Embark on a captivating 7-day journey through Italy, where each day unfolds like a chapter in a rich tapestry of history, art, and culture.
Your adventure begins in Venice, a city of dreams suspended upon a latticework of canals. In St. Mark's Square, surrounded by the opulent facades of St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace, you are transported to a realm of Byzantine grandeur. Glide along the Grand Canal on a vaporetto, where palaces rise like mirages from the water, each one a testament to the city's storied past.
Crossing the Rialto Bridge, you enter a world of enchantment, where the delicate artistry of Murano glass and the vibrant hues of Burano's colorful houses ignite the imagination. Explore the labyrinthine alleyways, where every corner reveals a hidden gem or a breathtaking vista.
Next, your journey leads you to Florence, where the cityscape is adorned with the masterpieces of Renaissance luminaries. As you wander through the winding streets, the imposing silhouette of the Florence Cathedral, crowned by Brunelleschi's iconic dome, beckons you closer. Ascend its heights for a bird's-eye view of the city, where terracotta rooftops stretch towards the horizon. The Ponte Vecchio, with its glittering array of jewelry shops, spans the tranquil waters of the Arno River, inviting you to linger and soak in the ambiance of this ancient bridge.
Your final destination is Rome, the Eternal City, where millennia of history unfold beneath your feet. Standing before the Colosseum, you can almost hear the roar of the crowds and the clash of gladiatorial combat echoing through time. Nearby, the grandeur of Vatican City beckons, with St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums housing some of the world's most revered works of art, including Michelangelo's sublime Sistine Chapel ceiling.
Amidst the ruins of the Roman Forum, you can almost sense the pulse of ancient Rome, where emperors once walked and senators debated the fate of an empire. Toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain and make a wish, as the water cascades over marble sculptures, capturing the essence of Baroque splendor.
As your journey draws to a close, you carry with you memories of Florence's Renaissance splendor, Rome's ancient majesty, and Venice's ethereal beauty. In just 7 days, you have traversed the length and breadth of Italy's cultural heritage, leaving an indelible mark upon your soul.
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Discover the Venice Lagoon Islands
• Enjoy guided visit of Rome, Florence, Siena, Venice
• Visit of Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
• Ancient Rome and Colosseum
• Private driver for your transfer and excursions
DATES:
Accordingly with your vacation plans.
YOUR CUSTOMIZABLE 7 DAYS ITINERARY:
Day 1 – Arrival in Venice and Private Guided Tour
When you arrive in Venice, your hostess will welcome you and provide a private transfer to take you to your hotel in the heart of the city.
Take a boat down the Grand Canal in Venice in the afternoon with your own captain and guide.
The famous Rialto Bridge, with its historic stone arches, welcomes you as you leave the busy shoreline of Venice and stands as a timeless sentry at the canal's entrance. The vivid tapestry of centuries of history and customs is the pulsating heartbeat of this metropolis. The Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute, with its graceful domes reaching heavenward in a quiet prayer of gratitude for safe passage, gliding by your speedboat.
With its Venetian Gothic façade, intricate carvings, and elaborate balconies that evoke a bygone era of luxury and grandeur, Ca' d'Oro beckons ahead. For those who dare to cross its ancient threshold, treasures unknown await discovery within its hallowed halls. Amid the ancient magnificence of the city, Palazzo Venier dei Leoni stands out as a beacon of modernism as you travel along the canal. The Peggy Guggenheim Collection, a modern art treasure trove that honors Venice's ongoing tradition as a fortress of culture and innovation, is waiting for you here.
As you travel further, every turn in the canal offers up fresh sights to see. With its Gothic spires piercing the sky in quiet defiance of time's unrelenting march, Palazzo Ducale rises majestically from the ocean. It still stands as a reminder of the city's illustrious past and was once the seat of Venetian sovereignty.
Close by, the Church of Santa Maria della Salute gracefully looms over the river, its hallowed corridors reverberating with the murmurs of prayers from bygone ages. Here we find comfort in the embrace of faith and tradition among the serene splendor of its sacred architecture.
You pass past crowded markets and secret passageways as your speedboat winds through Venice's meandering canals; each provides an insight into the city's everyday life. Venice exposes itself as a tapestry made from the threads of time, from the bustling Campo Santa Margherita to the serene serenity of the backstreets.
Day 2 – The Islands of the Venetian Lagoon: Murano and Burano
Tour the Venetian Lagoon Islands of Murano and Burano on a private excursion with a private guide and boat.
Make your way to Murano. Your guide can share information on the history and significance of the islands during the boat cruise. Utilize your guide to explore Murano. See expert glassmakers craft delicate pieces of glass when you visit a traditional glassmaking facility. To find out more about the history of glassmaking on the island, you may also go to the Murano Glass Museum.
Take in the breathtaking vistas of the Venetian lagoon and the nearby islands as you travel toward Burano. Utilize your guide to explore Burano. Enjoy a leisurely stroll down the vibrantly colored streets that are bordered by colorful homes. See lace makers creating exquisite lace goods by stopping by a workshop. Remember to take shots of the gorgeous surroundings with your camera. Before leaving Burano and returning to Venice, spend some free time shopping for mementos or unwinding at a waterfront cafe while enjoying cool beverages and delectable local pastries.
