Day 1: Arrival in Rome

Today we arrive in Rome and meet at our hotel. Few cities in the world are as beautiful as Rome, and few are as glamorous. The Eternal City's ancient monuments and spectacular galleries -- over the centuries a major draw on the international tourism map -- are looking more magnificent than ever after an extensive restoration programme. Overnight in Rome.

Day 2: Rome: City Tour

Orientation tour to the main highlights of Rome including the Colosseum -- the heart of ancient Rome; the Forum, the Pantheon, the Piazza Navona and the Spanish Steps, all accompanied by a local English speaking guide. We also included a tour to the Vatican including entrance to the Vatican Museum. There will be some free time to explore Rome on your own later this afternoon. Overnight hotel in Rome.

Day 3: Rome: At Leisure

A free day in Rome to allow you time to revisit the Vatican, browse in the Via Veneto, Rome's famous shopping district, or take an optional day tour. Our local Italian partners will guide and assist you in making the most of this day in Rome, deliberately kept free in order to allow you maximum flexibility. Overnight in Rome.

Day 4: Rome - Florence

We transfer to Rome's Termini station and take the Eurostar Express train to Florence. The city is considered a cultural, artistic and architectural gem. Florence was the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance. Politically, economically, and culturally it was just about the most important city in Europe for 250 years. Arrival transfer in Florence to your hotel with the rest of the afternoon free to explore. It is possible to walk from one end of the historic centre of Florence to the other in a half hour. The art galleries and museums of Florence are renowned throughout the world. Overnight in Florence.

Day 5: Florence: Walking Tour

Orientation walking tour of Florence covering the highlights of the Duomo, the Baptistry and Piazza del Signora with your guide. Included in your tour is a visit to the famous Uffizi Gallery, housing some of the world's best known paintings from the renaissance period. Afternoon free to walk across the River Arno via the famous Ponte Vecchio bridge to see the impressive Boboli Gardens and to admire Michelangelo's huge marble masterpiece of David at the Galleria dell'Accademia. Overnight in Florence.

Day 6: Florence - Venice

Transfer to Florence train station and then by Eurostar Express train to Venice. Arrival transfer by water taxi to our hotel. We include a 24-hr water taxi pass as part of your package to allow you maximum freedom to explore Venice on your own (individual tickets are very expensive and can add up hugely to the cost of your stay in Venice). Overnight in Venice.

Day 7: Venice: Walking Tour

Orientation walking tour of Venice, covering St Mark's Square and the Basilica San Marco with local English speaking guide. We also visit the Bridge of Sighs and the nearby Doges Palace. The afternoon is free to use your included water taxi ticket to visit the nearby island of Murano and browse through the dozens of glass making factories producing the famed Murano glass craft work. Overnight in Venice.

Day 8: Venice: At Leisure

A free day in Venice, one of the world's most romantic cities. There is more than enough to keep all visitors occupied: a multitude of medieval churches, a great variety of museums, the busy marketplace at the Rialto Bridge, the Jewish Quarter in Cannaregio, and above all, the endless narrow alleyways with hidden shops selling everything imaginable. Overnight in Venice.

Day 9: Departure

Transfer to the airport with local escort. Departure from Venice. BUON VIAGGIO!

Tour Highlights

Rome - The Vatican & the Sistine Chapel; Florence & the Uffizi Gallery; Water taxi ride on Venice canals; Guided walking / bus tours of all cities

Inclusions

Breakfast daily. All accommodation, transport, sightseeing and entrance fees for sites noted as 'visited' in the detailed itinerary. Services of a Tour Leader plus local guides in some locations.

Exclusions

Airport arrival / departure transfers (affordable shared transfers available upon request). International air taxes (if applicable). Optional trip cancellation/interruption/medical insurance. Single supplement charges (if single room requested). TIPPING: Please allow $30-35 USD a week. Your Tour Leader can advise the appropriate amounts as you go. It is also customary to offer your Tour leader a tip; allow approximately $5-10 USD per day.

Seasonality Weather

This tour is offered in spring, summer, and fall, the most popular being spring and fall when temperatures are mild, crowds thinner, and air fares lower. Spring is popular with visitors who enjoy green landscapes and wildflowers. The region has a mild Mediterranean climate with an early spring, long hot and dry summers, and autumns that are bright and warm into late October. Showers are possible in spring, rare in summer, and possible in fall.

transport & travel conditions

We will travel by local transit as part of our city walking tours, and between cities using the comfortable and efficient rail system.

Accommodation

Well-located, air- conditioned, mid-range hotels and inns (3 star) used throughout. Some hotels are smaller properties (3-4 story) that may not have elevators. All hotels have en suite bath, though some may have shower only. Porter service is sometimes available though you should be independent with your luggage. Single rooms are limited and likely smaller than twins.

Staff and Support

Tour Leader with local agent and guide support in each locale.

Group Size

10 to 16 (plus Tour Leader)