8-Nights Italy's Icons: Venice, Florence & Rome - Custom Groups of 10+ from $3,595

Goway Travel

OFFER ID 1722853

Iconic Landmarks Discover Italy’s romance, art and flavours on this independent tour, from Venice’s canals to Tuscany’s hills and Rome’s timeless wonders.

Trip Overview:

Experience the romance, history, and flavours of Italy on this unforgettable nine-day journey through its most celebrated cities and countryside. Begin in Venice, a city woven from water and stone. Glide along serene canals by gondola, explore St. Mark’s Basilica, and create your own Venetian mask, connecting with centuries of tradition.

Travel through Tuscany’s rolling hills to Pisa to admire its famous Leaning Tower, then settle into Florence, the heart of the Renaissance. Marvel at Michelangelo’s David, stroll through medieval streets, and gaze over the city from Piazzale Michelangelo. Venture into Chianti to sample fine wines in ancient castles, savour local delicacies, and wander charming hill towns where time seems to stand still. In Lari, step behind the scenes at a tiny family-run pasta factory, learning secrets passed down for generations.

Journey onward to Assisi, the tranquil birthplace of St. Francis, before arriving in Rome. Here, the grandeur of ancient civilisation unfolds at the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and the Roman Forum. Discover masterpieces within the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica.

Conclude with a day in the Alban Hills, where volcanic soils nurture exceptional wines. Explore Castel Gandolfo’s lakeside beauty, once a papal retreat, and savour a final tasting in the countryside. From Venice’s lagoons to Rome’s timeless wonders, this Italian adventure blends culture, landscapes, and culinary delights into a journey you will never forget.

Highlights:

Glide through Venice’s canals by gondola, explore St. Mark’s Square, and craft your own carnival mask.
Visit Pisa’s Leaning Tower before arriving in Florence, the Renaissance heart of Tuscany.
Savour Chianti wines, stroll medieval villages, and enjoy a Tuscan lunch among rolling vineyards.
Discover Florence’s artistic treasures, then tour a family-run pasta factory in charming Lari.
Wander ancient Rome and the Vatican before tasting fine wines in the tranquil Alban Hills.

Included Services:

2 nights moderate accommodation in Venice
3 nights moderate accommodation in Florence
3 nights moderate accommodation in Rome
Local Tour Manager throughout the tour
Sightseeing with English-speaking local guides as per itinerary
All transfers and transportation is by private, air-conditioned coach (One Group transfer meeting one flight only on arrival and departure is included)
One bag per person on the coach touring/transfers. Additional bags will be carried subject to availability. Additional charges will apply if additional vehicles are required
Service charges and taxes at existing rates. In the event of an increase in tax or of the introduction of a new city tax after the date of this offer and before date of travel, we will be forced to collect the increased amount
Breakfast daily (excluding Day 1), 2 Lunches

Excluded Services:

All airfares, departure taxes & fuel surcharges, seat selection
Additional charges will apply for extra transfers if anyone in the group is arriving or departing on different flights.
Any future fuel surcharges on land arrangements or additional costs due to COVID rules
Personal items
Changes in Government taxes and/or city taxes
Airport and Hotel Porterage
Optional Tours
Meals unless listed in itinerary
Tips & Gratuities
Early check-in & late check out of rooms (standard check-in time is 2pm and check out 10am)
Travel Insurance
Visa/passport handling fees

8 nights from $3,595 per person

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Venice – A City Like No Other

Welcome to Venice!

Upon arrival and after clearing immigration and customs, you’ll be warmly greeted and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax and explore at your own pace. Stroll through Venice’s romantic alleyways, enjoy a quiet canal-side aperitivo, or simply soak in the enchanting atmosphere of this unique city.

