Culinary epicenter, fashion capital, historic tour de force — Italy can be described as all these things and more. Explore several of Italy’s most popular cities as you make your way through Rome, Florence and Venice. Admire the Vatican before the crowds arrive on a special early-morning visit. Tour the treasures of Florence, including Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia. Venture into the Chianti region in the beautiful Tuscan countryside for a private wine-tasting. Embark by vaporetto to the island of Murano to see its famous artisan glassworks. Stroll the market district in Venice, and sample cicchetti (traditional snacks) at a local bacaro (wine bar).
Language
Italian
Time Zone
GMT+2
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Average Temp
56° F
Italy Expedition
Sights, Tastes, & Scenery of Rome, Florence & Venice
Inspire Your Expedition with Our Sample Itinerary
Day 1 – ROME, ITALY
Arrive in Rome
Private transfer to hotel
Accommodations: Palazzo Navona Hotel
Day 2 – ROME
Private half-day tour of the Vatican Museums (driver & guide):
- Special entry to the Vatican for breakfast
- Pre-opening small group visit to the Sistine Chapel
- Basilica of St. Peter
Accommodations: Palazzo Navona Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 – ROME
Private full-day city tour (driver & guide):
- Ancient Rome – Capitoline Hill
- Capitoline Museums – Palazzo dei Conservatori frescoes & Palazzo Nuovo sculptures
- Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
- Colosseum & Arch of Constantine
Accommodations: Palazzo Navona Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 – ROME / FLORENCE
Transfer to station for business-class train to Florence
Private transfer to hotel
Accommodations: Hotel L'Orologio Florence
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 – FLORENCE
Private half-day guided walking tour:
- Duomo
- Piazza della Signoria
- Ponte Vecchio
- Galleria dell’Accademia – statue of David
Accommodations: Hotel L'Orologio Florence
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 – FLORENCE – CHIANTI
Private half-day tour of Chianti with driver/guide:
- Tuscan hilltop towns
- Private wine-tasting
Accommodations: Hotel L'Orologio Florence
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 – FLORENCE / VENICE
Transfer to station for business-class train to Venice
Private transfer by water taxi to hotel with local assistant
Evening private gondola ride – private escort between hotel & pier
Accommodations: Splendid Venice
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 – VENICE – MURANO
Private full-day tour with guide:
- Doge’s Palace
- St. Mark’s Basilica
Transfer by public vaporetto to island of Murano:
- Private visit to glass-blowing studio
Accommodations: Splendid Venice
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9 – VENICE
Private half-day guided walking tour:
- Rialto Bridge
- Scuola of Saint Rocco & Frari Church
- Bacaro (wine bar) with cicchetti (snacks) & wine
Accommodations: Splendid Venice
Meals: Breakfast
Day 10 – VENICE / HOMEWARD BOUND
Private transfer by water taxi to airport with local assistant
Meals: Breakfast
Starting at $7,000 per person
(two travelers, double occupancy, airfare not included)
Itineraries are customized to travelers’ interests and preferences.
Final prices will vary based on dates of travel and number of travelers.
Everything NEI arranged for our New Zealand adventure worked out like clockwork. New Zealand is a picture-perfect country and your tour by land, sea and air showed it off at its best, along with the warm hospitality and pride of its people.
Jacky & Graham G.
Mono, Ontario
When to go:
Year-round (best times are from April to October)
What to eat:
Pasta alla Carbonara (pasta with guanciale pork, eggs & pecorino cheese), Panzanella (bread & tomato salad), Risotto al Nero di Seppia (risotto with cuttlefish ink)
What to pack:
Long & short-sleeved shirts & t-shirts, trousers, jeans, shorts, skirts, sweater or jacket, shawl or scarf, comfortable walking & dress shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, insect repellent, camera equipment, universal adapter
