👋

Hi! Need help planning your dream trip? 🌍

Go Real Travel Assistant

Online

Welcome! Where are you in your journey?

Pick the option that fits you best so we can route you to the right help.

Dreaming the Italian Classics: A 10-day voyage through Rome, Florence & Venice

destination-icon10 Day Tour of Rome, Florence and Venice

Trevi Fountain in Rome
View of the Duomo in florence
The Pantheon glows at daybreak
Gondolas of Venice at sunrise
image
arrowLightLeft
arrowLightRight
calendar-icon
10 Days 9 Nights
calendar-icon
Best Time: Jan-Dec
building-icon
Visiting Museums & Art Galleries
family-icon
History Buffs
On this 10-day trip, you'll roam Rome from the Vatican City to the Colosseum to the Trevi fountain. Leave the imperial city by train past incredible views of olive groves and hillside vineyards to see Michelangelo's "David" and the Duomo of Santa Maria in Florence. After a cooking class with a good glass of Chianti Classico, ride on to Venice to wander amidst its iconic canals to the sublime Piazza San Marco. With our detailed itinerary directions and guided tours in each city, this tour delivers an iconic Italy, whether you are a single traveler, on a family trip, or with a special someone.
  • Discover the Classical Roman World at the Roman Forum, Palantine Hill, and Piazza Navona
  • Become a foodie cognoscenti in Rome's Trastevere neighborhood.
  • Understand the heart of Renaissance art in Florence, and admire some of the world's greatest art
  • Stroll the ornate Rialto Bridge over the canals of Venice, and find the best local cappuccino.
On this 10-day trip, you'll roam Rome from the Vatican City to the Colosseum to the Trevi fountain. Leave the imperial city by train past incredible views of olive groves and hillside vineyards to see Michelangelo's "David" and the Duomo of Santa Maria in Florence. After a cooking class with a good glass of Chianti Classico, ride on to Venice to wander amidst its iconic canals to the sublime Piazza San Marco. With our detailed itinerary directions and guided tours in each city, this tour delivers an iconic Italy, whether you are a single traveler, on a family trip, or with a special someone.
  • Discover the Classical Roman World at the Roman Forum, Palantine Hill, and Piazza Navona
  • Become a foodie cognoscenti in Rome's Trastevere neighborhood.
  • Understand the heart of Renaissance art in Florence, and admire some of the world's greatest art
  • Stroll the ornate Rialto Bridge over the canals of Venice, and find the best local cappuccino.
European Adventure
Colosseum
Historic Landmarks
Scenic Europe
Vatican City
Churches & Monasteries
Exploring European Beauty
Trevi Fountain
Historic Landmarks
Traveling Through Europe
Piazza del Duomo
Churches & Monasteries
European Wonders
Uffizi Gallery
Museums & Galleries
Captivating European Destinations
Galleria dell'Accademia
Museums & Galleries
Picturesque Europe
Oltrarno & Piazzale Michelangelo
Cultural
European Charm
Grand Canal
European History
Discovering Europe's Treasures
Saint Mark's Basilica
Architecture

Must see sights

European Adventure
Colosseum
Historic Landmarks
Scenic Europe
Vatican City
Churches & Monasteries
Exploring European Beauty
Trevi Fountain
Historic Landmarks
Traveling Through Europe
Piazza del Duomo
Churches & Monasteries
European Wonders
Uffizi Gallery
Museums & Galleries
Captivating European Destinations
Galleria dell'Accademia
Museums & Galleries
Picturesque Europe
Oltrarno & Piazzale Michelangelo
Cultural
European Charm
Grand Canal
European History
Discovering Europe's Treasures
Saint Mark's Basilica
Architecture
Loading...

Starting from

$4033

per person

no-flightNot included

Secure Your Customizable Trip

Enter your details to embark on a journey that can be tailored just for you.

Start

Travelers

0 travelers
Add Room
Remove Room

Preferred Hotel Stars

Select Hotel Stars
Craft Your Own Itinerary

Select your interests and destinations for a trip plan inspired by you.

Dreaming the Italian Classics Trip - Map & Itinerary

Enable/Disable Map Scrolling

Click To Make Map Interactive

Dreaming the Italian Classics Trip Timeline

Arrival

3 nights

Rome

Italy

Train: 2h

3 nights

Florence

Italy

Train: 2.5h

3 nights

Venice

Italy

Departure

Day-By-Day Itinerary of Dreaming the Italian Classics Trip

image

Day 1

Arrive Rome

Day 1

Arrive Rome

icon
icon
icon

11:30 AM

Private Transfer to your Hotel

For your arrival in Rome, we will provide information on the customs and passport procedures. We will schedule a pick up for your flight's arrival time. You will be met at arrivals inside the terminal by a driver holding a sign with your name on it. The transfer is for your party only - you will not be sharing a vehicle. The cost of the ride will be included in your itinerary package and you will be taken directly to your hotel.  IMPORTANT NOTE:  Please be aware the car service can fit up to 1 checked item of luggage and 1 personal item per person, such as a purse or small backpack. If you think you will have more baggage, please inform your travel consultant as this may result in an additional fee.

Private Transfer to your Hotel

11:30 AM — Private Transfer to your Hotel

For your arrival in Rome, we will provide information on the customs and passport procedures. We will schedule a pick up for your flight's arrival time. You will be met at arrivals inside the terminal by a driver holding a sign with your name on it. The transfer is for your party only - you will not be sharing a vehicle. The cost of the ride will be included in your itinerary package and you will be taken directly to your hotel.  IMPORTANT NOTE:  Please be aware the car service can fit up to 1 checked item of luggage and 1 personal item per person, such as a purse or small backpack. If you think you will have more baggage, please inform your travel consultant as this may result in an additional fee.

Mid-Day — Rome's Historic Center

Rome's tangled historical center is packed full of some of the most fascinating and incredible sights. Explore elegant squares and piazzas, centuries-year-old churches, and baroque fountains and wander at leisure the labyrinth of ancient Roman cobbled lanes. Highlights include the Baroque grandeur of Piazza Navona and the great and endlessly copied Roman Pantheon.

Piazza Navona

Stand in one of the most beautiful squares in Rome, home to the famous Fontana dei Fiumi Fountain by Bernini.

A Roman rendezvous, Piazza Navona is, for many people, the most beautiful square in the world. Like many of Rome's landmarks, Piazza Navona is located over the foundations of an ancient monument, a 30,000 seat stadium of Domitian. The former tiers of seats have since made way for ornate fountains, exuberant baroque palazzi, and bustling pavement cafes. The square has long been the hub for local life, hosting Rome's main market for over 300 years. Today it attracts a colorful circus of tourists, performers, hawkers, street artists, and pigeons. The first visit to Piazza Navona might well result in a stiff neck from gazing up at all the sumptuous Baroque beauty.

Pantheon

Visit this iconic former pagan temple converted into a Christian church.

This sanctuary of impressive dimensions is one of the best-preserved buildings of ancient Rome. Erected on the foundations of an earlier temple dating back to 27 BC, its construction was ordered by the Emporer Hadrian in the second century AD. The Pantheon was originally a Pagan temple dedidated to all of the gods. The building's consecration as a church in 609 AD saved it from the abandonment, destruction, and the worst of the spoliation that befell the majority of ancient Rome's buildings during the early medieval period. Its greying exterior may look its age, but inside, a spectacular experience awaits. With light streaming through its oculus, the marble-clad interior seems vast. The Pantheon is home to some notable tombs, including those of painters Annibale Carracci and Raphael and King Vittorio Emanuele II.

Column of Marcus Aurelius

Column formerly dedicated to Emperor Marcus Aurelius; a statue of St. Paul now stands in place of his.

If you turn left at the far end of the Temple of Adrian, you'll arrive at the Column of Marcus Aurelius (Colonna di Marco Aurelio). The column located on Piazza Colonna commemorates the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius and his victories over the Germanic tribes in Danubian and Marcomannic wars. It was modeled on Trajan's Column (which is located in Trajan's Forum). The column consists of 27 or 28 blocks of Carrara marble, each of 3.7 meters (12 ft) diameter, and was nicknamed the Centenaria, "hundred-footer" because it was 100 Roman feet or 29.60 meters high. On the top of the column was a statue of Marcus Aurelius; today, the apostle Paul stands there.

Via del Corso

One of the main streets in Rome.

The main street running alongside the Piazza Colonna is one of the main streets in Rome, called the Via del Corso. It is remarkable for being absolutely straight in an area characterized by narrow meandering alleys and small piazzas. Its runs 1.5km from Piazza del Popolo all the way to Piazza Venezia and is one of the busiest shopping streets in Rome. You’ll find lots of large international stores all over the street including major retailers such as Nike and Zara, as well as smaller Italian retailers where bargains on boutique pieces of Italian clothing and souvenirs can be found.

Afternoon — Dining in Piazza Navona

Arguably the most beautiful of all the piazzas in Rome, Piazza Navona is particularly stunning at night. As one of the largest and most romantic piazza squares in Rome, it is a great spot to spend the evening, with a whole host of restaurants, bars and entertainment on offer. See its three impressive fountains illuminated by night, sip on an Aperol Spritz, take an evening stroll or simply sit on a bench with an ice cream. When night falls, this is the place to be.

image

Day 1

Arrive Rome


icon
icon
icon

11:30 AM:

Private Transfer to your Hotel

Mid-Day:

Rome's Historic Center

Afternoon:

Dining in Piazza Navona

Private Transfer to your Hotel

Private Transfer to your Hotel

For your arrival in Rome, we will provide information on the customs and passport procedures. We will schedule a pick up for your flight's arrival time. You will be met at arrivals inside the terminal by a driver holding a sign with your name on it. The transfer is for your party only - you will not be sharing a vehicle. The cost of the ride will be included in your itinerary package and you will be taken directly to your hotel.  IMPORTANT NOTE:  Please be aware the car service can fit up to 1 checked item of luggage and 1 personal item per person, such as a purse or small backpack. If you think you will have more baggage, please inform your travel consultant as this may result in an additional fee.

11:30 AM — Private Transfer to your Hotel

For your arrival in Rome, we will provide information on the customs and passport procedures. We will schedule a pick up for your flight's arrival time. You will be met at arrivals inside the terminal by a driver holding a sign with your name on it. The transfer is for your party only - you will not be sharing a vehicle. The cost of the ride will be included in your itinerary package and you will be taken directly to your hotel.  IMPORTANT NOTE:  Please be aware the car service can fit up to 1 checked item of luggage and 1 personal item per person, such as a purse or small backpack. If you think you will have more baggage, please inform your travel consultant as this may result in an additional fee.

