Contrasts of Italy
from $5925
Duration: 10 Days
All aboard this exhilarating journey by high-speed train through Italy’s iconic cities of Rome, Florence and Venice. During your 10 days in Italy, conjure up gladiators and chariots in Rome, shop until you drop on Florence’s ancient Ponte Vecchio, strike a pose in Pisa and discover the secrets of Venice on foot like a local.
Day 1
Welcome to Rome
Benvenuti a Roma. Our exciting journey through some of Italy's most beautiful cities begins here in the 'Eternal City'. Spend time relaxing after your travels or take a walk along the ancient streets, tracing centuries of art, antiquities and culture before joining your travel companions and Travel Director for a Welcome Reception and orientation drive through Rome's intoxicating cityscape.
Day 2
Explore Ancient Rome and the Vatican City Dive Into Culture
We visit the center of Christianity this morning, joining a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour which includes a visit to the imposing St. Peter's Basilica to see the Pietà, Michelangelo's masterpiece carved from the most 'perfect' block of marble. Our next stop is in Ancient Rome. See the Circus Maximus before returning to the Holy See this afternoon. Dive Into Culture and gain priority admission to the Vatican Museums where a Local Specialist will take us on a guided tour. Admire Michelangelo's magnificent frescoed ceiling in the Sistine Chapel when it is less crowded, followed by dinner in the midst of the treasures of the Vatican's Anima Mundi Museum.
Day 3
Rome Your Way
Enjoy a full free day in Rome or consider spending some in beautiful Tivoli. Join an Optional Experience to see the exquisite house and gardens of the 16th century Villa d'Este – a marvelous example of Renaissance landscape architecture. As the sun sets over the seven hills of Rome, people-watch in one of Rome’s beautiful squares or admire the Trevi Fountain, tossing a coin in to secure your return to Rome.
Day 4
Journey By High-Speed Train to Florence
Sit back on the high-speed train, bound for Florence, and watch the Tuscan landscape go by. Join a Local Specialist on a walking tour to gain insights into the city's Renaissance treasures. View the Ponte Vecchio, almost 700 years old and lined with goldsmiths, then visit the Fine Arts Academy to see one of Michelangelo's masterpieces, the statue of David. Our love affair with Florence continues as we stroll to the Piazza della Signoria, featuring Palazzo Vecchio and the Uffizi Gallery.
Day 5
Admire Pisa Connect with Locals
Cross the Arno River and see the enchanting skyline of Florence from Piazzale Michelangelo before driving to Pisa through the Arno Valley. Meet your Local Specialist to explore the Square of Miracles and see the famous Leaning Tower, the Cathedral, Baptistery and Camposanto, built on soil brought back from the Holy Land during the Crusades. Over lunch, Connect With Locals at the Agriturismo Borgo Vigna Vecchia where you’ll enjoy an exclusive Be My Guest experience surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. This evening, stroll along the Arno River in search of the perfect gelato, see the beautifully lit Duomo or visit a cozy enoteca for some wine tasting.
Day 6
Discover Renaissance Florence
Today is yours to discover the beauty and elegance of Florence – a city filled with exquisite galleries, lush gardens and opulent palaces. Consider a visit to the hilltop town of San Gimignano, the 'medieval Manhattan' of Tuscany. Venture outside the city to see Tuscan villages and taste rich panforte and tortas, or shop for the latest fashions in Florence's sophisticated boutiques. This evening, consider joining an Optional Experience in the Chianti region for a delicious Tuscan dinner.
Day 7
Travel By High-Speed Train to Venice
All aboard the express train for Venice. We cross the spectacular Apennines and fertile Veneto plain before arriving in this island city. Get lost this afternoon, wandering its narrow lanes in search of a cozy bacaro, people-watch in St. Mark's Square, the gateway to Venice, or take an unforgettable gondola ride along the city's enchanting canals.
