Rome, Florence & Venice Rome, the eternal city has endured for over 2,700 years with an ambiance like no other. Then on to Florence and Venice.
Rome, Florence & Venice Rome, the eternal city has endured for over 2,700 years with an ambiance like no other. Embedded in centuries of history and culture it is Italy s capital and largest city offering far too much to see in one visit. In this city a phenomenal concentration of history, legend, and monuments coexists with an equally phenomenal concentration of people busily going about their everyday life. A breathtaking city that will leave you with the urge to return! Then on to Florence, the birthplace of Renaissance. Florence is one of the most beautifully preserved and artistically rich cities in the world. Here, artistic treasures and architectural masterpieces of the past blend with ancient streets lined with elegant boutiques, peaceful parks, street side cafes, unforgettable dining and breathtaking views at every turn. The historical part of the city is largely contained in a small area which allows many of the places easily reachable on foot where pedestrians often mingle between the popular mopeds dashing through the city streets. Venice is built on more than 100 small islands in a marshy lagoon in the Adriatic Sea. Its stone palaces seemingly rise out of the water. There are no cars or roadways, just canals and boats. The Grand Canal snakes through the city which is filled with innumerable narrow, maze-like alleys and small squares, fun to get lost in because you will make wonderful discoveries. Inclusions 10 nights in a Double room for Single Use in 4 Star quality hotels 10 x Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 3 Dinners English speaking Guides Transfers as shown Entrance Fees to Colosseum including Underground, The Vatican, Villa Adriana & Villa D Este, Uffiz, Accademia, Doges Palace Secret Rooms and Basilica Santa Croce, Wine Tasting & Lunch at Decugnano de Barbi Pizza & Gelato Tour & Gourmet Tour of Bologna including Tastings Gondola ride Hotel Bar is open between 5.30pm and 6.30pm with house wines, beer, soft drinks included for Individual Travellers Porterage Water on vehicles 24 hour assistance during your trip
Day 1 Arrival transfer available upon request Upon arrival into Rome check into your hotel where you have a Double Room for Single Use reserved for 4 nights. Free day to explore your surroundings This evening enjoy Welcome Aperitif at Hotel s Bar included followed by dinner at Dal Bolognese 3 course dinner with water, wine and coffee or tea included. Rome Hotel Rose Garden Palace (or similar) Dinner Day 2 Today we will have the opportunity to experience a unique introduction to the amazing Coliseum and its Underground as well as the Roman Forum with our local expert guide Duration 3 hours Departing from our hotel with our guide and driver, we will make our way to the Coliseum where we will begin our journey back in time. We will begin by discovering the underground hypogeum areas, the area that made possible the long and spectacular days of the Coliseum in all their gore and glory. The subterranean backstage, as it were, where slaves worked, animals (read lions, tigers, hyenas and bears) were stored and gladiators rested, ate and offered up their prayers. They were completely filled in during the 5th century AD and as a result show a remarkable state of preservation. The upper tier, also called terzo anello sits at 33 metres high and offers unprecedented views for the visitor, both of the immense interior of the Coliseum as well as out across Rome, ancient and modern. This amazing visit of both the lower and upper levels will give a full sense of what a spectacular the Roman Coliseum is. Afterwards we will make our way to the valley of the Roman Forum. PLEASE NOTE: the underground areas may close without notice due to security reasons flooding after heavy rain. Your guide will nonetheless give a full explanation and history of the subterranean zones. Free afternoon to enjoy Rome. Rome Hotel Rose Garden Palace (or similar) Breakfast Day 3 This morning enjoy an amazing introduction to the Vatican City, its history, highlights and hidden treasures with our local expert guide Duration: 4 Hours Our Vatican experience will take us on an amazing journey through the Vatican Museum and into the most beautiful and famous chapel of the world, the Sistine Chapel. During our visit, our guide will have much to share about the way of life of the locals and the amazing power that this tiny state holds and it s with neighbouring Italy. After the Sistine Chapel, we will continue our journey through the Vatican and into the Basilica of St. Peters where we will admire one of Michelangelo s most famous masterpieces La Pieta. After our visit, we will head out into the amazing Piazza which will definitely leave you breathless! Free afternoon to enjoy Rome. Rome Hotel Rose Garden Palace (or similar) Breakfast
Day 4 This morning we will experience a wonderful introduction to the lovely town of Tivoli and the beautiful gardens of the Villas Adriana and Villa D Este Duration 5 hours Departing from our hotel we will enjoy a pleasant drive (approx. 