The Splendors of Italy
From Rome to the Leaning Tower of Pisa
Spend 8 nights discovering the most beautiful cities of Italy including Rome, Florence, Venice, Pisa and more! With this escorted vacation you'll have included sightseeing, a professional Travel Director and more to amplify your vacation.
What's Included
- Round-trip economy class airfare to Rome (FCO)
- Round-trip airport transfers
- Accommodations in hotels listed, or similar:
- 2 nights in Rome at the Buenos Aires Hotel or similar
- 1 night in Siena at the Four Points by Sheraton Siena
- 2 nights in Montecatini at the Settentrionale Esplanade
- 2 nights in Venice Area at Hotel Poppi or Holiday Inn Venezia
- 1 night in Rome at the Buenos Aires Hotel or similar
- Buffet Breakfast daily
- 3 three-course dinners
- Guided sightseeing as described in itinerary, including:
- Guided tours of Rome and Florence
- Sightseeing in Orvieto, Siena, San Gimignano. Greve in Chianti with wine tasting, Pisa, Venice, and Assisi
- Services of a Professional Travel Director
- Transportation by private first-class air-conditioned motorcoach (with complimentary Wi-Fi)
- Hotel tips, taxes, porterage and service charges.
Great Ways to Explore
-
Admire the art & architecture of Florence, the Cradle of the Renaissance.
- Siena is one of the best preserved medieval cities in Italy.
-
Admire the ancient Colosseum in Rome- one of the most iconic landmarks in Italy.
-
Stay in charming and ideally located properties in each city!
-
Visit the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa and capture the perfect photo!
*Gratuities for tour directors, drivers and local guides are not included and are discretionary.
This is an escorted tour. It’s perfect if you prefer not to do your own driving and want to see as many sights as you can during your vacation.
You’ve heard about Italy - its magnificent architecture, majestic cathedrals, ancient ruins, world-class art, sumptuous cuisine and wine, and relaxing cafés - and now it is your turn to experience it!
Explore Italy's most famous cities and discover its unique sights as you overnight in Rome, Siena, Montecatini, and the Venice area. Take a step back in time and imagine what life was like 2,000 years ago when you visit Rome’s Colosseum, the amphitheater used for deadly gladiatorial contests, and Roman Forum, the political, social, and commercial center during the Roman Empire.
Imagine life during the Middle Ages as you explore San Gimignano’s medieval squares, town walls, streets, alleyways, and 14 towers still standing from the Middle Ages. Visit Florence, the Renaissance gem, where your walking tour features most of the city’s highlights, including the beautiful Piazza Signoria, the center of Florence’s social and political life since the 14th century.
On this Italy tour, you’ll discover some of its magnificent cathedrals and squares, from the Gothic cathedral in Orvieto to Pisa's Square of Miracles. You’ll also enjoy a wine tasting in Greve, the capital of Chianti, and an orientation in Venice including a boat ride to St. Mark’s Square, Venice’s most popular square.
Witness Venetian glassblowers create works of art just as they did centuries ago and spend some free time admiring the crisscrossing canals, the pretty gondolas passing under the arched bridges, the palaces, and the quaint piazzas.
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.
- Round-trip economy class airfare to Rome (FCO)
- Round-trip airport transfers
- Accommodations in hotels listed, or similar:
- 2 nights in Rome at the Buenos Aires Hotel or similar
- 1 night in Siena at the Four Points by Sheraton Siena
- 2 nights in Montecatini at the Settentrionale Esplanade
- 2 nights in Venice Area at Hotel Poppi or Holiday Inn Venezia
- 1 night in Rome at the Buenos Aires Hotel or similar
- Buffet Breakfast daily
- 3 three-course dinners
- Guided sightseeing as described in itinerary, including:
- Guided tours of Rome and Florence
- Sightseeing in Orvieto, Siena, San Gimignano. Greve in Chianti with wine tasting, Pisa, Venice, and Assisi
- Services of a Professional Travel Director
- Transportation by private first-class air-conditioned motorcoach (with complimentary Wi-Fi)
- Hotel tips, taxes, porterage and service charges.
-
Admire the art & architecture of Florence, the Cradle of the Renaissance.
- Siena is one of the best preserved medieval cities in Italy.
-
Admire the ancient Colosseum in Rome- one of the most iconic landmarks in Italy.
-
Stay in charming and ideally located properties in each city!
-
Visit the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa and capture the perfect photo!
*Gratuities for tour directors, drivers and local guides are not included and are discretionary.
This is an escorted tour. It’s perfect if you prefer not to do your own driving and want to see as many sights as you can during your vacation.
