The Best of Italy: Venice, Florence & Rome
Days: 10 | From: $9,625/per person
- Enjoy accommodations at excellent boutique hotels in prime locations.
- Curated tours with outstanding private guides: you’ll have an instant local friend with insider access.
- Experience the things that have made Italy a traveler favorite for generations: extraordinary people, food, art, and history.
Whether this is your first trip to Italy or your fifth, this classic itinerary will remind you why Italy remains an extraordinary place to visit. Stay at best-in-class boutique properties and explore in the company of superb private guides as you explore three of Italy's most well-known cities: Venice, Florence, and Rome. Avoid the crowds with your skilled local guides, sample classic dishes and the latest culinary innovations, and experience the country's hidden gems. This trip is fully customizable to match your interests and dates.
Inquire about this tripTalk to a Vaya Europe Specialist
We tailor itineraries to your dates and interests, adjusting hotels, excursions and length as desired.
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At a glance
- Venice
2 nights: Discover the renowned Floating City, built on islands and navigated by canals and bridges - Florence
4 nights: Explore this traveler-favorite city with Tuscan charm, relaxed sophistication, and a glorious setting - Rome
3 nights: See the best of fascinating Rome while avoiding the crowds
All itineraries are fully customizable. We will send you a personalized variation that reflects your interests and travel dates at no extra cost. Call to discuss your travel plans with one of our Specialists who know this region firsthand.
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Sample itinerary
Benvenuti!
Arrive in Venice, located in northern Italy. This “city of water,” built on 118 islands and navigable by canals and bridges, is truly one of a kind. The canals are lined with Renaissance and Gothic palaces and the main square, Piazza San Marco, is home to the famed St. Mark’s Basilica. Your guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you by car and boat to your hotel, located on one of the famed canals. Enjoy the evening at leisure to rest and explore your surroundings.
Accommodations: Ca’ di Dio, 2 nights
A Venetian palace hideaway set in the heart of the Floating City, Ca’ di Dio blends history with luxurious modernity. While parts of the hotel’s building date back to 1272, its latest guise gives it a flawless 21st century update that reflects the surroundings in every detail. Located at the entrance to the Arsenale district, where the famous Art Biennale is held, Ca’ di Dio is the perfect place to call home while you explore the city. There’s no mistaking you’re in Italy when you step into Ca’ di Dio. Every detail in its bedrooms and suites showcases Italian design, from jewel-bright Murano glass lamps, to fine, locally made fabrics and marble-clad bathrooms. Some rooms overlook mimosa and magnolia trees in the hotel’s two peaceful courtyards – others, the lagoon and its fleets of passing gondolas.
*Includes: BreakfastUpgrades and alternatives: Palazzo Sant’Angelo, Palazzo Veneziano, Palazzo Venart, AND OTHERS.
Wander the Streets of Venice
Explore the history and architecture of Venice with your private guide. This walking tour will take you to the Doges Palace, a Gothic masterpiece, and St Mark’s Basilica, one of Italy’s most spectacular cathedrals. Learn the fascinating history of these famous landmarks and why they are so important to Venice. Enjoy the afternoon and evening at leisure to wander the streets, take a gondola ride, and relax in one of the many piazzas with an Aperol spritz, Venice’s signature drink.
Travel to Florence, the Capital of Tuscany
Hop on a fast train to Florence. Set in the heart of Tuscany, explore this enchanting city for a few days to eat, drink and be merry! Upon arrival, your guide will meet you at the train station and transfer you to your hotel. Then, head out together on a private walking tour to gain an overview of the city’s history and get the lay of the land for the coming days. Your tour will include time at the renowned Accademia Museum, where you will have the chance to see Michelangelo’s David. Explore the museum with your guide and then at your own pace before enjoying the remainder of the evening at leisure.
Accommodations: Hotel Calimala, 4 nights
The Hotel Calimala in Florence is a stylish and elegant boutique hotel nestled in the heart of the city's historic center. This charming establishment offers a perfect blend of modern luxury and Renaissance charm, with meticulously designed rooms that showcase a fusion of contemporary amenities and classical Italian aesthetics. Guests can enjoy the convenience of being just steps away from Florence's iconic landmarks, making it an ideal base for exploring the city's rich cultural heritage. The Hotel Calimala provides a refined and welcoming atmosphere, ensuring a memorable and comfortable stay for visitors in one of Italy's most enchanting cities.
