Description
Your tour of Venice, Florence & Rome will lead you through three of Italy’s greatest cities. Experience the majesty and romance of Venice, get swept away in the history and art of Florence, the Renaissance city, and end your journey in ancient Rome, where you’ll be engrossed in culture, tradition and allure of this Eternal City.
Inclusions
Trip costs include:
* Round-trip transatlantic air transportation with a major airline, airport transfers and escorts
* The services of a bilingual Go Ahead Tour Director
* A licensed local city guide in Venice, Florence and Rome
* 10 nights accommodation in comfortable, well-located hotels with twin beds and private bath or shower
* All hotel service charges and tips, baggage handling and local taxes
* Buffet breakfast (B) daily
* 3 three-course dinners, including wine or beer (D)
* Private deluxe motorcoach
* Guided sightseeing and entrance fees to select sights as described
* Go Ahead travel gift and membership in our World Traveler Club, which includes credit toward your next tour
What to Bring
Light, loose-fitting clothing that provides comfort when exploring the sights is essential for your tour. A sun hat, sunglasses and a sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers are recommended for sightseeing.
It’s always a good idea to be prepared for any eventuality—a lightweight sports jacket and emergency rainwear are advised.
If you plan to visit an especially elegant restaurant or attend the opera or theater, you will probably feel more comfortable with something more formal to wear.
Also, remember that bare legs and shoulders are officially not allowed in churches or other religious sites. Entrance may be denied on this basis.
Special Notes
The museums of Florence are popular attractions that you might consider visiting during your free time in the city. However, we recommend that you make reservations two months in advance, if you would like to visit any of the museums in Florence.
Day 1-Venice
Your Italian vacation begins with an overnight flight to Venice, Italy’s magical and romantic City of Water.
Day 2- Venice
A Go Ahead representative greets you in Venice and escorts you to your hotel. Become acquainted with the rest of your group at this evening’s included dinner. (B in flight, D)
Day 3- Venice
All the highlights of Venice await you on this morning’s guided sightseeing tour. Cross St. Mark’s Square, which Napoleon dubbed “the finest drawing room in Europe;” then visit The Doges’ Palace, and see the Bridge of Sighs, where doomed prisoners took a final look at the world. This afternoon, opt for a festive gondola ride with music. (B)
Day 4- Venice
Buoyed in the gentle waters of the Venetian lagoon, Venice has been dubbed "La Serenissima" - the most serene. Immerse yourself in the city's soothing atmosphere with a free day to explore at your own pace. Alternatively, discover the artistic wonders to be found on the islands of Burano and Torcello. (B)
Day 5 - Florence
Cross the landscapes of Tuscany on today’s journey to majestic Florence, birthplace of the Renaissance, opera music and the Italian language itself. On your guided tour, marvel at Brunelleschi’s architectural masterpiece—the massive dome of Florence’s cathedral. Then discover the church of Santa Croce, housing the tombs of Galileo and Michelangelo, as well as the Dante Memorial. Stand before Ghiberti’s legendary Gates of Paradise, and pass the Piazza della Signoria. (B, D)
Day 6- Florence
You’ll have a full day to experience all the wonders of Florence at your own pace. If it’s your first trip to Florence, consider a visit to the Accademia to view the statue of the David and other Michelangelo works, or a stop at the ornate Uffizi Palace. Alternatively, opt for an excursion to hill towns, including the medieval city of Siena and the neighboring town of San Gimignano with its skyline of towers. The excursion includes a wine tasting. (B)
Day 7 - Florence
Enjoy another free day in Florence, or join an optional excursion to Pisa. You’ll see the iconic Leaning Tower as well as the Baptistery in the Field of Miracles. This evening, travel to the hilltop town of Fiesole for an optional dinner with lovely views of Florence at dusk. (B)
Day 8- Rome
Journey across Umbria on today’s transfer to Rome. Along the way, stop in Orvieto, a hill town built on a stunning pedestal of volcanic rock. There, you’ll travel via funicular to the Gothic-influenced Old Town, surrounded by views of the Volscian Mountains. (B, D)
Day 9 - Rome
Walk in the footsteps of Roman emperors during today’s guided tour of Rome. View the 2,000-year-old Colosseum, built as an elaborate ellipse in the Doric, Ionic and Corinthian styles. Then stop to visit the grassy ruins of the Forum Romanum, ancient Rome’s political, commercial and religious center. (B)
Day 10- Rome
Spend a free day in Rome, or join an optional tour of Vatican City, featuring St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, where you’ll view Michelangelo’s awe-inspiring biblical frescoes. End the day with live opera music at our optional Dinner with Tenors. (B)
Day 11- Rome
A full-day optional excursion takes you to Pompeii. Layers of volcanic ash blanketed the town when Mount Vesuvius erupted in A.D. 79, giving rise to Pompeii as one of Europe’s best-preserved archaeological sites. Here you can see how ancient Romans once lived. Alternatively, explore Rome on your own. You may wish to visit the wide array of Christian churches in Rome, containing artifacts ranging from fragments rumored to be remnants of the “true cross” to the Bocca della Veritá (Mouth of Truth), an ancient mask that is said to snap shut when you tell a lie. (B)
Day 12- Rome
Board your flight home, or stay in Rome for our tour extension. (B)