45 minutes) to the village of Tivoli, famous for the quarries of Travertine Stone, which is also the stone used for the Colosseum and St. Peters Square. Tivoli is famous for two amazing properties, Villa Adriana and Villa D Este, which we will enjoy exploring with our guide. Villa Adriana was built in the 2nd century as a retreat from Rome for the Roman Emperor Hadrian. During the decline of the Roman Empire, the Villa unfortunately fell into disuse and was partially ruined. In 16th century much of the marble and statues were removed by Cardinal Ippolito II D Este and brought to decorate the nearby Renaissance Villa D Este which occupies the site of an old Benedictine convent. The Villa D Este contains amazing decorations on the walls but the main attraction is the park with the many fountains. From the panoramic terrace we can enjoy the view of the valley of Rome. Just a few miles from the inhabited centre of Tivoli there is the huge territory of the Villa of the Emperor Hadrian. Here, we will enjoy a visit of all the different buildings designed for the Emperor or by the Emperor himself, thermal baths, monumental squares, fountains and statues. (Note re Villa D Este: there are many steps to go downhill but no elevator to go back up). This evening enjoy Dinner at Dar Poeta 3 course dinner with water, wine and coffee or tea included. The pizzeria Dar Poeta is located in the Trastevere district of Rome and not only is it attracted by the tourists but by many locals as well. Here you can enjoy a vast range of pizzas from the simple Margherita to the Lingua de Foco with tomato mozzarella, pepperoni and chilli pepper. The particular preparation they put into the pizza dough and the brick oven cooking is what makes their pizza so delicious. Buona Pizza!! Rome Hotel Rose Garden Palace (or similar) Breakfast, Dinner Day 5 Check out of the Hotel and settle all extras direct. Private minibus transfer with English speaking Tour Manager from Rome to Florence with stop in Orvieto at Decugnano de Barbi to enjoy a wine tasting and light lunch followed by some time at leisure to enjoy the town on own. (approx. driving time: Rome Orvieto: 1 hr 47 min/orvieto Florence 2 hrs) Decugnano dei Barbi is a producer of premium Umbrian wines. The Decugnano dei Barbi estate is situated near the town of Orvieto, at Fossatello di Corbara, in the old zone of production of Orvieto Classico. It is located on a hill facing the Orvieto rock at 320 meters above sea level. Its special and privileged position is perfect for quality production. The climate, the microclimate with its exposure to the sun and the soil of marine origin, marly, argillaceous, rich in fossilised oysters and shells of the Pliocene age, make it particularly suitable for vine-growing. The ideal ventilation of the vineyards completes the uniqueness of this location. (Wine Tasting and Light Lunch to be paid direct) Check into Hotel where you have a double room for single use reserved for 3 nights. Rest of the day to enjoy Florence on your own. Florence Hotel Minerva (or similar) Breakfast
Day 6 This morning we will head out and experience a very special walking tour of Florence taking in the city highlights with our local expert guide Duration 4 hours Departing from our hotel, we will begin our stroll chatting along the way and deciding together those places which are a must depending on our areas of interest, exploring the fascinating history of Florence as we move along exploring Piazza della Signoria, one of the most amazing squares in Italy. Where you can admire masterpieces of Renaissance and Baroque sculpture and also the city s seat of government for more than 700 years, that of the medieval Palazzo Vecchio. Piazza del Duomo, the Cathedral square where we can admire the Gothic bell-tower and the Romanesque baptistery with its stunning bronze doors, the most famous by Ghiberti Gates of Paradise. We will also enjoy The Ponte Vecchio and its numerous jewellery shops where you can find beautiful hand-made gold jewellery, a lasting tradition in this city, dating back to the pre-roman era of the Etruscans. This medieval bridge is the oldest across the Arno River, offering lovely views of this amazing city and the Tuscan hills. We will then continue to The Accademia of Fine Arts, founded in 1563 by Cosimo I dè Medici under the influence of Giorgio Vasari and was represented only by the most eminent artistic personalities of Cosimo s court, and had the task of supervising the whole artistic production of the Medicean state. The Gallery has housed the original David by Michelangelo since 1873. The amazing sculpture was allegedly brought to the Accademia for reasons of conservation, although other factors were involved in its move from its previous outdoor location on Piazza della Signoria. And last but not least how can we not visit the famous Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy the ancient pharmacy founded by Dominican Friars in 1612 and still hosted within the ancient preciously decorated and furnished monumental headquarters in Via della Scala. As you can see there is just so much to see and enjoy and learn with your guide. This evening come aboard this Florentine Gondola for a unique cruise on the Arno River and an aperitivo right before dinner! Duration: 1.5 hours You will meet your guide at and will enjoy a nice introduction tour as you walk through piazza Signoria and under the Uffizi Gallery, seeing the Pontevecchio (old bridge) from the bank, all the way through to the embarcadero. You will then get on board the barchetto, one of the only 4 original traditional wooden boats left in Florence, conducted by a barcaiolo, a true Florentine tradition holder that will guide you with his long-reaching sweeping-oar. No noisy engines, only the charm of tradition and the voice of your expert guide to unveil the secrets of the Arno river as you stroll on its calm waters and discover its history and the beautiful Palazzos that frame its ancient riverbed. You will pass in front of the Uffizi gallery, the beautiful caretaker of many artistic historical treasures, pass under the unique Pontevecchio bridge and you will find out more about the mysterious Vasari Corridor. You will also have the chance to discover the Santa Trinita Bridge and the amazing Palazzo Corsini. You will then enjoy a refreshing aperitivo with a glass of cool Prosecco wine, to celebrate your romantic evening in Florence! The commentary is informative but very entertaining and may include a few colourful local stories. The tour is safe and very enjoyable. See and experience the splendour of this special city from the relaxed comfort of an old, gondola style, traditional boat. Florence Hotel Minerva (or similar) Breakfast
