Compare Lake Como, Venice, Florence & Rome 2024 by Tauck vs Venice to Rome Classic Italy Family Trip by Nancy Aiello Tours
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
4 | Great
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 10 days | 10 days |
| Price From | $ 9,490 | $ 7,194 |
| Price Per Day | $ 949 | $ 719 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Private guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Luxury |
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| Flights & Transport | No | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | N/A |
Breakfast |
| Description |
Experience romantic landscapes that have inspired the imagination of poets, artists and writers for centuries, from Lake Como to the lush Tuscan countryside and the timeless treasures of Venice, Florence and Rome. |
Take this fun-filled Italy family trip with your kids and have the bonding experience of a lifetime. The 10 days itinerary covers the most popular destinations in Italy for families: Venice, Florence, and Rome. We created this journey as the perfect first trip to Italy with kids of all ages. Nevertheless, will please well-traveled Italy enthusiasts too! The whole clan will enjoy private immersive experiences, ample time for on own exploration, and quality time together. This Italy family trip is an enriching, educational experience for kids and their parents. |
Day 1 Arrive Milan and on to Menaggio on Lake Como
Tour begins: 6:30 PM, Grand Hotel Victoria Concept & Spa. A transfer is included from Milan's Malpensa Airport to Grand Hotel Victoria Concept & Spa in Menaggio, on Lake Como. Upon arrival, travel through the beautiful northern Italian countryside from Milan to your 5* 19th-century grand hotel in beautiful Menaggio on the shores of bejeweled Lake Como. Meet your fellow traveling companions at a welcome cocktail reception and dinner at your hotel.
MEALS : D
LODGING : Grand Hotel Victoria Concept & Spa
PORTOFCALL : Bellagio, Italy
Day 2 A Villa on fashionable Lake Como
Your travels take you by private boat to visit Villa del Balbianello; set on a wooded peninsula that juts into the lake, it was built in the late 18th century on the site of a Franciscan monastery. Noted for its exquisite landscaping and sculpture, the villa features spectacular terraced gardens ablaze with magnolias, cypresses, azaleas and more against dramatic views of the distant Alps and the famous shore of Lake Como, and appeared as a location in the James Bond film Casino Royale and in Star Wars II: Attack of the Clones. Cruise to the lovely village of Bellagio for lunch, and some free time to explore, before returning to Menaggio late afternoon; spend the evening as you wish.
MEALS : B, L
LODGING : Grand Hotel Victoria Concept & Spa
PORTOFCALL : Bellagio, Italy
Day 3 From Lake Como to Venice
En route to Venice, stop in the Veneto region for a lunch at a wine relais in the countryside, paired with a wine pairing from the Veneto region. Continue on to Venice, uniquely designed along an intricate system of canals within a lagoon. A private boat transfer on the iconic canals brings you to the heart of Venice; enjoy an iconic Venetian experience – a gondola cruise through the city's historic canals as local musicians serenade you with traditional Italian songs. Transfer by private boat to your home for the next two nights in Venice – Splendid Venice; this evening, join us for a Tauck Exclusive – an after-hours visit to St. Mark's Basilica, one of Europe's architectural masterpieces with its exquisite mosaics and detailed carvings.
MEALS : B, L, D
LODGING : Splendid Venice
PORTOFCALL : Venice, Italy
Day 4 St. Mark's & Venice as you please
Start the day in Venice with guided visits to Piazza San Marco (St. Mark's Square) and the Doge's Palace, an extraordinary palace that was once the seat of Venetian government. Spend the rest of the day and evening experiencing more of Venice at your leisure – perhaps exploring the small islands of the Venetian Lagoon; viewing one of the world's largest collections of Venetian art at the Galleria dell'Accademia; or visiting the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, a head-turning display of modern art housed in Guggenheim's former home on the Grand Canal, the 18th-century Palazzo Venier dei Leoni; your Tauck Director can offer recommendations.
