Contrasts of Italy - From £2,486

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

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

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

Pisa: In the Piazza dei Miracoli, see the baptistery, cathedral and the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.

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.

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

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

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

Venice: Savour the vibrant atmosphere of Venice during a walk through its calli to a traditional food market in the shadow of the famous Rialto Bridge.
DEPARTURE DATES AND PRICES
Tour
Departs		 Tour
Returns		 Starting From
(price per person)		 Definite Departure
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04/05/2026 13/05/2026 £3,025 Book
11/05/2026 20/05/2026 £3,025 Book
18/05/2026 27/05/2026 £3,250 Book
25/05/2026 03/06/2026 £3,025 Book
15/06/2026 24/06/2026 £3,025 Book
29/06/2026 08/07/2026 £3,195 Book
07/09/2026 16/09/2026 £3,495 Book
14/09/2026 23/09/2026 £3,495 Book
28/09/2026 07/10/2026 £3,450 Book
05/10/2026 14/10/2026 £3,450 Book
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ITINERARY

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.

This morning see the Vatican city on your sightseeing tour of Rome, you'll pause to see the majestic exterior of St. Peter's Basilica and its grand square. Then venture into Ancient Rome to see Circus Maximus and visit the Colosseum. This evening, Roman flavours take centre stage as you dine on local specialities.

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 marvellous 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.

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.

Cross the Arno River and take in 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, Cathedral, Baptistery, and Camposanto—built on soil brought back from the Holy Land during the Crusades. Enjoy lunch at Agriturismo Borgo Vigna Vecchia with 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, admire the beautifully lit Duomo or visit a cosy enoteca for wine tasting.

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.

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 cosy bacaro, people-watch in St. Mark's Square, the gateway to Venice, or take an unforgettable gondola ride along the city's enchanting canals.

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 pavement cafe or take a cruise to colourful Burano for a delicious meal.

This morning, learn about conservation efforts in Venice during a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with Venice Plastic Free. Watch the sights and sounds of modern Venice come to life on a walking tour with your Local Specialist. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon with one last taste of Venice. As your journey through Italy's charming cities draws to a close, celebrate newfound friendships and unforgettable memories over dinner.

Say arrivederci to Italy and your fellow travellers as your fascinating holiday comes to an end.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
  • All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
  • All porterage and restaurant gratuities
  • An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
  • Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
  • Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
  • Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
  • High-speed train from Florence to Venice
  • High-speed train from Rome to Florence
  • Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
  • Must-see sightseeing
  • On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised
  • Optional Experiences and free time
ACCOMMODATION
DAY 1: Grand Palatino - Meals: Dinner
DAY 2: Grand Palatino - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 3: Grand Palatino - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4: Ambasciatori - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 5: Ambasciatori - Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 6: Ambasciatori - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7: Principe - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 8: Principe - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 9: Principe - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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