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

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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 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.

Doge’s Palace, Venice

This masterpiece of Gothic style is one of the most beloved landmarks of Venice. Built in 1340, it was once the residence of the Doge of Venice, the supreme authority of the Venetian Republic.

Vatican Museums with Sistine Chapel and St Peter’s Basilica*

Tour the world's largest church and Michelangelo's magnificent Sistine Chapel frescoes in the Holy See.  *Visits subject to availability

Itinerary

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Day 1Venice Arrival | Welcome Dinner

Meet your tour director at 5:30 PM for a welcome reception and take an orientation walk around the city known as the ‘Queen of the Adriatic’. Spend time exploring on your own before gathering again for a welcome drink and dinner with your fellow travelers(D)

Day 2Venice Tour | Doge’s Palace | Gondola Ride

Take a walking tour of Venice, the most serene of cities, with a local guide. See its glorious architecture, and 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 in the lively, historic foodie city of Bologna. Arrive at your hotel outside Florence’s city center. Take a break, then depart for an orientation walk with your tour director and enjoy some free time in this beautiful city, the capital of Tuscany, and the birthplace of the Renaissance. 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. After lunch you’ll have the rest of the day to explore this magnificent city at your leisure. (B, L)

Day 5Orvieto | Roman Colosseum

You’re off to the Eternal City – Rome. Along the way, stop in the scenic hill town of Orvieto for a delicious tasting of its renowned local wine. Visit the Colosseum, imperial Rome’s iconic structure, built between 72 and 80 AD. This engineering marvel could hold up to 80,000 spectators for gladiator battles and dramatic productions. (Please note that on some departures, the Colosseum visit may be moved to day 6.) Imagine the ghosts of the Caesars in the ruins of the Forum, the ancient heart of the Roman Empire. Your hotel tonight is in Rome’s historic center. (B)

Day 6Independent Exploration | Vatican Tour

Discover Rome independently this morning, as you enjoy 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 that the Sistine Chapel and St Peter’s Basilica are sometimes closed by the Vatican, so visits are subject to availability.) Then it’s off to dinner in a local restaurant. This evening enjoy a farewell meal at a local restaurant.(B, D)