MEALS : B
LODGING : Splendid Venice
PORTOFCALL : Venice, Italy
Day 5 High-speed rail to Florence
Travel Italy by high-speed rail today from Venice to Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance. Get an introduction to the city's architectural landmarks and great artists from a local art historian; view Lorenzo Ghiberti's bronze doors with detailed panels at the Baptistry, part of the Duomo of Santa Maria del Fiori complex. Your art lecture is a fitting prelude to today's visit to Galleria dell'Accademia, Europe's oldest art school and home to many of the world's most beloved paintings and sculpture, including Michelangelo's famed statue of David. Later, a walking tour explores the historical center of Florence, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Have dinner this evening at a Florentine osteria, known for Tuscan specialties.
MEALS : B, L, D
LODGING : The St. Regis Florence
PORTOFCALL : Florence, Italy
Day 6 The Uffizi & time at leisure in Florence
The day is free to explore Florence as you please; perhaps you may want to visit the Pitti Palace, the Medici Chapels or stroll across the Ponte Vecchio to the lovely Boboli Gardens. Tonight, we invite you to join us for a Tauck Exclusive – an after-hours visit to Florence's extraordinary Uffizi Gallery, Italy's largest art museum and one of the first art galleries in the world (subject to availability and day of the tour may vary), where you'll gaze at some of the world's greatest art masterpieces on a guided tour with a local expert. You'll be introduced to masterpiece works by Botticelli, Michelangelo, Raphael, Lippi, Leonardo da Vinci, and many more Renaissance masters; you have time to study, and contemplate, without the day crowds.
MEALS : B
LODGING : The St. Regis Florence
PORTOFCALL : Florence, Italy
Day 7 Through Tuscany & Umbria via Siena to Rome
Travel Italy through lush Tuscan landscapes this morning, featuring olive groves, cypress trees, and vineyards, including the region that produces Chianti wine. Stop in the medieval hill town of Siena, and wander through its narrow centuries-old streets. See the Piazza del Campo where the Palio bareback horse race is held, and visit the Duomo, one of Italy's great cathedrals, with scenes inlaid in the marble floors and sculpture by Michelangelo. Continue through scenic Umbria and Lazio to your final destination – Rome, the Eternal City that was the center of the once-powerful Roman Empire, and is today the capital of modern Italy – for a three-night stay at one of Europe's finest hotels. Indulge this evening with dinner at a Roman neighborhood restaurant known for its regional cuisine.
MEALS : B, D
LODGING : The St. Regis Rome
PORTOFCALL : Siena, Italy
Day 8 St. Peter's & after-hours at the Vatican Museums
Your first full day in Rome begins with a visit to one of the world's most famous houses of worship, immense St. Peter's Basilica, and St. Peter's Square. The remainder of the day is free to explore Rome as you please before this evening's Tauck Exclusive! An after-hours guided visit to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel (subject to availability; day and time of the visit may vary) gives you privileged access to the treasures of the Vatican, without the day's crowds. See the Candelabra Gallery, Map Gallery and the Tapestries; it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see some of the world's great masterpieces, including Michelangelo's famous Sistine Chapel ceiling frescoes, without the usual crowds. Up close and unhurried, you'll have a chance to see firsthand why the chapel's floor is as famous as its celebrated ceiling!
MEALS : B
LODGING : The St. Regis Rome
PORTOFCALL : Rome, Italy
Day 9 The glories of Imperial Rome
Get an insider's view of Imperial Rome from a local guide on a city sightseeing tour – view such can't-miss sights as the Roman Forum, Circus Maximus and more. Spend some more time this afternoon exploring the "Eternal City" as you wish prior to this evening's farewell cocktail party and dinner at your hotel in Rome – a fitting finale to your extraordinary adventure to three of Italy's greatest cities.
MEALS : B, D
LODGING : The St. Regis Rome
PORTOFCALL : Rome, Italy
Day 10 Journey Home
Tour ends: Rome. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from The St. Regis Rome to Leonardo da Vinci Airport in Fiumicino; allow 3 hours for check-in.
MEALS : B
PORTOFCALL : Rome, Italy
Day 1: Welcome to Venice - Explore Magical Venice by Land & Water
Your Italy family trip begins with a private boat transfer from Venice’s airport to to the hotel of your choice for 2 nights. Spend some time to relax then, get acquainted with the real Venice soul. Stroll along winding back streets and canals while your private guide tells you the stories behind the history of this fairytale city surrounded by water! Following your immersive stroll, your guide leaves you in the safe hands of a master gondolier. Travel like a local on a traditional gondola down the Grand Canal for a different perspective of the city. The evening is yours to do as you please.
