Taste of Italy

Overview
Itinerary
Hotels
The Experience

Savor a sampling of Italy's greatest cities

Get your first taste of the delights of Venice, Florence, Rome, and more on this enchanting Italian tour. You'll  get to enjoy the ancient ruins, architectural and artistic masterpieces, and of course, indulge in Italy's legendary food and wine.  ITALY IS AN ACTIVE DESTINATION: Visiting Italy requires the ability to walk on cobblestones and uneven terrain, climb stairs and vehicle steps, and walk or stand for several hours at a time. Traffic restrictions often require coaches to drop off passengers a substantial distance away, with a 20-minute walk to the attraction. Some tours include activities in late evening. Typical tour days may require five miles of medium-paced walking.

Trip details

Tour start Venice

Tour end Rome

Days

Nights

Meals

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Highlights

Sistine Chapel

Marvel at Michelangelo's incredible fresco work on the ceiling that has been newly restored to showcase the vibrant colors.

Orvieto

Step into the mysteries and culinary traditions of this ancient walled city that rises above the surrounding landscape.

Michelangelo's Statue of David in Florence

Michelangelo's David

Get up close and personal with one of the greatest sculptures of all time.

Venetian Gondola Ride

Tour the "Floating City" from the most romantic vantage point.

Roman Colosseum

See where the gladiators clashed 2,000 years ago.

Florence

Fall in love with the capital of beautiful Tuscany, the birthplace of the Renaissance.

Bologna

Explore one of the most food-centric cities in Italy, where Bolognese sauce was invented.

Itinerary

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Day 1Venice Arrival | Welcome Dinner

Meet your tour director at 4:00 PM for a welcome reception and take a one-hour orientation walk around the city known as the ‘Queen of the Adriatic'. Spend a couple of hours exploring on your own before gathering again for an ample dinner with your fellow travelers.(D)

Day 2The Sights of Venice | Gondola Ride

Take a walking tour of Venice, the most serene of cities, with a local guide. See it's glorious architecture, charming bridges and canals. Visit the magnificent Doge's Palace and the acclaimed Piazza and Basilica of San Marco. Journey along the canals for a view of the city from a gondola. Delight in an evening of independent dining and exploration.(B)

Day 3Bologna | Florence Dinner

Take a private group water taxi from your hotel to your coach and travel on to Florence. During your journey stop for free time and lunch on your own at the lively historic foodie city of Bologna. Arrive at your hotel outside Florence's city centre. Take a break, then depart for an orientation tour with your tour director. Enjoy some free time in this beautiful city, the capital of Tuscany and the birthplace of the Renaissance. This evening enjoy a typical Tuscan dinner with your group at a local Florence restaurant. (B, D)

Day 4Florence Walking Tour | Accademia Gallery

Take a walking tour of Florence with a local guide and marvel at the sights of the city center such as the Duomo, Palazzo Vecchio and Piazza della Signoria. Visit the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo's iconic sculpture of David. Savor a local lunch in the heart of Florence. The remainder of afternoon and evening are free to explore this magnificent city at your leisure. (B, L)

Day 5Orvieto | Roman Colosseum

They say that all roads lead to Rome so you're off to the Eternal City with a special and delicious stop in Orvieto for a local wine tasting. Visit the historic Colosseum, the iconic structure of imperial Rome constructed between 72 and 80 AD. This engineering marvel could hold between 50,000 - 80,000 spectators of public spectacles, gladiator battles, and classical dramas. Imagine the ghosts of the Caesars in the ruins of the Forum, the ancient heart of the Roman Empire. *Please note on some departures the Colosseum may be moved to day 6. Your hotel tonight is in Rome's historic centre. (B)

Day 6Independent Exploration | Vatican Tour | Farewell Dinner

Discover Rome independently this morning as you enjoy some free time to explore. In the afternoon, visit the Vatican for a guided tour of the Museums with entrance to the Sistine Chapel and St Peter's Basilica.*Please note on some departures this visit may be moved to day 5. Also, the Vatican may decide to close the Sistine Chapel and St Peter's Basilica at very short notice. Unfortunately this is out of our control therefore visits are subject to availability. This evening enjoy a farewell meal at a local restaurant.(B, D)