Compare Rome, Florence, Venice by train in 3* hotels by Meet and Greet vs Seductive Southern Italy by Culture Trip

Day 1 - Rome

Make your way and check in at your high quality 3* hotel personally selected by our staff. Today’s time at leisure will give you the freedom to do whatever you want. We suggest starting exploring the city to familiarize yourself with it and delve into its atmosphere. Head out and explore Rome to the fullest! Prepare to mix and match 2500 years of history and discover your own version of Rome. The Eternal City dazzles with iconic Roman ruins, a wealth of art and architecture, and lively historic squares, but Rome can also overwhelm first-time visitors who want to see as many highlights as possible in a limited amount of time.

Day 2 - Rome

After breakfast, it is time to discover the secrets of Rome, but who knows better than you what you would personally like to explore? You can choose among following alternatives:

* Rome Hop-On/Hop-Off Bus Tour (starting time: at your leisure, duration 24 hours) Great for visitors who want to explore Rome without an organized itinerary or schedule, this all-day pass, on a comfortable audio-guide-accompanied double- decker coach lets you access all the highlights of the city independently. The buses, which run all day, make stops at many major attractions, including Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill, Trevi Fountain, The Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Piazza di Spagna, Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica. You can get off whenever you choose, and then catch another bus when you’re ready to move on.

* Roma Pass (starting time: at your preference, duration 48 hours) It is the capital’s special tourist-cultural card that allows tourists to access a variety of discounts and services that make it easier and cheaper to enjoy the beauty of Rome; free entry to the first visited museum or archaeological site or experience of your choice (including Colosseum). Reduced ticket to all other museums and / or archaeological sites and / or experience visited thereafter during 48 hours. Free use of the city’s public transport network for 48h from the first validation on the means of transport.

Day 3 - Rome to Florence

After breakfast, make your way to the train station and board your high-speed train to Florence. Check what platform is yours on boards, searching by train number; you will be in Florence in only 2 hours. Upon arrival, proceed to your hotel. Whole day at leisure. Stroll the historic city center of Florence, that is very small and easy to walk around. In a short walk you'll meet lots of attractions like the Duomo, Piazza della Signoria with the Loggia dei Lanzi and Ponte Vecchio. Treat yourself with some local specialties like a juicy Fiorentina steak and great red wine. Also you may choose between the many activities offered by us.

Day 4 - Florence

After breakfast it is time to discover the Capital of The Renaissance but who knows better than you what you would personally like to explore? You can choose among following alternatives:

* Best of Florence walking tour (starting time: 10 a.m. / 3 p.m., 2,5 hours) Explore the city center with our Florence walking tour: discover the magnificence of one of the most fascinating cities in the world, and its centuries-old heritage, with an enjoyable relaxed promenade in the footsteps of the Medici dynasty, that ruled the city in the 14th and 15th centuries. Follow your guide and admire Piazza Della Signoria, dominated by the striking Palazzo Vecchio, Florence's Cathedral - the Duomo - with the adjacent bell tower (the Tower of Giotto) and the Baptistery with its famous, magnificent gold paneled ""Gates of Paradise"". After walking briefly along the river, you will arrive at the Ponte Vecchio, the world's most celebrated bridge. Once across the bridge you are in the Oltrarno neighbourhood, renowned for its picturesque atmosphere, artisan workshops and antique shops.

* I Bike Florence – bike tour in Florence (starting time: 10 a.m., duration 1,5 hours) Wishing to discover Florence's authentic soul, to roam the maze of quaint cobblestone alleys and small piazzas? The best way to get around, and make the most of it, is by bike! Enjoy yourself viewing the major sights, and explore different neighborhoods, the main historic center and Oltrarno, all traveling well off the beaten tourist path. During the bike tour uncover hidden views and secret spots of Florence! Admire the city's most impressive landmarks: Piazza della Repubblica, Piazza Strozzi, the Duomo, Santa Maria Novella, the artisan district, Palazzo Pitti, Ponte Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria, Santa Croce and more. Perfect for those visiting the ""cradle of the Renaissance"" for the first time, as well as for experienced visitors, our bike tours in Florence are the most diverting and enlightening way to visit the city. Bikers of all ages are welcome!

* Small group Accademia Gallery guided tour with skip the line tickets (starting time: 11 am and 1 pm., duration 1,5 hours) Your history expert guide will reveal the secrets of the Accademia Gallery, and the creation of Michelangelo’s world-renowned masterpiece - the original version of “David.” You will learn all about this sculpture in a vivid and interesting way. Your guide will show you the Hall of Prisoners and “San Matteo,” Michelangelo’s unfinished sculptures. This guided tour is a must-see for any art lover in the cradle of the Renaissance. Your guide will reveal interesting facts about the tormented life of the Tuscan artist. Michelangelo was not only a sculptor, but also a painter, an architect, and a sensitive poet. However, his genius matched his restlessness: his whole life was marked by the continuous struggle between form and content, between his religious devotion and his personal hidden desires. Step back in time and discover all the secrets of Michelangelo on this fascinating tour of the Accademia Gallery.