Mid-Day — Rome's Historic Center

Rome's tangled historical center is packed full of some of the most fascinating and incredible sights. Explore elegant squares and piazzas, centuries-year-old churches, and baroque fountains and wander at leisure the labyrinth of ancient Roman cobbled lanes. Highlights include the Baroque grandeur of Piazza Navona and the great and endlessly copied Roman Pantheon.

Piazza Navona

Stand in one of the most beautiful squares in Rome, home to the famous Fontana dei Fiumi Fountain by Bernini.

A Roman rendezvous, Piazza Navona is, for many people, the most beautiful square in the world. Like many of Rome's landmarks, Piazza Navona is located over the foundations of an ancient monument, a 30,000 seat stadium of Domitian. The former tiers of seats have since made way for ornate fountains, exuberant baroque palazzi, and bustling pavement cafes. The square has long been the hub for local life, hosting Rome's main market for over 300 years. Today it attracts a colorful circus of tourists, performers, hawkers, street artists, and pigeons. The first visit to Piazza Navona might well result in a stiff neck from gazing up at all the sumptuous Baroque beauty.

Pantheon

Visit this iconic former pagan temple converted into a Christian church.

This sanctuary of impressive dimensions is one of the best-preserved buildings of ancient Rome. Erected on the foundations of an earlier temple dating back to 27 BC, its construction was ordered by the Emporer Hadrian in the second century AD. The Pantheon was originally a Pagan temple dedidated to all of the gods. The building's consecration as a church in 609 AD saved it from the abandonment, destruction, and the worst of the spoliation that befell the majority of ancient Rome's buildings during the early medieval period. Its greying exterior may look its age, but inside, a spectacular experience awaits. With light streaming through its oculus, the marble-clad interior seems vast. The Pantheon is home to some notable tombs, including those of painters Annibale Carracci and Raphael and King Vittorio Emanuele II.

Column of Marcus Aurelius

Column formerly dedicated to Emperor Marcus Aurelius; a statue of St. Paul now stands in place of his.

If you turn left at the far end of the Temple of Adrian, you'll arrive at the Column of Marcus Aurelius (Colonna di Marco Aurelio). The column located on Piazza Colonna commemorates the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius and his victories over the Germanic tribes in Danubian and Marcomannic wars. It was modeled on Trajan's Column (which is located in Trajan's Forum). The column consists of 27 or 28 blocks of Carrara marble, each of 3.7 meters (12 ft) diameter, and was nicknamed the Centenaria, "hundred-footer" because it was 100 Roman feet or 29.60 meters high. On the top of the column was a statue of Marcus Aurelius; today, the apostle Paul stands there.

Via del Corso

One of the main streets in Rome.

The main street running alongside the Piazza Colonna is one of the main streets in Rome, called the Via del Corso. It is remarkable for being absolutely straight in an area characterized by narrow meandering alleys and small piazzas. Its runs 1.5km from Piazza del Popolo all the way to Piazza Venezia and is one of the busiest shopping streets in Rome. You’ll find lots of large international stores all over the street including major retailers such as Nike and Zara, as well as smaller Italian retailers where bargains on boutique pieces of Italian clothing and souvenirs can be found.

Afternoon — Dining in Piazza Navona

Arguably the most beautiful of all the piazzas in Rome, Piazza Navona is particularly stunning at night. As one of the largest and most romantic piazza squares in Rome, it is a great spot to spend the evening, with a whole host of restaurants, bars and entertainment on offer. See its three impressive fountains illuminated by night, sip on an Aperol Spritz, take an evening stroll or simply sit on a bench with an ice cream. When night falls, this is the place to be.

image

Day 2

Rome

Day 2

Rome

icon
icon
icon

9:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Ancient Rome Guided Walk

On this 3-hour private guided tour, you will explore the imposing remains of ancient Rome. Your guide will explain the extraordinary history of the birth of Rome, life in the city and everything about the fall of the Empire. Visit the Colosseum, the monumental ruins of the Roman Forum, and end the tour on the Capitoline Hill, the smallest and most important of the seven hills of Ancient Rome.

Ancient Rome Guided Walk

9:30 AM - 12:30 PM — Ancient Rome Guided Walk

On this 3-hour private guided tour, you will explore the imposing remains of ancient Rome. Your guide will explain the extraordinary history of the birth of Rome, life in the city and everything about the fall of the Empire. Visit the Colosseum, the monumental ruins of the Roman Forum, and end the tour on the Capitoline Hill, the smallest and most important of the seven hills of Ancient Rome.

Colosseum

Ancient Roman Ampitheater

Monumental Roman amphitheater once used for gladiatorial games

Afternoon — Piazza Venezia

The Piazza Venezia is not only the central hub of Rome, but is also located at the foot of the Capitoline Hill, which is the ancient heart of Rome. Thus it was chosen as a fitting space for a memorial to the first king of modern Italy, Victor Emmanuel II, who led the unification of the Italian states in the 1860s. The gigantic monument now overlooks the Piazza Venezia in overwhelming marble glory, standing as an unmissable symbol of Italian unity. The open space and dramatic setting were used to great effect by Mussolini, who staged rallies here. However, the monument is just one of the several sights that can be found around Piazza Venezia, an area often overlooked by tourists who pass from the historic center directly to the Colosseum further down the street. For instance, just below it you'll find Trajan's Forum, containing some of Rome's most notable ruins, and just above it on the Capitoline Hill, an elegant square designed by Michelangelo.

Vittorio Emanuele II Monument

Visit this grand monument and ascend to the roof through an elevator at the back for the wonderful views of the Roman Forum and Colosseum.

Standing grand and mighty on Capitoline Hill overlooking Piazza Venezia, the monumental marble temple honouring Italy's first king Vittorio Emanuele II is a sight often overlooked by tourists. The impressive wedding cake-like building is home to one of the best views in Rome. Ascend to its rooftop and you can enjoy amazing views over the Roman Forum and Colosseum.  The monument is also the sight of the Altar of the Fatherland (Altare della Patria), which includes an altar to the goddess Rome, and a shrine to the Italian Unknown Soldier, thus making the monument a sort of secular temple dedicated to the country. However, it's unlikely the relatively modest and unassuming Vittorio would have appreciated this massive monument built to his legacy. Inaugurated in 1911 to symbolize the achievement of Italian unity, it irrevocably changed the aspect of the city, throwing out of scale the Capitoline hill itself and causing indiscriminate damage. Familiarly known as ‘Mussolini’s typewriter’ (it was finished during his regime in 1937), it is thought by some locals to be a colossal monstrosity, although for others its symbolic importance makes it a place of reverence, regardless of any architectural criticism.

Capitoline Square & Capitoline Museums

See the square Michelangelo designed to mark the spot of Rome's legendary origins.

This square at the top of the Capitoline Hill, Piazza del Campidoglio, is a lovely piece of town planning designed by Michelangelo. It is surrounded on three sides by stately palaces and an open-end featuring a balustrade. This is the historical center of ancient Rome, and to reflect this fact, Pope Paul III ordered that the famous gilded bronze equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius be moved here from the Lateran hill.  Off of one corner of the square you will find a reproduction of the famous Lupa Capitolina, that is, the statue of the she-wolf that suckled the legendary founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus. Wander just a bit further and you will be rewarded with an amazing view over the Forum. You'll also find the Capitoline Museums in one of the 15th century palaces fronting the square. These are some of the oldest collections in Rome, containing Classical Roman, Greek, and Egyptian sculptures, as well as Renaissance art.

Markets of Trajan

Take a look around the world's first shopping mall.

Trajan's Forum was the last great forum built in Rome and rivaled the original Forum in scale and grandiosity. However, the only significant structure that remains now is the semicircular ruins of the Trajan Markets, which are often described as the world's first shopping mall. Arcaded passageways led to offices, shops, and apartments, situated in a multi-story structure. It is still possible to visit some of these levels. Within Trajan's Market you will find the Museum of Imperial Fora, one of the best interactive museums covering Ancient Rome. The labeling in English is unsurpassed and the exhibition rooms both in the museum and the rooms of the markets provide a superb introduction to Roman life and the architecture and building methods that were lost for centuries after the fall of the Roman Empire. Two or three hours spent here is time well invested.

Trajan's Column

Relive a saga of war and conquest on this carved frieze as it winds its way up a 140-foot high ancient column.

Built in 113 AD out of 18 massive blocks of marble, the column is decorated with exquisitely executed reliefs which spiral up around it. There are over 2,500 carved figures, and the column tells a detailed and highly visual tale of the Emperor Trajan’s Dacian wars. At the top of the column once stood a statue of the victorious Emperor (replaced by St Peter in 1588), and a spiral stone staircase inside led to a platform from which extensive views could be enjoyed over the rooftops of the city. Today the column is visible from the Piazza Venezia without a ticket, but those with a particular interest in Roman history might consider hiring a private guide who can explain the story depicted by the column in more detail.

Late Afternoon/Early Evening — Spanish Steps

The streets spreading out from grand Piazza del Popolo (People's Square) form a trident that hosts some of the most popular shopping and tourist sights in Rome. These include the Spanish Steps, the adjacent Keats-Shelley House where Keats died of tuberculosis in 1821, Trevi Fountain where Anita Ekberg jumped into the water in the famous scene from Frederico Fellini's La Dolce Vita, and the Mausoleum of Emperor Augustus.

Spanish Steps

Take a scenic walk up the 18th-century stairway where Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck set out on their Roman Holiday.

The majestically balustraded Spanish Steps were built in 1723-6 to connect the piazza with the church of the Trinita dei Monti and the Pincio. It quickly became a favorite spot of poets, artists, and writers who gathered on its 137 steps, and it's now a favorite stop for tourists from all over the world. Yet this highly attractive stairway still somehow manages to retain a sense of romance even at the height of the tourist season, and if you happen to get there at the beginning of May you’ll find it laden with tubs of magnificent azaleas. A masterpiece of 18th-century town planning, the steps actually contain a religious message – the three flights and three landings are an allusion to the Holy Trinity.

Keats-Shelly House

Visit the last residence of poet John Keats, now a memorial museum.

The Keats-Shelley House at the foot of the Spanish Steps to the right contains the apartment where the poet John Keats spent the last three months of his life. The House is essentially an archive of English-language literary and historical works and a museum of manuscripts and literary mementoes relating to the Keats circle of the early 19th century, i.e. Keats himself, Percy and Mary Shelley and Byron (who at one time lived across the square).

The Trevi Fountain

Admire one of the most iconic sights in Rome, made famous by Anita Ekberg in La Dolce Vita.

The Trevi Fountain is one of the most iconic sights in Rome thanks to the antics of the shapely Anita Ekberg casting herself into its waters in Frederico Fellini’s cinematic masterpiece, La Dolce Vita. The fountain curiously seems to appear out of virtually nowhere within a warren of backstreets but is nevertheless discovered reasonably early each day by endless crowds of tourists looking to ensure their future return to Rome by tossing a coin back over their should into its crystal clear water (the coins are raked up each morning and donated to the Church organization Caritas). 

