A Week in Venice, Florence & Rome

Day 1  Venice  
Welcome to Venice. Upon arrival, make your way to your hotel and enjoy a reception and dinner with your group and tour leader this evening.  

Day 2  Venice  
This morning, explore the landmark sites of Venice, joining a local guide on a walking tour that includes St Marks’s Basilica and the 14th century Doge’s Palace. Gondolas have glided along the historic canals that run through the city since the 11th century, skilfully rowed by specially trained gondoliers passionate about their craft. Experience this timeless tradition in the late afternoon, enjoying the iconic view of Venice from the canals. The rest of today is at leisure.  

Day 3  Venice to Florence  
Start today boarding a high-speed train bound for Florence. Arrive at your hotel for lunch and enjoy a private talk by an art historian who shares insight about the Renaissance treasures you will see during your stay. A local guide will then take you on a walking tour to see Piazza della Signoria, Piazza della Repubblica, and the Duomo, with a visit to Galleria dell’Accademia. Renowned for statues by Michelangelo, including his magnificent David, the museum showcases an impressive collection of artwork from the 13th to 16th centuries by Botticelli, Giotto and more. Enjoy time at leisure before dinner in a local restaurant where you will sample delicious Tuscan dishes.  

Day 4  Florence  
Today, visit the Uffizi Galleries and view iconic works by famed artists such as Caravaggio’s Medusa, Done Tondo by Michelangelo, Annunciation by Leonardo da Vinci, The Birth of Venus by Sandro Botticelli, Titan’s Venus of Urbino and others. Spend the rest of today at leisure.  

Day 5  Florence  
Drive outside the city through the Tuscan countryside and visit the ancient monastery of Badia de Passignano in the Chianti Classico region, where the monks are known for their love of learning (Galileo taught here in 1587) and their cultivation of grapes. Tour the wine cellar with a sommelier, sample its famous Chiantis, and have lunch at Osteria di Passignano for Tuscan cuisine with wine pairings followed by an extra virgin olive oil tasting. After lunch, return to Florence where the rest of today is at leisure.

Day 6  Florence to Rome  
Travel to the Eternal City of Rome on board a high-speed train. Enjoy lunch at a historic restaurant in Piazza Navona; one of the most famous squares in Rome, its history dates to the 1st Century AD when it was built as a stadium for athletic competitions. Today, the square is known for its beautiful baroque architecture. View landmark city sites on a panoramic tour around the seven hills of imperial Rome this afternoon, where you will have the opportunity to view the Baths of Caracalla, Circus Maximus and other sites.  

Day 7  Rome  
This morning, venture to the Vatican City and explore St. Peter’s Square before a guided visit inside St. Peter’s Basilica, famous for its marble mosaics, paintings, tapestries and columns – topped by Michelangelo’s exquisitely designed dome. Return to Rome in the afternoon for time at leisure. This evening you will have a farewell reception and dinner.  

Day 8  Rome  
Check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport in time for your flight home.