Italy - The Big 3 Rome, Florence, Venice
Day 1 - Rome Arrival
Most flights from the U.S. into Rome are overnight. Therefore plan to fly the day prior to arrive in Rome in the morning.
Rome is one of the world`s most romantic and historically important cities going back almost 3,000 years. This timeless capital of Italy is a collection of piazzas, historic sites and open-air markets and famous landmarks.
Upon arrival and after clearing customs and immigration, you will be met outside baggage claim for your private airport transfer which includes a 1/2 day tour of Rome, since you have a few hours before hotel check-in this is a great way to get an overview of the city.
Your driver will introduce you to the Ancient Rome of Emperors, visiting the Colusseum, Palatine Hill, the aquaducts, Circus Maximum and the Panetheon. You will also drive by some of the great sites of the Renaissance and Baroque Rome - the beautiful Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain and Pincio Terrace to enjoy a beautiful panorama of Rome.
This is a great way to get from the airport to your hotel and it helps get your bearings in the city. Over the next few days, you will have time to visit these landmarks in much more detail.
After the tour, your driver will take you to your hotel for check-in for your 3-night stay at Hotel Windrose. This historical building has been renovated with great attention to detail. It is conveniently located in a prestigious position and offers comfort and tranquility to its guests. The Hotel is placed in a position in the heart of the town and it is very close to the Termini Station and well linked to all the most interesting historical, artistic and commercial sites of the town.
This afternoon and evening you can tour the area around your hotel. Note - the main location for Hop-On/Hop-Off buses is only a few blocks walk from the hotel.
For dinner this evening, you may want to try the following restaurant as well as enjoying a night cap nearby.
Day 2 - Touring Rome
Today after breakfast you will head out for a full-day touring Rome. You will visit many sites including:
For a good lunch break in the middle of day before heading on to the other areas, we recommend the historic Peroni brewery.
After your refreshing lunch, you will be nearby more famous landmarks.
For stop that is a bit different than the standard Roman landmarks, check out the Domus Romane di Palazzo for an experience that takes you beneath the current Roman streets to Ancient Rome.
On your way back to the hotel to refresh, stop by a great British pub with an easygoing vibe for a beverage or cocktail.
This evening for dinner we recommend a casual spot nearby with friendly staff and good food.
Day 3 - Vatican City
This morning after breakfast, walk down to the Termini station to catch the orange metro line to take you out to the Ottaviano station, near to The Vatican City where you will meet up with your guide for a tour of The Vatican, St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. Take a relaxing tour of the Vatican museums and escape from the crowd.
Your guide will lead you into the museums where you'll visit one of the most important art collections in the world. Admire the Gallery of Tapestries and the Geographical Maps before arriving at the famous Sistine Chapel.
After the Sistine Chapel, you will be taken through an exclusive access to St. Peter's Basilica. Skipping the long lines.
Following your tour, we recommend swinging by Bukowski's Bar, tucked in the streets behind the Vactican, for a pre-dinner cocktail before heading to the legendary Ristorante Dal Toscano for a Tuscan-style Italian dinner.
Afterwards, take the metro train back to Termini station and to your hotel.
Day 4 - Rome to Florence
Today after breakfast walk easily back down to the Termini Train Station to catch your train to Florence. It is a quick train ride (under 2 hours) to the Firenze Santa Maria Novella station. The trains in Italy are efficient and prompt.
Note - sometimes the Italian rail workers will go on strike for short periods of time - but generally they announce these strikes days in advance. Continue to monitor the train schedules and download the ItaliaRail app onto your phone.
Florence is the capital city of Italy`s Tuscany region and is known as the cradle of the Renaissance; for at this time, artists flocked to the city seeking a supportive environment for their creative endeavors.
Your hotel in Florence - Hotel Universo - is an easy walk from the arrival train station - sitting right in the Santa Maria Novella Square.
From this hotel you will enjoy views of the Santa Maria Novella Church and it is also within walking distance to Palazzo Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria, with its famous replica of the statue of David, and the Baptistry.
After dropping your luggage, you can head out a few blocks north of your hotel and visit the Central Market in Florence to find a bite to eat and check-out this gourmet food hall. Along the way, you will pass through the famous streets of leather goods in Florence where you can find some authentic leather products to take home with you.
On your way back the hotel, you can modify your route slightly and make sure to stop by The Baptistery of St. John and the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (aka The Duomo).
Swing by your hotel for a quick refresh before heading out for some pre-dinner cocktails and dinner at one of my favorite restaurants in Florence - both easy walking distance from the hotel.
Day 5 - Florence Touring
Today after breakfast is a full day of Florence Touring. Checking out and seeing the famous landmarks of this remarkable city. Start your day by heading out to the Piazza della Repubblica.
Then swing by the Fontana del Porcellino for some good luck.
Afterwards, head to the heart of the city - Piazza della Signoria
From this Piazza you will find the Piazzale degli Uffizi - which is the street that will take you down to the famous Uffizi Gallery. Along the way you can see the many statues and sculptures, including the replica of David.
Note - If you want to see the original David by Michaelangelo you will need to plan to go to the Academia Gallery.
After visiting the Uffizi Gallery you will be a stone's throw from the Ponte Vecchio Bridge.
Crossing the bridge, there is a quaint cafe which is a perfect place to stop for a late lunch with views of the bridge.
After lunch, you can end your day with a late afternoon tour and visit to the Pitti Palace.
After your full day of touring, you can walk the short 15-minute walk back to your hotel and stop at a delightful Trattoria for dinner.
As you get back to the Santa Maria Novella Square, end the evening with a night cap.
