Contrasts of Italy

Visit Europe

Day 1

Welcome to Rome

Benvenuti a Roma.

Our exciting journey through some of Italy's most beautiful cities begins here in the 'Eternal City'. Spend time relaxing after your travels or take a walk along the ancient streets, tracing centuries of art, antiquities and culture before joining your travel companions and Travel Director for dinner and orientation drive through Rome's intoxicating cityscape.

Day 2

Explore Ancient Rome and the Vatican City

This morning see the Vatican City on your sightseeing tour of Rome with a Local Specialist.

Your next stop is in Ancient Rome where you’ll see the Circus Maximus and visit the Colosseum. This evening, Roman flavours take centre stage as you dine on local specialities.

Day 3

Rome Your Way

Enjoy a full free day in Rome or consider spending some time in beautiful Tivoli.

Join an Optional Experience to see the exquisite house and gardens of the 16th-century Villa d'Este – a marvellous example of Renaissance landscape architecture. As the sun sets over the seven hills of Rome, people-watch in one of Rome’s beautiful squares or admire the Trevi Fountain, tossing a coin in to secure your return to Rome.

Day 4

Journey by High-Speed Train to Florence

Sit back on the high-speed train, bound for Florence and watch the Tuscan landscape go by.

Join a Local Specialist on a walking tour to gain insights into the city's Renaissance treasures. View the Ponte Vecchio, almost 700 years old and lined with goldsmiths, then visit the Fine Arts Academy to see one of Michelangelo's masterpieces, the statue of David. Your love affair with Florence continues as you stroll to the Piazza della Signoria, featuring Palazzo Vecchio and the Uffizi Gallery.

Day 5

Admire Pisa Connect with Locals

Cross the Arno River and see the enchanting skyline of Florence from Piazzale Michelangelo before driving to Pisa through the Arno Valley.

Meet your Local Specialist to explore the Square of Miracles and see the famous Leaning Tower, the Cathedral, Baptistery and Camposanto, built on soil brought back from the Holy Land during the Crusades. Over lunch, at the Agriturismo Borgo Vigna Vecchia where you’ll enjoy an exclusive Be My Guest experience surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. This evening, stroll along the Arno River in search of the perfect gelato, see the beautifully lit Duomo or visit a cosy enoteca for some wine tasting.

Day 6

Discover Renaissance Florence

Today is yours to discover the beauty and elegance of Florence – a city filled with exquisite galleries, lush gardens and opulent palaces.

Consider a visit to the hilltop town of San Gimignano, the 'medieval Manhattan' of Tuscany. Venture outside the city to see Tuscan villages and taste rich panforte and tortas, or shop for the latest fashions in Florence's sophisticated boutiques. This evening, consider joining an Optional Experience in the Chianti region for a delicious Tuscan dinner.

Day 7

Travel by High-Speed Train to Venice

All aboard the express train for Venice.

Cross the spectacular Apennines and fertile Veneto plain before arriving at the romantic island city of Venice. Get lost this afternoon, wandering its narrow lanes in search of a cosy bacaro, people-watch in St. Mark's Square, the gateway to Venice, or take an unforgettable gondola ride along the city's enchanting canals.

Day 8

Cruise the Canals of Venice

This morning, breathe in the salty sea air as you board a private launch and cruise to St.

Mark's Square to see the Bridge of Sighs, Palladian Churches, the Customs House, St. Mark's Basilica, and Campanile, as well as the Doge's Palace. Later, witness first-hand the centuries-old craft of glassblowing. You may be tempted to buy a souvenir or two after admiring the talent and skill of the artisans, passed down from generation to generation. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore the city on your own terms, perhaps finding a quiet campo and pavement café or take a cruise to colourful Burano for a delicious meal.

Day 9

Experience Venice’s Food Market

Meet Lagoon Conservationist Davide for an engaging discussion on safeguarding environmental conditions in Venice during a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience.

The sights and sounds of modern Venice come to life today as you join your Local Specialist for a walking tour and explore the vibrant Rialto Food Market, which has been feeding Venetians since the 11th century. Wander through the narrow calli - seeing the ornate façades of merchant houses that line the canals, before enjoying an afternoon at leisure for one last taste of Venice. Your adventure through Italy's charming cities is about to come to an end. Celebrate newfound friendships and an unforgettable experience at dinner.

Day 10

Farewell Venice

Say arrivederci to Italy and your fellow travellers as your fascinating holiday comes to an end.

Dining Summary

3 Dinner (D)

9 Breakfast (B)

1 Lunch (L)

Be My Guest

Florence: Meet Sandra and Antonella on their historic family farm for an exclusive Be My Guest lunch at the Agriturismo Borgo Vigna Vecchia in the Tuscan hills.

Dive Into Culture

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

Iconic Experience

Rome: During an orientation with your Travel Director see the medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches scattered throughout the city.

Rome: Discover ancient treasures of Rome with a Local Specialist. See Circus Maximus and visit the mighty Colosseum, which bears witness to the limitless courage of the gladiators.

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: Admire the enchanting Tuscan landscape as you travel by high-speed train to Florence. 

Florence: Visit the Academy of Fine Arts and admire its Michelangelo collection.

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

Venice: Journey by high-speed train past dramatic mountains and lush plains to ''La Serenissima''.

Venice: Discover the ancient skill of Venetian glassblowing and play a part in preserving this traditional craft.

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

Venice: Meet Davide and the passionate team from Venice Lagoon Plastic Free for an eye-opening session on protecting Venice’s iconic lagoon. You’ll discover the dramatic impact of plastic pollution on wildlife and local life, learn practical ways to make a difference, and take home your very own tools for sustainable travel – including a reusable glass bottle. Together, you’ll help reduce plastic waste and become a part of the global movement for responsible tourism. Your visit directly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water.

Must-see Highlights

Explore Rome, Florence, Pisa and Venice

Visit The Colosseum in Rome, the Academy of Fine Arts in Florence and a glassblowing factory in Venice

View the ancient sites in Rome, the 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 in Venice

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