Overview
Walk along Venice’s iconic canals, where every turn feels like a scene from a romantic postcard. And just when you think it can’t get better, indulge in Montepulciano’s rich culinary traditions and savor its world-renowned wines. From timeless history to indulgent flavors, this life-changing journey will leave you read more longing for just one more taste of Italy’s magic.
Itinerary
Arrive at any time. There are no planned activities until tonight's welcome meeting.
We recommend booking pre-tour accommodation to fully explore this magnificent city. Please speak to a G Adventures representative about booking accommodations in Rome before Day 1 of this itinerary. Please note that if Vatican City is on your must-see list, we highly recommend purchasing your tickets online several weeks prior to your trip. Advance tickets can be reserved online at https://tickets.museivaticani.va/home. Same-day entrance to St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums (including the Sistine Chapel) cannot be guaranteed without advance tickets. We also recommend pre-booking your ticket to the Colosseum to guarantee entrance and avoid long queues: https://ticketing.colosseo.it/en
- Meet Your CEO and Group: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
- Sistine Chapel : Although the Sistine Chapel is always very crowded, it is a must-see for any visitor to the Vatican. The magnificent frescoed ceiling of the chapel painted by Michelangelo depicts over 300 figures from the Book of Genesis, the most well-known being “The Creation of Adam,” showing God touching the finger of Adam. “The Last Judgment” on the west wall depicts a scene from the Book of Revelations. Art aficionados, get ready to cross one of your list! (20-25 EUR per person)
- Borghese Gallery: Take a visit to the beautiful Borghese Gallery villa to indulge in a rich collection of ancient sculptures, relics, mosaics, and paintings. Pieces from Renaissance masters such as Bellini, Raphael, Bernini can be found here.
- Colosseum Visit: Enjoy a guided tour of this famous spot, the scene of many bloody gladiator fights for the entertainment of ancient Rome's aristocracy. Learn from your expert guide and you wander the old venue—a UNESCO World Heritage site—and feel free to walk around on your own. No battles, please!
Enjoy a G Adventures supported migrant led walk of Rome before enjoying a free day to explore a myriad of options. Opt to tour Vatican City, cross the river to charming Trastevere, eat some gelato in Piazza Navona, or swing by the Colosseum and Forum.
We highly recommend you pre-book your optional activities for today's free time, starting after 12:30 pm.
- Migrantour Rome: Learn all about a different side of Rome with a newcomer to Italy as your guide with Migrantour, a social enterprise that trains immigrants to give tours of the city - with their own flair. G Adventures travellers receive a unique experience as guides give them rare insight into Italian society through an immigrant's eyes. From ancient landmarks to the history of migration to Rome, expect this to be a guided tour like no other.
- Free Time: With heaps to see and do, don't waste a minute in the Eternal City.
- Vatican City Visit: Get ready to tick something off the bucket list. Visit the smallest country in the world—Vatican City! Stand in St Peter’s Square and be wowed by colossal colonnades, numerous statues, and the obelisk. Opt to take in the magnificence of St Peter’s Basilica, Michelangelo’s Pietá, and the Sistine Chapel while you are in the area.
- Sistine Chapel : Although the Sistine Chapel is always very crowded, it is a must-see for any visitor to the Vatican. The magnificent frescoed ceiling of the chapel painted by Michelangelo depicts over 300 figures from the Book of Genesis, the most well-known being “The Creation of Adam,” showing God touching the finger of Adam. “The Last Judgment” on the west wall depicts a scene from the Book of Revelations. Art aficionados, get ready to cross one of your list! (20-25 EUR per person)
- Borghese Gallery: Take a visit to the beautiful Borghese Gallery villa to indulge in a rich collection of ancient sculptures, relics, mosaics, and paintings. Pieces from Renaissance masters such as Bellini, Raphael, Bernini can be found here.
- Rome Vintage Vespa Tour: When in Rome... live "la dolce vita" and hop onto a Vespa! Make your way around the city (like the locals do) on a vintage Vespa scooter. Visit Rome's must-see landmarks with a local guide, who will also be your Vespa driver, on this 3-4 hour afternoon excursion.
