Travel on this, one of our best Italy vacation tour packages and revel in renowned attractions and exquisite sites from Doge's Palace in Venice where travelers will see the beautiful rooms decorated by 16 century artists, to Piazza Della Signoria in Florence, and the iconic Sistine Chapel in Rome, plus so much more during your 9-day immersion into "la dolce vita!" Central Holidays’ Northern Italy vacation packages take travelers to live the tapestry of sights, sounds, flavors, and feelings of the true Italy. Travel via deluxe motorcoach and stay in well-appointed, centrally-located first class hotels on all of our Italy travel packages like this inspired escorted ...
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Day 1
MON | VENICE
Morning arrival into Venice’s Marco Polo
Airport. Here you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel in Venice.
The balance of the day is at leisure. This evening enjoy a welcome
dinner at a popular restaurant. (D)
Day 2
TUE | VENICE
Your morning walking tour of Venice starts
from St. Mark’s Square. Often called “the drawing room of Europe”
by Napoleon, it’s the principal public square in Venice and serves
as a vibrant cultural, religious, and political center. Surrounded by
stunning buildings, each with its own unique architectural style,
it reflects Venice’s rich history and artistic heritage. End the tour
with a stop at a “Bacaro” for a “cicchetto. The Bacari, also known
as cicchetti bars, are part of the local heritage of food in Venice
and they are found in large numbers scattered throughout the
historic center. Going for a bacari tour is a local habit but it is also
a tasty and convivial pleasure! Afternoon is at leisure with enough
time for more sightseeing, shopping or relaxation or to embark on
an optional (*) Island of Burano tour or gondola ride. (B)
Day 3
WED | VENICE | MARANELLO | MODENA | FLORENCE
This morning depart Venice and stop in Maranello,
home to the Ferrari Museum! The Museum tells the Ferrari story
by delving deep into the history and myth of the “Cavallino”
extraordinary roots and taking visitors on a magnificent journey
via its most famous and successful F1 cars, legendary sports
prototypes and GTs, and, of course, the road cars that have set
the benchmark for the entire car industry. After an independent
visit of the Museum we will continue to Modena where you’ll be
treated to a special balsamic vinegar tasting session plus lunch,
featuring local specialties and Lambrusco wine. After lunch
continue to Florence, the home of Michelangelo. (B,L)
Day 4
THU | FLORENCE
Your morning tour takes you to
Michelangelo Square for a panoramic view of the city. Then visit:
the Accademia to see Michelangelo’s original “David” statue,
Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistery with its “Gates of Paradise”
doors, Signoria Square and Santa Croce Church. At the end of
the tour you will be treated to a delicious gelato tasting. Legend
has it that gelato was first created in Florence. The Medici Family
commissioned Bernardo Buontalenti to organize their banquets,
and he gave vent to his creativity by inventing a new recipe for
a dessert based on milk, honey, egg yolk and a touch of wine.
Enjoy your afternoon exploring the treasures of Florence on your
own or embark on an optional tour (*) to Pisa featuring dinner
at an authentic farmhouse and winery in the enchanting Tuscan
countryside. (B)
Day 5
FRI | FLORENCE
The day is yours to discover the city
of Florence, to shop for some local goods or to take an optional
excursion (*) to Siena and San Gimignano. Medieval Siena, known
for its famed Palio horse races and Piazza del Campo, awaits your
exploration. Visit Siena’s Duomo, considered to be one of the
finest Gothic cathedrals in Italy. In San Gimignano, stroll the oldworld
center and take in the fascinating architecture and towers
that offer amazing views of the city and the surrounding valley.
