Great Italian Cities

Day 1
Welcome to Rome
2025 marks a Jubilee Year, a momentous Roman Catholic event celebrated every 25 years, turning Rome into a center of celebration between December 24, 2024, and December 31, 2025. As festivities unfold, itineraries may be adjusted to ensure you make the most of your time as you visit the Eternal City.Your Italian journey begins in the 'Eternal City' of Rome, where centuries of history and culture await. Meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers this evening to savour your first taste of la dolce vita at dinner.

Day 2
Explore Ancient Rome and the Vatican City Dive Into Culture
Dive into Culture with a Local Specialist as you explore the Vatican Museums, home to centuries of art and history. Admire Michelangelo’s frescoed ceiling in the Sistine Chapel and see the Pietà inside St Peter’s Basilica. Cross the Tiber to Imperial Rome and walk in the footsteps of emperors, gladiators and everyday Romans at the Colosseum. Picture the chariot races once held at the Circus Maximus, then take the afternoon at your own pace, exploring more of the city or relaxing at a local cafe. You can also choose to join an Optional Experience, discovering Rome’s iconic squares, fountains and monuments on foot. Due to increased demand during the Jubilee year, access to the Vatican Museums may be limited. If tickets are unavailable during your visit, your sightseeing will instead explore the Capitoline Museums, home to the Capitoline Wolf, ancient Roman bronzes and Renaissance art. From its spot on Capitoline Hill, you’ll have the chance to take in views of the Roman Forum.

Day 3
Rome Your Way
Enjoy a full free day to explore Rome your way, or consider an Optional Experience delving into the tragic history of Pompeii—the Roman city frozen in time by the devastating eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Your Local Specialist will bring its ancient story to life before you return to Rome, passing by the Abbey of Monte Cassino, a site of fierce fighting during the Second World War.

Day 4
Admire Assisi and on to Florence
Journey north through the rolling hills of Umbria to the birthplace of St. Francis of Assisi. Here, your Local Specialist will share the story of this revered figure during a visit to the Basilica of St. Francis, the final resting place of this famous saint and home to a wonderful series of frescoes by Giotto. Later,  continue your journey through the scenic Tuscan countryside to Florence. Tonight, enjoy dinner at a Be My Guest experience, set against the backdrop of picture-perfect olive groves and vineyards.

Day 5
Discover Renaissance Florence
Enjoy a leisurely encounter with the artistic and architectural marvels of Florence during your walking tour with a Local Specialist. Visit the striking Piazza della Signoria with its impressive sculptures and palazzi. Amble through the charming cobblestone lanes to the multi-coloured marble Duomo and Baptistery, before admiring the scenic view of the Ponte Vecchio straddling the Arno River. Spend the rest of the afternoon sauntering through Florence's historic centre, shopping for the high-quality leather the city is famous, or admiring the artistic contribution of the Medici at every turn.

Day 6
Uncover Pisa’s Treasures Connect with Locals
After a morning at leisure in Florence, cross the fertile Arno Valley to Pisa and join a Local Specialist to visit the Square of Miracles, home to the incredible Leaning Tower and the iconic marble cathedral. See the ornate Baptistery and the Camposanto, a monumental cemetery built on sacred soil brought back from the Holy Land during the Crusades.

Day 7
Journey to Bologna and Venice
Travel north, through the Apennines, to the medieval city of Bologna, perhaps best known for the delicious pasta sauce that bears its name. Your sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist includes views of the Kissing Towers which lean towards each other, seemingly poised to embrace. Then it's off to the romantic island city of Venice with its rich cultural and artistic heritage. Spend time at leisure gliding along its enchanting canals in a gondola or wander through the city's labyrinthine lanes, over bridges and into quiet campi.

Day 8
Cruise Venice’s Canals
Savour the iconic and unexpected highlights of Venice as you cruise by private launch to St. Mark's Square to admire the Bridge of Sighs, Palladian churches, Customs House, St. Mark's Basilica and the ornate Doge's Palace. This afternoon, enjoy a visit to one of the city’s last remaining studios where you’ll gain insights into the delicate Venetian art of glassblowing. Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure admiring this city on water or consider an Optional Experience to the island of Burano where colourful fishermen’s homes line the canals.

Day 9
Experience Daily Life in Venice Make Travel Matter
Meet a passionate lagoon conservationist for an engaging discussion on safeguarding environmental conditions in Venice during a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Sites made famous in poetry, song and prose are explored today when you join a Local Specialist for a walking tour along the canals to the famous Rialto Bridge, where all the flavours of Italy come to life at a centuries-old food market. Amble through the narrow calli of Venice and admire the beautiful architecture. Walk over the Rialto Bridge before spending the rest of the day discovering the sights of your choice. Your love affair with Italy's great Italian cities comes to an end this evening as you enjoy dinner.

Day 10
Farewell Venice
For now, it's time to say a fond arrivederci to Italy and newfound friends who have shared in the memorable sights, sounds and flavours.

Dining Summary
4 Dinner (D)
9 Breakfast (B)
Be My Guest
Florence: Join a member of the Miari Fulcis family for your Be My Guest experience on their working Tuscan estate, known for its organic olive oil and honey. Take a look around the medieval cloister and gardens before sitting down to dinner, surrounded by stories, local flavours and a setting made famous by classic films.
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: Be inspired by the magnificence of Michelangelo and da Vinci at the Vatican Museums.
Rome: In the Vatican City visit St Peter's Basilica with a Local Specialist. Witness the early genius of Michelangelo as you take in the Pietà.
: Follow in the footsteps of gladiators for a deeper insight into life in ancient Rome when you enter the Colosseum.
Rome: During an orientation with your Travel Director see the medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches scattered throughout the city.
Assisi: With a Local Specialist, find out why the Basilica of St. Francis is considered to be one of the crowning artistic achievements of 13th-century Europe.
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: See the area around Santa Croce Basilica, famous for the quality of its luxury goods, and witness a gold and leatherwork demonstration.
Pisa: Visit Pisa's Square of Miracles with a Local Specialist. Learn about the history of the iconic Leaning Tower and see the ornate Bapistry and Cathedral. 
Bologna: Join a Local Specialist on an exploration of Bologna. See the medieval squares and red-bricked façades of this historic city.  
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
Fast Track Admission to the Vatican Museums
Explore Rome, Assisi, Florence, Pisa, Bologna and Venice
Visit Vatican museums and the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi and a glassblowing factory in Venice
View the Colosseum in Rome, Santa Croce Basilica and 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