Italy: Venice, Tuscany & the Heart of Rome
Itinerary
Touch down in Venice for a voyage of discovery and cultural immersion. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel on the island of Venice. Prepare for a trip of a lifetime including iconic cities, culinary delights, historical sights and scenic walks. Arrive and make your way to the meeting point for your private transfer direct to your hotel on the island of Venice. 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 and CEO later this afternoon. Afterwards, enjoy an orientation walk and dinner with your CEO.
- Arrival Transfer: You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.
- 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.
Glide across the Venetian Lagoon to Murano on a vaporetto for a private glassblowing demonstration, witnessing masters shape molten art. Return to Venice and join your CEO for an orientation walk around the island before enjoying a free afternoon. Visit a community social enterprise dedicated to empowering vulnerable locals. A free afternoon lets you get lost among winding canals, cross hidden stone bridges, and discover local bacari wine bars at your own pace. Start with a tour and demonstration on the island of Murano. After your visit, feel free to stay and explore or join your CEO for the return trip to the island of Venice for an orientation walk. In the afternoon visit the Human Safety Net, a local community-focused initiative.
- Water Taxi: Jump in and cross the water to the next stop.
- Murano Island Glass Blowing Experience with a Local Expert: Experience the enchanting island of Murano on a private water taxi tour with a local expert. This excursion offers a unique glimpse into the rich history and artisanal traditions of Venice. Witness the intricate art of glassblowing in Murano. Visit an authentic workshop and hear from a local expert about the craft of traditional glassblowing and its significance to Murano’s cultural heritage. Gain an understanding of the craft’s history and ancient techniques, which have been featured in the National Geographic Magazine article “Made in Italy: Venice.” These traditional craftworks have spanned generations and have become part of the cultural identity of the islands. Enjoy the serene beauty of this iconic island, away from the crowds.
- Orientation Walk with your CEO: Set off with your CEO on an orientation walk to get your bearings and to see the gorgeous city. Hop on the local water taxis, called "vaporettos," as you navigate Venice's picturesque canals and waterways to the island of Murano. Truly a city like nowhere on earth, the best way to explore it is on foot and from the water.
- The Human Safety Net: The mission of The Human Safety Net is to unlock the potential of people living in vulnerable circumstances so that they can transform the lives of their families and communities. Visit this unique space located in the Procuratie Vecchie building. Once home to the offices and residences of the Procurators of San Marco, the site is now open to the public for the first time in 500 years.
Relax as you watch the Italian countryside fly by as we head to Bologna. Upon arrival, start exploring the city's legendary food scene straight away. Our mid-day culinary walking tour introduces us to the rich flavours of the city sampling local treats and drinks. Late afternoon brings an orientation walk with our CEO, strolling under the city's elegant, endless porticoes to see the iconic twin leaning towers. The evening is yours to find a quiet osteria in which to relax. Today you travel like a local as you board your train for the trip to Bologna. On arrival, drop your bags and then head out for a walking food tour of the city. Bologna is a famous culinary destination and today you will explore why. Enjoy a free afternoon and evening with suggestions for things to do from your CEO
- Water Taxi: Jump in and cross the water to the next stop.
- Train: Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
- Metro: Get around underground via public transit.
- Walking Culinary Tour of Bologna: Explore the Quadrilatero, Mercato di Mezzo, and the lively University District. Taste fresh pasta with rich Bolognese sauce at family-run trattorias, enjoy handmade tortellini, aged Parmigiano Reggiano, artisanal cured meats, and exquisite balsamic vinegar—each bite packed with tradition. Pair it all with local sparkling wines, and you’ll see why Bologna is called “La Grassa” (The Fat). Join us for 10 delicious tastings, great wine, and the fascinating stories behind Bologna’s incredible food scene.
- CEO-Led Orientation Walk of Bologna: Stroll past Bologna’s medieval brick palaces, under endless elegant porticoes, to the vibrant markets and twin leaning towers. Stroll through the famous university grounds and step into the stunning Archiginnasio Palace courtyard. It is known for walls covered in thousands of historic student coats of arms.
Today journey into the heart of Tuscany to reach the magical city of Florence. Upon arrival, dive into the sights of the city on an included locally guided tour. See the Piazza del Duomo, where the massive Santa Maria del Fiore cathedral sits. Continue moving along cobblestone paths where Renaissance artists and thinkers once walked. Next, head to the vibrant Mercato Centrale to enjoy a lunch of local specialties amidst the bustle of artisan food stalls. Later, regroup for an included dinner in town this evening. In the morning board a high-speed train to Florence. Upon arrival embark on a guided walking tour through the compact city center passing iconic sites on the way to the Mercato Centrale local market where you will have an included lunch. Enjoy a free afternoon before walking to an included dinner in the evening.
- Train: Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
- Florence Walking Tour: A locally guided Florence walking tour is a masterclass in urban evolution and human achievement. By pairing exclusive architectural marvels with the local storytelling, it transforms the "museum city" of Florence into a living laboratory of Renaissance innovation and modern conservation.
- Mercato Centrale Visit and Lunch: A visit to the Mercato Centrale is a sensory bridge between historic Florence and modern culinary innovation. The orientation walk guides you through the traditional ground-floor stalls where locals shop for seasonal produce, followed by a curated lunch in the vibrant upper-floor food hall. It is an experience of "controlled chaos" that offers the most efficient and delicious way to understand the Tuscan palate in a single afternoon.
