Venice, Florence & Rome - 9D/8N

Rome at Night photo courtesy of Italian Tourist BoardEnjoy the splendor and mystery of Italy with this 9-day tour that hits the highlight cities of this history-rich country. Beginning in Venice, travel to Piza, Florence, Assisi, and end in Rome in a comfortable, modern motorcoach guided by an English speaking tour director throughout.

Venice: is built on 117 small islands and holds 150 canals, connected by 409 bridges. The entire city covers an area of only 284 miles. Travelers, cautious while in other cities not to get lost, are encouraged to roam the streets and canals to really discover the city. The mysterious alleyways create an endless maze of backstreets and deserted squares; a perfect place to walk for hours on end and escape the touristic side of Venice.

Florence is a Renaissance city famous for its art and architecture. History and culture can be found around every corner, tucked among the city’s many piazzas, beautiful churches, and fascinating museums. The spectacular Uffizi Gallery houses the works of such masters as Titan, Botticelli, Michaelangelo, and da Vinci. Don’t miss the Duomo, the symbol of Florence; the sunset of the Arno River; or the famous wines of the region.

Rome is a city different from any other, where history and legend proceed side by side, enterlaced together. Tourists are able to admire treasures of art, architecture and history; combining a sense of living history with a bustling, lively capital city. Rome was not only the capital of the Roman Empire, but was, and still is, the center of Roman Catholocism Christianity. The Vatican has been a state since 1920, with the Pope as its head. This tiny enclave in the heart of Rome is the world’s smallest independent state. The Vatican is the richest country in the world per square foot and has a total population of only 750.

Included: Accommodations in first class hotels, rooms with private facilities. Service charges and hotel taxes. Breakfast daily, 1 lunch and 3 dinners including wine. Inter-city travel and sightseeing by modern motor-coach. Professional English speaking Tour Director throughout. Airport transfers. Luggage handling. Wine tasting with local specialties at Tuscan countryside farm. Dinner with Opera singers in Rome. Sightseeing Tours: Venice: Doge’s Palace. Florence: Michaelangelo’s David. Assisi: Basilica of St. Francis. Rome: Vatican Museum & Sistine Chapel, Forum and Colosseum.

Not Included: Any meals not mentioned in the program. Any airfares. Passport or visa fees. Any personal expenses.

Accommodations: VENICE: Carlton Hotel. FLORENCE: Grand Hotel Adriatico. ROME: Massimo D’Azeglio Hotel.

Departures: 2010: 11-Apr; 25-Apr; 9-May; 23-May; 6-Jun; 20-Jun; 4-Jul; 18-Jul; 15-Aug; 29-Aug; 5-Sep; 12-Sep; 19-Sep; 26-Sept; 3-Oct; 17-Oct; 31-Oct; 14-Nov; 28-Nov; 26-Dec.

Rome at Night photo courtesy of Italian Tourist BoardItinerary

  • Day 1, arrive Venice, Sunday - You will be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. Meet your fellow travelers for orientation meeting with the tour director, followed by a welcome dinner. (D)
  • Day 2, in Venice, Monday - Your morning tour of Venice will start with a boat ride to the world famous Murano Island, known for its fine glasswork industry. Then, the walking tour of Venice will begin with St. Mark’s Square, to view the Golden Basilica of San Marco, the Bridge of Sighs, and visit the Doge’s Palace. The remainder of day is free. (B)
  • Day 3, to Florence, Tuesday - Leave Venice toward Pisa for a visit. Upon arrival, view the famous Piazza del Miracoli with it’s Leaning Tower, the Baptisery, the Duomo, and the Monumental Cemetery. Continue on to Florence, stopping to visit a local Tuscan farm in the countryside for a lunch and wine tasting with local specialties. Overnight in Florence. (B,L)
  • Day 4, in Florence, Wednesday - Today our morning tour begins with a visit to the Accademia of Fine Arts, the home of Michelangelo’s David. Walk to the splendid Duomo with it’s maginifcent dome designed by Brunelleschi, and see the Baptistery with its renowned “Gates of Paradise”. Continue to explore the open air art museum of Signoria Square ending at Ponte Vecchio, known as the “Old Bridge”. Remainder of the day is at leisure. (B)
  • Day 5, in Florence, Thursday - Enjoy a full day at leisure in Florence to explore the city on your own. (B)
  • Day 6, to Rome, Friday - Leave Florence via “Sun Route” motorway toward medieval city of Assisi, renowned for its 13th Century Basilica of St. Francis and Giotto Frescoes. Continue to your hotel in Rome. Dinner and overnight. (B,D)
  • Day 7, in Rome, Saturday - Morning visit the Vatican and its breathtaking museum including the Sistine Chapel. Stroll thru St. Peter’s Square, passing Bernini’s famous colonnade, to visit St. Peter’s Basilica, where you will view Michaelangelo’s Pieta. Afternoon is at leisure. (B)
  • Day 8, in Rome, Sunday - Sightseeing tour of this ancient city takes you to the Roman Forum, the triumphal Arch of Constantine, the Arch of Titus and the Colosseum, the largest amphitheater built in the Roman Empire. Afternoon is at leisure. Tonight, dine in a typical Roman restaurant with wine and music, then enjoy an illuminated tour of the city. (B,D)
  • Day 9, departing Rome, Monday - After breakfast we transfer you to airport for your homebound flight. (B)

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Also tagged with: Escorted Journeys, Europe, Italy, Art / Architecture, Culinary / Wine Discoveries, Join-In Tour, Hosted Tours, Rome, Venice, Florence


Vantage World Strongly Recommends Insurance for all your Travel Programs

Insure My Trip We provide, through TravelSafe Insurance, one of the nation's largest and most respected providers of travel insurance, a TravelSafe Custom Plan, where you decide the benefits YOU want and the levels of protection YOU desire including access to their 24-hour emergency assistance service from anywhere in the world. Click the link below the Plan Benefits table for plan details.