Compare Our Italy by ITM Journeys vs Italy in 9 days - Ancient Rome, Cathedrals & Canals - Superior by Exoticca

Day 1: Arrival

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Savoy, Hotel Dei Mellini or similar

Arrival

Welcome to Italy!

Independent arrival at your hotel in the heart of Rome.

Late afternoon meeting with your Tour Leader in the hotel. You will learn more about your tour and familiarize with the travel companions. At the end, walk to the restaurant and enjoy a tasty welcome dinner.

Overnight in Rome

Day 2: Vatican & Heart of Rome

Meal: Breakfast

After breakfast, meet your driver and your guide and reach the Vatican Museum by private van.

Access the Museum easily with your skip the line tickets. Your visit will be memorable: our guides have drawn up a route to include all the major sights as well as some unexpected surprises. See the Belvedere Courtyard with Apollo Belvedere & Laocoön & His Sons, Raphael Rooms, the Galleries of the Candelabra, of the Maps and of the Tapestries, the Sistine Chapel Pinecone Courtyard, St. Peter’s Basilica .

At the end, exit on the St. Peter’s Square and enjoy the magnificent view of the imposing Cathedral.

You will return to your hotel to relax after a challenging morning.

Late afternoon meet your tour leader for a walking tour of the Baroque Town with Piazza Navona, Pantheon, Spanish Steps, Piazza di Spagna, the Italian Parliament and the fascinating narrow streets of ancient Rome.

Return to hotel with your tour leader or enjoy a dinner in the very heart of the eternal city.

Overnight in Rome

Day 3: Rome

Meal: Breakfast

Today will be free at leisure.

This tour has been designed to offer the best of each city visited combined with some free time to customise your travel experience as well as take your time to relax.

There are many available experiences. Among these, we like to suggest to explore the Imperial Rome with Colosseum and Forii, to visit one of the most beautiful are collection in Europe at Palazzo Borghese or the near Tivoli with the astonishing Villa Hadriana, built by the Emperor Hadrian and Villa d’Este, masterpiece of Italian gardening.

Alternatively, you may want visit Capri or Pompeii taking advantage of the new high speed train connecting Naples and Rome in just 1hr or enjoy a wine tour in Viterbo area.

Overnight in Rome

Day 4: Experience True Tuscany

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Palazzo Castri 1874 or similar

Experience True Tuscany

Today we will continue to Tuscany our tour.

Meet your tour guide at hotel in Rome and transfer to Florence by coach with an en route stop in Siena.

The ride itself is a magnificent opportunity to enjoy the beautiful Tuscan hills, the view of small enchanting villages as well as the vineyards and castles the pointed the region.

Upon arrival in Siena, enjoy a wine & food experience in the heart of the old town.

In the ancient times, there was only one city that competed against Florence for power, wealth and artistic beauties: Siena.

Here you will enjoy a walking tour to discover Piazza del Campo, the main central square where the famous Palio horse race takes place every year, as well as exploring quieter backstreets and learning everything about the Contrade, the 17 medieval city districts that compete against each other in the Palio.

Continue to Florence where you will arrive later afternoon. Time permitting, en route stop in Monteriggioni.

Overnight in Florence.

Day 5: Magnificent Florence between Food & Arts

Meal: Breakfast

Start your exploration of Florence from the unknown and most picturesque sides of the city: visit the market of San Lorenzo where it’s possible to see the food arriving  from the Tuscan countryside. It’s a chance to taste lots of varieties of local cheeses, fruits, vegetable, and breads. If you”re still hungry, there’s free time for lunch.

In the afternoon, meet your guide in the hotel and get ready to explore the heart of the town.

Lorenzo de Medici transformed Florence into the cradle of the Renaissance by attracting the best artists, architects and writers of the time; Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Botticelli who he commissioned to produce various works of art and architecture. We’ll visit Piazza della Signoria, walk by the Palazzo Vecchio, , the Duomo with Giotto's bell tower ( from outside), Ponte Vecchio. Our walk through Florence will end with a visit to the Accademia to admire, among the many masterpieces, the jewel of Michelangelo: the statue of David.