Chianti, recognized for its namesake red wine, lies between Florence and Siena in the very centre of Tuscany. Begin the trek from Panzano to the town of Montefioralle- a small town forming the perimeter around an historic castle. Start the day with a scenic walk through the rolling Chianti countryside, soaking in the breathtaking views of vineyards and olive groves.
After working up an appetite, enjoy a delicious, rustic lunch at a local winery, where you’ll savour Tuscan food and wine in a relaxed setting. Transfer by private coach to the Chianti region and the town of Panzano. After some time to explore the town begin your hike to the walled town of Montefioralle. Your CEO will lead a stroll through town and free time is allowed to relax before boarding your coach for the short ride to a local winery for an included tasting and lunch. Later, return to Florence by private coach for a free evening.
- Walk from Panzano to Montefioralle: The hike from Panzano to Montefioralle takes you through the picturesque Chianti region, starting in the historic hamlet of Panzano. As you leave Panzano, you'll walk along the provincial road, soon transitioning onto a dusty dirt path. This scenic trail winds through the characteristic rolling hills, flanked by rows of vineyards and groves of silvery olive trees. The route offers breathtaking views of the countryside, leading you eventually to the charming medieval village of Montefioralle. This hike showcases the quintessential beauty of Tuscany, blending natural splendor with historical ambiance.
- Stroll around Montefioralle: Montefioralle is one of the gems of the Chianti region and sits atop a high plain. The houses in the small town surround the historic castle. In some places the town is still protected by the original defense walls. Spend some time walking around and stretching those legs after breakfast.
- Molino di Grace Visit & Lunch: Enjoy a guided tour of the Molino di Grace vineyard and cellar with an included private farmhouse lunch.
Admittedly, Rome is one of those cities that is pretty OMG-worthy on its own. If you have an entire week, it's a great city to get lost in, wandering from neighbourhood to neighbourhood. Today, the majestic Vatican welcomes us for a deep dive into history. Inside the Sistine Chapel, stand beneath Michelangelo’s iconic ceiling as soft afternoon light brings the painted figures to life right above you.
Afterwards, you have free time before dinner in town tonight. This morning board your high-speed train for the trip to Rome. Upon arrival, drop your bags at the hotel before partaking of a guided tour of the Vatican. After your tour, enjoy a free afternoon to explore Rome on your own before an included dinner in the city tonight.
- Train: Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
- Vatican Museum Visit: The Vatican Museums near St. Peter's Basilica contain priceless works of art from ancient to modern times. There are many different museums to choose from, but two of the most well known are the Sistine Chapel and the Raphael rooms.
Today is all about you. Kick off your day with a choice of activities. Opt to learn how to make authentic pizza with a Roman master chef or explore historic squares, the Spanish Steps, and Trevi Fountain on foot with a local guide. Either way you experience Rome and Italian culture at its best. After a free afternoon, join your fellow travellers for a farewell dinner in town tonight. This morning meet your CEO in the lobby for your included choice of excursion. Both activities start with a walk from the hotel and will end around midday. After a free afternoon, walk to your dinner in the city tonight.
- Choice of Traditional Pizza Making or Walking Tour of Rome: Option 1: Learn the ins and outs of these culinary icons with a Roman pizza master chef. Guided by a fun and friendly master Roman pizza chef (pizzaiolo), you will learn the secrets of these culinary icons using the finest ingredients and time-honored techniques. We will start with flour, salt, yeast, and water and end up with an awesome pizza that you will devour. It’s kinda magic.The only Roman pizza making class in Rome, it doesn't get more authentic than this! Option 2: There are many ways to see Rome, but sometimes the best way is on foot. Discover the Eternal City on walks through the squares that have marked history. Start from Piazza Barberini, become enchanted by the charm of the Spanish Steps, and get ready to turn your luck with a coin toss into the Trevi Fountain. This leisurely walk continues towards the Pantheon and Sant'Ivo della Sapienza, ending in Piazza Navona.
Today your adventure comes to an end, but the memories made during your time in Italy will live on. The adventure finishes today, and you can depart at any time.
Trip Inclusions
- Watch glassblowing come to life on Murano Island with a local expert.
- Walk through Bologna's backstreets on a culinary tour.
- Travel between cities by high-speed rail.
- Explore Florence on a guided walking tour.
- Browse the stalls and enjoy lunch at Mercato Centrale.
- Take a day trip through the Chianti countryside.
- Hike the trail from Panzano to Montefioralle.
- Taste wine and enjoy lunch at Molino di Grace winery.
- Step inside centuries of art at the Vatican Museums.
- Choose your own adventure with optional activities in Rome.
- Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Murano Island Glass Blowing Experience with a Local Expert, Venice
- Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
- Your Foodie Moment: Walking Culinary Tour of Bologna, Bologna
- Your Foodie Moment: Mercato Centrale Visit and Lunch, Florence
- Your Foodie Moment: Molino di Grace Visit & Lunch, Panzano
- Complimentary arrival transfer
- Murano Island glass blowing experience with a local expert
- Walking culinary tour of Bologna
- High-speed train travel
- Florence walking tour
- Mercato Centrale market visit and lunch
- Chianti and Tuscany day trip
- Walk from Panzano to Montefioralle
- Molino di Grace winery tasting and lunch
- Vatican museum guided tour
- Choice of activities in Rome Tips for all included meals and activities, except for CEO and Porterage
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
- Private coach, train, water taxi, walking, metro
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout
- Hotels (7 Nights)
- 7 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners
- Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included.
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Dates & Pricing
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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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