I often see special offers for Italy advertised at ridiculously low rates. It’s only when you dig deeper you find out the hotels are super basic, there are a lot of add-on’s to make your trip truly special and not a lot of flexibility. Here is a sample itinerary that really does provide the best of Rome, Florence & Venice – ideal for first time travelers to Italy or those looking to revisit some of their favorite areas.
Day 1: Upon arrival into Rome you will be met in the arrivals hall and transferred to your hotel
Enjoy 3 nights at Hotel Mascagni (4*) or similar in a standard room with breakfast daily
You have a 48hr Rome Open Top tour ticket included in your package which is valid for two consecutive days.
Explore Rome at your own pace on an extensive hop on hop off itinerary through the heart of Rome. The buses are open top which allows you to enjoy full 360 degree panoramic views as you travel along your route. A recorded commentary in 7 languages via headphones will be at your disposal. You can opt to start exploring the city now or wait until the following morning
Day 2: Day at leisure to explore Rome
Day 3: Day at leisure to explore Rome or perhaps take a day trip to see the ruins at Pompeii or the coastal villages of the Amalfi coast.
Day 4: This morning take the train to Florence and enjoy the rest of the afternoon getting acquainted with this historic city
Enjoy 3 nights at Cellai Boutique Hotel (4*) or similar in a standard room with breakfast daily
Day 5: This morning enjoy a walking tour of Florence
Enjoy discovering Florence with a unique in-depth tour led by specially trained guides, famous for being knowledgeable and entertaining and run by the only Florence tour company recommended by just about every major travel guide and seen on BBC World, History and Discovery channel. Experience the highlights and must sees of Florence with fabulous stories that bring the past to life. Hear how Florence’s 2000 years of tumultuous history changed the world forever. Feel free to ask questions with this exclusive small-group only tour. Sound systems included if groups consists of more than 6 people.
Rest of the afternoon at leisure.
(Note: I strongly recommend pre-booking tickets to the Uffizi or Accademia Gallery if this is of interest)
Day 6: Enjoy a full day tour of San Gimignano,Siena and Chianti
Experience with this tour a wonderful day in the Tuscan countryside, admiring the most suggestive corners of Siena , San Gimignano, the Chianti area and try with us the unique flavor of local wines. Departing from Florence, our tour will start in Siena, where our local and expert guide will lead you through its steep medieval streets, admiring the splendid palaces until we will reach the Cathedral (interior), Palazzo Comunale (Municipal Building) and Piazza del Campo where the Palio race takes place every year. Then free time for lunch (excluded) and shopping. We’ll continue with a stop in Monteriggioni, well known worldwide for its wine and its countryside of unrivalled charm, where woods alternate with vineyards and olive groves, in a landscape dotted with Romanesque churches, farmhouses, villas and castles. The visit will continue to San Gimignano, one of the most fascinating examples of medieval towns, declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco: you will have free time to discover the beautiful squares, buildings, churches and suggestive alleyways and to shop.Finally we’ll stop in a farm house , where you’ll taste some of the best Tuscan wines with a little snack of sliced cold meats, bruschettas, salami and cheese. Tour includes: Transport, tour escort, local guide in Siena, Siena Cathedral entrance, wine tasting, free time in Monteriggioni and San Gimignano. Operates: Daily except Thursday & Saturday
Day 7: This morning take the train to Venice and then the water bus or water taxi on to your hotel. Venice Island is ideal for exploring on foot or by boat.
Enjoy 2 nights at Duodo Palace (4*) or similar in a standard room with breakfast daily
Day 8: Spend the day exploring Venice. This evening sit back in your gondola and allow yourself to be serenaded as you float past the palaces of the Grand Canal. We join a flotilla of gondolas gathered around a barge containing the musicians and singers to float along the fascinating Grand Canal, glittering in the reflection of the illuminated facades of the sumptuous ‘Palazzos’. Return in the dark stillness of some of Venice’s interior canals. What better way to spend your last night in Italy!
Day 9: Bid Arrivederci to Italy and depart for home
Package Includes:
– Arrival transfer in Rome
– 3 nights Rome accommodations
– 48hr Rome Open Top ticket
– 3 nights Florence accommodations
– Morning guided walking tour of Florence (3hrs)
– Full day guided tour of San Gimignano,Siena and Chianti
– 2 nights Venice accommodations
– Evening Gondola Serenade
– Breakfast daily
– Hotel taxes (tourism tax additional)
– 2nd class rail tickets (Rome-Florence-Venice)
From $1,399USD per person, land only
Please note this is a sample package only. Rates are per person based on double occupancy and subject to change without notice. Starting from rate based on travel in October. Rates may be higher or lower depending on your specific dates of travel. Package can be fully customized to the travelers needs. Airfare is not included but can be added. Valid US passport required for travel.
Contact me today for your custom quote!