Itinerary
Rome is a glorious city filled with classic antiquities, medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches. Relax and settle in before joining your Travel Director and getting to know your fellow travellers over a delicious dinner with wine.
Experience the grandeur of ancient Rome with your Local Expert, beginning in Vatican City. With fast-track entry, explore the Vatican Museums and view the extensive Papal art collection. In the Sistine Chapel, take time to admire Michelangelo's ceiling fresco before continuing to St. Peter's Basilica, the largest church in the world.
Later, see the Circus Maximus, once the site of ancient chariot races, and enjoy a guided visit to the Colosseum — Rome's iconic amphitheatre and a lasting symbol of Imperial engineering. *On some departures, access to St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums may be restricted. You'll still enjoy the atmosphere of St. Peter's Square during your visit to the Vatican City, and if tickets are unavailable to the Vatican Museums, you'll instead explore the Capitoline Museums, home to iconic Roman art and archaeology.
Spend another day enjoying Rome at your own pace. Stroll to the boutiques of the Via del Corso and Via Nazionale or visit the elegant designer stores near the Spanish Steps. Perhaps take an Optional Experience south to the ill-fated town of Pompeii, buried in 79 AD by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius, and explore one of the greatest archaeological sites in the world. With your Local Expert, stroll into a 2,000-year-old town revealing fascinating discoveries preserved in time.
With the dormant volcano of Vesuvius and panoramic views of the Bay of Naples in the background, you have a few treats in store along the way and then return to Rome, passing the formidable Abbey of Montecassino, the site of an epic battle in 1944. As night falls, why not sip a glass of prosecco at a sidewalk cafe in Piazza Navona and enjoy life's pageantry pass by?
Drive through Lazio and the rolling hills of Umbria, often regarded as Italy's green heart. Admire the medieval hilltop towns perched like crown jewels overlooking the valleys below. Journey onwards to the Chianti Hills and the city of Florence. Explore Florence with Insight Choice: choose to visit the Accademia Museum and see Michelangelo's David. Alternatively, take a stroll with your Travel Director to enjoy a typical Italian treat in a local cafe.
Afterwards, continue on foot to admire the multicoloured marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery, where Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise have been recreated in all their glory. Continue into the Piazza della Signoria, still the political heart of Florence and an open-air gallery of Renaissance masterpieces. Spend time gazing at statues such as Neptune, Hercules and Cacus along the front of the Palazzo Vecchio.
Indulge yourself this morning by exploring Florentine luxury goods, including a demonstration of the intricate leatherwork and gold craftsmanship the city is famed for. Next, admire the rolling green hills of Tuscany and the impressive medieval towers of San Gimignano on an Optional Experience this afternoon. Tonight, feast with your fellow travelling companions over a delicious local dinner.
After a leisurely morning in Florence, explore the nearby town of Pisa with a Local Expert. See the Leaning Tower, the baptistery and the colonnaded bell tower, lurching out from behind the cathedral. Visit the organic farm Il Poggio and join a guided walk to learn about olive oil and wine production. After taking in beautiful views of the rolling Tuscan hills, enjoy tasting the farm's fine wines and olive oil, in addition to an authentic Italian meal prepared with locally sourced ingredients.
Today you will journey through the Emilia-Romagna region before arriving in Venice, the Queen of the Adriatic. Your luxurious hotel has elegant Venetian touches and views over an unforgettably romantic city.
Your private boat takes you on a journey of discovery past churches and palaces reflecting the architectural history of Venice from the 13th to the 18th century. The first sight is the pink marble of the Doge's Palace, connected to the prisons by the Bridge of Sighs. It was from here that Casanova made his daring escape. Turn the corner, and the gilded facade of St. Mark's Basilica comes into view. Enjoy a visit to a traditional glassblowing workshop, where you'll learn how beautiful, handcrafted glass is made by expert artisans, preserving centuries-old skills.
