Spend today exploring the magnificent floating city of Venice. Follow you guide as you walk the narrow alleys and cross picturesque bridges over peaceful canals to discover the city’s most beautiful sites, including the lively Piazza San Marco with its miraculous Byzantine basilica, the grand Doge’s Palace and the spectacular Rialto Bridge, which arches over the Grand Canal.
Later, you’re free to explore this glorious city’s twisting streets at leisure, perhaps paying a visit to the legendary Bridge of Sighs – a beautiful structure, so-named for its tragic history. Alternatively, choose to join an optional lagoon cruise to Murano and Burano, famous for glassmaking, lacework and brightly coloured stonework (surcharges apply).
In the early evening, climb into a gondola for a magical ride along the canals on your way to a decadent farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Optional Activity:
- Murano & Burano Venitian Lagoon cruise (surcharges apply).
Gather your energy with a filling breakfast, then head south to beautiful Bologna. Soaring towers, stunning churches and lengthy porticoes paint a picture of rich architectural heritage. Take a guided tour of this warm and welcoming city and visit the Archiginnasio, home to the historic Anatomical Theatre. This awe-inspiring palace was formerly part of the University of Bologna – opened in the 11th century and thought to be the oldest university in the world.
Continue to Florence, the capital of Tuscany and known as the birthplace of the Renaissance. Spend your evening in your comfortable hotel and choose to step out into the glittering streets by night.
Rise and shine with a refreshing breakfast, then join a guided walking tour through the storied streets of this marvellous jewel of the Renaissance. With its extensive cultural heritage and far-reaching influence, Florence is a living expression of one of Italy’s most enduring artistic movements.
Admire the beautiful bustle of the Piazza della Signoria, the elegant grandeur of Florence Cathedral and its eye-catching red duomo and soaring bell tower, the octagonal oddity of the Battistero and the medieval Ponte Vecchio bridge, spanning the Arno River.
Spend the afternoon freely wandering the city of arts, perhaps choosing to visit the Uffizi Gallery for a chance to witness Botticelli’s masterpiece, ‘The Birth of Venus’.
Wake to a hearty buffet breakfast and enjoy a day at leisure. Choose to wander the cobbled streets in search of ultra-delicious gelato, sit down for a plate of tagliatelle funghi porcini e tartufo (fresh mushroom pasta) or step into the Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze to see the statue of David, Michelangelo’s masterpiece (surcharges apply).
Alternatively, decide to join an optional full-day excursion to nearby Pisa, where you can see the famous leaning tower, and the Renaissance-era structure of Lucca, an Italian ‘City of Art’ (surcharges apply).
Optional activities:
- Day tour of Pisa and Lucca (surcharges apply).
Waste no time this morning as you set out on the road to Chianti. The heart of Italy’s wine country, Chianti is an idyllic landscape of gently rolling hills and bucolic stone villages.
Above all, Chianti is known for its titular wine, produced primarily with red Sangiovese grapes. Let vibrant fruity notes and contrasting herbal tones dance across your palate as you join a tasting at one of the region’s best vineyards.
Continue to Siena, an historic city encircled by walls constructed in the Middle Ages. Follow your local guide through the streets to immerse yourself in the art, culture and traditions, then stop for an ‘aperitivo’ of local wine and light lunch in the renowned Piazza del Campo.
Later, depart for Perugia, where you’ll check in at your hotel and spend the evening at leisure.
Start your day exploring the university town of Perugia, famed for its arts festivals and cultural events. As the capital of Italy’s central Umbria region, this city boasts medieval palaces, a Gothic cathedral and Renaissance artwork aplenty.
Continue on to Assisi where Saint Francis, founder of the Franciscan Order, was born. Gaze upon the 13th-century basilicas of Saint Francis and his contemporary Saint Clare, who together established the ‘Poor Clares’ as a branch of the Franciscan Order.
This afternoon, depart for Rome and check in at your hotel. Spend the rest of your day acquainting yourself with this nonstop metropolis at your own pace.
Nowhere does romance like Rome – this city is a buzzing blend of contemporary culture and rich history.
Step out on a morning discovery tour, marvelling at the cobbled alleys and impressive sites that pepper this urban landscape. Your tour culminates at enormous Saint Peter’s Square, right at the doorstep of Saint Peter’s Basilica and Vatican City. Join your guide as you enter the jaw-dropping Sistine Chapel. Turn your eyes to the heavens and survey the profoundly moving ceiling fresco, painted by the inimitable Michelangelo.
Later, choose to spend your leisure time absorbing the views at Piazza Navona and the incredible Pantheon. Don’t miss your chance to throw a coin into the legendary Trevi Fountain and make a wish.
Indulge in a buffet breakfast at your hotel, then set about on a day of discovery at leisure.
Choose to view the masterworks of Caravaggio, Canova and Raphael at the Borghese Gallery, watch the playful resident cats of Largo di Torre Argentina leaping and lazing around the temple ruins, or cool off with a scoop at hidden gem Gelateria del Teatro.
Perhaps you’ll decide to join an optional art walk, visiting Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano and witnessing the grand sculpture of Moses at San Pietro in Vincoli (surcharges apply).
In the early evening, regroup with your fellow travellers for a sumptuous farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Optional activities:
- Cathedral art excursion (surcharges apply).
After breakfast, say a fond farewell to the Eternal City as you take a private transfer to Rome International Airport (FCO) for your onward journey.