Day 1
Welcome to Rome
2025 marks a Jubilee Year, a momentous Roman Catholic event celebrated every 25 years, turning Rome into a centre of celebration. As festivities unfold, itineraries may be adjusted to ensure you make the most of your time as you visit the Eternal City.Benvenuti a Roma. Your Italian journey begins in the 'Eternal City'. Settle in after your travels or head out for a walk along ancient streets filled with lively cafes and centuries of history. In the evening, join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for dinner and your first taste of Italy.
Day 2
Explore Ancient Rome and the Vatican City
This morning see the Vatican city on your sightseeing tour of Rome, you'll pause to see the majestic exterior of St. Peter's Basilica and its grand square. Then venture into Ancient Rome to see Circus Maximus and visit the Colosseum. This evening, Roman flavours take centre stage as you dine on local specialities.
Day 3
Rome Your Way
Enjoy a full free day in Rome or consider spending some time in beautiful Tivoli. Join an Optional Experience to see the exquisite house and gardens of the 16th-century Villa d'Este – a marvellous example of Renaissance landscape architecture. As the sun sets over the seven hills of Rome, people-watch in one of Rome’s beautiful squares or admire the Trevi Fountain.
Day 4
Journey by High-Speed Train to Florence
Sit back on the high-speed train, bound for Florence and watch the Tuscan landscape go by. Join a Local Specialist on a walking tour to gain insights into the city's Renaissance treasures. View the Ponte Vecchio, almost 700 years old and lined with goldsmiths, then visit the Fine Arts Academy to see one of Michelangelo's masterpieces, the statue of David. Your love affair with Florence continues as you stroll to the Piazza della Signoria, featuring Palazzo Vecchio and the Uffizi Gallery.
Day 5
Admire Pisa Connect with Locals
Cross the Arno River and take in the enchanting skyline of Florence from Piazzale Michelangelo before driving to Pisa through the Arno Valley. Meet your Local Specialist to explore the Square of Miracles and see the famous Leaning Tower, Cathedral, Baptistery, and Camposanto—built on soil brought back from the Holy Land during the Crusades. Enjoy lunch at Agriturismo Borgo Vigna Vecchia with an exclusive Be My Guest experience, surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. This evening, stroll along the Arno River in search of the perfect gelato, admire the beautifully lit Duomo or visit a cosy enoteca for wine tasting.
Day 6
Discover Renaissance Florence
Today is yours to discover the beauty and elegance of Florence – a city filled with exquisite galleries, lush gardens and opulent palaces. Consider a visit to the hilltop town of San Gimignano, the 'medieval Manhattan' of Tuscany. Venture outside the city to see Tuscan villages and taste rich panforte and tortas, or shop for the latest fashions in Florence's sophisticated boutiques. This evening, consider joining an Optional Experience in the Chianti region for a delicious Tuscan dinner.
Day 7
Travel by High-Speed Train to Venice
All aboard the express train for Venice. Cross the spectacular Apennines and fertile Veneto plain before arriving at the romantic island city of Venice. Get lost this afternoon, wandering its narrow lanes in search of a cosy bacaro, people-watch in St. Mark's Square, the gateway to Venice, or take an unforgettable gondola ride along the city's enchanting canals.
Day 8
Cruise the Canals of Venice
This morning, breathe in the salty sea air as you board a private launch and cruise to St. Mark's Square to see the Bridge of Sighs, Palladian Churches, the Customs House, St. Mark's Basilica, and Campanile, as well as the Doge's Palace. Later, witness first-hand the centuries-old craft of glassblowing. You may be tempted to buy a souvenir or two after admiring the talent and skill of the artisans, passed down from generation to generation. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore the city on your own terms, perhaps finding a quiet campo and Pavement cafe or take a cruise to colourful Burano for a delicious meal.
Day 9
Experience Venice’s Daily Life
This morning, learn about conservation efforts in Venice during a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with Venice Plastic Free. Watch the sights and sounds of modern Venice come to life on a walking tour with your Local Specialist. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon with one last taste of Venice. As your journey through Italy's charming cities draws to a close, celebrate newfound friendships and unforgettable memories over dinner.
Day 10
Farewell Venice
Say arrivederci to Italy and your fellow travellers as your fascinating holiday comes to an end.
Dining Summary
3 Dinner (D)
9 Breakfast (B)
1 Lunch (L)
Be My Guest
Florence: Meet Sandra and Antonella on their historic family farm for an exclusive Be My Guest lunch at the Agriturismo Borgo Vigna Vecchia in the Tuscan hills.
Dive into Culture
Venice: Savour the vibrant atmosphere of Venice during a walk through its calli to a traditional food market in the shadow of the famous Rialto Bridge.
Iconic Experience
Rome: During an orientation with your Travel Director see the medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches scattered throughout the city.
Florence: Join a Local Specialist to view the Multi-coloured marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery, adorned by Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise. Visit the political heart of the city, Signoria Square.
Florence: Admire the enchanting Tuscan landscape as you travel by high-speed train to Florence.
Florence: Visit the Academy of Fine Arts and admire its Michelangelo collection.
Pisa: During an orientation, your Travel Director will show you the baptistery, cathedral and the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Venice: Journey by high-speed train past dramatic mountains and lush plains to ''La Serenissima''.
Venice: Discover the ancient skill of Venetian glassblowing and play a part in preserving this traditional craft.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
Venice: Meet the passionate team from Venice Lagoon Plastic Free for an eye-opening session on protecting Venice’s iconic lagoon. You’ll discover the dramatic impact of plastic pollution on wildlife and local life, learn practical ways to make a difference, and take home your very own tools for sustainable travel – including a reusable glass bottle. Together, you’ll help reduce plastic waste and become a part of the global movement for responsible tourism. Your visit directly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water.
Must-see Highlights
Explore Rome, Florence, Pisa and Venice
Visit The Colosseum in Rome, the Academy of Fine Arts in Florence and a glassblowing factory in Venice
View the ancient sites in Rome, the Duomo in Florence, the Leaning Tower of Pisa and St. Mark's Basilica in Venice
Scenic Cruise by private launch to St. Mark's Square in Venice