Worldwide Destinations
Freedom To Wander
Contrasts of Italy Rail Tour w/Trafalgar
All aboard for a high-speed train journey through the beautiful and diverse cities of Rome, Florence and Venice. Experience the Vatican City, authentic Italian food, the canals of Venice, and capture the perfect photo at the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
All aboard for a high-speed train journey through the beautiful and diverse cities of Rome, Florence and Venice. Experience the Vatican City, authentic Italian food, the canals of Venice, and capture the perfect photo at the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
ROME FLORENCE AND VENICE
Rome is the capital city of Italy. It is also the capital of the Lazio region, the center of the Metropolitan City of Rome Capital. Rome is known for the acient gladiatoral arena, the Colosseum. You can cross over the Tiber river to see the wonders of the Vatican, such as St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, home to Michelangelo's famous fescos.
Florence is the capital of Italy's Tuscany region, which is home to many masterpieces of Renaissance art & architeture. One of the most iconic sights is the Duomo Catherdral, with its massive red dome dominating the city's skyline. It is also the most populated city in Tuscany.
Venice is the capital of northern Italy's Veneto region & is built on more than 100 small islands in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea. It has no roads, just canals - including the Grand Canal thoroughfare - lined with Renaissance & Gothic palaces.
On certian days of the tour you will have Optional Experiences to choose from at an additional charge.
Please see Other Information Tab for detailed information.
Airfare additional from US to Rome & Venice to US | Please call for Air Inclusion Rates
$350 non-refundable deposit due at time of booking
Final payment 120 days prior
Single Supplement Price $5,515.00
Day One
Welcome to Rome - Benvenuti a Roma. Our exciting journey through some of Italy's most beautiful cities begins here in the 'Eternal City'. Spend time relaxing after your travels or take a walk along the ancient streets, tracing centuries of art, antiquities and culture before joining your travel companions and Travel Director for a Welcome Reception and orientation drive through Rome's intoxicating cityscape.
DDay Two
Explore Ancient Rome and the Vatican City - This morning, visit the center of Christianity, joining a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour which includes a visit to the imposing St. Peter's Basilica to see the Pietà, Michelangelo's masterpiece carved from the most 'perfect' block of marble. Your next stop is in Ancient Rome where you'll see the Circus Maximus before returning to the Holy See this afternoon. This evening, Roman flavors and ancient ruins take center stage as you dine at Ristorante Pancrazio, built over the ruins of the first-century-BC Theater of Pompey.
FB, DDay Three
Rome Your Way - Enjoy a full free day in Rome or consider spending some in beautiful Tivoli. Join an Optional Experience to see the exquisite house and gardens of the 16 century Villa d'Este – a marvelous example of Renaissance landscape architecture. As the sun sets over the seven hills of Rome, people-watch in one of Rome’s beautiful squares or admire the Trevi Fountain, tossing a coin in to secure your return to Rome.
FBDay Four
Journey by High-Speed Train to Florence - Sit back on the high-speed train, bound for Florence and watch the Tuscan landscape go by. Join a Local Specialist on a walking tour to gain insights into the city's Renaissance treasures. View the Ponte Vecchio, almost 700 years old and lined with goldsmiths, then visit the Fine Arts Academy to see one of Michelangelo's masterpieces, the statue of David. Your love affair with Florence continues as you stroll to the Piazza della Signoria, featuring Palazzo Vecchio and the Uffizi Gallery.
FBDay Five
Admire Pisa - Cross the Arno River and see the enchanting skyline of Florence from Piazzale Michelangelo before driving to Pisa through the Arno Valley. Meet your Local Specialist to explore the Square of Miracles and see the famous Leaning Tower, the Cathedral, Baptistery and Camposanto, built on soil brought back from the Holy Land during the Crusades. Over lunch, at the Agriturismo Borgo Vigna Vecchia where you’ll enjoy an exclusive Be My Guest experience surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. This evening, stroll along the Arno River in search of the perfect gelato, see the beautifully lit Duomo or visit a cozy enoteca for some wine tasting.
FB, LDay Six
Discover Renaissance Florence - Today is yours to discover the beauty and elegance of Florence – a city filled with exquisite galleries, lush gardens and opulent palaces. Consider a visit to the hilltop town of San Gimignano, the 'medieval Manhattan' of Tuscany. Venture outside the city to see Tuscan villages and taste rich panforte and tortas, or shop for the latest fashions in Florence's sophisticated boutiques. This evening, consider joining an Optional Experience in the Chianti region for a delicious Tuscan dinner.
FBDay Seven
Travel by High-Speed Train to Venice - All aboard the express train for Venice. Cross the spectacular Apennines and fertile Veneto plain before arriving at the romantic island city of Venice. Get lost this afternoon, wandering its narrow lanes in search of a cozy bacaro, people-watch in St. Mark's Square, the gateway to Venice, or take an unforgettable gondola ride along the city's enchanting canals.
FBDay Eight
Cruise the Canals of Venice - This morning, breathe in the salty sea air as you board a private launch and cruise to St. Mark's Square to see the Bridge of Sighs, Palladian Churches, the Customs House, St. Mark's Basilica, and Campanile, as well as the Doge's Palace. Later, you'll enjoy an unforgettable MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience, witnessing first-hand the centuries-old craft of glassblowing. You may be tempted to buy a souvenir or two after admiring the talent and skill of the master craftsmen, passed down from generation to generation. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore the city on your own terms, perhaps finding a quiet campo and pavement café or take a cruise to colorful Burano for a delicious meal.