Overnight in Florence

Day 6: Optional Cinqueterre

Meals: Breakfast

Today is free at leisure. Why do not join a small group tour to Cinqueterre?

You will discover the most beautiful villages of Cinque Terre, enjoy a relaxed escapes from the crowds, through luxuriant panoramic seaside vineyards and Savour a delicious fresh Seafood typical lunch including Cinque Terre wine and experience an amazing boat trip to take the most beautiful pictures of Cinque Terre from the sea

Overnight in Florence

Day 7: Welcome to Venice

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel Monaco & Grand Canal, Palazzina G or similar

Welcome to Venice

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Florence train station.

Board your train to Venice. Enjoy the ride by high-speed train to Venice.

The city does not have roads and cars but only boats and canals. It is built on several small islands linked by hundreds of bridges.Arrival late morning and transfer to hotel in the Laguna.  Free time to explore Venice on your own.

Overnight in Venice.

Day 8: Enjoy "La Serenissima" Venezia

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

In the afternoon, guided visit of Venice followed by a gondola tour.

Afternoon is the best moment to enjoy Venice, when most of the visitors leave the city, the cruise boats depart from the pier and the narrow streets became again fascinating and mysterious , a secret path to the Past.

Our guide will help you to visit the main sights of the city but also to discover the real soul of Venice spending some time outside of the main tourist areas, places that you can reach by yourself only if you get lost.

The tour will end with a Gondola ride. In the evening, enjoy a Venetian Dinner.

Overnight in Venice

Day 9: Departure

Meals: Breakfast

Independent Transfer to Airport or Railways Station

Day 1: US - Night on board

Pack your bags and head to your departure airport, ready for a flight to the eternal city of Rome.* Night on board. * If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

Day 2: Rome

Arrive in Rome, the Italian capital, and transfer to the hotel. Depending on your arrival time, the remainder of the day is free to begin exploring this romantic, historic city. The evening is the most magical time of day in Rome when the streets take on an even more charming character. Overnight stay in Rome.

Day 3: Rome

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, enjoy a guided visit to the Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill, three of the main archaeological sites of the Eternal City. Learn about the history of this empire, from its birth to the gladiatorial fights in the Colosseum, and appreciate the preserved corners of ancient Rome in the Forum and the Palatine Hill. We recommend the optional Piazzas and Fountains of Rome excursion.* The remainder of the day is at your leisure to explore the historic streets of Rome and dine on delicious Italian cuisine!** Overnight stay in Rome. * Optional Piazzas & Fountains of Rome Excursion: Take a pleasant walk through the artistic heart of Rome to visit its most symbolic piazzas and fountains! Visit Piazza Navona, the most elegant of all Rome squares and home to Bernini's Four Rivers Fountain. See the Church of San Luigi, the incredible Pantheon and the legendary Trevi Fountain, an icon of the city. Finally, pay a visit to the famous Spanish Steps at Piazza di Spagna, the most photogenic spot in the city! ** Optional Authentic Italian meal at a restaurant in Campo Di Fiori: Enjoy an evening of authentic Italian cuisine in beautiful Campo Di Fiori Square, nestled in the heart of historic Rome. Soak up the atmosphere as you indulge in Italian dishes at a local restaurant.

Day 4: Rome

After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a day at your leisure in Rome. Perhaps visit the Vatican, trace the footsteps of the greats in the ancient streets of the old city or simply indulge in some delicious Italian ice cream. However you choose to spend your day, Rome is sure to delight you with its old-world charm and unbeatable sights. We suggest taking the optional Guided tour of Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel*. Overnight stay in Rome. * Optional Skip-the-line Guided Tour of Vatican Museums, St. Peter's Basilica and Sistine Chapel: Explore the priceless treasures held within the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel! Visit the Pio Clementino Hall, Laocoon and Apollo Belvedere, Maps Gallery, Candelabra Gallery, Tapestries Gallery and the incredible Sistine Chapel. Afterwards, discover the incredible St. Peter’s Basilica and the atmospheric St. Peter’s Square, dominated by Michelangelo’s imposing Cupola! Please note: Optional tour available Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays only. Why not upgrade your trip with our Must See's of Italy package of 2 excursions, available in the next step of the booking process!

