8-Night Five Star Italy Luxury and Palaces

Day 2

Accommodation

Boutique Art Deco Hotel - Rome, Lazio Region

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 2.00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 12.00 noon

Included Unique Activities

Golf Cart Photo Tour

Fulfill your dream of capturing Rome’s beauty on this exclusive tour with a professional photographer. Zip-around on a Golf Cart and visit the best photo opportunities in Rome. Bring your photography gear or smartphone, and a real pro will take you to the most picturesque spots in the Eternal City. Happening during Rome’s world-famous “Golden Hour,” the experience is a balanced mixture of iconic monuments, panoramic views, and everyday life. You will be taken from spot to spot, without worrying about where to go—the perfect spots are planned for you in advance. Choose different angles or apply different settings and features. Your local guide will explain the history of various sites while assisting you in capturing the moment. At the end of your tour, your fellow travelers will celebrate with a typical aperitivo in the center of Rome.  Enjoy!

Vatican Tour with Secret Room

Skip the long lines, and explore one of the most beautiful museums in the world with an expert guide. Your VIP tour allows entrance into the Vatican Museums one hour before it is open to the public. Enjoy the early quiet of the Pinecone Courtyard and the Museo Clementino. Admire the artistry of the statue of the Lacoon Priest of Troy. Your guide will escort you to a roped-off room, the Cabinet of the Masks, opened exclusively for our guests. The 18th century hall has stunning mosaic floors, brought from Hadrian’s Villa at Tivoli. Listen to tales of the statues of the Three Graces, Aphrodite, and the Nymphs. Having enjoyed the solace of the Vatican’s Secret Room, make your way through the Vatican Museums with breathtaking highlights such as the Belvedere Torso, inspiration for Christ’s likeness in Michelangelo’s Last Judgment in the Sistine Chapel. Discover the Gallery of Tapestries, the Gallery of Maps, and the Raphael Rooms, created exclusively by this master artist.

Your tour continues to Michelangelo’s gem, the Sistine Chapel. The Chapel observes silence—your guide will tell you about this sacred space before you enter. Visit St. Peter’s Basilica, with art such as the Pietà by Michelangelo, a sculpture of Mary holding Jesus. Other renowned works include the Baldacchino by Bernini, and Michelangelo’s majestic dome, which marks Rome’s skyline. After the tour, climb to the top for stunning views. 

Suggested Sightseeing

Rome, Lazio Region

On the map: Rome, the capital of Italy and in the Lazio region, is in the center of the country on the western side, closest to the Tyrrhenian Sea. The city is fed by many major highways and is roughly 173 miles (279 km) south of Florence and 140 miles (226 km) northwest of Naples.

As both the capital of Italy and the capital of Italy’s Lazio region, Rome (Italian: Roma) is a popular destination among world travelers. The city’s history spans 28 centuries. Roman mythology dates the founding at around 753 BC, making Rome one of the oldest continuously occupied sites in Europe. While Roman architecture and rich Italian food make this city famous, it is also regarded as the birthplace of Western civilization. It’s easy to understand why it is ranked the 3rd most-visited city in the EU.

Known as the “Eternal City,” Rome is a masterpiece of art, food, history, and Italian culture. Stroll the ancient streets and enjoy a classic Italian meal, complete with world-famous gelato. Explore the almost-endless list of museums and monuments, including the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the Roman Forum. All are sure to give you a feeling of expertise about Italian and Roman history.

Sistine Chapel, Rome, Lazio Region

Named after Pope Sixtus IV, the Sistine Chapel is perhaps the most famous chapel in the world. It is renowned in both form - with its incredible artwork, and function - as the Papal Conclave. The ceiling and western wall of the Sistine Chapel are adorned with some of the most astonishing paintings in the world created by the famous artist – Michelangelo Buonarroti. Despite being one of the most cherished works of art in history, Michelangelo was originally hesitant to paint the ceiling of the chapel for he saw himself as more of a sculptor than a painter. 

The middle section of the ceiling depicts 9 stories from the Book of Genesis, including the iconic ‘Creation of Adam’ where the hand ofGod is seen reaching to Adam to give him life. In 1535 Michelangelo was commissioned once again to paint the western wall over the altar. Michelangelo completed this spectacular painting of the ‘Last Judgment’ in 1541. The painting depicts the end-of-days and second coming of Christ when according to Christian faith all souls will be judged by Jesus, the Saints, and God and sent to heaven or hell.

