Day 1 - Venice

Upon your arrival at Venice Airport, your local English speaking representative will be waiting to welcome you to Italy. You will be transferred by private motor launch to your hotel in the city.The balance of this first day is at your leisure. Relax after your flight or begin to explore the sights of this extraordinary city.

Day 2 - Venice Tour

This morning meet the group outside the YEX change office under the Clock's Tower in St. Mark's Square. During your two hours walking tour visit Doge's Palace, the residence of the Doge of Venice. From within Doge's Palace, you will cross through the Bridge of Sighs, built in the year 1600, the gateway to the Palace's prison.The tour continue with the visit of St. Mark's Basilica, built in the year 832 A.D. to protect the body of evangelist St. Mark, brought to Venice from Alessandria.End your tour at the Piazza San Marco and spend the balance of the day at leisure to explore the canals and cobble stoned streets on your own.

Day 3 - Venice to Florence

You will be escorted to the rail station by our local representative who will assist you to your train bound for Florence. You will have first class rail tickets with seat reservations. The journey will take two and a half hours on the comfortable Eurostar train.Upon arrival in Florence you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy.

Day 4 - Florence walking Tour

In the morning you will meet the group for the walking tour of Florence.During this walk, you will see Piazza della Signoria with the town hall Palazzo Vecchio, the Duomo, the Baptistery with its Gates of Paradise, Giotto's independent bell tower, Brunelleschi's Dome, Santa Trinita and Orsanmichele Church, Pontevecchio Bridge, as well as famous shopping streets and the Oltrarno - the fourth and last district, the manual crafts neighbourhood.Balance of day at your leisure.

Day 5 - Florence

A free day to enjoy on your own. Perhaps you may decide to take an optional tour to Pisa.

Day 6 - Florence to Rome

After check out, your private English speaking driver and assistant will meet you for your transfer to the Florence Rail station. At the station the assistant will take you to your platform and assist you in boarding the train. Upon arrival in Rome you will be met by our local representative and transferred to your hotel.

Day 7 - Ancient Rome Tour

In the morning you are free to explore on your own.In the afternoon the tour bus will pick you up at your hotel for your Ancient Rome tour. You will be taken to Piazza Venezia, where you will see the imposing memorial to Victor Emanuel II, the first King of United Italy. The tour will then proceed to the Roman Forum, the old centre of the Imperial City, where the Senate House, the basilicas and the temples of the major gods are located. After walking down the Via Sacra and passing by the Arch of Titus, you will visit the Colosseum, surrounded by impressive monuments such as the ruins of the Arch of Constantine the Great. The last stop on your tour will be the 5th century Christian Basilica of St. Peter's in Chains, where you will see the world famous Statue of Moses by Michelangelo.

Day 8 - Vatican Tour

The tour bus will meet you at your hotel to transfer you to the Vatican City, the smallest independent sovereign state in the world. In the Vatican Museum , you will be shown a fine collection of antiques. The visit includes: o The Sculpture Museumo The fascinating Tapestry Galleryo The Gallery of Mapso The world famous Sistine Chapel, decorated by Michelangelo. The tour will then proceed to St. Peter's Basilica, where you will view the art treasures of the largest Roman Catholic Church in the world, including Michelangelo's Pieta.

Day 9 - Arrivederci Italia

After check out from the hotel, your local driver and English speaking assistant will pick you up for your private transfer to the Rome Airport for your departing flight.

Accommodations

Venice Hotel Casa Verardo (or similar)

Florence Hotel Cellai (or similar)

Rome Hotel Camelia (or similar)

Sightseeing

Half day group walking tour of Venice including Doge's Palace entrance fee

Half day group walk & Talk Florence walking tour

Half day group guided tour of Ancient Rome, including Colosseum entrance fees

Half day group guided tour of the Vatican, including Museum entrance fees

Transfers

All transfers are private from and to airports and rail stations with assistance

All rail travel as per itinerary in First class with seat reservations

Meals

Breakfast at hotels daily

Services

Assistance from our Road to Italy office in Rome and local representative offices throughout Italy

Local emergency contact number daily

Does not include

Airfare

Travel Insurance (highly recommended) link to Insurance.

Tips and gratuities to drivers and local guide

1) Consult with our tour designers

Contact our office by phone or e-mail and speak to one of our tour designers who will answer any question you have about our suggested tour. They will listen attentively to your ideas and plans and suggest changes to personalize the tour based on your interests and budget.

Tel: 416 964 7600
Toll: 1-800-848-8163
reservations@roadtoitaly.com

2) We send you a Proposal

Shortly after your initial contact with our tour designers, you will receive a draft proposal based on your earlier discussions, normally within 2 business days. This proposal is a no obligation draft for your review and comments. Any additions or modifications will be implemented and a new proposal will be forwarded to you for approval.

3) You like what you see!

Upon meeting your requirements and expectations, you will be requested to send a deposit in the amount of 25% of total. Final Payment is due 45 days prior to scheduled departure date.

4) Buon viaggio!

Approximately, 2 weeks prior to departure you will receive a personalized and detailed day by day itinerary booklet and the necessary vouchers for the services to be provided, along with a general information section on the various regions of Italy.

The booklet and vouchers will include all the important information; addresses, phone & mobile numbers for all your service providers, hotels as well as the phone number of our office in Rome.