- Colosseum Visit: Enjoy a guided tour of this famous spot, the scene of many bloody gladiator fights for the entertainment of ancient Rome's aristocracy. Learn from your expert guide and you wander the old venue—a UNESCO World Heritage site—and feel free to walk around on your own. No battles, please!
Depart Rome by train then transfer to the town of Pienza for a visit and for some free time to explore. Continue on to Montepulciano in the heart of the Tuscan countryside and enjoy the medieval and renaissance hill town with an orientation walk and a local wine tasting. Montepulciano is famous for producing delectable local pork, cheese, "Pici" pasta, and honey. It is also major wine producing area. Take in the stunning vistas, wander cobbled lanes, or opt to sample the local delicacies in small, family-run establishments.
- Local Train: Climb aboard, take your seat, and get around like the locals do.
- Minibus: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
- Orientation Walk Pienza: Visit Pienza with your CEO, a picturesque town in Tuscany which is a blend of Renaissance architecture and culinary delights. Stroll along Corso Rossellino, the main street, lined with charming shops and cafes.
- Orientation walk of Montepeluciano with Wine Tasting: Enjoy a walk with your CEO to get your bearings of this idyllic Tuscan town, and awaken your tastebuds with a wine tasting of some of the region's finest.
- Piazza Grande Visit: Make your way to the highest point in town to the Piazza Grande, the centre of day to day life in Montepulciano. You'll find some of the town's most impressive architecture, such as the Palazzo Comunale, and Town Hall. Climb to the tower in the Palazzo Comunale for great views of Lake Trasimeno and Val d'Orcia.
- Bike Rental: Rent a bike from a local shop and head out to explore.
Spend the day in the Italian countryside. The famous wine-producing region is the perfect place for an optional vineyard tour and wine tasting, or a bike ride in the rolling hills. Opt to travel further afield to the thermal springs of Bagni San Filippo.
- Free Time: Get out and explore this charming town by foot or bicycle.
- Montepulciano Wine Tour: Travel outside of Montepulciano through the rolling vineyards to one of the surrounding wineries, such as the legendary Avignonesi estate or Cantina Fattoria della Talosa. Enjoy strolling through the hectares of greenery, indulging in a sample of local wines, and a guided tour of the cellars.
- Bagni San Filippo Thermal Springs: The Tuscan region is known for natural thermal springs. Take a 30min ride out of town to Bagni San Filippo and find yourself in a picturesque setting of calciferous formations, waterfalls, and natural pools; this scene is made more spectacular by the vivid colour of the water made bright blue by effect of the hot springs meeting the cool river water. Sit back, relax, and be healed.
- Bike Rental: Rent a bike from a local shop and head out to explore.
Travel to picturesque Siena. After an orientation walk around this medieval city, opt to visit Torre del Mangia, Battistero, il Campo, or the Duomo or to take a "passeggiata" and meet the Sienese locals. Continue on to Florence and enjoy an evening walk to Piazzale Michelangelo for a fantastic panoramic view of the city. Arrive to the inimitable Firenze. Walk through the city catching a glimpse of the Duomo, Piazza Indipendenza, Piazza della Signoria, and the Ponte Vecchio. Head to Piazzale Michelangelo with your CEO for the most famous and photographed vista of the city.
- Orientation Walk Siena: Wander through the medieval town of Siena, safely nestled in the heart of Tuscany. Feast your eyes on the gothic architecture while exploring the historic centre, a designated UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Piazzale Michelangelo Walk: Cross through the centre of the city and over the Arno. Climb to the top of the hill and check out the vista over the river from Piazzale Michelangelo. It's worth every step!
- Ponte Vecchio Visit: Walk across this medieval bridge and look over the Arno River to feel the romance of this city. Jewelers, art dealers and souvenir shops run the length of the bridge, featured in many master paintings.
- Il Duomo di Firenze Visit: This green, pink, and white marbled 13th century basilica is one of Italy’s largest churches and its brick dome is the largest ever constructed. Wander through the cathedral or choose to climb the 463 steps to the top of the dome and be rewarded with extraordinary views of the city!