St. Peters Basilica, Rome, Lazio Region

St. Peter’s Basilica is an Italian Renaissance church in Vatican City, the papal enclave within the city of Rome. While it is neither the mother church of the Catholic Church nor the cathedral of the Diocese of Rome, St. Peter’s is regarded as one of the holiest Catholic shrines and is the largest church in the world. Catholic tradition holds that the Basilica is the burial site of Saint Peter, chief among Jesus’s Apostles and the first Bishop of Rome. Construction of the present basilica, which would replace Old St. Peter’s Basilica from the 4th century, was completed in 1626. The basilica is cruciform in shape, with an elongated nave in the Latin cross form and the central space is dominated both externally and internally by one of the largest domes in the world. The interiors, characterized by huge mosaics, are sites of some of the most famous art works in the world, including Michelangelo’s Pietà. For those planning to enter St. Peter’s Basilica, there is a dress code, much like that of any church. For a unique perspective, head skyward for a tour of the dome and enjoy the incredible views over St. Peter’s Square. 

Overnight Location

Rome, Lazio Region

On the map: Rome, the capital of Italy and in the Lazio region, is in the center of the country on the western side, closest to the Tyrrhenian Sea. The city is fed by many major highways and is roughly 173 miles (279 km) south of Florence and 140 miles (226 km) northwest of Naples.

As both the capital of Italy and the capital of Italy’s Lazio region, Rome (Italian: Roma) is a popular destination among world travelers. The city’s history spans 28 centuries. Roman mythology dates the founding at around 753 BC, making Rome one of the oldest continuously occupied sites in Europe. While Roman architecture and rich Italian food make this city famous, it is also regarded as the birthplace of Western civilization. It’s easy to understand why it is ranked the 3rd most-visited city in the EU.

Known as the “Eternal City,” Rome is a masterpiece of art, food, history, and Italian culture. Stroll the ancient streets and enjoy a classic Italian meal, complete with world-famous gelato. Explore the almost-endless list of museums and monuments, including the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the Roman Forum. All are sure to give you a feeling of expertise about Italian and Roman history.

Day 3

Accommodation

Boutique Art Deco Hotel - Rome, Lazio Region

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 2.00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 12.00 noon

Included Unique Activities

Prati by Sunset - The Roman Food Tour

This food tour in Rome’s Prati neighborhood, provides a complete insight into Italian cuisine. Taste the very best
of Rome, visiting five unforgettable venues. Begin your evening in typical Italian fashion with an aperitivo at La
Nicchia Café. Tasting highlights include truffles, 30-year aged balsamic vinegar drizzled over Parmigano
Reggiano, Genovese pesto, the freshest buffalo mozzarella and more treats. Enjoy free flowing fine wine.

Following aperitivo, prepare your taste buds for the famous Pizzarium, Rome’s number one pizzeria. The owner
Gabriele Bonci, is described as the ‘Michelangelo of pizza,’ recommended by Anthony Bordain and countless
food bloggers. Choose your toppings from over 50 daily imaginative variations, with the highest quality inseason ingredients. Popular choices include mortadella and crumbled pistachio, fig with prosciutto as well as
roasted potatoes and mozzarella. Burrata and anchovies is Gabriele’s favorite.

La Tradizione* is the number one gourmet food shop in Rome, offering over 400 types of cheeses and 150 types of cured meats. Here you will taste the real ‘retro gusto’ and discover the importance of ‘what grows together, goes together’. Indulge in the best cheeses and cured meats Italy has to offer, with fine wine. Savor homemade pasta and tiramisu at the locally loved, family owned restaurant Al Giardino del Gatto e la Volpe. The wine offered is a D.O.C.G Vermentino. Throughout the tour receive essential food tips of the city, to ensure your enjoyment of Rome’s best foods, will not end with our tour. Your tour will last approximately 4 hours.

*Please note that La Tradizione is closed on Sundays. 

The Best of Colosseum & Ancient Rome with Exclusive Arena Access

Your Colosseum & Ancient Rome Experience, with our Exclusive Arena Access, begins at the legendary Colosseum. You and your semi-private group will pass through the Gladiator Gate and have priority access to the Colosseum arena floor. Just a quick stop for security, then skip the lines! Step out directly onto the same level where gladiators fought. This extraordinary perspective is only available to a limited number of visitors. Your guide will amaze you with tales of the ancient gladiators and performances.

From the restricted arena floor, you will be close enough to the Colosseum underground for a fascinating glimpse of the dungeons where spectacles were managed and coordinated.  Next, your guide will lead you to the second floor. Enjoy the panoramic views from Caesar’s balcony, hear wild tales and anecdotes, and become aware of what it looked like thousands of years ago. During the tour, your guide will use visual aids to help recreate the ancient world. If you wish, you can download an app before the tour and then view VR reconstructions with a pair of goggles that will be provided by the guide.

