9 Days / 8 Nights
Discover the splendor of Tuscany and the Eternal City, all in a once-in-lifetime adventure.
Travel back to the Renaissance period as you stroll through Florence’s historic center, visit the imposing Duomo and view Michelangelo’s masterpiece, the David. Venture out to Pisa, home of the famous Leaning Tower and the charming town of Lucca. Top your stay in Florence with a trip to a local winery to savor Tuscany signature flavors and wines.
Board the fast train to Italy’s Capital City, Rome and get ready to be in awe as you visit its must-sees: from the 2000-year-old Colosseum and the Roman Forums to the Vatican Museums with its impressive collection of art, the stunning Sistine Chapel, and the fascinating St. Peter’s Basilica. At last, take an excursion to the exquisite Villa D’Este and its Gardens at Tivoli and witness its impressive concentration of fountains, cascades, and playful water features, as well as the pavilions, statuary, grottoes, and the views from all the terraces.
Itinerary
Arrive in Florence at Peretola Airport. Your private driver will bring you to your hotel in Florence. Rest up and grab some food. Tomorrow begins your exploration of Italy!
Discover Florence's historic center on this walking tour including the Ponte Vecchio, the imposing Duomo (only from outside), elegant Uffizi Square, the renowned leather market, and the Accademia Gallery with Michelangelo’s David.
The afternoon and evening are at leisure. Want to see more of Florence? Check out our other Day Tours in Florenceand feel free to add them to your itinerary. We suggest seeing the incredible Uffizi Gallery (not included in price).
Along this trail, get acquainted with the history of wine and the secret of how to keep long lasting traditions alive. Learn the different characteristics of wine, how distinguish the acidity and taste, and flavor pairing with food. Plus visit an olive oil mill in an ancient noble estate and learn about the olive oil production. This full day experience includes the visit of three wineries and an olive oil mill, three wine tastings and an olive oil tasting, a typical Tuscan meal, and many photo opportunities!
Visit two of Tuscany's most important towns - Pisa and Lucca on this day excursion from Florence. Plus enjoy a tasting of the famous Buccellato cake from Lucca.
The first stop today is Pisa! In the heart of the city is Piazza dei Miracoli where you will simultaneously see the Leaning Tower, Baptistery, Cathedral, and the Monumental Cemetery. Each of these buildings are stunning in their own way and have unique stories to tell. Be sure to take a photo of you holding up the leaning tower!
Then continue onto Lucca. Walking along all the small shops, you'll come to the circular Piazza del Mercato which is built on top of the remains of the Roman amphitheater dating back to the second century BC. Also, see the Cathedral of San Martino and the Guinigi tower before tasting the typical cake from Lucca: the Buccellato.
You will be picked up at your hotel and transferred to Florence train station for your high-speed train ride to Rome. Once you've arrived in Rome, you will be met at the train station and taken to your hotel in Rome.
Check in at your hotel. Take a leisurely walk in the historic center and grab a bite to eat, or join our Best of Rome by night tour (not included in the package price).
Explore the most important sights of Ancient Rome - the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill with skip the line access. First, visit Rome’s most iconic site, the Colosseum, with your guide who will talk you through the bloody past of the amphitheater, home to gladiators, mock sea-battles and executions. Then, head to the Roman Forum to walk along the “Via Sacra” or “Sacred Way” – the main path through the Roman Forum, which once sparkled with festivals and triumphal processions as Roman armies returned from war. Finally, see the Palatine Hill, the most famous of the Seven Hills of Rome. From here, admire the views of the Roman Forum and Nero’s Circus Maximus where chariot races were once held.
The afternoon and evening are at leisure. Want to see more of Rome? Check out our other Day Tours in Rome and feel free to add them to your itinerary. We suggest seeing the incredible Borghese Gallery & Gardens (not included in the package price).
Take a morning tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica, and St. Peter's Square. Enjoy No Wait Access and small groups for the best Vatican experience.
The afternoon and evening are at leisure. Want to see more of Rome? Check out our other Day Tours in Rome and feel free to add them to your itinerary. We suggest joining one of our food tours to sample real Roman street food, less-known meats and cheeses, and amazing wine in a secret cellar (not included in the package price).
Enjoy a private excursion to the ancient village of Tivoli to see its main attractions including Villa D'Este, a masterpiece of the Italian Garden and one of the UNESCO world heritage sites. With its impressive concentration of fountains, nymphs, grottoes, plays of water, and music, it constitutes a great example of the European gardens in the mannerist and baroque styles.
You’ll have lunch on your own followed by a free afternoon in Rome. Ask us for a tour or restaurant recommendation for your last night in Rome!
Your Italy Vacation has come to an end as you transfer from your hotel to Rome Fiumicino airport and head back home.
