Day 1 - Arrive Rome
Upon arrival in Rome you will be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax. Overnight in Rome.
Day 2 - Rome
Today enjoy one of the world's most romantic and inspiring cities, known as "the eternal city". Take a closer look at the city's history, art and architecture on a Hop-On Hop-Off Tour. Visit the places which made Rome immortal by observing it from on board our double-decker buses! This tour will allow you to travel through history and visit the places where the ancient Romans lived their social and political life as well as to admire the great Papal Rome, with its fine buildings and beautiful churches. You can admire the great monuments of ancient Rome like the Imperial Forums, the Coliseum and the Circus Maximus. You will see the most beautiful Christian places like St. Peter's Basilica and Santa Maria Maggiore. One must also visit the squares and streets where the history of Rome was written such as Piazza Venezia, Piazza della Repubblica, Piazza del Popolo and Piazza Barberini. Then you can enjoy a walk among the coffee shops of the Dolce Vita in Via Veneto and later drive along the river Tevere and admire Trastevere, one of the old quarters of the City, with its typical restaurants and bars, where you can taste typical Roman dishes. Overnight in Rome.
Day 3 - Rome
Today proceed to visit the world-renowned Vatican Museum including the Sistine Chapel. Learn about the history and people behind the art in the Pinecone Courtyard, the Hall of Maps, the Gallery of Tapestries, and the Gallery of Candelabra. A headset ensures you can hear the guide clearly.
Next, visit and hear the story of the magnificent Sistine Chapel. See if you can spot Michelangelo's self-portrait, which hints that he would rather be skinned alive than paint in the Sistine Chapel again. (After you learn what it took to create a fresco, you willl understand why.) Then, use another exclusive entrance to head straight into St. Peter's Basilica. See the incredible altar and Michelangelo's beautiful sculpture, "La Pieta." The tour ends in St. Peter's Square. Admire Bernini's clever optical illusion, spot the balcony where the Pope delivers his public addresses, and take photos of the imposing exterior of the basilica. Overnight in Rome.
Day 4 - Rome - Florence (1hr 30 mins)
Today board your train to Florence which is home to many masterpieces of Renaissance art and architecture. Later proceed to see many of the city's most famous monuments on a Hop-On Hop- off Tour Board a bright red open-top bus and discover fabulous Florence at your own pace on this hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour. Florence is packed with glorious treasures - stunning art, architecture, palaces, churches and more - and sightseeing here can be tiring. But this flexible 48-hour ticket makes it really easy. There are three great routes (Line A, B & C), with more than 30 stops at convenient locations, and you can jump on and off at will to see the attractions or go shopping. An informative commentary in eight languages is included. There's so much to see and do! Hop off at Piazzale Michelangelo for breath-taking city panoramas. View the magnificent Cathedral (Duomo) and admire Michelangelo's Statue of David at the Accademia Gallery. Art-lovers will enjoy the Uffizi Gallery or the churches of Santa Maria Novella and Santa Croce. Jump off at the Arno River and cross the famous Ponte Vecchio or take time out at the Boboli Gardens. You can also check out the elegant boutiques of the Via Tornabuoni. And don't forget to sample some delicious Florentine ice-cream! Overnight in Florence.
Day 5 - Florence
Today enjoy a trip to Pisa, home of the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Enjoy a splendid excursion through the fertile and picturesque Tuscan countryside towards the historic university city of Pisa, famous for its architectural beauty. Upon arrival in Pisa, your informative guide will take you on a thorough guided walking tour of Piazza dei Miracoli and its monuments. Be dazzled by this marvellous square which is dominated by the wonderful Cathedral* where you can visit the indoor part, a model of the distinctive Pisan Romanesque architecture, the celebrated Leaning Tower, the round-shaped Baptistery surrounded by its suggestive columned arcades and its "Camposanto", originally a cemetery, an extraordinary quadrangular cloister delimiting with its marble facade the Square to the North. Be enthralled by the history and the leaning structure of the Tower. After the guided visit you will have some free time for memorable pictures, for exploring on your own the historical quarter where you can admire the Church of San Sisto, one of the oldest churches in Pisa, and Piazza dei Cavalieri, which was the political centre in the middle age. Overnight in Florence.
Day 6 - Florence - Venice (2 hrs 5 mins)
Today board your train to Venice, Italy's fabled and famed city of serenity. This evening relax and enjoy an enchanting Gondola ride along the city's romantic waterways. A classic gondola ride is the perfect way to appreciate the beauty, charm and colour of this unique city built on water. Step into your craft and be transported back in time as your gondolier propels you along. Feel part of an ancient Venetian tradition and experience Venice as the locals have for more than a thousand years.
Unwind and relax into the gentle rhythms and movements of the canals, appreciating the skill involved in steering the gondola through the intricate waterways. As you sit back and take in the views, you will inevitably become involved in the friendly banter of the gondoliers - as much a part of Venetian culture as the gondola itself! While you are at the Canal Grande (Grand Canal) look up at the glorious palazzos above you. Built by wealthy merchants and powerful families these beautiful buildings are in a range of mellow colours and styles from Byzantine to Baroque. You willl also explore many hidden canals that are so small, you can literally touch the palazzo, all the while being cradled in the atmosphere unique only to Venice. Overnight in Venice.
Day 7 - Venice
Today you are free to stroll around Venice - a city situated across 118 small islands that are separated by canals and linked by bridges. Later in the afternoon, visit the Islands of Murano, Burano & Torcello. Murano - Visit the island of Murano, which is known for its artistic glass making. This stop will last for about 45 minutes and includes an optional visit to a glass factory to see a quick demonstration of the fascinating glass blowing. You can also explore the island on your own within the allotted time. Burano - Colourful architecture of Burano, Italy Explore the island of Burano, famous for its colourful houses and handmade laces. Go around the local shops and stalls, perhaps purchase some lace products that you can bring back home. Torcello (45 minutes) - Church of Santa Fosca, Torcello Discover the beauty of the island of Torcello, the green little island that features both artistic and historical significance. Visit the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta, the legendary Devil's Bridge and Attila's throne, and admire the unspoiled nature of the island. Overnight in Venice.
Day 8 - Venice
Today, proceed to the airport to board your flight back home or to your next destination.