After your tour inside the Colosseum, climb Palatine Hill for stunning views of Rome. This hilltop neighborhood was once home to the elite political figures who were the backbone of the Roman Empire. Learn about everyday ancient Roman life as you descend into the grand Roman Forum, the public center for Roman political life. Visit inspiring structures such as Julius Caesar’s Temple, the Temple of Antonio & Faustina, and the Basilica of Maxentius.

Suggested Sightseeing

Rome, Lazio Region

On the map: Rome, the capital of Italy and in the Lazio region, is in the center of the country on the western side, closest to the Tyrrhenian Sea. The city is fed by many major highways and is roughly 173 miles (279 km) south of Florence and 140 miles (226 km) northwest of Naples.

As both the capital of Italy and the capital of Italy’s Lazio region, Rome (Italian: Roma) is a popular destination among world travelers. The city’s history spans 28 centuries. Roman mythology dates the founding at around 753 BC, making Rome one of the oldest continuously occupied sites in Europe. While Roman architecture and rich Italian food make this city famous, it is also regarded as the birthplace of Western civilization. It’s easy to understand why it is ranked the 3rd most-visited city in the EU.

Known as the “Eternal City,” Rome is a masterpiece of art, food, history, and Italian culture. Stroll the ancient streets and enjoy a classic Italian meal, complete with world-famous gelato. Explore the almost-endless list of museums and monuments, including the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the Roman Forum. All are sure to give you a feeling of expertise about Italian and Roman history.

Colosseum, Rome, Lazio Region

Situated just east of the Roman Forum, in Rome, the Colosseum is the largest amphitheater ever built and was completed in AD 80. In its time, the Colosseum could hold an estimated 80,000 spectators, with an average audience of 65,000, who were seated according to rank. It was used for gladiatorial contests, public spectacles, animal hunts, executions, reenactments of famous battles, and dramas based on Classical mythology. Although the Colosseum was badly damaged by earthquakes and stone-robbers in medieval times, it is still an iconic symbol of Imperial Rome and one of Rome’s most popular tourist attractions. 

Palatine Hill, Rome, Lazio Region

Located above the Roman Forum, the Palatine Hill is the most central of the seven hills of Rome and forms one of the oldest parts of the city. Considered to be the birthplace of the Italian capital and is believed to have been inhabited since the year 1000 B.C. During the Republican Period Roman citizens belonging to the upper class settled in the Palatine Hill and built sumptuous palaces, of which important traces are still preserved, you can see hundreds of ruins of the imposing buildings that were created. From Palatine Hill you can get the best views of the Roman Forum from above.

House of the Vestal Virgins, Rome, Lazio Region

This circular temple on the Roman Forum was dedicated to Vesta, the popular goddess of home, hearth and family. The vestal virgins, who lived next door in the Casa delle Vestali, were responsible for keeping the temple's sacred flame permanently alight.

Overnight Location

Rome, Lazio Region

On the map: Rome, the capital of Italy and in the Lazio region, is in the center of the country on the western side, closest to the Tyrrhenian Sea. The city is fed by many major highways and is roughly 173 miles (279 km) south of Florence and 140 miles (226 km) northwest of Naples.

As both the capital of Italy and the capital of Italy’s Lazio region, Rome (Italian: Roma) is a popular destination among world travelers. The city’s history spans 28 centuries. Roman mythology dates the founding at around 753 BC, making Rome one of the oldest continuously occupied sites in Europe. While Roman architecture and rich Italian food make this city famous, it is also regarded as the birthplace of Western civilization. It’s easy to understand why it is ranked the 3rd most-visited city in the EU.

Known as the “Eternal City,” Rome is a masterpiece of art, food, history, and Italian culture. Stroll the ancient streets and enjoy a classic Italian meal, complete with world-famous gelato. Explore the almost-endless list of museums and monuments, including the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the Roman Forum. All are sure to give you a feeling of expertise about Italian and Roman history.

Day 4

Accommodation

Timeless Luxury Hotel - Florence, Tuscany Region

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 2.00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 12.00pm noon.

