Day 1: Arrive Rome
Welcome to Rome! Upon arrival, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel for check-in. At 19:45pm pick up from the hotel and depart for Via del Teatro Marcello. Our local expert guide will lead you to discover the wonders of the Eternal City, charming by day and absolutely romantic at sunset. You will cross the characteristic area of the Jewish Ghetto, one of Rome’s most beautiful neighbourhoods, full with history and with a real Roman atmoshpere. As you know, one of Rome’s typical landmarks are its beautiful fountains and one of the prettiest is the Turtle Fountain (Fontana delle Tartarughe) in Piazza Mattei. The Jewish Ghetto of Rome is the second most ancient after the one in Venice and it can be considered the heart and soul of Roman cuisine! Then you will walk into Piazza Della Rotonda and enjoy the lit view of the Pantheon, the former Temple of Marcus Agrippa later converted into a Church, this is the only ancient Roman Temple that remained untouched through the centuries and it’s stunning at night when the crowds are away. Next Stop, close your eyes and throw a coin over your right shoulder straight into the Trevi Fountain, it’s said that those who do so, are granted to come back to Rome someday. Your walk continues towards Piazza di Spagna, one of the city’s most popular squares, known for its setting at the bottom of the Spanish Steps. Walk up these famous steps to enjoy a lovely view from the top! After this intense and gratifying walk, there is only one thing missing to end this experience, relax enjoying a creamy and tasty Gelato, it’s on us! The tour ends in Spanish Steps area. Enjoy on your own the rest of the night. Return to the hotel on your own for your overnight stay.
Day 2: Rome - Assisi - Siena - Florence
After breakfast at the hotel,we will be departing at 07:15am from the hotel by a deluxe coach to Assisi. Upon arriving in Assisi let's get ready to explore the area at your own leisure. This tiny walled town was built in the Middle Ages. Take your time to visit the Basilica of St. Francis where you will see masterpieces by Giotto and Cimabue before having some lunch (not included). After you have explored Assisi, we return to back to the bus to head towards Siena, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Siena is world known for the historical horse race known as the 'Palio' where horses raced around the shell shaped town square, Piazza del Campo. Next, we will continue on to Florence, where you will check-in at your hotel before enjoying dinner and a well earned night of rest.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3: Florence
After breakfast, spend the day venturing around beautiful Florence, the city known as the 'Cradle of Renaissance', where (with the help of Michelangelo) Italian art reached its pinnacle. Based on Etruscan-Roman origins, the city flourished in the Middle Ages as a free 'Comune' and was further refined during the Renaissance. You will be fascinated by the uncountable monuments, Churches and buildings like the Santa Maria del Fiore, more commonly referred to as the Duomo. On your visit to the Duomo you will be amazed by its magnificent dome, built by Filippo Brunelleschi. Afterwards, cross a small piazza to see the 'Campanile' tower and the Baptistery, with its bronze doors where Michelangelo imagined the 'Gates of Paradise'. In the heart of the city you will see Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo della Signoria (also known as Palazzo Vecchio) and the Basilica of Santa Croce. Lunch will be in a typical Tuscan restaurant in Piazza Santa Croce. Spend the afternoon strolling the cobblestone streets of Florence on your own or take a short optional trip to Pisa, one of the four main historical Marine Republics of Italy. There, you will tour the Piazza dei Miracoli with the Duomo, Pisa's famous 'Leaning Tower' and the Baptistery. This evening, dinner is at your leisure.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4: Florence - Bologna - Padua - Venice
After breakfast, we depart Florence for Bologna. Upon arrival, discover the elegant city centre with its 'Porticos', shopping streets and so on. Starting from Piazza Malpighi, we walk to Piazza del Nettuno and Piazza Maggiore (Neptune Square and Major Square) in the heart of the city, then to King Renzo's Palace, Palazzo Podestà and the Basilica of San Petronio, one of the biggest in the world. Bologna is a food lovers heaven, don't miss a tasty lunch at your own leisure! This afternoon, we continue toward Padua where Sant’Antonio Basilica resides, one of the most visited Churches by pilgrims of the Catholic world. Later in the afternoon, we will arrive in Venice (Mestre) where we will check-in at the hotel for your overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5: Venice
After breakfast, enjoy your transfer to Piazza San Marco and visit the most iconic places of the 'Floating City', the Palazzo dei Dogi, a symbol of Venice’s glorious past and the legendary 'Bridge of Sighs'. After this walking tour, allow us to treat you to a spritz or a prosecco, as a delightful conclusion to your visit to the highlights of Venice, in the company of your tour leader. While you sit comfortably and savour your drink, you will also have the opportunity to enjoy a taste of the famous 'cicchetti', a Venetian variation of tapas (light lunch). Spend the afternoon roaming along Venice’s canals at your leisure and then return to the hotel and overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6: Venice - Tuscany Wine Region of Montepulciano - Rome
Today, we depart from Venice and head towards Tuscany, world known for its landscapes, Churches, Castles and its delicious wines. You will proceed to Val di Chiana with a stop in Montepulciano, a medieval town rich in history and art. Known for its 'Nobile' wine (available for purchase in local wine houses), Montepulciano also hosts an annual Jazz and Wine Festival every July. Enjoy lunch in a typical restaurant. After lunch, quick stop to spend some free time before continuing on to Rome. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel. The rest of the evening is at your leisure.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7: Rome
Today, between 7:45am - 8:00am, after breakfast, departure from the hotel for the included tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Square with our exclusive 'Skip the Line' access! Upon arrival, your guide will lead you into the Museums where you’ll visit one of the most important art collections of the world. Walk along the beautiful Galleries of Tapestries and Geographical Maps before admiring Raphael's Rooms and then, the amazing Sistine Chapel. After this incredible masterpiece, the tour ends in St. Peter's Square where you can admire the incredible masterpiece St. Peter's Basilica, the biggest Church in the world! The tour ends in St. Peter's Square. Enjoy the rest of the day to explore the city at your own leisure or get any one of our selected tours for the afternoon or at night! Overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8: Depart Rome
This morning after breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward journey. Arrivederci!
Meals: Breakfast