Mausoleum of Augustus

Visit the tomb of the first Roman Emperor and his family, which is finally being restored after more than a millenium of neglect.

The huge circular Mausoleum of Augustus, holding the tomb of the Emperor and the principal members of his family was one of the most sacred monuments of the ancient city, but has been somewhat neglected in recent decades, though it has undergone recent restoration. Erected in 28 BC and originally surrounded by a huge public park, it has a diameter of 87m (330 Roman feet), the largest circular mausoleum in the world. 

Piazza del Popolo

Take some time to admire this elegant square that once served as an impressive main entry point into the city of Rome.

The Piazza del Popolo was created in 1538 for Paul III in strict alignment with the three long straight streets which penetrate the city here as a trident. The piazza once acted as one the primary entrances into Rome, and many travelers recorded their first arrival in Rome through the monumental Porta del Popolo, which may have been designed by Michelangelo. An obelisk, 24m high, rises in the center and on the side of the piazza opposite the porta are the twin decorative 17th-century Baroque churches, Santa Maria dei Miracoli and Santa Maria in Montesanto.

image

Day 2

Rome

image

Day 3

Rome

Day 3

Rome

icon
icon
icon

Early Morning to Mid-Day

Vatican City

Rome is unique in the world in that it contains an independent country within its city limits - the Vatican City, from where the Pope administers the Catholic Church. The symbolic center of Catholicism is St Peter's Basilica, the second-largest Catholic church in the world and among the most beautiful. The Vatican Museum contains one of the greatest collections of art in existence, including Michelangelo's jaw-dropping Sistine Chapel. The popes had a bigger influence on Rome than just the collection of art. The Pope's title is actually Bishop of Rome, and popes administed the city for centuries, shaping its architecture & public spaces. Rome was re-built to be an example of urban beauty, and the Vatican was meant to be the showcase within the showcase. Their success is evident from the throngs of visitors who flock here even today.

Vatican City

Early Morning to Mid-Day — Vatican City

Rome is unique in the world in that it contains an independent country within its city limits - the Vatican City, from where the Pope administers the Catholic Church. The symbolic center of Catholicism is St Peter's Basilica, the second-largest Catholic church in the world and among the most beautiful. The Vatican Museum contains one of the greatest collections of art in existence, including Michelangelo's jaw-dropping Sistine Chapel. The popes had a bigger influence on Rome than just the collection of art. The Pope's title is actually Bishop of Rome, and popes administed the city for centuries, shaping its architecture & public spaces. Rome was re-built to be an example of urban beauty, and the Vatican was meant to be the showcase within the showcase. Their success is evident from the throngs of visitors who flock here even today.

St Peter's Square

Stand in the middle of this famous square in which the faithful gather to hear the Pope give audiences and celebrate mass.

As one of the most superb conceptions of its kind in civic architecture, St Peter’s Square is the masterpiece of Gian Lorenzo Bernini and makes a wonderful approach to one of the world’s most magnificent churches, St Peter's Basilica. An oval rather than an actual square, the piazza, laid out in 1656-67, is partially enclosed by two semi-circular colonnades on which stand 96 statues of saints and martyrs. At the center of the oval stands an 84-foot (26m) tall Egyptian obelisk of red granite.

Sistine Chapel

Gaze up at the world's most famous ceiling, the masterpiece of Michelangelo.

This famous chapel inside the Vatican Museums is best known for Michelangelo's 16th-century painted ceiling of "The Creation of Adam" and "The Last Judgement" fresco that covers the whole altar wall of the chapel. The jaw-dropping sight is not to be missed, considered one of the top highlights of visiting the Vatican Museums and one of the top artistic wonders of the world. 

Vatican Museums

Book early if you want to see the Vatican Museum's monumental works of art from the greatest Italian artists of the Renaissance.

The Vatican Museum is actually 26 different museums, which include not only exhibitions but chapels, apartments, and other rooms of the Vatican palace, covering a huge range of fine and applied arts patronized by the popes. There's also an outstanding collection of ancient antiquities (including even the Emperor Nero's red stone bathtub), a gallery of hand-painted maps, and whole rooms turned into works of art. In addition to ancient and medieval works of art, you'll see masterpieces by the "who's who" of the Italian Renaissance, including Raphael, Leonardo da Vinci, Titian, and Caravaggio. Other highlights include panels by the brilliant monk-artist Fra Angelico, works from the Venetian school, including Vavarini, and much, much more.  Booking in advance is highly recommended as otherwise you can wait for hours or not even be able to get in at all.

St Peter’s Basilica

Explore the gigantic and incredibly beautiful church known as "the greatest of all churches of Christendom".

The basilica is one of the chief pilgrimage sites in the Christian world, and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Rome. The basilica is the symbolic center of the church not only because the Pope frequently celebrates Mass there, but because it is believed that the apostle St. Peter is buried beneath it. Catholics consider Peter as the first Bishop of Rome and "the rock" upon which the Catholic Church was built, in accordance with Christ's instructions. Inside you can admire sculptures by Bernini as well as Michelangelo's famous sculpture of the Virgin Mary holding the crucified Jesus, known as The Pietà. The church's elaborate and impressive golden interior is a sight to behold. Other sights include St Peter's tomb, the Papal crypts in the necropolis under the basilica, as well as the dome, which rewards visitors with views over Rome.  Entry is free, but queues to visit the Basilica can be lengthy, so it is highly advised to either get there early or to purchase a skip the line entrance. The dome is also paid entry. 

Vatican Gardens

Escape the crowds in this oasis of green hidden behind the walls of the Vatican.

Accessible only via a guided tour, the gardens are definitely worth a visit. Just as the Popes have for hundreds of years, you can stroll the gardens and relax amidst the greenery, while taking in the perfect view of St. Peter's. 

Mid-Day/Afternoon — Castel Sant'Angelo

Designed and built by Emperor Hadrian as his own mausoleum, the great circular hulk of Castel Sant'Angelo provides one of the best routes to the Vatican and St Peter's via the Ponte Sant'Angelo bridge. Appropriated by the popes, the mausoleum was turned into a fortress and attached to the Vatican with a passageway for the popes to use as a refuge in times of siege or invasion - this is where Pope Clement VII sheltered during the Sack of Rome in 1527.

Mausoleum of Hadrian

Visit this iconic 2nd Century Castle built as the Mausoleum For Emperor Hadrian.

Known as Hadrian's Tomb, the Castel Sant'Angelo is a fortress on the banks of the River Tiber. Originally built as a tomb for the Emperor, it has evolved over the centuries and today it is one of Rome's most underrated museums. Inside you can see the historic Papal apartments, decorated with frescoes from the Renaissance period. Outside you can admire the castle's bastion and rooftop with beautiful views over the river and the Vatican. 

Ponte Sant'Angelo

Walk across this pedestrian bridge that was built in 134 A.D. by Emperor Hadrian.

Hadrian had the bridge built as an approach to his mausoleum, but it didn't gain its magnificent angel statues by Bernini until late in the 17th century. Spanning the River Tiber, it is completely pedestrianised, which allows for great photo opportunities of the castle and St Peter's Basilica in the near distance. 

5:00 PM - 9:00 PM — Trastevere Group Food Tour

Enjoy an evening of food and wine in one of the most popular and camera-ready neighborhoods in Rome, Trastevere. Be treated to 10 unforgettable food and wine tastings at some of the city’s most beloved and historic places. You'll enter a tourist and leave a local, a feeling you won’t soon forget.

image

Day 3

Rome

image

Day 4

Rome to Florence

Day 4

Rome to Florence

icon
icon
icon
icon
icon

9:25 AM

Private Transfer to Rome Train Station

A private transfer service will pick you up from the N/A and deliver you to Rome Termini Train Station. Your itinerary will provide detailed information on navigating the train station and finding your train, making the whole process simple and stress-free.

Private Transfer to Rome Train Station

9:25 AM — Private Transfer to Rome Train Station

A private transfer service will pick you up from the N/A and deliver you to Rome Termini Train Station. Your itinerary will provide detailed information on navigating the train station and finding your train, making the whole process simple and stress-free.

10:25 - 12:01 — Train to Florence

Your approximately hour-and-a-half-hour rail journey to Florence will leave Rome behind and shortly enter the picturesque region of Umbria, where you can watch for the medieval hilltop town of Orvieto. You'll then travel through the famously beautiful countryside of of Tuscany, where you'll enjoy a landscape of green hills covered by vineyards, fields, and forests, and see winding roads lined by the iconic cypress trees. Be sure to keep an eye out for more medieval hilltop towns, such as Montepulciano and Arrezo. The journey is especially convenient since you can take a direct, high-speed train - the Frecciarossa, which reaches speeds of up to 250 miles per hour (400 km/h) and offers maximum comfort.

12:01 PM — Transfer from Rail Station

Most trains arrive in Firenza S.M.N. (i.e. Florence Santa Maria Novella Station) station, the largest station in the city. Before spending money on a transfer, be sure to check whether your hotel is within easy walking distance. Also consider that public transport is the cheapest and sometimes fastest option, and trams and buses pick up next to the station. Uber is not available in Florence, but taxis are available at all rail stations and are usually honest (but certainly not always). Some private transfers even meet you directly on the platform to help with bags.

Afternoon — Piazza Della Signoria

Piazza Della Signoria represents the very soul of Renaissance Florence and Italy. It was here in the Palazzo Vecchio that the rulers of Florence began commissioning work from the great masters of the Florentine, Roman and Venetian art world before they moved across the Arno River to Palazzo Pitti. The piazza remains an open-air sculpture museum, with eye-catching works such as the Neptune Fountain. Nearby the world famous Bargello Gallery contains the overflow of masterpieces from the Uffizi Gallery, including Donatella's famous rendering of David, while the Loggia dei Lanzi houses some of the greatest statuary to have come out of Renaissance Italy. The piazza is still the most popular meeting point in the city, particularly during political campaigns when speakers address the crowds from the terrace in front of the Palazzo Vecchio.

Loggia dei Lanzi

See Florence's wealth of sculptural treasures in this 14th-century open-air gallery.

Originally completed in 1382 as a platform for the swearing in of public officials and other state affairs, it was only in the late 18th century that the Loggia was reserved exclusively for the display of the city's greatest exponents of sculpture. In the corner by the palazzo is a copy of one of the Renaissance's most iconic works, Benvenuto Cellini's Perseus Trampling Medusa (1545). If you examine the sculpture from the back, you can see the self-image of the sculptor Cellini on the backside of Perseus' helmet. Another headturner is Giambologna's Rape of the Sabine Woman, created from the largest single piece of sculptural marble ever seen in Florence.

