The greatest cities in Italy. Rome, Florence and Venice, will have you experiencing a country rich in history, art and food specialties.

 
Rich in history, art and food specialties. Venice's mystery, Florence's art history and Rome's rich culture are fully enjoyed as you also pick up on the Italian lifestyle!

10 Day Escorted Coach Tour

Tour Type: Free and Easy

Your Day By Day Itinerary: Day 1 - Arrive Rome (3 nights) Welcome to Rome, the Eternal City! After check-in, there is time to relax before meeting your Tour Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Drink tonight. Hotel: Anglo Americano / Grand Hotel Palatino (F) Day 2 - Rome sightseeing Michelangelo spent many years painting the ceiling and the 'Last Judgement' but you will have a little less time to admire it on your included visit of the Sistine Chapel inside the Vatican Museums! Your guided tour will continue with a visit of St. Peter's Basilica before crossing the River Tiber to ancient Rome where you overlook the Forum and then have an included interior visit of the mighty Colosseum. Finally see the Circus Maximus where Ben Hur style chariot racing took place, before time at leisure to explore the city further or to sit at a pavement cafe on the Via Veneto and watch the world go by. (Buffet Breakfast) Day 3 - Rome at leisure A full day at leisure to enjoy the many attractions this beguiling city has to offer. Utilise your included 'hop-on hop-off' sightseeing ticket or maybe take a full day excursion to see the renowned excavations at Pompeii, close to the Bay of Naples. This evening, why not throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain to ensure your return one day to the Eternal City! (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner) Day 4 - Rome – Assisi – Florence (3 nights) After breakfast leave the city and drive northward into the Apennine hills to the mystical town of Assisi built on the slopes of Mount Subasio. Enjoy a guided visit of the town including St. Francis' Basilica with its enchanting Giotto frescoes, also pass by the Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli, which stands on the site where St. Francis died. Then head north to Florence where your Tour Director will tell you the Renaissance history of this beautiful city. (Buffet Breakfast) Hotel: Ambasciatori / Carolus (F)

Essential Information First Class Travel Highlights First class hotel accommodation featuring twin rooms and private facilities All hotel service charges and tips, baggage handling fees and local taxes included Travel by luxury air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and onboard restroom The services of one of our professional Travel Directors throughout your journey. A qualified Local Guide in Rome, Bologna, Florence and Venice. Audio headsets for all guided visits and included sightseeing Capture treasured memories of your trip with a complimentary group photo taken at a landmark location. A stylish wallet, travel documents, keepsake booklet and map   Insider Highlights Hidden Treasure Enjoy at least one surprise Hidden Treasure experience, unique to your itinerary, courtesy of your expert Travel Director. Be My Guest Dinner with wine in Tuscany. Local Speciality Visit a traditional glass-blowing factory in Venice. Small Group Sightseeing In Venice, enjoy an expert guided walking tour with a group size of no more than 25 guests to enhance your experience.   Sightseeing Highlights Rome: Sightseeing tour includes an overview of the Roman Forum, a guided visit of the Colosseum, the Sistine Chapel, Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica. Assisi: Guided visit of St. Francis’ Basilica. Visit the Church of St. Mary of the Angels. Florence: Walking tour of the city. Visit the Basilica of Santa Croce and the tombs of Italy’s great men. Guided visit of the Academy of Fine Arts including Michelangelo’s David. Pisa: See the Leaning Tower. Bologna: Guided tour including ‘ the kissing towers’. Venice: Canal cruise by private launch. Guided walking tour of ‘Secret Venice’ to the Rialto Bridge and famous fish market. See St. Mark's Square, the Byzantine Basilica, Doges' Palace and the Bridge of Sighs. Visit a Murano glass-blowing workshop. Dining Highlights Welcome Reception including light snacks and Welcome Drinks with your Travel Director in Rome. 9 hot buffet breakfasts. 1 three-course dinner with local wine. Be My Guest dining experience in Tuscany. Farewell Dinner with wine in Venice.

