Day 1 - Arrive in Rome
Arrive in Rome today and enjoy a shared transfer to your hotel located in the historic city center. Feel free to begin your explorations after check-in or seek out some world-famous Roman rigatoni carbonara.
You can also kick off your time in Rome with an optional guided twilight tour of the city. With the help of a local guide, enjoy a leisurely stroll through Rome, taking in the magnificent piazzas and beautiful fountains along the way. Hear tales of the city’s history while looking at sites including the Spanish Steps, the Pantheon, Hadrian’s Temple, Trevi Fountain, the House of Bernini and Borromini's bell tower. Overnight Rome.
Day 2 - Roman Cooking Lesson
After breakfast this morning, your first experience in Rome awaits. First, an expert leads you through the fresh food market and teaches you how to select local produce and the ingredients needed for the day’s cooking lesson. You continue to an apartment near Piazza Farnese or to a home on Tiberina Island for a cooking lesson to remember. At the conclusion of your lesson you will taste the food you prepared paired with Italian wine.
The rest of the day is yours to explore Rome on your own. Perhaps leave the hustle and bustle of the city’s main sights and explore Trastevere, an ancient area of the city that offers a look at day-to-day life for Romans. Wander the cobbled streets, which are lined with cafés and local shops. You could also take your time meandering through the city’s piazzas and admiring the Roman architecture of the city. Don’t forget to make a wish in the Trevi Fountain!
If you desire guided sightseeing, perhaps join an afternoon tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. The sites of ancient Rome are presented without lines as you enjoy special access to the amphitheater at the Colosseum, climb Palatine Hill and walk on the Via Sacra. Along the way, you also enjoy a look at the Temples of Vesta, Antonino and Faustina and the ancient Basilicas Julian and Aemilia. With the help of an expert guide, this ancient site comes to life once more. Overnight Rome. (B, L)
Day 3 - Rome at Leisure
Today is at leisure to continue your explorations of the city. The Museum of Contemporary Art of Rome and the Museum Leonardo Da Vinci Experience are just a couple of the fascinating museums in the city.
Not to be missed while in Rome is the Vatican. You have the option to take an in-depth tour that includes priority entrance to the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica, as well as the invaluable knowledge of a tour guide. As you tour these beloved sites, immerse yourself in centuries of religious history and some of the world’s most famous works of art. Overnight Rome. (B)
Day 4 - Rome to Florence
Grab an espresso in a local café or enjoy a gelato this morning ahead of your transfer to Roma Termini railway station. Board your local trains bound for Florence, and enjoy comfortable seating and wonderful views during the journey, which typically takes under 2 hours. As you arrive in Florence, a private car takes you to your hotel in Florence’s city center. You have the rest of the afternoon to sightsee independently. There are fine examples of Renaissance architecture throughout the city, as well as beautiful piazzas that are complete with statues and fountains.
Later, an evening walking tour introduces you to the city of Florence. A knowledgeable guide directs you along ancient cobbled streets, through bustling piazzas and the best places to take in riverside vistas. Other highlights of the tour include the Ponte Vecchio Bridge, famous Renaissance palaces and many other destinations that offer an insider’s perspective of the city. Overnight Florence. (B)
Day 5 - Gastronomic Tour of Tuscany
The spectacular food and wine of Tuscany lie ahead as you set out on a small group tour to destinations such as Chianti, Montalcino and Montepulciano. All set within the stunning confines of Tuscany, these villages are known to produce world-famous gastronomic delights, including wine, pork, cheese and olive oil. The tour takes you through vineyards and olive groves on its route and includes picturesque landscapes and views of medieval villages. In Greve you can take in the charm of the historical square by visiting galleries as you wander through shops carrying local craft items and products typical of Chianti. There is plenty of tasting on this tour, as well, including samplings of local wines and olive oils and lunch at a historic farm. This full-day expedition is sure to immerse you in the essence of Tuscany. Overnight Florence. (B, L)
Day 6 - Florence at Leisure
Explore the sights and experiences of Florence at leisure today. In your free time, visit the Duomo, a famous 11th-century cathedral that overlooks the city, or climb the stairs of Giotto’s Campanile for a different perspective. You could also wander through the 11 acres of immaculate gardens at Boboli Gardens or visit one of the numerous museums.
If you’re craving Tuscany’s artistic culture, you can explore two of Florence’s most famous art galleries on a guided tour. First, enjoy an hour-long visit to the Accademia Gallery and time to see Michaelangelo’s David. Next, the tour moves to the Uffizzi Gallery, where your guide presents works of art by Botticelli, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Raffaello, Giotto, Cimabue, Masaccio and others. You will also see the world-famous “Birth of Venus” painting during the time here.
This evening you have the option to partake in a typical dinner and concert in the heart of Florence, an experience that begins in a local restaurant in the Oltrarno neighborhood. Enjoy local delicacies and Chianti wine as you dine. After dinner, make your way to the Anglican Church for a memorable performance of Neapolitan songs and arias from operas by Puccini, Verdi, Rossini and other Italian composers. Overnight Florence. (B)
Day 7 - Tour Conclusion
Your epic introduction to the tastes of Italy concludes this morning as you are transferred to Florence’s airport for your return flight home. (B)
Destination & Sightseeing
ITINERARY