Palazzo Vecchio

Venture into the richly-adorned chambers of the palace from which Florence and Tuscany were governed for centuries.

The fortress-like Palazzo Vecchio was originally constructed around 1299 to house the government administration, but underwent many reconstructions and was utlized for many purposes over the following centuries. Visiting the palazzo is usually a lot simpler than lining up with the crowds next door trying to get into the Uffizi Gallery. You simply need to go through the courtyard at the front entrance to the ticket office where the queues should be relatively short. Highlights of the palace include the magnificent inner courtyard, the chancery once used by Machiavelli, and the lovely Sala delle Carte decorated with 57 maps painted in 1563 depicting what was then the entire known world.

Bargello Museum

Escape the crowds to visit this gallery filled with the greatest works of Renaissance sculpture.

The Palazzo del Bargello dates back to 1255 and was the former residence of the chief of police (Bargello means police station). But in 1865 it was transformed into a museum containing the richest collection of Renaissance sculpture in Italy, although it is thankfully free of the huge crowds that are attracted to the Uffizi. You'll encounter masterpieces by Michelango, Donatello, Cellini, and many others.

Late Afternoon — Galleria dell'Accademia

Take the opportunity to visit Galleria dell'Accademia to see Michelangelo's statue of David and his unfinished Slaves, then pop by the Palazzo Medici-Riccardi, the first grand palace built by the Medici family, followed by the Church of San Lorenzo to see more masterpieces by Michelangelo in the Medici Chapel and Old Sacristy. The Spedale degli Innocenti (Hospital of the Innocents) also contains a deeply moving museum dedicated to the social conditions in medieval Florence and the treatment of its unwanted children. We highly recommend the Firenze Card to facilitate easy entry into museums and galleries like Galleria dell'Accademia.

Piazza Santissima Annunziata

Take a stroll around one of Florence's most pleasant squares.

The fully pedestrianized Piazza Santissima Annuziata was designed by Brunelleschi in the 1420s, and prominentally displays an equestrian statue of Grand Duke Ferdinand I. The statue was cast from cannons captured at the Battle of Lepanto, the last great sea battle between galleys in which the Christian West decisively defeated the Ottoman Empire. Two Mannerist fountains with fantastical figures also adorn the square. The square is named after the church of the Annunziata, whose interior is one of the more striking in Florence.

Hospital of the Innocents

Learn the oft-heartbreaking tale of Europe's first hospital for abandoned infants.

Opened in 1445, this was the first foundlings' hospital in Europe. Its nine-arched loggia was one of Renaissance's earliest examples of the new classically influenced style and has been copied relentlessly elsewhere. In the blue-backed ceramic circular paintings, heavily swaddled babies advertise the hospital's function, though their revelry belies the misery associated with it. Slavery was part and parcel of the Florentine economy as late as the 15th century, and many infants in the hospital were born to domestic slaves. In later centuries the hosptial took in not only unwanted children born out of wedlock, but also the children of the poor. The excellent museum inside the hospital brilliantly explains the life of these children, their parents and their carers over the centuries. You'd need a heart of stone not be deeply moved by some of the stories depicted. From 1660, children could be abandoned anonymously in the 'rote', a small revolving door whose bricked-up remains are still visible at the extreme left of the facade - an early version of modern hospital 'baby boxes'; it remained in use until 1875.

Church of San Lorenzo

Discover a church missed by most visitors despite being one of Florence's most important, and admire masterpieces of Renaissance art and sculpture by Donatello, Michelangelo, and others.

The Church of San Lorenzo is one of Florence's greatest historical landmarks as most important Medici are buried here. The church lays claim to being the oldest in Florence (393 AD) and was for a time its cathedral. It gradually became the Medici parish church and thus attracted the family's munificence. The money was never quite enough, however, and that's why the church remains without a facade to cover its bare brickwork to this day. The interior is naturally stuffed full of great works of arts: Rosso Fiorentino's Marriage of the Virgin in the second chapel on the right; the bronze pulpits by Donatello; Filippo Lippi's altarpiece of the Annunciation, the Pala del Sacramento tabernacle; and in the center of the church, the tomb of Cosimo de' Medici bearing the old Roman title "Pater Patriae" (Father of the Fatherland). The so-called Medici Chapels, built as extensions to the church, are decorated with some of Michelangelo's finest sculptures.

Palazzo Medici-Riccardi

Explore the 15th-century palace which the Medici family once called home.

This grandiose palace is more modest than it could have been. Designed for Cosimo the Elder, he did not want too grand a home for fear of arousing hostility, and thus the original plans were rejected as too ornate. The enraged architect Brunelleschi is said to have smashed his model in response. Thus the exterior is simple, but the interior luxurious enough to befit the guests who came to stay, including the likes of Charles V of France. The palazzo is probably most famous for its private chapel, Cappella dei Magi. This tiny chapel (only 15 people at a time can pass through it) is covered in wonderful frescoes depicting The Journey of the Magi, portrayed by leading members of the Medici family.

image

Day 4

Rome to Florence

image

Day 5

Florence

Day 5

Florence

icon
icon
icon
icon

9:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Private Walking Tour

Enjoy a 3-hour private walking tour of Florence, the perfect introduction to the masterpieces of this city. Stroll around the historic center and take in sights such as the Palazzo Vecchio, Ponte Vecchio, Piazza Della Signora and end your tour at the famous Galleria dell'Accademia, where you can choose to enter to see Michelangelo's marble masterpiece, the statue of David. Please note that entry tickets to the gallery is not included and you must purchase them in advance.

Private Walking Tour

9:30 AM - 12:30 PM — Private Walking Tour

Enjoy a 3-hour private walking tour of Florence, the perfect introduction to the masterpieces of this city. Stroll around the historic center and take in sights such as the Palazzo Vecchio, Ponte Vecchio, Piazza Della Signora and end your tour at the famous Galleria dell'Accademia, where you can choose to enter to see Michelangelo's marble masterpiece, the statue of David. Please note that entry tickets to the gallery is not included and you must purchase them in advance.

Mid-Day/Afternoon — Piazza del Duomo

Discover the medieval marvel of the Duomo, Santa Maria del Fiore, with its iconic dome offering panoramic views of Florence. Founded in 1296, it aimed to be the world's largest church, showcasing unmatched Renaissance grandeur in Piazza del Duomo. While entry to the Duomo is free, dome access requires a reservation. Consider a Firenze Card for easy access to other sites.

Campanile (i.e. the Bell Tower)

Climb 414 steps to the top of Italy's most famous bell tower.

The campanile, or bell tower, is at 278ft/84.7m tall and approximately 49ft/15m in breadth the most eloquent example of 14th century Gothic architecture in Florence. Clad in white, red and green marble like the cathedral directly adjacent to it, the majestic square bell tower is considered to be the most beautiful campanile in Italy. There are 414 steps to climb and no elevator available.

Opera Duomo Museum

See how the master architect Brunelleschi planned and built the cathedral, as well as many sculptural masterpieces.

The museum contains the largest concentration of Florentine sculpture in the world, including medieval and Renaissance works in marble, bronze, and silver by the leading artists of the era. Most of the masterpieces on display were designed to adorn the religious monuments that still stand on the Piazza del Duomo. You'll find a number of sculptures by Donatello, a forerunner of Michelangelo, as well as a mock-up of Brunelleschi's building site, complete with broken bricks, wooden scaffolding and some of the tools that were used to build the dome. Plus there are displays of various proposals for completing parts of the dome, as well as the original wooden model of the cathedral lantern presumably made by Brunelleschi himself.

Loggia del Bigallo & Museo della Misericordia

Discover these hidden-in-plain-sight gems and learn about a noble organization which has done much to alleviate the suffering of Florence's population over the centuries.

The Loggia del Bigallo is a small museum in a medieval building. It is home to several jewels of Florentine Gothic painting. It was built in the 1350s for the Compagnia della Misericordia (the Company of Mercy), a religious charitable organization founded in 1244 to aid the sick and bury the dead. It still exists today and you can see their ambulances parked just across the street at the Museo della Misericordia, which was originally an orphanage. The building was commissioned as a place to display abandoned babies in the hope they might be recognized before being given to foster parents. Today it houses a small museum which tells the history of the charity.

Baptistery of St John

Stand before the "Gate of Paradise".

The Baptistery of San Giovanni (St. John) is one of the most ancient churches in Florence, sitting opposite the Duomo. It is the most conspicuous illustration of the special relationship between Florence and ancient Rome, as the Florentines believe the Baptistery is actually a converted Roman temple to Mars. The granite columns inside were probably taken from the city's old Roman Capitol. But it's the doors to the Baptistery which are the primary attraction. They took 27 years to complete and were so beautiful that they became known as the "Gate of Paradise". 

Afternoon/Late Afternoon — Santa Croce

Piazza Santa Croce, is one of Florence's largest squares and traditionally one of its main arenas for ceremonies and festivities. It is also home to the church of Santa Croce, famous for its extraordinary fresco cycles and its monuments to more than 270 prominent Italians, including Dante, Michelangelo, Machiavelli, and Galileo. Casa Buonarotti, a homage to Michelangelo, is nearby. The area around Santa Croce is also one of the best al fresco dining localities in the city.

Basilica of Santa Croce

Visit a church famous for its frescoes and as a national pantheon holding the remains of many of Italy's greatest historical figures .

The basilica of Santa Croce is the Franciscans' principal church in Florence. Some of the city's wealthiest plutocrats funded the church's construction and sponsored the extraordinary frescos that decorate the chapels. The interior, with its open timber roof, is one of the most richly decorated in Florence. Santa Croce also serves as a national pantheon, with tombs and/or monuments to more than 270 famous Italians, including Michelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli and Dante. The latter has only a monument, as he was exiled from Florence and died in Ravenna. Michelangelo's tomb is said to have been positioned close to the entrance at his own request, so that when on the Day of Judgement the graves fly open, the first thing to catch his eye will be the cathedral dome.

Casa Buonarroti

Visit a 17th-century palace museum housing Michelangelo's early marble reliefs & drawings.

Michelangelo probably resided in this palace between 1516 and 1525, and today it contains a smart but low-key museum devoted to him. Most contents, however, were created in homage and only a handful are by the great man. The highlights are Madonna della Scale, Michelangelo's earliest-known work created when he was 16, and the torso of a River God. There are also a few Michelangelo drawings.

Synagogue

Visit this 1882 Moorish-style synagogue to learn about the rich history of Florence's Jewish population.

