Italian Art Cities

Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to explore. 

In the morning, meet your guide at the Vatican for a small group guided visit of the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel. Your guide will take you through the museum, focusing on the most famous masterpieces including the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, the Raphael Rooms, St. Peter’s Basilica, and ending with St. Peter’s Square. The remainder of the afternoon is at your leisure to explore this historic city. (B) 

Take some free time today to explore the city at your leisure. The best way to experience Rome is to walk along its streets where you will undoubtedly unearth a hidden treasure. We recommend considering an excursion out of the city to enjoy the countryside or a nice lunch in a local vineyard. (B) 

Meet your driver/guide at your hotel for your drive to Florence. The drive itself is magnificent! Enjoy the views of the Chianti hills covered with vineyards and olive trees, cypresses and castles that dot the countryside. Your first stop will be in Siena, one of Italy’s loveliest medieval cities. Spend some free time exploring the village before continuing to a lovely Tuscan villa and vineyard for a cellar visit followed by lunch and a wine tasting. Continue your drive to Florence, with a potential stop to see the charming castle town of Monteriggioni, time permitting. (B,L) 

Today you will join a small group tour to explore Florence and discover the 2,000 years of tumultuous history that changed the world forever. You’ll visit the famed Duomo, Santa Trinita and Orsanmichele churches and walk the medieval center of town. By the end of your morning tour, you will understand why Florence became one of the greatest art centers of the world, being home to masters such as Michelangelo, da Vinci, and Botticelli. After your tour, you may continue to explore at your leisure or return to your hotel until it’s time to head to the Academia to visit Michelangelo’s masterpiece, the Statue of David. (B) 

After breakfast, you’ll board the high-speed train to Venice, arriving in about 2 short hours. Upon arrival, meet your assistant and transfer to your hotel, located in the heart of the city. You’ll have the balance of the day to explore this floating city of connected islands at your own pace. You may want to consider taking some time to visit the Peggy Guggenheim or Palazzo Grassi galleries, two of Venice’s world-class art exhibits. (B) 

Join your small group tour to explore Venice by boat, coasting along the Grand Canal, the extraordinarily beautiful water highway. Listen to tantalizing tales about the marvelous palaces and sites lining the canal and find out which locations were used in famous films (and where the celebrities like to hangout). As the sun begins to set, take a traditional gondola ride, sliding through the canals and crossing beneath bridges. Tonight, enjoy an apertivo before your final dinner at leisure, followed by a leisurely stroll through the Piazza San Marco to enjoy the ambiance before bed. (B) 

Enjoy a final Venetian breakfast before making your way to the airport for your return flight home. (B)