Highlights of Italy

Upon arrival at Rome’s airport, our driver will welcome you to Italy and bring you to your hotel in the city via private transfer. After checking in you’ll have the rest of the day to yourself, whether you’d like to rest up from your long journey or get out and enjoy a preview of what’s to come. It’s the perfect time to head to one of the medieval squares. Find a good spot at an outdoor café or wine bar to take in the scene and do some people-watching with a glass of tasty Italian wine in hand.

The Roman Colosseum and the Roman Forum make up the heart of ancient Rome and today you’ll meet our local guide for a tour of the amphitheater that was inaugurated in the 1st-century AD. It sat more than 50,000 spectators who came to watch the savage battles between man and beast that took place through 532 AD. Next, you’ll head to the Roman Forum which occupies a site that lies adjacent to the Colosseum. It was completed in 80 AD but has roots dating to 500 BC, hosting the oldest structures of the ancient city, including the Regia, a former royal residence.

Our driver/guide will pick you up for a private half-day tour of Vatican City which includes the Vatican Museum, St. Peter’s Square, and St. Peter’s Basilica. Founded in the 14th century, the museum features one of the greatest collections of Renaissance art, including sculptures, frescoes, and tapestries. Marvel at the renowned Sistine Chapel with its ceiling painted by Michelangelo considered a cornerstone work of High Renaissance art. You’ll visit the Gallery of Geographical Maps and the Gallery of Tapestries too, all led by your guide who will provide expert insight throughout the tour. Take the rest of the day to explore at your leisure.

This morning you’ll take a private transfer from your Rome hotel to the train station. From here, catch the high-speed train to Florence and upon arrival, private transfer brings you to your accommodation in the city known as the “cradle of the Renaissance.” You’ll enjoy the remainder of the day on your own. You might want to just wander through the streets with surprises to discover around every corner, or head to Mercato Centrale. On the ground floor, there are traditional produce stalls while the first floor features a food local with a wide range of Italian products from gelato to Cristian Beduschi chocolates.

Today you’ll get an expert introduction to Florence. This morning’s walking tour brings you to the famous Santa Croce Church where legends like Michelangelo and Galileo are buried. Head to the famous cathedral of Florence and Palazzo Vecchio, the town hall that overlooks Piazza della Signoria before exploring the Accademia Gallery, with the original David, Michelangelo’s renowned sculpture with its incredible details that make it so life-like. It was moved here in 1873 to join paintings by Raphael, Daddi, and Botticelli. After the guided portion of your tour, you’ll have free time to explore before returning to your accommodation at leisure.

Enjoy a day trip to the medieval hilltop towns of San Gimignano and Siena, exploring the latter independently, taking in the spectacular skyline with its towers that date back to the 11th-century. Afterward, enjoy a typical local meal at a farmhouse nearby. Continue to Siena where our local guide will be waiting to lead you on a walking tour. Visit the world-famous Piazza del Campo, a hub of life that hosts the famous biannual II Palio horse race. It’s lined with the 13th-century City Hall and 335-foot-high Torre del Mangia bell tower. You’ll take in many other sights from the gothic Duomo to the Battistero too.

Say farewell to Florence, taking a private transfer to the train station for a journey on the high-speed train to Florence. You’ll enjoy an afternoon at leisure in Venice which is known for it’s stunning canals, bridges, and architecture, which have earned it the nickname “The Floating City”. Stroll through the historic center to admire palaces, churches, and piazzas. Visit the iconic St. Mark’s Basilica and take a gondola ride along the Grand Canal. For lunch, indulge in seafood risotto or cicchetti, and try Venice’s famous Bellini cocktail. Explore museums and galleries or simply wander the streets. In the evening, enjoy seafood dinner and gelato for dessert. Take a romantic stroll through the city at night and admire the canals’ lights and reflections. Venice is a truly unforgettable destination that promises enchantment and captivation.

An in-depth half-day tour explores many of the highlights of Venice, including St. Mark’s Square where it all begins. You’ll meet our guide at the square to begin your walking tour that includes the remarkable landmarks here like St. Mark’s Cathedral. As there can be no narration inside, before entering your guide will tell you all about the basilica’s history and then you’ll get to explore the beautiful interior. There will be time to visit the glass showrooms as well where you can browse or purchase authentic Venetian glassware. Visit Doge’s Palace, a fine example of gothic-style architecture with an ornate façade, climb the golden staircase and cross the Bridge of Sighs that links the palace to a historic prison on the other side of the canal.

This morning you’ll want to get your bags packed and ready for departure. Our driver will meet you at your Venice hotel for transfer to the airport where you can head out on further travels or catch your return flight home. While it’s never easy to leave this beautiful city, you’ll have many memories from this jam-packed itinerary, and probably lots of photos, to take along with you. And, of course, there’s always next time.