The enormous domed synagogue was built in the 19th century after the Jewish ghetto established by Cosimo I was demolished. The style of the synagogue is an extravagant hybrid of Moorish and Byzantine styles. It contains a museum illustrating the history of the Florentine Jewish community on the first floor, divided into two sections: one illustrates the history of the Jews in Florence, the other displays religious and ceremonial objects. The doors of the Holy Ark, before which a light burns in perpetuity, still bear scars inflicted by the bayonets of fascist desecrators. During the Nazi occupation, the synagogue was used as a garage and was also mined by the Germans as they retreated. The names of 248 Florentine Jews put to death by the Nazis are recorded in a large inscription in the garden of the temple, where a smaller plaque lists Jews who fell fighting for Italy during the First World War.

English cemetery

Find a beautiful, neglected, and mostly undiscovered cemetery secluded within a traffic circle.

Located atop a mound within a traffic island and somewhat neglected, the English cemetery still remains a sense of peace and beauty amidst the cypress trees and wonderful carvings of the tombs. Despite its name, the cemetery was set aside for Protestants, not just Englishmen. However, the most famous permanent resident of the cemetery is indeed English - the poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning. The cemetery inspired the painting the Isle of the Dead, the best-known painting of the artist Arnold Böcklin.

Early Evening — Dining Out In Santa Croce

While the focal point of Santa Croce is its exquisite Franciscan basilica, there are a number of culinary gems scattered around the quarter demanding the attention of gourmands and casual foodies alike. With fresh, high-quality ingredients on offer at the nearby Sant’Ambrogio market and a treasure trove of historical architecture as a backdrop, this neighborhood has all the necessary requisites to be a culinary paradise. You can choose from dynamic restaurants with innovative menus serving a hip clientele, or more formal restaurants hewing closely to Florence's strict culinary mores of the past. You can also discover plenty of unpretentious traditional mom-and-pop trattorias serving regional classics such as ribollita and bistecca all Fiorentina.

image

Day 5

Florence

image

Day 6

Florence

Day 6

Florence

icon
icon
icon

10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Cooking Class

Tuscany is blessed with the perfect climate and location for food, producing a diverse bounty of fresh fruits and vegetables, wild game, beef & pork, and seafood. In fact, when you consider the quality of ingredients produced here, you understand why Tuscan cooking is not just about recipes, but about bringing out the best of the ingredients. Even within Italy, Tuscany is renowned for its cuisine. Taking a cooking class can introduce you to the magic, teaching you how to make traditional Tuscan starters, pastas, main courses, and deserts.

Cooking Class

10:00 AM - 2:00 PM — Cooking Class

Tuscany is blessed with the perfect climate and location for food, producing a diverse bounty of fresh fruits and vegetables, wild game, beef & pork, and seafood. In fact, when you consider the quality of ingredients produced here, you understand why Tuscan cooking is not just about recipes, but about bringing out the best of the ingredients. Even within Italy, Tuscany is renowned for its cuisine. Taking a cooking class can introduce you to the magic, teaching you how to make traditional Tuscan starters, pastas, main courses, and deserts.

Afternoon/Late Afternoon — Palazzo Pitti

The Ponte Vecchio, an iconic bridge over the Arno River, dates back to Roman times and is a key Florence landmark. Once home to butchers, it now houses jewelers and art dealers. The Vasari Corridor above was a Medici family passage linking the Palazzo Vecchio with the Pitti Palace, a treasure trove of Italian Renaissance and Baroque art by Raphael, Titian, and others. Walk across this magnificent bridge that connects the two sides of the city and learn about its history along the way.

Palazzo Pitti

Discover some of the Florence's best but often overlooked museums in the former palace of the Grand Dukes of Tuscany.

You'll find the Pitti Palace just a few steps from the Ponte Vecchio. In 1457, wealthy banker Luca Pitti began building the palace, but by the time it was completed, the family fortunes had run dry. He was forced to sell it to their arch-rivals, the Medicis, and thus it became the official residence of the Grand Dukes of Tuscany. On the first floor you'll find the Palatine Gallery and the Royal Apartments, the two most popular museums in the palace. They contain a collection of 16th and 17th-century paintings (including works by Raphael), and 28 beautiful rooms with original furnishing. On the ground floor is the Treasury, displaying a vast collection of Medici household treasures, from table silverware to precious stone vases, rock crystals and precious jewelry. There is also a Gallery of Modern Art, Porcelain Museum, and a museum showcasing costumes and fashion from the last 300 years. You can get a combined ticket which includes all the museums housed within the palace.

Boboli Gardens

Join locals and tourists alike in a park which the Medici's poured their hearts (and money) into creating.

Directly behind the Pitti Palace are the marvellous Boboli Gardens, which were developed over hundreds of years and funded by the immense gold reserves of the Medici family. This green hidden oasis in the heart of Florence is often considered an open air museum, rich in history and art, and blessed with plenty of water features, hidden paths, and fascinating grottoes. For those with museum overload, it makes for the perfect retreat, as well as a precious refuge from the city’s heat during the summer months. The adjoining Forte di Belvedere is also worth the hike up to it, as it offers spectacular views of Florence and the surrounding Tuscan hills. 

Late Afternoon/Early Evening — Oltrarno

Meaning literally "the other side of the Arno", Oltrarno is often the forgotten side of Florence, with tourists generally more focused on central Florence, but sometimes it's also worth venturing off the tourist trail! Oltrarno is one of Florence's most popular and trendiest neighborhoods and offers visitors a trove of cultural treasures. Just a short walk from the Ponte Vecchio brings you to the heart of this thriving neighborhood which is host to beautiful gardens and artistic churches. You'll also find the most famous viewpoint in the city - Piazzale Michelangelo.

Piazzale Michelangelo

Create an unforgettable memory and see Florence from above.

No matter what time of day or weather, you will find that Piazzale Michelangelo truly offers a stupendous lookout over Florence. Not just a perfect photo opportunity, but a moment of wonder. You are looking at the city that gave birth to incredible artists, amazing scientists and an enthralling history of discovery and power that has filled novels and movie theaters. Many mistakenly believe that this piazza has existed since the birth of Florence or that it was designed by Michelangelo. Actually, it is a rather recent addition to the list of great monuments in Florence, created in 1869 by Florentine architect Giuseppe Poggi, as part of a major restructuring of the city walls in 1869. In 1873, a copy of Michelangelo's David was taken to the square with the help of nine pairs of oxen. This monument occupies a privileged position, observing the city from above as a guard attentive to all the beauties that the city of Florence offers.

Basilica di Santo Spirito

Visit a Renaissance church where Michelango once found refuge.

Usually referred to simply as Santo Spirito, this unassuming basilica is one of the main examples of early Renaissance architecture in Florence. Compared to other churches found on the north side of the river, the Basilica di Santo Spirito is very often ignored by tourists, despite offering some serious history and a wonderful interior. Notable pieces of artwork inside the church include its thirty-eight altars, almost all with painted altarpieces. The best have been cleaned and are almost all in the transept and behind the Baldacchino, this being where the most prestigious local families could afford to have chapels. Michelangelo found refuge in the convent of Santo Spirito in 1492 at the age of seventeen and it was within the walls of the convent that the curious artist had the opportunity to analyze corpses from the adjoining hospital to study the anatomy of the human body. As a form of thank-you, Michelangelo carved a highly realistic wooden crucifix which can now be found within the sacristy to the left as you enter the church.

Santa Maria del Carmine & Brancacci Chapel

Stand beneath the magnificent 14th century frescoes, still intensely radiant six centuries after they were first painted.

Dating back to the 13th century, a fire in the 18th century practically destroyed the church, but spared its magnificent Renaissance frescoes in the Brancacci Chapel – a treasure trove of paintings from the 1400's by Masolino da Panicale, Masaccio, and Filippino Lippi. After years of accumulated candle soot and mold, the frescoes which have been fully restored and have an intense radiance, making it possible to see very clearly the shifts in emphasis between the artists' work. The Brancacci Chapel entrance is to the right of the main church entrance. Only 30 people can visit at a time.

Giardino delle Rose

Look down upon Florence from amidst the rose bushes.

The Giardino delle Rose (Rose Garden) and the nearby Giardino dell'Iris (Iris Garden) are two free public gardens on either side of Piazzale Michelangelo. They are perfect for flower-lovers or anyone who wants to wander in a peaceful green space, free from the nearby crowds. You'll even find a Japanese garden and sculptures by the artist Folon.

Villa Bardini

Wander beneath the wisteria whilst gazing down upon the roofs of Florence.

Less crowded than the nearby Boboli Gardens, the Bardini Villa is a splendid Italianate Garden which enjoys panoramic views of the city. Wisteria covered pergola allow visitors to walk through tunnels of green while enjoying romantic views of the city and surroundings. Within the 17th century villa itself, you will find artworks by the painter Pietro Annigoni. 

image

Day 6

Florence

image

Day 7

Florence to Venice

Day 7

Florence to Venice

icon
icon
icon
icon
icon

8:20 AM

Transfer to Rail Station

Most trains depart from Firenza S.M.N. (i.e. Florence Santa Maria Novella Station) station, the largest station in the city. Before spending money on a transfer, be sure to check whether your hotel is within easy walking distance. Also consider that public transport is the cheapest and sometimes fastest option; trams and buses drop off next to the station. Uber is available in Florence, and if staying at a hotel, they can order a reliable taxi. Some private transfers will even help with your bags.

Transfer to Rail Station

8:20 AM — Transfer to Rail Station

Most trains depart from Firenza S.M.N. (i.e. Florence Santa Maria Novella Station) station, the largest station in the city. Before spending money on a transfer, be sure to check whether your hotel is within easy walking distance. Also consider that public transport is the cheapest and sometimes fastest option; trams and buses drop off next to the station. Uber is available in Florence, and if staying at a hotel, they can order a reliable taxi. Some private transfers will even help with your bags.

09:20 - 11:34 — Train to Venice

Your approximately two-hour rail journey to Venice will travel through the famously beautiful countryside of Tuscany and cross the also picturesque regions of Emilia Romagna and Veneto, traversing the Apennine Mountains and passing through historical cities such as Bologna and Padua. The journey is especially convenient since you can take a direct, high-speed train - the Frecciarossa, which reaches speeds of up to 250 miles per hour (400 km/h) and offers maximum comfort.

11:34 AM — Transfer from Rail Station

All trains should arrive in Venice Santa Lucia (Venezia S Lucia) station, the main station in Venice. If by chance your train ends in Venice Mestre Railway Station, that means you have not actually arrived in Venice, and must switch to a train that takes you across the water to Santa Lucia station. Before spending money on a transfer, be sure to check whether your hotel is within easy walking distance. Also, consider that there is no wheeled traffic in Venice. That means you will either need to take a public water bus or pre-book a private water taxi to the dock nearest your hotel. Water buses are very reliable and one-way tickets can be purchased on the spot. Better yet, you can also purchase Venezia Unica Cards or another city pass which includes transport. Private Water Taxis are generally expensive (around 70 euros depending on the distance) but they will take you nearer to your hotel, or if your hotel has a dock, directly to the dock.