*Includes: BreakfastUpgrades and alternatives: Plaza Lucchesi, Hotel Lungarno, Hotel Brunelleschi, Ottantotto Firenze, AND OTHERS.
Artisans of Florence
Visit the workshop of a local Florentine artisan today with your expert guide. Choose from one of the numerous crafts that Florentine artists have been doing for centuries and dive in deeper. Watch Florentine paper being made or visit the shop of a shoemaker, leather worker, or watchmaker. These, and countless other forms of artistry, have been passed down from generation to generation and have a rich history and significant importance in Tuscan culture. Take time to wander the streets of Florence on your own this afternoon and discover why this city has captivated so many intellectuals and artists over the years.
The Vineyards of Tuscany
Take in Tuscany by bicycle and enjoy one of the best ways to see this famed Italian countryside. E-bikes are also available! Setting off through the hills, you’ll bike along Tuscan country roads with stops to taste wine along the way. After lunch at a local farm, continue your ride through the afternoon, taking in the beautiful scenery as you pedal among the vineyards. At the end of your tour, you’ll be taken back to Florence for a relaxing evening at leisure.
Get to Know Florence
Enjoy a market tour this morning with a local chef. Head to one of the bustling markets and shop for your ingredients while learning about local cuisine. Then, take your purchases to the kitchen, roll up your sleeves and dive into a hands-on cooking class. Learn how to make multiple Italian dishes, while enjoying local wines paired perfectly to all that you create. Finally, dine on your culinary delights for an incredibly memorable lunch! Take the afternoon to rest or explore at your own leisure.
Arrivederci Firenze, Ciao Roma
Set off to Rome today on the high-speed train from Florence, for the final chapter of your Italian adventure. Your private guide will greet and transfer you to your hotel near the scenic Spanish Steps before you head out together for a private tour of Rome’s impressive Colosseum and Roman Forum. Learn about the Eternal City’s incredible history and gain a deeper understanding of these awe-inspiring, archeological wonders. Enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure.
Accommodations: Nerva Boutique, 3 nights
Nerva is a boutique hotel with twenty rooms and suites situated in the heart of Rome's historical city center. You'll discover an authentic Italian experience with careful attention to detail in interior design, comfort, homemade fresh breakfast, and personalized service from the staff. Nerva's mission is to provide you with warm Italian hospitality and ensure unforgettable experiences during your stay.
*Includes: BreakfastUpgrades and alternatives: Crossing Condotti, Inn at the Spanish Steps, Hotel Vilòn, Rose Garden Palace, AND OTHERS.
The History and Mysteries of Rome
Visit the smallest country in the world, one ruled by the Pope and at the center of the Roman Catholic Church: Vatican City. Spend the morning exploring such famous sights as the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica. In the evening, enjoy a culinary walking tour across several Roman neighborhoods. Taste local dishes, meet the proprietors, and learn about Rome’s rich and varied culinary culture.
Rome: the City of Seven Hills
Wander the streets of Rome at leisure today. Explore the beautiful piazzas, stroll through one of the many idyllic gardens, or simply sit at a café with a glass of wine and take in the vibrant local scene. Consider adding entrance tickets to the Colosseum or perhaps a few more hours with a private guide to round out the day.
Arrivederci, Italia!
This morning, say goodbye to your local guide as you are transferred to the airport for your flight home or to your next destination.
Popular Ways to Customize This Itinerary
Add another day in Venice to explore the islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello.
Customize your city touring to suit your interests; whether it’s food and wine, cooking and creating, or history and art, there is something for everyone in each city.
Add a few days to explore the beautiful Italian Coast.
Contact us to learn about more options for designing and customizing your trip!
Why Travel with Vaya?
We're TRUE specialists
We’ve not only traveled there, we’ve lived there. Our smart and engaging specialists are all current or former expatriates with years of experience in the region.
Uplifting service
From the first phone call to after you get back, we're here for you every step of the way. We listen, create, customize and advocate for you, and design experiences that go beyond the expected.
Thoughtful travel
Our discerning sensibility and good taste go beyond just choices in hotels and top guides; we have a walk the walk commitment to the environment and are genuine leaders in conservation efforts.