10 daysItaly
Italy’s top highlights await you on this 10-day guided tour. Head to the Vatican Museums before stopping by the Colosseum in Rome. In Florence, see Piazza della Signoria, an open-air art gallery showcasing Renaissance masterpieces. Join a Local Expert in Pisa for an informative tour of the Square of Miracles and see its iconic Leaning Tower. Then stop at an organic farm in the Tuscan hills where fields of vegetables give way to rows of olive trees and feast on an authentic Italian meal. In Venice, board a private boat and glide past the city’s ornate palaces and under its bridges to the marble arcades of Piazza San Marco.
Rome is a glorious city filled with classic antiquities, medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches. Relax and settle in before joining your Travel Director and getting to know your fellow travellers over a delicious dinner with wine.
Experience the grandeur of ancient Rome with your Local Expert, beginning in Vatican City. With fast-track entry, explore the Vatican Museums and view the extensive Papal art collection. In the Sistine Chapel, take time to admire Michelangelo’s ceiling fresco before continuing to St. Peter’s Basilica, the largest church in the world. Later, see the Circus Maximus, once the site of ancient chariot races, and enjoy a guided visit to the Colosseum — Rome’s iconic amphitheatre and a lasting symbol of Imperial engineering. *On some departures, access to St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums may be restricted. You'll still enjoy the atmosphere of St. Peter's Square during your visit to the Vatican City, and if tickets are unavailable to the Vatican Museums, you'll instead explore the Capitoline Museums, home to iconic Roman art and archaeology.
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, buried in 79 AD by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius, and explore one of the greatest archaeological sites in the world. With your Local Expert, stroll into a 2,000-year-old town revealing fascinating discoveries preserved in time. With the dormant volcano of Vesuvius and panoramic views of the Bay of Naples in the background, you have a few treats in store along the way and then return to Rome, passing the formidable Abbey of Montecassino, the site of an epic battle in 1944. As night falls, why not sip a glass of prosecco at a sidewalk cafe in Piazza Navona and enjoy life’s pageantry pass by?
Drive through Lazio and the rolling hills of Umbria, often regarded as Italy’s green heart. Admire the medieval hilltop towns perched like crown jewels overlooking the valleys below. Journey onwards to the Chianti Hills and the city of Florence. Explore Florence with Insight Choice: choose to visit the Accademia Museum and see Michelangelo’s David. Alternatively, take a stroll with your Travel Director to enjoy a typical Italian treat in a local cafe. Afterwards, continue on foot to admire the multicoloured marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery, where Ghiberti’s Gates of Paradise have been recreated in all their glory. Continue into the 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, Hercules and Cacus along the front of the Palazzo Vecchio.
Indulge yourself this morning by exploring Florentine luxury goods, including a demonstration of the intricate leatherwork and gold craftsmanship the city is famed for. Next, admire the rolling green hills of Tuscany and the impressive medieval towers of San Gimignano on an Optional Experience this afternoon. Tonight, feast with your fellow travelling companions over a delicious local dinner.
After a leisurely morning in Florence, explore the nearby town of Pisa with a Local Expert. See the Leaning Tower, the baptistery and the colonnaded bell tower, lurching out from behind the cathedral. Visit the organic farm Il Poggio and join a guided walk to learn about olive oil and wine production. After taking in beautiful views of the rolling Tuscan hills, enjoy tasting the farm’s fine wines and olive oil, in addition to an authentic Italian meal prepared with locally sourced ingredients.
Today you will journey through the Emilia-Romagna region before arriving in Venice, the Queen of the Adriatic. Your luxurious hotel has elegant Venetian touches and views over an unforgettably romantic city.
Your private boat takes you on a journey of discovery past churches and palaces reflecting the architectural history of Venice from the 13th to the 18th century. 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 facade of St. Mark's Basilica comes into view. Enjoy a visit to a traditional glassblowing workshop, where you’ll learn how beautiful, handcrafted glass is made by expert artisans, preserving centuries-old skills. Later, you’ll indulge in the classic Venetian experience of a gondola serenade through the city’s romantic canals. This afternoon there’s plenty of time to explore 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 Venice’s fishermen and lace-makers.
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? This evening, indulge in traditional Venetian dishes that are enriched with inspiration from seasonal produce.
Your departure transfer arrives at Venice Marco Polo airport.
Rome, Italy
3 nights
The room 007 is located in the monumental and unique scenery of ancient Rome, not far from Piazza di Spagna, the Trevi Fountain and Villa Borghese, which is the largest park in central Rome. The guest rooms offer a classic style that blends in perfect harmony with the style of the building.
Hotel Concierge, Business Centre, Room Service, 24-hour Front Desk
Room Air Conditioning, Safe, TV, Wi-Fi
Florence, Italy
3 nights
Situated right in the very heart of the historical centre of Florence, the hotel offers surroundings akin to many of the palatial homes of the Florentine nobles of days gone by. This perfectly located hotel offers high quality service, stunning interior design and modern amenities to make you feel at home during your stay.
Hotel Bar, Gym, Room Service
Room Air Conditioning, TV, Safe, Wi-Fi
Venice, Italy
3 nights
The Hilton Molino Stucky Venice Hotel is located in a magnificently restored 19th century granary on Giudecca Island, only minutes away from St. Mark’s Square by boat.
Hotel Restaurant, Bar, Concierge, Room Service, Laundry, Gym, Pool, Spa, Foreign Currency Exchange, 24-hour Front Desk
Room Air Conditioning, Safe, TV, Tea & coffee facilities, Wi-Fi
Piazzas and Fountains
Paid on tour
Roman Dinner Party
Paid on tour
Pompeii And The Bay Of Naples
Paid on tour
Dinner in Tuscany
Paid on tour
San Gimignano Excursion
Paid on tour
Venetian Splendour
Paid on tour
Hidden Venice
Paid on tour
Burano Excursion & Meal
Paid on tour
Per person, twin share
