10 Day Venice, Florence & Rome by Rail 2017 Itinerary

Gondola Serenade (#9) One of the highlights of any Italian holiday! Enjoy a relaxing gondola ride with music along the famous Grand Canal, and experience a piece of Venetian history. Glide along the centuries old canals, past lavish palaces and under famous arched bridges (the Gondola holds a maximum of six passengers. Please note that this is not a private gondola ride. Gondolas may depart in groups, with one singer offered per group). Departs at 6:30 pm (Apr - Oct), 3:30 pm (Nov -Mar). Pick-up 15 minutes prior to departure time from Santa Maria del Giglio gondola pier. Drop-off at Santa Maria del Giglio gondola pier. Approximate tour duration is 30 minutes. OnDay : 3 Price : $45 Walking Tour of Venice (#1) 8:45 AM This morning's walking tour through the most charismatic and important historical places in the unique city of Venice begins with an orientation of St. Mark's Square, considered the historical heart of the city, where you will learn about the Square's main monuments including the Golden Basilica of San Marco, Ducal Palace, the Bell and Clock Towers, and the Procuratie buildings. Proceed to Santa Maria Formosa Square and Campo SS. Giovanni e Paolo, the second largest square in Venice. Continue on to the corner of Marco Polo's House and Malibran Theater. Then, return to St. Mark's Square through the Mercerie, a series of interconnecting streets that connect Ponte di Rialto and St. Mark's Square, and are the main streets in the city for shopping. Please note: This is a walking and orientation tour of Venice that does not include entry into any landmarks. Departs daily at 8:50 am from in front of the Bucintoro agency in Campo San Luca. Drop-off to be advised locally. Approximate tour duration is 1.5 hours. OnDay : 3 Price : $27 Florence Morning City Tour 9:00 AM This morning, depart for a quick stop at Piazzale Michelangelo, one of the most romantic spots in the world, famous for its magnificent panoramic view of Florence. Continue on to visit the Accademia Gallery, renowned for its David of Michelangelo and many more masterpieces by other great artists. After a short stroll through the historic streets of the city, arrive in the heart of Florence: Piazza Duomo. Here you will view the stunning Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, learn the secrets of Giotto's Bell Tower, and discover the beauty of the Baptistery. Please note that the given order of the visits may change. Departs 9:00am from Piazza Adua, in front of the Burger King. Please arrive 20 minutes prior to departure. Approximate tour duration is 3 hours. Drop-off at city center. OnDay : 5 Price : $61 Pisa Tour from Florence 2:45 PM This afternoon, enjoy a relaxing drive through the beautiful Tuscan countryside towards the historic University city of Pisa, famous throughout the world for its architectural beauty. Enjoy a leisurely walk through the Piazza dei Miracoli to view Pisa's most prized landmark, the Leaning Tower, as well as the Cathedral, Baptistery, and other famous monuments for which the city is known. Due to possible long wait times during peak periods of travel, the Cathedral of Pisa may be substituted with the Piazza Cavalieri. Children under 8 years are not allowed inside the Leaning Tower. Departs 2:45pm from Piazza Adua, in front of the Burger King. Please arrive 20 minutes prior to departure. Approximate tour duration is 5 hours. Drop-off at city center. OnDay : 5 Price : $49 Siena, San Gimignano, Monteriggioni & Chianti from Florence 8:45 AM Crossing the beautiful Chianti hills arrive at the Medieval hilltop gem of Monteriggioni, with its still intact walls. Here you can drink in the history and relive the atmosphere of olden times. Your day continues to the stately Siena, famous for its splendid examples of Gothic architecture and the Palio horse race. Follow your guide to the suggestive Piazza del Campo, where the magnificent Palazzo Pubblico stands, with its Torre del Mangia. Visit the precious interiors of the Duomo, one of the most beautiful Cathedrals in Italy. After leaving Siena drive to San Gimignano famous for its white wine, the world renowned Vernaccia, and its skyscrapers, also declared a World heritage Site by UNESCO! The visit is free for independent sightseeing, strolling around the narrow streets and admiring the relaxing landscape. After, head into the Chianti area, with its picture-postcard landscapes. You have the chance to taste the best Chianti red wine in a rustic wine estate along with homemade snacks, with a tour of the wine cellars and sampling of wines, oil and balsamic vinegar. Please note that the given order of the visits may change. Departs