Hotel: Hotel Cavalletto & Doge Orseolo Venice (4 Star Rating)

The Albergo Cavalletto & Doge Orseolo overlooks the Orseolo Basin, one of the most famous and enchanting places of the old town center, an exclusive access to the splendor of Saint Mark's Square, just 50 meters away. Albergo Cavalletto & Doge Orseolo is 325 feet from the Correr Museum and 230 feet from the Bell Tower of St. Mark's Basilica. The nearest water bus stop is San Marco-Vallaresso, a 2-minute walk from the hotel. All rooms at the Albergo Cavalletto are classically furnished in Venetian style and include satellite TV and a minibar. Some rooms provide charming views of the gondolas in the Orseolo Basin. The bar and breakfast room also overlook the canal. The varied breakfast buffet includes fresh fruit, croissants, coffee and tea. The Cavalletto's elegant restaurant serves typical Venetian cuisine and is recommended by guide books.

Day 2: Discover Venice by Land and Water

After breakfast at your hotel, meet your local guide to begin a captivating tour of Venice—both by foot and by gondola.

Your walking tour starts in the iconic St. Mark’s Square, where you’ll explore Venice’s most celebrated landmarks: St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace, the Bell Tower, and the Bridge of Sighs. Enjoy guided interior visits of St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace, delving into Venice’s rich history, opulent art, and vibrant culture. Marvel at the basilica’s shimmering golden mosaics, intricate marble floors, and the breathtaking Pala d’Oro, a masterpiece of Byzantine craftsmanship.

Next, step aboard a traditional gondola for an unforgettable ride through Venice’s picturesque canals. Cruise past the grand Basilica della Salute, a baroque gem that changes appearance depending on your vantage point. Drift away from the bustling Grand Canal to discover hidden corners of Venice, gliding past elegant palazzos and the majestic La Fenice Opera House.

Next, enjoy a Carnival Mask workshop, learning the ancient techniques as you create your own Venetian mask to take home.

After the tour, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 3: Venice to Florence via Pisa – Towers and Tuscan Charm

After breakfast, bid farewell to Venice as you travel across the scenic Po Valley and into the rolling hills of Tuscany.

In Pisa, meet your local guide for a walking tour of the famous Field of Miracles. Marvel at the iconic Leaning Tower (exterior visit) and explore the stunning interiors of the 11th-century Cathedral and Baptistery.

Continue to Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance. Enjoy an orientation drive through the city with a scenic stop at Piazzale Michelangelo to admire panoramic views before checking in to your hotel. The evening is at your leisure.

Hotel: Hotel Atlantic Palace (4 Star Rating)

Hotel Atlantic Palace, 4-star hotel in Florence in the heart of the city, the ideal place to spend a relaxing holiday or a profitable business stay in a refined environment, rich in history and tradition, which, at the same time, offers all the comforts. The common areas and the rooms are particularly welcoming: the Florentine style furnishings-with terracotta floors and ceilings with original beams give the emotion of an environment with attention to detail and capable of satisfying every need.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 4: A Tuscan Wine Journey – Vineyards, Villages & Flavours

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, meet your Tour Escort and journey into the heart of Chianti, Tuscany’s most beloved wine region.

Begin at a historic castle winery in the Florentine Chianti Classico area. Enjoy a guided tour of the ancient cellars and gardens, followed by an exclusive tasting of four wines, organic extra virgin olive oil, and local specialties including handmade pasta, Tuscan herbs, and Cantuccini with coffee, served in the estate’s charming Hosteria.

Next, visit the delightful medieval village of Greve in Chianti, birthplace of explorer Giovanni da Verrazzano. Stroll through its arcaded main square and explore artisan shops.

Travel along the Via Chiantigiana, a scenic route lined with rolling vineyards and olive groves, to reach a family-run winery in the Sienese Chianti Classico. Here, a passionate winemaker welcomes you for a tour of the cellars and aromatic gardens, followed by another memorable tasting.

