An unforgettable escorted journey through Italy's most iconic cities, from the shimmering canals of Venice to the timeless grandeur of Rome. Expert guides, curated experiences, and first-class accommodations await at every turn.
Please note: The number of participants may vary during your tour as we accommodate travelers arriving and departing at different points in the itinerary. This is a guided tour with no more than 42 participants.
Day 1 — Sunday
Depart for Italy
Your Italian adventure begins the moment you board your flight. Settle in, dream of cobblestone streets and cathedral spires, and prepare to be swept away by one of the world's most beloved destinations.
Day 2 — Monday
Arrive in Venice
Touch down in Venice and transfer to your hotel in this extraordinary city — a masterpiece of human ingenuity built across more than a hundred small islands, threaded together by 400 bridges and a labyrinth of shimmering canals.
The remainder of the day is yours to wander, rest, or simply soak in the atmosphere. At approximately 6 PM, your Tour Manager will host an orientation meeting, followed by a welcoming group dinner.
✈ Flights arriving by 4 PM recommended
Overnight: Venice · Meals: Dinner
Day 3 — Tuesday
Boat Ride to Murano & Walking Tour of Venice
Venice reveals herself slowly, and today you'll begin to uncover her secrets. The morning launches with a scenic boat ride across the lagoon to the island of Murano, world-renowned for its centuries-old tradition of exquisite glassblowing. Step inside a local factory to watch master artisans transform molten glass into breathtaking works of art before your eyes.
From there, journey to the main Venice island for a guided walking tour through an enchanting maze of narrow calli (alleyways) and arching bridges, culminating at the magnificent St. Mark's Square.
Doge's Palace
The official residence of the Venetian ruler, crafted in striking pink marble — a symbol of Venice's imperial power and artistic ambition.
Bridge of Sighs
One of the most romantic and iconic scenes in all of Venice, this enclosed bridge offers a poignant glimpse into the city's layered history.
Basilica of San Marco
A dazzling fusion of Byzantine, Roman, and Venetian architecture, adorned with golden mosaics that have glittered for nearly a thousand years.
The afternoon is yours to explore at your own pace — lose yourself in the back streets, browse the local markets, or glide through the canals on an optional Gondola Ride for a perspective of Venice unlike any other.
Leave Venice behind and head south through one of Italy's most breathtaking landscapes. The rolling golden hills of Tuscany, draped in silvery olive groves and punctuated by cypress trees, set a stunning backdrop for the day ahead.
1
Tuscan Farm Visit
Stop at a charming local farm in the Tuscan countryside for a wine tasting paired with regional specialties — a true taste of la dolce vita.
2
Pisa & the Piazza dei Miracoli
Marvel at one of the world's most iconic ensembles: the Baptistery, the Duomo, the Monumental Cemetery, and of course, the legendary Leaning Tower — all united in a breathtaking blend of Romanesque and Gothic splendor.
3
Arrive in Florence
Journey into the heart of the Renaissance. Florence — a city overflowing with priceless art and architectural wonders — will be your home for the next two nights.
Overnight: Florence · Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 — Thursday
A Full Day in Florence
Morning Walking Tour
Florence is an open-air museum, and today's guided walking tour brings its greatest treasures to life. Gaze up at the magnificent Duomo — Brunelleschi's engineering marvel and enduring symbol of Renaissance ambition. Admire Ghiberti's gilded "Gates of Paradise" on the Baptistery and Giotto's elegant Bell Tower.
Stroll through Signoria Square, where outdoor sculptures stand beneath the Florentine sky, and past the imposing Palazzo Vecchio, once home to the powerful Medici family. Cross the famous Ponte Vecchio, the "Old Bridge," lined with jewelers' shops that have sparkled over the Arno for centuries.
Accademia Gallery
Your included ticket grants independent access to the Accademia Gallery, home to Michelangelo's awe-inspiring David and some of the finest Renaissance sculptures in existence. Explore at your own pace and linger as long as inspiration strikes.
This Evening
As dusk settles over Florence, wind through the Tuscan hills to a memorable dinner complete with regional wine and live entertainment — a perfect Florentine farewell before the journey continues.
At a Glance
Guided walking tour of the historic center
Included Accademia Gallery ticket
Free afternoon at leisure
Evening dinner in the Tuscan hills
Overnight: Florence · Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6 — Friday
Medieval Assisi en Route to Rome
This morning departs Florence and ascends into the serene hill country of Umbria, where the ancient town of Assisi clings dramatically to a hillside, its stone streets winding past centuries-old shrines and sun-dappled piazzas. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Assisi is revered worldwide as the birthplace of St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of Italy.
Walking Tour of Assisi
Wander the rugged, winding streets of this medieval gem with your local guide. Every corner reveals a chapel, a fresco, or a sweeping panorama of the Umbrian valley below.
Basilica di San Francesco
The crown jewel of Assisi — this magnificent 13th-century basilica houses the sacred relics of St. Francis and Giotto's extraordinary frescoes, considered among the masterworks of medieval European art.
Onward to Rome
After soaking in Assisi's spiritual tranquility, continue south to the Eternal City — Rome — built on seven legendary hills and overflowing with two thousand years of history.