Additionally, you will get to have a delectable lunch at a neighborhood restaurant in Murano where you may taste real Venetian food.
Day 3 – Florence with your expert local guide
Private door-to-door transportation from your hotel in Venice to your hotel in Florence in the morning.
With your personal guide travel from your hotel to Piazza del Duomo, Florence's center. Take in the breathtaking exterior of the Florence Cathedral (Duomo), which has Brunelleschi's famous red-tiled dome. Enjoy the splendor of the Baptistery as well, which features the famed bronze doors that lead to the Ghiberti Gates of Paradise and Giotto's Campanile (bell tower).
Head towards Florence's political hub, Piazza della Signoria. Admire the magnificent Palazzo Vecchio, a fortress-palace from the Middle Ages that is covered with statues, one of which is a duplicate of Michelangelo's David. Take in the views of the Fountain of Neptune and the Loggia dei Lanzi from the outdoor sculpture gallery in the square.
Take a trip down the famed medieval bridge, Ponte Vecchio, which is dotted with jewelry stores, after crossing the Arno River. You will then arrive at Palazzo Pitti, the former home of the wealthy Medici family. Even if you might not get inside, you can still admire its magnificence from the outside. The stunning Boboli Gardens are next to the palace; from outside the gates, you can see vistas of the verdant surroundings and tasteful statues.
Lastly, take a stroll around the San Lorenzo Market district. Though its main draw is its humming indoor market with kiosks offering clothes, leather items, and trinkets, the outdoor market provides an insight into local life. One of Florence's biggest churches, the Basilica di San Lorenzo, and the neighboring Medici Chapels are visible from the outside.
You will be able to admire Florence's grandeur even from the outside thanks to this brief tour, which will offer you a taste of the city's architectural majesty and historical significance.
Day 4 – Private Tour to Siena and San Gimignano
You will enjoy of a scenic drive through the lovely landscape of Tuscany countryside with your private chauffeured vehicle to reach Siena where visit the most famous highlights such as: the Church of San Domenico also known as Basilica Cateriniana; Fonte Branda that was one of the city's principal sources of water in the Middle Ages; the Palazzo Salimbeni built in gothic style is now the headquarters of the bank Monte dei Paschi di Siena and Palazzo Tolomei one of the oldest in Siena.
A must do is a stop in Piazza del Campo built in the beginning of the 1300's, the square is the principal public space in the historic center of Siena and is the place where the Palio race is held on July 2 and August 16 each year.
Your tour continue to visit the medieval and historic town of San Gimignano, the “town of the towers”, visible from miles away.
Arriving in San Gimignano feels like stepping into a medieval fairy tale. The town's ancient walls encircle a maze of cobblestone streets, lined with stone houses and looming towers. Each step reveals a new wonder, from hidden courtyards to ancient wells. The air is filled with the sounds of laughter and chatter, as locals go about their day. It's a world unto itself, frozen in time yet alive with the spirit of centuries past.
Entering the main square, you're greeted by the sight of the iconic well at its center. Surrounded by medieval buildings, it's a scene straight from a postcard. You pause to take it all in, the timeless beauty of the architecture contrasting with the vibrant energy of the bustling square. It's a moment of serenity in the heart of the bustling town, a chance to savor the simple pleasures of life.
Day 5 – From Florence to Rome and Rome private walking tour
In the morning private transfer door-to-door from your hotel in Florence to your Rome hotel.
In the afternoon a walking orientation tour with your own private guide to discover the best of Rome.
Stroll through the narrow streets of Rome to reach the Trevi Fountain, a Baroque masterpiece with intricate sculptures and the fountain's cascading waters make it one of the most famous monuments in the city. He tosses a coin into the fountain over his left shoulder. It is believed that by doing so a return to Rome can be guaranteed. Every day around 3,000 euros in coins are thrown into the fountain, which are collected and donated to charity.
Continue your tour to the Pantheon, one of the best-preserved ancient Roman buildings. Admire its massive dome, which was a marvel of engineering in its time, and step inside to see the spectacular oculus (opening) in the center of the dome. An interesting anecdote about the Pantheon involves its massive concrete dome, which remains the world's largest unreinforced concrete dome. The engineering techniques used in its construction continue to amaze architects and engineers to this day.
After visiting the Pantheon, head to Piazza Navona, a lively square known for its beautiful Baroque architecture and fountains. Take a leisurely stroll around the square, admire the Fountain of the Four Rivers by Bernini, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of street performers and outdoor cafes.
It is interesting to remember the transformation of Piazza Navona from the place of athletic competitions in ancient Rome to the lively square it is today. The stadium that once stood here was the site of chariot races and other sporting events, and its elliptical shape is still evident in the layout of the square.
