Seven Luxurious Days in Rome & Florence Itinerary

The narrow cobblestone streets of the Trastevere district fill with outdoor tables that overlook medieval facades. Parasols and awnings offer shade to the few patrons that linger in the morning light. The lanes are open to the historical bridge that connects the heart of Rome with the circular stone structure of Castel Sant’Angelo. Angelic figures line the passage with three stone supports that are elements of the roads original construction. The Tiber River quietly rushes beneath the bridge and outlines the edges of the imperial capital. After breakfast, your guide will lead you to the entrance gate of the 2nd-century AD edifice, constructed under the patronage of Emperor Hadrian that then became the ruler’s mausoleum.

Successive popes amended the original structure beginning in the 6th-century to create a castle stronghold that was connected to Vatican by way of underground passageways. The interior includes a collection of paintings, sculptures, and military memorabilia displayed in the numerous galleries. Soldiers who fought to protect the castle from invading armies once used the weapons on exhibit. Pope Clemente VI sought protection in the Passetto di Borgo during the sacking of Rome in the 16th-century. Your guide will lead you through the opulence of the upper floors embodied in the Sala Paolina.

The polished marble floors and gilded vaulted roof frames the frescoes that decorate the walls from top to bottom. The remarkable colors and realism of the posing figures illuminate the tradition of the times and the artistic interest in representing grace. The remainder of the day is spent in Vatican City to enjoy the amazing grounds, from the gardens to the incredible architecture of St. Peter’s Basilica. Near the end of the afternoon, your guide will welcome you to the Vatican Museum for an After-Hours Tour of the extensive art collection that features some of Western Civilizations most well-known works, including the Sistine Chapel.

The splendor of Rome emanates from the remains of the empire as well as in the luxurious palaces of Renaissance. Magnificent artistry fills countless galleries while walking paths crisscross gardens that better resemble parks. At breakfast, you can linger in the sensational flavor of a frothy cappuccino before you meet your guide in the lobby. A long paved drive bordered by verdant manicured grass leads to the entrance of the Borghese Villa. The palace was constructed in the 17th-century and its gardens, banks, and woods encompasses nearly 200 acres.

The galleries feature artwork that span centuries, so you will have the opportunity to experience the Renaissance artwork spread across 20 rooms and two stories. The sheer extravagance of the interior is breathtaking, as before you have even witnessed the masterpieces themselves, the polished hues of the entryway radiate elegance as the natural light pours through the windows. On the first floor, you will find a mosaic from the 4th-century AD that depicts gladiators in battle.

The wonders of the work come to light in Raphael’s Lady with a Unicorn, which depicts a blonde woman holding a foal. The contrast of red and gold colors, along with the character’s lifelike features, burst from the canvas. Outside of Rome, your guide will lead you through the graceful gardens of Emperor Hadrian’s former villa in the town of Tivoli. The hillside location has turned the town into a cherished escape for wealthy Romans as they yearn to enjoy the cool air in the heart of summer. The gardens of Villa Hadrian feature ancient replicas of Hellenistic sculptures that decorate the manicured landscape.

In the morning, the beauty of Rome returns underneath the spreading sunlight. The dome of St. Peter’s Basilica glints above the columns that frame the oval piazza. The water in the pool of the Trevi Fountain shimmers against the marble stone. At breakfast, you will find the indulgent aromas of sweet brioche and strong espresso. Your private transfer will meet you in your hotel lobby and escort you north into the heart of Tuscany in the historical town of Siena. Your hotel is situated in a 17th-century palace in the center of Siena, surrounded by the Renaissance architecture and filled with priceless artwork.

You have a view of the remarkable cathedral tower that ascends over the rooftops of the nearby buildings. Your guide will escort you through the cobbled streets to the Piazza del Campo, Siena’s main square and home to the famous Palio horse races, which take place two times a year in the summer. The piazza is one of the largest medieval squares in the world, adorned by the Fonte Gaia, a copy of the original 14th-century fountain that shows Roman matrons surrounding a central figure of Mary. The remarkable tower rises to a height of nearly 290 feet and contains 400 steps to reach the viewing platform.