You’ve heard about Italy - its magnificent architecture, majestic cathedrals, ancient ruins, world-class art, sumptuous cuisine and wine, and relaxing cafés - and now it is your turn to experience it!
Explore Italy's most famous cities and discover its unique sights as you overnight in Rome, Siena, Montecatini, and the Venice area. Take a step back in time and imagine what life was like 2,000 years ago when you visit Rome’s Colosseum, the amphitheater used for deadly gladiatorial contests, and Roman Forum, the political, social, and commercial center during the Roman Empire.
Imagine life during the Middle Ages as you explore San Gimignano’s medieval squares, town walls, streets, alleyways, and 14 towers still standing from the Middle Ages. Visit Florence, the Renaissance gem, where your walking tour features most of the city’s highlights, including the beautiful Piazza Signoria, the center of Florence’s social and political life since the 14th century.
On this Italy tour, you’ll discover some of its magnificent cathedrals and squares, from the Gothic cathedral in Orvieto to Pisa's Square of Miracles. You’ll also enjoy a wine tasting in Greve, the capital of Chianti, and an orientation in Venice including a boat ride to St. Mark’s Square, Venice’s most popular square.
Witness Venetian glassblowers create works of art just as they did centuries ago and spend some free time admiring the crisscrossing canals, the pretty gondolas passing under the arched bridges, the palaces, and the quaint piazzas.
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.
Day 1. Welcome to Rome, Italy!
Upon arrival, you will be transferred to check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the Eternal City! This evening, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers.
Transfer to Rome hotel
Nestled in one of Rome's most desirable neighborhoods, Hotel Buenos Aires boasts traditional decor, warm hospitality, and luxurious amenities. Just steps from Villa Ada Park and Villa Borghese Gardens, this elegant hotel offers comfortable rooms equipped with crisp air conditioning, flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, decadent bath amenities, and much more. Once you're all settled in, unwind with a cocktail at the onsite bar, or enjoy a peaceful afternoon on the patio!Â
Enjoy the comforts of Holiday Inn Rome - Eur Parco Dei Medici, only a 25-minute ride from Rome's greatest wonders such as the Colosseum, and the Vatican. Catch public transport from the hotel and explore the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, and Pantheon or spend a day at Ostia beach all in about 30 minutes. While you're at the hotel, you can enjoy amenities such as a pillow menu and room service while you fully relax into your recently refurbished accommodations. Take advantage of the property's fitness center, sauna, and two outdoor pools. Don't miss the friendly atmosphere in the cozy lounge bar or the delicious cuisine from La Serra restaurant. As always, at Holiday Inn, kids stay and eat free!
Day 2. Rome
Rome is affectionately referred to as the Eternal City. It is steeped in history, has a vibrant atmosphere and is absolutely unique. Included sightseeing with a Local Guide will begin in St. Peter's Square and Basilica and will be followed by a visit to the Roman Forum, the incredible Colosseum, Piazza Venezia and Campidoglio.
Day 3. Rome - Orvieto - Siena
Journey northwest to the charming city of Orvieto in the Umbria region to visit its black basalt and yellow limestone cathedral, an excellent example of Italian Gothic architecture. By early evening you’ll be in Siena with time to visit this jewel of Tuscany.
Sit in one of the cafes surrounding the Campo and admire one of Italy's most unique squares, famed the world over for its Palio horse race. Tonight, enjoy a special dinner at a local restaurant.Â
Check-in - Four Points by Sheraton Siena
Only moments from Siena's walls and historic city center, Four Points by Sheraton Siena is a classic choice for a stay in the city. The hotel offers newly updated accommodations to ensure a comfortable and convenient visit. While you're at the hotel, enjoy a dip in the outdoor infinity pool or stop by the fitness center to work off some excess energy or relax in the sauna. Then, kick back at Il Palio, the on-site restaurant or peruse the wine menu at the hotel's lounge bar.Â
Day 4. Siena - San Gimignano - Greve - Montecatini
Drive this morning to San Gimignano, one of Tuscany's greatest attractions. Its medieval squares, town walls, streets, alleyways, and 14 towers make it unique. Next, into the very heart of the Chianti vineyards; watch out for names such as Castellina in Chianti, Badia, Gaiole, and Brolio, where classical Chianti wines are produced. Stop in Greve for some wine tasting at a local wine producer.
Check-in - Settentrionale Esplanade
Enjoy the splendor that comes with four stars while staying at the Settentrionale Esplanade. Enjoy an on-site restaurant, free Wi-Fi, a bar and lounge, conference rooms equipped with audio-video equipment, an outdoor pool, a garden, concierge and tour and ticket services, currency exchanges, and private parking is available.