from Bar Reale, inside Santa Maria Novella Train Station. Please arrive 20 minutes prior to departure, or call Local Phone above 24 hours prior to check if a transfer from your hotel is available. Drop-off at city center. Approximate tour duration is 10 hours. OnDay : 6 Price : $65 #3 Vatican Museums 8:30 AM This morning, depart from Piazza del Risorgimento, in front of Bar-Cafferteria "L’Ottagono", and travel along Via Bissolati and Via Veneto. Pass by Villa Borghese, one of Europe's most elegant parks, and previous estate of the noble Borghese family. The tour continues to the Vatican Museum and Galleries, where you will find galleries of chandeliers, tapestries, geographical maps, the Sobieski Hall and the Immaculate Conception Hall. From here, visit the Sistine Chapel and behold the great frescoes by Michelangelo. Passing through the Vatican Hall, continue to the Basilica of Saint Peter, one of the four major basilicas of Rome, and burial site of its namesake, Saint Peter. *Due to local events, the opening times of the St. Peter Basilica are subject to change without notice. In the event of a closure, passengers will visit the Vatican Library instead of the Basilica. *Please note that on Wednesdays during the Holy Father's Audience, the visit inside St. Peter's Basilica will not take place. *Please note that conservative clothing should be worn when visiting the Vatican, meaning legs and shoulders should be covered. Departs at 8:30 am from Piazza del Risorgimento. Pick-up from hotel approximately 1 hour prior to departure time. Drop-off in the Vatican area. Approximate tour duration is 3.5 hours. OnDay : 8 Price : $75 #2 Ancient Rome 2:30 PM Today's tour will feature the classic splendor of the Roman Empire. Leave via di San Gregorio at the marble fountain, opposite side of the entrance to Palatine Hill. Continue to the square of the Capitol, where you can climb Palatine and Capitoline Hill to admire the unique sight of the Forum and the Colosseum, one of Rome's most ancient districts. Walk along the pavement of the original Roman grid, which crosses the ruins of the Roman Forum, the Curia, and the Reggia. Enjoy views of the Temple of Vesta, the Arch of Titus and the Triumphal Arch of Constantine. Continue with an inside tour of the Colosseum, a giant amphitheater used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles, and the largest building ever built in the Roman Empire. Departs at 3 pm (Mar 16-Nov 15) and 2.30 pm (Nov 16-Mar 15) from Via V. E. Orlando, 95. Pick-up from hotel 1 hour prior to departure time. Drop-off in the Archaeological area. Approximate tour duration is 3 hours. Important: Due to security restrictions no backpacks, large bags, electric devices, or knives are allowed inside of the sights. OnDay : 8 Price : $66 #M9 Campo de Fiori, Jewish Ghetto & Trastevere Food Tour 10:30 AM Small groups will be led by a local food connoisseur through several Roman neighborhoods to visit the most famous markets, groceries, coffee shops, gelaterias and restaurants. Discover the secrets of world-renowned Italian cuisine while visiting Campo de Fiori, the Jewish Ghetto, and Trastevere as you learn how to properly order food in Rome and sample some Italian specialties. Drop-off in Trastevere area. Approximate tour duration is 3.5 hours. OnDay : 9 Price : $83 #8 Illuminated Rome by Night 8:45 PM This evening, depart Piazza San Bernardo for an illuminated tour of Rome's historic piazzas and fountains. Along the way to the famous Piazza della Repubblica, enjoy flood-lit views of the Palazzo Margherita, Porta Pinciana, Villa Borghese, Piazzale Flaminio, Via Flaminia, Piazza del Popolo, Piazza Augusto Imperatore, and Via del Corso. Arriving at the Piazza della Repubblica, visit Trevi Fountain, the largest and most exquisite Baroque fountain in Rome, before continuing along the Via Quattro Fontane to view the equally impressive, Fountains of the Four Seasons. From Piazza Venezia, enjoy charming views of the Memorial of King Vittorio Emanuele II and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. From this prime vantage point, admire the Capitol, Imperial Forum, Colosseum, Palatine Hill, Aventine Hill, Circus Maximus, and the Great Synagogue, overlooking the former Jewish ghetto. Conclude this fascinating tour of the Eternal City by night with views of the Castel Sant'Angelo and St. Peter's Basilica on your return. Departs from the I Love Rome Office, Via V.E. Orlando N. 95. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to departure. Drop off in city center. Approximate tour duration is 2 hours. OnDay : 9 Price : $52

Additional Information: Upgrade to First Class rail is available for Plan C and Plan B.