Included Unique Activities

Walking Artisan Tour

Your guide, an expert personal shopper with an eye for Florentine quality, beauty, and authenticity, will lead you on the Florence Artisan Shopping Walk. This is a delightful tour of workshops throughout the historic Oltrarno quarter, including a mosaic and scagliola workshop, where you’ll see mosaic landscapes “painted” with marble and stones.  There’s also a wood workshop, where traditional furnishings and sculptures are still carved by hand. You'll visit a leather shoemaker’s studio and discover how hand-crafted shoes are created.  Be amazed by a Florentine paper workshop, where the authentic Florentine marbled paper is created by a bookbinder in the historic Oltrarno quarter—there are only a few of these left in the world.

Suggested Sightseeing

Historic Center of Florence, Tuscany Region

Florence, in the Florence and Tuscany Region, is a seductive city where life is sweet. World-class art, architecture, and cuisine fill your senses—the entire historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built on the site of an Etruscan settlement, and then the Roman ‘Florentia’ in 59 BC, Florence came into its own during the Medici family’s prominence in the 15th and 16th centuries.

This Tuscan city is a treasure trove, showcasing 700 years of cultural and artistic works. While you’re in Florence, take time to discover the Uffizi and Pitti Palace and the works of masters such as Giotto, Brunelleschi, Botticelli, and Michaelangelo. The Arno River runs through the city, and several bridges connect its banks, including Ponte Vecchio and Ponte Santa Trinita. The entire city center is a unique marriage of museums, churches, architecture, and art. Dare to be dazzled!

Florence Cathedral, Florence, Tuscany Region

The Florence Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Flower, is the main church of Florence. Completed in 1436, the exterior of the basilica is faced with polychrome marble panels in various shades of green and pink and has an elaborate 19th-century Gothic Revival façade. The basilica is one of Italy’s largest churches and is the largest brick dome ever constructed. Although the architecture of the cathedral is something magnificent to behold, the cathedral also holds a great significance in the Roman Catholic Diocese as it is the mother church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Florence.

Uffizi Gallery, Florence, Tuscany Region

The Uffizi Gallery (Italian: Galleria degli Uffizi) is a prominent art museum located next to the Piazza della Signoria in the Historic Center of Florence, Italy. As one of the first modern museums, it was officially opened to the public in 1865. The museum features notable works from world-famous artists such as Sandro Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Caravaggio, and Raphael. Touring the Uffizi Gallery is sure to be one of the highlights of visiting Florence, and with an abundance of artwork, visitors could spend an entire day exploring the exhibits. 

Overnight Location

Florence, Tuscany Region

On the Map: Florence is the capital city of the Firenze province in central Italy’s Tuscany region. The city is located about 145 miles (230 km) northwest of Rome.

Florence is surrounded by gently rolling hills dotted with lovely villas, vineyards, and orchards. Few cities in the world are so compact in size and filled with such rare treasures of extraordinary art, architecture, and fresh cuisine. The city has remained much the same since the Renaissance—its narrow, cobbled streets are a cinematic feast of elegant 15th- and 16th-century palazzi (palaces), medieval candle-lit chapels, fresco-decorated churches, and marble basilicas.

World-class art museums hold collections and sculptures by Botticcelli, Michelangelo, and Leondardo da Vinci, among others. Make sure you leave plenty of time to wander her stone-paved lanes and stop at café’s, wine bars, and craft shops. Florence is the home of La Dolce Vita—feel the joy! The entire city center is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Day 5

Accommodation

Timeless Luxury Hotel - Florence, Tuscany Region

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 2.00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 12.00pm noon.

Included Unique Activities

Best of Florence Small Group Walking Tour w/ David & Duomo

Don’t miss a single one of Florence's best sights on this Florence walking tour, including the Ponte Vecchio, Duomo, and many more. With small groups of 15 people or less and skip-the-line access to Michelangelo’s David, we make the most of every second we have together and immerse you in the stories and facts that bring the city to life. 

Your Florence Walking Tour starts with skip-the-line access to the Florence Accademia. Once inside, your expert guide will reveal the fascinating history of Michelangelo’s David, whose beauty and size have to be seen to be believed. Another highlight is Florence’s famous cathedral, the Duomo. As you admire its monumental exterior from the Piazza del Duomo, your guide will tell you the improbable story of Filippo Brunelleschi and how this Renaissance man re-discovered knowledge lost for more than a millennium to build the Cathedral’s world-famous dome - one of the largest on earth. Before leaving the Piazza, you’ll stop at the Baptistery. During a close look at the world-renowned Baptistery doors, dubbed the 'Gates of Paradise', your guide will tell you the story of the cut-throat competition that created this glittering masterpiece. 

