Itinerary

1. La Dolce Vita

   DAY 1 : 13 October 2024
   Welcome to the Eternal City of Rome (3 nights) Rome is one of the world’s most historic cities, filled with classic antiquities, medieval buildings, renaissance palaces and baroque churches. Upon arrival there is one group transfer from the airport to your hotel. Then this historic city is yours to discover. This evening, join your Travel Director for your Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant.
   Meal(s): Dinner with Wine.
   Hotel(s): NH Collection Roma Centro

   
   DAY 2 : 14 October 2024
   Rome Sightseeing and Dinner in the Vatican
   In the morning enjoy the very best of the city’s highlights including visiting the magnificent St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican with your Local Expert. Cross the Tiber river to enjoy ancient RomeSee the incredible Circus Maximus famous for its chariot races, famous for its chariot races, and the iconic Colosseum. In the afternoon, enjoy special fast-tracked entry into the Vatican Museums with a Local Expert. Admire the Papal art collection, before entering the Sistine Chapel to marvel at Michelangelo’s masterpiece on its ceiling. Then you'll be privileged to an exclusive Highlight Dinner inside the Ethnological Museum (subject to availability).
   Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner with Wine.

   
   DAY 3 : 15 October 2024 Rome at Leisure
   This morning enjoy a walking tour with our Local Expert to explore the backstreets and secrets of pedestrian Rome. Be amazed at sights such as the fascinating Pantheon and the beauty of 17th-Century fountains and beautiful Piazzas. Or instead, you may decide to take an Optional Experience excursion south to the ill-fated town of Pompeii, buried in 79 AD by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius, to visit one the greatest archaeological sites in the world. As night falls, why not sip a glass of prosecco at a sidewalk café in the Piazza Navona and enjoy life’s pageantry pass by?
   Meal(s): Breakfast.

   
   DAY 4 : 16 October 2024 On to Florence (3 nights)
   Drive to Florence today and visit the Florence American Cemetery. Then stop for a photo opportunity at Piazzale Michelangelo. This evening we'll drive through the Chianti hills, past vineyards, to a delightful hamlet.
   Our destination is the ancient stone house of Machiavelli, where the great political theorist wrote his immortal work,’The Prince'. After a welcome drink and a visit of the villa and its wine- cellars, we'll enjoy the best of Tuscan cuisine accompanied by great music and drinks, including of course, Chianti from the Villa's own vines
   Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner. Hotel(s): NH Collection Palazzo Gaddi Hotel Florence

   
   DAY 5 : 17 October 2024
   Florence, Birthplace of the Renaissance
   Explore Florence with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the Accademia Museum and see Michelangelo's David (subject to availability). Alternatively, wander through the market stalls on a shopping tour, enjoying all the Italian treats and finery on offer. Walk on to the multi-coloured marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery, where Ghiberti’s Gates of Paradise have been recreated in all their glory. Visit Piazza della Signoria, still the political heart of Florence and an open-air gallery of Renaissance masterpieces. Spend time gazing at statues such as Neptune as well as Hercules and Cacus, along the front of the Palazzo Vecchio. Famous for the quality of its luxury goods like gold and leather,Piazza Santa Croce is also the perfect spot to see the basilica. Later, use your free time to shop or continue exploring at your leisure.
   Meal(s): Breakfast.
   
   DAY 6 : 18 October 2024 San Gimignano
   Enjoy a wonderful excursion with our Local Expert to Tuscany’s most famous hill-top town! VisitSan Gimignano, considered a medieval Manhattan, due to its towers which dominate the skyline. Soak up the unique atmosphere of this ancient gem which has remained intact since the 14th century and today is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Later visit the organic farm il Poggio and join a guided walk, exploring olive oil and wine production. After taking in beautiful views of the rolling Tuscan hills,enjoy tasting the farm’s fine wines and olive oil, in addition to an authentic Italian meal prepared with locally sourced ingredients (subject to availability).
   Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner with Wine.

   
   DAY 7 : 19 October 2024 On to Venice (4 nights)
   Today we travel through the Emilia-Romagna region, and stop to sample the flavors of the region and learn about Italian food culture over a delicious lunch with wine. Then take the autostrada east to Venice, Queen of the Adriatic, where you will be for the next 4 nights.
   Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch with Wine. Hotel(s): Hilton Molino Stucky Hotel Venice

   
   DAY 8 : 20 October 2024
   Venice and the Magic of ‘La Serenissima'
   Your private boat takes you past historic churches and 13th century palaces to St. Mark's Square. The first sight is the pink marble of the Doge's Palace, connected to the prisons by the Bridge of Sighs. Turn the corner, and the gilded facade of St. Mark's Basilica comes into view. Join a Local Expert for a fascinating walk through some of the lesser known quarters of Venice. The back lanes and ‘campi’, small squares, where tourists seldom tread are full of history and great places to sample local life. Visit a traditional arts center. See how beautiful handcrafted glass is made by expert glassblowers, safeguarding traditional skills. This afternoon there is plenty of time to explore the museums, galleries and churches or browse through the shops on the Rialto Bridge.
   Meal(s): Breakfast.

   
   DAY 9 : 21 October 2024 Venice at Leisure
   Who could refuse another day to take in the unique atmosphere of this wonderful city? Lose yourself in the back lanes and quiet squares, where tourists seldom tread and the Venetians go about their daily lives. Maybe visit some of the 90 churches housing masterpieces of Venetian art or explore the modern artworks in the Guggenheim? Later, board a traditional gondola for a serenade through the romantic canals. This evening at a local restaurant, indulge in traditional Venetian dishes that are enriched with inspiration from seasonal produce.
   Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner with Wine.

   
   DAY 10 : 22 October 2024 Venice at Leisure
   Perhaps relax at a canal-side café sipping local wine or sample delicious lagoon-fresh fish? Perhaps join an optional excursion to cruise out to Burano to experience the age-old lifestyle of Venetian fishermen and lace- makers.
   Meal(s): Breakfast.

   
   DAY 11 : 23 October 2024 Arrivederci & Ciao Venice!
   After breakfast, there is one group transfer to the airport. Meal(s): Breakfast.