Rome + The Art Cities

7 days, 6 nights – Operated Daily

Day 1 – Saturday
ROME
Upon you’re arrival in Rome, we’ll greet you and get you into your hotel – the rest of the day is yours to spend at leisure – relax, explore, find the perfect spot for dinner….

Day 2 – Sunday
ROME
After breakfast at the hotel, about 9:00 am, we’ll set about one of the world’s most beautiful and fascinating cities. Our expert guide will bring ancient and modern Rome together in a thoroughly enjoyable 3 hour walking tour of some of its most famous monuments and neighbourhoods. The tour will start from the ancient temples of the Largo Argentina and continue to the flower markets of Campo de’ Fiori, the grand Piazza Farnese and Piazza Navona, the stunning (and hidden) Pantheon, the romantic Trevi Fountain and the world’s gathering spot, the Spanish Steps. The remainder of the day is yours to spend as you choose – a siesta, maybe a museum or some shopping. Find a tucked away spot for dinner, see the city after dark and get a good night’s sleep….(B)

Day 3 – Monday
ROME-ASSISI-SIENA-FLORENCE
We’ll get an early start this morning — the morning bustle of Rome fades into the verdant rolling hills of the Umbrian countryside – in no time you find yourself in tiny, perfect Assisi, gazing in wonder at the imposing Basilica of San Francesco. Our visit brings to life the early Renaissance – seeing the frescoes depicting the work of St. Francis; standing before his tomb, it is easy to understand how this town became one the great pilgrimage centres of the world and the perfect start for our trip. Through hills filled with olive groves and vineyards we travel on to Siena – from it’s lovely central square take in what might be the most beautiful medieval town in all Italy. You’ll spend the night in the cradle of art and thought, Florence, home to Giotto, Michelangelo and Leonardo (oh, and some of the best food in the world…). (B, D)

Day 4 – Tuesday
FLORENCE
You’ll talk about today’s sights for years to come…. Guided by an expert, you will explore the narrow streets of Firenze, from Brunelleschi’s incomparable Duomo, the “Gates of Heaven” at the Baptistry, Giotto’s 14th century bell tower, the Campanile, to the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and the Church of Santa Croce, home to Cimabue’s stunning crucifix. The balance of the day is yours – shopping, perhaps the Galleria Dell’ Accademia or some optional sightseeing (we suggest the Pisa half-day tour). This evening we’ll gather for dinner – we’re here for the night. (B, D)

Day 5 – Wednesday
FLORENCE-PADUA-VENICE
Venice is our destination, but, as always, it’s the journey that makes the memories…. Padua is our stop today, and the Santo, the Church of St. Anthony, will dazzle – one of the most gloriously decorated churches of the period, puts you face to face with works by titans of Italian art. Standing before Donatello’s magnificent altar and his captivating image of the Venetian hero, Gattamelata, you’re primed for your arrival in the world’s most celebrated city on the sea, Venice. With our expert guide you’ll explore the light-filled Piazza San Marco, the Bridge of Sighs, take in the stunning mosaics of the Basilica and the grandness of the Doges’ Palace. We’ll take dinner and sleep in this most romantic of cities….(B, D)

Day 6 – Thursday
VENICE
Today is a new experience. You don’t walk the streets – you float along as your guide reveals the artistic and historical wonders of this unique city. “Boat” is the only way to go — architecture here was designed from this perspective. Wind through canals and cross the lagoon to arrive at the island of Murano. Hop off the boat and be captivated by this centuries-old centre of the glassmakers’ art – feel the heat as you try your hand at blowing glass, shop for a treasured keepsake – the afternoon is yours! Wander, seek out history off the beaten path or just recharge and watch the flow of the city – relax, we’ve arranged dinner and you’re here for the night. (B, D)

Day 7 – Friday
VENICE
This morning we’ll share a last breakfast and mark the end of the tour. (B)

Tour Highlights