You'll also take a breezy stroll past the highlights of the city like the Piazza della Signoria, where you’ll admire Florence’s other world-famous sight, the towering Palazzo Vecchio. Visit the original site for Michelangelo’s David, where an exact replica stands. Hear the stories behind the statues at Orsanmichele Church, rub the Porcellino pig’s nose for good luck, and feel swept up by history at the Piazza della Repubblica - the Ancient Roman forum that later became the city’s Jewish ghetto. By the end of your Florence walking tour, you won’t just have “seen” Florence’s most famous sights; you’ll have discovered their histories, stories, and what makes them so notable.

Suggested Sightseeing

Bardini Gardens, Florence, Tuscany Region

Virtually unknown, and many times almost deserted, this 4 hectare garden was recently restored to part of its original glory and is now slowly being rediscovered by the locals and guests to the city of Florence. First time visitors to the Renaissance city just might not have time to fit it into their already full itinerary; however, those who are coming back to Florence again (and again and again) should really find time to walk the grounds. In an hour you can stroll the entire garden easily and calmly, and that is what this garden deserves: time for a short stroll that will sooth your soul.

Florence, Tuscany Region

On the Map: Florence is the capital city of the Firenze province in central Italy’s Tuscany region. The city is located about 145 miles (230 km) northwest of Rome.

Florence is surrounded by gently rolling hills dotted with lovely villas, vineyards, and orchards. Few cities in the world are so compact in size and filled with such rare treasures of extraordinary art, architecture, and fresh cuisine. The city has remained much the same since the Renaissance—its narrow, cobbled streets are a cinematic feast of elegant 15th- and 16th-century palazzi (palaces), medieval candle-lit chapels, fresco-decorated churches, and marble basilicas.

World-class art museums hold collections and sculptures by Botticcelli, Michelangelo, and Leondardo da Vinci, among others. Make sure you leave plenty of time to wander her stone-paved lanes and stop at café’s, wine bars, and craft shops. Florence is the home of La Dolce Vita—feel the joy! The entire city center is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Ponte Vecchio, Florence, Tuscany Region

Ponte Vecchio is a medieval stone segmental arch bridge over the Arno River in Florence, Italy. The bridge is famous for still having shops built along it, something that was once very common. While butchers initially occupied the shops, the present tenants include jewelers, art dealers and souvenir sellers. Unlike all of the other bridges in Florence, the Ponte Vecchio was not destroyed by Germans during World War II, making it a symbol of resilience. This symbolism was furthered in 1966, when a catastrophic flood hit the city and threatened the bridge. The bridge was repeatedly struck by large debris carried by the raging waters of the Arno and whole tree-trunks pierced right through the shops on the upstream side. However, the bridge remained intact and is still a popular destination for travelers in Florence. 

Overnight Location

Florence, Tuscany Region

On the Map: Florence is the capital city of the Firenze province in central Italy’s Tuscany region. The city is located about 145 miles (230 km) northwest of Rome.

Florence is surrounded by gently rolling hills dotted with lovely villas, vineyards, and orchards. Few cities in the world are so compact in size and filled with such rare treasures of extraordinary art, architecture, and fresh cuisine. The city has remained much the same since the Renaissance—its narrow, cobbled streets are a cinematic feast of elegant 15th- and 16th-century palazzi (palaces), medieval candle-lit chapels, fresco-decorated churches, and marble basilicas.

World-class art museums hold collections and sculptures by Botticcelli, Michelangelo, and Leondardo da Vinci, among others. Make sure you leave plenty of time to wander her stone-paved lanes and stop at café’s, wine bars, and craft shops. Florence is the home of La Dolce Vita—feel the joy! The entire city center is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Day 6

Accommodation

Timeless Luxury Hotel - Florence, Tuscany Region

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 2.00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 12.00pm noon.

Included Unique Activities

Best of Tuscany Day Tour

See the Best of Tuscany on this full-day guided, small-group, trip from Florence. Your Tuscany tour has rolling hills, lush vineyards, and food to die for. We’ll take you to three of Tuscany’s most charming hilltop towns. Break for a dream lunch at a beautiful Tuscan estate, and enjoy an exclusive tasting of Chianti’s finest wines. Visit Siena, the first stunning hilltop town of the three, followed by a visit to San Gimignano, the Manhattan of Tuscany. Finally, visit Monteriggioni, a small jewel of a hilltop town situated in a charming, medieval hamlet. You'll indulge in a gourmet lunch of local Tuscan specialties with homegrown ingredients. Yes, that means real extra-virgin olive oil and Chianti’s finest wines!

