The Grand Italian

Arrival in Venice – Your Italian Love Affair Begins

Touch down in the floating masterpiece of Venice, where canals whisper secrets and bridges beckon adventure. Make your own way to your charming hotel in the Venice area. Shake off jet lag with a leisurely stroll or canal-side spritz—the city’s at your fingertips.

This evening, your dedicated Trip Director hosts a warm welcome meeting in the hotel lobby: greetings, insider tips, and an open Q&A to kick off the journey. Throughout the trip, you’ll be accompanied by your Trip Director, with local expert guides joining in each destination to bring places, stories, and culture to life.

Evening free: Dive into Venetian vibes on your own!

Venice Sightseeing – Icons, History & Panoramic Wow

Your guide meets you at your hotel and whisks you away to magnificent Venice. Hop on the vaporetto—Venice's iconic water bus—and glide through the Grand Canal straight to the heart of this enchanting city.

Begin at the legendary Rialto Bridge, standing proud for over four centuries. Wander through charming hidden streets, romantic canals, and authentic squares as your guide unveils Venice's secrets and shares captivating stories about its glorious maritime past.

Explore authentic neighborhoods tucked away from the crowds, then head to the magnificent St. Mark's Square. Admire the stunning Basilica and soak in centuries of Venetian grandeur. Every corner reveals a new story, every bridge offers a fresh perspective of this extraordinary floating city.

Experience the true essence of Venice—its narrow waterways, historic bridges, vibrant squares, and timeless magic.

After your guided tour, continue exploring Venice! The guide will leave you with a 24-hour vaporetto ticket to freely explore the canals and neighborhoods at your own pace. Discover hidden corners, hop between islands, and experience the city on your own schedule—the waterways are yours to explore!

Pro tip: Add our iconic Gondola Ride for that swoon-worthy glide under bridges (optional, but unforgettable!).

Return to your hotel for chill time—Venice is calling!

Venice to Bologna & Florence – Road Trip Through Flavors & Renaissance

Bid arrivederci to Venice post-breakfast and hop a comfy premium minubus to Bologna, the foodie capital with medieval porticoes and tower-climbing thrills.

Bologna time! Enjoy about 3 hours soaking in Bologna's warmth and old-world charm. Slip under endless porticoes and discover the city's most iconic landmarks at your own pace.

Start at Piazza Maggiore and admire the stunning Basilica of San Petronio. Visit the elegant Piazza del Nettuno with its magnificent Fountain of Neptune, then admire the iconic Asinelli Towers.

Explore Piazza Santo Stefano, wander through the historic University of Bologna and Archiginnasio Library, discover the enchanting little window of via Piella, and browse the vibrant Mercato delle Erbe.

Settle in for a slow, delicious lunch at a local trattoria and enjoy Bologna's legendary delicacies: lasagne alla bolognese, tortellini in brodo, tagliatelle al ragù, and mortadella.

Every corner reveals a piece of Bologna's history, flavor, and art.

Arrival in Florence

Welcome to Florence! Check in to your charming hotel in the Florence and unwind.

Free evening: Sip Chianti under Tuscan stars.

Florence Sightseeing – Art, Squares & Timeless Elegance

Private guide alert! Kick off with Piazza del Duomo and the stunning Baptistery of St. John. Stroll to vibrant Piazza della Repubblica, past Strozzi Palace and chic Via Tornabuoni shops. Feel the Renaissance pulse in every cobblestone.

Tour wraps at your hotel—the rest of the afternoon is yours to explore. Hunt for the perfect gelato, wander through the Uffizi, try local Florentine specialties, browse artisan boutiques, or simply soak in the magic of this Renaissance city.

Alternatively, enhance your experience by adding optional extras to make your Florence visit even more unforgettable.

Insider secret: Florence's streets hide masterpieces around every corner.

Recommended optional experiences:

• Pizza & Gelato Cooking Class
• Evening Wine Tasting
• Uffizi Gallery

Florence to Cinque Terre, Pisa & Back – Coastal Cliffs & Leaning Legends

Full-day escapade! Minibus to La Spezia for Cinque Terre (UNESCO gem) exploration: Hike pastel villages, train-hop harbors, feast on seafood and Ligurian wine amid turquoise seas. Then, proceed to Pisa for free time snapping pics of the iconic Leaning Tower and Piazza dei Miracoli—medieval magic!

Enjoy 2 hours of independent exploring in the charming city of Pisa. Wander into the iconic Piazza dei Miracoli, look up at the world-famous Leaning Tower, and take in the grandeur of Pisa's medieval architecture.

With the freedom to stroll, snap photos, and enjoy an aperitivo as you go, Pisa's elegance and centuries-old charm reveal themselves moment by moment.

After your adventure, journey back to your Florence hotel to unwind and recharge.