FBDay Nine
Experience Venice’s Food Market - The sights and sounds of modern Venice come to life today as you join your Local Specialist for a walking tour and explore the vibrant Rialto Food Market, which has been feeding Venetians since the 11 century. Wander through the narrow calli - seeing the ornate façades of merchant houses that line the canals, before enjoying an afternoon at leisure for one last taste of Venice. Your adventure through Italy's charming cities is about to come to an end. Celebrate newfound friendships and an unforgettable experience at dinner.
FB, DDay Ten
Farewell Venice - Say arrivederci to Italy and your fellow travelers as your fascinating holiday comes to an end.
FBFB=Full Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner
Suggested Packing
-Comfortable walking shoes
-Hat and Sunscreen
-Cash and Credit Cards (Only those needed)
-Medicine and spare prescriptions
-Extra glasses and/or contacts
-Book, Word Search and/or Crossword Puzzle
-Binoculars
-Seat Cushions and/or Blanket (If attending a parade or show)
-Ear plugs and sleep mask
-Mini-Sewing Kit
-Toiletries and Tissues
-Chargers for devices (Cell phones, Tablets, etc.)
-Extra Memory Cards (Digital Cameras) or Extra Film
Activity Level 3
This travel experience is perfect for those who want to see everything their destination has to offer. With the ability to navigate hills and uneven ground (1-2 hours with little difficulty), as well as climb into various modes of transportation, you'll be able to explore every corner of your destination without missing a thing. Plus, with some longer days balanced with free time to recharge or set out on your own adventure, you'll have the perfect harmony of flexibility and exploration.
Optional Experiences
Day Three - Tivoli and Gardens of the Villa d’Este - Enjoy the gardens and fountains of the famous Villa d’Este. We’ll see its grottos and pavilions, the Avenue of a Hundred Fountains, the Dragon Fountain and the Fountain of the Water Organ. Adult: $48.13 US per person
Piazzas and Fountains - Discover the most charming areas in the city with a Local Specialist. Wander through the labyrinth of narrow streets and beautiful squares of Rome's historic center, leading to highlights such as the Trevi Fountain, as well as hidden corners of the Eternal City. Adult: $41.77 US per person
Roman Delights with Dinner - Tonight, relax and enjoy typical Italian cuisine, soaking up Rome's unique atmosphere in a characteristic trattoria with drinks and music.
Adult: $57.21 US per person
Day Five - Discover Palazzo Vecchio - Marvel at the legacy of the Medici as you visit Palazzo Vecchio, the symbol of Florence's political power for over seven centuries. With our Local Specialist we’ll visit the wonderful "Hall of the Five Hundred", dedicated to the Medici popes. We’ll also visit rooms decorated with masterpieces by famous artists of the Renaissance like Michelangelo and Donatello. Adult: $41.77 US per person
Day Six - Visit To San Gimignano - Join us for a panoramic drive to the nearby hilltop town of San Gimignano. Magnificently preserved from the Middle Ages, this little town, known as the 'Medieval Manhattan', is one of the most beautiful in Italy - a true gem. You'll also be treated to a delicious local gelato. Adult: $36.32 US per person
*You will be offered one of the following two optional experiences depending on availability:
*Dinner in the Tuscan Hills - This evening we'll take a scenic drive to experience a fun and relaxed evening at a friendly, typical restaurant in the countryside. The chef will delight our senses with regional dishes, made with freshly-bought ingredients from the local farmers' markets. Your delicious meal will be accompanied by excellent wines from the vineyards for which this area is so well known. In short, a Tuscan dream come true in an authentic setting. Adult: $67.20 US per person
*Tuscan Dinner at Villa Machiavelli - Through the Chianti hills, we'll drive past vineyards to a delightful hamlet. Our destination is the ancient stone house of Machiavelli, where the great political theorist wrote his immortal work, ‘The Prince'. After a welcome drink and a visit of the villa and its wine-cellars, we'll enjoy the best of Tuscan cuisine accompanied by great music and drinks, including of course, Chianti from the Villa's own vines. Adult: $67.20 US per person
Day Seven - Gondolas & the Grand Canal - Join us for a breathtaking cruise by private water taxi along Venice's Grand Canal. You'll admire the magnificent palazzi, catching a glimpse of the Rialto Bridge and St. Mark's Square. Later on, you'll glide gracefully on a gondola along Venice's dreamy, narrow waterways. Adult: $79.91 US per person
Day Eight - Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica - Accompanied by a Local Specialist, you'll visit the magnificent Doge's Palace and its elegant courtyards, which were home to the rulers of the Venetian republic. Afterwards, enjoy a visit to the Byzantine Basilica of St. Mark the Evangelist, patron saint of Venice. Adult: $59.02 US per person
Lagoon Cruise to Burano with Food and Drinks - This afternoon, discover the Venetian Lagoon by private boat. You'll enjoy a delicious meal, with a selection of drinks, on the fisherman's island of Burano, famous for its multi-colored houses - a photographer's paradise. Adult: $74.46 US per person
** On occasion, the price of these options may increase due to group size.
Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.
Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.
| Name | Address |
|---|---|
| S/D Phoenix Sky Harbor | Self Drive-Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport |
