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, Wednesday June 4: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2, Thursday June 5: Venice

Benvenuti in Italia! Arrive in Venice, meet your ACIS Tour Manager and enjoy a fast and fun transfer by private motor launch to your hotel on the Lido. 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. (D)

Day 3, Friday June 6: 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 famous Bridge of Sighs—which connected the old prisons of Venice to the interrogation rooms of the neighboring Doge's Palace—and enjoy a visit inside St. Mark's Basilica, including the Loggia dei Cavalli. Marvel at the Basilica's Byzantine architecture and incredible mosaics, and notice how the floor has been affected by Venice having been built over the water. The Loggia offers an elevated view of both the Basilica's interior and of the Square's highlights, along with the original sculpture of four bronze horses known as the Quadriga that was brought back from the Crusades (the horses that can been seen from outside are copies). Then learn more about one of Venice's most famous exports during an authentic glassblowing demonstration before enjoying views up and down the Grand Canal as you stop for a photo at the iconic Rialto Bridge. Later 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, Saturday June 7: Florence

We make our way southwest to Florence today. 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, Sunday June 8: 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. Or choose to partake in an optional fresco making workshop where you will learn about fresco painting from a local expert and craft your own masterpiece. 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, Monday June 9: 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, Tuesday June 10: 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 see the Pantheon and 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, Wednesday June 11: 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)