Day 2: Murano Island Exclusive Glassblowing Experience
Meet your private guide and embark on a scenic trip to the Venetian island of Murano. Cruise down Venice Lagoon aboard a luxury speedboat to see glass-makers in action at an exclusive factory. Our glass master and his team will introduce you to the amazing secrets of glass blowing an art passed on from father to son through the centuries. The live demonstration of sand being turned into glowing globes and then delicate stemware or decorative animal shapes will delight kids of all ages. Enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure - tailored recommendations will be provided.
Day 3: Departure from Venice on 1st Class High-Speed Train to Florence
This morning, you will be escorted from your hotel by private water taxi to Venice railway station. Travel first class aboard a high-speed train that will whisk you directly into the heart of Florence in just 2 hour and 15 minutes. Upon arrival, you will be met by a private driver and escorted to the hotel of your choice for 3 nights. The afternoon is free for you relax, enjoy your surroundings or we can help you with tailored recommendations.
Day 4: Explore Renaissance Florence in the Footsteps of Michelangelo
Florence is a historic jewel and World Heritage site where the Renaissance spirit and genius flourished and famous figures such as Dante, Giotto, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, and Michelangelo walked the cobblestone streets. During a morning walking tour, you ‘ll learn about its rich artistic history as you view many of its main piazzas, streets, churches, and palaces. Your private guide provides additional insight as you visit the Academia where Michelangelo’s famous statue of David awaits. Following the tour spend the rest of the day at your leisure - tailored recommendations will be provided.
Day 5: Journey through Tuscany - Siena & San Gimignano
Make the most of your time in Tuscany with a full-day excursion to two of its most prominent hill towns. This morning your private driver-guide will take you through the marvelous Tuscany countryside to discover other two World Heritage sites: the medieval towns of Siena and San Gimignano. Adults and children alike will easily imagine life in the Middle Ages, when such fortified hill towns also served as fortresses. Head back to Florence in the afternoon with the rest of the day at your leisure- tailored recommendations will be provided.
Day 6: Departure from Florence to Rome via Orvieto
After checking out of the hotel, your private driver-guide will meet you at the hotel for your journey south to Rome stopping en route in the upper town of Orvieto. This historic town is famous for is striking Cathedral, the Orvieto DOC white wine, and local cuisine. Enjoy some free time with personalized suggestions on things to see and places to eat from your expert driver-guide. Stroll around the historic city and stop for lunch. Then, continue on to Rome where you will be staying for 4 nights. Enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure.
Day 7: Rome Discover
Stumble upon incredible fountains, piazzas and off the beaten path gems on a privately guided exploration designed to enchant travelers of all ages. Begin your morning with a walking tour of key sites that played a role in the city’s rich history including the Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona and the Trevi Fountain. A great introduction to a city packed to the brim with ancient wonders and our warm welcome to Rome! Enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure - tailored recommendations will be provided.
Day 8: Journey into the Ancient Roman World
Devote the day to exposing your kids to the sites and stories of ancient Rome. Begin at the iconic Colosseum, where your private guide describes the dramatic history of the amphitheater, home to gladiators, mock sea-battles, and executions. Then walk through the adjacent Roman Forum, the heart of Roman public life. Finally, on the Palatine Hill admire the panoramic view of the Roman Forum and Circus Maximus, where chariot races were once held. Enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure- tailored recommendations will be provided.
Day 9: Early Morning Vatican City Visit
Expose your kids to one of the most spectacular museums in the world with a private guided tour of the Vatican Museums—a treasure trove of ancient Greek sculptures and Renaissance paintings and see the Sistine Chapel at its least crowded hours. Your tour of Vatican City concludes at St. Peter’s Basilica, the largest church in Christendom, where your guide provides insight into its many treasures, including Michelangelo’s Pieta and Bernini’s seven-story bronze canopy. Enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure - tailored recommendations will be provided.
Day 10: Depart Rome
Say 'ciao Italia' at the end of your successful Italian adventure as you prepare to return home with fantastic memories of your Italy family trip. In good time for your departure flight or train, you’ll be picked up at your hotel for a comfortable private transfer to your departure airport or railway station. Buon Viaggio!
