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Contrasts of Italy

Everyday Price From

$3,396

$3,995

10 days

No Countries

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.

Locations Visited

Rome, Vatican City, Florence, Pisa, Venice

Countries Visited

Italy, Vatican City

Travel Style

Cruise or Rail

Accommodations

9 nights included

Age Requirements

Minimum age 5

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Itinerary

COLLAPSE ALL EXPAND ALL

Day 1

Welcome to Rome

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.

  • Accommodation

    Grand Hotel Palatino Rome


  • Meals

    Dinner

Highlights

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Rome Orientation

During an orientation with your Travel Director see the medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches scattered throughout the city.

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.

  • Accommodation

    Grand Hotel Palatino Rome


  • Meals

    Breakfast

    Dinner

Highlights

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Ancient Rome

Discover ancient treasures of Rome with a Local Specialist. See Circus Maximus and visit the mighty Colosseum, which bears witness to the limitless courage of the gladiators.

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.

  • Accommodation

    Grand Hotel Palatino Rome


  • Meals

    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.

  • Accommodation

    Ambasciatori Hotel Florence


  • Meals

    Breakfast

Highlights

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Florence City Tour

Join a Local Specialist to view the multi-colored marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery, adorned by Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise. Visit the political heart of the city, Signoria Square.

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High-Speed Train to Florence

Admire the enchanting Tuscan landscape as you travel by high-speed train to Florence. 

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Visit the Accademia Museum & Michelangelo's 'David'

Visit the Academy of Fine Arts and admire its Michelangelo collection.

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.

  • Accommodation

    Ambasciatori Hotel Florence


  • Meals

    Breakfast

    Lunch

Highlights

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Enjoy an Exclusive Lunch at the Agriturismo Borgo Vigna Vecchia in the Tuscan Hills

Meet Sandra and Antonella on their historic family farm for an exclusive Be My Guest lunch at the Agriturismo Borgo Vigna Vecchia in the Tuscan hills.

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See Pisa's Landmarks

During an orientation, your Travel Director will show you the baptistery, cathedral and the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.

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.

  • Accommodation

    Ambasciatori Hotel Florence


  • Meals

    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.

  • Accommodation

    Hotel Amadeus Venice


  • Meals

    Breakfast

Highlights

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High-Speed Train to Venice

Journey by high-speed train past dramatic mountains and lush plains to ''La Serenissima''.

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, witness 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 sidewalk café or take a cruise to colorful Burano for a delicious meal.

  • Accommodation

    Hotel Amadeus Venice


  • Meals

    Breakfast

Highlights

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Learn about the History and Ancient Skills of Venetian Glassblowing

Discover the ancient skill of Venetian glassblowing and play a part in preserving this traditional craft.

This morning, learn about conservation efforts in Venice with our MAKE TRAVEL MATTER experience with Venice Plastic Free before the sights and sounds of modern Venice come to life as you join your Local Specialist for a walk tour. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure for one last taste of Venice. As your adventure through Italy's charming cities is about to come to an end, celebrate newfound friendships and an unforgettable experience at dinner.

  • Accommodation

    Hotel Amadeus Venice


  • Meals

    Breakfast

    Dinner

Highlights

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Discover a traditional food market by the famous Rialto Bridge

Savor the vibrant atmosphere of Venice during a walk through its calli to a traditional food market in the shadow of the famous Rialto Bridge.

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Venice Without Plastic: A Step Toward Cleaner Waters

Meet Davide and the passionate team from Venice Lagoon Plastic Free for an eye-opening session on protecting Venice’s iconic lagoon. You’ll discover the dramatic impact of plastic pollution on wildlife and local life, learn practical ways to make a difference, and take home your very own tools for sustainable travel – including a reusable glass bottle. Together, you’ll help reduce plastic waste and become a part of the global movement for responsible tourism. Your visit directly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water.

Say arrivederci to Italy and your fellow travelers as your fascinating holiday comes to an end.

  • Meals

    Breakfast

Highlights

Must-see Highlights

  • Explore Rome, Florence, Pisa and Venice

  • Visit The Colosseum in Rome, the Academy of Fine Arts in Florence and a glassblowing factory in Venice

  • View the ancient sites in Rome, the Santa Croce Basilica and the Duomo in Florence, the Leaning Tower of Pisa and St. Mark's Basilica in Venice

  • Scenic Cruise by private launch to St. Mark's Square in Venice

What's Included

Travel Director

  • An expert Travel Director and professional Driver

Hotels

  • Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
  • All porterage and restaurant gratuities
  • All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
  • On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.

Meals

  • Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals

Sightseeing

  • Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras

Audio

  • Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing

Transport

  • Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)

Train

  • High-speed train from Rome to Florence
  • High-speed train from Florence to Venice

Optionals

  • Optional Experiences and free time

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Definite Departures Only

Special Offers

Airfare is not included, but can be added to quote upon request.

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Terms & Conditions

Trip Notes:

  • ​Please note that airfare to and from your start/end destinations are not included in the cost of your trip.
  • Call 1-877-333-0992 for great deals from the USA to & from all start/end cities for your selected itinerary.
  • Internal flights as specified on individual trip itineraries are included as part of the trip price.
  • Travel to Europe from the USA often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange flights to arrive on or before Day 1 of your itinerary start date.

Terms & Conditions:

  • ​Prices listed are land only & do not include airfare to and from the start/end of the tour.
  • Prices listed are per person, based on twin or multi-share. If you’re traveling solo, we can pair you with a same-sex roommate at no extra cost or you can upgrade to a single for an additional cost, based on availability.
  • For departure points and stay longer accommodation options call 1-877-333-0992 for more details.
  • ​​'Exclusive Costco Member Price' is available upon member login. 
  • 'Price with Current Deals' reflects current applicable 'Last Minute Deals.' Last Minute Deals are available on select departures only and only available to travelers departing from the United States; not combinable with any other promotional offers; full payment due at time of booking. 
  • All discounts are for new bookings only, subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Call or request a quote for complete details.
  • ​​​Trip prices and information are correct at the time of the products going live, however are subject to confirmation - please confirm all details at time of quote and booking.
  • For full details, please refer to our Terms & Conditions or FAQs page.
  • For Travel Insurance, please refer to our Travel Insurance page.
  • Other conditions may apply. CST#1001728-20