8 Day Taste of Italy and Tuscany Tour

Rome – Arrival

Welcome to Rome! After meeting your driver at the airport, you will be transferred to your hotel. After checking in, explore the Eternal City at your own pace.

A hop-on-hop-off daily ticket is at your disposal. Explore Rome by riding one of the Open-top Hop-on-Hop-off buses and see your favorite city landmarks from a different perspective! The open-top panoramic buses allow you to enjoy spectacular views of the most iconic monuments of the Eternal City. Simply hop on board, relax, listen to the audio commentary, and get on and off at any of the eight stops along the route. The included bus ticket will be valid for a day and offers audio commentary.

Accommodation at the Hotel St. Martin, Rome, or similar

Rome to Florence via Assisi & Siena

Departure around 7:30 am from the Hotel St. Martin or similar for Assisi, a tiny town in Umbria surrounded by walls built in the Middle Ages, famous for the Basilica of St. Francis. Enjoy lunch in Assisi. After exploring Assisi at your own pace, board the bus for Siena, a Medieval town known for its Palio horse race around the shell-shaped Piazza del Campo. Continue to Florence, where you will check into your hotel before dinner.

Accommodation at the Hotel Raffaello, Florence, or similar

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Florence Highlights

After breakfast, explore Florence, the Cradle of the Renaissance, where Italian art thrived under Michelangelo’s influence. Marvel at the Duomo’s exterior, the Campanile Tower, and the Baptistery with its renowned bronze doors.

In the city center, visit Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio, and the Basilica of Santa Croce. Enjoy an included lunch at a traditional Tuscan restaurant in Piazza Santa Croce.

In the afternoon, stroll Florence’s cobblestone streets at your own pace or take an optional trip to Pisa, one of Italy’s historical Marine Republics. Explore the Piazza dei Miracoli with its iconic Duomo, the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the majestic Baptistery.

Accommodation at the Hotel Raffaello, Florence, or similar

Meals: Breakfast

Florence to Venice with a taste of Bologna

After a delightful breakfast in Florence, depart for elegant Bologna. Upon arrival, explore the charming city center with its iconic porticos. Start your walking tour at Piazza Malpighi, leading to Piazza del Nettuno and Piazza Maggiore. Marvel at the historic Palazzo Podestà and the Basilica of San Petronio, the world’s largest Gothic brick church.

Discover why Bologna is hailed as Italy’s gastronomic capital with a street food experience, exploring medieval streets lined with food stalls and markets offering traditional and contemporary treats. Enjoy a light lunch at a local eatery, sampling authentic flavors that define Bologna’s culinary identity. In the afternoon, continue the journey to Venice (Mestre).

Accommodation at the Hotel Delfino Mestre, Venice, or similar

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Venice Highlights

After breakfast, jump aboard a water taxi to the famous St. Mark’s Square, where you will visit the exterior of the Doge’s Palace, a symbol of the glory and authority of Venice. Nearby, see the legendary Bridge of Sighs before tasting a Venetian spritz or a prosecco with the company of your tour leader.

As you relax in comfort and savor your drink, you’ll also have the chance to indulge in the renowned “cicchetti,” a Venetian take on tapas, offering a delightful light lunch option. Enjoy the afternoon at your own pace, strolling along Venice’s enchanting canals, before returning to the hotel.

Your Tour Leader will provide you with all the essential information for your return journey to the hotel in Mestre, by water taxi and local bus services. Please note that tickets for public transportation are not included. 

Accommodation at the Hotel Delfino Mestre, Venice, or similar

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Tuscany Wine Region (Montepulciano) 

After breakfast, depart for Tuscany, famous for its landscapes, churches, castles, and exquisite wines. Head to Val di Chiana with a stop in Montepulciano, a medieval town rich in history and art. Known for its Nobile wine, which you can purchase at local wine houses, Montepulciano also offers stunning panoramic views and a rich cultural heritage. Enjoy lunch at a traditional restaurant.

Afterward, have some free time before continuing to Rome, where you are expected to arrive in the evening.

Accommodation at the Hotel St. Martin, Rome, or similar

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Rome & The Vatican

After breakfast, depart from the hotel for an included tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with skip-the-line access. Upon arrival, your guide will lead you directly into the museum. Explore one of the world’s most important art collections, stroll through the beautiful Galleries of Tapestries and Geographical Maps, and marvel at Raphael’s Rooms and the stunning Sistine Chapel. After this incredible experience, the tour concludes in St. Peter’s Square.

Enjoy the rest of the day to explore the city at your leisure or opt for the Ancient Rome Tour with the Colosseum.

Important: Please be aware that during the Jubilee Year, certain areas within the Vatican may be inaccessible due to religious ceremonies.

Accommodation at the Hotel St. Martin, Rome, or similar

Meals: Breakfast

Rome – Departure

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport. Arrivederci!

Meals: Breakfast