Day 7 Morning at your leisure to enjoy Florence. This morning enjoy a wonderful Pizza & Gelato Lesson Duration: 3 hours Learn to make mouthwatering Pizza and scrumptious Gelato just like the Italians do. An expert chef will introduce you to the history of these glorious Italian creations and give you all the know-how needed to duplicate the recipes at home. We will start from oven-fired pizza called pizzaiolo, with our professional pizza chef. You will learn how to make a tender, flexible yeast dough that stretches to almost paper-thinness. He will also teach you the trick for a flavourful yet light tomato sauce. You ll make your very own pizza, you ll stretch it, sauce it, bake it, slice it. It will be the best pizza you ever tasted, and you made it yourself! Even if you already bake pizza in your own oven, these techniques are universal and using them really makes a difference. After Pizza it is time for Gelato: our chef will share with you why gelato remains Italy s favourite dessert and he will give you insight into the gelato culture that continues to grow. You will learn about the main raw ingredients used for the base, and how to select the best products available according to specific principles, followed by a presentation and tasting of many of the flavours used in gelato making. You will learn development and application of natural colouring, the heating and freezing techniques, and how they have different effects on the ingredients. What a great (and yummy!) way to discover the recipe of the world s most beloved dessert! Free afternoon to explore Florence Florence Hotel Minerva (or similar) Breakfast Day 8 Check out of the Hotel Minerva and settle all extras direct. Private minibus transfer with English speaking Tour Manager from Florence to Venice with stop in Bologna. (approx. driving time: Florence Bologna: 1 hr 30 min/bologna Venice: 1 hour 40 minutes) On arrival in Bologna, meet your guide to enjoy a gourmet walk through Bologna and its amazing specialties with your local expert guide Duration: 3 hours Departing from our hotel, we will begin our journey through the gourmet side of Bologna as we stroll through the medieval market admiring all it has to offer and enjoying a wonderful introduction on the Specialities of Bologna by our local expert guide. We will enjoy a visit to a traditional bakery and pasta maker where we will find the Tortellini and Tagliatelle of Bologna. We will also make a stop in one of the popular delicatessens where we will learn about the history of the Mortadella and of course, a stop at one of the traditional Chocolate Makers is a must on the list! Afterwards you will continue your journey to Venice. On arrival in Venice Piazzale Roma, meet your assistant to transfer to your hotel by private water taxi. Venice Hotel Saturnia & International (or similar) Breakfast
Day 9 This morning we will enjoy the highlights of one of Europe s most exceptional cities, Venice including Doges Palace and its Secret Rooms as well as Murano with our private local expert guide Duration: 5 hours Departing from our hotel, our tour today will begin with a visit of Venice s St. Mark s Square. During our stroll through this amazing square our guide will begin by giving us some heads up of this unique city, what it has to offer, the Venetians daily life and how they relate with over 30,000 visitors per day! We will also enjoy a visit to the Basilica and Doges Palace, a magnificent combination of Byzantine, Gothic and Renaissance architecture, the centre of the Venetian Empire and the seat of the Venetian Government. We will also enjoy a visit to the Secret Rooms of the Palace. Afterwards with our guide we will take the public hydrofoil (payment direct) to Murano where we will enjoy seeing the island as well as a visit to a glass factory. Afternoon at leisure to enjoy Venice Venice Hotel Saturnia & International (or similar) Breakfast Day 10 Day completely at leisure to enjoy Venice on own. VENICE: an extraordinarily beautiful city. Venice represents an urban landscape so rich in its lavishness that it can be overwhelming. It seems as if at each step you will encounter some aspect of the city worth admiring. The major sights like the basilica and piazza of San Marco are perhaps the city s most famous. The Piazza San Marco is the hub of most activity, signaled from most parts of the city by the Campanile, which began life as a lighthouse in the ninth century. This evening enjoy exploring this magical city and its Venetian Canals by gondola Sit back, relax and enjoy the views during this charming ride through the canals with your gondolier, the perfect way to admire the beauty, charm and elegance of this city and its palazzi enjoying music along the way. This evening enjoy an amazing farewell dinner at the hotel s La Caravella Restaurant. (3 course meal with wine, water, coffee/tea included) La Caravella is one of the most celebrated restaurants in Venice, opened in the early Sixties, when it took over from Ciro s bar, at the time a very famous venue. The restaurant was well-known then, as it is today, for its superb cuisine and excellent service, but also for the unique nautical style of its décor, designed by Luigi Orefice to recreate the interior of an ancient sailing ship. In summer the service moves outdoors to the flower-filled Venetian courtyard.the menu features typical dishes but also the more inventive and innovative fare of creative cuisine, using fresh seasonal ingredients. Venice Hotel Saturnia & International (or similar) Breakfast, Dinner Day 11 Check out of the Hotel Sand settle all extras direct. Departure transfer by a water taxi transfer from your hotel upon request. Arriverderci! Breakfast