Splendors of Italy
Fully Escorted Tour
Explore the highlights of Italy, from towering cathedrals and medieval towers to Renaissance art, ancient ruins, and decadent wine. Tour through the Eternal City of Rome, then travel through Sam Gimignano to experience its stoic medieval architecture and Florence to witness the creation of the Renaissance. Drift through Venice by boat to visit St. Mark's Square, and sip wine in Greve, the capital of Chianti. Enjoy vacationing through Siena, Montecatini, Rome, Florence, and more on this amazing, well-rounded Italian experience.
Escorted tours offer expert guides who provide deep local insights and worry-free planned itineraries. Enjoy the company of like-minded travelers, visit hidden gems not found on typical tours, and enjoy peace of mind with a travel support system.
What's Included
- Round-trip economy class airfare to Rome (FCO)
- Round-trip airport transfers*
- Accommodations in hotels listed, or similar:
- 2 nights in Rome at the Grand Fleming Hotel
- 1 night in Siena at the Executive
- 2 nights in Montecatini at the Settentrionale Esplanade
- 2 nights in Venice Area at Hotel Poppi
- 1 night in Rome at the Grand Fleming Hotel
- Buffet Breakfast daily
- 3 three-course dinners
- Guided sightseeing as described in the itinerary, including:
- Guided tour of Rome
- Visits to Orvieto, Siena, San Gimignano, Pisa
- Wine tasting in Greve
- Walking tour of Florence
- Boat ride to St. Mark's Square and glassblowing demonstration in Venice
- Guided tour of Assisi
- Services of a Professional Travel Director
- Transportation by private first-class air-conditioned motorcoach (with complimentary Wi-Fi)
- Headsets throughout the tour
- Hotel tips, taxes, and service charges
*Note: Arrival transfer is included if your flight arrives in Rome between 7:30 am and 8:30 pm.
**Note: Children must be 8 years or older at time of travel.
Great Ways to Explore
Admire the beautiful art and architecture in Florence, the Cradle of the Renaissance.
- Walk through the imposing streets of Siena, one of the best preserved medieval cities in Italy.
Travel back in time as you view Rome's iconic landmarks with a local guide.
Experience a scenic boat ride and glassblowing demonstration in Venice.
-
Sip wine in Greve and dig into local delicacies in cafes and restaurants.
Majestic cathedrals, world-class art, delectable cuisine, mesmerizing wine, ancient ruins, striking architecture, and cozy cafes make the brick and mortar of Italy. Explore some of Italy's most famous and historic cities.
Start with Rome. Gear up for the Colosseum, the amphitheater that held vicious gladiator fights and grueling entertainment 2,000 years ago, then step into the era of intellect as you walk through the Roman Forum, the commercial, social, and political center of the Roman Empire.
Explore all of San Gimignano's medieval architecture, from walls, streets, and alleyways to public squares and 14 impressive towers. Walk through Florence where the Renaissance began, to admire the stunning architecture and breathtaking art located about the city.
Discover magnificent cathedrals and squares, tour through Siena, Montecatini, and the Venice area, and go wine tasting in Greve, the capital of Chianti. Discover the magic of Venice by taking a boat ride to St. Mark's Square, watch Venetian glassblowers hone their craft, and admire the network or canals, bridges and gondolas that make the city spectacular.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
- Round-trip economy class airfare to Rome (FCO)
- Round-trip airport transfers*
- Accommodations in hotels listed, or similar:
- 2 nights in Rome at the Grand Fleming Hotel
- 1 night in Siena at the Executive
- 2 nights in Montecatini at the Settentrionale Esplanade
- 2 nights in Venice Area at Hotel Poppi
- 1 night in Rome at the Grand Fleming Hotel
- Buffet Breakfast daily
- 3 three-course dinners
- Guided sightseeing as described in the itinerary, including:
- Guided tour of Rome
- Visits to Orvieto, Siena, San Gimignano, Pisa
- Wine tasting in Greve
- Walking tour of Florence
- Boat ride to St. Mark's Square and glassblowing demonstration in Venice
- Guided tour of Assisi
- Services of a Professional Travel Director
- Transportation by private first-class air-conditioned motorcoach (with complimentary Wi-Fi)
- Headsets throughout the tour
- Hotel tips, taxes, and service charges
*Note: Arrival transfer is included if your flight arrives in Rome between 7:30 am and 8:30 pm.