Mid-Day/Afternoon — The Grand Canal

Snaking through the heart of Venice, the Grand Canal is the main artery of Venice. Flanked by Gothic, Renaissance and Moorish palaces, a trip down the Canal is often the highlight of many people's trip. While the Gondola is the most romantic option, many opt for the less glamorous but equally as enjoyable ride on the 3.8 kilometres Water Bus Line 1, which passes some 50 palazzi and passes underneath the famous Rialto Bridge.

Rialto Bridge

Walk over or ride under the most famous bridge on the Grand Canal.

The 16th-century Rialto Bridge is the most iconic bridge in Venice. With a width of other 75 feet (23m) and span of over 100 feet (31m), the wide stone footbridge crosses over the Grand Canal and connects the San Marco and San Polo districts. It stands on the spot of an earlier wooden drawbridge which collapsed under the weight of a crowd gathered on it to watch a wedding procession. It took almost 150 years before the current Rialto bridge was built, this time in stone, and thus still stands as a symbol of the city. Surrounded by tourist shops and pricey restaurants, it sits on 12,000 wooden pilings and will be forever immortalised in millions of photographs as the backdrop to the classic Venetian photo shot, which captures the city's gondolas as they ferry lovers around the Grand Canal. While for many a gondola ride is a must-do experience in Venice, it's also possible to admire the bridge on foot. For a less-pricey way of seeing it from the water, you can always take the Number 1 local Vaporetto (water bus) and see the bridge as you pass underneath. 

Ca'd'Oro

Admire the elaborate 15th-century Gothic facade of this famous building along the Grand Canal.

The fifteenth-century Gothic and Renaissance style building is known as the house of gold because it once covered in gold leaf decoration. Despite the loss of the gilt facade, it is still one of the Venice’s most striking buildings and its best preserved Gothic palace. It can be appreciated from the Grand Canal but for those who want a closer look, it also houses the Galleria Giorgio Franchetti, a small art museum with a lovely restored interior. Just as good as the art is the opportunity to admire the lovely courtyard and to stand on the loggia above the Grand Canal and take in the view.

Afternoon/Late Afternoon — St Mark's Square

St Mark's Square was the embodiment of The Most Serene Republic of Venice's power and prestige, and as such contains its most magnificent public buildings: the extraordinary golden mosaic-encrusted basilica of St Mark's, the exquisite Doge's Palace, the all-seeing bell tower, the Bibliotecca Marciana library, and what is nowadays the famous Correr Museum. If timed correctly, it is possible to see all these sights on your own within half a day, although a guide can make the process much more efficient (and more educational as well). Keep in mind that the square is one of the most heavily touristed places in the world, so crowds and lines can be an issue. St Mark the Evangelist was not the patrion saint of Venice until 829 AD, when two Venetian merchants stole St. Mark's remains from their original resting place in a chuch in Alexandria, Egypt, and then smuggled the relics home trussed up in a canvas sheet. The pretext for the theft was that the Muslim conquerors of Alexandria were expected to defile and plunder the church. While this may have been true, it is no coincidence that bringing such an important saint's relics to Venice was hugely important politically and signaled Venice's place as a rising independent power. A church was built to house the relics, and St. Mark's Square was established as the spiritual and political heart of the city.

St Mark's Square Campanile

Ascend this reconstructed cathedral bell tower for amazing views over St Marks Square, St Mark's Basilica and the Venetian lagoon.

Standing at 325 feet (99m) high, the Campanile, i.e. bell tower, of St. Mark's Basilica dominates the city's iconic square. Crowned by a spire that once acted as a lighthouse for Venice's naval ships, the cathedral tower was first built in the 10th century AD but underwent repeated repairs, reconstructions, and additions until reaching its current form in the 16th century. It was also a prominent part of the Venetian penal system as criminals were sometimes subjected to the Supplizio della Cheba (Torture of the Cage), which involved being incarcerated inside a crate that was hoisted up the south side of the tower to be left dangling there for several days or more in all weather. The tower collapsed in 1902, and what you see today is actually an exact replica (with the convenient addition of an elevator). The bell tower is now one of the most visited sights in Venice, offering some incredible panoramic views over the city and its canals. Lines are long, but a ticket can be reserved in advance for an extra few Euros.

St Marks Basilica

Step inside Venice's most sacred and famous landmark and admire the glittering mosaics of the basilica's domes.

Important Note: Entry to the basilica itself is free, but there are huge crowds queuing up outside to see the interior at almost any time of year (waiting times are on average 45min), so we very strongly advise you to purchase a 'skip the line' ticket A private chapel for the use of the Doges, the rulers of Venice, was purpose-built on the site and consecrated in 832 to house the stolen relics of St Mark. Destroyed in a fire, a replica was soon built, but this was in turn superseded by a third structure in 1063-94; the Basilica of St Mark. Today, it is one of the most iconic landmarks in Venice and a sight to behold for all visitors. The glittering mosaics, the golden altar behind St Mark's sarcophagus, its beautiful chapels, and treasury make it a sight you absolutely can not afford to miss.  The stunning golden mosaics lining the interior were begun in the 12th century and work continued on them over the intervening centuries, but much of the exterior and interior decoration is actually art and monuments looted from cities defeated by Venice in its many wars. Many trophies seem out of place in a church, such as the Four Horses of San Marco, which were taken from Constantinople where they had once stood in the Hippodrome (the chariot racing arena). But the Venetians felt that anything which glorified Venice also reflected the glory and intercession of their patron saint, and thus belonged in the Basilica.

Doges' Palace

Explore the staterooms and masterpieces inside this famous Gothic-style Palace.

Important Note: Entry lines can be very long. We suggest taking advantage of skip the line entry. As the name suggests, the Palace was the official residence of the Venetian rulers, the Doges, and the chief magistrates. The building was founded in the 9th century, but the present one dates from the 14th century. Tour its elaborate staterooms, grand halls and the 24-carat golden staircase before seeking out its collection of priceless masterpieces by Venetian artists including Titan, Veronese and Tintoretto. Be sure to spend some time in the most incredible room of all, the Chamber of the Great Council, the assembly hall where all Venetian patricians gathered to participate in the running of the city - up to 2,500 at any one time. There you will find the Doge's throne and the world's longest canvas painting in the world, Tintoretto's Il Paradiso.

Torre dell'Orologio

Check out a renaissance clock tower dating from 1499.

St Mark's Clocktower or the Moors' Clocktower is one of the most famous historical landmarks in Venice. Originally built during the 15th century, the clocktower features an elaborate clock that displays the signs of the Zodiac and the current phase of the moon. It played an essential part of daily life in historical Venice, with seafarers setting out from the Grand Canal replying on its time to decide when to head out to sea. You'll notice at the top of the tower, two bronze wild men. They ring the bell on the hour. One of the men is old, the other is young, representing the passing of time.

Correr Museum

Take a fascinating journey through the history and art of Venice inside one of its most important museums.

Established in 1830, 33 years after Venice lost its independence, the Museo Correr depicts life and culture in Venice during its glory days of wealth and strength. Somewhat ironically given that the museum is dedicated to Venice's glory, the city's loss of independence made the collection possible, as many formerly wealthy Venetian families were forced to sell their treasures in the difficult conditions. Highlights in the museum include works by the famed Neoclassical sculptor Antonio Canova and a fine art collection that covers the work of many famous Venetian painters of the 13th to 16th centuries. Also fascinating are the collected antiquities from the city's long history, such as ship flags, nautical instruments, books, maps, and coins. 

Library of St Mark

Visit the magnificent monumental rooms of the Marciana Library, one of the oldest public libraries in Venice.

The Sansoviniana library, also referred to as National Marciana Library, is one of the biggest and most important libraries in Italy. Located in a beautiful Renaissance building opposite the Doge's Palace, it holds a number of valuable Greek and Latin manuscripts. The interior is richly decorated, with an impressive ceiling and a collection of Venetian paintings including works by Tintoretto and Veronese. 

image

Day 7

Florence to Venice

image

Day 8

Venice

Day 8

Venice

icon
icon
icon

9:30 AM - 12:30 PM

'First Walk', Guided Tour in Venice

If you are a first-time visitor to Venice, the best approach is an introductory tour. This 3-hour private guided walking excursion begins with a selection of the “must sees,” including St. Mark's Square, the former political center of the Venetian Republic, with its many famous buildings: the Doges' Palace, the Bridge of Sighs, the Marciana Library, the Bell Tower, and the Clock Tower. You'll end your tour in the Rialto neighborhood next to the famous Rialto Bridge.

'First Walk', Guided Tour in Venice

9:30 AM - 12:30 PM — 'First Walk', Guided Tour in Venice

If you are a first-time visitor to Venice, the best approach is an introductory tour. This 3-hour private guided walking excursion begins with a selection of the “must sees,” including St. Mark's Square, the former political center of the Venetian Republic, with its many famous buildings: the Doges' Palace, the Bridge of Sighs, the Marciana Library, the Bell Tower, and the Clock Tower. You'll end your tour in the Rialto neighborhood next to the famous Rialto Bridge.

Doges' Palace

Explore the staterooms and masterpieces inside this famous Gothic-style Palace.

Important Note: Entry lines can be very long. We suggest taking advantage of skip the line entry. As the name suggests, the Palace was the official residence of the Venetian rulers, the Doges, and the chief magistrates. The building was founded in the 9th century, but the present one dates from the 14th century. Tour its elaborate staterooms, grand halls and the 24-carat golden staircase before seeking out its collection of priceless masterpieces by Venetian artists including Titan, Veronese and Tintoretto. Be sure to spend some time in the most incredible room of all, the Chamber of the Great Council, the assembly hall where all Venetian patricians gathered to participate in the running of the city - up to 2,500 at any one time. There you will find the Doge's throne and the world's longest canvas painting in the world, Tintoretto's Il Paradiso.

Mid-Day/Afternoon — San Polo District

The graceful arch of the Rialto Bridge is perhaps the single most iconic sight in Venice since nearly everyone passes beneath it on their journey along the Grand Canal. It connects Venice's two most visited districts, San Marco and San Polo. While San Marco is famous for St. Mark's Square, San Polo more than holds its own as a must-see destination, as it contains some of the city's oldest neighborhoods and most picturesque canals and bridges. It is also home to some of the best restaurants in Venice, and admittedly some of its worst tourist traps as well. Among many highlights is the bustling Rialto Market, which was once one of medieval Europe's busiest financial and trade markets, and still does a brisk trade in fresh seafood and produce.

