The beauty of nature and the opulence of Italian culture will guide you from the canals of Venice to the Renaissance palaces of Florence during your 8-day Italy tour. Travel alongside the cobalt Adriatic Sea and wind down the Tuscan hillsides blanketed with vineyards. Your custom-tailored tour will immerse you in the unforgettable culture, the picturesque villages, and in the natural splendor that has inspired artists and architects alike.
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Venice – Arrive in Venice to Discover the City’s Iconic Palaces and Churches
Venice is a city rising above the gentle current of its historical lagoon. Marbled palaces accentuate the natural charm of the city and reflect off of the surface of the water along the quiet canals. Church spires provide an elegant skyline and create a beautiful view whether you look skyward or down to the water. Your private transfer will meet you at Marco Polo International Airport upon your arrival to Venice, and you will reach the shores of the Grand Canal to find the legendary splendor of Venice right in front of your eyes. Gondolas glide down the waterway between the rushing speedboats and vaporettos as you will step onto a private boat to bring you from the shoreline to the heart of the historical center.
Your hotel has a private dock, so you will step off of your boat and settle into the comfort of what was once a nobleman’s palace. The history comes to life as much in the grandeur of the architecture as in the opulence of the hotel lobby. After settling in, your guide will meet you to lead you on an introductory tour the city’s iconic landmarks beginning with St. Mark’s Square. Wander along the cobblestone streets to find the Rialto Market brimming with produce, fresh seafood, and a mixture of locals and visitors. The 16th-century marbled Rialto Bridge arches over the water as the first structure that connected the shores of the Grand Canal.
The aroma of fresh seafood grilled over an open flame drifts out of the restaurants as in St. Mark’s Square you will find a gorgeous piazza framed by arcades. The Doge’s Palace has a rosy hue from the red Verona marble on the upper stories, and the arcade includes Istrian white marble with delicate pillars that create a lattice effect. The arcades guide you to the adorning façade and bulbous domes of St. Mark’s Basilica as frescos decorate the retreating archways. The foundations of the structure were laid in the 9th century, and now contain more than 45,630 square feet of golden frescoes that decorate the walls and ceilings of the interior.
What's Included:
Day 2
Rovigo – Follow the Natural Levies to Chioggia and San Martino di Venezze
Day 3
Ferrara – Discover Masterful Architecture at Fratta Polesine and Ferrara
Day 4
Ravenna – Visit the Village of Comacchio and Tour the Art of Ravenna
Day 5
Faenza – Explore a Local Farm before Enjoying a Ceramics Class in Faenza
Day 6
Ronta – Traverse the Apennines to Find Villages and an Olive Oil Tasting
Day 7
Florence – Delight in Fiesole and the Renaissance Atmosphere of Florence
Day 8
Florence – Depart for Home
Trip Highlights
- Enjoy the grandeur of Venice during a private tour of the Grand Canal that highlights the elegance and wealth of the Venetian Republic
- Relish the fresh air of Veneto, Emilia Romagna, and Tuscany along the Adriatic Sea, along with the Po River, the Apennine Mountains, and the Tuscan hills
- Witness the wildlife of the Po Delta, home to flamingos and an incredible display of birdlife
- Traverse a number of islands in the Venetian lagoon along a series of bridges that arch over the canals
- Delight in the charm of the overlooked villages that feature medieval architecture, quiet grace, and spectacular panoramas
- Take part in a ceramics demonstration in the celebrated town of Faenza
- Sample the smooth textures and vibrant flavors of olive oil produced on a countryside villa
- Bask in the opulence of the Villa Badoer near San Martino di Venezze
- Relish the Renaissance beauty of Ferrara embodied in the dramatic Castello Estense
- Tour the extensive medieval frescoes of Ravenna and the city’s sunken crypt in the Basilica of San Vitale
- Tour the art, artistry, and culture of Florence on the historical streets and inside the Uffizi Gallery, home to Botticelli’s Birth of Venus
- Embrace the stunning view of Florence from the small hillside town of Fiesole, where you can see the ancient walls and Roman ruins
Detailed Description
The wonders of Italy converge on the paths that connect Venice to Florence. Your 8-day active adventure will lead you through the regions of Veneto, Emilia Romagna, and Tuscany to immerse you in the opulence of the Venetian Republic, the grandeur of Renaissance nobility, and lavish dedication of medieval mosaics, and the breathtaking majesty of nature. Whether a first time visitor to Italy or a seasoned traveler, you will find wonder, grace, and joy in the fresh air and vibrant culture, vineyards and colorful artistry. Your flight will arrive at Marco Polo Airport, and your private transfer will escort you to the shores of the Grand Canal.
Begin with a sensational introductory tour of Venice that will take you through the inverted “S” shape of the waterway, along with the smaller canals that highlight the quieter life of the city, but equal in number of architectural marvels. The next day, you will climb onto your bike and follow your private guide to Lido, the beach resort island of Venice. Enjoy a full day tour along the trails that take you across the bridges, alongside the levees, and to the small village of Chioggia. Linger in Chioggia before you continue by private transfer to reach the town of Rovigo, near San Martino di Venezze. Continue the next day as the countryside changes from the flatlands of Veneto, near the lagoon, to the undulating hills and mountains of Emilia-Romagna. Visit the gorgeous Villa Badoer en route to Ferrara, and then once in Ferrara, you will enjoy an elaborate tour of the remaining Renaissance charm of the bike-friendly city.
Next day, you will traverse the quiet, canal-lined streets of Comacchio and explore the rich marshes and plains of the Po Delta. Visit a local farm cooperative before you reach Ravenna, where your guide will take you on a stunning tour to see the impressive medieval mosaics in a city that was the last capital of the Western Roman Empire. Head into the countryside the following day to reach the town of Faenza, a place known for its magnificent ceramics. Take part in a private ceramics demonstration to learn the local art, and enjoy a chance to get your hands dirty with the clay as you shape and craft a personalized souvenir.
The following day will take you through the Apennines en route to Ronta. On the way, you will first you stop in the village of Brisighella for an olive oil tasting and then will wind through the mountainous terrain for a challenging, but rewarding journey. Venture next to the historical Etruscan city of Fiesole, which offers a perfect view of your final destination of Florence. When you reach Florence, you will settle into the comforts of your hotel and enjoy a guided walking tour of the historical palaces, Cathedrals, and culture of the Renaissance. Move next to visit the celebrated art museums of Florence, from the Uffizi to the Galleria dell’Accademia, before your private transfer will escort you to the airport for your flight home.
Starting Price
$3,600 per person (excluding international flights)
Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
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