We Do More Than Asia
(Departure September – November & February – May)
Step back in time to the Middle Ages and Renaissance period and explore the culture, history, art and architecture of 3 main cities in Italy. Rome’s antiquity can be seen in its Coliseum and Roman Forum. Vatican City tells about religious history and art. Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, has a few of the best galleries worldwide. Sip fine wine in Chianti as you explore the countryside of Tuscany. Visit glassblowers and the island where Hemingway lived in Venice. Highlights of Italy is a sojourn into Italy’s colorful past.
Day 1- Arrive Rome
You will be met at the airport and privately driven to your hotel.
(3-star superior hotel in Rome, 3 nights with breakfast, daily)
Day 2 – Rome
After breakfast embark on a half day tour as you explore Ancient Rome – Coliseum, Forum, Palitine Hill, Capitoline Hill and more! Heading towards the Coliseum from Piazza Venezia, you see the Roman Forum on your right and Trajan’s Forum and Market on the left. To the right of the Coliseum is the Arch of Constantine and the beginning of the Palatine Hill, which will eventually lead you to ruins of the Flavian Palace.
Rome’s history spans over two and half thousand years, from a small Latin village to the center of a vast empire, through the founding of Catholicism, and into the capital of today’s Italy. Rome’s history is long.
Rome is thought to have been founded by the mythical twins Romulus and Remus, who were abandoned as infants in the Tiber River and raised by a mother wolf before being found by a shepherd who raised them as his own sons. Rome was founded as a village in the 8th century BC surrounding the Palatine Hill, including the area where the Roman Forum is found. The village’s position at a ford on the Tiber River, made Rome a crossroads of traffic and trade. The afternoon is free for you to enjoy as you wish.
Day 3 – Rome/Vatican City/Rome
Enjoy a 4 hour private tour of the Vatican Museums and City with an English speaking guide. This walled city is home to some of the most famous art in the world. St. Peter’s Basilica, whose architects include Michaelangelo and Bramante is a reknowned work of Renaissance architecture. The Sistine Chapel, famous for its frescos, as well as the Last judgement by Michaelangelo. The library and museum are of significant historical, scientific and cultural importance. In 1984, the Vatican was added as a world Heritage Site. Vatican City is home to the Pope.
Note: Transfer from your hotel to the Vatican is not included – we will take a taxi.
Day 4 – Rome/Florence
You are driven from your hotel in Rome to Rome Termini train station for your trip to Florence.
Upon arrival you can walk or take a taxi to your hotel. The hotel is near the station and well within walking distance- no transfer necessary. The rest of your day is free to explore as you wish. (3-star superior hotel in Florence, 3 nights with breakfast, daily)
Florence is famous for its history and especially its importance during Middle Ages, the Renaissance, its art and architecture depicting cultural heritage. Florence, in fact, is considered the birthplace of the Renaissance, and is called the Athens of Middle Ages. A turbulent political history includes periods of rule by the powerful Medici family, and numerous religious revolutions. It was declared a World Heritage Sit in 1982. Due to Florence’s artistic and architectural heritage, it is known as one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and is noted for its history and culture, Besides its art and architecture, Florence also has numerous museums and art galleries, such as the Uffizi Gallery and Pitti Palace.
Day 5 – Florence
Your 3-hour walking tour of Florence includes the Uffizi and Duomo (cathedral) of Florence.
*Uffizi Reservation & private guide at additional cost
The Uffizi Gallery is one of the oldest and most famous art museums of the Western world.
Over the years many of the paintings and sculpture were collected by the Medici family or commissioned by them. According to Vasari, who was not only the architect of the Uffizi but also the author of Lives of the Artists, artists such as Leonardo di Vinci and Michelangelo gathered at the Uffizi “for beauty, for work and for recreation.”
Day 6 – Florence/Chianti/Florence
After breakfast embark on a full day tour to Chianti.
The Chianti region covers a vast area of Tuscany and is well known for its wines especially Sangiovese-based wines such as Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano both could be bottled and labeled under the basic name of “Chianti” if their producers chose to do so. Within the collective Chianti region more than 8 million cases of wines are produced each year. Explore some if Tuscany’s most beautiful countryside.
Day 7 – Venice
You are driven from your hotel in Florence to the train station for your trip to Venice.
Upon arrival you are met and driven to your hotel. The rest of your day is free to explore as you wish.
(3-star superior hotel in Venice, 3 nights with breakfast, daily)
Venice is referred to by many names: Queen of the Adriatic, City of Water, City of Masks, The Floating city and City of Canals. It is considered on of the world’s most romantic cities with its gondola rides through its many waterways.. Venice stretches across 117 small islands with a saltwater lagoon along the shoreline between the mouths of the Po and Piave Rivers. Always an important center of commerce Venice traded silk, grain, and spice. This made Venice a wealthy city. It is also known for its several important artistic movements, especially the Renaissance. Venice has played an important role in the history of symphonic and operatic music, and it is the birthplace of Vivaldi.
Day 8 – Venice
Today you take a 2-hour private walking tour of Venice which includes the Grand Canal, Rialto Bridge and St Mark’s Basilica and Square. The rest of your day is free to explore as you wish.
Day 9 – Venice Islands
Today tour the Venetian Islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello.
Murano, known for its blown glass, is only 1 mile across so it is small enough to explore by foot. The Grand Canal or “Canale Grande” splits the island into two. Walking around the island will help you discover the towns quaintness with its beautiful little shops and restaurants.
Burano is known for its lacework and brightly colored homes. Its population is about 2,800 and the island actually consists of four individual islands, which are separated by canals. Burano attracts many artists who thrive in its ambiance.
Torcello is considered the oldest continuously populated region of Venice. The town’s main attraction is the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta which was founded in 639 and with much of its 11th and 12th century Byzantine work, including mosaics. In 1948 it was home to Ernest Hemingway who spent his time writing parts of Across the River and Into the Trees.
Day 10 – Depart Venice
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
CALL NOW for DETAILs 415-331-3791
Cost from $3495, per person based on double occupancy Restriction Applies
Single supplement Additional
Note: Cost fluctuates with the daily currency exchange rate
CALL NOW for more DETAILS 415-331-3791
Includes:
– English speaking guide
– private transfers
– activities as indicated
– train tickets
– breakfast daily
– hotels subject to availability but per itinerary
Does Not include:
– International airfare
– meals( lunch and dinner)
– trip insurance
– tips, personal expenses