Rialto Bridge

Walk over or ride under the most famous bridge on the Grand Canal.

The 16th-century Rialto Bridge is the most iconic bridge in Venice. With a width of other 75 feet (23m) and span of over 100 feet (31m), the wide stone footbridge crosses over the Grand Canal and connects the San Marco and San Polo districts. It stands on the spot of an earlier wooden drawbridge which collapsed under the weight of a crowd gathered on it to watch a wedding procession. It took almost 150 years before the current Rialto bridge was built, this time in stone, and thus still stands as a symbol of the city. Surrounded by tourist shops and pricey restaurants, it sits on 12,000 wooden pilings and will be forever immortalised in millions of photographs as the backdrop to the classic Venetian photo shot, which captures the city's gondolas as they ferry lovers around the Grand Canal. While for many a gondola ride is a must-do experience in Venice, it's also possible to admire the bridge on foot. For a less-pricey way of seeing it from the water, you can always take the Number 1 local Vaporetto (water bus) and see the bridge as you pass underneath. 

Rialto Markets

Experience the sights, tastes, and smells of Venice's historic "Pescaria" fish market, as well as the fresh produce market.

Located close to the Rialto Bridge stands the Rialto Market, "the incomparable fish market of Venice, a glorious wet, colorful, high-smelling concourse of the sea, to which in the down hours fleets of barges bring the day's supply of sea-foods" (Jan Morris). Established well before the bridge was built, Venice's iconic market is a sight to behold, with colourful vegetable stalls and loud market vendors touting for business. It is a great spot for photographs and of course for a taste of the freshly caught fish with a host of appetising snacks on offer. Adjacent to the fish market you'll find a produce market, which is also important for a city which demands fresh ingredients for its cuisine. Keep in mind that the markets close at 1pm, and both markets are closed on Sundays (the fish market is also closed on Mondays).

Frari Church

Step inside this inconspicuous Gothic 15th-century church to discover some of Venice's most famous tombs and artwork.

The relatively austere brick Gothic Church of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari holds many surprises. It has the second tallest campanile in Venice after St Mark's, and contains numerous masterpieces of painting and sculpture by the likes of Titian, Bellini and Donatello, plus a number of important doges' tombs, as well as Titian's tomb. Titian's majestic painting of The Assumption in the sanctuary, with its dramatic movement and coloring, is the work that established Titian's reputation as one of the greatest of all Italian painters. Even if you feel you've seen too many churches already, this one is definitely worth visiting and we recommend investing in the audio guide to get the best out of your time here.

Scuola Grande di San Rocco

Visit this underrated art museum featuring works by the famed Renaissance artist Tintoretto.

Next door to the Frari, one of the most magnificent of Venice's charitable associations, The Scuola Grande di San Rocco is one of the most magnificent of Venice's charitable associations. The building was completed in 1560, and Tintoretto won a competition held to select an artist to decorate the interior. Over the next 23 years, he executed an incomparable series of paintings that cover the walls and ceilings. According to the writer Jan Morris, "no collection of sacred pictures is more overwhelming of impact than the immense series of Tintorettos in the Scuola [...] - often dark, often grandiose, often incomprehensible, but culminating in the huge masterpiece of the Crucifixion, which Velazquez humbly copied, and before which, to this day, you may still see strong men moved to tears."

5:00 PM - 5:30 PM — Gondola Ride

The gondola is no doubt one of the most universally known symbols of Venice; this elegant, elongated black wooden boat inspired innumerable writers & poets and was used by rich & famous people of any age. From Lord Byron to Hemingway, from Elton John to George Clooney, they’ve all been on a gondola ride! Now it is your turn to be rocked down the ancient, peaceful canals, while your gondolier will tell you about the construction of gondola itself and the meaning of the strangely shaped iron on its bow. Venetian palaces will appear to you in all their charm, as the fanciest facade is always the one facing the water!

image

Day 8

Venice

image

Day 9

Venice

Day 9

Venice

icon
icon

Early Morning/Morning

Murano & Burano

Explore the intricacies of two famed Italian handicrafts with a day trip from Venice to the nearby islands of Murano and Burano. Stop by a glass factory or two and watch a live demonstration of glass artisans at work on the island of Murano, before hopping over to Burano, known for its brightly colored buildings and lace making, a tradition that dates back to the 16th Century.  Both quiet islands offer a peaceful retreat from the often tourist filled squares of Venice's mainland. You can easily reach them by taking a guided tour or simply by catching the Vaporetto. It only takes about ten minutes to reach Murano from the F.te Nove stop, and another 30 minutes to reach Burano. Once arrived you will surely enjoy the laid-back island havens, both with their own Grand Canals, colorful buildings and a host of fascinating workshops, showrooms, and picturesque sidewalk cafes.

Murano & Burano

Early Morning/Morning — Murano & Burano

Explore the intricacies of two famed Italian handicrafts with a day trip from Venice to the nearby islands of Murano and Burano. Stop by a glass factory or two and watch a live demonstration of glass artisans at work on the island of Murano, before hopping over to Burano, known for its brightly colored buildings and lace making, a tradition that dates back to the 16th Century.  Both quiet islands offer a peaceful retreat from the often tourist filled squares of Venice's mainland. You can easily reach them by taking a guided tour or simply by catching the Vaporetto. It only takes about ten minutes to reach Murano from the F.te Nove stop, and another 30 minutes to reach Burano. Once arrived you will surely enjoy the laid-back island havens, both with their own Grand Canals, colorful buildings and a host of fascinating workshops, showrooms, and picturesque sidewalk cafes.

Glass Museum & Murano's Glass-Making Factories

See a superb collection of Venetian glass inside the Museum of Glass, and then stop by one of the island's workshops for a live demonstration.

Primarily known as the island of glass-making, Murano has sat at the epicenter of creative glassmaking for centuries. In the late 13th century Venice's Government deemed it too dangerous to have open furnaces in the city, as they posed a huge fire risk to a confined island city whose buildings were often made entirely of wood. Glass production was moved to the nearby island of Murano, and here the industry prospered. The Museum of Glass is housed inside an ancient palace and boasts a large collection of Murano glass, including world-class masterpieces by artists as Venini, Zecchin and Carlo Scarpa. Meanwhile, many of the island's workshops have belonged to the same families for centuries. Several furnaces are open to the public and you can watch short demonstrations. Be aware many also follow with a hard sales pitch, but you are never obligated to buy anything. A few tips: 1) The farther away from the Colonna Waterbus stop you walk—toward the glass museum and the Basilica of Santi Maria e Donato—the better the values. 2) Some glass houses—especially Barovier & Toso, Moretti, Pauly, Seguso, and Venini—command higher prices than others because of the quality of their work and the long tradition behind their names.  3) Shipping delicate pieces home can prove both costly and hazardous. If you do, don’t forget to get the seller’s email address, record the tracking number, and insure, insure, insure.

Museum of Lace (Museo del Merletto)

Observe firsthand one of the world's oldest and most famous traditions of lace making.

Burano is historically a fishing village known for its handcrafted lace and technicolor houses. The legend goes that a sailor was lured to the island by a beautiful mermaid. She splashed her tail and created intricately patterned sea spray which she used as her wedding veil for her upcoming nuptials to the sailor. The village girls were very jealous of her veil and did their best to replicate the airy patterns with needle and thread, thus beginning Burano’s tradition of handcrafted lace. The Museo del Merletto was established in 1978 in the former gothic palace of the magistrate of Torcello. Inside the museum you can observe not only how the famous lace is made, but also learn about its history. You'll see artefacts from the collection of the Lace School of Burano, which occupied the building during the late 19th century.

Burano's Colorful Houses

Take a walk through Venice's most colorful island and enjoy the unusual sight of its brightly-painted flourescent houses.

Burano is filled with colorful houses famous for their fluorescent shades. The colors are heavily regulated in Burano (you have to write for permission before painting) and their origins disputed. Some say the houses were painted brightly so fisherman returning from the sea could spot their houses through the thick fog. A less romantic version say the houses were painted distinctively so fishermen could find their way home after a night on the town.

Mid-Day/Afternoon — Arsenale & Castello

The Venetian navy once ruled the waves in the Adriatic Sea. You can find out more about the Venetian navy's rich and colorful history at the Naval History Museum beside the great naval dockyards at the Arsenale. These mammoth shipyards constructed the Venetian Republic's fleet, which at one time was unrivaled in tonnage, fire-power, and efficiency. Its payroll numbered 16,000, and in the 16th-century wars against the Ottomans a new galley left its yards every morning for 100 days. This helped to secure victory in the decisive Battle of Lepanto, which was the last great sea conflict fought by galleys and which proved crucial to stopping the Turkish advance into Europe. The rest of the Castello District has some wonderful gems hidden away in its back alleys and canals. It is one of the least visited parts of the city, meaning it is a great place to head if you want to avoid the crowds. It even has Venice's first public park (Giardini Pubblici), which was created by order of Napoleon. Four convents were razed to make room for it, but now it is a favorite spot for locals. It is also the venue of the famous Biennale Arts Festival venue. Established in 1895, the Biennale has an attendance today of over 500,000 visitors at the Art Exhibition.

Naval History Museum of Venice

Explore the numerous collections of naval artefacts inside this historic naval museum.

Apart from relating the history of Venetian naval power and displays of armaments produced in the Arsenale and captured by Venetian forces, this fascinating museum features exhibits of naval weaponry from the First and Second World Wars and over 25,000 maritime objects and artefacts. 

Venice Naval Ship Pavillion

See some of Venice's historic ships and grand vessels inside what was once a workshop to build and store oars.

Located next to the Naval Museum, the ‘Padiglione delle Navi’ (Ships Pavilion) is a must visit too. Inside what was once an oars workshop and storage facility you'll find a collection of some of Venice's impressive ships and vessels that were manufactured in Venice in the Arsenal located close by.  

Arsenale Gate

Visit the gate to what is known as "one of the oldest factories in the world" - Venice's historic shipyard.

The Arsenale is one of Venice's major landmarks and one that has so much historical significance. The gigantic shipyard was where the Venetian Republic built their warships and commercial ships for trade. The Arsenale is closed to the public but you can see the great main gateway, in the form of a triumphal arch (The Porta Magna) one of the earliest works of Venetian Renaissance architecture in the city.  

image

Day 9

Venice

image

Day 10

Depart Venice

Day 10

Depart Venice

icon

To Be Determined

Transfer to Airport

Most visitors will depart from the Venice Marco Polo Airport, which is located just across the water on the mainland. Because of the impossibility of driving inside Venice, you will need to take a water bus to Piazzale Roma on the edge of the city and then a land taxi to the airport (40 EUR), or take a water bus directly to the airport (15 EUR). It is also possible to take a private water taxi directly from your hotel to the airport, but it's very expensive. If you are departing from Venice Treviso Airport, you have much further to go. You can either take an expensive taxi ride (about 100 EUR) or take a shuttle bus for 12 EUR. The ATVO line departs from Piazzale Roma and takes 70 minutes, while the Barzi line picks up at the less convenient Tronchetto (the docks) but only takes 40 minutes.

