Small Group Journey: Venice, Florence & Rome
Simply the best way to travel to Italy
If you've always wanted to explore Italy but prefer not to go alone and would like the details of planning already taken care of, then this is the perfect trip for you. You'll journey with a small group of no more than 21 passengers and professional Tour Director while staying in Venice, Florence, and Rome, enjoying included tours and tastings along the way. Get ready to visit the iconic landmarks of Italy while indulging in the country's outstanding local cuisine unique to each region!
Our Small Group Journeys provide many extra benefits, including:
- Limited to 21 people
- Guaranteed departures
- Centrally-located, 4-star hotels
- Extra nights in each city (less unpacking!)
- More free time and flexibility
- Stress-free with transportation, accommodations, tours and more included
See all of our Small Group Journeys here!
What's Included
AIRFARE:
- Roundtrip economy-class airfare into Venice (VCE) and out of Rome (FCO)
HOTELS: You will be in the following 4-star hotels, or similar:
- 2 nights in Venice at All'Angelo Art Hotel
- 3 nights in Florence at Grand Hotel Adriatico
- 3 nights in Rome at Hotel Romanico Palace or Empire Palace Hotel
SIGHTSEEING/TOURS as described in the itinerary, including the following:
- Guided walking tour of Venice with local guide (2 hours)
- Visit to the Murano glass factory (note €15 per person for water taxi must be paid locally)
- Guided walking tour of Florence with local guide including entrance to Accademia Gallery (3 hours)
- Guided tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica with local guide (4 hours)
MEALS/TASTINGS:
- Breakfast daily
- Welcome dinner in Venice (fixed menu with 1 glass of wine)
- Food tasting in Bologna (cheese & charcuterie with 1 glass of wine)
- Light lunch and wine tasting in Montepulciano
- Farewell dinner in Rome (fixed menu with 1 glass of wine)
TRANSPORTATION/GUIDES:
- Arrival airport transfer from Venice Airport to hotel
- Transfer from Venice to Florence with stop in Bologna
- Transfer from Florence to Rome with stop in Montepulciano
- Departure airport transfer from hotel to Rome Airport
- Services of a professional Tour Director throughout your tour
- Local guides for individual tours as described above
OTHER:
- Wireless headset to hear your tour guides clearly
- Local city taxes
- Porterage on arrival and departure from hotels (1 piece of luggage per person)
Great Ways to Explore
-
Take a motoscafi (water taxi) to the island of Murano in Venice.
Make a pit stop in Bologna to indulge in local Parmigiano Reggiano, Mortadella, and Pignoletto.
-
Marvel at the famous David by Michelangelo in Florence.
-
Enjoy a visit to the medieval village of Montepulciano where you'll delight in a local wine tasting.
-
Cross Rome off your bucket list as you marvel at the Colosseum, Pantheon, and Vatican City.
Experience a once-in-a-lifetime guided small group trip to Italy as you stay in Venice, Florence, and Rome with all transportation, tons of sightseeing tours and more included.
You'll start off in charming Venice with a walking tour led by an expert local guide where you'll see the city's iconic landmarks like St. Mark’s Square and more, as well as enjoy a fun ride on a motoscafi (water taxi).
After Venice you'll depart to Florence, making a stop in the stunning city of Bologna on the way. Here you'll get to indulge in the area's famous local cuisine and wine including ragú and Pignoletto. In Florence, experience a historic walking tour with an expert local guide visiting famous locations like the Duomo and Galleria dell'Accademia.
After Florence, you'll depart for Rome, stopping in Montepulciano along the way. This medieval village is world-renowned for its incredible wine production, and you'll get to sample the local flavors with an included tasting!
Finally, you'll arrive in Rome, the magical Eternal City. Enjoy a guided tour of Vatican City and the Vatican Museums, as well as free time to explore the highlights of Rome at your leisure.
This is truly a bucket list Italy vacation you don't want to miss. With included sightseeing tours and delectable food and wine tastings mixed with plenty of free time to explore on your own, this small group journey is the best of both worlds!