* The tickets to climb the Pisa Leaning Tower are not included. If you wish to climb it, advance reservation is highly recommended. Please contact your destination specialist for booking details.

As you settle into the comfortable ride back to Florence, reflect on an incredible day filled with timeless beauty and stunning views. Upon arrival at your hotel, unwind at your own pace, then gather over dinner to savor the memories and celebrate the magical moments you'll cherish forever.

Florence to Tuscany countryside, Siena & Rome – Medieval Wonders En Route to Eternity

Checkout and kick off with a wine tasting, then roll out (1.5 hours) to Siena, the Gothic stunner with UNESCO streets. Explore the shell-shaped Piazza del Campo (Palio race fame!), admire the marble-masterpiece Duomo di Siena, and soak in history’s warmth.

Enjoy an authentic Tuscan winery experience with guided wine tasting and admire panoramic, breathtaking views of the rolling Tuscan countryside that have inspired winemakers for centuries.

Discover the authentic flavors and timeless charm of Castello di Verrazzano with an immersive experience that celebrates the beauty of its surroundings and the excellence of its most iconic products. The visit begins with a guided tour in a small group through the Renaissance gardens of the castle and continues into the historic aging cellars carved directly into the hillside beneath the estate. The experience concludes with an assisted wine tasting accompained by some local delicacies.

* Please note that product selections may vary according to seasonality and availability.

Siena bound! Arrive in this enchanting UNESCO-listed medieval city and enjoy about 4 hours on your own. Wander its narrow, winding streets until they open into the spectacular Piazza del Campo, the iconic stage of the Palio horse race, and admire the beautiful Fonte Gaia fountain.

Don't miss the jaw-dropping Siena Cathedral (Duomo), where intricate marble, soaring Gothic lines, and masterful artworks steal the show in every direction. Nearby, explore the impressive Palazzo Pubblico and Torre del Mangia, offering panoramic city views, and visit the serene Basilica di San Domenico.

As you explore, don't miss the chance to savor authentic Sienese flavors. Try liver crostini as an appetizer, indulge in pappardelle with hare sauce, taste the hearty wild boar stew (cinghiale in umido), and finish with Ricciarelli biscuits or a slice of Panforte di Siena—a traditional cake that captures the essence of this medieval city.

Every moment in Siena blends history, art, and gastronomy into an unforgettable experience.

Welcome to Rome, one of the most charming and heritage-rich cities of Italy. Check in to your charming hotel.

Evening free: Roman twilight awaits!

Quick tip: your actual hotel provides shuttle services to/from the city center (Vatican and Colosseum) for €5 per person. Shuttles must be pre-booked at the hotel reception. Please contact your Tour Director for assistance with booking.

Rome Highlights – Fountains, Squares & Baroque Bliss

Meet your guide at your hotel and embark on a delightful panoramic walking tour through Rome's most famous attractions. Marvel at the Spanish Steps, toss a coin at the Trevi Fountain, admire the Pantheon, and explore Piazza Navona with Bernini's magnificent Fountain of the Four Rivers.

Witness the masterpieces by architectural geniuses Bernini and Borromini as your guide shares captivating stories that bring the Eternal City to life.

Your tour concludes in the city center, leaving the rest of the day free for you to explore Rome at your own pace, enjoy local treats, or enhance your experience with optional activities.

Entrance at your choice: non-guided Colosseum or Vatican visit, and free time in Rome

Today is yours to explore the Eternal City at your own pace on this non-guided, independent experience! You have an entrance ticket to either the Colosseum or the Vatican — please choose based on your interests with your specialist.

Whether you choose to walk through the ancient grandeur of the Colosseum and Roman Forum, or immerse yourself in the spiritual and artistic treasures of the Vatican and St. Peter's Basilica, you're in for an unforgettable experience.

Beyond your chosen site, Rome's magic awaits around every corner. Stroll through charming piazzas, discover hidden fountains, wander through historic neighborhoods, and enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local trattoria. Don't miss the chance to savor authentic Roman flavors: try Cacio e Pepe, indulge in Carbonara, taste Carciofi alla Romana, or sample Saltimbocca. Finish with a sweet Tiramisu or Gelato while you soak in the vibrant Roman atmosphere.

This free day is your opportunity to create your own Roman adventure. Take your time, follow your curiosity, and savor every moment in this magnificent city—all at your own pace and without a guide.

Departure from Rome – Arrivederci with Memories Galore

Breakfast, checkout, and farewell to the Eternal City. Extend to Amalfi Coast drama or linger in Rome? Your Destination Specialist has ideas! Safe travels—Italy’s spell lingers forever.

We hope you enjoyed your journey through Italy and created many wonderful memories along the way. Have a pleasant flight home, and we look forward to welcoming you on another adventure in the future!