---

Day 5 - Florence sightseeing

The medieval past of this culturally rich city is revealed to you on your guided walking tour. See the Piazza Signoria - the political centre of the 15th century city - with its impressive sculptures and imposing palazzos; the multi-coloured marble Duomo and famous Baptistery with the bronze doors designed by the Renaissance artist Ghiberti.

Visit the Basilica of Santa Croce where so many of the great men of Italy are buried. Finally enjoy a guided visit of the Academy of Fine Arts, where Michelangelo's statue of David will be the main focus.

This evening why not enjoy some delicious Tuscan cuisine in one of the country restaurants just outside the city? (Buffet Breakfast)

---

Day 6 - Florence – Excursion to Pisa

A short drive along the Arno Valley will bring you to the one-time maritime city of Pisa. Although famous for its Leaning Tower, Pisa has a lot more to offer. A beautifully sculpted marble Cathedral, the delicate lacework of its Baptistery as well as a cemetery which is said to contain soil brought from Calvary in the Holy Land.

You have time to explore these sights in the aptly named Square of Miracles. Later time to shop for high quality leather goods or 18 carat gold jewellery in Florence. This evening enjoy a delicious 'Be My Guest' dinner in an authentic Tuscan restaurant. (Buffet Breakfast / Be My Guest dinner)

---

Day 7 - Florence – Bologna – Venice (3 nights)

Cross the Apennines and enter the gastronomic heart of the country in Emilia Romagna, where you stop in the provincial capital of Bologna. Famed for its various sausages and salamis, Bologna is also home to one of the oldest universities in Europe.

It is a charming city of arcades and more leaning towers - two of which are known as 'the kissing towers' as they lean towards each other as if in an embrace! These sights and more will be included on your tour with the local expert guide.

Then across the plains of the Veneto to Venice - a city built to defend itself from Barbarians attacking from the north, and constructed on wooden piles in the Venetian Lagoon. There is no other city like it - it is sure to put a spell on you!

This evening there would be no better introduction to this enchanting place than a gondola ride along the picturesque canals. Dinner is included at your hotel. (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

Hotel: Continental (F)

---

Day 8 - Venice – Canal cruise and orientation

Savour the sights and sounds of this Byzantine city as you cruise across to St. Mark's Square by private launch. See the Bridge of Sighs, Palladian Churches, Customs House, Grand Canal, St Mark's Basilica and Campanile as well as the Doge's Palace on your orientation of the city.

A stroll across St. Mark's Square will bring you to one of the oldest glass-blowing workshops on the islands to witness how this ancient craft is performed.

Then you are free to visit the Fine Arts Academy or to spend some time at one of the cafes on St. Mark's Square - the most elegant drawing room in Europe. You could also consider a lagoon cruise to the Island of Burano for a delicious seafood lunch! (Buffet Breakfast)

---

Day 9 - Secret Venice walking tour & visit to the market

Today enjoy informative commentary from your local guide as you cruise along the Grand Canal to the Rialto Bridge. Cross the Rialto and visit the colourful fish market which has existed for centuries.

A walking tour takes you through the 'calle' seeing sites such as the house of Marco Polo and other unusual as well as beautiful architectural works of art. The balance of the day is at leisure to visit one of the many museums or art galleries.

This evening get together with your fellow and celebrate the last night of your tour at a Farewell Dinner in a local restaurant. (Buffet Breakfast / Farewell Dinner)

---

Day 10 - Depart Venice

This morning wish Italy ‘arrivederci’ as our tour comes to an end. An airport transfer is available, conditions apply. (Buffet breakfast)

---

To request a Trafalgar Brochure click here

Ahhh...3 nights in the greatest cities in Italy.  Fly into Rome and depart Venice and enjoy the sightseeing highlights along the way from $3,435pp share twin.

Departs Fridays from 20 April to 26 October 2012

Request a Fine Travel Email Consultation
We guarantee to reply within 24 hours Monday to Friday
Phone us on: 09 921 5178 or Free Phone: 0800 00 3463
Subject to availability and standard travel terms