- Day 1
MON | VENICE
Morning arrival into Venice’s Marco Polo Airport. Here you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel in Venice. The balance of the day is at leisure. This evening enjoy a welcome dinner at a popular restaurant. (D)
- Day 2
TUE | VENICE
Your morning walking tour of Venice starts from St. Mark’s Square. Often called “the drawing room of Europe” by Napoleon, it’s the principal public square in Venice and serves as a vibrant cultural, religious, and political center. Surrounded by stunning buildings, each with its own unique architectural style, it reflects Venice’s rich history and artistic heritage. End the tour with a stop at a “Bacaro” for a “cicchetto. The Bacari, also known as cicchetti bars, are part of the local heritage of food in Venice and they are found in large numbers scattered throughout the historic center. Going for a bacari tour is a local habit but it is also a tasty and convivial pleasure! Afternoon is at leisure with enough time for more sightseeing, shopping or relaxation or to embark on an optional (*) Island of Burano tour or gondola ride. (B)
- Day 3
WED | VENICE | MARANELLO | MODENA | FLORENCE
This morning depart Venice and stop in Maranello, home to the Ferrari Museum! The Museum tells the Ferrari story by delving deep into the history and myth of the “Cavallino” extraordinary roots and taking visitors on a magnificent journey via its most famous and successful F1 cars, legendary sports prototypes and GTs, and, of course, the road cars that have set the benchmark for the entire car industry. After an independent visit of the Museum we will continue to Modena where you’ll be treated to a special balsamic vinegar tasting session plus lunch, featuring local specialties and Lambrusco wine. After lunch continue to Florence, the home of Michelangelo. (B,L)
- Day 4
THU | FLORENCE
Your morning tour takes you to Michelangelo Square for a panoramic view of the city. Then visit: the Accademia to see Michelangelo’s original “David” statue, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistery with its “Gates of Paradise” doors, Signoria Square and Santa Croce Church. At the end of the tour you will be treated to a delicious gelato tasting. Legend has it that gelato was first created in Florence. The Medici Family commissioned Bernardo Buontalenti to organize their banquets, and he gave vent to his creativity by inventing a new recipe for a dessert based on milk, honey, egg yolk and a touch of wine. Enjoy your afternoon exploring the treasures of Florence on your own or embark on an optional tour (*) to Pisa featuring dinner at an authentic farmhouse and winery in the enchanting Tuscan countryside. (B)
- Day 5
FRI | FLORENCE
The day is yours to discover the city of Florence, to shop for some local goods or to take an optional excursion (*) to Siena and San Gimignano. Medieval Siena, known for its famed Palio horse races and Piazza del Campo, awaits your exploration. Visit Siena’s Duomo, considered to be one of the finest Gothic cathedrals in Italy. In San Gimignano, stroll the oldworld center and take in the fascinating architecture and towers that offer amazing views of the city and the surrounding valley. Tonight, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
- Day 6
SAT | FLORENCE | ASSISI | ROME
Morning departure for Rome. Drive through the serene Tuscan and Umbrian countryside, with a stop at a local winery where a wine expert will lecture on the vinification process. After a delicious tasting of the varieties of wines produced there and a light lunch, continue to Assisi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to enjoy your guided tour of St. Francis Basilica. Arrive in Rome in the late afternoon. (B,L)
- Day 7
SUN | ROME
This morning, embark on a guided tour of Classical Rome. Stroll along cobbled laneways, stop by the Spanish Steps, one of Rome’s most recognizable landmarks immortalized in countless postcards and films, toss a coin in the magnificent Trevi Fountain to ensure a return to Rome, see Piazza Navona, one of the finest Baroque masterpieces in papal Rome, and imagine it as the Ancient Stadium of Domitian capable of holding 30 thousand spectators in the ancient times. End the tour with a visit of St. Peter’s Basilica. Rest of the day at leisure to soak in the Roman culture as you stroll past ancient ruins, absorb the impressive architecture, explore everything from Imperial temples to early-Christian churches and medieval bell towers to Baroque basilicas and playful piazzas, or taste the mouthwatering regional delicacies at a local trattoria. (B)
- Day 8
MON | ROME
This morning, experience a very special privately guided tour of Ancient Rome. Dive into the incredible history of Roman gladiators, emperors, and daily life, with your guide sharing stories and insights that go beyond what you see. Experience Rome’s magic as your guide brings both the Colosseum and its nearby treasures, like the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, to life through rich storytelling. Afternoon at leisure to relax or to join an optional tour (*) of the Vatican Museums. Tonight, bid arrivederci to Rome at a special festive dinner with wine and music in one of the most famous restaurants in Trastevere. (B,D)
- Day 9
TUE | ROME TO USA (OR EXTEND YOUR STAY)
Morning transfer to airport for your return flight home. (B)
Travel on this, one of our best Italy vacation tour packages and revel in renowned attractions and exquisite sites from Doge's Palace in Venice where travelers will see the beautiful rooms decorated by 16 century artists, to Piazza Della Signoria in Florence, and the iconic Sistine Chapel in Rome, plus so much more during your 9-day immersion into "la dolce vita!" Central Holidays’ Northern Italy vacation packages take travelers to live the tapestry of sights, sounds, flavors, and feelings of the true Italy. Travel via deluxe motorcoach and stay in well-appointed, centrally-located first class hotels on all of our Italy travel packages like this inspired escorted ...
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