Suggested Sightseeing

Historic Center of Siena, Tuscany Region

According to UNESCO, “The historic center of Siena is a testimony to human creativity and expresses human artistic and aesthetic capacity in material form.” That’s a lot to live up to, but as the embodiment of a medieval city, it’s an absolute success. Over time, people and politics came and went, but the city’s Gothic appearance, created during the 12th through the 15th centuries, has endured.

Siena was built around the Piazza del Campo and conceived of as a work of art that seamlessly blends with the landscape. Siena is also the perfect base to go wine and cheese tasting, bicycling through vineyards, orchards, past country farms, and back into town. Heavenly views abound in Siena.

Siena, Tuscany Region

On the map: Siena, a city in central Italy’s Tuscany region, is distinguished by its medieval brick buildings.

Siena might be Italy’s loveliest medieval city, where the architecture soars, as do the souls of many of its visitors. Effectively a giant, open-air museum celebrating the Gothic, Siena has spiritual and secular monuments that have retained both their medieval forms and their extraordinary art collections, providing the visitor with plenty to marvel at. The fan-shaped central square, Piazza del Campo, is the site of the Palazzo Pubblico, the Gothic town hall, and Torre del Mangia, a slender 14th-century tower with sweeping views from its distinctive white crown. The city’s 17 historic contrade (districts) spread outward from the piazza and are as close-knit and colourful today as they were in the 17th century, when their world-famous horse race, the Palio, was inaugurated. Within each contrada lies vibrant streets populated with artisanal boutiques, sweet-smelling pasticcerie (pastry shops) and tempting restaurants. It's a feast for the senses and an essential stop on every Tuscan itinerary.

Chianti, Tuscany Region

On the Map: Chianti is a town and territory in the Tuscany region of Italy. It is located about 18 miles (30 km) south of Florence and 26 miles (42 km) north of Siena.

The Chianti region is world renowned for its vineyards and olive groves. It is dotted with small medieval castles, villas, and villages. The villages of Chianti often have Romanesque churches and the castles are fortified, a remnant of the ancient fights between the towns of Siena and Florence. Chianti is a lovely area to explore, and the winemaking region runs between these same two towns. This gorgeous area has been home to muses, explorers, and artists.

Overnight Location

Florence, Tuscany Region

On the Map: Florence is the capital city of the Firenze province in central Italy’s Tuscany region. The city is located about 145 miles (230 km) northwest of Rome.

Florence is surrounded by gently rolling hills dotted with lovely villas, vineyards, and orchards. Few cities in the world are so compact in size and filled with such rare treasures of extraordinary art, architecture, and fresh cuisine. The city has remained much the same since the Renaissance—its narrow, cobbled streets are a cinematic feast of elegant 15th- and 16th-century palazzi (palaces), medieval candle-lit chapels, fresco-decorated churches, and marble basilicas.

World-class art museums hold collections and sculptures by Botticcelli, Michelangelo, and Leondardo da Vinci, among others. Make sure you leave plenty of time to wander her stone-paved lanes and stop at café’s, wine bars, and craft shops. Florence is the home of La Dolce Vita—feel the joy! The entire city center is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Day 7

Accommodation

Opulent Palace Hotel - Venice, Veneto Region

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 2.00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 12.00pm noon.

Included Unique Activities

Welcome to Venice: Gondola Ride, Walking Tour & St Mark's

This Venice Walking Tour takes you to the heart of the city in just three hours; giving you a broad overview of the history, culture and character of the Floating City. Led by a local guide, you’ll start your tour of Venice by the Rialto Bridge and learn how the structure was considered so daring in its engineering that critics at the time predicted it would fall (still standing, 420 years later!). Drop by the Rialto Fish Market to hear about the city's fishermen before veering off the beaten path into Cannaregio; one of the loveliest, most authentic areas of Venice. As you wind through Venice’s hidden alleyways, your local guide will regale you with tales of the city’s past and present. Curious about real estate prices? Or how they handle flooding? Now’s your chance to ask a real insider!  

While the atmosphere of Venice is best experienced on a walking tour of its streets and canals, there are some sights you just can’t miss. St. Mark’s Basilica is top of this list, as long general access lines usually attest. With pre-reserved tickets, you’ll get straight inside for a 30-minute tour with your guide. Learn how the relics of St. Mark arrived here by dubious means, admire its incredible gold mosaics and understand why the church’s east-meets-west architecture is a perfect representation of the city of Venice. 

The best is yet to come! At the conclusion of your tour, your local insider will leave you in the expert hands of a professional gondolier. Climb onboard a traditional Venice gondola (6 people or fewer to a boat) for a half-hour excursion through the city’s canals. Sit back and enjoy exploring the city as it was meant to be seen – from the water! 