Later, you'll indulge in the classic Venetian experience of a gondola serenade through the city's romantic canals. This afternoon there's plenty of time to explore museums, galleries and churches or browse through the shops on the Rialto Bridge. Perhaps cruise out to some of the other islands in the lagoon to experience the age-old lifestyle of Venice's fishermen and lace-makers.
Who could refuse another day to take in the unique atmosphere of this wonderful city? Lose yourself in the back lanes and quiet squares, where tourists seldom tread and the Venetians go about their daily lives. Maybe visit some of the 90 churches housing masterpieces of Venetian art or explore the modern artworks in the Guggenheim? Perhaps relax at a canal-side cafe sipping local wine or sample delicious lagoon-fresh fish? This evening, indulge in traditional Venetian dishes that are enriched with inspiration from seasonal produce.
Your departure transfer arrives at Venice Marco Polo airport.
Trip Inclusions
- Rome: Visit the Colosseum, still echoing with the thronging crowds and ghostly cries of gladiatorial combat.
- Rome: Explore Rome's storied past as you see the sweeping Circus Maximus, once the largest stadium in ancient Rome and host to thrilling chariot races. Admire the Arch of Constantine, a triumphal monument built to celebrate Emperor Constantine's victory at the Battle of Milvian Bridge and gaze up at the Palatine Hill, the most central of Rome's seven hills and the site where, according to legend, Romulus founded the city.
- Florence: Enjoy a stroll through Renaissance Florence and admire the medieval buildings that gave birth to this new style of architecture.
- Florence: See the historic neighbourhood of the Santa Croce Basilica and witness local craftspersons at work during a gold and leatherwork demonstration.
- Pisa: Your Local Expert will show you the baptistery bristling with marble spines, and the colonnaded bell tower lurching behind the 11th-century cathedral - the famous Leaning Tower in the Square of Miracles.
- Venice: Travel by boat along the Giudecca Canal as your Travel Director gives an orientation to Venice. Pass 13th to 18th-century palazzi, the Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Square, an iconic introduction to the city from the water.
- Venice: Glide through Venice's canals on an iconic gondola ride, passing beneath historic bridges and past elegant palaces. Soak up the city's romantic atmosphere as your gondolier navigates the tranquil waterways, offering a unique perspective of this timeless floating city.
- Venice: Witness the ancient skill of glassblowing, now practised by precious few masters. Watch artisans create delicate works of art using rare traditional practices. The workshop's artisans teach visitors about the traditional craft of glassblowing and its history which dates back to the 15th century.
- Vatican City: Visit the Vatican Museums and witness the genius of Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel.
Choose between two carefully selected activities
- Florence: Stand beside Michelangelo's monumental statue, 'David', in the Accademia Gallery, and admire the exquisite technique and absorbing history behind the world's most famous sculpture.
- Florence: Join your Travel Director on a short walk to a local spot loved by residents. Sample a classic Italian treat and hear how it became a staple of the area. It's a chance to experience the flavours locals grow up with and return to time and again.
- Rome: Food and family go hand-in-hand in Italy and are pillars of the Italian way of life. Experience it for yourself with an invitation from your local host to join them for a truly Italian, home-cooked meal.
- Florence: Savour authentic Tuscan delights as you relax over a leisurely dinner paired with local wine in the heart of the city.
- Tuscany: Visit Il Poggio to learn about organic olive and grape farming. Then enjoy a tasting and sit down to a fabulous dinner of Tuscan specialities, complemented by stunning views.
- Venice: Savour flavours of the region over a delicious lunch with wine.
- Venice: Enjoy a delicious, typically Venetian dining experience.
- Dining Summary: 4 Dinners (D), 9 Breakfasts (B), 1 Lunch (L)
- Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
Trip Reviews (1)
Download Brochure
Insight Vacations Europe, Britain & the World (2026-27)
Dates & Pricing
Global Tour Rewards
GJ Loyalty Discount
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 Insight Vacations. 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.