Day 6 - Day Trip Cinque Terre
Today you will have an early start for a full-day tour to Cinque Terre - one of the most enchanting landscapes in the world. Five Villages, suspended between sea and land hanging from sheer cliffs surrounded by hills and vineyards.
Heading to the Santa Maria Novella Train Station, you will take a train out to Cinque Terre, arriving into the Village of Manarola where you will have some time to discover this little village.
Then take the local train down to the village of Riomaggiore for a pleasant stop to admire its beauties.
From here you will take a boat up to Monterosso, an ancient fishing village, considered "the pearl of Cinque Terre" where you can enjoy the surroundings and have time for a possible dip in the beautiful sea and a typical Ligurian lunch.
From here you will continue your journey to Vernazza with its narrow lanes and steep stairways.
Return by bus to the town of La Spezia, where you can catch your return train to Florence's Santa Maria Novella Station.
Dinner tonight after a quick refresh is nearby at Osteria Pastella.
Day 7 - Optional Tour Days
Cooking Class and Lunch at a Tuscan Farmhouse with Local Market Tour from Florence
Discover the secrets of Tuscan cooking during this full-day experience, including a market visit and cooking class, topped off with a 4-course lunch. Shop for fresh ingredients at a Florentine market before venturing to a Tuscan farmhouse in the countryside. Take your cue from an expert chef as you create Italian dishes from scratch including bruschetta, pasta, roast pork, and tiramisù. Then sit down to enjoy the fruits of your labor, complemented by Tuscan wine.
Private Pienza, Montepulciano and Montalcino Tour with Wine and Cheese Tastings
The owners of a family run organic farm will be delighted to take you through the various stages of their cheese production, and you will be equally delighted to taste it the Tuscan way, paried with honey, homemade bread, cold cuts and a glass of wine. Continue to Montepulciano to visit the hometown of the 'vino nobile' and to Matalcino to stop at a biodynamic vineyard. After a tour of the premises, taste some of their wines.
Private Chianti Tour with Wine Tasting
Take a private tour to the Chiantigiana countryside for some visits to local wineries for some Chianti tastings.
Day 8 - Florence to Venice
Today after breakfast, walk to the Santa Maria Novella Train station to catch your train to Venice. The trip is just a little over 2 hours. Venice is a uniquely built Italian city with over 100 small islands in a large lagoon separated with canals, linked by bridges and with no roads! Let your sense of adventure kick-in as you discover the home of Marco Polo.
Once off the train, head to the Ferry terminals where you can take a public ferry to your hotel. If you prefer, you can pre-arrange a private transfer for yourself to your hotel for your 4-night stay at Hotel Ca d' Oro; located in the old town center of Venice. Its traditional water door allows entry from the canal. Enjoy the tranquility of the Cannaregio quarter for relaxation and atmosphere.
Dinner this evening is nearby at a delightful Trattoria with friendly staff in a cozy atmosphere.
Day 9 - Venice Touring
Today after breakfast spend the day touring the beautiful streets and waterways of Venice toward the famous St. Mark's Square and Doge's Palace.
Start off by finding Venice's narrowest street - Calle Varisco.
Then wind your way through the narrow alleyways to Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo.
Then find your way to St. Mark's Square.
In the square you will see the large Campanile Tower. Tours are offered to the top and I highly recommend a visit to get a grander perspective of Venice and the surrounding waters.
Afterwards take time to visit Doge's Palace - a gothic palace offering tours.
When you have tired from your touring - wander down the waterway to grab a Bellini at Harry's Bar.
Right outside of Harry's you will find the San Marco public ferry stop and right around the corner is Gondola Bauer where you can take a Gondola Ride for a trip back to near your hotel. So you have a few options by water to get back to your hotel.
After a nice refresh at the hotel, and possibly a sunset glass of wine on the charming rooftop. Head nearby to a casual, laid back dinner at a local trattoria.
Day 10 - Day trip to Burano and Murano
Today take a day trip across the waterway to the island of Burano where you will find the colorful houses of this lively fishing island. Burano is also famous for their lace and you can visit the lace museum there.
Before departing stop for lunch at a small Osteria near the museum.
Afterwards, head to the Island of Murano for a visit to the Murano Glass Factory. Here you can watch them blow glass in the traditional style and possibly find a Italian piece to take home as a memory of your trip.
Return back to your hotel in the late afternoon for a refresh and to get ready for your evening activities - a cooking class in the private home of a Venetian. You will participate in making a 3 course meal (with wine of course), enjoying the meal, and having traditional recipes to take home with you.
Day 11 - Venice Touring Part 2
This time, after breakfast, you will head to a different side of Venice for more touring.
From your hotel you will head to the famous Rialto bridge. Browse the shops around the area and of course get your classic photo from this landmark.
Swing by the Rialto Market and check out all the canal front trading stalls and possibly grab yourself an on-the-go snack.
Continue your wandering at your leisure - sometimes my favorite days traveling are when we just wander. Hopefull you will find yourself standing in front of this unassuming church. Go in and check it out.
For lunch, stop at this snug cafe for an easy lunch of Italian sandwiches and salads.
The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure for more shopping, stopping for glasses of wine or maybe another Gondola Ride.
This evening we recommend a wonderful last night dinner at the charming Osteria Alla Frasca.
Day 12 - Departure
This morning after breakfast take your water taxi from your hotel to the Venice International Airport for your return trip to the U.S. or where ever your next adventure is.
Interested in Booking?
If you are interested in assistance in booking this trip, please check out my travel consultant services on my Thatch page and let's starting planning!
Optional Hotel - Rome
Optional Hotel - Florence
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