Italy doesn't do quiet entrances, and neither does this trip. Watch glass take shape in Murano's furnaces, eat your way through Bologna's backstreets, and let high-speed rail carry you like a local. Hike Tuscan hillsides from Panzano to Montefioralle, toast at Molino di Grace winery, then let Rome's ancient secrets — Vatican included — close things out properly.
Travel Style
The Geluxe Collection
Service Level
Upgraded
Physical Grading
2 - Light
What's Included
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Murano Island Glass Blowing Experience with a Local Expert, Venice
Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
Your Foodie Moment: Walking Culinary Tour of Bologna, Bologna
Your Foodie Moment: Mercato Centrale Visit and Lunch, Florence
Your Foodie Moment: Molino di Grace Visit & Lunch, Panzano. Complimentary arrival transfer. Murano Island glass blowing experience with a local expert. Walking culinary tour of Bologna. High-speed train travel. Florence walking tour. Mercato Centrale market visit and lunch. Chianti and Tuscany day trip. Walk from Panzano to Montefioralle. Molino di Grace winery tasting and lunch. Vatican museum guided tour. Choice of activities in Rome Tips for all included meals and activities, except for CEO and Porterage. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
What are the main highlights of this trip?
Watch glassblowing come to life on Murano Island with a local expert, Walk through Bologna's backstreets on a culinary tour, Travel between cities by high-speed rail, Explore Florence on a guided walking tour, Browse the stalls and enjoy lunch at Mercato Centrale, Take a day trip through the Chianti countryside, Hike the trail from Panzano to Montefioralle, Taste wine and enjoy lunch at Molino di Grace winery, Step inside centuries of art at the Vatican Museums, Choose your own adventure with optional activities in Rome
What is the maximum and typical number of participants on this tour?
Max 16, Avg 12.
What meals are included in this trip?
7 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners
What are the modes of transportation on my trip?
Private coach, train, water taxi, walking, metro
Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?
We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Where will we stay during the trip?
Hotels (7 nts)
Venice: Welcome to Italy
Touch down in Venice for a voyage of discovery and cultural immersion. Meet your CEO for an included transfer by ferry to your hotel on the island of Venice. Prepare for a trip of a lifetime including iconic cities, culinary delights, historical sights and scenic walks. Arrive and make your way to the meeting point for your private transfer direct to your hotel on the island of Venice. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group and CEO later this afternoon. Afterwards, enjoy an orientation walk and dinner with your CEO.
Venice: Vaporettos and Glass Blowing
Glide across the Venetian Lagoon to Murano on a vaporetto for a private glassblowing demonstration, witnessing masters shape molten art. Return to Venice and join your CEO for an orientation walk around the island before enjoying a free afternoon. Visit a community social enterprise dedicated to empowering vulnerable locals. A free afternoon lets you get lost among winding canals, cross hidden stone bridges, and discover local bacari wine bars at your own pace. Start with a tour and demonstration on the island of Murano. After your visit, feel free to stay and explore or join your CEO for the return trip to the island of Venice for an orientation walk. In the afternoon visit the Human Safety Net, a local community-focused initiative.
Bologna: Culinary Delights
Relax as you watch the Italian countryside fly by as we head to Bologna. Upon arrival, start exploring the city's legendary food scene straight away. Our mid-day culinary walking tour introduces us to the rich flavours of the city sampling local treats and drinks. Late afternoon brings an orientation walk with our CEO, strolling under the city's elegant, endless porticoes to see the iconic twin leaning towers. The evening is yours to find a quiet osteria in which to relax. Today you travel like a local as you board your train for the trip to Bologna. On arrival, drop your bags and then head out for a walking food tour of the city. Bologna is a famous culinary destination and today you will explore why. Enjoy a free afternoon and evening with suggestions for things to do from your CEO
Florence: Heart of Tuscany
Today journey into the heart of Tuscany to reach the magical city of Florence. Upon arrival, dive into the sights of the city on an included locally guided tour. See the Piazza del Duomo, where the massive Santa Maria del Fiore cathedral sits. Continue moving along cobblestone paths where Renaissance artists and thinkers once walked. Next, head to the vibrant Mercato Centrale to enjoy a lunch of local specialties amidst the bustle of artisan food stalls. Later, regroup for an included dinner in town this evening. In the morning board a high-speed train to Florence. Upon arrival embark on a guided walking tour through the compact city center passing iconic sites on the way to the Mercato Centrale local market where you will have an included lunch. Enjoy a free afternoon before walking to an included dinner in the evening.
Florence: Exploring the Chianti Region
Chianti, recognized for its namesake red wine, lies between Florence and Siena in the very centre of Tuscany. Begin the trek from Panzano to the town of Montefioralle- a small town forming the perimeter around an historic castle. Start the day with a scenic walk through the rolling Chianti countryside, soaking in the breathtaking views of vineyards and olive groves. After working up an appetite, enjoy a delicious, rustic lunch at a local winery, where you’ll savour Tuscan food and wine in a relaxed setting. Transfer by private coach to the Chianti region and the town of Panzano. After some time to explore the town begin your hike to the walled town of Montefioralle. Your CEO will lead a stroll through town and free time is allowed to relax before boarding your coach for the short ride to a local winery for an included tasting and lunch. Later, return to Florence by private coach for a free evening.
Rome: Guided Visit to the Vatican
Admittedly, Rome is one of those cities that is pretty OMG-worthy on its own. If you have an entire week, it's a great city to get lost in, wandering from neighbourhood to neighbourhood. Today, the majestic Vatican welcomes us for a deep dive into history. Inside the Sistine Chapel, stand beneath Michelangelo’s iconic ceiling as soft afternoon light brings the painted figures to life right above you. After your guided tour, you have free time before dinner in town tonight. This morning board your high-speed train for the trip to Rome. Upon arrival, drop your bags at the hotel before partaking of a guided tour of the Vatican. After your tour, enjoy a free afternoon to explore Rome on your own before an included dinner in the city tonight.
Rome: Your OMG Day
Today is all about you. Kick off your day with a choice of activities. Opt to learn how to make authentic pizza with a Roman master chef or explore historic squares, the Spanish Steps, and Trevi Fountain on foot with a local guide. Either way you experience Rome and Italian culture at its best. After a free afternoon, join your fellow travellers for a farewell dinner in town tonight. This morning meet your CEO in the lobby for your included choice of excursion. Both activities start with a walk from the hotel and will end around midday. After a free afternoon, walk to your dinner in the city tonight.
Departure Day
Today your adventure comes to an end, but the memories made during your time in Italy will live on. The adventure finishes today, and you can depart at any time.
What are the mandatory travel insurance requirements for this trip?
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Have Questions? Email Us or call us at (780) 645-3348