Day 5: Rome - Florence

Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, meet your transfer and head to the train station to catch the Frecciarossa high-speed train to Florence. Arrive in Florence, the heart of the Italian Renaissance, and self-transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day at your leisure to explore the city and keep enjoying the Italian cuisine in this gourmet paradise. Overnight stay in Florence.

Day 6: Florence

Breakfast at the hotel. Today head to the Historic Centre of Florence for a guided walking tour of Florence and discover the hidden secrets of the Tuscan capital. Start discovering Piazza Repubblica, one of the fanciest of the city, before heading to Loggia del Mercato Nuovo, a building where a local market takes place. Keep exploring the streets of Florence before arriving at the beautiful and well-known Ponte Vecchio, the most iconic bridge in the city and one of its main symbols. You will then walk through the Piazza della Signoria, the heart of Medieval Florence with the imposing Palazzo Vecchio. End the tour admiring Piazza San Giovanni, home to the impressive Florence Cathedral, with its iconic Brunelleschi cupola and the famous Giotto Belltower. Rest of the day at your leisure to continue exploring the captivating sights of Florence. Overnight stay in Florence.

Day 7: Florence

Breakfast at the hotel. Full day at your leisure to enjoy your last day in the city. Florence's historical centre is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so why not take a stroll on your own to discover its hidden treasures. Overnight stay in Florence. * Optional Half-Day Tour to Pisa & The Leaning Tower: No trip to Italy is complete without a photo at the iconic leaning tower, so don't miss your chance to take a day trip to Pisa! Enjoy a guided walking tour of Piazza dei Miracoli and its monuments and visit the spectacular Pisa Cathedral before spending time at the legendary Leaning Tower of Pisa, learning all about the history of this University city along the way.

Day 8: Florence - Venice

Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, self-transfer to the station to catch the Frecciarossa high-speed train to Venice (Mestre Station). Arrive in the romantic city of Venice, self-transfer to the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Built across more than 100 small islands, Venice is a pleasure to explore on foot as you get lost in the labyrinthine streets, stumbling across hidden cafes and cultural gems along the way. Get out and discover the plentiful delights on this eternal city, such as the immense Piazza San Marco. Overnight stay in Venice.

Day 9: Venice

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, set off on a guided walking tour through Venice, through the fascinating streets and across the canals; a crossroads of culture where East meets West. Admire the Basilica and Piazza of San Marco next to Gothic-style Doge's Palace, the Campanile and the Clock Tower stand. Soak up the lively atmosphere of the Campo, a bustling square next to the Church of Santa Maria. Continue to marvel at the grand Basilica of San Giovanni e Paolo, uncover legendary tales of Marco Polo and finally return to St. Mark’s Square by strolling through the main Venetian shopping street, the Mercerie, and immerse yourself in the historic buzz of the city. The rest of the day is at your leisure to continue discovering this unique city at your own pace. Overnight stay in Venice. *Optional Gondola Ride Experience: One of the most famous characteristics of Venice is its historic gondolas and now you can be a part of this legacy yourself! Experience an unforgettable 35-minute gondola ride through the charming waterways of Venice including the iconic Grand Canal. The quintessential Venetian experience! Note: Please note that it is a shared gondola (up to five people for each one) so you might have to share it with other people. Why not upgrade your trip with our Must see`s of Italy package of 2 excursions, available in the next step of the booking process!

Day 10: Venice - US

Breakfast* at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer by car from Venice Mestre to the airport for your return flight back to the US. Arrive in the US and end your trip. * Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day. ** Depending on the return flight schedule, you may arrive in the US the next day and the total duration of the trip would be 11 days.