A Classic Grand Tour of Italy; Rome, Florence and Venice

Eight Days Grand Tour, 12th -19th October 2018

Take your own Grand Tour of Italy with the classic destinations. Starting in Rome, soaking up the atmosphere of the ‘eternal city’, understand the history and culture before moving on to Florence. Enjoy the amazing art and influence of Florence, before travelling to the unique city of Venice.

If you would like, this tour can be booked as a private group from minimum of 2 people. It can run at anytime of the year for private groups. (Prices will vary)

DAY ONE – ARRIVAL in ROME

Pickup at Airport and private transfer to Hotel. Once you have settled in to your hotel in Rome, we will start with an introductory tour. We will start from “Piazza di Spagna” and the Spanish steps. We may pay a visit to the Keats and Shelley house, it is not only the place where Keats died but there is a small museum regarding the Grand Tour and the Young English Romantic Poets. Walk down to Piazza del Popolo and pay a visit to Caravaggio’s Paintings in Santa Maria del Popolo, the conversion of Saul and the crucifixion of Peter. We will then walk along Via del Corso to enjoy the atmosphere and maybe have a Tiramisu at Pompi. In the evening enjoy a Welcome Dinner in a Roman trattoria.

DAY TWO – ROME and VATICAN

A full day of discovery. We will visit the Vatican, Saint Angels Castle and finish with a gentle walk around the Piazzas of Baroque Rome. Starting at the Vatican Museums, we will enter the Pinecone Courtyard, crossing the collection of Greek and Roman sculptures, admiring the famous statues.

Next to The Rooms, painted by Raphael and his pupils. Then to the amazing Sistine chapel, painted by Michelangelo. Afterwards, the tour will lead you to the highest temple of Christendom: St Peter’s Basilica.

There will be time for lunch before continuing the day with a walk in the heart of Baroque Rome. Starting from the Trevi Fountain, the monumental celebration of the Virgin Aqueduct, we will walk to Piazza di Spagna to admire the beautiful ‘Spanish Steps’, we will end by entering the Pantheon with its huge ancient Roman dome and the grave of the great Italian artist Raphael.

DAY THREE – ANCIENT ROME

Discover Ancient Rome, starting with the Colosseum. Originally built under Emperor Vespasian, the Colosseum was opened to the public in 80 AD. Thousands of cruel fights between beasts and slaves took place here. Gladiators are the slaves forced to fight and had moments of glory and, eventually, of death. Lunch around the Jewish Ghetto area. In the afternoon we tour the Appian Way and Catacombs: In ancient roman times called “regina viarum” the first paved public road was built by the consul Appius Claudius Ciecus in the year 312 B C. It’s undoubtedly the best preserved ancient roman road: the first 8 miles, starting from the Gate of Saint Sebastian, are surrounded by the Roman Countryside, with many burial monuments of any size and shape.

DAY FOUR- ROME, ORVIETO and FLORENCE

Pick up from hotel in private Van/bus for transfer to Florence. On the Way there we will stop in Orvieto for lunch and enjoy the wonderful scenery and the Cathedral, before travelling on to Florence.

The cradle of the Renaissance, Florence is one of Europe’s great art cities. With art and architecture packed into the city, there is so much to see. The cobbled streets, medieval churches, marble basilicas and world renown art galleries with paintings and sculptures by Botticcelli, Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci, to name just a few. As well as the old, the city is vibrant and busy with modern life. Exquisite restaurants and lively cultural scenes with quirky shops, you will fall in love with this historic and stunning city.

DAY FIVE– FLORENCE

We will have a full day walking in Florence. Discovering the Accademia and Uffizi Gallery, the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio and Piazza della Signoria. Founded in 1563, the Accademia holds many of Michelangelo’s most important works. His most famous, ‘David’, has dominated the collection since it was moved inside from the Piazza Signoria to protect it from pollution and the weather. Walking tour Duomo, Baptistry. Piazza della Signoria, Ponte Vecchio, Wild Boar. Explore the Uffizi and Ponte Vecchio, The Uffizi is the oldest gallery in the world and was built in 1560 as offices for the Tuscan Administration (‘Uffizi’ translates as ‘offices’).

DAY SIX – VENICE

Transfer by high Speed train to Venice. Arrival and settling into Hotel BAUER after, we will enjoy a private speed boat ride along the Grand Canal followed by an evening stroll around Venice to introduce you to the famous city. Dinner: Venetian Feast!

DAY SEVEN – VENICE

Walking Tour of Venice including Rialto Bridge, Saint Mark’s Square and all the major attraction. Free Time for Lunch and Personal Shopping or Optional Gondola Ride.

Visit to The Gallery of Accademia, Guggenheim Museum and Santa Maria della Salute, this can be either a private tour or just a visit with no guide for a more relaxed experience of Venice.

8.00pm Optional Vivaldi Concert

DAY EIGHT

Free time in the morning to pack or do some last minute shopping before checking out of the hotel.

Transfer from the hotel to the airport.

COST PER PERSON 4995 Euros All Inclusive Single Supplement 995 Euros.

Inclusions Private Transportation with Air Conditioned Van, English speaking Tour Guide, Entrances, Accommodation in Double Room with en-suite Bathroom, Breakfast, One Meal a day as per itinerary including Drinks. Minimum 6 Pax, Max 15

DEPOSIT 20% At time of Booking, Balance in Full 60 days prior to Arrival.

If you would like, this tour can be booked as a private group from minimum of 2 people. It can run at anytime of the year for private groups. (Prices will vary)

Below is a printable version of the itinerary.

Classic Grand Tour Printable itinerary