End the day in Castellina in Chianti, a picturesque hilltop town of Etruscan origin. Walk the covered medieval street “Via delle Volte” and soak in the charm of its ancient stone houses, quaint shops, and peaceful squares.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5: Florence & Lari – Renaissance Splendor and Pasta Perfection

Start your day with a guided walking tour of Florence, exploring the renowned Duomo Complex: the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Brunelleschi's Dome, Giotto’s Bell Tower, and more. Learn about the city’s influential residents, from the Medici family to Dante Alighieri.

Visit the Galleria dell’Accademia, home to Michelangelo’s awe-inspiring David and other Renaissance masterpieces. Wander through Florence’s historic center and admire its incredible blend of art and architecture.

The afternoon, head to Lari, a lesser known Tuscan town located within castle walls. Its biggest draw is Europe’s smallest pasta factory, situated in its centre. It is so tiny, in fact, that if you blink you might miss it. Though mini, the Famiglia Martelli has been proudly making their pasta there since 1926. The family-owned and family-run factory specializes in five types of pasta: maccheroni (rigatoni), penne, fusilli (corkscrew pasta), thin spaghetti and thick spaghetti. The Martellis warmly welcome visitors for a tour. The walk-through gives insight into the art of making pasta, the original way. The process is a long one, as the semolina pasta is still made by hand and hung to dry. The brothers, who usually give the tour, emphasize that what they produce in a year a modern factory pumps out in five hours. At the end of the tour it is possible to taste the difference in their artisanal approach to one of Italy’s staple ingredients. Visitors can purchase a bag (or two, or more!) to take home as a souvenir.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 6: Florence to Rome via Assisi – From Saints to Caesars

Depart Florence this morning and travel through Chianti's vineyards and past the peaceful Lake Trasimeno, steeped in Roman history.

Climb into the Apennine Mountains to reach the serene hill town of Assisi. With your local guide, visit the Basilica of St. Francis and admire the magnificent frescoes by Giotto. Afterward, continue along the scenic Tiber Valley to Rome, the Eternal City.

Hotel: Abitart (4 Star Rating)

This hotel is located close to Trastvere's entertainment and leisure area. The famous Pyramids of Cestius, a surprising and quite remarkable monument for Rome, is just a few paces away. The closest underground station offers good connections to the world-famous Colosseum, the city's main shopping street and Rome's main train station (Stazione Termini).

Newly opened in 2003, this and modern city hotel comprises a total of 65 rooms of which 8 are suites, spread over 7 floors. The stylish hotel comprises a lobby area with a lift as well as a bar and a restaurant with non-smoking area. Those arriving by car may take advantage of the hotel garage facilities (for an additional fee).

The elegant and individually decorated rooms come with a private bathroom, a hairdryer, a direct dial telephone, a minibar, a TV, a hire safe, and centrally regulated air conditioning.

There is a gym available for use.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 7: Rome – From the Forum to the Vatican

Today, explore the heart of Ancient Rome. Start at the legendary Colosseum step inside the arena to relive the stories of gladiators and emperors.

Continue to Palatine Hill, the mythological birthplace of Rome and later the home of its emperors. Walk through the ruins of the Roman Forum, once the center of public and political life, and hear fascinating tales—from Julius Caesar’s funeral to the lives of Vestal Virgins.

After a break for lunch (on your own), delve into the spiritual and artistic heart of the Vatican. Visit the world-renowned Vatican Museums, a treasure trove of ancient and Renaissance art. Your guided tour culminates in the breathtaking Sistine Chapel, where Michelangelo’s iconic ceiling will leave you in awe.

