8D7N ITALY VENICE FLORENCE ROME

8D7N Italy Venice Florence Rome

On arrival at Venice Marco Polo International Airport, your driver will meet you at the arrival hall and drive you to your hotel in Venice.  An UNESCO World Heritage Site, Venice is a city unlike any other – it is built on 118 small islands that are separated by canals and linked by bridges.  Experience and enjoy Venice and its historic and iconic sights from the water on a Venetian gondola ride that takes you along its canals and the Grand Canal.  In the Campo San Moisè area, you will get to pass by the renowned La Fenice Theatre and when you are along the Grand Canal, you will not miss the iconic Salute Church.

Day 02 – VENICE – FLORENCE  [B]

Go on a walking tour of Doge’s Palace and St Mark’s Basilica this morning.  The Doge’s Palace and St Mark’s Basilica rank among the most important symbols of Venice.  Walking through the magnificent halls of Doge’s Palace is akin to travelling back in time, and the well-preserved treasures, art masterpieces and frescos are still admired by one and all who visit the place.  Continue your walk along a narrow corridor to visit the prisons, passing over the celebrated Bridge of Sighs – so called because prisoners often sighed while looking at their beloved lagoon and freedom for the last time before continuing on to their cells.  

Next you will visit St Mark’s Basilica, one of the world’s most stunning churches.  As the name suggests, this cathedral is bound tightly to Venice’s patron, St Mark, and the saint’s remains are in fact here.  The Basilica embodies a mixture of Byzantine, Roman, and Venetian styles that gave birth to a breathtaking architectural masterpiece.  The interior is as stunning as the facade.  Admire the breathtaking golden mosaics covering the high walls, which together with gold, silver, glass, and precious materials combine to create one of the major treasures of the Basilica.  Also see the Pala d’Oro, an altarpiece made from hundreds of pieces of enamel on a golden leaf. 

In the afternoon, train from Venice to Florence, the capital city of Tuscany and often regarded as not only the most beautiful city in Italy but also among the most beautiful cities in the world.  Its rich heritage is attested to by its accreditation as an UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Upon arrival, enjoy Florence at your own pace.  One of Florence’s most iconic sights is the Duomo – Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral, a cathedral with a terracotta-tiled dome and a bell tower (“Campanile”) by Giotto.  The Galleria dell’Accademia houses Michelangelo’s “David” sculpture.  The Uffizi Gallery is one of the world’s top art museums exhibiting art by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Botticelli and many other celebrated artists.   

Day 03 – FLORENCE: CINQUE TERRE   [B]

Explore the rugged Cinque Terre region of the Italian Riveria on this full-day trip from Florence.  Cinque Terre (“five lands”) consists of 5 uniquely and ingeniously constructed picturesque fishing villages that line the Italian Riviera.  Located at one of the most isolated and ruggedly beautiful stretch of the Italian coastline, it was declared an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.  The 5 towns from north to south are: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore.  These tiny villages are perched on jagged cliffs with sweeping views of the sparkling blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea, defying not just gravity but time!  On this guided tour from Florence, you will visit 4 villages – Manarola, Riomaggiore, Monterosso and Vernazza.  Begin by exploring the small village of Manarola, followed by enjoying a nice train ride to the charming town of Riomaggiore.  Next, take a boat to Monterosso, an ancient fishing village with enchanting beaches and luxurious vegetation, and considered to be the “pearl of Cinque Terre”.  Here, you may wish to have a dip in the crystal clear sea before continuing on to Vernazza.  At Vernazza, experience the intricate layout of this village with its narrow lanes and steep stairways.  The tour continues on to La Spezia, where you will board the coach back to Florence.

Day 04 – FLORENCE: PISA   [B]

Today, enjoy a guided walking tour of the town of Pisa, a small and lively medieval Tuscan town.  The walking tour is a great way to learn about the city’s palaces and its monuments and characters.  Highlights include climbing up the iconic Leaning Tower and visiting the beautiful Cathedral of Pisa (entrance tickets included).

Day 05 – FLORENCE – ROME   [B]

Travel from Florence to Rome this morning.  Birthplace of the Roman Empire and home to Vatican City, Rome ranks among the most beautiful cities in the world.  Steeped in history with rich offerings of historical monuments, Roman architecture and works of art, Rome also has lots to offer in terms of food and fashion.  In the afternoon, join a walking tour of Ancient Rome with “express entry” (express entrance tickets included) into the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill.  At the Colosseum, learn about the amphitheatre’s bloody past, with tales of gladiators, mock sea battles and executions.  Thereafter, continue on to the Arch of Constantine and Palatine Hill where you can admire views of the Roman Forum and Nero’s Circus Maximus (where chariot races were held).  Lastly, enjoy the Roman Forum and experience a walk along the Via Sacra (Sacred Way) which was the main path through the Roman Forum and where festivals and triumphal processions were held.  See also the Temple in the Roman Forum which houses the altar where Julius Caesar was cremated.  Visitors from around the world still leave flowers and candles at the site to this day.

Day 06 – ROME  [B]

Free and easy day to explore Rome at your own pace.  Visit iconic sites like the cinematic Trevi Fountain, the best preserved Ancient Roman Pantheon, the Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (Fountain of the Four Rivers) at the centre of Piazza Navona, the great ancient Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, the romantic Spanish Steps, and the spacious Piazza Venezia, just to name a few.  Spend the rest of the day soaking in the charm and ambience of Rome with its ubiquitous Baroque churches, fountains and palazzos.  With its vibrant cafe culture and quaint trattorias, Rome never fails to inspire.  And, don’t forget to eat a gelato .. or two!

Day 07 – ROME: VATICAN CITY  [B]

No visit to Rome would be complete without visiting the Vatican City, an independent city-state and HQ of the Roman Catholic Church.  Within the Vatican City is one of the world’s greatest museum complexes with a huge collection of highly-acclaimed Renaissance art.  Not to be missed would be the Sistine Chapel (home to Michelangelo’s acclaimed masterpiece “The Last Judgement” fresco), and St Peter’s Basilica with its magnificent interior featuring Bernini’s high altar and the stunning “La Pieta” sculpture by Michaelangelo.  Enjoy Vatican City on a guided walking tour with “express entry” (express entrance tickets included) to the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St Peter’s Basilica.

Day 08 – DEPART ROME  [B]

Free time until your transfer to Rome Airport for your flight home.

Whether you prefer the above itinerary “as-is” or have it customised, if you will indicate the start/end dates of your intended travel and provide your contact details, we will get in touch with you to discuss the itinerary on a no-obligations basis on your part.