Welcome to Rome,  famously referred to as the City of the Seven Hills! Legend has it that Rome's inception dates back to 753 BCE when brothers Romulus and Remus established the city atop Palatine Hill. As the enduring epicenter of the formidable Roman Empire, Rome boasts an impressive legacy spanning nearly 3,000 years, manifesting in its architecture, history, and culture.

Upon arrival in Rome, claim your bags and proceed toward the arrival hall.  Our representative will meet you and assist you with your transfer to the hotel. (Standard check-in time is 3:00 p.m.). After getting comfortably settled, take some time to unwind before embarking on a leisurely walk to catch your initial glimpse of the Eternal City.

Overnight in Rome

After having breakfast at the hotel, proceed to discover Rome. Our first stop is Trevi Fountain, a Rome must-stop and an iconic example of baroque architecture. Next, you'll go to Piazza Navona, an ancient stadium now a quintessential Roman square filled with Renaissance churches, elegant cafes, and trendy art galleries. The Pantheon is your next stop: an ancient religious site that dates back to 27 B.C. and is one of the best preserved ancient Rome constructions. Finally, you'll visit two more charming Roman squares: the Piazza Colonna, where you'll find the famous Column of Marcus Aurelius, and the Piazza di Spagna, where you'll encounter one of the most sought-after places to visit: The Spanish Steps, where you don't have to climb the stairs to enjoy the view! This is the best spot to shop for souvenirs. From Spagna square. We will then continue to explore the most famous amphitheater in the world on this guided tour. Enter the Colosseum with skip-the-line tickets and learn its incredible history. With your guide, walk on Palatine Hill and through the Roman Forum to see the most iconic monuments of Ancient Rome. Start your tour by admiring the outside of the Colosseum. Listen as your guide explains the history of the monument over the centuries. Enter the Amphitheater, through a security check, and discover the spectacular activities that took place inside it. Then, visit the first floor and admire the interior.  Take a moment to stop in front of the imposing Arch of Constantine as your guide describes its history and most significant features. Walk on the ancient Via Sacra to reach the entrance to Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum. After the security check, admire the Arch of Titus up close. Continue with the tour of Palatine Hill, where the remains of the oldest settlement in the city are. Visit some of the most significant imperial residences: the Palatine Stadium, the Domus Augustana, and the Domus Flavia. Next, go down to the valley that hosts the Roman Forum. Along the Via Sacra, discover the magnificence of the Basilica of Maxentius, the bronze door of the temple of Romulus, the curious suspended door of the temple of Antoninus and Faustina, the temple, and the house of the Vestals. Finally, arrive in the central area of the Roman Forum, which over the centuries has become the political, religious, economic, legal center, and square of the ancient city. Here, admire and learn about the Curia, the Arch of Septimius Severus, the Tabularium, the temple of Saturn, and more.

The rest of the day is free for leisure. 

Overnight in Rome

After enjoying your breakfast, proceed to the Vatican. Meet your guide to discover some of the most important masterpieces of the Greco-Roman world and of Renaissance art at the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel with skip-the-line entry tickets. Later, visit Saint Peter's Basilica to explore it at your own pace. Enter the Vatican Museums from the priority entrance, skipping the long waiting hours in the ticket line. Start the tour in the Courtyard of the Armor for a glimpse of the Vatican Gardens, and continue to the Courtyard of the Pine Cone located in the middle of the ancient papal buildings. Cross some rooms of the Belvedere Palace, the Pope's former summer residence while nowadays home to the Pius Clementine Museum, which hosts important findings of Greco-Roman art, including the Apollo Belvedere and the Laocoön Group. Then, arrive at the 3 Galleries that take you to the papal apartments – the Gallery of the Candelabra, the Gallery of Tapestries with works of the Flemish atelier of Peter Van Aelst on display, and the Gallery of Maps with frescoed maps of the Italian territory, commissioned by Pope Gregory XIII. End the tour by witnessing 2 unmissable sites in the Vatican collection Raphael's Rooms in the apartment of Pope Julius II and the Sistine Chapel, where you can admire Michelangelo's masterpieces such as the scenes from the Book of Genesis and The Last Judgement. From the Sistine Chapel, use the private passage to arrive at the Saint Peter’s Basilica, where you can find brilliant works like the Statue of the Pietà, made once again by the great Michelangelo, the Baldachin of Bernini, and the Tombs of the Popes, all containing hundreds of years of history. Please note though that the passage between the museums and St.Peter's Basilica is closed on Wednesday mornings and subject to other unexpected closures. On such days we will instead spend the entirety of the tour in the museums.