From the top, you can see the slanted-tiled rooftops of the city center, along with the verdant landscape of Tuscany’s famed rolling hills. At dinner, you will enjoy a luxurious dining experience in view of the Romanesque façade of the Cathedral. The restaurant is also a champagnerie, known for its selection of French and Italian wines. The elegant ambiance matches the wines on offered. The sensual aroma of fennel and garlic emanate from the kitchen, and your server is happy to recommend pairings or a glass of local sparkling wine as an aperitif.

In the morning, the verdant hills that surround Siena will radiate with life. Cypress trees line the country roads, and vineyards carpet the undulating landscape. After breakfast, your private transfer will escort you to Florence, the capital of Tuscany and the focal point of the Renaissance. Historical palaces hide along the cobblestone streets as the vibrant market at San Lorenzo opens to the public beneath the looming cupola of the Medici Chapel. Your day will fill with a whirlwind of art, architecture, and panoramas that begin with a visit to the Uffizi Gallery. In the afternoon, your guide will lead you through the immaculate halls of the Galleria dell’Accademia. Busts and sculptures stand out from the pure-white walls as instruments, including a priceless Stradivarius Violin, are displayed on podiums in a single gallery.

A separate hall leads to the breathtaking figure of Michelangelo’s David. The statue was crafted in the early 16th-century with a height of 17 feet. The immense detail creates a humanistic impression, from the flexing muscles to the curly hair as the figure depicts the biblical figure of David before his battle with Goliath. After your day of ineffable artwork, you will make your way to a restaurant that boasts two Michelin stars. The chef sources seasonal produce to ensure flavor, quality, and vibrant color. You will sip a local glass of red wine and try a bite of the delectable beet fillet accented with a balsamic vinegar sauce. The mouthwatering, lavish meal crowns a day filled with an aesthetic feast for your eyes.

The Medici family gained prominence in the 13th-century to help usher in the period of artistic, architectural, and scientific enlightenment referred to as the Italian Renaissance. Florence brims with the splendor of a decadent golden age of information embodied in the frescoes, church naves, and palatial structures that line the cobblestone streets. In the morning, your guide will meet you at the hotel ready to immerse you in the opulence of the Medici family, beginning with the Basilica of San Lorenzo. The main market encircles the structure and stands in the shade cast by the cupola.

The original church was consecrated in the 4th-century AD but fell under the patronage of the Medici family in the 15th-century. The interior coffered ceiling nearly mirrors the geometrical diamond of the marble floor, and both guide your eyes up to the nave. The coffered dome crowns the New Sacristy, which Michelangelo designed in the 16th-century. The Mannerism style adds to the unique and captivating detail of the artwork, as the various artists decorated the sacristy with complex effects that elongate the figures and exaggerate the poses, which add a sense of tension to the art.

Your guide will lead you away from the vibrant market to the towering figure of Piazza Vecchio at the edge of Piazza della Signoria. The structure was erected in the 12th-century over the raised grounds of the former Guelf stronghold. Your guide will point out the splendor of the Salone dei Cinquecento, an imposing chamber that reaches 170 feet in length while graced by two marvelous frescoes that represent major battles as depicted by Michelangelo and da Vinci. The works of Giorgio Vasari now decorate the vast walls of the open room.

The skyline of Florence comes into focus from the Piazzale Michelangelo on the southern bank of the Arno River. The square was erected in the 19th-century and provides an ample view of the towers and domes of the city and imitate the Tuscan hills that roll along the horizon. The countryside of Florence ambles out from the square with cypress trees, olive groves, and vineyards that lead into the valley. The medieval façade of the Church of San Miniato overlooks the piazza in the quiet morning. At breakfast, you will relish the comfort of your last Italian espresso as the historical center of Florence comes to vibrant life once more. Your private transfer will meet you at your hotel to escort you to the Florence airport for your flight home.