CUSTOMIZED CULTURAL ITALY TOUR - 14 DAYS

romaforo3.jpg
A 14 day trip to Italy provided by Cultural Italy
Click on the travel company's name to learn more about this provider on their profile.

Colosseo-Vaticano-Uffizi-Accademia-Siena and San Gimignano-Murano and Burano-Last Supper

Photos

Details

Places Visited: 

Rome-Florence-Siena-San Gimignano-Chianti-Venice-Milan

Price: 

Price will depend on choice of hotels (3, 4 or 5 stars) as well as choice of sightseeing tours (Group or Private)

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 :

Arrival in Rome and private transfer to hotel
Free afternoon to enjoy the city

Day 2 :

Discover the beauty of Ancient Rome in the morning: Your tour will begin atop Colle Oppio with a panoramic view of the Colosseum, modern Rome’s most recognizable landmark and one of Ancient Rome’s most vital social centers. From there we will descend to a special Skip the Line access to the Colosseum. Once inside, our expert official guide will talk you through the bloody past of the amphitheater as you listen to tales of gladiators, mock sea-battles and executions. After a brief rest at the Arch of Constantine, you will arrive at the Palatine Hill- the most famous of the 7 hills of Rome. From here you will admire the views of the Roman Forum and Nero’s Circus Maximus where chariot races were once held. Romulus and Remus were said to have been found on the Palatine by the she-wolf who nursed and raised them. Legend holds that Romulus went on to found Rome. The last stop of the tour is a walk along the “Via Sacra” or “Sacred Way” which is the main path through the Roman Forum that once sparkled with festivals and triumphal processions. The tour ends at the Temple which houses the altar where Julius Caesar was cremated. Visitors from around the world still leave flowers and candles at this site today.

In the afternoon, tour of The Best of Rome : Rome’s most famous squares, monuments, fountains and artists offer you the very best on this 3.5 hour walking tour. Let the Eternal City enchant you as you stroll through its picturesque cobblestone alleyways and discover some of the world’s most famous sites, such as the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Trevi fountain and the Spanish Steps.
Travel through time and admire all of the City center’s must-see art and architecture, all in a single afternoon! You will begin in Piazza del Popolo, which traditionally marks the northern “door to Rome” with the church Santa Maria del Popolo which was often the first church visitors to Rome would see upon entering its gates. The Spanish Steps with their lively atmosphere and stunning view bring you down into the winding alleys of the heart of the historic center – where you encounter the Trevi Fountain, which needs no introduction.
The path continues with a stop at Piazza Colonna which contains the column erected by Marcus Aurelius and is considered by Romans as the very center of the city. You will also stop at the Pantheon which, with its impressive concrete dome and open oculus, never fails to impress. Nearby you'll explore Piazza Navona, with Bernini’s famous “Fountain of the Four Rivers” triumphantly marking its center. Next, Campo de’ Fiori gives you a taste of one of the liveliest and famous traditional Roman piazzas. After stops at the Fountain of the Turtles, Teatro Marcello (the “Little Colosseum”) and the Capitoline hill - you cap off the tour with a grand finish and coffee stop at the Caffarelli terrace with a splendid view over the historic center of Rome.

Day 3 :

Breakfast at the hotel
Morning tour of the Vatican: Explore one of world’s most fascinating Meccas on the Vatican City Tour. Stroll the Vatican Museums, which house over 2000 rooms and 9 miles of the most extensive collection of art in the world. Brilliantly decorated and lined with masterpieces, the Museums brim with treasures and history. They will share the stories and secrets contained within the Museum’s walls, pleasures originally meant for the exclusive enjoyment of the Pope. Experience Michelangelo’s famous Creation of Adam with your own eyes as you explore the Sistine Chapel and wander Raphael’s Rooms. After taking in the Museums, be humbled by the imposing beauty of Saint Peter’s Basilica, where you will encounter another of Michelangelo’s masterpieces, La Pietà. For a fascinating finish, you will stop to admire the magnificent Saint Peter’s Square, as your guide points out Bernini’s ingenious use of optical illusion.
Afternoon free to enjoy the city.

Day 4 :

Breakfast at the hotel
Train to Florence
Check in at your Florence Hotel
Afternoon city tour including the famous Uffizi Gallery: A fine coach tour offering panoramic views of the unparalleled beauty of Florence, taking in Fiesole, a delightful town of Etruscan origin set on the hills overlooking Florence and the Arno Valley. The tour continues to the old city centre for a visit to the Franciscan Church of Santa Croce (interior) where we can admire the tombs of Michelangelo, Machiavelli, Galileo and Rossini among others. A short walk through the historic streets of the heart of Florence brings you to the famous Piazza Signoria, where you can admire the imposing Palazzo Vecchio (exterior) and the beautiful Loggia del Lanzi. The tour continues with a guided tour of the famous Galleria degli Uffizi* where you can admire the superb paintings of Botticelli, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Raffaello, Giotto, Cimabue, Masaccio. End of the Tour inside the museum.
Includes: Transport, guide, museum, entrance fees with booking.

Day 5 :

Breakfast at the hotel
Guided tour of the Accademia to admire the famous David by Michelangelo
Afternoon free to enjoy Florence

Day 6 :

Breakfast at the hotel
Full day tour of Siena and San Gimignano: A beautiful excursion through the delightful hills of the Chianti countryside, with an ever-changing scenery of vineyards and olive trees.
Upon arrival in Siena, a guided tour of the old city centre: walking along the small medieval streets, admiring the splendid palaces and ending up at the Cathedral where you can visit the splendid interior including the Libreria Piccolomini and the adjacent Museo dell'Opera Metropolitana. The guided tour will conclude in the Piazza del Campo, one of the most beautiful in the world, where you will find the Palazzo del Comune (exterior). Free time for lunch (not included).
Departure for San Gimignano a tiny city that has remained intact through the centuries; situated on a hilltop, it is famous for its numerous towers, frescoes and other art treasures; free time to discover this fascinating city. During the return journey, along the way visitors can admire the old mediaeval village of Monteriggioni enclosed by its famous walls, still intact.
Includes: transport, tour escort, local guide in Siena, museum entrance fees.

