Rome, Florence & Venice Rome, the eternal city has endured for over 2,700 years with an ambiance like no other. Then on to Florence and Venice.
Rome, Florence & Venice Price From: $9.300 Rome, the eternal city has endured for over 2,700 years with an ambiance like no other. Embedded in centuries of history and culture it is Italy s capital and largest city offering far too much to see in one visit. In this city a phenomenal concentration of history, legend, and monuments coexists with an equally phenomenal concentration of people busily going about their everyday life. A breathtaking city that will leave you with the urge to return. Florence, the birthplace of Renaissance. Florence is one of the most beautifully preserved and artistically rich cities in the world. Here, artistic treasures and architectural masterpieces of the past blend with ancient streets lined with elegant boutiques, peaceful parks, street side cafes, unforgettable dining and breathtaking views at every turn. The historical part of the city is largely contained in a small area which allows many of the places easily reachable on foot where pedestrians often mingle between the popular mopeds dashing through the city streets. Venice is built on more than 100 small islands in a marshy lagoon in the Adriatic Sea. Its stone palaces seemingly rise out of the water. There are no cars or roadways, just canals and boats. The Grand Canal snakes through the city which is filled with innumerable narrow, maze-like alleys and small squares, fun to get lost in because you will make wonderful discoveries. Inclusions 10 nights in a Double room for Single Use in 4 Star quality hotels 3 x Dinners, 1 x Lunch, breakfast daily English speaking Guides Transfers as shown Entrance Fees to Colosseum including Underground, The Vatican, Villa Adriana & Villa D Este, Uffiz, Accademia, Doges Palace Secret Rooms and Basilica Santa Croce, Wine Tasting & Lunch at Decugnano de Barbi Pizza & Gelato Tour & Gourmet Tour of Bologna including Tastings Gondola ride Hotel Bar is open between 5.30pm and 6.30pm with house wines, beer, soft drinks included for Individual Travellers Porterage & Gratuities Water on vehicles 24 hour assistance during your trip
Day 1 Arrival transfer available upon request Upon arrival into Rome check into your hotel where you have a Double Room for Single Use reserved for 4 nights. Free day to explore your surroundings This evening meet your new friends and enjoy Welcome Aperitif at Hotel s Bar included followed by dinner at Dal Bolognese 3 course dinner with water, wine and coffee or tea included. Rome Hotel Rose Garden Palace (or similar) Dinner Day 2 Enjoy Breakfast in Hotel. This morning enjoy an amazing introduction to the Vatican City, its history, highlights and hidden treasures with our local expert guide Duration: 4 Hours Our Vatican experience will take us on an amazing journey through the Vatican Museum and into the most beautiful and famous chapel of the world, the Sistine Chapel. During our visit, our guide will have much to share about the way of life of the locals and the amazing power that this tiny state holds and it s with neighbouring Italy. After the Sistine Chapel, we will continue our journey through the Vatican and into the Basilica of St. Peters where we will admire one of Michelangelo s most famous masterpieces La Pieta. After our visit, we will head out into the amazing Piazza which will definitely leave you breathless! Free afternoon to enjoy Rome. Rome Hotel Rose Garden Palace (or similar) Breakfast Day 3 Enjoy Breakfast in Hotel. Today we will have the opportunity to experience a unique introduction to the amazing Colosseum as well as the Roman Forum with our local expert guide Duration 3 hours Departing from our hotel with our guide and driver, we will make our way to the Colosseum where we will begin our journey back in time. The subterranean backstage, as it were, where slaves worked, animals (read lions, tigers, hyenas and bears) were stored and gladiators rested, ate and offered up their prayers. They were completely filled in during the 5th century AD and as a result show a remarkable state of preservation. The upper tier, also called terzo anello sits at 33 metres high and offers unprecedented views for the visitor, both of the immense interior of the Coliseum as well as out across Rome, ancient and modern. This amazing visit of both the lower and upper levels will give a full sense of what a spectacular the Roman Colosseum is. Afterwards we will make our way to the valley of the Roman Forum. Please note the underground areas may close without notice due to security reasons flooding after heavy rain. Your guide will nonetheless give a full explanation and history of the subterranean zones. Free afternoon to enjoy Rome. Rome Hotel Rose Garden Palace (or similar) Breakfast
