ITINERARY

Day 1: May 2 Arrival – Rome

Welcome to Rome! Enjoy a complimentary transfer to your hotel and settle in. If you arrive with time to

spare, the city’s magnificent buildings are best appreciated on foot, so perhaps wander in search of an

espresso. Your Italian adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm, where you will meet your local

leader. Once the formalities are out of the way, get your first taste of Italy over an included dinner with

your group at an excellent local restaurant. Sitting down to dinner in Rome means experiencing

generations of culinary know-how and timeless traditional recipes. Once your leader introduces you to

some of Italy’s best dishes, you’ll understand why this country is so renowned for great food.

Included for the day:

Airport Arrival Transfer

• Complimentary Arrival Transfer

Included Activities

• Rome – Welcome Meeting with Tour Leader

• Rome - Welcome Dinner at Local Restaurant

Accommodation

The Cross Hotel or similar

https://www.thecrosshotel.com/

Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: May 3 Rome

From incredible ancient monuments to glamourous restaurants and boutiques, Rome is a city of great

beauty and diversity.

Today join a private guide for a trip back in time. Marvel at the Spanish steps, the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, and Piazza Navona before reaching Campo de Fiori, where a local fresh produce market has been held since 1869.

Join your tour leader for a quick stop at a local bar for a

granita - an iced Italian espresso and a must when in Rome.

The afternoon is free for you to explore as you please – perhaps take the chance to follow in the footsteps

of gladiators and Roman emperors with a visit to the iconic Colosseum.

Please note that tickets should be

booked in advance, and before the beginning of your trip.

Included for the day:

Rome – Guided walking tour

Rome – Coffee Granita (Coffee semi-frozen dessert)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodation

The Cross Hotel or similar

https://www.thecrosshotel.com/

Day 3:May 4 Siena/Monteriggioni/San Gimignano

Today you’ll take a private vehicle to the gorgeous city of Siena, where your leader will show you the

most interesting sights on an orientation walk. At the city’s heart is Piazza del Campo – home to the

biannual Palio horse race, and nearby is the stunning Siena Cathedral.

Next you’ll visit Monteriggioni – a charming medieval walled town. Over a dozen towers are spread throughout the town, once used to defend Sienese territory from the Florentines. You will have time to explore this tiny hilltop spot before arriving at your Feature Stay accommodation near San Gimignano.

This country hotel with cinematic views of a tree-studded landscape and a refreshing outdoor pool is a fine spot to unwind.

Tonight, indulge in an included gourmet dinner at your hotel with your group – the food is made with local ingredients and pays homage to traditional Tuscan dishes, with a modern twist.

Included for the day:

 Siena - Orientation Walk

• Monteriggioni - Orientation Walk

• Chianti Region - Gourmet Dinner

Accommodation

Borgo San Luigi

https://www.borgosanluigi.it/

Meals Included: Breakfast, dinner

Day 4: May 5 San Gimignano Region

Start the day with a visit to San Gimignano – the 'Town of Fine Towers'. Explore the medieval Old Town centre and its fine Gothic and Romanesque architecture, with your leader on hand to answer any questions inspired b your explorations.

This region is also renowned for its ancient Vernaccia grapes, which are the basis for one of Tuscany's finest white wines.

Your group will visit a local agriturismo, where you’ll explore the vineyards and sample some of their celebrated wine, before enjoying an included lunch

featuring regional cheese, fine olive oil and bruschetta.

Return to your Feature Stay accommodation for

another delicious dinner.

Included for the day:

• San Gimignano - Agriturismo Winery Tour & Tasting

Accommodation

Borgo San Luigi

https://www.borgosanluigi.it/

Day 5 May 6 Pisa – Lucca - Florence

Today you’ll visit Pisa. It’s not always possible to climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa due to its precarious state, but as your leader shares the history of this legendary building, you will have the opportunity to photograph it from the ground.

Your next stop is historic Lucca, one of Italy’s most beautiful but underrated cities, where you’ll take a short walk along the city’s beautifully preserved Renaissance walls.

From here you’ll take the short journey to Florence where the evening is yours to walk the cobbled streets,eat gelato and soak up the unmistakenly Tuscan atmosphere.

Included for the day:

• Florence - Orientation Walk

• Pisa - Pisa Visit & Orientation walk

• Lucca - City Walls & Orientation Walk

Accommodation

Hotel Leonardo Da Vinci

https://www.leonardodv.com/

Day 6: Off to The Serengeti

This morning join a private guided walk of Florence you will learn about its Glorious past and the notable families that made Florence an important centre for culture, economy and politics. Your tour includes a visit of the Galleria dell ‘Accademia, an art museum renowned for its collection of sculptures, including the iconic statue of David by Michelangelo.

Enjoy a free afternoon at your own pace – ask your leader for some local tips on the best way to spend the day.

Visiting the Uffizi while you are here is highly recommended – it is one of the oldest galleries in the world, and a building of great beauty. And be sure to head to Piazzale Michelangelo for sweeping views of Florence’s timeless skyline.

Sample some of the culinary delicacies on offer from across

Tuscany, with dishes known for their freshness, simplicity and quality. Olive oil, beans and herbs are a feature here. Two standout dishes of the region are bistecca alla fiorentina, a large steak sliced on the bone and shared between multiple diners, and ribollita, a simple, hearty soup of bread, vegetables, and beans. Panforte is the signature sweet treat.

Included for the day:

• Florence - Galleria dell ’Accademia admission

• Florence – Highlights of Florence Guided walk

Accommodation

Hotel Leonardo Da Vinci

https://www.leonardodv.com/

Day 7: May 8 Venice

In the morning, head to the railway station and take a high-speed train to Venice. Upon arrival your leader will take you on an orientation walk so you can get acquainted with the city’s maze of canals and learn about its unique history, showing you some extraordinary views over the roofs of Venice.

The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore. The Grand Canal, the quaint shopfronts that line the Rialto Bridge and the Piazza and Basilica di San Marco are all worthy sights to visit, or simply meander around the tiny,cobbled streets and discover the beautiful markets, cafes, galleries and churches. A Venetian gondola ride down the canals is a must, as is a taste of the region’s dessert speciality, tiramisu.

Included for the day:

• Venice - Orientation Walk including Fondaco Terrace Rooftop

• Venice – Traghetto boat ride

• Venice - Farewell Dinner at Local Restaurant

Special Information

Our means of transportation between Florence and Venice is by 1st class high-speed train (approx. 2h).

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotel Fenice et des Artistes

https://www.fenicehotels.com/en/

Day 8: May 9 Venice

Today join a local guide on a walking tour so you can get acquainted with the city’s maze of canals and streets behind Piazza San Marco, learn about its unique history, showing you some extraordinary views over the roofs of Venice, and begin to understand the complex canal system of Venice. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore.

 Later in the evening join your tour leader for a nice, included Venetian farewell dinner.

Included for the day:

• Venice - Guided walking tour

• Venice - Farewell Dinner at Local Restaurant

Accommodation

Hotel Fenice et des Artistes

https://www.fenicehotels.com/en/

Photo below is from the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas. I'm looking forward to getting this shot off my bucket list while in Venice!

Day 9: May 10 Departure – Venice

With no activities planned for today, your trip comes to an end after breakfast.

Those looking to extend

their stay can arrange additional nights' accommodation at the time of booking the trip (subject to

availability).

Included for the day:

Airport Departure Transfer

Complimentary Departure Transfer