Conclude your walking tour at the Spanish Steps, a famous staircase that connects Piazza di Spagna at the base with Piazza Trinità dei Monti at the top. The Spanish Steps are named after the nearby Spanish Embassy to the Holy See. The staircase was built in the early 18th century to connect the embassy with the Trinità dei Monti Church. Climb the steps for panoramic views of the city and enjoy the lively atmosphere of one of Rome's most popular gathering spots.
This walking tour provides a glimpse into Rome's rich history and architectural treasures, from ancient ruins to Baroque masterpieces, offering a memorable experience of the Eternal City's main highlights in just three hours.
Day 6 - Rome: The Vatican Museums and Colosseum
One-day tour with private professional guide including visiting Ancient Rome with the Colosseum and the Vatican Museums with the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica with tickets booked in advance to skip the queues.
You will see the most important Ancient Rome monuments with your skip-the-line tickets and personal guide.
Commence your journey at Rome's famous Colosseum, an archaic amphitheater that embodies the majesty and might of the city. When it was constructed in AD 80, it could accommodate up to 80,000 spectators for events like animal hunts and gladiatorial matches. Imagine the noise of the spectators and the great conflicts that previously took place within its walls as you stand in front of this architectural wonder. The Flavian dynasty of emperors who ordered its construction gave rise to the original name of the Colosseum: the Flavian Amphitheatre.
The Palatine Hill, one of the oldest areas of Rome and the believed site of the city's founding, is located next to the Colosseum. On top of this hill, in mythology, Romulus established Rome in 753 BC. Imagine the luxurious lifestyle of Rome's aristocracy as you stroll among the remnants of imperial palaces and gardens. According to legend, the word "Palatine" comes from the Latin word "palus," which means "swamp." The hill was once marshy and mostly deserted, but once it was drained, it was transformed into a gated community.
Descend into the Roman Forum, the ancient Rome's political, religious, and commercial hub, from the Palatine Hill. There are several different types of remains to be found here, such as government structures, basilicas, and temples. The Arch of Titus, the Temple of Saturn, and the Curia Julia—where the Roman Senate convened—are among the main attractions. The Vestal Virgins are priestesses entrusted with preserving Vesta's sacred fire, and they have an interesting backstory. A Vestal Virgin would receive flogging as punishment if she let the flame go out. If the flame extinguished on its own, though, it was regarded as a bad portent for Rome.
From the splendor of the Colosseum to the busy center of the Roman Forum and the ruins of Roman civilization on Palatine Hill, this walking tour provides an insight into Rome's past. You'll develop a greater understanding of these famous sites and the rich history they represent through anecdotes and descriptions.
The opulence of bygone eras envelops you from the moment you enter the Vatican Museums. Excitement permeates the air as each hallway and room is filled with priceless artwork that whispers historical narratives.
The Vatican Museums house an assemblage of artwork and artifacts that have been gathered throughout centuries by the Catholic Church. One of the world's largest and most precious art collections is housed in the museums, which were founded in the early 16th century by Pope Julius II.
The beauty of the Vatican Museums has been enriched by the work of several artists.
Particularly noteworthy are Michelangelo's contributions to the Vatican Museums. He carved the well-known Pietà sculpture that is on exhibit in St. Peter's Basilica and painted the Sistine Chapel ceiling. Another Renaissance master, Raphael, gave the Vatican Museums some of his creations, notably the well-known murals in the Raphael Rooms. Leonardo da Vinci's painting "St. Jerome in the Wilderness" is kept in the Vatican Museums, however it is not as prominently shown there as it should be.
The Vatican Museums are a storehouse of religious devotion and human innovation. An essential cultural institution, they provide insights on the evolution of art, culture, and spirituality across the ages.
The Sistine Chapel, located within the Vatican Museums, is renowned for its stunning frescoes, most notably Michelangelo's ceiling and "The Last Judgment" on the altar wall. It serves as the venue for papal conclaves and important religious ceremonies. Michelangelo's frescoes in the Sistine Chapel are considered some of the greatest masterpieces of Western art. His ceiling frescoes depict scenes from the Book of Genesis, including the iconic portrayal of the Creation of Adam.
The Sistine Chapel is revered not only for its artistic brilliance but also for its religious significance. It represents the pinnacle of Renaissance art and stands as a testament to human creativity and spiritual aspiration.
You emerge from the Sistine Chapel into the splendor of St. Peter's Basilica, a place of beauty and faith that transcends time and space. The basilica, which was created by renowned architects like Michelangelo and Gian Lorenzo Bernini, is a monument to both divine inspiration and human innovation.
One of the most iconic aspects of Rome's cityscape, the majestic dome hovering above is unmistakably the work of Michelangelo. It is a symbol of spiritual transcendence that appears to pierce the heavens themselves.
From the lofty columns of the nave to the exquisite detail of the Baldacchino—the imposing canopy that covers the high altar and the layout of the piazza in front of the basilica—Bernini's influence is evident everywhere.
Day 7 - Departure from Rome
Private departure transfer from your hotel in Rome to Rome airport or to your next destination in Italy