Arrive Rome, Italy
Arrive in Rome, where you are met and transferred to your hotel. Tonight, join your Resident Tour Director for dinner at a local restaurant.
Rome | Essence of the Eternal City
Today, discover the Eternal City, starting at the Palatine Hill, where your local guide brings to life the city’s origin. Pass the Arch of Constantine to visit the mighty Colosseum, opened in AD 80. After lunch at a local restaurant, stop at the Campo de Fiori, one of Rome’s thriving markets. Visit the Piazza Navona, dominated by the Baroque Fountain of the Four Rivers, and continue to the Pantheon, with its large Corinthian columns. Later, pause for a moment at the Trevi Fountain and the picturesque Spanish Steps. Finish your day at the Vatican, with special after-hours entry to the Vatican Museums, in the cool of the evening, where you behold the glorious frescoes of the Sistine Chapel.
Rome | Artistic Masterpieces
Begin in Vatican City, visiting St. Peter’s Basilica to view the poignant Pietà of Michelangelo and Bernini’s exuberant Baldaquin. Then, proceed to the Montemartini Museum, home to a grand collection of ancient statues depicting early Roman life. This afternoon, enjoy time at leisure. Later, get a hands-on feel for an Italian culinary tradition, when you take part in a pizza-making class in a top Roman neighborhood pizzeria.
Florence | Tuscan Landscapes & Wine Tasting
Drive to Florence, roaming through the sun-splashed Tuscan countryside. Along the way, stop at a distinctive winery for a guided tasting of Brunello di Montalcino and a light lunch. Continue to Florence and visit the Accademia, home to Michelangelo’s David.
Florence | Design Your Day
Today, enjoy one of these Design Your Day activities.
Journey to Pisa to view its famed Leaning Tower and enjoy a guided tour of the inspiring 11th-century Duomo.
Explore Florence by Bike, cycling with a local guide who expertly reveals this birthplace of the Renaissance.
Enjoy a Shopping Excursion to the Mall Firenze to browse its superb selection of designer goods.
Enjoy lunch on whichever option you choose. Spend your evening at leisure.
Florence | Uffizi Gallery & Farm-to-Table Dinner
Join a local art specialist for a guided tour of the Uffizi Gallery, admiring such striking masterworks as Botticelli’s Birth of Venus and Da Vinci’s Annunciation. Next, visit the Cappella di San Luca of the Basilica della Santissima Annunziata to meet with a restorer working on the precious Renaissance art within, a project supported by A&K Philanthropy. Dine at a local Tuscan-style restaurant on a delectable Chef ’s Table experience.
Venice | Mountain Views & Wondrous Mosaics
Today, cross the Appennines by express train to the valley of the Po and onward to Venice. Upon arrival, Ride Like a Local in a water taxi along the Grand Canal, and then board a gondola for a quintessential Venetian experience. Break for lunch, before visiting St. Mark’s Square; St. Mark’s Basilica, where you behold its colorful mosaics; and the Doge’s Palace. Later, check in to your hotel.
Venice | Age-Old Venetian Crafts
Discover one of Venice’s only remaining gondola workshops, to learn about this ancient craft, and then receive a private, guided visit to the world-renowned textile company, Tessitura Bevilacqua, for a richly detailed A&K-exclusive experience. Follow up with an afternoon at leisure, free to relax or further explore the city. Tonight, savor a Scenic Sundowner overlooking the Venetian Lagoon, setting a festive mood for your farewell dinner.
Depart Venice
Transfer by boat to the airport and depart.
Travel Privately with A&K | For a private journey consider Tailor Made Italy: The Vatican to Venice. Contact A&K for more details.