Contrasts of Italy

Europe Italy
OVERVIEW
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.
EXPERIENCES
Florence: Admire the enchanting Tuscan landscape as you travel by high-speed train to Florence.

Florence: Join a Local Specialist to view the Multi-coloured marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery, adorned by Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise. Visit the political heart of the city, Signoria Square.

Florence: Visit the Academy of Fine Arts and admire its Michelangelo collection.

Pisa: During an orientation, your Travel Director will show you the baptistery, cathedral and the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.

Rome: During an orientation with your Travel Director see the medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches scattered throughout the city.

Venice: Discover the ancient skill of Venetian glassblowing and play a part in preserving this traditional craft.

Venice: Journey by high-speed train past dramatic mountains and lush plains to ''La Serenissima''.
DEPARTURE DATES AND PRICES
Tour
Departs		 Tour
Returns		 Starting From
(price per person)		 Definite Departure
What's this?		 Book Now!
09/06/2025 18/06/2025 £2,826 Book
30/06/2025 09/07/2025 £2,677 Book
01/09/2025 10/09/2025 £3,275 Book
08/09/2025 17/09/2025 £3,275 Book
15/09/2025 24/09/2025 £3,475 Book
22/09/2025 01/10/2025 £3,475 Book
29/09/2025 08/10/2025 £3,250 Book
06/10/2025 15/10/2025 £3,250 Book
13/04/2026 22/04/2026 £3,475 Book
20/04/2026 29/04/2026 £3,475 Book
27/04/2026 06/05/2026 £3,525 Book
04/05/2026 13/05/2026 £3,525 Book
11/05/2026 20/05/2026 £3,525 Book
18/05/2026 27/05/2026 £3,525 Book
25/05/2026 03/06/2026 £3,525 Book
01/06/2026 10/06/2026 £3,575 Book
08/06/2026 17/06/2026 £3,575 Book
15/06/2026 24/06/2026 £3,575 Book
22/06/2026 01/07/2026 £3,575 Book
29/06/2026 08/07/2026 £3,395 Book
06/07/2026 15/07/2026 £3,395 Book
13/07/2026 22/07/2026 £3,395 Book
20/07/2026 29/07/2026 £3,250 Book
27/07/2026 05/08/2026 £3,250 Book
03/08/2026 12/08/2026 £3,250 Book
10/08/2026 19/08/2026 £3,250 Book
17/08/2026 26/08/2026 £3,250 Book
24/08/2026 02/09/2026 £3,295 Book
31/08/2026 09/09/2026 £3,525 Book
07/09/2026 16/09/2026 £3,525 Book
14/09/2026 23/09/2026 £3,525 Book
21/09/2026 30/09/2026 £3,525 Book
28/09/2026 07/10/2026 £3,495 Book
05/10/2026 14/10/2026 £3,495 Book
ACCOMMODATION
DAY 1: Grand Palatino - Meals: Dinner
DAY 2: Grand Palatino - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 3: Grand Palatino - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4: Ambasciatori - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 5: Ambasciatori - Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 6: Ambasciatori - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7: Amadeus, Principe - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 8: Amadeus, Principe - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 9: Amadeus, Principe - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
WHAT'S INCLUDED
  • All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
  • All porterage and restaurant gratuities
  • An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
  • Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
  • Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
  • Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
  • High-speed train from Florence to Venice
  • High-speed train from Rome to Florence
  • Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
  • Must-see sightseeing
  • On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised
  • Optional Experiences and free time
ITINERARY

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 dinner and orientation drive through Rome's intoxicating cityscape.

This morning see the Vatican city on your sightseeing tour of Rome, you'll pause to see the majestic exterior of St. Peter's Basilica and its grand square. Then venture into Ancient Rome to see Circus Maximus and visit the Colosseum. This evening, Roman flavours take centre stage as you dine on local specialities.

Enjoy a full free day in Rome or consider spending some time in beautiful Tivoli. Join an Optional Experience to see the exquisite house and gardens of the 16th-century Villa d'Este – a marvellous 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.

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. Your love affair with Florence continues as you stroll to the Piazza della Signoria, featuring Palazzo Vecchio and the Uffizi Gallery.

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, 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 cosy enoteca for some wine tasting.

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.

All aboard the express train for Venice. Cross the spectacular Apennines and fertile Veneto plain before arriving at the romantic island city of Venice. Get lost this afternoon, wandering its narrow lanes in search of a cosy bacaro, people-watch in St. Mark's Square, the gateway to Venice, or take an unforgettable gondola ride along the city's enchanting canals.

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, witness 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 artisans, 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 colourful Burano for a delicious meal.

This morning, learn about conservation efforts in Venice during a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with Venice Plastic Free. Watch the sights and sounds of modern Venice come to life on a walking tour with your Local Specialist. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon with one last taste of Venice. As your journey through Italy's charming cities draws to a close, celebrate newfound friendships and unforgettable memories over dinner.

Say arrivederci to Italy and your fellow travellers as your fascinating holiday comes to an end.
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