**Note: Children must be 8 years or older at time of travel.
Admire the beautiful art and architecture in Florence, the Cradle of the Renaissance.
- Walk through the imposing streets of Siena, one of the best preserved medieval cities in Italy.
Travel back in time as you view Rome's iconic landmarks with a local guide.
Experience a scenic boat ride and glassblowing demonstration in Venice.
-
Sip wine in Greve and dig into local delicacies in cafes and restaurants.
Majestic cathedrals, world-class art, delectable cuisine, mesmerizing wine, ancient ruins, striking architecture, and cozy cafes make the brick and mortar of Italy. Explore some of Italy's most famous and historic cities.
Start with Rome. Gear up for the Colosseum, the amphitheater that held vicious gladiator fights and grueling entertainment 2,000 years ago, then step into the era of intellect as you walk through the Roman Forum, the commercial, social, and political center of the Roman Empire.
Explore all of San Gimignano's medieval architecture, from walls, streets, and alleyways to public squares and 14 impressive towers. Walk through Florence where the Renaissance began, to admire the stunning architecture and breathtaking art located about the city.
Discover magnificent cathedrals and squares, tour through Siena, Montecatini, and the Venice area, and go wine tasting in Greve, the capital of Chianti. Discover the magic of Venice by taking a boat ride to St. Mark's Square, watch Venetian glassblowers hone their craft, and admire the network or canals, bridges and gondolas that make the city spectacular.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
Prices From:
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Departure Month:
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Day 1. Welcome to Rome, Italy!
Upon arrival you will be transferred to check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the Eternal City!
Transfer to Rome hotel
Located in the vicinity of Ponte Milvio and surrounded by ancient Roman residences, Grand Hotel Fleming it is the perfect place to enjoy the city's wealth in a relaxing environment. Located a 10-minute drive from the Foro Italico, Olympic Stadium and Auditorium, the hotel offers easy access to public transportation or taxis to the city center.
An elegant corner of Rome and a beloved celebrity hideaway, the Grand Hotel Fleming is an ideal location for a romantic weekend in Rome. Each of the 302 rooms are tastefully decorated and feature an en suite bathroom, in-room safe, air-conditioning, minibar and more. Wake up to a delicious buffet breakfast each morning, then relax with an Italian meal at the restaurant in the evening. The hotel's staff is happy to assist with booking tours, taxis and airport transfers.
Located close to the GRA and in the bustling EUR district, Hotel Cristoforo Colombo's renovations are complete and ready to impress. The hotel has a large parking area, a seasonal outdoor pool, and well-appointed facilities equipped to meet your every need. The property is a complex comprised of three buildings, all refreshed with marble finishes and bright color schemes. Relax in the hotel's casually elegant bar or enjoy a meal from the restaurant. The professional staff is available around the clock to help with needs such as tour schedules, museum tickets, or even restaurant suggestions.
Day 2. Rome
Rome is affectionately referred to as the Eternal City. It is steeped in history, has a vibrant atmosphere and is absolutely unique. Embark on a sightseeing tour and get acquainted with the city.
A Tip For Your Trip: Breakfast is included today.
Begin your introduction to Rome’s landmarks from St. Peter’s Square with a local guide. Enjoy a drive along the iconic landmarks of the city: the Tiber River, the Caius Cestius Pyramid, the Aurelian Walls, and the Caracalla Baths. Complete the experience with a walk back in time from the Circus Maximus to the Arch of Constantine and to the fascinating Colosseum, symbol of the Roman Empire.
Day 3. Rome - Orvieto - Siena
Journey northwest to the charmingly located city of Orvieto in the Umbria region to visit its black basalt and yellow limestone cathedral, an excellent example of Italian Gothic architecture. By early evening you’ll be in Siena with time to visit this jewel of Tuscany. Sit in one of the cafes surrounding the Campo and admire one of Italy's most unique squares, famed the world over for its Palio horse race.
A Tip For Your Trip: Breakfast and dinner are included today.
Check-in - Executive Hotel Siena
Located in a residential area just north of Siena's city center, this elegant hotel boasts modern style and easy access into the city. Open the door to your spacious room and find contemporary decor, luxurious bath amenities, and crisp air conditioning. Post your travel photos using the hotel's free Wi-Fi, then cozy up in your large plush bed.