Tonight, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
Day 6
SAT | FLORENCE | ASSISI | ROME
Morning departure
for Rome. Drive through the serene Tuscan and Umbrian
countryside, with a stop at a local winery where a wine expert will
lecture on the vinification process. After a delicious tasting of the
varieties of wines produced there and a light lunch, continue to
Assisi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to enjoy your guided tour
of St. Francis Basilica. Arrive in Rome in the late afternoon. (B,L)
Day 7
SUN | ROME
This morning, embark on a guided tour
of Classical Rome. Stroll along cobbled laneways, stop by the
Spanish Steps, one of Rome’s most recognizable landmarks
immortalized in countless postcards and films, toss a coin in the
magnificent Trevi Fountain to ensure a return to Rome, see Piazza
Navona, one of the finest Baroque masterpieces in papal Rome,
and imagine it as the Ancient Stadium of Domitian capable of
holding 30 thousand spectators in the ancient times. End the tour
with a visit of St. Peter’s Basilica. Rest of the day at leisure to soak
in the Roman culture as you stroll past ancient ruins, absorb the
impressive architecture, explore everything from Imperial temples
to early-Christian churches and medieval bell towers to Baroque
basilicas and playful piazzas, or taste the mouthwatering regional
delicacies at a local trattoria. (B)
Day 8
MON | ROME
This morning, experience a very special
privately guided tour of Ancient Rome. Dive into the incredible
history of Roman gladiators, emperors, and daily life, with your
guide sharing stories and insights that go beyond what you
see. Experience Rome’s magic as your guide brings both the
Colosseum and its nearby treasures, like the Roman Forum and
Palatine Hill, to life through rich storytelling. Afternoon at leisure
to relax or to join an optional tour (*) of the Vatican Museums.
Tonight, bid arrivederci to Rome at a special festive dinner
with wine and music in one of the most famous restaurants in
Trastevere. (B,D)
Day 9
TUE | ROME TO USA (OR EXTEND YOUR STAY)
Morning transfer to airport for your return flight home. (B)
Program Highlights
Marvel at the magic of Venice from the Bridge of Sighs and Doge’s Palace to St. Mark’s Square
Sample local favorites of Lambrusco wines and balsamic vinegar with lunch in Modena
Explore the Renaissance city of Florence
Enjoy a private wine tasting experience in Umbria before touring charming Assisi and visiting the Basilica of Saint Francis
Discover Rome on a Colosseum and Roman Forum tour, where ancient ruins and timeless grandeur bring history to life
Unveil the magic of Rome on a Classic Tour, from the Spanish Steps and the wish-filled Trevi Fountain to the awe-inspiring St. Peter’s Basilica, where ancient splendor and spiritual majesty come together in the Eternal City
INCLUDES
First class hotel accommodation for 8 nights
13 included meals consisting of:
- 8 buffet breakfasts
- 1 gourmet lunch at local restaurant
- 1 light lunch at winery - 3 gourmet dinners at local restaurants
Wine, mineral water and coffee or cappuccino served with meals at restaurants
Touring by private deluxe air-conditioned motorcoach
Assistance of a professional tour director for the entire length of the tour
Complete program of sightseeing tours and excursions with entrance fees:
- Walking tour of Venice
- Visit of Bacaro, including Cicchetto
- Balsamic vinegar tasting in Modena
- Entrance tickets to the Ferrari Museum - Walking tour of Florence, including a visit of the Accademia to see the “David” by Michelangelo
- Gelato tasting
- Wine tasting at local winery
- Tour of Assisi and visit of St. Francis Basilica
- Classical guided tour of Rome, including visit of St. Peter’s Basilica
- Tour of Ancient Rome, including entrance fees for the Colosseum and Roman Forum
Private arrival and departure airport transfers
Baggage handling
Personalized audio system to hear your guide from a distance
Hotel taxes and service charges
City tax
EXCLUDES
Airfare, Airport taxes & Fuel Surcharges
Visa upon arrival (and upon re-entry) if required
Tips and Personal items
Travel Insurance
Optional Tours
Hotels
HOTEL CAVALLETTO & DOGE ORSEOLO ★★★★
Hotel Cavalletto and 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. Immediately behind Saint Marks's Square, with rooms overlooking the romantic Orseolo Basin, the Hotel Cavalletto & Doge Orseolo is one of the oldest hotels in Venice. In an extraordinary location, in the heart of the old town center, Hotel Cavalletto & Doge Orseolo offers exclusive access to Saint Mark's Square, where you will find the domes of Saint Mark's Basilica, the imposing Ducal Palace and the tall bell tower.