Transfer to Airport

To Be Determined — Transfer to Airport

Most visitors will depart from the Venice Marco Polo Airport, which is located just across the water on the mainland. Because of the impossibility of driving inside Venice, you will need to take a water bus to Piazzale Roma on the edge of the city and then a land taxi to the airport (40 EUR), or take a water bus directly to the airport (15 EUR). It is also possible to take a private water taxi directly from your hotel to the airport, but it's very expensive. If you are departing from Venice Treviso Airport, you have much further to go. You can either take an expensive taxi ride (about 100 EUR) or take a shuttle bus for 12 EUR. The ATVO line departs from Piazzale Roma and takes 70 minutes, while the Barzi line picks up at the less convenient Tronchetto (the docks) but only takes 40 minutes.

image

Day 10

Depart Venice

What's Included In Dreaming the Italian Classics Trip

Fork

Pre-Paid Tours and Activities:

  • Heart of the Empire - Private Tour of Ancient Rome & the Colosseum
  • Twilight Trastevere Group Food Tour
  • Florence in Half a Day: Guided Highlights Walk
  • Tuscan Cuisine Cooking Class
  • 'First Walk' Guided Tour in Venice
  • Private Gondola Ride
  • City Card for Rome, including discounts to many popular attractions
train

Pre-Paid Transportation:

  • 2nd Class Train Tickets from Rome-Florence
  • 2nd Class Train Tickets from Florence-Venice
  • Public Transport Tickets for Venice and Rome
  • Private Transfer from Rome Fiumicino to Hotel
  • Private Transfer to Rome Termini Train Station
train

Accommodation:

  • 3 nights at a hotel of your choice in Rome
  • 3 nights at a hotel of your choice in Florence
  • 3 nights at a hotel of your choice in Venice
mobile

Go Real Travel Mobile App:

  • Itinerary Plan & Reservations Info
  • Points of Interest
  • Detailed Travel Information
  • Maps & Directions

Other Trips You May Like

Trip image

10 Days

From$2600USD

Eternal Italy: A Family Journey Through History in Rome, Florence & Venice

View Trip
Trip image

14 Days

From$3559USD

2-Week Tour of Rome, Florence, Venice, & Italy's Scenic Countryside

View Trip
Trip image

7 Days

From$2139USD

Essential Italy: Rome, Florence & Venice in 7 Days

View Trip
Trip image

8 Days

From$2424USD

The Ultimate Italian 8-Day Adventure: Rome, Florence and Venice

View Trip
Trip image

12 Days

From$3129USD

12-Day Voyage to Italy's Iconic Cities & Enchanting Countryside

View Trip
Trip image

10 Days

From$4600USD

Italian Highlights and Culinary Delights with Gabriella-Maria

View Trip
Trip image

14 Days

From$3847USD

The Essence of Italy: From Ancient Wonders to Scenic Beauty

View Trip
Trip image

12 Days

From$2999USD

Relaxed Winter Trip to Italy: Venice, Milan, Florence, & Rome

View Trip
Trip image

15 Days

From$4266USD

Italian Elegance: 15 Days of Wine, Dine & Cultured Shine

View Trip

Featured Blogs

Trip image
Italy
Romantic

The 8 Most Romantic Places You Should Visit in Italy

Trip image
Europe
Romantic

16 Most Romantic Destinations in Europe

Trip image
Europe
Seasonal guide

10 European Cities to Visit in Winter

Trip image
Italy
Villages

12 Most Beautiful Towns and Villages in Tuscany

Trip image
Europe
Family

How to Plan the Perfect Family Trip to Europe

Trip image
Europe
Travel tips

11 Tips for First Time Travelers to Europe

Trip image
Europe
Booking flights

What’s The Best Time to Book International Flights to Europe?

Our Customers Say It Best

Malini Dutta, Boston, Massachusetts
We can't thank you enough for the detailed plans, maps, and suggestions. It really felt that someone was holding our hands and showing us around. We had all the excitement of discovering foreign lands, with none of the problems that can happen while negotiating unfamiliar places. In fact, all the cities felt like home within a few hours of arriving and exploring.
Bev and Mark Frankel, Williamsburg, Virginia
We could not be more pleased with Go Real Travel! You took the guess work out of things like public transport but still managed to allow us the freedom to tour as we wanted. Our guides were exceptional and every time I saw a Viking Cruise tour of 25 people, I realized the quality experience we were getting with Go Real.
Marianne Strydom, Paarl, South Africa
I just wanted to thank you for organizing an amazing trip for me – I packed in so much in such a short period of time and everything was just perfect. The way you do things makes it possible to really get to know the destination, which for me as a travel agent could not have been better.
Otto Chuy, Los Angeles, California
I am still surprised how everything worked as planned, without a hitch. All instructions in your itinerary were precise and correct. Your suggestions and comments in each of the locations we went to were very helpful. All your guides, without exception, were wonderful and exactly on time.

Explore cities in more detail

sunset over colosseum in rome italy

Rome

One of the must-sees of Italy, and indeed all of Europe, Rome is a city with history flowing through its veins. There is an endless amount to see, do, and learn here, with something for every taste and disposition. Rome was the center of Western civilization for a Millenium and during that time, accumulated a list of historical and cultural treasures that no other destination can truly match. The Pantheon, Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Cirus of Maxentius are just a few examples of what can be seen and experienced in Rome, which at times feels more like a giant outdoor museum than a city. At Rome’s heart, you’ll find the Vatican, home of the Roman Catholic Church and the Pope. Here visitors can see the legendary Sistine Chapel. Transcending a mere building, the chapel is a walk-in work of art. Although historical sights can be found on just about every corner, it’s entirely possible to fill a day just wandering around Rome. The city’s charming streets and open Piazzas are filled with beautiful sights and places to sit, grab the best Cappuccino in the world, and enjoy the view.

Florence Italy Skyline with Duomo

Florence

Culture and history are thick in the air in Florence. Located on the banks of the Arno River in Tuscany, Florence’s past is deeply compelling. The birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is where innovators like Dante, Machiavelli, Michelangelo, and Da Vinci made their fortunes. Centuries of art, politics, and commerce have left their mark on every stone in this Northern Italian city.  In the 15th and 16th centuries, Florentine banks funded new enterprises that went on to change the history of the world. Powerful families like the Medici’s financed some of the finest art in history and pioneered new ways of doing statecraft and politics. As you stand in the Piazzale Michelangelo and gaze upon the city below it’s hard to take it all in at once. It feels like behind every door in Florence might hide a work of genius. Michelangelo’s David and Botticelli’s Primavera can be found just a short walk away. After a long day wandering the streets and gazing at art, fueled by exquisite coffee and gelato, relax like the locals do: with a glass of some of the best wine in the world.

gondola ride on a canal in venice italy

Venice

Venice is a city with no equal. Built on a series of islands on a lagoon, it was once a powerful city-state. Echoes of that old magnificence can be seen everywhere here, from the stunning buildings that rise out of the canals, to the bridges that arc across them.   Take a Gondola ride through the canals that form the city’s veins, or wander through the winding streets drinking in the sights. You’ll see Venice attracts tourists in huge numbers, and that’s with good reason. It’s home to a seemingly limitless amount of art, culture, history, and architecture. St Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, and the Campanile di San Marco just barely scratch the surface. There’s a 700-year-old market, Rialto, which is still open today. The Ponte di Rialto bridge connects the neighborhoods of San Marco and San Polo, stretching across the Grand Canal.   Venice has weathered the last several centuries with elegance and pride, a place that will surpass even your highest expectations.

lion monument in front of milan cathedral in italy

Milan

Milan is Italy’s most forward-looking city. An international center for fashion, fine dining, and design, it seems as though Milanese people breathe style. From the gleam on your wine glass to the twists of its cathedral’s spires, everything in Milan is finished to perfection. Home to the Italian stock exchange, a world-famous fashion industry, and a frantic business district, Milan is fast-paced and commercially minded. The shopping in Milan is second to none. At the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, one of the world’s oldest shopping malls, a glass-iron ceiling soars over brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Massimo Dutti, and Amani. Along with the fashion, Milan’s cathedral, castle, and canals are also must-sees. But to view the city’s most prized possession - Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper, you must make an appointment. Tickets to view this mural sell out weeks in advance. It is truly a bucket-list worthy work of art. After a day taking in all the glamor and culture, take a seat in one of Milan’s well-appointed eateries. The Navigli Quarter is packed with restaurants, bars, and cafes, perfect for a relaxed Aperol spritz or pizza along the city’s canals. 

Colorful Buildings of Manarola Village in Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre, a string of five fishing villages in the Liguria region of Italy, is a rare snapshot of a traditional way of life. Rustic and charming, these clusters of pastel houses clinging to steep Mediterranean cliffs hold a special allure.   Hiking between the five villages is a popular way to experience the rugged Mediterranean landscape close up. There are no roads here — the only other way to get between the villages is by boat or train.   Seafood, hauled in from the azure waters of the sea that laps against the rocky shore, is abundant and delicious here. It pairs well with the local wine, and perhaps a plate of olives. Cinque Terre is a place to take it slow, to breathe in the fresh sea air and bask in the balmy climate, many miles from the chaos and frenzy of the modern world.

view of naples italy and mount vesuvius

Naples

Gritty and chaotic Naples calls to travelers who want to experience the real Italy. Pressed along the coast of Campania, hilly Naples is jammed with maze-like streets, strung with outdoor clotheslines, descending toward the sea below. A much deserved UNESCO World Heritage site, Naples is famous for its churches, museums, castles, and catacombs. As you navigate the city, you’ll find yourself immersed by its culture and history.  You can easily occupy a full day gazing at churches like the Naples Cathedral, San Francesco di Paola, and Cappella Sansevero.   If you cast your eyes toward the Gulf of Naples, you’ll see Mount Vesuvius looming over the harbor. This foreboding volcano erupted in AD 79. Not far from the inner city — less than an hour by train — you’ll find the ancient town of Pompeii, its dramatic ruins still preserved in ash from the eruption. One of the best things you can do in Naples is to eat. This is the city where pizza was born. Propped up by its ripe tomatoes, local cheeses, and fresh fish, food from Naples has come to define what many see as the height of Italian cuisine. Everything you taste in Naples seems like a delicacy. Authentic and vivid, Naples is a true Italian city where the ancient world meets the modern-day with a bang.