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
AIRFARE:
- Roundtrip economy-class airfare into Venice (VCE) and out of Rome (FCO)
HOTELS: You will be in the following 4-star hotels, or similar:
- 2 nights in Venice at All'Angelo Art Hotel
- 3 nights in Florence at Grand Hotel Adriatico
- 3 nights in Rome at Hotel Romanico Palace or Empire Palace Hotel
SIGHTSEEING/TOURS as described in the itinerary, including the following:
- Guided walking tour of Venice with local guide (2 hours)
- Visit to the Murano glass factory (note €15 per person for water taxi must be paid locally)
- Guided walking tour of Florence with local guide including entrance to Accademia Gallery (3 hours)
- Guided tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica with local guide (4 hours)
MEALS/TASTINGS:
- Breakfast daily
- Welcome dinner in Venice (fixed menu with 1 glass of wine)
- Food tasting in Bologna (cheese & charcuterie with 1 glass of wine)
- Light lunch and wine tasting in Montepulciano
- Farewell dinner in Rome (fixed menu with 1 glass of wine)
TRANSPORTATION/GUIDES:
- Arrival airport transfer from Venice Airport to hotel
- Transfer from Venice to Florence with stop in Bologna
- Transfer from Florence to Rome with stop in Montepulciano
- Departure airport transfer from hotel to Rome Airport
- Services of a professional Tour Director throughout your tour
- Local guides for individual tours as described above
OTHER:
- Wireless headset to hear your tour guides clearly
- Local city taxes
- Porterage on arrival and departure from hotels (1 piece of luggage per person)
-
Take a motoscafi (water taxi) to the island of Murano in Venice.
Make a pit stop in Bologna to indulge in local Parmigiano Reggiano, Mortadella, and Pignoletto.
-
Marvel at the famous David by Michelangelo in Florence.
-
Enjoy a visit to the medieval village of Montepulciano where you'll delight in a local wine tasting.
-
Cross Rome off your bucket list as you marvel at the Colosseum, Pantheon, and Vatican City.
Experience a once-in-a-lifetime guided small group trip to Italy as you stay in Venice, Florence, and Rome with all transportation, tons of sightseeing tours and more included.
You'll start off in charming Venice with a walking tour led by an expert local guide where you'll see the city's iconic landmarks like St. Mark’s Square and more, as well as enjoy a fun ride on a motoscafi (water taxi).
After Venice you'll depart to Florence, making a stop in the stunning city of Bologna on the way. Here you'll get to indulge in the area's famous local cuisine and wine including ragú and Pignoletto. In Florence, experience a historic walking tour with an expert local guide visiting famous locations like the Duomo and Galleria dell'Accademia.
After Florence, you'll depart for Rome, stopping in Montepulciano along the way. This medieval village is world-renowned for its incredible wine production, and you'll get to sample the local flavors with an included tasting!
Finally, you'll arrive in Rome, the magical Eternal City. Enjoy a guided tour of Vatican City and the Vatican Museums, as well as free time to explore the highlights of Rome at your leisure.
This is truly a bucket list Italy vacation you don't want to miss. With included sightseeing tours and delectable food and wine tastings mixed with plenty of free time to explore on your own, this small group journey is the best of both worlds!
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
Prices From:
Day 1. Welcome to Venice!
After arriving in Venice, you’ll be transferred from the airport to your hotel to settle in. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure exploring this historic city built of over 100 small islands connected by 400 bridges!
Later, you’ll attend an orientation meeting with your Tour Director and meet the rest of your group. Enjoy a welcome dinner together, along with some delicious wine.
Transfer from Venice airport to Venice hotel
Check-in - All'Angelo Art Hotel Venice
In a 17th-century building on the canal of Palazzo Ducale and a 2 minute walk from St. Mark’s Square, Hotel All'Angelo is in the heart of Venice. The spacious rooms at All'Angelo Hotel are classically furnished and come with a satellite flat-screen TV and air conditioning. Some rooms offer wood-beam ceilings and views of the canal or the Venetian street. Free Wi-Fi is available in public areas. Breakfast is served buffet style, including homemade cake and pastries. The hotel’s Hell’s Kitchen wine bar provides around 70 kinds of high-quality wines served with cicchetti, traditional Venetian snacks. The hotel also features a private landing where a water taxi is available. This is our guests' favorite part of Venice, according to independent reviews.
Day 2. Venice
Rise and shine, it’s your first full day on vacation in Venice! You’ll meet your expert local guide this morning for a fascinating tour of St. Mark’s Square, the great Byzantine Basilica, the Bridge of Sighs and Palazzo Ducale (not inside).
You can then enjoy the afternoon at leisure sipping on coffee at a local café and shopping at any of the charming boutiques in the area, or, you can choose to stay with your Tour Director where you’ll embark on a motoscafi (water taxi) to the island of Murano to visit one of the oldest glass-blowing factories in the world.
A Tip For Your Trip: Entrance to Murano factory is included but the water taxi needs to be paid locally (15euro per person). Please inform your tour director at your orientation briefing on the 1st night if you would like to join the optional visit to Murano.
Day 3. Venice - Bologna - Florence
Refuel with breakfast at the hotel and then get ready to depart for Florence. Your group will stop in Bologna, the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region in north Italy, for approximately 2.5 hours. This area is world-famous for its traditional cuisine, particularly its Bolognese sauce, locally known as ragú.
In this incredible city, you’ll have the chance to check out various shops, visit charming porticoes (covered walkways), and indulge at one of the oldest Osteria’s (wine bars) in Italy. Enjoy tastings of local cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano, charcuterie like Mortadella, traditional breads, and a delicious glass of Pignoletto, which is a famous white wine in the area.
