Day 1: Depart USA
Relax as you enjoy the services on your transatlantic flight to Italy.

Day 2: Arrive Venice
Upon arrival at Venice’s airport, head to your home in Venice at the Hotel Saturnia. Relax before a walking tour of the area, followed by a gondola ride and welcome dinner. Hotel Saturnia (D)

Day 3: Venice
Take in the famous sights of Venice! Dominating St. Mark’s Square is the golden church, Chiesa d’Oro, with its rich decoration of marble and mosaics. Nearby is the pink and white marble Doges’ Palace, symbol of the power of the Venetian Republic. Here see Tintoretto’s Paradise (the largest oil painting in the world), the dungeons and a collection of ancient weapons. Later create your own Venetian mask like those worn at Carnival followed by dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)

Day 4: Venice
This morning, take a boat to the Lagoon Islands. On Murano, watch glass blowers create their signature art. Visit Burano, a fishing village with brightly painted houses, famous for lace-making. Dinner on your own tonight is reserved for grandparents and grandchildren to select from one of the many great restaurants in the area. (B)

Day 5: Venice to Florence
Board a train this morning for Florence, nestled in the sun-drenched Tuscan countryside. On a guided walking tour, see Duomo Square with its beautiful Gothic cathedral, Giotto’s Bell Tower and the golden bronze doors of the Baptistery. After a climb to the top of the Duomo, reward your efforts with a stop at a gelateria for some incomparable Italian ice cream. Continue on to Michelangelo’s famous statue of David in the Galleria dell’Accademia. This evening, become a part of the local scene at a traditional trattoria. Hotel Santa Maria Novella (B,D)

Day 6: Florence
This morning see some of the most exquisite art treasures in the world, including Botticelli’s Birth of Venus and Springtime, at the Uffizi Gallery. Then, at the Palazzo Vecchio, you will step back in time to the Italian court of the 16th century and explore the sumptuous royal apartments. Grandtravelers will have the opportunity to visit areas of the palace not normally open to the public such as the secret passages. In the afternoon, drive into the Tuscan countryside to visit a wine cellar and learn how wine is made and stored, then watch delicious local dishes being prepared during a private cooking lesson. This evening, feast on a delightful Tuscan-style barbecue. (B,D)

Day 7: Siena
This morning, take an excursion to the charming medieval hilltown of Siena. Your guide will bring to life the annual Palio, a horse race that has taken place every summer since the Middle Ages. Once oriented, pursue individual interests during free time. Then enjoy a light lunch before heading back to Florence. After dinner in a charming old town restaurant, head to the Ponte Vecchio, the oldest bridge in Florence. (B,L,D)

Day 8: Tuscan Adventure
Venture into the Tuscan countryside once more to spend the day on a renovated 16th-century farm that produces wine, cereals, olive oil, walnuts amidst fragrant countryside. You may choose to hike or take a pony ride, explore the village and the pottery or simply relax in the Tuscan countryside over a gourmet picnic lunch. Return to the city for a free final evening in Florence. (B,L)

Day 9: Florence to Rome
After breakfast board a train for Rome. Upon arrival in Rome, check into your hotel and settle in. Afterwards, learn what it was like to be a gladiator through a special training program.  After working up an appetite, enjoy a wonderful dinner in a local restaurant. Hotel Gladiatori (B,D)

Day 10: Rome
This morning discover the ancient Roman Forum and Colosseum with your local guide. You will also visit the majestic Pantheon, the largest and best-preserved monument of Roman antiquity. Enjoy a relaxing lunch on your own before we drive to Tivoli to visit the elaborate gardens of the Villa D’Este. Enjoy dinner in a lively, Tivoli restaurant. (B,D)

Day 11: Rome
Today visit Vatican City to see St. Peter’s Church, with its impressive dome built in 1547 by Michelangelo, the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. The afternoon is yours to enjoy before your farewell dinner this evening. (B,D)

Day 12: Depart Rome
Transfer to Rome airport today for your flight home. (B)

 

Rates are per person based on a minimum of two persons sharing a room.  See Terms and Conditions.
Adult/Child double	$6,995
Adult/Child triple	$6,780
Airfare to Venice and return from Rome is not included. GRANDTRAVEL is happy to assist in making your air travel arrangements.