Continue to St. Peter’s Basilica, the world’s largest church. Marvel at Michelangelo’s poignant Pietà, Bernini’s soaring columns, and the Basilica’s magnificent dome. Conclude with a visit to St. Peter’s Square, surrounded by grand colonnades.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 8: The Alban Hills – Castles, Wine & a Pope’s Retreat

After breakfast, leave the hustle and bustle of Rome for the day. 20 kilometers southeast of Rome the gentle Alban hills unfurl as a verdant tapestry, adorned with an array of vineyards. The grapes grow perfectly in the mineral-rich volcanic soil. The exquisite wines have been enjoyed in an area that has been a favored location for aristocracy to build its summer residences since the Renaissance. The resort town of Castel Gandolfo is considered one of the most scenic in Italy. It is located on lovely Lake Albano and is protected as a regional park, il Parco Regionale dei Castelli Romani. Its papal palace has been transformed into a museum, so visitors can enjoy its beauty before doing a wine tasting or going on to see some of the other sites of historic and artistic interest that are interlaced in the area. Lunch included at a local winery with wine tasting.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch

Day 9: Arrivederci, Italia!

After breakfast, it’s time to say farewell to Italy’s beauty, history, and irresistible flavors. With a heart full of memories and perhaps a suitcase filled with wine and pasta, transfer to the airport for your journey home.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Featured Destinations

Alban Hills (Colli Albani)

Rome

Sprawled across seven legendary hills, romantic and beautiful Rome was one
of the great centers of the ancient world. Although its beginning is shrouded
in legend and its development is full of intrigue and struggle, Rome has always
been and remains the Eternal City.

Rome enjoyed its greatest splendor during the 1st and 2nd centuries when art
flourished, monumental works of architecture were erected, and the mighty Roman
legions swept outward, conquering all of Italy. These victorious armies then
swept across the Mediterranean and beyond to conquer most of the known world.
With Rome's establishment as capital of the western world, a new ascent to glory
began.

Today's Rome, with its splendid churches, ancient monuments and palaces, spacious
parks, tree-lined boulevards, fountains, outdoor cafes and elegant shops, is
one of the world’s most attractive and exciting cities. Among the most famous
monuments is the Colosseum. As you walk its cool, dark passageways, imagine
the voices that once filled the arena as 50,000 spectators watched combats between
muscled gladiators and ferocious animals.

Stop to see the remains of the Forum, once the city's political and commercial
center. In later times, Rome's squares were enhanced with such imposing structures
as the Vittorio Emanuele Monument and grandiose fountains like the Fontana di
Trevi. Join the millions who stand in awe of Christendom’s most magnificent
church and admire the timeless masterpieces of Michelangelo's frescoes in the
Sistine Chapel.

Rome jars the senses and captures the soul. Grasp all you can during the short,
precious time you have available in the Eternal City. With so much to see and
do, a day or two will only allow you a sampling of the city's marvelous treasures.

Caution: As in many big cities and tourist destinations purse snatching
and pickpocketing is common. Valuable jewelry and excess cash are best left
in a safety deposit box in your hotel.

Shopping For most visitors shopping for beautiful Italian leather articles,
designer shoes, fashions for men and women, linens, knitwear, silk scarves and
ties is a favorite pastime. Except for tourist-oriented shops, the majority
of stores are closed on Sundays. Some of the department stores, such as Rinascente,
open in the late afternoon on Sundays.

Cuisine Rome's choice of restaurants is mindboggling as is the variety
of cuisine. Whether your meal is at a top-rated restaurant or a rustic trattoria,
you can be sure that you will enjoy your food, especially when accompanied by
wines from the hill towns surrounding Rome.

Other Sights Rome's attractions are endless, and depending on how much
time you have at your disposal a careful selection has to be made about what
to see. Be aware of horrendous traffic conditions and major construction work
all around the city in preparation of Jubilee 2000, the Holy Year. Some of the
sights not to be missed:

Piazza Venezia - This busy square is easily recognized by its imposing Vittorio
Emanuele II Monument. The white marble structure was inaugurated in 1911 as
a symbol of Italy’s unification.

The Forum - Once the civic heart of ancient Rome, today the remains include
a series of ruins, marble fragments, isolated columns and some worn arches.

Colosseum - No visit to Rome is complete without a stop at this awe-inspiring
theater, which is among the world’s most celebrated buildings. Here ancient
Rome flocked to see gladiatorial contests and numerous other spectacles.

Trevi Fountain - Take a stroll to Rome's famous fountain. A spectacular fantasy
of mythical sea creatures and cascades of splashing water, the fountain is one
of the city's foremost attractions. Legend has it that visitors must toss a
coin into the fountain to ensure their return to Rome.

St. Peter's Square - Part of Vatican City, this square created by Bernini
is considered one of the loveliest squares in the world. Twin Doric colonnades
topped with statues of various saints and martyrs flank either side of the square.
In the center stands an 84-foot obelisk, brought from Egypt in 37 A.D.

St. Peter's Basilica - At the head of the square stands Christendom's most
magnificent church, which was begun in 1452 on the site where St. Peter was
buried. Throughout the following 200 years, such Renaissance masters as Bramante,
Michelangelo, Raphael and Bernini worked on its design and created an unparalleled
masterpiece. Of special note are Michelangelo's Pieta and the bronze canopy
over the high altar by Bernini. The immense dome was designed by Michelangelo.

Vatican Museum - To see this museum's immense collection would take days.
As you enter, there are special posters that plot a choice of four color-coded
itineraries. They are repeated throughout the museum and are easy to follow.
It is a good idea to pickup a leaflet at the main entrance and concentrate on
exhibits of major interest. Of course, the Sistine Chapel is a must. Most likely
you may have to wait in line to enter.

Excursions

Rome Highlights and Vatican: 9 hours

Meet your private English-speaking driver at the pier side of Civitavecchia port.
Rome is a mix of architecture styles, of antiques and new, of sacred and profane. In this full day tour you can enjoy a sample of this capital city. With your guide reach the Vatican city where you can visit the Museums, admiring its priceless collection of art and architecture: highlights include Raphael's Transfiguration, The Raphael Rooms, the Sculpture Garden featuring the famous Laokoon. Finally, the restored Sistine Chapel, famous all over the world for the breathtaking Michelangelo’s ceiling and the Last Judgment. From here you walk to St. Peter's Basilica to marvel at Michelangelo's Dome, his statue Pietà, Bernini's magnificent Baldacchino and the Tombs of the Popes. The tour will continue with a look at the ancient part of the Eternal city and its symbol: the Coliseum, where, jumping the lines, you will be able to enter in the magnificent Flavian Amphitheatre and admire where the gladiatorial duels, wild beast fights were arranged for the entertainment of Roman people.
The second part of the day will be dedicated to the visit of the city center, starting from Navona Square, the most important of Baroque Rome, where today it is possible to admire the monumental Fountain of the Rivers by Bernini. Continue your tour visiting the Pantheon, the jewel of Roman architecture, then Trevi Fountain, the most famous and beautiful fountain in Rome. End the tour at the Spanish Steps, built entirely in travertine in the 18th century.
We will ensure your timely return transfer to the Civitavecchia Port

Access to the Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica is allowed only to properly attired visitors.

Highlights:

Vatican Museums, Ancient Rome, main highlights

Tour Duration: 8 hours

Tour can Operate: Morning

Wheelchair Accessible: Yes

Physical Activity Level: low

Inclusions:
·         Luxury Mercedes minivan at disposal for the entire day
·         English-speaking driver at disposal for the entire day
·         6 hour private English-speaking guide
·         No Line entrance fees for the Vatican Museums and Colosseum

Exclusions:
·         All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
·         Gratuities