Overnight in Rome

Following breakfast, we will bid farewell to Rome and embark on our journey north towards Florence, renowned as the cradle of the Italian Renaissance. En route, we will traverse the picturesque Tuscany region, celebrated for its breathtaking rolling hills, vineyards, olive orchards, and quaint medieval towns perched atop hillcrests. Our first stop will be Montepulciano, an enchanting medieval town steeped in history, with origins dating back to the Etruscan people in the 4th century BC. Nestled amidst vineyards, Montepulciano is renowned for its exceptional red wine, Nobile. We will visit a local winery, where you'll partake in a guided tour, wandering through lush vineyards and expansive cellars. Here, you'll have the opportunity to savor outstanding wines directly from the source of their creation. The winemaker will provide insights into the history of winemaking, offering advice on how to appreciate the diverse flavors of their wines. A delectable lunch will be served at the winery.

Following our culinary experience, we will continue our journey to Florence, an enchanting city celebrated for its abundant wealth of Renaissance-era art and architecture.

Upon our arrival in Florence, we will explore the Accademia Gallery, where you'll be regaled with intriguing stories about the artworks and the artists featured in the gallery. You'll also delve into the rich history of the Medici family, who played a pivotal role in the life of Michelangelo and the birth of the Renaissance in Florence.

The remainder of the evening is yours to enjoy at your leisure. 

Overnight in Florence

Enjoy your breakfast.  Meet your guide and proceed to see the historic religious landmarks of Florence. Your first stop will be at Piazza Michelangelo, where we can take in a breathtaking panoramic view of the city. We will then head to the historic center to visit the most significant artistic and architectural treasures, including Piazza del Duomo, which is home to the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral, the Baptistery of San Giovanni, and the Giotto Campanile, all made with priceless colored marbles. Next, we will visit Piazza della Signoria, the city's historical center of civil life, featuring the Fountain of Neptune and the Palazzo della Signoria or Palazzo Vecchio, one of Florence's most recognizable landmarks. The Accademia Gallery, another important museum, will also be visited where visitors can see Michelangelo's world-famous David and other magnificent paintings by Filippino Lippi, Domenico Ghirlandaio, and more. 
At the  
The rest of the day is yours to explore, and in the evening, you can dine at any of the wide variety of restaurants in the district, offering Italian and international cuisine.

Overnight in Florence

Today is free to explore places on your own in order to get a true sense of where you are.  Explore the Piazza del Duomo, the main square in Florence which is home to some of the city's most famous landmarks, including the Florence Cathedral, the Baptistery, and Giotto's Campanile. Take a stroll around the square and marvel at the stunning architecture, walk along the Ponte Vecchio, a medieval bridge that spans the Arno River and is lined with shops selling jewelry, art, and souvenirs. Take a leisurely stroll across the bridge and enjoy the views of the river and the city,  Sample the local cuisine, Florence is famous for its food, and there are plenty of restaurants and cafes serving delicious Tuscan cuisine. Try some of the city's specialties, such as bistecca alla Fiorentina (Florentine steak), ribollita (a hearty soup), and gelato, or pre-book one of our suggested optional tours

Add-on:  Siena,  and San Gimignano Day trip from Florence - USD 300 Per person (minimum 2 pax)
Starting from Florence, this tour takes you on a southbound journey through the picturesque Tuscan countryside, passing by vineyards and reaching the medieval hill town of San Gimignano, known for its remarkable towers and frescoes. You will have some free time to wander around the town's streets on your own before heading to Monteriggioni for a brief visit. Next proceed to Siena, where you will explore Renaissance artwork with your guide before embarking on a walking tour. You will marvel at the unique striped marble of the Siena Cathedral and, if you've chosen to upgrade your tour, enter the cathedral for a guided tour. Your tour will culminate with transportation back to Florence.

Add-on: Half-day trip to Pisa - USD 280 Per person (minimum 2pax)
Enjoy a splendid excursion through the fertile and picturesque Tuscan countryside to 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, where you will admire the wonderful architecture of the unique buildings surrounding you, called “Miracles” in the past because of their incredible beauty. Be will be dazzled by this marvelous square which is dominated by the wonderful Cathedral. See 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 façade the Square to the North. You will be enthralled by the history and the leaning structure of the Tower which stirs the imagination of all visitors. After the guided visit you will have some free time for memorable pictures or to discover 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 center in the middle age and where the Scuola Normale is located, one of the most famous universities in the world. You can wander around the busy square and narrow streets before heading back to Florence.

Overnight in Florence  

Today marks the end of your amazing Italian tour. After breakfast this morning, your tour officially concludes. You will be transferred to the airport at the designated time for your return flight.