Immerse yourself in the splendor of Florence on a guided walking tour this morning. Catch a glimpse of the intricate buildings that make Florence a favourite to travellers the world over, and better understand the rich history and local way of living, then enjoy lunch at the local market. With a free afternoon, the choices are endless. Opt to visit the Duomo, David at the Galleria dell’Accademia, Uffizi Gallery, medieval Ponte Vecchio, or the Medici Chapels, just to name a handful. The afternoon is yours to explore. Check out the Mercato Centrale or any number of cafés and trattorias. If you came to shop, start at one end of the city and just keep going. There's beautiful architecture, famous museums, Renaissance art pieces, and charming cobblestone streets everywhere. If you wish to go further afield, take a wine tasting bike tour up to Fiesole and the vineyards of Chianti.
If you wish to visit popular museums like the Uffizi and Accademia Galleries, we strongly advise reserving tickets in advance to avoid waiting in line for a long time (especially during the high season from May-September, where this can take several hours). Advance tickets can be reserved online at https://www.uffizi.it/en/tickets and https://www.galleriaaccademiafirenze.it/tickets/
- Florence Guided Walking Tour: Discover the enchanting beauty and rich history of Florence on a guided tour through its iconic streets and landmarks. This immersive experience, led by a knowledgeable local guide, takes you on a journey through the heart of the Renaissance. Marvel at the architectural splendor of the Duomo, explore the vibrant atmosphere of Piazza della Signoria, and stroll across the historic Ponte Vecchio. Learn about the city's illustrious past, from its Medici rulers to its world-renowned artists.
- Free Time: There's plenty to see and do in Florence, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like a visit to the Uffizi Gallery to see the works of the Renaissance masters. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!
- David (Galleria dell'Accademia) Visit: Visit Michelangelo's most famous statue, 'David'. Marvel at the artistry on display in the intricately carved piece of marble. Please note that pre-booking your admission online will be 26.50EUR and booking on site will be 22.50EUR. (22.50-26.50 EUR per person)
- Pitti Palace - Palatine Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art: Visiti the Pitti Palace and learn about history alongside modern art.
- Ponte Vecchio Visit: Walk across this medieval bridge and look over the Arno River to feel the romance of this city. Jewelers, art dealers and souvenir shops run the length of the bridge, featured in many master paintings.
- National Museum of Bargello: Explore this museum, housed in one of the earliest buildings in Florence (dating to 1255). Stroll through the corridors to learn about the history of this site and its many uses, and see the fantastic works from master artists such as Donatello and Michelangelo.
- Medici Chapels Visit: Admire the opulence of the two Medici Chapels. The Sagrestia Nuova was designed by Michelangelo and built as a mausoleum for the powerful Medici family. (9-32 EUR per person)
- Il Duomo di Firenze Visit: This green, pink, and white marbled 13th century basilica is one of Italy’s largest churches and its brick dome is the largest ever constructed. Wander through the cathedral or choose to climb the 463 steps to the top of the dome and be rewarded with extraordinary views of the city!
- Uffizi Gallery Visit: Head to the Uffizi Gallery to see spectacular Botticelli and Leonardo da Vinci paintings in person.
Settle in for the journey to Venice by train this morning and soak in the beautiful scenery along the way. Once at the hotel, take time to relax before heading out on foot for a guided walking tour and immerse yourself in this incredible city's beauty and history. Enjoy a free evening or join the group for an optional dinner at one of your CEO's favourite local spots. Known as the “City of Canals” or “The Floating City,” Venice is one of Italy’s most famous and picturesque destinations. Between the winding canals connecting San Marco with the Santa Chiara church, the bridge of sighs, and the Doge’s Palace, there are no shortage of photo ops and iconic moments.
- Train: Climb aboard, take your seat, and get around like the locals do.
- Guided Walking Tour of Venice: Discover iconic Venetian landmarks on a guided walking tour. Revel in the labyrinth like alleyways, charming bridges, and bustling squares, while gondolas glide through serene canals. Enjoy the unique ambiance of this historic city where every corner tells a story.
