Itinerary
Classic Italy
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Classic Italy
This tailor-made Italian tour takes in three of Italy's most iconic cities. From Rome and its inescapable history, to Florence and its masterpieces, and then Venice, with its romance-laden canals. Our expert guides will be with you every step of the way to unlock the secrets of this historic Italian trio. You’ll travel by first-class train across the countryside, stroll around romantic Tuscan hill towns and cruise among the islands of the Venetian lagoon.
UK - Rome
After a short flight from the UK, land in the ‘Eternal City’, Rome. There’s a room waiting for you at the lively 18th Century Plazzo, Hotel de la Ville.
Rome
Today, one of our expert guides will lead you around the labyrinthine streets of central Rome, giving you invaluable insights into both its famous monuments and its lesser-known corners. Haggle for fresh fruit and spices at the Campo de' Fiori marketplace, toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain (to ensure you'll return one day) and climb the Spanish Steps for magnificent views before cooling off inside the Pantheon.
Vatican City
We'll help you beat the queues as you tour the city-state within a city. You’ll breeze into the Vatican Museums, home to an extraordinary collection of art, maps, sculptures and antiquities. Undoubtedly, the highlight is Michelangelo's frescoed Sistine Chapel. Finish in the spectacular St Peter's Basilica, climbing the steps to the top for unrivalled city views.
Rome - Florence
Today, you’ll travel first-class through the Italian countryside by train, from the country's political capital to its artistic one. Straddling the River Arno, dome-dotted Florence is the cradle of the Renaissance and home to some of the country's, if not the continent's, most important art.
Florence
We think the best way to explore Florence is on foot and today, you’ll do just that. Stroll the splendid Renaissance streets with your private guide, stopping off at the world-famous Uffizi Gallery to admire Caravaggio's Medusa, Botticelli's Birth of Venus and many more masterpieces. Pause at the Church of Santa Croce, where Michelangelo, Galileo and many famous Florentines are buried.
San Gimignano - Siena
Leave the city and head into the rolling, romantic Tuscan countryside. Wander the medieval walled town of San Gimignano, with its 14 towers. Join a guide for a stroll around Siena, taking in the Piazza del Campo, one of the finest main squares in Italy. Here, you’ll also see the 14th-century Town Hall and the Duomo's unforgettable frescoes.
Florence - Venice
Another day and another first-class train journey, to another city. This time it’s northwards to Venice, a place unlike any other. You'll transfer to your hotel not by car, but by private motor-launch which is the perfect introduction to this waterbound city.
Venice
With its maze of streets, it's extremely easy to get lost in Venice. But don’t worry, we’ll provide a private guide who’ll navigate you along its winding canals and narrow alleys. Make your way to the fairytale-pink Doge's Palace, resplendent with frescoes and gilded stuccowork and the Byzantine beauty of St Mark's Basilica.
Venice Lagoon Islands
Venice spreads out over more than 100 islands in a wide lagoon. Accompanied by a guide, you’ll board a boat and navigate these scattered isles, watching as the church domes and bright boats glide by. Stop at Burano, a colourful fishing island renowned for its lace production and charming architecture. Then cruise on to Murano, where exquisite glassware has been made using the same methods for over 700 years.
Venice - UK
After breakfast it’s time to bid a fond farewell to Venice. We’ll take you back on the motor-launch to the airport for your return flight home.
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