11-Night Italy's Brightest Gems

Day 2

Accommodation

4-Star Baroque Historic Gem Hotel - Rome, Lazio Region

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 2.00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 11.00am

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!

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

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.

Circus Maximus, Rome, Lazio Region

Now a huge basin of dusty grass, Circus Maximus was ancient Rome’s largest chariot racetrack, a 250,000-seater capable of holding up to a quarter of the city’s population. The enormous track circled a wooden dividing island with ornate lap indicators and Egyptian obelisks. Here you can explore the corridors that led to the tiered seating, as well as shops, taverns, even latrines. Overlooking everything is the Torre della Moletta, a medieval tower built in the 12th century.

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

4-Star Baroque Historic Gem Hotel - Rome, Lazio Region

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 2.00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 11.00am

Included Unique Activities

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. 

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. 

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

4-Star Historic Boutique Hotel - Sorrento, Campania 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

2 Hour Pompeii Visit with Guide

Meet your guide at the archeological site entrance and get ready to be amazed. This is a place that awes all who visit. Pompeii was frozen in time, stopped in action, and covered in ash when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD. Since it was uncovered, it has earned a coveted place on the UNESCO World Heritage list. The remains of temples, bars, and villas look just as they did 2,000 years ago. You'll tread the cobbled streets and see chariot ruts, all brought to life by a guided commentary through radio headsets. Even if you are no history fan, Pompeii cannot fail to take your breath away.

Sorrento Food Tour & Limoncello Experience

Tease your tastebuds with traditional specialties chosen to highlight the best local flavors of the Campania region. Indulge in delectable food and drink tastings at 8 different locations. Stroll through the charming streets of Sorrento with majestic Mt. Vesuvius as the backdrop while savouring authentic dishes and sipping local libations. You’ll meet the charismatic entrepreneurs, chefs, and local artisans who preserve these cultural traditions.
Stops include – a favorite family-owned trattoria serving tradition gnocchi Sorrentina and buffalo mozzarella, a lemon grove and limoncello factory, unique-style pizzeria, the candy-man’s specialty bonbons, market meats, cheeses and artisanal beer, and Neapolitan sfogliatelle pastries and gelato.

Between tastings, you will gain insights into the city’s cultural highlights, food history, and tips on “how to eat Italian.” Our passionate, local guides share their knowledge and recommendations of architectural gems, enchanting local flora, fascinating ruins, and exciting local attractions and restaurants. Tour groups are intentionally kept small with a maximum of 14 guests per tour in order to ensure a personalised and comfortable experience for everyone. 

Suggested Sightseeing

Mount Vesuvius, Campania Region

Rising formidably beside the Bay of Naples, Mount Vesuvius forms part of the Campanian volcanic arch, a string of active, dormant and extinct volcanoes that include the Campi Flegrei's Solfatara and Monte Nuovo, and Ischia's Monte Epomeo. Infamous for its explosive Plinian eruptions and surrounding urban sprawl, it's also one of the world's most carefully monitored volcanoes. Another full-scale eruption would be catastrophic. More than half a million people live in the so-called 'red zone', the area most vulnerable to pyroclastic flows and crushing pyroclastic deposits in a major eruption. Yet, despite government incentives to relocate, few residents are willing to leave.

Overnight Location

Sorrento, Campania Region

On the Map: Sorrento is a seaside town in the Campania region of southwestern Italy, facing the Bay of Naples on the Sorrentine Peninsula. 

Known as the western gateway to the Amalfi and perched atop cliffs that separate the town from its busy marinas, Sorrento is known for sweeping water views and Piazza Tasso, a cafe-lined square. The historic center is a warren of narrow alleys that's home to the Chiesa di San Francesco, a 14th-century church with a tranquil cloister.  Wander through the Piazza Tasso and stroll past palatial hotels, magnificent marquetry shops and simple Campanian restaurants serving gnocchi alla sorrentina finished off with a shot of ice-cold limoncello.

Day 5

Accommodation

4-Star Historic Boutique Hotel - Sorrento, Campania 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

Amalfi Coast Drive

Enjoy the Amalfi Coast drive which is arguably the world's most beautiful and thrilling sightseeing road.
Your English-speaking driver, along the journey, will give you general information including how to spend your free time for each of the 3 stops
Positano is a true paradise, developed vertically within a tangled overlay of streets, alleys and shops that expose the colorful Positano fashions well-known all around the world. In the town center is the Parish Church of Santa Maria Assunta that shows up with its large dome, tiled in majolica and sheltering some precious works like polychrome marble altars.
It’s nice to get lost in Positano… To fully embrace the beauty of the town it’s probably better to walk without a precise destination; You will be able to enjoy the streets, the little shops, the restaurants, the monuments,
the churches, the beaches.
Amalfi, a picturesque interlacing of alleys and stairways overlooks the sea with all its extraordinary colors reflecting the enchanting landscape of Amalfi, the town whose name blesses the entire coast. Dominated
by the majestic Cathedral dedicated to Sant'Andrea (St. Andrew), Amalfi proffers innumerable testimonies of its glorious past as a Maritime Republic.
Ravello, another pearl of the coast, an elegant and refined village, dipped in green and characterized by luxurious villas. Ravello is famous all around the world for its Festival, in the garden of Villa Rufolo, where an evocative setting and the emotion of listening to great music create an experience of extraordinary intensity. 