When you strike up an appetite, treat yourself to a delicious meal of traditional region cuisine from the on-site restaurant. Then, spend your night unwinding with a drink on the terrace bar!
Day 4. Siena - San Gimignano - Greve - Montecatini
Drive this morning to San Gimignano, one of Tuscany's greatest attractions, with medieval squares, town walls, streets, alleyways, and 14 towers that make it unique. Continue into the very heart of the Chianti region, and sample delicious wines in Greve at a local wine estate.
A Tip For Your Trip: Breakfast is included today.
Check-in - Settentrionale Esplanade
Enjoy the splendor that comes with four stars while staying at the Settentrionale Esplanade. Enjoy an on-site restaurant, free Wi-Fi, a bar and lounge, conference rooms equipped with audio-video equipment, an outdoor pool, a garden, concierge and tour and ticket services, currency exchanges, and private parking is available.
Rooms are airy and comfortable, and features a flat-screen satellite TV, air conditioning, a minibar, a safe, and private bathrooms complete with a hairdryer and complimentary toiletries. Florence is just 25 miles away, while Peretola Airport and Pisa is 22 miles away. Lucca is closest, and a mere 14 miles away.
Day 5. Montecatini - Excursion to Florence
Embark on a full-day excursion to Florence today, and discover the birthplace of the Renaissance.
A Tip For Your Trip: Breakfast and dinner are included today.
Enjoy a walking tour with a Local Guide, which features special Florence city highlights. You will see Piazza Santa Croce; beautiful Piazza Signoria; Palazzo Vecchio; Loggia dei Lanzi; and, to top it all, Piazza del Duomo and its cathedral with the Giotto Campanile, and the magnificent East Doors of the Baptistry, known as the “Gates of Paradise.”
Day 6. Montecatini - Pisa - Venice Area
This morning, drive to Pisa for a mini-train ride to see its Square of Miracles and the amazing Leaning Tower, 180 feet high and no less than 16 feet out of the perpendicular. Later, head across the wooded Apennine Hills into the farmlands of the Po Valley for two overnights in the Venice area.
A Tip For Your Trip: Breakfast is included today.
Check-in - Hotel Poppi
Experience true Italian hospitality at this elegant hotel located right in between Venice and Padua. Family managed since 1965, Hotel Poppi combines modern facilities with classic charm. Relax in your soundproof room that comes decorated in a classic style - the perfect setting after a long day of exploring.
Treat yourself to a delicious meal at their on-site restaurant, which boasts a mouthwatering menu of regional Venetian fare! After dinner, unwind with a glass of local wine or sip on an espresso at the classy hotel bar.
Day 7. Venice Area
Venice is more like a marvelous film set than a real-life city, with its winding canals, iconic gondolas and water buses, arched bridges, palaces, and quiet, little piazzas. Enjoy a boat ride to St. Mark's Square, and a demonstration of traditional Venetian glassblowing, followed by time to explore this magical city on your own.
A Tip For Your Trip: Breakfast and dinner are included today.
Day 8. Venice Area - Assisi - Rome
Experience a scenic drive southward, cutting across the Po Delta, then crossing the Apennines. Enjoy a tour of Assisi, before heading to Rome.
A Tip For Your Trip: Breakfast is included today.
Check-in - Grand Hotel Fleming
Located in the vicinity of Ponte Milvio and surrounded by ancient Roman residences, Grand Hotel Fleming it is the perfect place to enjoy the city's wealth in a relaxing environment. Located a 10-minute drive from the Foro Italico, Olympic Stadium and Auditorium, the hotel offers easy access to public transportation or taxis to the city center.
An elegant corner of Rome and a beloved celebrity hideaway, the Grand Hotel Fleming is an ideal location for a romantic weekend in Rome. Each of the 302 rooms are tastefully decorated and feature an en suite bathroom, in-room safe, air-conditioning, minibar and more. Wake up to a delicious buffet breakfast each morning, then relax with an Italian meal at the restaurant in the evening. The hotel's staff is happy to assist with booking tours, taxis and airport transfers.
Day 9. Depart Italy
Your vacation ends this morning. After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for departure.
A Tip For Your Trip: Breakfast is included today.
Transfer to Rome airport (FCO)
Fly home!