Suggested Sightseeing

Bridge of Sighs, Venice, Veneto Region

The Bridge of Sighs (Ponte dei Sospiri) is an enclosed bridge made of white limestone with windows with stone bars. The bridge passes over the Rio di Palazzo, and connects the New Prison to the interrogation rooms in the Doge's Palace. Despite being considered one of the most romantic sites in Venice, the bridge was built in 1602 so that convicts could go straight from being sentenced in the palace courtrooms to their prison cell (or execution) across the bridge. Rather than connecting two roads on either side of the water, the bridge travels from one building to the other. 

Saint Mark's Basilica, Venice, Veneto Region

Saint Mark's Basilica is the cathedral church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Venice, northern Italy. It is the most famous of the city's churches and one of the best known examples of Italo-Byzantine architecture. It lies at the eastern end of the Piazza San Marco, adjacent and connected to the Doge's Palace. Originally it was the chapel of the Doge, and has been the city's cathedral only since 1807, when it became the seat of the Patriarch of Venice, archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Venice, formerly at San Pietro di Castello. For its opulent design, gold ground mosaics, and its status as a symbol of Venetian wealth and power, from the 11th century on the building has been known by the nickname Church of Gold.

Venice, Veneto Region

On the map: Venice is a city in northeastern Italy and it’s the capital of the Veneto region. The city is built on a group of 118 islands, separated by canals, and linked by more than 400 bridges. The islands are in a shallow lagoon, lying between the mouths of the Po and Piave rivers. 55,000 people live in the historic island city of Venice. Venice is 325 miles north of Rome and 186 miles from Slovenia. It is situated by the Adriatic Sea.

Due to its geographic position, Venice traded with the Byzantine Empire and the Middle East. By the late 13th century, Venice was the most prosperous city in Europe. At  its height, 36,000 Venetian sailors, operating 3,300 ships, dominated Mediterranean trade. Powerful families vied to create the most extravagant homes in Venice, many of which still stand in their glory.

Overnight Location

Venice, Veneto Region

On the map: Venice is a city in northeastern Italy and it’s the capital of the Veneto region. The city is built on a group of 118 islands, separated by canals, and linked by more than 400 bridges. The islands are in a shallow lagoon, lying between the mouths of the Po and Piave rivers. 55,000 people live in the historic island city of Venice. Venice is 325 miles north of Rome and 186 miles from Slovenia. It is situated by the Adriatic Sea.

Due to its geographic position, Venice traded with the Byzantine Empire and the Middle East. By the late 13th century, Venice was the most prosperous city in Europe. At  its height, 36,000 Venetian sailors, operating 3,300 ships, dominated Mediterranean trade. Powerful families vied to create the most extravagant homes in Venice, many of which still stand in their glory.

Day 8

Accommodation

Opulent Palace Hotel - Venice, Veneto Region

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 2.00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 12.00pm noon.

Included Unique Activities

Murano & Burano Small Group Boat Tour

No trip to Venice is complete without discovering the Venetian Lagoon's two most cherished islands. This half day trip to Murano from Venice offers transport by private boat and a dedicated guide throughout. Gain perspective on the ageless arts of glassblowing and lacemaking and the mastery of artisans, as well as delight in the unique charm of the tranquil canals and piazzas of these vibrant islets. 

Once you reach the meeting point in central Venice, you'll be whisked off to Murano to see its world-famous blown glass. Admire the 'City of Bridges' from the water with sweeping views and commentary from your guide as you get ready to witness the magic of Murano glass. All glassmaking was moved to this tiny group of islands in the Middle Ages, and it was the only place where mirrors were made for centuries. Techniques were so secret that perpetrators risked execution for leaking them. Times have changed, but you'll behold exactly what has made Murano glass so sought after for nearly 750 years.

Upon arrival, dock at a specially chosen glassblowing workshop to marvel as craftsmen shape molten glass into dazzling works of art. See these sparkling treasures come to life as you learn how colors and the most ambitious shapes come to be. After browsing in the gallery, explore Murano to enjoy its sleepy canals and San Donato church, a stunning example of Byzantine architecture, without being hurried. 

The next stop on your Venice cruise is Burano. Considered by many as one of the most colorful places in the world, this small fishing community with its brightly colored houses also has some of the finest handmade lace anywhere. Watch this cultural tradition in action as women stitch by hand, like countless generations before them. After the demonstration, you will have free time to visit the lace museum, stroll Burano's vibrant waterways, or shop for souvenirs. 