Afterwards, you’ll continue your journey to Florence where you’ll check-in to your hotel and relax for the rest of the evening or head out to explore a bit on your own.
Transfer from Venice to Florence (with stop in Bologna)
Check-in - Grand Hotel Adriatico
Enjoy an elegant stay in Florence by spending your nights in the Grand Hotel Adriatico. Beautifully designed with hardwood floors and furniture, warm color schemes that make you feel at home, and an attentive staff to handle all questions and needs, the Adriatico becomes a home away from home. Guests can enjoy private parking, two restaurants, a bar that offers cocktails and drinks, a fitness center, conference rooms, and a full breakfast buffet offered every morning.
Rooms are comfortable and include a satellite flat-screen TV, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, blackout curtains, a safe, ironing facilities, a minibar, and a private bathroom complete with a hairdryer. The S.M. Novella train station is a short walk away, and many of the city's main attractions are just a 10-minute walk away.
Day 4. Florence
Today you’ll get to experience a guided walk through the historic streets of Florence, spotting iconic landmarks like the Duomo and Galleria dell'Accademia. It’s here where you’ll be able to marvel at art masterpieces like the David by Michelangelo and many others.
Spend the rest of the afternoon and evening at your leisure, strolling around the charming streets of Florence and dining at a local restaurant.
Day 5. Florence
Today is a free day to explore as you please, so check out whatever parts of Florence you didn't get to yesterday! Your Tour Director can provide tons of recommendations. You'll want to admire the stunning Ponte Vecchio bridge, take a stroll through the gorgeous Boboli Gardens, and marvel at artwork while walking around the Corridoio Vasariano.
Day 6. Florence - Montepulciano - Rome
Have breakfast at the hotel and then get ready to depart for Rome. Along the way, you’ll stop in the medieval village of Montepulciano, best known for its spectacular wine production and historic wine cellars. You’ll enjoy a light lunch and wine tasting here, then continue on to Rome.
Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure exploring this grand city – be sure to check out the Spanish Steps, Trevi fountain, the Pantheon, and the Piazza Navona. Tonight, why not indulge in a big bowl of pasta at a local restaurant, topped off with some gelato, of course!
Transfer from Florence to Rome (with stop in Montepulciano)
The 4-star Hotel Romanico Palace is set in an ornate 19th-century building and is a 7-minute walk from the Villa Borghese museum and less than a mile from the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps.
Each of the 120 elegant, richly designed rooms feature period furnishings, murals and sumptuous fabrics, and come with free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs. Deluxe rooms come with marble bathrooms, while opulent suites may come with 4-poster beds or carved headboards, as well as whirlpool tubs, and balconies with city views. Enjoy a fine Italian meal from the rooftop restaurant, and decompress in the Roman-inspired spa with a steam room, a hammam, relaxation areas and a gym.Â
Unwind in elegance in the lovely Hotel Empire Rome. Feel like old royalty as you wander through the Venetian-styled building in the heart of Rome, which offer modern conveniences like an on-site gym, a classy bar and elegant restaurant. Air conditioning and Wi-Fi can be found throughout the classically styled hotel, as well as meeting rooms and a business center.Â
Rooms offer carpeted floors, a reading area, cherry wood furniture, a private bathroom, and a bathtub or shower. The hotel is just a 5 minute walk away from Via Veneto, and within walking distance of the Repubblica Metro Station.
Day 7. Rome
Rome is yours to explore today! Enjoy a full free day to see and do whatever you'd like. Grab a delicious coffee granita for a quick pick me up and get moving. Perhaps admire the impressive Colosseum, walk through history at the Roman Forum, or simply indulge in delicious Roman cuisine!Â
Please Note: For journeys that begin in Venice on a Wednesday (rather than a Monday), the Vatican tour will be on Day 7 rather than Day 8 and Day 8 will be a free day in Rome prior to the farewell dinner.
Day 8. Rome
After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, you’ll take a private transfer to Vatican City! Tour the iconic Vatican Museums with the help of an expert local guide as you see huge collections of ancient sculptures, medieval tapestries, and Renaissance paintings. The tour here will end at the famous Sistine Chapel, where the Pope is elected!
Next up, you’ll visit St. Peter’s Basilica, the largest church in Christendom. Admire Michelangelo’s Pietà along with Bernini’s seven-story bronze canopy found above the main altar.
Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner tonight at a local restaurant before settling in for your departure tomorrow.
A Tip For Your Trip: Please note that the visit of St. Peter’s Basilica is subject to availability based on the events planned by the Pope.
Day 9. Depart Rome
It's time to say goodbye to Rome! Take your transfer to the airport, board your flight home, and start dreaming about your next getaway.