Rooms are airy and comfortable, and features a flat-screen satellite TV, air conditioning, a minibar, a safe, and private bathrooms complete with a hairdryer and complimentary toiletries. Florence is just 25 miles away, while Peretola Airport and Pisa is 22 miles away. Lucca is closest, and a mere 14 miles away.
Day 5. Montecatini - Florence - Montecatini
This Renaissance gem and city of the Medicis will keep you enthralled the entire day. Traffic is banned in part of the historic center, so visitors can wander at leisure and admire the city's timeless beauty in relative peace and quiet.
Don't miss out on the included walking tour with a Local Guide, which features most of the city highlights. You will see Piazza Santa Croce; beautiful Piazza Signoria; Palazzo Vecchio and its courtyard; Loggia dei Lanzi; and, to top it all, Piazza del Duomo and its cathedral with the Giotto Campanile, and the magnificent East Door of the Baptistry, known as the "Gate of Paradise."
Day 6. Montecatini - Pisa - Venice Area
This morning, drive to Pisa for a visit to its Square of Miracles and the amazing Leaning Tower, 180 feet high and no less than 16 feet out of the perpendicular. Later, head across the wooded Apennine Hills into the farmlands of the Po Valley for two overnights in the Venice area.
Experience true Italian hospitality at this elegant hotel located right in between Venice and Padua. Family managed since 1965, Hotel Poppi combines modern facilities with classic charm. Relax in your soundproof room that comes decorated in a classic style - the perfect setting after a long day of exploring.
Treat yourself to a delicious meal at their on-site restaurant, which boasts a mouthwatering menu of regional Venetian fare! After dinner, unwind with a glass of local wine or sip on an espresso at the classy hotel bar.Â
Holiday Inn Venice Mestre Marghera is a short drive from Venice and located close to the Venezia-Mestre train station. From the property, you'll have no problem getting to the Venice Cruise Terminal and Piazzale Roma, which will give you easy access to iconic locations such as the Rialto Bridge, St. Mark's Square, and the Gallerie dell'Accademia. The hotel is well-equipped to make your stay as comfortable as possible with exciting amenities such as free WiFi, pillow menus, spacious family rooms, and room service. On-site facilities such as a fitness center, Alla Bell'Italia restaurant, and a lounge bar are also open to help you unwind and relax after a long day of sightseeing.Â
Day 7. Venice Area
Venice is more like a marvelous film set than a real-life city, with its criss crossing canals, gondolas and water buses, arched bridges, palaces, and little quiet piazzas.
The included orientation starts with a boat ride to St. Mark's Square and is followed by time at leisure and a chance to watch Venetian glassblowers fashion their delicate objects as they did centuries ago.Â
Day 8. Venice Area - Assisi - Rome
An interesting drive south, cutting across the Po Delta, then crossing the Apennines. Stop in Assisi, where St. Francis was born in 1182. Visit the world-famous basilica with its beautiful frescoes by Giotto, then head for Rome.
Nestled in one of Rome's most desirable neighborhoods, Hotel Buenos Aires boasts traditional decor, warm hospitality, and luxurious amenities. Just steps from Villa Ada Park and Villa Borghese Gardens, this elegant hotel offers comfortable rooms equipped with crisp air conditioning, flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, decadent bath amenities, and much more. Once you're all settled in, unwind with a cocktail at the onsite bar, or enjoy a peaceful afternoon on the patio!Â
Enjoy the comforts of Holiday Inn Rome - Eur Parco Dei Medici, only a 25-minute ride from Rome's greatest wonders such as the Colosseum, and the Vatican. Catch public transport from the hotel and explore the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, and Pantheon or spend a day at Ostia beach all in about 30 minutes. While you're at the hotel, you can enjoy amenities such as a pillow menu and room service while you fully relax into your recently refurbished accommodations. Take advantage of the property's fitness center, sauna, and two outdoor pools. Don't miss the friendly atmosphere in the cozy lounge bar or the delicious cuisine from La Serra restaurant. As always, at Holiday Inn, kids stay and eat free!
Day 9. Depart Italy
Your vacation ends this morning. After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for departure.
Transfer to Rome airport (FCO)
Fly home!
Where available, the Flexible Change Plan allows you to change your travel date for ANY reason (between 30 days and 14 days before planned departure). You will receive a Future Travel Credit for the entire amount you paid. Please note that prepaid instant purchase airfares and group airfare are not eligible for the Flexible Change Plan and are subject to airline-imposed change or cancellation fees based on airline rules at the time that the change is requested. You must rebook using the original air carrier at least 14 days prior to your originally scheduled departure and complete travel at least 1 year from original booking date. Additional fees may apply. Future travel credit is non-transferable, non-refundable, and may not be redeemed for cash.