Duration: 7 Days
Experience the passion of Italy with a Globus Escape…without the crowds or high-season prices. You’ve heard about Italy—its mouth-watering cuisine, excellent wine, fabulous art, splendid beauty, ancient ruins, and remarkable architecture—now it’s your turn to experience it all! On this Italy escorted tour, get a taste of what the country has to offer and explore its most famous cities: Rome, Florence, and Venice. Have your camera ready as you discover the historical sights of Rome, including St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel with its Michelangelo’s world-famous ceiling paintings. Also visit the Colosseum, the ancient amphitheatre used for deadly gladiator contests. Take a step back in time as you get up close to ancient buildings and ruins to imagine what life was like thousands of years ago.
Enjoy a walk through the Old Town of Assisi, and visit the Basilica of St. Francis, before arriving in Florence, known as one of the most beautiful cities in the world and often referred to as the “art capital of Italy.” Here, enjoy a light lunch and a guided walking tour that includes a visit to see Michelangelo’s famous David statue. Spend time shopping for local Florentine goods. In Pisa, marvel at the spectacular Square of Miracles with its world-famous Leaning Tower. In romantic Venice, a private boat ride awaits. Visit the must-see sights, such as St. Mark’s Square and Basilica, the Doges’ Palace, and the Bridge of Sighs. You’ll also have time to explore the maze of streets and discover their hidden treasures. Or relax at an outdoor café in St. Mark’s Square and enjoy this prime people-watching spot.
Throughout this Italy escorted tour, Globus has arranged VIP access, so rather than waiting in long lines, you’ll get right to the front at all the famous attractions. This gives you more time to experience the sights and more time to taste Italy’s sumptuous cuisine, shop for Italian goods, explore the stunning churches and museums, and participate in optional excursions. Just imagine the memories you’ll create on this fabulous Italian guided holiday at a price that’s as enticing as a glass of wine and tiramisù!
Welcome to Rome! At 5 pm, meet your Tour Director and travelling companions for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (D)
Roman Holiday
ROME Guided sightseeing includes the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Square and Basilica, and the Colosseum. Free time late afternoon. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
LEGENDARY LIVES Stand in awe and wonder amid one of mankind's greatest artistic achievements in the Sistine Chapel. Hear how in 1508, a young Michelangelo was commissioned by Pope Julius II to decorate the chapel's ceiling - a request not welcomed by the 33-year-old sculptor. Michelangelo's 4-year project was indeed one of physical pain and psychological distress, while painting from scaffolds high above the sanctuary floor. Nevertheless, he created what is considered the most famous ceiling in the world, depicting the Creation of Adam in striking fresco style.
Medieval Marvels
ASSISI Visit the Basilica of St. Francis.
Scenic drive en route to Florence. (B) 230 mi/ 370 km
(Tour Highlights) ICONIC FOOTSTEPS Walk in the footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi with a visit to the Basilica named after the deacon, friar, and mystic, who became one of the most venerated religious figures in Christianity. Revered for his love of the Eucharist and the Earth, Francis found communion with God through nature here in this Italian village where he lived and died. Marvel at the magnificent frescoes by Italian master Giotto that adorn the Basilica where the saint is buried.
Fine Art in Firenze
FLORENCE Guided sightseeing includes Michelangelo's masterpiece, David, at the Academy of Fine Arts, Giotto's Bell Tower, the Baptistry's heavy bronze 'Gates of Paradise,' and Signoria Square. Globus Local Favourite Light lunch next to Santa Croce Square. Free time. (B,L)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ART & ARCHITECTURE Those lucky enough to visit the Tuscan capital are witness to some of the world's most magnificent art. Home to a wealth of Rennaissance masterpieces, Florence is famous for Michelangelo's Marble Masterpiece, David, standing ready for battle in the Academy of Fine Arts. Outside, the Piazza del Duomo and Signoria Square offer spectacular sights of Florentine Gothic and Renaissance art, architecture, and monuments.
The Tilted Tower
PISA Take photos of the Leaning Tower en route to Venice. (B) 280 mi / 450 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ART & ARCHITECTURE See architecture gone askew from the viewpoint of the Piazza dei Miracoli in Pisa. Take the ultimate selfie in front of the Leaning Tower with a tilt of the head or other popular poses to commemorate your visit to the site of medieval art in this beautiful piazza.
Italian Beauties
VENICE Take a private private Boat Ride on the canals. Guided walking tour includes St. Mark's Square and Basilica, Doges' Palace and the Bridge of Sighs. Glassblower demonstration and free time. Farewell dinner at your hotel. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SPOT Locals simply call Piazza San Marco 'la piazza.' As paired with the smaller Piazzetta, it forms the social, religious, and political hub of Venice, which Napoleon called 'the drawing room of Europe.' St. Mark's Basilica dominates the square, offering visitors a spectacular view of the great arches, marble embellishments, and the Romanesque carvings of its facade. Also gracing the square is Doge's Palace - a masterpiece of Venetian Gothic architecture. The enclosed Bridge of Sighs, connecting the palace with the prison, is named for the prisoners sighs at seeing their last view of the Rio di Palazzo on their walk to the prison.
Safe travels until we meet again!
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
