Classic Italy

Italy, 9 Nights

A 10 day tour from Rome through Florence to Venice will allow you to indulge into the mysteries of lost civilizations and enchanting sceneries.

Highlights:

• See Italy's three grandest cities
• Spectacle, culture and romance
• Roman, Renaissance and Baroque architecture
  

Day 1 - London/Rome
Arrive into Rome exploring Italy's magnificent cultural heritage, liberally seasoned with spectacle and romance. Stay at the Portrait Suites for your first three nights in Italy.

Day 2 - Vatican City & Imperial Rome
A visit to the Vatican City including the Sistine Chapel and St Peter's Basilica are not to be missed. Marvel at the gold in the Basilica and the fabulous paintwork in the Chapel.

Make time to visit the Colosseum and the Forum to appreciate how Rome used to look. Wander through the shopping streets leading to the Spanish Steps and enjoy discovering hidden squares full of fountains and with statues on every corner. With Bernini sculptures, fountains, a fantastic church coupled with cafes and restaurants, this is Baroque Italy at its best.

Day 3 - Pizza Making
This morning take a trip to a local Pizzeria, where you will take a fun pizza-making class. You will prepare the dough, learning the various processes as you go from recommended flour and dough rising times, to the toppings and cooking process required for the perfect result! After your lesson, enjoy the fruits of your labour after which you'll be presented with a cooking manual, apron, and diploma!

This afternoon you are at leisure to explore by yourself.

Ensure you indulge in one of the best Italian pastimes, a stroll before dinner and an ice-cream. We recommend a leisurely stroll through Gianicolo Park to admire the views of Rome from on high.

Day 4 - Rome/Florence
This morning transfer to the rail station and travel by first class train as you head north into Tuscany towards Florence. Marvel at the Italian countryside and Florence's domes and campaniles as they come into view.

On arrival into the rail station meet your private driver and transfer to the Gallery Art Hotel for your three night stay. This Salvatore Ferragamo fashion group property close to the Ponte Vecchio allows a complimentary visit to the Ferragamo Museum.

The remainder of your day is at leisure to familiarise yourself with your surroundings.

Day 5 - Florence
Enjoy a half-day walking tour of Florence with your expert local guide. This tour will include visits to the lesser visited gems of the city. Walk by the impressive Duomo on to the lovely Piazza Santissima Annunziata, where the Spedale degli Innocenti, Europe's first orphanage and a masterpiece of Classical design, is fronted by Brunelleschi's colonnade. The Convent of San Marco is a delight with its frescoed monk cells, whilst the Scalzo Cloisters with frescoes by Andrea del Sarto depict scenes from the life of John the Baptist.

Day 6 - San Gimignano & Siena
Travel into the heart of Tuscany with your private vehicle and meet your expert guide who will show you Siena. Siena was built on three hills and is enclosed by a set of walls and gates. Visit the Piazza del Campo, one of the finest main squares in Italy. See the Palazzo Pubblico which has served as Siena's Town Hall since the 1300s and visit Siena's Duomo considered to be one of the finest Gothic cathedrals in Italy with unforgettable frescoes in the Piccolomini Library.

Also visit the beautiful medieval hill town of San Gimignano, known as Tuscan Manhattan due to the medieval towers which dominate the region's skyline.

Return to Florence for an evening at leisure.

Day 7 - Florence/Venice
Travel by first class rail journey to Venice, your third and final Italian city. Nothing you have seen or read will prepare you for the wonder that is Venice. Here you will experience the inspirational canals and pastel palazzos of Venice, and stay for three nights. Check into the Hotel Londra Palace and enjoy the panoramic views over the lagoon.

Day 8 - Venice Walking Tour
Your expert local guide will meet you today for a 3-hour walking tour of Venice. Your tour will include visits to the Doge's Palace, where you can enjoy the secret itineraries of this spectacular palace. Once the home to Venice's rulers and to the offices of State, the Doge's Palace is a triumph of Gothic architecture. It was also where countless prisoners were held captive and tortured. Visit the underground dungeon of the Doge's Palace and step back in time to see what it was like to be prisoner under the Doge's rule.  A fascinating maze of cells is linked by corridors and staircases on both sides of the canal. Famous inmate Casanova made a dramatic escape across the rooftop in 1756.  Your tour will also take you down some of the fascinating but lesser known alleyways and narrow streets not far from San Marco.

This afternoon enjoy your surroundings and the wonder of Venice.

Day 9 - Lagoon Islands
Spend the morning exploring the islands across the lagoon. Moved out to the island of Murano in the 13th Century for fear of fire, the city's glass works and worker's cottages are just waiting to be explored. Burano, a quiet fishing village with brightly coloured houses along the canals, is known for its lace which was once the backbone of Venice's economy.

This afternoon is a chance to enjoy Italy before you leave tomorrow.

Day 10 - Fly Venice/London
Transfer to Venice airport for your flight home.

Pricing
At A&K all of our journeys are individually tailored to suit your needs and timescale. As a guide, this 10 day suggested luxury journey in Italy will cost from £3,795 per person based on two adults sharing.