Venice, Florence and Rome

The itinerary is the starting point to your tour, but it’s not set in stone. Your group leader may make changes leading up to departure.

Day 1, Tuesday June 7: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2, Wednesday June 8: Venice

Benvenuti in Italia! Arrive in Venice, meet your ACIS Tour Manager and transfer to your hotel in Mestre. Your 48-hour vaporetto pass allows you to come and go throughout the city as you please—take the vaporetto to downtown Venice and begin exploring this magnificent city of canals and palaces. (B,D)

Day 3, Thursday June 9: Venice

Consisting of an archipelago carved by nearly 150 canals into 118 different islands, the incomparable city of Venice contains a wealth of sights. Arrive in St. Mark's Square where you can see the Basilica of St. Mark and the Bridge of Sighs, which connected the old prisons of Venice to the interrogation rooms of the neighboring Doge's Palace. Then learn more about one of Venice’s most famous exports during an authentic glassblowing demonstration before visiting the historic Fondaco dei Tedeschi for breathtaking views of the Grand Canal from its rooftop. Stop for a photo at nearby Rialto Bridge en route to an authentic cicchetteria where you will sample traditional Venetian-style tapas. Then explore more at your own pace with unlimited access to the entire canal network and smaller islands using your vaporetto pass. You'll feel like a local in no time. (B,D)

Day 4, Friday June 10: Florence

We make our way southwest to Florence today with a stop in Padua for a timed entrance to the Scrovengi Chapel en route. Florence is called the “Cradle of the Renaissance” for its role as the center of learning, art and science. After we arrive, you’ll have time to explore along the banks of the Arno or sample gelato at the famous Vivoli gelateria. (B,D)

Day 5, Saturday June 11: Florence

Today's sightseeing tour with a local guide shows you the splendid Duomo, Ghiberti's famous Baptistry Doors and the Piazza della Signoria—the political center of this Renaissance city. Then breeze by the lines at the Accademia with your timed entrance to see Michelangelo's David. During your free afternoon, perhaps learn about Florence's merchant history or do a little shopping with a stroll across the Ponte Vecchio. Tonight we'll provide restaurant vouchers and suggestions for our favorite trattorias so you can dine like (and with) the locals. (B,D)

Day 6, Sunday June 12: Rome

This morning depart for Rome. Upon arrival you'll visit the iconic and historic Colosseum with a local guide (another line-avoiding timed reservation) and learn the many stories of this nearly 2,000-year-old landmark that's considered one of the architectural wonders of the ancient world. Your ticket also includes entrance to the nearby Roman Forum if your group has time. After dinner, we introduce you to the fine art of the evening stroll with friends with a passeggiata romana to the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain. (B,D)

Day 7, Monday June 13: Rome

Rome is called “The Eternal City” because the ancient Romans believed that no matter what empires rose and fell, Rome would endure forever. Today's panoramic drive of the city is a great introduction to the many phases of Roman history. Our local expert accompanies you through the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica. The best part is that these are also timed reservations, meaning you'll skip right by the long lines facing other tourists. Then visit the Pantheon and see the obelisk-topped fountain in Piazza della Rotonda. Celebrate an exceptional week in Italy with an authentic pizza dinner and say goodbye to Rome with a final evening stroll around Piazza Navona. (B,D)

Day 8, Tuesday June 14: Rome

This morning take an excursion to visit one of the Catacombs located in the outskirts of Rome. Afterwards, why not visit the tranquil Borghese Gardens or the shops of Via Condotti? Climb each of the seven hills, or visit some of the majestic churches such as Santa Maria Maggiore. Be sure to sample the gelato. One of the best spots for that is Piazza Navona. (B,D)

Day 9, Wednesday June 15: Departure

Depart for the USA.



Optional Extensions and Extra Nights:

Enhance your Italian experience with a two-night extension to Sorrento—discover the preserved ruins of Pompeii, learn how mozzarella is made at an authentic farm and visit the isle of Capri. (B)