A Week In... Venice, Florence & Rome

Tour begins: 6:00 PM, Ca' di Dio, Venice. Welcome to Venice! Your hotel is located on the shores of picturesque Giudecca Island. Tonight, join us for a welcome reception and dinner.

Explore the landmark sites of Venice this morning, joining a local guide for an informative walking tour that includes views of St. Mark's Basilica and the 14th-century Doge's Palace. Gondolas have glided along the historic canals that run through the city since the 11th century, skillfully rowed by specially trained gondoliers passionate about their craft. Experience this timeless tradition late afternoon, enjoying the iconic view of Venice from the canals. The remainder of the day is free to explore Venice as you please.

Board a high-speed train bound for Florence this morning. Arrive at your landmark palace hotel for lunch and a private talk by an art historian who shares insights about the Renaissance treasures you will see during your three-night stay. A locally guided walking tour this afternoon includes Piazza della Signoria, Piazza della Repubblica, and the Duomo, with a visit to Galleria dell'Accademia. Renowned for statues by Michelangelo, including his magnificent David, the museum showcases an impressive collection of artwork from the 13th to 16th centuries by Botticelli, Giotto and more. Enjoy time at leisure to explore what interests you most; dinner is included at a local restaurant tonight where you'll have an opportunity to try some Tuscan dishes – and enjoy the warm hospitality that defines dining in Florence.

On a privately guided visit to the Uffizi Galleries, view iconic works by famed artists such as Caravaggio's Medusa, Doni Tondo by Michelangelo, Annunciation by Leonardo da Vinci, The Birth of Venus by Sandro Botticelli, Titian's Venus of Urbino and others (day and time may vary). Spend the rest of the day as you please. During your stay in Florence, enjoy a privately guided visit to Museo dell'Opera del Duomo, where you can view original masterpieces from Florence's cathedral complex including Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise and Michelangelo's Pietà Bandini.

Drive outside the city of Florence and through the Tuscan countryside for a Tauck Exclusive at the ancient monastery of Badia de Passignano in the Chianti Classico region, where the monks are known for their love of learning (Galileo taught here in 1587) and their cultivation of grapes. Tour the wine cellar with a sommelier, sample its famous Chiantis, and have lunch at Osteria di Passignano... a celebration of traditional Tuscan cuisine paired with some of the famous wines produced in surrounding vineyards... followed by a little extra-virgin olive oil tasting with the chef. Return to Florence to relax or explore as you please, enjoying dinner on your own.

Travel to the Eternal City of Rome aboard a high-speed train, arriving midday. Enjoy lunch at a historic restaurant in Piazza Navona; one of the most famous squares in Rome, its history dates back to the 1st century AD when it was built as a stadium for athletic competitions. Today, the square is known for its beautiful Baroque architecture and vibrant atmosphere. View landmark city sights on a panoramic sightseeing tour around the seven hills of Imperial Rome this afternoon, where you'll have an opportunity to view the Baths of Caracalla, Circus Maximus and other sites.

Explore St. Peter's Square this morning and enjoy a privately guided visit inside St. Peter's Basilica, famous for its marble mosaics, paintings, tapestries and columns – topped by Michelangelo's exquisitely designed dome. During your days in Rome you'll also explore the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel on a privately guided visit (subject to availability; day of the tour may vary) – get insights into the art and centuries of history in galleries such as the Gallery of the Candelabra, Tapestry Room, Map Room, Raphael Rooms – and the story that is told in Michelangelo's amazing ceiling frescoes. Return to Rome for an afternoon to explore as you wish. Join us this evening for a farewell reception and dinner

Tour ends: Rome. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from Palazzo Ripetta to Leonardo da Vinci Airport in Fiumicino. Allow 3 hours for check-in.