The heart of Ravello is represented by Piazza Vescovado, framed by the architecture of Palazzo Rufolo and the Cathedral with its magnificent portal (the first ever made with this innovative mouldtechnique) and 10-feet-high bell tower.

Suggested Sightseeing

Amalfi Coast, Campania Region

On the Map: The Amalfi Coast is a 50-kilometer stretch of coastline along the southern edge of Italy’s Sorrentine Peninsula, in the Campania region. 

Deemed an outstanding example of a Mediterranean landscape by Unesco, the Amalfi Coast is one of Italy's most memorable destinations with its sheer cliffs and rugged shoreline dotted with small beaches and pastel-colored fishing villages. The coastal road between the port city of Salerno and clifftop Sorrento winds past grand villas, terraced vineyards and cliffside lemon groves.

Positano , Campania Region

On the Map: Positano is a cliffside village on southern Italy's Amalfi Coast in the Campania region.

Positano is a sophisticated resort town with a pebble beachfront and steep, narrow streets lined with boutiques and cafes. Its Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta features a majolica-tiled dome and a 13th-century Byzantine icon of the Virgin Mary. The Sentiero degli Dei hiking trail links Positano to other coastal towns.

Overnight Location

Sorrento, Campania Region

On the Map: Sorrento is a seaside town in the Campania region of southwestern Italy, facing the Bay of Naples on the Sorrentine Peninsula. 

Known as the western gateway to the Amalfi and perched atop cliffs that separate the town from its busy marinas, Sorrento is known for sweeping water views and Piazza Tasso, a cafe-lined square. The historic center is a warren of narrow alleys that's home to the Chiesa di San Francesco, a 14th-century church with a tranquil cloister.  Wander through the Piazza Tasso and stroll past palatial hotels, magnificent marquetry shops and simple Campanian restaurants serving gnocchi alla sorrentina finished off with a shot of ice-cold limoncello.

Day 6

Accommodation

4-Star Historic Boutique Hotel - Sorrento, Campania 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

Capri Cruise

Cosmopolitan Capri has been a magnet for the rich and glamorous for decades – everyone from Jay-Z and Beyoncé to Elton John has been spotted on the island’s well-groomed shores. You’ll sail over on a leisurely cruise in a 12-person boat, taking in the sights of the Sorrentine Coast and Capri’s grottoes before spending a few hours on the island. Sailing from Sorrento, you’ll pass the rugged beaches of Marciano and Mitigliano en route to Capri. The skipper will make for the White Grotto on the east coast and the tunnel-like Green Grotto on the southwest coast. If conditions are good, you’ll get the chance to swim and snorkel in the enticing turquoise waters. You’ll then be dropped off in one of Capri’s two ports, where you’ll have about four hours to explore the island. You could visit historic churches, shop in chic boutiques, or grab a bite in a café. There’ll be limoncello to enjoy on the cruise back.

Suggested Sightseeing

Blue Grotto, Capri, Campania Region

The Blue Grotto is a sea cave on the coast of the island of Capri, southern Italy. Sunlight passing through an underwater cavity and shining through the seawater creates a blue reflection that illuminates the cavern.

Day 7

Accommodation

Elegant City Center Hotel - Florence, Tuscany Region

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 2.00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 11.00am.

Suggested Sightseeing

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. 

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!

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 8

Accommodation

Elegant City Center Hotel - Florence, Tuscany Region

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 2.00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 11.00am.

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.

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

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.

Boboli Gardens, Florence, Tuscany Region

The Boboli Gardens is a historical park of the city of Florence that was opened to the public in 1766. Originally designed for the Medici, it represents one of the first and most important examples of the Italian garden, which later served as inspiration for many European courts. The stunningly beautiful terraced gardens and pavilions are known as "green architecture" and decorated with sculptures and the prototype which inspired many European Royal gardens, in particular, Versailles.

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 9

Accommodation

Elegant City Center Hotel - Florence, Tuscany Region

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 2.00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 11.00am.

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!

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 10

Accommodation

4 Star Authentic Venetian Prestige - 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

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

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”. 

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. 

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 11

Accommodation

4 Star Authentic Venetian Prestige - 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

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.

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 12

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.