Italy is considered by many as the epicentre of art, history, and culture in Europe, and there is no better way to experience its delights than by exploring three of its most famous cities! From Rome’s ancient monuments to Florence’s Renaissance architecture and overflowing art galleries, not to mention Venice’s winding canals, romantic gondolas and sumptuous palaces. This tour will also give you the opportunity to explore some smaller towns and cities including Siena, Monteriggioni and the rolling vineyards of the Chianti region before tasting the delicious wine yourself!
Benvenuti a Roma! After your arrival at the airport, make your own way to your hotel and then enjoy your first day in the city at your own leisure. Overnight in Rome.
In the morning, meet your guide at the Vatican and join a small group to visit the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel. An expert guide will be your docent as you pass through the vast Vatican collection. This Vatican tour will focus on the must-see and famous masterpieces of the Vatican, including the Sistine Chapel, the Raphael Rooms, Michelangelo’s Dome, Pinecone Courtyard, St. Peter’s Basilica, St. Peter’s Square. After visiting the Sistine Chapel you’ll enter what many consider a wonder of the world and the most magnificent church on earth – St Peter’s Basilica, before ending in outside in the superb square designed by Bernini. Overnight in Rome. Meals: B
We are firm believers in allowing for free time to explore places on your own in order to get a true sense of the city. Take time to enjoy a coffee at a cafe or walk along the via Condotti enjoying the wonderful items on sale in the windows. Rome is filled with interesting neighbourhoods such as Monti or Trastevere. The best way to see the city is to walk, where undoubtedly you’ll unearth wonderful finds, whether it’s the intoxicating aroma of a bakery or handmade leather goods. We can organize a day outside of the city, visiting a vineyard and enjoying a lovely lunch in the countryside or take a ride out to see the Villa d’Este in Tivoli famous for its Renaissance gardens and the art-filled palace. Overnight in Rome. Meals: B
Meet your driver-guide at your hotel and transfer to Florence. You’ll stop in Siena and Monteriggioni for an independent visit to these enchanting villages. The drive itself is magnificent: enjoy the view of Chianti hills covered by vineyards and olives trees, cypresses and castles that dot the countryside. Siena is probably Italy’s loveliest medieval city. Its heart is the central piazza known as Il Campo, known worldwide for the famous Palio, a horse race run around the piazza twice every summer, recently made famous in the James Bond movie, The Quantum of Solace. During our drive to Florence, we’ll stop at a wonderful Tuscan Villa and vineyard for a cellar visit followed by lunch and wine tasting. This will be a great day where you’ll get to experience the best aspects of this wonderful region! You’ll arrive late afternoon in Florence and overnight in the heart of the town. Time permitting, we’ll take a short stop at the charming and tiny castle town of Monteriggioni. Overnight in Florence. Meals: B, L
Today, you’ll join a small group to explore Florence and discover the 2000 years of tumultuous history that changed the world forever. This is a city filled with historic sculptures, frescoes and paintings. You’ll visit 3 churches – the Duomo, Santa Trinità and Orsanmichele. By day’s end, you’ll understand why Florence became one of the greatest art centres in the world, home to Michelangelo, da Vinci, Lippi, Botticelli and Brunelleschi to name a few. You’ll walk through the medieval center of the city passing the Baptistery, the Bell Tower, the Gates of Paradise, Brunelleschi’s Dome, Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio and the Ponte Vecchio, along with Medieval towers and Renaissance palaces. When the morning tour ends, enjoy the city or head back to further explore some of the sites we passed earlier in the day. Take time for a relaxing lunch and in the afternoon head over to the Academia to visit Michelangelo’s David. Meals: B
After breakfast, you’ll board the high-speed train to Venice getting there in about two short hours. On arrival, meet your assistant and transfer to your hotel located in the heart of the city. You’ll have the balance of the day to explore this floating city of islands and bridges. Take time to visit the Peggy Guggenheim or Palazzo Grassi two of Venice’s world-class galleries. Know that getting lost in Venice is one of the best experiences in the city. Trust us, it’s a simple thing to do and always a fantastic way to discover the magic of this magical town. Overnight in Venice. Meals: B
Today, you’ll join a Small Group Tour to explore Venice by boat, coasting along Venice’s Grand Canal, an extraordinarily beautiful and unique highway. The guides, have their fingers on the pulse of Venice, recognizing every mossy, hazy canal, decaying palace and a skeleton in the cupboard. Listen to tantalizing tales about the marvellous palaces and sites lining the Grand Canal. Find out which locations were used in famous films and discover celebrities’ favourite local hangouts. As the sun begins to descend under the horizon, take a Gondola ride, sliding into the canals, crossing beneath the myriad of bridges connecting the islands of the city. Enjoy an aperitif before your last dinner in Italy and when done stroll through Piazza San Marco and enjoy the orchestral music before heading to bed. Overnight in Venice. Meals: B
After breakfast, make your own way to the airport or train station for your departing flight or train for your onward journey. An optional private transfer is available. Meals: B
