Classic Italy-Rome, Florence & Venice

Day 1 : Ciao Italia!

Our wonderful Italian vacation begins with an overnight flight to Milan’s Malpensa Airport.

Day 2 : Padua

Upon arrival in Milan, we are greeted by our knowledgeable Italian guide and driver. Enjoy breathtaking views of the rolling countryside as we drive through one of northern Italy’s most scenic regions. Later, we arrive at our accommodations in Padua for the next two evenings. We find ourselves in the heart of this historic city known for its beauty, world-renowned university and as the setting for Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew. Our evening concludes with a Holiday Vacations Welcome Dinner.

Day 3 : Venice

Enjoy a delicious Italian breakfast before starting our journey to Venice. Celebrated for its beauty, Venice is the only city in the world constructed entirely on water. We begin at the city’s centerpiece, the Piazza San Marco. There we discover the Basilica di San Marco, one of the best-known examples of Byzantine architecture and Doge’s Palace, the former royal residence. This afternoon offers time to explore the restaurants and shops of the city. We then experience a special treat, a gondola ride on Venice’s charming waterways. See the Bridge of Sighs where legend says you will be granted eternal love if you kiss underneath, and travel the Grand Canal, the main hub of the city. An included dinner completes our day in the Floating City.

Day 4 : Tuscany

We depart this morning for the Tuscany region and cross the Apennine Mountains. We stop in Ferrara, filled with elegant palaces dating back to the 14th and 15th centuries; it has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We arrive this evening in the historic city of Florence. Enjoy this wonderful city for the next two nights. Dinner this evening is included; we discover the tastes that make this region famous.

Day 5 : Florence

Today we tour Florence, birthplace of the Renaissance and home to many of the world’s greatest artistic treasures. Visit the Galleria dell’Accademia and view incredible works including Michelangelo’s famous David statue. We take in the Duomo, the largest brick dome ever constructed and gaze upon Ghiberti’s famous bronze doors of the Baptistery, often referred to as the Gates of Paradise. Enjoy time on our own this afternoon to visit the shops of the Ponte Vecchio, a famous covered bridge housing many local vendors. Discover the museums of the area or enjoy a fresh gelato, traditional Italian-style ice cream. To truly appreciate the city’s beauty, we conclude our day with a scenic illuminated walk through the historic city center.

Day 6 : San Gimignano

Soak in the picturesque groves of olive trees and vineyards as we travel south through Tuscany. We stop in the medieval hilltop town of San Gimignano, a spectacular walled town dotted with 14 magnificent towers. We arrive in the eternal city of Rome and check-in to our hotel for the next three nights. A scrumptious local dinner is included this evening.

Day 7 : Vatican & The Sistine Chapel

Our day begins with a guided tour of the famous Vatican Museums featuring some of the most renowned classical sculptures and Renaissance art in the world. We explore many of the galleries the Vatican houses culminating with the famous Sistine Chapel. Truly a magnificent sight to behold, the iconic ceiling fresco was painted by Michelangelo. Our visit to Vatican City continues with a special tour of St. Peter’s Basilica, one of the most extraordinary churches in the world and home to the Catholic Church. Discover the immense history and relics including the Altar of the Sacred Heart, the Chair of Saint Peter and Michelangelo’s Piéta. There is time this afternoon to see Saint Peter's Square, climb the Spanish Steps, visit the Pantheon or explore the statues and cafés of Piazza Navona.

Day 8 : Ancient Rome

Discover the historic sights and landmarks of ancient Rome today. We visit one of the iconic monuments of the Roman Empire, The Colosseum, which is the largest amphitheatre in the world. Learn about the many uses of this famous arena and walk the same steps of the ancient gladiators. We tour the Roman Forum, once the governmental and financial center of the city and today it is home to several of the best-preserved pieces of architecture including the Temple of Jupiter and the Arch of Titus. We complete our tour today with the stunning Trevi Fountain. Completed in 1762, it is one of the most famous fountains in the world. According to legend, tossing a coin into the fountain is said to ensure a return visit. Tonight we gather for a special Farewell Dinner with musical entertainment to celebrate our wonderful Italian adventure.

Day 9 : Arrivederci, Italia

After an included breakfast, we travel home with fond memories.