Take advantage of a full free day to experience everything that Venice has to offer. Explore Venice’s diverse culinary scene with a food tour, take a gondola ride, or wander along canals and through the maze-like streets; pass world-class museums and incredible architecture in all directions. Regroup in the evening for an optional final dinner out with the group.
- Free Time: There's plenty to see and do in Venice so today is the day to explore.
- Murano and Burano Islands Visit: Take a quick trip across the lagoon and experience Venice’s artisanal roots. Explore the island of Murano, famous for its skilled glassblowers, and walk along the colourful streets of Burano, known for a centuries-old tradition of lacemaking.
- Campanile San Marco Lookout: Climb to the top of the Campanile - Venice's tallest building - to take in a great bird's eye view of the cityscape and lagoon.
- Guggenheim Museum Visit: While walking down the Grand Canal, stop into this museum to see its extensive modern art collection.
- Doge's Palace (Palazzo Ducale) Visit : Visit this former palace, rebuilt and restored numerous times, and admire the Gothic Venetian architecture. Once the seat of the government, the Palazzo Ducale is now a grand museum. Enjoy the stellar artwork, ornate chambers, and courtyards.
- Venice Food Tour: Explore Venice’s diverse culinary scene with a food tour through Cannaregio and the historic Jewish Ghetto. Enjoy a progressive meal that highlights Venetian flavours beginning with Esse biscuits and Orecchio di Haman, authentic venetian-Jewish baked goods, followed by Italian espresso and a classic spritz and tramezzino. Pair locally produced wine with creamy risotto, sample baccalà and polenta, and rinse it down with a glass of sparkling prosecco. Wander through charming alleyways, savor each dish, and uncover the rich history behind Venetian cuisine. Finish your culinary adventure with a choice of tiramisù or gelato.
- Gondola Ride: Sit back and enjoy a different point of view as you glide through the historic canals of Venice on a gondola.
Depart at any time.
- Departure Day: Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with any onward travel arrangements you require.
Trip Inclusions
- Sample the famous Italian gastronomy and local wine scene.
- Stand in the shadow of some of the most famous landmarks in the world.
- Witness the impressive art and architecture of Florence.
- Enjoy the winding canals and grand squares in Venice.
- Your G for Good Moment: Migrantour Rome, Rome
- Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
- Your Discover Moment: Rome
- Visit Pienza
- Orientation walk of Montepulciano with wine tasting
- Orientation walk in Siena
- Evening visit to Piazzale Michelangelo in Florence
- Guided walking tour of Florence
- Walking tour of Venice with a local guide
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
- Train, private vehicle, walking
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides
- Hotel (8 Nights)
- On this trip you can expect to stay in small family-run hotels or pensions (with the exception of the start and finish hotels, which are often larger city hotels), which will vary a little in standard and facilities: some may not have elevators, air-conditioning or English-speaking staff, but most importantly all are locally-run, with some traditional character, and in excellent central locations to give you maximum time for exploring the sights. You can expect to find clean, safe, simple accommodation in convenient locations.
- Note that most accommodation in Europe does not have air conditioning units in rooms. Air conditioning is not routinely installed in European homes and workplaces. However, nearly all hotels will provide a standing or desk fan for your room on hot nights. If you do not already have one in your room, please ask your CEO to organize one for you with reception.
- 8 breakfasts, 1 lunch
- Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included.
Operator
On all of our tours, you get to know locals every step of the way, from the places you visit and stay to where you eat and drink. You’ll also get to experience our ‘G for Good’ social impact initiatives on-trip, including our industry-leading ‘Ripple Score’. This score measures, as a percentage, the amount of money that stays in the local community through on-trip services like accommodation, restaurants and transport.
Get the best of both worlds with G's Classic trips as your knowledgeable CEO (Chief Experience Officer) leads you to iconic highlights and hidden gems, while ample free time lets you discover what excites you most. Enjoy included meals showcasing local flavours, plus opportunities to dive deeper into the food scene independently. Stay in comfortable hotels, authentic homestays, and unique accommodations that capture the spirit of each destination.
Dates & Pricing
AUD
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Enquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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