Inclusions
- 4 nights in a 4-star hotel in Florence
- 4 nights in a 4-star hotel in Rome
- All transfers to/from hotels in each city as per itinerary
- First Class train ticket: Florence-Rome
- Best of Florence with Accademia tour
- Chianti Wine and Olive Oil Trail with lunch
- Pisa & Lucca excursion
- Colosseum & Ancient Rome tour
- Vatican Museums tour
- Private tour to Villa D'Este and its gardens
- Breakfast daily at hotel
Hotel Info
Hotel Rivoli ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
If you are searching for luxury accommodation in Florence city center, then the exclusive Rivoli Boutique Hotel will most certainly fulfill all expectations. Situated in the heart of Florence, this 15th century former Franciscan convent has been tastefully refurbished to provide comfortable, elegant accommodation whilst retaining the hotel's delightful periodic character and charm - from the lobby, with its unique opulent archways and pillars, classic ceilings and cross vaults to our lavishly frescoed lounges.
Florence
Hotel Marcella Royal ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
The Marcella Royal Hotel is a first class boutique hotel conveniently situated in the center of Rome. 10 minutes from Via Veneto, in an affluent and well-to-do district, within walking distance of the city’s numerous sights and attractions, including Via Veneto, the Spanish Steps, Via Nazionale, Barberini and many more.
The 4 star hotel provides all the creature comforts and amenities that you require for a most relaxing and unforgettable stay in the Eternal City. Carefully decorated and furnished throughout, including all the guest rooms and communal areas, ourthe hotel is like an oasis of tranquility, right in the heart of the hustle and bustle of Rome.
Rome
Optional Tour Add-Ons
Duration: 3 hours
City: Rome
Explore the oldest quarters of Rome on this immersive walking tour. Stroll through the historic Jewish Ghetto and experience a slice of ancient Roman life. Visit the vibrant neighborhood of Trastevere and the insightful Jewish Museum, gaining a deeper understanding of Rome's rich cultural tapestry.
Exact time will be provided in final documents. Pick up at your hotel.
Duration: 5 hours, 9:30am - 2:30pm
City: Rome
Under the guidance of your fun and friendly Italian host, immerse yourself in the Italian life to discover the gastronomic delights of Rome.
The day begins with a walking tour of the chef's favorite food shops leading to the famous Rome outdoor food market - Campo de' Fiori.
Then go to the chef's private apartment where you’ll learn Italian cooking techniques and the skills to cook delicious Italian dishes with a focus on making fresh pasta dishes. The course will teach you the techniques needed to cook different pasta dishes as well as one meat dish (vegetarians can be catered for) that you will be able to use time after time at home.
Meeting point will be at a central location. Details will be provided in final documents.
Duration: 2.5 hours, 3:00pm - 5:30pm
City: Florence
Discover one of Italy's most important museums, the Uffizi Gallery, under the guidance of an art expert, skipping the long lines!
Enjoy a guided tour of the main rooms of the Uffizi Gallery and follow the evolution of Italian art through the centuries, from the Middle Ages to Renaissance. Learn about Giotto’s revolutionary art, admire the beauty of Botticelli’s Primavera and the sensuality of his Venere, surprise yourself with Leonardo’s mix of rational genius and artistic creativity, and view the main masterpieces by many other unparalleled artists.
Meeting point will be at a central location. Details will be provided in final documents.
Duration: 3 hours, 11:00am - 2:00pm, 3:00pm - 6:00pm OR 6:30pm - 9:30pm
City: Florence
Learn how to make authentic, Italian Pizza and Gelato – a fun cooking class for kids too!
Under the guidance of a professional pizza chef, called a Pizzaiolo, you will make your own pizza - stretch it, sauce it, bake it, slice it. The chef will teach you the key techniques in making a soft and flexible dough and the trick for a flavorful yet light tomato sauce so you can make this pizza at home!
After pizza it’s time for Gelato. The chef will explain why the gelato is the Italy's favorite dessert and will give insight to the 'gelato culture' that continues to grow. Learn the basic raw ingredients, how to select the best products available according to specific principles, development and application of natural colors, the heating and freezing techniques and how they have different effects on the ingredients.
Then enjoy a presentation and tasting of some of the flavors used in gelato making!
This activity is strongly recommended for families that wish to have children to learn about the Italian culture, an easy and fun experience that will last forever in their memory.
Meeting point will be at a central location. Details will be provided in final documents.
Duration: 4 hours; Several Departure Times
City: Rome
Trastevere is a neighborhood like no other. It’s where Romans choose to eat with their families and where young Romans go for buzzing nightlife at evenings and weekends. You can’t leave Rome without walking through these streets and tasting the best food on offer.
On this 4-hour walking food tour you explore this photogenic neighborhood by night. You’ll sample a blend of Italian classics like pizza and pasta, real Roman street food, less-known meats and cheeses, and amazing wine in a secret cellar.
Meeting point will be at a central location. Details will be provided in final documents.
