8 Days Simply Italy Tour Package

Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights
Priced From: $1,199 pp dbl. occ.
Dates: Jan - Apr 

A purely regional tour of Italy from Rome to Florence, Venice and back to the city of the Romans. Experience a canal ride by private launch in Venice. Special audio systems are provided in Rome and Florence to enhance your experience. Enjoy scenic drives through Chianti, the Po Valley and the Apennine Mountains.

Day 2 - Arrive Rome (2 nights)
Welcome to Rome, capital of Italy, and the Eternal City! The rest of the day is free to relax or explore on your own. This evening we enjoy a Welcome Drink with our Tour Director and fellow travelers. Afterwards, maybe enjoy an evening illuminations tour of the city or join the evening throng in cosmopolitan Piazza Navona with its centerpiece of Bernini’s magnificent fountain.

Hotel: Novadomus

Day 3 - Rome sightseeing and at leisure
Our morning sightseeing tour of the Eternal City with a local guide includes Michelangelo’s magnificent depiction of the Creation on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, as well as St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. Our visit of the Basilica – built at the spot where St. Peter is said to have died – will include Michelangelo’s moving statue of the ‘Pietà’, as well as the colonnades around St. Peter’s Square guarded by the gaily attired Swiss Guards. Then we cross the River Tiber to reach
Ancient Rome but first pause in Piazza Venezia where we may take pictures of the ‘Wedding Cake’ or monument to Victor Emmanuel, the first king of a unified Italy. We will also see the 15th century Palazzo Venezia as well as the Campidoglio.

We continue along the Via Sacra to the Roman Forum and we visit the breathtaking Colosseum, the most famous monument of Ancient Rome. Originally known as Flavian’s Amphitheatre, it was started by the Emperor Vespasian between 70 and 76 AD – and today is still standing! Finally we see the Roman’s favourite chariot racing stadium – the Circus Maximus overlooked by the Palatine Hill. Later maybe visit the Catacombs and Pantheon or relax, sip a cappucino and watch the world go by in a sidewalk café on the famous Via Veneto. This evening, why not try one of the many trattorias for dinner, and don’t forget to throw a coin in the famous Trevi Fountain to ensure your speedy return. (Buffet breakfast)

Day 4 - Rome – Florence (2 nights)
We drive through the Lazio region, following the upper valley of the Tiber, before driving through peaceful Umbria. We continue into the lush green hills of Tuscany where we join the valley of the river Arno and soon arrive in Renaissance Florence. This afternoon perhaps take a leisurely stroll through the medieval streets of the city and visit some of its magnificent museums and galleries. (Buffet breakfast)

Hotel: Grand Hotel Mediterraneo

Day 5 - Florence sightseeing and at leisure
Our sightseeing tour of this beautiful city on foot includes the Cathedral, the Baptistery with its magnificent bronze doors, the Signoria Square with its Renaissance sculptures and the fine marble architecture of the Santa Croce Basilica, which we visit to see the resting place of Michelangelo and many other great artists, scientists and politicians. There’s time to shop for fine leather goods and 18-carat gold designer jewelry before perhaps taking an excursion to Pisa – famous for its amazing Leaning Tower. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner)

Day 6 - Florence – Venice
Today it’s a short drive to magical Venice where we enjoy a canal cruise by private motor launch to St. Mark’s Square, viewing the Bridge of Sighs, the Doge’s Palace and St Mark’s Basilica. Later we visit a traditional glass-blowing factory and our Tour Director shows us a Hidden Treasure of this unique city! Perhaps discover the Island of Burano – one of the many islands in the lagoon – and enjoy a delicious seafood lunch with fish freshly caught in the lagoon. This evening, before dinner at our hotel, a romantic gondola serenade as you glide through the narrow canals of this Byzantine masterpiece, would be hard to resist! (Buffet breakfast / Dinner)

Hotel: Boscolo B4 Venezia

Day 7 - Venice (Lido) – Rome
Our morning drive takes us across the fertile Po Valley to Bologna, where we join the Autostrada del Sole for the beautiful journey over the Apennine Mountains. We drive back through the unique Tuscan landscape, the shady hills of Umbria and return to the region of Rome, Lazio. Later this evening we enjoy a Farewell Dinner with wine in a local restaurant. (Buffet breakfast / Farewell dinner)

Hotel: Cristoforo Colombo

Day 8 - Rome – USA
Today, it’s ‘Arrivederci Roma’ as your tour comes to an end. Airport transfers are available, conditions apply. (Buffet breakfast)

Rome
 
Siena

Florence

Venice

Contact: Travelwizard.com
Phone: 1-800-330-8820 or 1-415-446-5252

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