Classic Italy - Venice, Florence & Rome

Day 01 – Venice

Arrival at Marco Polo International Airport. After your arrival procedures you will be met and transferred by private water-taxi to your hotel. Balance of the day is yours at leisure to begin your discovery of this most serene of cities. Overnight at the hotel in Venice.

Day 02 – Venice

After having breakfast at the hotel, meet your private English-Speaking guide in the hotel lobby. Begin the day with a visit to the magnificent Piazza San Marco the heart of political and religious power of the Venetian Republic, considered by Napolean the “Drawing room of Europe”. Enter the spectacular St. Marks Basilica, nicknames the Church of Gold for its opulence and position as a status symbol of Venetian wealth. Adjacent is St. Mark’s Campanile, the imposing 12^th century bell tower, standing at 323 feet tall. See the arcaded northern stretch of the square in classical and Gothic style. Enter the Doge’s Palace, former residence of the ruler of Venetian Republic. Visit the magnificent rooms of the palace then cross the “Bridge of Sighs” to enter the ominous prison of Venice. Hear the stories of illustrious characters such as Marco Polo and the Casanova. Visit the beautiful Rialto Bridge and its nearby market place.  This afternoon, take a private water taxi into the Venetian lagoon towards the enchanting island of Murano. For hundreds of years the glass factory on Murano has been producing some of world’s greatest and most coveted glass creations. During a tour of the factory, you’ll get an opportunity to marvel at the traditional glass-blowing techniques used in this factory for centuries and even the opportunity to purchase some of the creations if you wish. Later return to the main island for overnight at your hotel.  Perhaps this evening enjoy a stroll in in St. Mark’s Square and a chance for an aperitif in one of its famous café’s such as “Café Florian”.  Overnight at the hotel in Venice. (B)

Day 03 – Venice – Florence

After breakfast transfer by water-taxi to arrive at Piazzale Roma and your private car. Depart Venice and travel to the Renaissance city of Florence. Balance of the day at leisure. Overnight at the hotel in Florence. (B)

Day 04 – Florence

Meet your private guide for your walking tour of Florence. Begin the day at the Academy of Fine Arts to view the magnificent “David” by Michelangelo, this stunning statue attracts millions of art lovers throughout the world. Continue walking through the city to arrive at the Duomo the main Cathedral of Florence, with its 227 Bell Towers by Giotto which dominates the Florence skyline. See the nearby Baptistry of Florence with its incomparable Bronze Doors considered by Michelangelo to be the gates of Paradise. Walk onto to Signoria Square and the imposing Palazzo Vecchio the seat of the Florentine government. View also the beautiful Neptune Fountain and nearby Loggia with its numerous statues by famous artists. Walk to the elegant Ponte Vecchio and visit some of its Goldsmith shops. Continue to the Church of Santa Croce to see the resting place of famous Italians such as Michelangelo, Galileo, Dante Aligheri and Machiavelli.  Overnight at the hotel in Florence. (B)

Day 05 – Florence

Today is yours at leisure to continue your exploration of this Renaissance city. Or possibly take a tour to the city of Pisa to view the magnificent “Leaning Tower”.  Perhaps a tur of the Chianti wine region just south of Florence. Overnight at the hotel in Florence. (B)

Day 06 – Florence – Rome

Private transfer from your hotel in Florence to the hotel in Rome. Balance of the day at leisure. Overnight at the hotel in Rome. (B)

Day 07 – Rome

This morning after breakfast meet your guide and driver for your full day tour of Rome. Start at the historic Colosseum, one of the world’s most celebrated buildings. Built over 2000 years ago, this structure hosted gladiatorial contests and other spectacles. While you visit this structure imagine 50 thousand plus boisterous spectators cheering on their favorite fighters. Continue to the Roman Forum, the center of Imperial Rome nearby. It lies just down the valley surrounded by three of Rome’s famous hills Palatine, Quirinale and Capitolium. Stroll the ancient forum and imagine Mark Anthony making his impassioned speech from the rostrum over the body of Julius Caesar. Later continue to the impressive Trevi Fountain to admire its beautiful Baroque architecture. Follow the legend and toss a coin, ensuring your eventual return to Rome. Walk to the 2000-year-old Pantheon, temple of all the Gods, and today a Church with its immense dome and center oculus. Finally make your way to Piazza Navona, home to numerous palaces and its magnificent Four Rivers Fountain by Bernini, with its giant statues of sea gods and Egyptian obelisk.  Overnight at the hotel in Rome.  (B)

Day 08 – Rome

This morning travel to Vatican City to enter the world-famous Vatican Museum. Begin your experience by discovering the masterpieces of art in the Vatican Museums by some of the world’ most distinguished artists. Visit the Gallery of Maps and the Gallery of Tapestries. Then enter the incredible Sistine Chapel to contemplate the glory of Michelangelo’s acclaimed masterpiece including the Last Judgment, one of the most famous pieces of art ever made. Later the guide will bring you to the entrance of the Basilica of St. Peter. You are on your own to take your time to be awed by the magnificence of one of the holiest sites in the world. Admire Michelangelo’s stunning “La Pieta” while strolling this immense structure.   Overnight at the hotel in Rome. (B)

Day 09 – Rome

Today you will be transferred to Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci Airport for your departing flight. (B)