Day 5 - Florence to Venice

After breakfast, make your way to the train station and board your high-speed train to Venice Mestre. Check what platform is yours on boards, searching by train number; you will be in Venice Mestre in only 2 hours. Make your way and check in at your high quality 3* hotel personally selected by our staff. Thanks to the day at leisure, you will have the chance to start exploring the floating city, and lose yourself in its fascinating maze of alleys, canals and bridges. Venice city center is only 20 minutes away from your hotel; get lost in the Venetian alleys, visit the Dodge Palace or take a Gondola Ride. Overnight at your 3* hotel.

Day 6 - Venice

After breakfast it is time to discover Venice but who knows better than you what you would personally like to explore? You can choose among following alternatives,

* The wonderful Venetian lagoon: Murano & Burano by motorboat (starting time: 11.00 am., duration 1,5 hours) Jump aboard your motorboat to explore Murano and Burano, considered the most beautiful islands of the Venetian Lagoon. Your first stop will be Murano, a town famous for its production of blown glass. Today, all the local glass-blowing shops are located on Murano, and it has become the world’s largest and most famous manufacturer of blown glass! While independently discovering the island, stroll through the historic center in search of unique, glass souvenirs. Then, watch a master glass-blower create the products in front of you, as you discover the island’s secrets. Then hop back on the motorboat to reach the brightly, colored town of Burano, known as the city of lace. The tradition of creating lace originates directly from the women of the lagoon. For years, they have continued producing this unique lace, and it is truly a craftsmanship. While strolling through the narrow streets of the island in search of these precious and unique artifacts, you will be dazzled by the colorful houses that radiate a feeling of harmony and happiness.

* Discover Venice: guided walk between Piazza San Marco, Rialto Bridge, La Fenice theater & Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo (starting time: 3,45 pm., duration 1 h 15 min) Meet your local, professional guide as they take you on a fascinating guided walk in the historic center of Venice. You will depart from the most famous square in the city - Piazza San Marco, with its marvelous Golden Cathedral. Then continue to the San Marco Bell Tower, otherwise known as the ""landlord” to local Venetians. Discover the local legends about this extraordinary bell tower, a nationwide symbol of Italy. Then, follow your guide to the prestigious Teatro la Fenice, Venice’s main opera house. Then, continue toward Palazzo Contarini della Scala del Bovolo, a spectacular Gothic palace built in the fifteenth century, famous for its arches and mesmerizing, external spiral staircase. Follow your guide through the romantic alleyways of Venice, until you reach the iconic Rialto Bridge, built across the Grand Canal.

* Vaporetto & local transportation 2 days pass (starting time: at your leisure, duration 2 days) Take advantage of your 2 days pass and see Venice from vaporettos, traveling on the Grand Canal and admiring the architecture of the Venetian palazzi from every angle and light, is essential for any visit to the Serenissima! Explore the floating city widely for two full days, reach all the main attractions as many times as you want without worrying of tickets. Also the land bus transportation is included, this means it’s super useful to move from-to your accommodation in Venice Mestre.

* Gondola ride (starting time: 11 am and 3 pm, duration 30 minutes) Embark on an unforgettable tour of the “City on Water'' on a small gondola, holding a maximum of six people.This experience is not to be missed - the gondola is a truly unique form of transportation, with unparalleled speed and maneuverability. Moreover, it is a true masterpiece of craftsmanship, taking almost a year to build, with 280 pieces and 8 different types of wood. Despite its length, the gondola is designed to maneuver small spaces, especially the endless narrow canals of Venice. Your personal gondoliers, will mesmerize you with his incredible skills of balance and dexterity! Have your camera ready, and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime, as you witness Venice as you have never seen it before! Overnight at your 3* hotel."

Day 7 - Venice: end of the services

After breakfast, end of services. Feel free to add some extra nights or a private transfer to reach the next airport or railway station for your return.

Day 1: Arrive in Naples

Accommodation: Hotel Palazzo Salgar

Activities Included: Welcome dinner

Touch down in Naples and make your way to the hotel where you’ll be greeted by our Local Insider, who will accompany the group throughout the trip. At 6pm, join your fellow travellers for a welcome drink. Later on, head out for a three-course Neapolitan meal together – an ideal opportunity to get to know each other. After that, you might be tempted by a nightcap in a local bar – otherwise head back to the hotel for a good night’s rest ahead of your first full day.

Day 2: Join a street food tour of Naples

Accommodation: Hotel Santa Lucia, Minori

Activities Included: Naples street food tour

Learn all about the history of Neapolitan food and its importance to the city culture on a street food tour. Naples is of course synonymous with pizza and pasta, but there are many other local specialities such as sfogliatelle (a flaky, shell-shaped pastry typically filled with sweetened ricotta) and aubergine parmigiana (aubergine baked with layers of tomato sauce and mozzarella), which are well worth trying. Explore the city at leisure in the afternoon before taking a private transfer to the Amalfi Coast – your next stop.

