Contrasts of Italy
Contrasts of Italy
Tour Overview
All aboard this exhilarating journey by high-speed train through Italy’s iconic cities of Rome, Florence and Venice. During your 10 days in Italy, conjure up gladiators and chariots in Rome, shop until you drop on Florence’s ancient Ponte Vecchio, strike a pose in Pisa and discover the secrets of Venice on foot like a local.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Rome
Location: Rome
Accommodation: Grand Palatino
Accommodation Name: Grand Palatino
Meals Included: Dinner
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 dinner and orientation drive through Rome's intoxicating cityscape.
Day 2: Explore Ancient Rome And The Vatican City
Location: Rome, Vatican City, Rome
Accommodation: Grand Palatino
Accommodation Name: Grand Palatino
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning see the Vatican City on your sightseeing tour of Rome with a Local Specialist. Your next stop is in Ancient Rome where you’ll see the Circus Maximus and visit the Colosseum. This evening, Roman flavors take center stage as you dine on local specialties.
Day 3: Rome Your Way
Location: Rome
Accommodation: Grand Palatino
Accommodation Name: Grand Palatino
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a full free day in Rome or consider spending some time in beautiful Tivoli. Join an Optional Experience to see the exquisite house and gardens of the 16th-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.
Day 4: Journey By High-Speed Train To Florence
Location: Rome, Florence
Accommodation: Ambasciatori
Accommodation Name: Ambasciatori
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 5: Admire Pisa Connect With Locals
Location: Florence, Pisa, Florence
Accommodation: Ambasciatori
Accommodation Name: Ambasciatori
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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.
Day 6: Discover Renaissance Florence
Location: Florence
Accommodation: Ambasciatori
Accommodation Name: Ambasciatori
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 7: Travel By High-Speed Train To Venice
Location: Florence, Venice
Accommodation: Principe
Accommodation Name: Amadeus, Principe
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 8: Cruise The Canals Of Venice Make Travel Matter
Location: Venice
Accommodation: Principe
Accommodation Name: Amadeus, Principe
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 artisans, 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.
Day 9: Experience Venice’S Food Market
Location: Venice
Accommodation: Principe
Accommodation Name: Amadeus, Principe
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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 11th 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.
Day 10: Farewell Venice
Location: Venice
Meals Included: Breakfast
Say arrivederci to Italy and your fellow travelers as your fascinating holiday comes to an end.
What's Included
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An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
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All porterage and restaurant gratuities
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
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Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
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Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
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High-speed train from Rome to Florence
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High-speed train from Florence to Venice
What's Not Included
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Airfare
International airfare to/from the start/end of your trip is not included in the tour price
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Visas
Visas and other travel documentation are not included and may be necessary depending on your nationality
Mode of Transport
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys). High-speed train from Rome to Florence. High-speed train from Florence to Venice.
Accommodation
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted. Specific accommodation details are: Grand Hotel Palatino Rome, Ambasciatori Hotel Florence, Hotel Principe Venice.
Dining Summary
- 3 Dinner (D)
- 9 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Lunch (L)
Dive Into Culture
- Venice: Savor the vibrant atmosphere of Venice during a visit to a traditional food market in the shadow of the famous Rialto Bridge.
Check out our Q&As
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Low Deposit
Trafalgar requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of trafalgar charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions