Day 1 Rome
Start your tour around Italy in Rome, a city filled with cultural, historical, and culinary delights. Spend the afternoon relaxing or exploring the ancient city streets before enjoying a Welcome Dinner with the Travel Director and fellow companions. This is an excellent opportunity to connect with others and share the excitement of the upcoming adventures including an orientation drive past Rome's most magnificent sights - a wonderful way to build anticipation for the days ahead.
The mix of relaxation, exploration, and shared experiences in the imperial city of Rome sets the tone for the enriching travel experience that lays ahead.
Hotel: Crowne Plaza Roma - St. Peter's Rome or similar
Dinner included.
Day 2 Rome
Exploring the city's historical treasures, here are some of the key highlights:
Dive into culture at the Vatican Museums: The visit to the Vatican Museums with a local specialist promises a deep dive into the history of the Vatican and the masterpieces collected by Popes over centuries. Gaining priority admission is a significant advantage, ensuring a more intimate experience.
Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica: The magnificent, frescoed ceiling in the Sistine Chapel is truly an awe-inspiring, up-close encounter with one of Michelangelo's masterpieces. Furthermore, exploring St. Peter's Basilica, the greatest church in Christendom, and seeing Michelangelo's Pietà adds a spiritual and artistic dimension to the visit.
Venturing into Ancient Rome: Crossing the Tiber to explore Ancient Rome and view the Circus Maximus allows travellers to connect with the city's ancient past and the excitement of iconic chariot races.
Leisurely afternoon exploring: Allowing for a leisurely afternoon to explore Rome provides flexibility for personal exploration and enjoyment. We suggest admiring the Spanish Steps and tossing a coin in the Trevi Fountain to add a touch of romance and tradition to the experience.
Hotel: Crowne Plaza Roma - St. Peter's Rome or similar
Breakfast included. Additional optional experiences are available for an extra cost.
Day 3 Umbria & Venice
This morning you’ll venture north through the valley of the Tiber into the green and golden landscapes of Umbria. We pass the hilltop towns of Orte and Orvieto, travelling past Tuscany's terraced olive groves and across the Apennine Mountains bound for Venice.
Experiencing a rich tapestry of natural beauty, historic towns, and the promise of reaching one of Italy's most iconic and romantic cities, we know you’ll enjoy this scenic journey that captures the essence of Italy's diverse and enchanting landscapes.
Hotel: Novotel Venezia Mestre Castellana Venice or similar
Breakfast and dinner included. Additional optional experiences are available for an extra cost.
Day 4 Venice & Verona
Absorb the breathless beauty of Venice and everything else magnificent about this city. Some of the highlights you’ll experience will include:
Cruise by private launch in Venice: Cruising into the heart of the city by private launch, you’ll navigate the iconic canals from a perspective truly unique to Venice. You’ll visit landmarks such as the Bridge of Sighs, St. Mark's Square, St. Mark's Basilica, and the Doge's Palace, ensuring you’re witness some of Venice's most iconic and historically significant sites.
Glassblowing Experience - MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®: Engaging in a glassblowing experience is not only a cultural immersion but also preserves the Venetian tradition of glassblowing, ensuring the continuation of this precious craft.
After soaking up the pageantry and elegance of Venice you’ll continue onto Verona where you'll spend the night in the city of Shakespeare's ill-fated lovers Romeo and Juliet.
Hotel: Hotel Leopardi Verona or similar
Breakfast included. Additional optional experiences are available for an extra cost.
Day 5 Pisa & Florence
A visit to the Square of Miracles provides an opportunity to witness the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa, a UNESCO-listed site. This architectural marvel is one of the most recognized symbols of Italy.
Onward to Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance and the home of the Medici dynasty, this delightful city promises a deep dive into art, history, and cultural richness.
Hotel: Grand Hotel Mediterraneo Florence or similar
Breakfast and Dinner included.
Day 6 Florence & Rome
Join a local specialist and delve into the rich medieval and Renaissance history of Florence. Your sightseeing tour will take you to the Piazza della Signoria with its impressive sculptures and imposing palazzi. Wandering through the narrow streets we encounter the multi-coloured marble Duomo, the famous Baptistery and the almost 700-year-old Ponte Vecchio, a spectacular feat of engineering from the Middle Ages which is today lined with jewellers.
Your journey continues through Umbria to the valley of the Tiber River and back to Rome. Toast to a memorable holiday with newfound friends at a Farewell Dinner.
Hotel: Grand Hotel Tiberio Rome or similar
Breakfast included. Additional optional experiences are available for an extra cost.
Day 7 Rome
After breakfast, it’s time to say a fond arrivederci to Rome, Italy and your travel companions as you return home with wonderful memories of this magnificent destination.