Day 4 Enjoy Breakfast in Hotel. This morning we will experience a wonderful introduction to the lovely town of Tivoli and the beautiful gardens of the Villas Adriana and Villa D Este Duration 5 hours Departing from our hotel we will enjoy a pleasant drive (approx. 45 minutes) to the village of Tivoli, famous for the quarries of Travertine Stone, which is also the stone used for the Colosseum and St. Peters Square. Tivoli is famous for two amazing properties, Villa Adriana and Villa D Este, which we will enjoy exploring with our guide. Villa Adriana was built in the 2nd century as a retreat from Rome for the Roman Emperor Hadrian. During the decline of the Roman Empire, the Villa unfortunately fell into disuse and was partially ruined. In 16th century much of the marble and statues were removed by Cardinal Ippolito II D Este and brought to decorate the nearby Renaissance Villa D Este which occupies the site of an old Benedictine convent. The Villa D Este contains amazing decorations on the walls but the main attraction is the park with the many fountains. From the panoramic terrace we can enjoy the view of the valley of Rome. Just a few miles from the inhabited centre of Tivoli there is the huge territory of the Villa of the Emperor Hadrian. Here, we will enjoy a visit of all the different buildings designed for the Emperor or by the Emperor himself, thermal baths, monumental squares, fountains and statues. (Note re Villa D Este: there are many steps to go downhill but no elevator to go back up and Villas Adriana has a steep climb at the beginning from the car park to the gardens) Moderate fitness level. Lunch is at your leisure This evening enjoy a 3 course Dinner at Dar Poeta with beer, wine & soft drinks included Hotel Rose Garden Palace, Rome (or similar) B, D Day 5 Private minibus transfer with your Local Guide from Rome to Florence with stop in Orvieto at Decugnano de Barbi to enjoy a wine tasting and light lunch followed by some time at leisure to enjoy the town on own. (approx. driving time: Rome Orvieto: 1 hr 47 min/orvieto Florence 2 hrs) Decugnano dei Barbi is a producer of premium Umbrian wines. The Decugnano dei Barbi estate is situated near the town of Orvieto, at Fossatello di Corbara, in the old zone of production of Orvieto Classico. It is located on a hill facing the Orvieto rock at 320 meters above sea level. Its special and privileged position is perfect for quality production. The climate, the microclimate with its exposure to the sun and the soil of marine origin, marly, argillaceous, rich in fossilised oysters and shells of the Pliocene age, make it particularly suitable for vine-growing. The ideal ventilation of the vineyards completes the uniqueness of this location. (Wine Tasting and Light Lunch to be paid direct) Check into Hotel with the rest of the day at your leisure Hotel Minerva, Florence (or similar) B
Day 6 This morning we will head out and experience a very special walking tour of Florence taking in the city highlights with our local expert guide Duration 4 hours Departing from our hotel, we will begin our stroll chatting along the way and deciding together those places which are a must depending on our areas of interest, exploring the fascinating history of Florence as we move along exploring Piazza della Signoria, one of the most amazing squares in Italy. Where you can admire masterpieces of Renaissance and Baroque sculpture and also the city s seat of government for more than 700 years, that of the medieval Palazzo Vecchio. Piazza del Duomo, the Cathedral square where we can admire the Gothic bell-tower and the Romanesque baptistery with its stunning bronze doors, the most famous by Ghiberti Gates of Paradise. We will also enjoy The Ponte Vecchio and its numerous jewellery shops where you can find beautiful hand-made gold jewellery, a lasting tradition in this city, dating back to the pre-roman era of the Etruscans. This medieval bridge is the oldest across the Arno River, offering lovely views of this amazing city and the Tuscan hills. We will then continue to The Accademia of Fine Arts, founded in 1563 by Cosimo I dè Medici under the influence of Giorgio Vasari and was represented only by the most eminent artistic personalities of Cosimo s court, and had the task of supervising the whole artistic production of the Medicean state. The Gallery has housed the original David by Michelangelo since 1873. The amazing sculpture was allegedly brought to the Accademia for reasons of conservation, although other factors were involved in its move from its previous outdoor location on Piazza della Signoria. And last but not least how can we not visit the famous Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy the ancient pharmacy founded by Dominican Friars in 1612 and still hosted within the ancient preciously decorated and furnished monumental headquarters in Via della Scala. As you can see there is just so much to see and enjoy and learn with your guide. Lunch and the rest of the day is at your leisure Hotel Minerva, Florence (or similar) B