Day 8
Cruise the Canals of Venice Make Travel Matter
This morning, breathe in the salty sea air as you board a private launch and cruise to St. Mark's Square to see the Bridge of Sighs, Palladian Churches, the Customs House, St. Mark's Basilica and Campanile, as well as the Doge's Palace. Later, we enjoy an unforgettable MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, witnessing first-hand the centuries-old craft of glassblowing. You may be tempted to buy a souvenir or two after admiring the talent and skill of the master craftsmen, passed down from generation to generation. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore the city on your own terms, perhaps finding a quiet campo and pavement café or take a cruise to colorful Burano for a delicious meal.
Day 9
Experience Venice’s Food Market
The sights and sounds of modern Venice come to life today as we join our Local Specialist for a walking tour and explore the vibrant Rialto Food Market, which has been feeding Venetians since the 11th century. We wander through the narrow calli - seeing the ornate façades of merchant houses that line the canals, before enjoying an afternoon at leisure for one last taste of Venice. Our adventure through Italy's charming cities is about to come to an end. We celebrate newfound friendships and an unforgettable experience at a Farewell Dinner.
Day 10
Farewell Venice
Say arrivederci to Italy and your fellow travelers as your fascinating holiday comes to an end. Find out more about your free airport transfer at trafalgar.com/freetransfers.
  • 3 Dinner (D)
  • 9 Breakfast (B)
  • 1 Lunch (L)
  • Florence: Enjoy an exclusive Be My Guest lunch at the Agriturismo Borgo Vigna Vecchia in the Tuscan hills.
  • Rome: Enjoy a private visit inside the Vatican where you will tour the Museo Gregoriano Profano featuring Roman and Ancient Greek antiquities before an exclusive private dinner.
  • Venice: Savor the vibrant atmosphere of Venice during a visit to a traditional food market in the shadow of the famous Rialto Bridge.
  • Rome: During an orientation with your Travel Director see the medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches scattered throughout the city.
  • Vatican: Visit Vatican City and tour St. Peter's Basilica with a Local Specialist. Witness the early genius of Michelangelo as you take in the Pietà.
  • Rome: Discover ancient treasures of Rome with a passionate local. See Circus Maximus and the Ancient Forum, and stand beside the Colosseum, which bears witness to the limitless courage of the gladiators.
  • Florence: Join a Local Specialist to view the multi-colored marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery, adorned by Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise. Visit the political heart of the city, Signoria Square.
  • Florence: Admire the enchanting Tuscan landscape as you travel by high-speed train to Florence.
  • Pisa: During an orientation, your Travel Director will show you the baptistery, cathedral and the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.
  • Venice: Journey by high-speed train past dramatic mountains and lush plains to ''La Serenissima''.
  • Venice: Learn about the history and ancient skill of Venetian glassblowing, playing your role in ensuring the survival of this traditional craft through your visit.
  • : Fast Track Admission to the Vatican Museums
  • : Explore Rome, Florence, Pisa and Venice with a Local Specialist
  • : Visit St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel in Rome, the Academy of Fine Arts in Florence and a glassblowing factory in Venice
  • : View the ancient sites in Rome, the Santa Croce Basilica and the Duomo in Florence, the Leaning Tower of Pisa and St. Mark's Basilica in Venice
  • : Scenic Cruise by private launch to St. Mark's Square in Venice
  • : An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
  • : Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
  • : All porterage and restaurant gratuities
  • : All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
  • : Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
  • : Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
  • : Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
  • : Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
  • : High-speed train from Rome to Florence
  • : High-speed train from Florence to Venice
  • : Optional Experiences and free time
Start Date: 2023-10-02
End Date: 2023-10-11
twin
Adult Price: $6063
Child Price: $5593
triple
Adult Price: $5925
Child Price: $5455
single
Adult Price: $7553
Start Date: 2023-10-09
End Date: 2023-10-18
twin
Adult Price: $6063
Child Price: $5593
triple
Adult Price: $5925
Child Price: $5455
single
Adult Price: $7553

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