Classic Venice Cooking Class

The lagoon is home to fantastic ingredients from land and sea. From 'bigoli in salsa' to polenta, risotto and ‘baicoli’ biscuits, learning to cook with the lagoon's produce is a voyage of discovery into Venice's long and rich history as a trading crossroads. Take a step off the tourist trail and encounter the real Venice. Learning how to cook in a local home is a wonderful way to gain insight into Italy's real culture. What could be a better souvenir than cooking knowledge to last a lifetime?

During your class, you'll learn how to use the best seasonal ingredients to make an appetizer, traditional pasta made from scratch, and even a decadent dessert!  In the second part of the workshop, sit down and with a good glass of wine and indulge in all your hard work. Cooking and dining with a local host gives you the chance to be welcomed in as one of the family and dive into in the traditions of everyday Italy.

Suggested Sightseeing

Doge's Palace, Venice, Veneto Region

The Doge's Palace (Palazzo Ducale) is a monumental piece of architecture built in Venetian Gothic style, and one of the main landmarks of the city of Venice, in northern Italy. The palace was the residence of the Doge of Venice, the supreme authority of the former Republic. It was built in 1340, and extended and modified in the following centuries.

Burano, Veneto Region

On the map: Burano is an island in the Venetian Lagoon, northern Italy; like Venice itself, it could more correctly be called an archipelago of four islands linked by bridges. It is situated near Torcello at the northern end of the Lagoon.

Burano is known for its lace work, brightly colored fishermen's houses, and its casual eateries serving seafood from the lagoon. The Museo del Merletto has exhibits on the development of lace-making in the area, and shops sell lace products like linens and clothes, as well as delicious  local butter cookies called "bussolai buranei." This quiet village with only about 2,000 full-time residents allows you to experience the magic of the canals and the picturesque buildings in a more tranquil atmosphere than bustling Venice. 

Piazza San Marco, Venice, Veneto Region

Piazza San Marco, often known in English as St Mark's Square, is the principal public square of Venice, Italy, where it is generally known just as la Piazza. It was established during the ninth century, but adopted its current size and form in 1177, and was paved one hundred years later. The Piazza San Marco is one of the most beautiful in the world. Napoleon called it “the world’s most beautiful drawing room”. 

Venice, Veneto Region

On the map: Venice is a city in northeastern Italy and it’s the capital of the Veneto region. The city is built on a group of 118 islands, separated by canals, and linked by more than 400 bridges. The islands are in a shallow lagoon, lying between the mouths of the Po and Piave rivers. 55,000 people live in the historic island city of Venice. Venice is 325 miles north of Rome and 186 miles from Slovenia. It is situated by the Adriatic Sea.

Due to its geographic position, Venice traded with the Byzantine Empire and the Middle East. By the late 13th century, Venice was the most prosperous city in Europe. At  its height, 36,000 Venetian sailors, operating 3,300 ships, dominated Mediterranean trade. Powerful families vied to create the most extravagant homes in Venice, many of which still stand in their glory.

Overnight Location

Venice, Veneto Region

On the map: Venice is a city in northeastern Italy and it’s the capital of the Veneto region. The city is built on a group of 118 islands, separated by canals, and linked by more than 400 bridges. The islands are in a shallow lagoon, lying between the mouths of the Po and Piave rivers. 55,000 people live in the historic island city of Venice. Venice is 325 miles north of Rome and 186 miles from Slovenia. It is situated by the Adriatic Sea.

Due to its geographic position, Venice traded with the Byzantine Empire and the Middle East. By the late 13th century, Venice was the most prosperous city in Europe. At  its height, 36,000 Venetian sailors, operating 3,300 ships, dominated Mediterranean trade. Powerful families vied to create the most extravagant homes in Venice, many of which still stand in their glory.

Day 9

Depart From

Venice, Veneto Region

On the map: Venice is a city in northeastern Italy and it’s the capital of the Veneto region. The city is built on a group of 118 islands, separated by canals, and linked by more than 400 bridges. The islands are in a shallow lagoon, lying between the mouths of the Po and Piave rivers. 55,000 people live in the historic island city of Venice. Venice is 325 miles north of Rome and 186 miles from Slovenia. It is situated by the Adriatic Sea.

Due to its geographic position, Venice traded with the Byzantine Empire and the Middle East. By the late 13th century, Venice was the most prosperous city in Europe. At  its height, 36,000 Venetian sailors, operating 3,300 ships, dominated Mediterranean trade. Powerful families vied to create the most extravagant homes in Venice, many of which still stand in their glory.