ROME

Arrival in Rome, the famed city of the Roman Empire and the Seven Hills. Welcome and transfer from airport to hotel.

ROME

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. Enjoy your morning at leisure before a small group tour to discover the treasures of ancient Rome including the famous Colosseum. With your expert guide, visit the major sites of Ancient Rome and learn about its mythical origins. Admire the splendid Arch of Constantine, climb Palatine Hill where brothers Remus and Romulus battled over who would found the first empire, and where Romulus founded the city that would become Rome. Stomp triumphantly as soldiers once did on the legendary Via Sacra. In the evening, we suggest you do as the Romans do: stop at a local café for a quick shot of espresso; explore the city’s many piazzas and dine at a trattoria with authentic Italian cuisine and impressive house wines.

ROME — FLORENCE

After breakfast, private transfer to the train station to board your train to Florence, the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance. Upon arrival, private transfer to your hotel. Take some time to wander the oldest streets in the city including the Arno River and the famous Ponte Vecchio. Be sure to experience an authentic Florentine gelato – considered by many to be the best in the world!

FLORENCE

Breakfast at your hotel. At an enjoyable relaxed pace, walk in the footsteps of the Medici dynasty that ruled Florence in the 14th and 15th-centuries. Admire Piazza della Signoria, dominated by the striking Palazzo Vecchio, Florence’s Cathedral, the Duomo, with the adjacent Tower of Giotto, and the Baptistery with its famous, magnificent gold paneled Gates of Paradise. Continue on to Accademia Gallery, home to some of Michelangelo’s most famous statues, such as the unfinished, extremely powerful Prigioni and the David – symbol of the centrality of man in the Renaissance, depicted right before his battle with Goliath. Enjoy the balance of your day exploring this magical city at leisure.

SIENA, SAN GIMIGNANO & CHIANTI

Breakfast at your hotel. Enjoy your morning at leisure to explore Florence. After lunch on your own, make your way to the meeting point for your small group tour. We drive to Siena, a small Medieval city with surprises at every corner. Explore the quiet back streets and learn everything about its 17 districts and the ritual and rivalry of its annual Palio horse race. Your journey continues to San Gimignano to discover the maze of cobbled streets, small squares and local artisan shops. After some free time to explore, see a marvelous sunset over the Tuscan hills followed by dinner with wine tasting in the cellar of a villa in the Chianti countryside. Return to Florence for overnight.

FLORENCE — VENICE

After breakfast, private transfer back to the train station to board your train for Venice, the incredibly romantic floating city. Upon arrival, you will be privately transferred to your hotel. Venice is the world’s only pedestrian city and quite easy to navigate by foot. Take some time to explore the small streets and admire the superb architecture and incredible urban landscape of man-made islands connected by bridges.

VENICE

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Make your way to the meeting point in St Mark’s Square for your  small group* walking tour of Venice & Doge’s Palace. Your tour includes an introduction on St. Mark’s Square, the imposing Byzantine Basilica, the Bell Tower, the Clock Tower, and the the Library. You will then reach the Doge’s Palace, and the Prisons. Your guide will recount the history of the many palaces you will see and of those that lived there. This evening, choose an optional private ride through the canals of Venice beneath the stars in a gondola (not included).