Tivoli: Villas in the Countryside - 8 Hours

Ostia Antica - 6 Hours

Roman Castles - 8 Hours

Lake Bracciano and the Monster Park - 8 Hours

Florence

Tuscany

Venice

With a great historic past and incomparable art treasures, Venice is renowned as one of the world’s great cities. Its 118 islands are separated by more than 150 canals and spanned by 400 bridges. During Venice's artistic golden age many magnificent structures were erected to create world-famous masterpieces. One of the best sightseeing routes is along Grand Canal, with many palaces lining the famous waterway. St. Mark’s Square offers access to some of Venice’s most famed attractions - St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace. From Piazza San Marco, a maze of narrow streets are lined with shops, cafés and restaurants. A popular pastime is sitting at an outdoor café facing the square while people-watching and letting the whole marvelous scenario unfold. Venice’s Murano, Burano and Torcello Islands comprise an area famous as home of Venice’s glass-blowing industry and known for their charm, skilled lace-making and medieval monuments. Relax on a gondola ride, see art treasures in museums, churches and palaces, and have a sumptuous meal - all in this incomparable city.

Excursions

Venice: Splendours of Venice Walking Tour - 4 hours

Venice: Venice for Art Lovers Walking Tour - 4 hours

Venice: The Roman City of Verona - 7 hours

Venice - St. Marks, Grand Canal and Murano - 6 hours

Venice in a Day - 8 hours

Meet your private English-speaking assistant and private boat at the pier side of Venice port.
The tour will start with an hour cruise by private boat along the Grand Canal to see its beauty as it was intended to be seen by boat. Continue visiting the island of Murano: you will enter into a real working studio and see how the glass is blown and shaped with the original tools which have been used throughout history.

Next, you will come back to Venice and enjoy a ride by gondola: the symbol of Venice. Both if you are honeymooner or young people or well travelled tourist, you will be captured by the elegance and charm of this experience.

After lunch your private English speaking guide will meet you and take you on a walking tour, explaining the historical background of Venice, its origin and development. Visiting St. Mark's square with the Golden Basilica and the Doge's palace, you will come in touch with the most admired and well known artistic jewels, especially from a monumental & architectural point of view. The past splendours of the Serenissima will appear through palaces, churches, bell towers, well curbs, elegant renaissance and baroque facades.

Also worth a detailed visit is the lively area of Rialto's market, connecting the famous bridge to St. Mark's square through the well known Mercerie street: the remnants of Venice's magnificence will fascinate you.
We will ensure your timely return transfer to the Venice Port

Highlights:

Grand Canal, Murano island, Golden Basilica, Doge’s Palace, Bell Tower, main and -off the truck- highlights

Tour Duration: 8 hours

Tour can Operate: Morning

Wheelchair Accessible: No

Physical Activity Level: Low

Inclusions:
·         3 hours Luxury private boat at disposal for the entire day
·         English-speaking assistant at disposal for the entire day
·         4 hour private English-speaking guide
·         No Line entrance fees for Basilica and Doge’s Palace

Exclusions:
·         All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
·         Gratuities

Venice: Lagoon Islands - 7 hours

The story of Murano and Burano

The Canal Grande cruise followed by a walking tour of Venice

Vacation Details

Valid Date Ranges

11/06/2026 - 12/31/2028

from $3,595 per person

* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.

Prices Start At

from $3,595 per person

Length

8 Nights

Air City

Call for airfares from your city.

Vacation Rating

Deluxe
Fine dining, on-site bars or lounges and room service with extended hours are characteristic of deluxe establishments. Guest services usually include valet parking, concierge services, baggage assistance and laundry services. Other on-site facilities often include shops and boutiques, full service spas, full fitness facilities with pools and tennis courts. Business amenities may include available up-to-date technology and support staffs available for services. Attention to detail is apparent in the guestrooms which typically have stylish furnishings, quality bedding and bath products and often provide an evening turn down service.

Remarks

Pricing is dynamic and subject to change based on specific travel dates, room categories and availability. Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travelers are available on request - please inquire with your Travel Advisor.

All fares are quoted in US Dollars.

OFFER ID

1722853

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Yankee Clipper Travel

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San Francisco, CA 94114
USA

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