Day 7 :

Breakfast at the hotel
Morning free to enjoy Florence and do some shopping
Afternoon excursion to Pisa:
A splendid excursion through the fertile and picturesque Tuscan countryside to the historic university city of Pisa, famous for its architectural beauty. Upon arrival in Pisa, guided walking tour of Piazza dei Miracoli, with the celebrated Leaning Tower (exterior), the Baptistery (exterior) and other important monuments. This is followed by a visit to the interior of the Cathedral, an unrivaled masterpiece of Romanesque art constructed between the 11th and 12th centuries. Free time at your disposal. Those who are interested can take a pleasant walk with our tour escort and reach Piazza dei Cavalieri, where you can admire the historic Scuola Normale, one of the most famous universities in the world.
Includes: transport, tour escort, local guide, Cathedral entrance fee.

Day 8 :

Breakfast at the hotel
Morning free to enjoy Florence and do some shopping
Afternoon excursion to Chianti
A journey through the Chianti countryside, one of the most suggestive areas of Tuscany famous the world over for its wine, to reach a magnificent Castle: a visit to the gardens and the splendid cellar with its the famous barrels of the Chianti Classico wine. Stop for snack and wine tasting, followed by a visit to one of the most beautiful Romanesque churches in the area. For dinner: a typical meal (with rich menu and excellent Chianti wine) in the magical atmosphere of an old village among the hills.
The excursions take place in different areas of the Chianti region.
Weather permitting, dinner will be served in the open.
Please wear suitable clothing.
Includes: transport, tour escort, snack and wine tasting, dinner and drinks.

Day 9 :

Breakfast at the hotel
Train to Venice
Private transfer from train station to hotel
Check in at hotel and free afternoon to enjoy Venice

Day 10 :

Breakfast at the hotel
Classic Venice tour in the morning:
The tour will begin at St. Mark’s Square and will include visits to St. Mark's basilica, the Doge's Palace, the Bridge of Sighs and the Piombi prison. You will observe the Byzantine heritage of the city in the dazzling gold mosaics of Saint Mark's basilica; admire the exquisite pink and white marbles of the Doge's Palace, and also its beautiful courtyard and magnificently decorated chambers; and you will also take a glimpse of the accommodation reserved to the guests of the Piombi prison (such as Casanova) throughout the centuries.
Picture: Neptune by Tiepolo at the Doge's Palace
In the afternoon discover the secrets of Venice and enjoy a gondola ride:
Spend an afternoon through the narrow streets and canals of Venice, the best way to visit this wonderful city: walking and by Gondola.
With a 40 minutes Gondola Tour you will discover the unusual reality of this atypical city, and in the meantime you will relax, with the boat gently floating on the water Starting on St. Mark’s Square, after a short walk through the quiet and typical neighbourhood of Castello, we will reach a lovely square, where you will sit down having an ice cream, with the background of curious and unusual tales about the city. After that, a short walk takes you to a gondola dock, where you can enjoy a trip on the most beautiful boat in the world, along the Grand Canal. An unforgettable Venetian experience. Departure from San Marco, Tourist Information Office.

Day 11 :

Breakfast at the hotel
Excursion of the lagoon islands:
You will take a boat past the Island of San Giorgio Maggiore, the S. Elena Gardens and the Lido famous for its beaches, making your first stop at Murano, renowned all over the world over for its glassware and factories. The second stop will be the Island of Burano, known not only for its lacemaking but also for the brightly-coloured fishermen's cottages. From there, it's just a ten-minute boat ride across the sandbanks to Torcello, the first settlement in the lagoon. The cathedral with its magnificent mosaics and the Church of Santa Fosca dating to the 11th-12th century are a testimony of the island's ancient splendor.
Departure from Ponte della Paglia, nearby S.Marco Square.
In the evening enjoy a classical opera in the incredible setting of Palazzo Barbarigo Minotto

Day 12 :

Breakfast at the hotel
Free morning to enjoy Venice
Transfer from hotel to train station
Train to Milan and check in at the hotel

Day 13 :

Breakfast at the hotel
Milan city tour: Guided bus and walking tour for a panoramic view of the city with two-language speaking tour guide. The 1 hour walking tour includes a visit of The Scala, Duomo and the Vittorio Emanuele II Gallery. This tour includes also a guided visit to "The Last Supper", the world-famous painting of Leonardo da Vinci, located near the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie. The hard-working Milanese run their busy metropolis with efficiency and aplomb. Milano is the country's economic engine room, home to Italy's stock market and business centre. This stylish city is also the world's design capital and rivals Paris as a leading fashion centre. Milan is all about worldly pleasures. Shopping is of almost religious significance. Theatre and cinema flourish in this fashionable milieu, as does a hopping club scene and a slew of tempting restaurants. Apart from a few gems, the city is not renowned for its looks, it's the lifestyle that counts! History is achingly prominent here. The breathtaking Duomo is one of the world's largest, most striking gothic cathedrals, while Milan's art galleries, many housed in former palaces, are home to a host of significant works that include Da Vinci's “Last Supper”. You may even find yourself sipping your morning espresso in the same cafe that composer Verdi frequented. Milan receives more visitors than Venice or Florence, yet manages not to be a tourist trap - perhaps that's the real secret to Milan's style.
Afternoon free to shop in Milan

Day 14 :

Breakfast at the hotel
Private transfer to Malpensa airport and departure