Day 7 Enjoy Breakfast in Hotel. This morning enjoy a wonderful Pizza & Gelato Lesson Duration: 3 hours Learn to make mouthwatering Pizza and scrumptious Gelato just like the Italians do. An expert chef will introduce you to the history of these glorious Italian creations and give you all the know-how needed to duplicate the recipes at home. We will start from oven-fired pizza called pizzaiolo, with our professional pizza chef. You will learn how to make a tender, flexible yeast dough that stretches to almost paper-thinness. He will also teach you the trick for a flavourful yet light tomato sauce. You ll make your very own pizza, you ll stretch it, sauce it, bake it, slice it. It will be the best pizza you ever tasted, and you made it yourself! Even if you already bake pizza in your own oven, these techniques are universal and using them really makes a difference. After Pizza it is time for Gelato: our chef will share with you why gelato remains Italy s favourite dessert and he will give you insight into the gelato culture that continues to grow. You will learn about the main raw ingredients used for the base, and how to select the best products available according to specific principles, followed by a presentation and tasting of many of the flavours used in gelato making. You will learn development and application of natural colouring, the heating and freezing techniques, and how they have different effects on the ingredients. What a great (and yummy!) way to discover the recipe of the world s most beloved dessert! Free afternoon to explore Florence Hotel Minerva, Florence (or similar) B Day 8 This morning you will have a private minibus transfer with your Local Guide to Venice with stop in Bologna. (approx. driving time: Florence Bologna: 1 hr 30 min/bologna Venice: 1 hour 40 minutes) On arrival in Bologna, meet your Local Guide to enjoy a gourmet walk through Bologna and its amazing specialties with your local expert guide Duration: 3 hours We will begin our journey through the gourmet side of Bologna as we stroll through the medieval market admiring all it has to offer and enjoying a wonderful introduction on the Specialities of Bologna by our local expert guide. We will enjoy a visit to a traditional bakery and pasta maker where we will find the Tortellini and Tagliatelle of Bologna. We will also make a stop in one of the popular delicatessens where we will learn about the history of the Mortadella and of course, a stop at one of the traditional Chocolate Makers is a must on the list! Tastings included Afterwards you will continue your journey to Venice. On arrival meet your assistant to transfer to your hotel by private water taxi Hotel Saturnia & International, Venice (or similar) B
Day 9 This morning we will enjoy the highlights of one of Europe s most exceptional cities, Venice including Doges Palace and its Secret Rooms as well as Murano with our private local expert guide Duration: 5 hours Departing from our hotel, our tour today will begin with a visit of Venice s St. Mark s Square. During our stroll through this amazing square our guide will begin by giving us some heads up of this unique city, what it has to offer, the Venetians daily life and how they relate with over 30,000 visitors per day! We will also enjoy a visit to the Basilica and Doges Palace, a magnificent combination of Byzantine, Gothic and Renaissance architecture, the centre of the Venetian Empire and the seat of the Venetian Government. We will also enjoy a visit to the Secret Rooms of the Palace. Afterwards with our guide we will take the public hydrofoil (payment direct) to Murano where we will enjoy seeing the island as well as a visit to a glass factory. Lunch and the afternoon is at your leisure Hotel Saturnia & International, Venice (or similar) B Day 10 Today is a free day at your leisure This evening enjoy exploring this magical city and its Venetian Canals by gondola Sit back, relax and enjoy the views during this charming ride through the canals with your gondolier, the perfect way to admire the beauty, charm and elegance of this city and its palazzi enjoying music along the way. This evening enjoy an amazing 3 course farewell dinner at the hotel s La Caravella Restaurant with beer, wine and soft drinks included. Hotel Saturnia & International, Venice (or similar) B, D Day 11 Departure transfer by a water taxi transfer from your hotel is available upon request. Arriverderci!