Overnight: Rome · Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 — Saturday
The Vatican Museums & Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel
Few experiences in a lifetime rival standing beneath Michelangelo's breathtaking ceiling in the Sistine Chapel. Today, you'll pass through one of the world's great art collections — the Vatican Museums — marveling at the Gallery of Tapestries and the stunning Gallery of Geographical Maps before arriving at this sacred masterpiece. Afterward, emerge into the grandeur of St. Peter's Square, framed by Bernini's sweeping colonnade, and take in the majestic exterior of St. Peter's Basilica, built on the burial site of Saint Peter himself.
Included Today
Vatican Museums guided tour
Gallery of Tapestries & Geographical Maps
Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel
St. Peter's Square & Basilica exterior
Optional: Piazzas of Rome
This afternoon, join an optional walking tour through Rome's grandest piazzas — the iconic Spanish Steps, the legendary Trevi Fountain, a view of the ancient Pantheon, and the baroque splendor of Piazza Navona. Tonight, the city is yours — choose from countless trattorias and ristoranti for a taste of authentic Roman cuisine.
Please note: Depending on available time slots, the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Tour may operate in the afternoon, with the optional Piazzas of Rome tour in the morning. For May 31, Jun 28, Aug 30, Sep 27, and Oct 25 departures, the Optional Piazzas of Rome will be moved to Day 8.
Two thousand years of civilization unfold before you today as Rome's ancient heart comes alive. Walk in the footsteps of emperors, senators, and gladiators through the city's most storied monuments.
1
Roman Forum
Stroll along the uneven ancient paths of Rome's original central plaza — the political, religious, and social heart of the ancient world.
2
Arch of Constantine
Marvel at this triumphal arch erected by the Roman Senate to honor Constantine's decade of leadership over the Eternal City.
3
The Colosseum
Stand before the largest amphitheater of the Roman Empire — a breathtaking structure that once seated over 50,000 spectators for gladiatorial contests and grand public spectacles.
4
Evening Farewell Dinner
Tonight, enjoy a scenic drive through Rome before gathering for a festive farewell dinner in a local restaurant, complete with wine and music.
Please note: For May 31, Jun 28, Aug 30, Sep 27 and Oct 25 departures, the Ancient Rome Tour will be moved to Day 7.
Overnight: Rome · Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9 — Monday
Depart Italy
All good journeys must come to an end — but the memories you carry home from Italy will last a lifetime. Transfer to the airport for your departure flight, heart full and camera roll overflowing.
Meals: Breakfast
Your 9-Day Journey at a Glance
Days 1–2
Depart & Arrive Venice
Day 3
Murano & Venice Walking Tour
Day 4
Tuscany, Pisa & Florence
Day 5
Florence & Accademia Gallery
Day 6
Assisi & Rome
Days 7–8
Vatican, Ancient Rome & Farewell Dinner
Day 9
Depart for Home
Package Details
What's Included In Your Escorted Package
From the moment you depart to the morning you return home, the details are handled for you. Here's everything that's covered in your all-inclusive escorted package — so you can focus entirely on the experience of Italy.
Accommodations and Transfers
7 nights in First Class hotels
2 nights in Venice
2 nights in Florence
3 nights in Rome
Roundtrip airport transfers
Italian city hotel taxes, fees & service charges included
Hotel porterage included
Meals
10 meals total: 7 breakfasts & 3 dinners
Touring & Expertise
Sightseeing per itinerary in modern, air-conditioned motor coach
English-speaking Tour Manager throughout the journey
Services of expert local guides at each destination
All entrance fees per itinerary
Comfortable wireless earphones for enhanced touring
PLEASE NOTE: FLIGHTS ARE NOT INCLUDED
Highlights
Special Features of This Tour
Beyond the standard sightseeing, this itinerary is crafted to deliver defining moments — the kinds of experiences you'll recount for years. Here are the signature highlights that make this journey truly special.
Venice & St. Mark's Square
A walking tour through the Serenissima's most extraordinary piazza, from the golden Basilica to the pink-marbled Doge's Palace.
Tuscan Farm Wine Tasting
A stop at a local farm in the Tuscan countryside for wine tasting paired with delectable regional specialties.
Pisa's Piazza dei Miracoli
The Leaning Tower, the Duomo, Baptistery, and Monumental Cemetery — one of the world's most remarkable architectural ensembles.
Renaissance Florence
A guided walking tour of Florence's historic center plus an included ticket to the legendary Accademia Gallery.
Basilica di San Francesco, Assisi
The magnificent 13th-century basilica housing Giotto's frescoes and the sacred relics of St. Francis of Assisi.
Ancient Rome
A historic tour including the Roman Forum, the Arch of Constantine, and the awe-inspiring exterior of the Colosseum.
Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
A guided tour through one of the world's greatest art collections, culminating in Michelangelo's incomparable masterpiece.
Before You Book
Is This Trip Right for You?
We want every traveler to have the most enjoyable experience possible. This itinerary involves a meaningful amount of walking and physical activity — please review the details below to ensure this tour is a good fit for you.
Walking Pace
Expect 3–4 hours of walking on included sightseeing days, with considerable time spent standing. Due to specific drop-off and pick-up points, additional walking to and from sights may be necessary.
Terrain
Be prepared to walk on uneven and challenging terrain, navigate steep steps or slopes, and traverse cobblestone streets — a hallmark of Italy's ancient cities.
Accessibility Note
This tour is not recommended for travelers who have difficulty walking. We encourage you to consult your physician and our team if you have any questions about your suitability for this itinerary.
Ready to Discover Italy?
Spots are limited — reserve your place on this unforgettable 9-day journey today.