Across the street from the Santa Maria Novella train station, this modern hotel is an 11 minute walk from Florence Cathedral and 1 km from the Renaissance masterpieces at the Uffizi Gallery.
Featuring parquet wood floors, the contemporary rooms come with flat-screen TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi and floor-to-ceiling windows, plus tea and coffee making facilities. Suites add sitting areas, balconies and whirlpool tubs.
Buffet breakfast is served in the San Pietro breakfast room. Sweet Bar is ideal for a cocktail, drink or snack.
Grand Hotel Adriatico is just a 5 minute walk from the Santa Maria Novella train station in the heart of Florence allowing for guests to quickly access the city's main attractions. Located 5 minutes from Santa Maria Novella Church and Oltrarno - San Frediano district; and 10 minutes from Piazza Duomo, Uffizi Galleries and Ponte Vecchio.
Daily breakfast. City tax not included and to be paid locally.
GRAND HOTEL MEDITERRANEO ★★★★
Located on the ‘Lungarni’ (literally- along Arno- referring to the river of that name) with the Ponte San Niccolò bridge just a few feet away, the Grand Mediterraneo is strategically placed to visit Florence on foot and the ideal choice for joggers and cyclists. We are easily accessible by car and are waiting to offer you the very best of Florentine hospitality.
For those arriving by air we have a shuttle service to and from the Amerigo Vespucci airport in Florence. This service is available by request for a fee.
Breakfast Included - City Taxes to be paid directly in hotel.
Hotel Executive is located in the historical center of Florence, next to the River Arno and close to Santa Maria Novella. The hotel was renovated to reflect the grandeur of Florence’s golden era and restore this historical building’s original build. Some distances from the property include:
250 meters to Santa Maria Novella Railway Station
450 meters to Fortezza da Basso Exhibition Center
800 meters to Duomo
800 meters to Ponte Vecchio
800 meters to Uffizi Gallery.
Four night hotel break in Florence. The hotel booking was originally two separate bookings of 2 nights before we decided we would stay 4 nights. The hotel ensured we stayed in the same room, avoiding having to check out and back in again. The minute we arrived until 6 had to go home. The hotel staff were amazing, all of them. We were allocated a beautifully decorated room on the 6th floor with amazing views of Florence. The room included a fridge where drinks and snacks were replaced daily. A coffee pod machine, iron and ironing board. Cleanliness levels were next level. The hotel was a short 10-minute walk from Florence rail station. Breakfast was superb and had fantastic value again. Great staff telling you what extras were included. We did not dine in evenings as this was Florence. However, those we spoke with said the restaurant food was excellent. We both will be returning, that's for sure in 2025. Thanks for a wonderful stay, IHG Hotel Indigo
Architecture, History and Classical Style, in the heart of the Eternal City - The Exe International Palace embodies the spirit and maintains the seal of the unity of Italy, the character and determination of Mazzini and Garibaldi, as well as the style and balance of Cavour and Vittorio Emanuele. The hotel in the center of Rome is located inside a historic neoclassical building , built in the years immediately following the unification of Italy, and is located in the center, in Via Nazionale. Via Nazionale connects Piazza della Repubblica to the Fori Imperiali, therefore, unites the new and the old city.
The Hotel offers maximum comfort and modernity to our guests. Despite this, most of the common areas maintain their original style and setting, which take us back to the unification era. The result is an architecture inspired by Palladio's Villas , equipped with the most modern services and comforts . The entrance hall of the hotel will welcome you with large vaults decorated in gold
Featuring a bar, Hotel San Giovanni Roma is located in Rome in the Lazio region, a 12-minute walk from San Giovanni Metro Station and 0.9 miles from Ponte Lungo Metro A Station. With a shared lounge, the 4-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. Private parking is available on site. Guest rooms at the hotel are equipped with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and a safety deposit box. All rooms include a desk. Breakfast is available daily, and includes buffet, continental and Italian options.
Daily breakfast included. City taxes not included and to be paid locally.
