Day 1 – Rome
Benvenuto! Your private driver will meet you at the airport for a transfer to your Hotel. Hotel check in and rest of the day at your leisure.
Day 2 – Rome
In the morning you will be picked at your Hotel for a visit of the Vatican museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica. You will travel by private bus to Vatican City, the smallest independent sovereign state in the world. In the Vatican Museum, you will be shown a fine collection of antiques. The visit includes: The Sculpture Museum, The fascinating Tapestry Gallery, The Gallery of Maps, The world famous Sistine Chapel, decorated by Michelangelo. The tour will then proceed to St. Peter’s Basilica, where you will view the art treasures of the largest Roman Catholic Church in the world, including Michelangelo’s “Pietà”. Rest of the day at leisure.
Day 3 – Rome
You will be picked from your Hotel to be taken to Piazza Venezia, where you will see the imposing memorial to Victor Emanuel II, the first King of United Italy. The tour will then proceed to the Roman Forum, the old center of the Imperial City, where the Senate House, the basilicas and the temples of the major gods are located. After walking down the Via Sacra and passing by the Arch of Titus, you will visit the Coliseum, surrounded by impressive monuments such as the ruins of the Arch of Constantine the Great. The last stop on your tour will be the 5th-century Christian Basilica of St. Peter in Chains, where you will see the world famous Statue of Moses by Michelangelo. Return to Hotels or nearest point.
Day 4 – Florence
Morning transfer to Florence on high speed train (second class). In 1 hour and 30 minutes you will be in the center of Florence. Check in at your Hotel (centrally located). Rest of the day at leisure.
Day 5 – Florence
In the morning tour of Florence and the Accademia gallery. Drive along the romantic Viale dei Colli up to Piazzale Michelangelo: a stop to admire the wonderful panorama of the city, one of the most beautiful in the world. The tour will proceed by coach through the old city centre. Then walking guided visit of the outdoor Duomo complex: the Baptistery with its bronze doors including the famous Porta del Paradiso and the visit of the Cathedral with the magni ficent Cupola del Brunelleschi and Giotto’s bell tower. A short walk through the historic streets of the heart of Florence brings you to the renowned Galleria dell’Accademia* where you can admire the famous “David” by Michelangelo and other works by the great artist. End of the tour inside the museum. After at your leisure.
Day 6 – Siena – San Gimignano – Pisa
A full day excursion to the best of Tuscany. Depart for Siena, driving through the lovely Chianti vineyards. You will be introduced to Siena by a local guide who will meet you to take you on a guided walking tour, tracing the history of Siena through its 13th century streets and square. During your free time, stroll through Siena at your own pace; enjoy a drink, while soaking up the sun, or window shop. A short journey then takes us to a family run wine-farm in the heart of the Tuscan countryside. Here we shall have a delicious, traditional Tuscan lunch of fresh, homemade products straight off the farm, including handmade pasta and homemade cured meats, salad and typical local cheese, all served with plenty of wine from the region: “Vernaccia” from San Gimignano, “Chianti” and “Vin Santo” (dessert wine).
After lunch, San Gimignano is only minutes away. Considered one of the most beautiful medieval hilltop towns in Italy, this Unesco World Heritage site is often nicknamed the “Manhattan of the Middle Ages” because its famous tall, narrow towers create a skyline that looks a bit like a modern city. From San Gimignano, we drive past hilltop hamlets, or little churches, scattered over some of the most beautiful and enchanting countryside. We finally wind down the hillsides towards the coast, to Pisa, our last destination for the day. Getting off the coach, we reach the Field of Miracles, a green grass field dominated by the dazzling white buildings of the Cathedral or Duomo, the Tower and the Baptistery – exquisite examples of Pisan Romanesque architecture: the Leaning Tower is almost about 183 ft tall.
Day 7 – Venice
Morning transfer to Venice on high speed train (second class). Check in at your hotel. Rest of the day on your own.
Day 8 – Venice
In the afternoon a walking tour of Venice and a gondola ride. Outdoors visit with the Tourist Guide of the area between Piazza San Marco and the Rialto Bridge, passing by some special places: Teatro la Fenice, Scala del Bovolo, Rialto Bridge. The tour does NOT include the explanation of the Piazza San Marco. Embarking on a gondola (up to 6 people per gondola) and 35 minutes ride on the Grand Canal (S. Maria della Salute area) and minor canals (Fenice area) – The tour ends with the landing at the station Vallaresso (Dogana).
Day 9 – Venice
Private transfer from your Hotel to Venice airport. Arrivederci!
Package includes:
- Private transfer from Rome Airport to your hotel
- 3 nights in double classic room at a 4-star centrally located hotel in Rome
- 4 hours Group Tour of Vatican museums, Sistine Chapel and St Peter’s basilica
- 3 hours Group Tour Rome of the Caesars (Coliseum, Forum and Piazza Venezia)
- Train Tickets on high speed train from Rome to Florence (second class)
- 3 nights in double classic room at a 4-star centrally located hotel
- 2 hours and 30 minutes Group walking tour of Florence and Accademia Gallery (entrance tickets included)
- Full day Group guided tour of Tuscany
- Train Tickets on high speed train from Florence to Venice (second class)
- 2 nights in double classic room at a 4-star centrally located hotel in Venice
- 2 hours and 30 minutes group tour of Venice and gondola ride
- Private transfer from hotel in Venice to Venice airport