ITALY

Best of Italy

ROME

9 Days / 8 Nights

Visiting: Venice, Florence, Rome 

Travel on this, one of our best Italy vacation packages and revel in renowned attractions and exquisite sites from Doge's Palace in Venice where travelers will see the beautiful rooms decorated by 16 century artists, to Piazza Della Signoria in Florence, and the iconic Colosseum in Rome, plus so much more during your 9-day immersion into "la dolce vita!". Our Italy vacation packages take travelers to live the tapestry of sights, sounds, flavors, and feelings of the true Italy. Travel via deluxe motorcoach and stay in well-appointed, centrally-located first class hotels. Enjoy Italy's renowned cuisine at each lunch or dinner, featuring included extras such as wines, mineral water, coffee or cappuccino. Your heart and soul will delight in the unforgettable sights along the way: Piazza San Marco in Venice, Michelangelo's masterpiece of the David at the Accademia in Florence and the ceiling frescoed by the artist in the Sistine Chapel in Rome, the grandeur of St. Peter's Square in Vatican City, St. Francis' town of Assisi, and so much more! Come discover virtually unlimited art, monuments, landmarks, side walk cafes, trattorias, and places to mingle with Venetians, Florentines, and Romans in Italy every step of the way on this exciting Italian adventure.

 

Highlights:

    • Marvel at the magic of Venice from the Bridge of Sighs and Doge’s Palace to St. Mark’s Square
    • Sample local favorites of Lambrusco wines and balsamic vinegar with lunch in Modena
    • Explore the Renaissance city of Florence and the medieval towns of Siena and San Gimignano
    • Enjoy a private wine tasting experience at Magione Castle
    • Tour amazing Assisi and visit the Basilica of Saint Francis
    • Delve into Rome from the Roman Forum and the iconic Colosseum to the Eternal City’s piazzas and trattorias

    Includes

    • First class hotel accommodation for 8 nights
    • 13 included meals consisting of:
      - 8 buffet breakfasts
      - 1 gourmet lunch with mini a-la-carte menu at local restaurant
      - 1 light lunch at Magione Castle
      - 2 gourmet dinners with mini a-la-carte menu at local restaurants
      - 1 festive dinner with music at a villa outside of Florence (NEW)
    • Wine, mineral water and coffee or cappuccino served with meals at hotels and restaurants
    • Touring by private deluxe air-conditioned motorcoach
    • Assistance of a professional tour director for the entire length of the tour
    • Complete program of sightseeing tours and excursions with entrance fees:
      - Walking tour of Venice, including a visit of the Doge’s Palace
      - Balsamic vinegar tasting in Modena
      - Visit of St. Anthony’s Basilica in Padua
      - Walking tour of Florence, including a visit of the Accademia to see the “David” by Michelangelo
      - Excursion to Siena and San Gimignano
      - Wine tasting at Magione Castle
      - Tour of Assisi and visit of St. Francis Basilica
      - Tour of Rome, including the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and the Colosseum
    • Arrival and departure airport transfers 
    • Baggage handling
    • Document holder and luggage tags
    • Hotel taxes and service charges
    • City tax
    • Special gift

    Excludes

    • Airfare (contact us for rates)
    • Visa if required
    • Tips and Personal items
    • Travel Insurance
    • Optional Tours

     

    ITINERARY

     

     

    Day 1

    Venice

    Morning arrival into Venice’s Marco Polo Airport. Here you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel in Venice. The balance of the day is at leisure. This evening enjoy a welcome dinner at a popular restaurant. (D)

     

    Day 2

    Venice

    Your morning tour of Venice is on foot and will highlight the Basilica of St. Mark and the Doge’s Palace, the Bridge of Sighs and Piombi Prison. Afternoon is at leisure with enough time for more sightseeing, shopping or relaxation. (B)

     

    Day 3

    Venice - Padua - Modena - Florence

    This morning depart Venice and stop in Padua to visit the Basilica of St. Anthony and its art, including the large bronze works of Donatello. Continue your scenic drive to Modena where you’ll be treated to a special balsamic vinegar tasting session plus lunch, featuring local specialties and Lambrusco wine. After lunch continue to Florence, the home of Michelangelo. (B,L)

     

    Day 4

    Florence 

    Your morning tour takes you to Michelangelo Square for a panoramic view of the city. Then visit: the Accademia to see Michelangelo’s original “David” statue, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistery with its “Gates of Paradise” doors, Signoria Square and Santa Croce Church. Enjoy your afternoon exploring the treasures of Florence on your own or embark on an optional tour to Pisa featuring dinner at an authentic farmhouse and winery in the enchanting Tuscan countryside. (B)

     

    Day 5

    Florence - Siena - San Gimignano - Florence 

    After breakfast today, head out for a day of discovery to Siena and San Gimignano. Medieval Siena, known for its famed Palio horse races and expansive central Il Campo plaza, awaits your exploration. Visit Siena’s Duomo, considered to be one of the finest Gothic cathedrals in Italy. In San Gimignano, stroll the oldworld center and take in the fascinating architecture and towers that offer amazing views of the city and the surrounding valley. Tonight, enjoy a festive dinner with wine and music at a charming villa located on a beautiful Tuscan hillside outside Florence. (B,D) 

     

    Day 6

    Florence - Magione - Assisi - Rome 

    Morning departure for Rome. Drive through the serene Tuscan and Umbrian countryside, passing by the shores of Lake Trasimeno with a stop at the Magione Castle, presently the private residence of the Prince and Grand Master of Sovereign Military Order of the Knights of Malta. Here a wine expert will lecture on the vinification process that takes place at the castle, followed by a delicious tasting of the varieties of wines produced there and a light lunch. Continue to Assisi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and enjoy your guided tour of St. Francis Basilica. Arrive in Rome in the late afternoon. (B,L)

     

     

    Day 7

    Rome 

    Rome is filled with monuments, fountains, antiquities and other sites worth exploring. Use this free day to discover, on your own, all the Eternal City has to offer. Enjoy your included 1-Day Hop on Hop Off Bus. Take an optional tour or discover why Roman trattorias are famous for their fine cuisine. (B)

     

    Day 8

    Rome 

    This morning, experience a very special privately guided tour of the priceless collection of art and treasures in the Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museum. Then proceed to the Piazza Venezia and Roman Forum, with a stop at the Colosseum – a testament to the greatness of Rome’s past. Continue your full day tour by viewing the Arch of Constantine, Circus Maximus, the Great Synagogue, Isola Tiberina and Castel Sant’Angelo. Tonight bid arrivederci to Rome at a special dinner with wine in a lovely Roman restaurant. (B,D)

     

    Day 9

    Rome to USA or extend your stay

    Morning transfer to airport for your return flight home. (B)

     

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