Welcome to Rome! Enjoy a complimentary transfer to your hotel and settle in. If you arrive with time to spare, the city’s magnificent buildings are best appreciated on foot, so perhaps wander in search of an espresso. Your Italian adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm, where you will meet your local leader and fellow travellers. Once the formalities are out of the way, get your first taste of Italy over an included dinner with your group at an excellent local restaurant. Sitting down to dinner in Rome means experiencing generations of culinary know-how and timeless traditional recipes. Once your leader introduces you to some of Italy’s best dishes, you’ll understand why this country is so renowned for great food.
From incredible ancient monuments to glamourous restaurants and boutiques, Rome is a city of great beauty and diversity. Today join a private guide for a trip back in time. Marvel at the Spanish steps, the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, and Piazza Navona before reaching Campo de Fiori, where a local fresh produce market has been held since 1869. Join your tour leader for a quick stop at a local bar for a granita - an iced Italian espresso and a must when in Rome.
Next, visit a local aristocrat at his home close to the Campo de Fiori. Much of the apartment is still in its original state and features a stunningly painted ceiling. Find art and artifacts casually displayed throughout the rooms and chat with the energetic owner before sitting down for an included lunch in the dining room.
The afternoon is free for you to explore as you please – perhaps take the chance to follow in the footsteps of gladiators and Roman emperors with a visit to the iconic Colosseum. Please note that tickets should be booked in advance, and before the beginning of your trip.
Today you’ll take a private vehicle to the gorgeous city of Siena, where your leader will show you the most interesting sights on an orientation walk. At the city’s heart is Piazza del Campo – home to the biannual Palio horse race, and nearby is the stunning Siena Cathedral. Next you’ll visit Monteriggioni – a charming medieval walled town. Over a dozen towers are spread throughout the town, once used to defend Sienese territory from the Florentines. You will have time to explore this tiny hilltop spot before arriving at your Feature Stay accommodation near San Gimignano. This country hotel with cinematic views of a tree-studded landscape and a refreshing outdoor pool is a fine spot to unwind. Tonight, indulge in an included gourmet dinner at your hotel with your group – the food is made with local ingredients and pays homage to traditional Tuscan dishes, with a modern twist.
Start the day with a visit to San Gimignano – the 'Town of Fine Towers'. Explore the medieval Old Town centre and its fine Gothic and Romanesque architecture, with your leader on hand to answer any questions inspired by your explorations. This region is also renowned for its ancient Vernaccia grapes, which are the basis for one of Tuscany's finest white wines. Your group will visit a local agriturismo, where you’ll explore the vineyards and sample some of their celebrated wine, before enjoying an included lunch featuring regional cheese, fine olive oil and bruschetta. Return to your Feature Stay accommodation for another delicious dinner.
Today you’ll visit Pisa. It’s not always possible to climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa due to its precarious state, but as your leader shares the history of this legendary building, you will have the opportunity to photograph it from the ground. Your next stop is historic Lucca, one of Italy’s most beautiful but underrated cities, where you’ll take a short walk along the city’s beautifully preserved Renaissance walls. From here you’ll take the short journey to Florence where the evening is yours to walk the cobbled streets, eat gelato and soak up the unmistakenly Tuscan atmosphere.
This morning join a private guided walk of Florence you will earn about its Glorious past and the notable families that made Florence an important centre for culture, economy and politics.
Your tour includes a visit of the Galleria dell ‘Accademia, an art museum renowned for its collection of sculptures, including the iconic statue of David by Michelangelo.
Enjoy a free afternoon at your own pace – ask your leader for some local tips on the best way to spend the day. Visiting the Uffizi while you are here is highly recommended – it is one of the oldest galleries in the world, and a building of great beauty. And be sure to head to Piazzale Michelangelo for sweeping views of Florence’s timeless skyline. Sample some of the culinary delicacies on offer from across Tuscany, with dishes known for their freshness, simplicity and quality. Olive oil, beans and herbs are a feature here. Two standout dishes of the region are bistecca alla fiorentina, a large steak sliced on the bone and shared between multiple diners, and ribollita, a simple, hearty soup of bread, vegetables, and beans. Panforte is the signature sweet treat.
In the morning, head to the railway station and take a high-speed train to Venice. Upon arrival your leader will take you on an orientation walk so you can get acquainted with the city’s maze of canals and learn about its unique history, showing you some extraordinary views over the roofs of Venice. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore. The Grand Canal, the quaint shopfronts that line the Rialto Bridge and the Piazza and Basilica di San Marco are all worthy sights to visit, or simply meander around the tiny, cobbled streets and discover the beautiful markets, cafes, galleries and churches. A Venetian gondola ride down the canals is a must, as is a taste of the region’s dessert speciality, tiramisu. Later in the evening join your tour leader for a nice, included Venetian dinner.
With no activities planned for today, your trip comes to an end after breakfast. Those looking to extend their stay can arrange additional nights' accommodation at the time of booking the trip (subject to availability).
