Exploring Rome's Beautiful History

To start off your second day, you will be visiting the Sistine Chapel. The breathtaking ceiling, painted by Michael Angelo hundreds of years ago, is one of the most remarkable works of art in the world.

The museums of the Vatican City are breathtaking; adorned with frescoes, paintings and tapestries, sculptures and stunning artefacts housed in a truly stunning location. Your first visit here will never be forgotten.

Next you will visit St Peter’s Square and its soaring basilica to marvel at the most important Christian temple in the world. Built on the spot where St. Peter was buried, and large enough to hold 20,000 people, it is filled with beautiful world renowned art work including statues by Michael Angelo and Bernini.

After lunch you will head to the Colosseum, the huge ampitheatre where gladiators fought watched by up to 50,000 spectators, and the Forum, the central hub of ancient Rome. Here you will get the best insight into the culture and lifestyle of the ancient Romans and and how politics as we know it stemmed from these famous buildings.

Evening at your leisure.

Accommodation

The Hotel Quirinale in Rome.

Visiting Florence's Main Attractions

Enjoy a leisurely morning in Rome, the Eternal City, to immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of  modern day Rome, or the tranquility of its beautiful gardens and fountains, before you leave for the train station and your high speed train to take you to Florence, the capital of Italy’s Tuscany region.

Upon arrival, a private transfer will take you to your hotel in Florence and you’ll then have some time to settle into your beautiful new rooms before taking a private walking tour of the historic centre of Florence.

In Piazza della Repubblica, discover the city’s beginnings as a Roman settlement. Wander through the narrow streets, passing the fortified houses and towers of the medieval town and learn from your guide all the history and stories of the people who lived here through the ages.

Emerge onto Piazza della Signoria, the political centre of the city since the Middle Ages. Along the way, see the famous Duomo, and the iconic Ponte Vecchio, the oldest bridge in Florence.

To end this walk of the icons of Florence, you will visit one of the best pastry shops in the city for an authentic and delicious cappuccino!

In the evening you will be welcomed into the house of a local Tuscan family and enjoy a delicious home cooked meal, of traditional Tuscan recipes passed down through the generations, which few visitors have chance to experience. A true insight into local customs, culture and cuisine, make yourself at home and enjoy a delicious meal in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

Accommodation

The Hotel Home in Florence.

The Hotel Home Florence is an intimate and elegant location that offers the best services of a 4-star boutique hotel.

What really distinguishes Hotel Home Florence from other hotels is style and hospitality, warmth and intimacy and perfect location in the heart of Florence’s historic centre.It is an elegant 18th century building renovated and converted into an exclusive 4-star hotel.

At the top floor of the building there is a panoramic terrace with an amazing and unique 360° view of the city, which sweeps from the Duomo to Piazzale Michelangelo, overlooking the entire historic centre.

Admiring Art in Florence

You will have the morning to stroll at your leisure, to visit again some of the stunning iconic buildings or to take in the views from one of the elegant street side cafes.

In the afternoon, you will be visiting the Accademia Gallery in the company of an excellent art guide. You will learn about the history of the stunning artworks, as well as the beauty within them.

Since its creation, the Accademia was specifically designed to house rare works of art that are of great value, with its breathtaking architecture supporting this reputation.

It houses the most iconic Renaissance masterpiece, Michelangelo’s David, an astonishing marble statue depicting the Biblical hero David, which became a symbol of the Florentine Republic’s strength. This sensational gallery is a highlight of any trip to Florence.

Accommodation

The Hotel Home in Florence.

Enjoy Food in Florence and Venice

To begin your day, you will be browsing the food stalls at a local market in Florence, shopping locally for fresh produce. The busy market will provide a great insight into everyday life in Florence, and the buzzing atmosphere.

With the help of your Florentine Chef, you will be picking out ingredients which will be used later in the day for your private cooking class. You will have the chance to cook alongside an exquisite Florentine Chef, learning about Italian cuisine and its various dishes.

During your cooking class, you will focus on learning to make regional specialities, in particular pasta. If all goes well, you will be feasting on your creations for lunch!

Following your private cooking class, you will be boarding a high speed train to your last location of the trip, Venice. Upon arrival, you will be transferred by a private water taxi to your accommodation across the famous Grand Canal,  lined with stunning marble palazzi and dotted with drifting gondolas.

After unwinding in your hotel, you will have the chance to immerse yourself into the local Venetian way of life, starting with a traditional Venetian ‘aperitivo’ at a local wine bar. Here you will try the local cicchetti, small snacks which are unique to Venice, and learn about the different flavours and how they are prepared.

Accommodation

The Hotel Continental in Venice.

The Splendid Venice Hotel is within walking distance of the city’s most impressive destinations, right in the heart of Venice. Despite it being extremely central, it is surrounded by a calm and peaceful area, allowing you to enjoy a relaxing stay here.

The hotel is near the city’s main landmarks and a variety of Venice’s hidden gems. This sublime setting, immersed in the peace of the calli and canals, offers guests a rare privilege: the frisson of discovering all the real beauty of Venice, beyond the clichés and away from the busy crowds.

Exploring Venice

Today you will be taking a private walking tour of the promenades and canals in Venice. Admire the beautiful architecture and atmosphere whilst walking along the iconic bridges.

Explore the heart of the city, Piazza San Marco, which Napoleon called the “most elegant drawing room in Europe”and visit  the Basilica to reveal its amazing Medieval golden mosaics and treasures.

Then, you will get off the tourist track and visit an authentic boat maker, in the ”squero”, or boat yard. The local Venetian craftsman will let you know the secrets of the art of creating a traditional gondola. The handy work and the science behind building the elegant gondolas in the venetian canals today is the same as it has been for centuries and is something most visitors will never catch a glimpse of.

In the afternoon, you will have the chance to explore the hidden beauty of Venice, away from the well trodden paths, stroll through the vast squares, over tiny bridges and along quiet canal banks.

On your last evening in Italy, you will be treated to a special farewell dinner at a local restaurant serving authentic recipes, native to both Italy as a whole and specifically to Venice, a true highlight of your whirlwind tour!

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Accommodation

The Hotel Continental in Venice.

The Hotel Continental is set in a 15th century historic building right on the Grand Canal. It offers beautiful views and a central location, 2 minutes’ walk from Santa Lucia Train Station.

In 2018, the Continental Venice Hotel was completely renovated. This involved major works which increased its elegance and quality, while preserving the beauty of this ancient noble palazzo facing the Canal Grande. This is sure to be your haven whilst in Venice.

Departure Day

You will be taken from your accommodation to Venice airport for your flight home. This will mark the end of your amazing week around Italy, and you can start to plan your return trip to this magical country full of stunning buildings, beautiful landscapes and world renowned art works.