Day 3: Cruise along the Amalfi Coast

Accommodation: Hotel Santa Lucia, Minori

Optional Activities: Amalfi Coast private boat tour

Today, the choice is yours. You could embark on a private boat tour of the Amalfi Coast to explore one of the most alluring stretches of coastline in Europe – or take the public ferry to either Amalfi or Positano and spend the day as you wish. Think pastel-coloured fishing villages set against the backdrop of dramatic cliffs and forests overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea. Whether you want to swim, relax on the beach or wander leisurely around the streets and piazzas of these picturesque villages, you won’t be short of options. Return to Minori in the evening.

Day 4: Explore the winding streets of ancient Matera

Accommodation: Corte San Pietro

Activities Included: Matera walking tour

Today we cross into the Basilicata region to reach Matera – known for its ancient hillside cave dwellings in the Unesco-listed Sassi area. Weave your way through the narrow, winding streets on a guided walking tour and discover why it was crowned 2019 European Capital of Culture. You may well recognise it from the latest James Bond movie, No Time to Die.

Day 5: Cycle through the Itria Valley by e-bike

Accommodation: Cala Ponte Hotel

Activities Included: Alberobello guided tour, Locorotondo visit, Itria Valley e-bike tour

You’ll continue eastwards into the Itria Valley – a particularly scenic part of the Puglia region. Marvel at the extraordinary trulli (traditional limestone dwellings with conical roofs) on a guided tour of Alberobello, and navigate the labyrinth of whitewashed alleyways and piazzas in Locorotondo, often regarded as one of the most photogenic towns in Puglia. Keen cyclist? You’ll also have the opportunity to hop on an e-bike and glide through a dreamy patchwork of olive groves and vineyards. Refuel with lunch in Locorotondo before heading to Polignano a Mare on the Adriatic coast – your home for the next two nights.

Day 6: Relax on the beaches of Polignano a Mare

Accommodation: Cala Ponte Hotel

Today is yours to spend as you wish. After a leisurely breakfast, why not head into the old town and soak up the laid-back atmosphere with a coffee in the main square, Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II? If you fancy catching rays, pack your beach towel and sprawl out at Lama Monachile (also known as Cala Porto), a secluded white-pebble beach sandwiched between craggy cliffs and bordered by a Roman-era bridge. As evening rolls in, make your way to the Pietra Piatta or Balconata sul Mare for wonderful views of the town and Adriatic Sea.

Day 7: Visit the Castellana Caves and taste Puglian olive oil

Accommodation: Arthotel & Park Lecce

Activities Included: Castellana Caves visit, Olive oil tasting & Ostuni walking tour

Wave goodbye to Polignano a Mare as you travel down the heel of the Italian boot to Lecce. Your first stop is at the Castellana Caves for a guided tour of karst chambers 70m (230ft) underground. You’ll then continue to Il Frantoio olive farm where you can taste the area’s famed olive oil from the source, before visiting the nearby hilltop town of Ostuni, nicknamed La Città Bianca (the White City) for its whitewashed buildings. Here, you’ll enjoy a guided walking tour followed by lunch at a masseria (traditional Puglian farmhouse).

Day 8: Explore Otranto and Santa Maria di Leuca

Accommodation: Arthotel & Park Lecce

Activities Included: Otranto private tour, Santa Maria di Leuca private tour

Your day starts with a guided tour of the Salento peninsula – the southernmost part of Puglia, home to some of the best beaches in Italy and baroque towns. First, you’ll be shown around Otranto, a city that bears strong Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Norman architectural influences; highlights include an 11th-century cathedral with an elaborate mosaic floor and the Aragonese Castle. It’s then time to explore Santa Maria di Leuca, known for its hilltop lighthouse and the Basilica De Finibus Terrae. Bring your camera to these vantage points to capture panoramic views of the town and coastline, where the Adriatic and Ionian seas merge.

Day 9: Admire the extravagant architecture of Lecce on a walking tour

Accommodation: Arthotel & Park Lecce

Activities Included: Lecce walking tour & Farewell dinner

Begin the final full day of your southern Italy adventure with a walking tour of Lecce, nicknamed the Florence of the South due to its honey-coloured baroque churches and palaces, with elaborately decorated façades, dotted throughout the old town. Spend the rest of your day at leisure, exploring independent craft shops, street cafés and cosy wine bars, as well as a superb selection of authentic Puglian restaurants. Come nightfall, cap off your trip with a memorable farewell dinner in the company of your fellow travellers.

Day 10: Depart from Lecce

It’s time to bid farewell to your new friends as your trip comes to an end. Check out of the hotel and make your way to Salento Airport to catch your flight home – or choose to extend your stay and experience what else Italy has to offer.