Best of Italy (Venice to Rome) (2024) (Standard)

Begin your Italian adventure in the magical city of Venice. From there, we'll journey to the wine-producing Romagna countryside, where you'll spend three nights in a charming wine resort. On the way, we'll visit the Republic of San Marino, a fascinating enclave state of Italy. Embrace the history, culture, art, and romance of this incredible country.

Welcome to the enchanting city of Venice, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its intricate network of tiny islands, canals, and bridges. This evening, get to know your fellow travelers over a delightful welcome dinner.

Today, delve into Venice's traditional craftsmanship at a local Remèr oar-making workshop. Join a guided walking tour to explore the city's iconic sights, including the Bridge of Sighs and St. Mark's Square. Later, witness an expert glass-blowing demonstration on the island of Murano. In the evening, enjoy a gondola ride along the canals and a live performance of Antonio Vivaldi's Four Seasons.

Bid farewell to Venice as we journey towards the Romagna region, renowned for its epicurean lifestyle. En route, visit the UNESCO-listed Po Delta, a fascinating wetland that offers a glimpse into the ancient Roman settlements. Explore the wetlands by pontoon boat and learn about the lives of local fishermen and farmers. After a lunch stop at a local restaurant, continue to your hotel in the Romagna countryside for a three-night stay.

Today, choose between a relaxing day at your wine resort hotel with an organic wine-infused mud treatment at the onsite spa, or a day trip to the UNESCO-listed city of Ravenna. If you opt for Ravenna, join a guided walking tour to discover the city's dazzling mosaics and illustrious monuments. In the evening, participate in a hands-on cooking class featuring Romagna's traditional pasta dishes, followed by a delightful dinner.

Today, we'll travel to the Republic of San Marino, the world's fifth-smallest country. Explore the UNESCO-listed Old Town perched atop Mount Titano, offering panoramic views over the Adriatic Riviera and the Romagna countryside. Spend your time exploring the town's fortification towers, walls, gates, and bastions. In the evening, enjoy a wine-pairing dinner at your wine resort hotel.

Travel to the Emilia region, Italy's foodie paradise. Visit a vocational high school where future chefs and farmers learn traditional cheese-making and vinegar-aging processes. Enjoy a farm-to-table lunch prepared by the culinary students. Later, continue to Florence, the 'Cradle of the Renaissance', where you'll spend the next two nights.

Join a local expert for a walking tour of Florence, a city that is a masterpiece in itself. Visit the Piazza del Duomo, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, the Baptistery, and the Piazza della Signoria with its impressive Palazzo Vecchio. Spend the rest of the day exploring the city's cultural treasures at your own pace.

Travel through southern Tuscany, the ancient land of the Etruscans, to the town of Chiusi. Join a guided walking tour to explore the town's underground water system and visit the archaeological museum. In the afternoon, arrive in Rome, the 'Eternal City', for a three-night stay.

Explore Rome's early Christian legacy with a visit to the Catacombs. Then, embark on a walking tour to discover the city's Renaissance and Baroque heritage, featuring the Pantheon and Navona Square. Spend the afternoon exploring more of Rome's iconic sites at your leisure.

Enjoy a free day in Rome. You might choose to stroll through the Borghese Gardens for city views or join an optional guided tour of the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and Saint Peter's Basilica. In the evening, celebrate the end of your Italian adventure with a food tour in Rome's bohemian Trastevere district.

Your Italian adventure comes to a close today. Depart with cherished memories of the incredible experiences and the beautiful places you've visited.