Classic Italy Small Group Journey

Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure until you meet your tour director and fellow travelers at the hotel. After a short briefing, walk to a nearby restaurant and enjoy a tasty welcome dinner. (D)

After breakfast, meet your guide for a tour of the Vatican. Your visit will be memorable. Your route includes all major sights as well as some unexpected surprises. See the Belvedere Courtyard with Apollo Belvedere & Laocoön and His Sons, the Raphael Rooms, the Galleries of the Candelabra, the Maps, and the Tapestries, the Sistine Chapel, the Pinecone Courtyard, and St. Peter’s Basilica. Exit the Vatican at St. Peter’s Square and enjoy the magnificent view of the imposing Cathedral. Return to your hotel. Later in the afternoon, meet your tour leader for a walking tour of the Baroque Town with Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, the Spanish Steps, Piazza di Spagna, the Italian Parliament, and the fascinating narrow streets of ancient Rome. (B)

You have a leisurely day to explore Rome on your own or consider joining an optional tour of the Colosseum, the Borghese Gallery, or to Pompeii & Mount Vesuvius. (B) 

After breakfast, meet your tour guide and depart for Florence. Enjoy a magnificent drive through the Tuscan countryside before reaching Siena, probably Italy's loveliest medieval city. Upon arrival in Siena, enjoy a wine & food experience in the heart of the old town. In ancient times, there was only one city that competed with Florence for power and wealth: Siena. Here, you will enjoy a walking tour to discover Piazza del Campo, the main central square where the famous Palio horse race takes place every year. You will also explore quieter backstreets and learn everything about the Contrade, the 17 medieval city districts that compete in the Palio. Continue to Florence, where you will arrive late in the afternoon. If time permits, stop in Monteriggioni en route. (B) 

After breakfast, start your exploration of Florence from a lesser known and more picturesque side of the city. Visit the fresh market of San Lorenzo where it is possible to find food arriving fresh every day from the Tuscan countryside. It will be a great opportunity to taste many varieties of cheese, fruits, vegetables, breads. After some free time for lunch, meet your tour guide at your hotel to explore the heart of the town. Visit Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio (from outside), the cathedral with Giotto's bell tower (from outside), and the Ponte Vecchio. Finally, visit the Accademia and see Michelangelo's masterpiece - the statue of David. (B)

You have a leisurely day to explore Florence on your own or consider joining an optional tour to Cinque Terre. (B)

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the Florence train station to board your high-speed train to Venice. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon, explore this magical city on your own or consider joining an optional tour. (B)

Enjoy a morning at leisure. In the afternoon, join a walking tour of Venice and visit the main sights of the city but also discover the real soul of Venice spending some time outside the main tourist areas. The tour will end with a Gondola ride. In the evening, enjoy a Venetian farewell dinner. (B,D)

You will be transferred to Venice airport for your return flight home. (B)