Gladiators, Gondolas and Gold

Visit Europe

Day 1

Welcome to Rome

2025 marks a Jubilee Year, a momentous Roman Catholic event celebrated every 25 years, turning Rome into a centre of celebration.

As festivities unfold, itineraries may be adjusted to ensure you make the most of your time as you visit the Eternal City. Ciao Roma! Feast your eyes and your stomach on the 'Eternal City' – the launch pad for an unforgettable adventure with la famiglia. Tread in the footsteps of the ancients before meeting with your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Kickoff Party that will rock Rome.

Day 2

Explore Ancient Rome

Join a Local Specialist to delve into centuries of history and culture.

Venture across the Tiber to the Colosseum, imagining a time when brave warriors fought to the thunderous roar of thousands. Then it's time for a cheesy Family Fun affair as we Dive Into Culture and learn how to make authentic Italian pizza, sharing a tasty slice or two of our culinary masterpieces with our loved ones.

Day 3

Venture to a Gladiator School Family Fun Dive Into Culture

Book your spot on the podium.

It's time for Family Fun as you become a gladiator for the day. You'll learn how to wield a gladiator's sword and gain insights into military techniques with an expert. This afternoon, you’ll have some free time to explore the city with the family. Perhaps count the Spanish Steps or toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain to secure your speedy return to Rome.

Day 4

Enjoy Pisa and on to Florence

Embark on a scenic drive north through Tuscany's golden fields.

Stop in Pisa to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site Piazza del Duomo to snap a selfie in front of the famous Leaning Tower. Carry on to the Renaissance city of Florence, our home for the next three nights.

Day 5

Discover Art and Architecture in Florence Dive Into Culture Connect with Locals

The exquisite sights of Florence are brought to life on a walking tour in the expert company of a Local Specialist.

See the magnificent Gothic Duomo and famous Baptistery before marvelling at Michelangelo's statue of David at the Academy of Fine Arts. Learn about the quality and workmanship of two of this city's historic industries at demonstrations of Florentine leathercraft and 18-carat gold. Where better to Dive Into Culture and indulge in a refreshing gelato than in the city where it was invented? Tonight, join Count Miari Fulcis and his family for a Be My Guest experience, enjoying delicious specialities against the backdrop of picture-perfect olive groves and vineyards on their 15th-century estate in the Tuscan hills. Salute!

Day 6

Florence Your Way

You have a full day at leisure to enjoy this remarkable Renaissance city.

Florence is a living museum that you can explore on foot. Perhaps join an optional experience to the ‘Town of Towers’ – San Gimignano.

Day 7

Venture to Bologna and Onwards to Venice

Stop and smell the rich aromas of Bolognese sauce, spending the morning with a Local Specialist to explore the medieval city of Bologna.

Then it's just a hop, skip and a jump towards the island city of Venice. Discover the 'Queen of the Adriatic' from the comfort of one of its traditional gondolas on an optional experience.

Day 8

Discover Venice Make Travel Matter Family Fun

Cruise to bustling St.

Mark's Square on a private launch. View the exquisite Doge's Palace, St. Mark's Basilica and the Campanile and the famous Bridge of Sighs, so named for the sound condemned prisoners made at catching their last glimpse of beautiful Venice. We then witness first-hand the exquisite tradition of Venetian glassblowing. Your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience helps to support the preservation of this precious Venetian tradition for generations to come. You’ll learn how this once-thriving Venetian art is being kept alive by talented glassmakers who delight in working their magic to craft the stunning treasures for which Venice is justifiably famous. Time for Family Fun as you learn about the art of crafting Carnival masks, decorating your own masks with enough paint, feathers and glitter to rival even the most elaborate masks seen at the annual event. This afternoon, consider an Optional Experience to the colourful island of Burano for a delicious meal.

Day 9

Experience Venice’s Food Market Dive Into Culture

Navigating the bustling canals to the Rialto Bridge, we embrace the sights and sounds of Venice from the water before we Dive Into Culture and savour the flavours of Italy during a visit to a traditional food market.

We delve into the hidden highlights of Venice during a Small Group Sightseeing walking tour, working up an appetite for lunch at a local restaurant.

Day 10

Journey Home

Our unforgettable journey together has come to an end.

All that's left to say is a hearty arrivederci as you prepare to return home with fantastic shared memories.

Dining Summary

4 Dinner (D)

9 Breakfast (B)

1 Lunch (L)

Be My Guest

Florence: Join Count Miari Fulcis for dinner at his 15th-century organic olive oil estate, used as a location for many famous films like 'Room with a View' and 'Tea with Mussolini', and enjoy eight generations of history with plenty of stories.

Dive Into Culture

Florence: Indulge in an Italian gelato at a local gelateria in Florence.

Venice: Savour the vibrant atmosphere of Venice during a visit to a traditional food market in the shadow of the famous Rialto Bridge.

Family Fun

Rome: A cooking experience with all the trimmings! Learn how to make tasty Italian pizza from an expert and then share your masterpiece with the family.

Rome: Experience life as a gladiator with an included visit to a Gladiator School in Rome.

Venice: Discover the great Venetian tradition of Carnival masks and paint and decorate your own.

Iconic Experience

Tuscany: View the stunning landscape of Tuscany on your drive today. 

Pisa: During an orientation, your Travel Director will show you the baptistery, cathedral and the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.

Florence: Join a Local Specialist to view the Multi-coloured marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery, adorned by Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise. Visit the political heart of the city, Signoria Square.

Florence: See the area around Santa Croce Basilica, famous for the quality of its luxury goods, and witness a gold and leatherwork demonstration.

Bologna: Join a Local Specialist on an exploration of Bologna. See the medieval squares and red-bricked façades of this historic city.  

Venice: Embark on a sightseeing walking tour of Venice with a small group. 

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

Venice: Discover the ancient skill of Venetian glassblowing and play a part in preserving this traditional craft. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. 

Must-see Highlights

Explore Rome, Florence, Bologna and Venice

Visit the Colosseum and gladiator school in Rome, the Piazza dei Miracoli in Pisa, the Academy of Fine Arts and a gelateria in Florence and a glassblowing factory in Venice

View the ancient sites of Rome, Santa Croce Basilica and the Duomo in Florence, the Leaning Tower of Pisa and St. Mark's Basilica in Venice

Scenic Cruise by private launch to St. Mark's Square

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