriatic. Your luxurious hotel gazes over the Giudecca Canal and has an unforgettable romantic city skyline.

 

Day 8 

Venice and the Magic of ‘La Serenissima’

Your private boat takes you past historic churches and 13th-century palaces to St. Mark's Square. The first sight is the pink marble of the Doge's Palace, connected to the prisons by the Bridge of Sighs. It was from here that Casanova made his daring escape. Turn the corner, and the gilded St. Mark's Basilica facade comes into view. 

Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience during a visit to a traditional arts center. See how beautifully handcrafted glass is made by expert glassblowers, safeguarding traditional skills.

This afternoon there is plenty of time to explore the museums, galleries, and churches or browse through the shops on the Rialto Bridge. Perhaps cruise out to some of the other islands in the lagoon to experience the age-old lifestyle of Venetian fishermen and lace-makers.

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Day 9

Venice at Leisure

Who could refuse another day to take in the unique atmosphere of this wonderful city? Lose yourself in the back lanes and quiet squares, where tourists seldom tread, and the Venetians go about their daily lives. Maybe visit some of the 90 churches housing masterpieces of Venetian art or explore the modern artworks in the Guggenheim? Perhaps relax at a canal-side cafe sipping local wine or sample delicious lagoon-fresh fish?
Later, board a traditional gondola for a serenade through the romantic canals.

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Day 10

Arrivederci Venice

Alas, you must bid farewell to this enchanting city. Your departure transfer arrives at Venice Marco Polo Airport at 08:00 and 09:30