San Luigi Church dei Francesi in Rome, Italy

Uncovering the Wealth & Power of Venice and Rome Tour

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Customizable Itinerary

This is a sample itinerary to inspire a personalized trip designed with your travel specialist

Countries Visited

Italy, Vatican City

Places Visited

Venice, Rome, Vatican City

Suggested Duration

8 Days

Illusive history and unobstructed power brought legends and secrets that have unraveled over throughout Italy. Discover the splendor and wonder of the Venetian Republic and Roman Empire during your tour custom tailored to your interests. Meet the craftspeople that shape the iconic gondolas of Venice as their art has been passed down through generations. Step beyond the guardrails of the Vatican to see a chapel off-limits to other visitors and then follow in the footsteps of noblemen and gladiators...

Customizable Itinerary

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Trip Highlights

  • See the shipyard in which gondolas are made before you partake in a private gondolier class on a hidden Venetian canal
  • Watch a captivating glassmaking demonstration to learn the secrets of the once coveted art of crafting a Murano mirror
  • Venture into the depths of the Doge’s Palace to find the hidden passageways and secret chambers of the Venetian Republic powers
  • Enjoy the true culture of Venice in the Rialto Market, where the city shops for vibrant produce and fresh seafood
  • Bask in the grandeur of the Venetian Republic with a cruise down the Brenta Canal, home to opulent villas, including Villa Pisani
  • See the stunning Byzantine and early Christian mosaics of Ravenna, capital of the Western Roman Empire for three centuries
  • Explore the stunning location of the Medieval city of Civita di Bagnoregio, standing atop a pinnacle that overlooks a canyon
  • Uncover the hidden tunnels of the Colosseum on a private tour of Rome’s ancient monuments
  • Go past the velvet ropes of the Vatican Museum to see the remarkable Cappella Niccolina and its elaborate 15th-century frescoes 

Detailed Description

Mystery leads to adventure and adventure leads to excitement during your 8-day journey of Venice and Rome’s hidden splendor. You will land at Marco Polo International Airport to meet your private transfer who will deliver you to the shores of the Grand Canal. Upon arrival, you will board a vaporetto ready to take you along the winding waters of Venice for an introductory tour. Marbled palaces and elegant churches frame the canal that has acted as Venice’s central highway for centuries for you to enjoy before you settle into your luxury accommodations. Next day, your guide will lead you on an engaging tour of the city’s iconic sites, from the Rialto Bridge to St. Mark’s Square. Venture into the depths of the Doge’s Palace for an insightful look at the hidden chambers of the secret government of the old republic. The remainder of the day is yours to uncover the celebrated wine bars of the city known as bacari.

Next, you will traverse the cobbled streets of Venice for an immersive look at the culture with a visit to the Galleria dell’Accademia of Venice and the artwork of Ca’Rezzonico. Continue to San Trovaso Square to see the process of making gondolas before your private instructor will meet you beside the boathouses ready to teach you the art of steering a gondola in the Venetian canals. Next day, you will explore the greater lagoon on a boat tour of northern islands beginning with Murano, the island known for glassmaking. Enjoy a historical and artistic perspective as you visit the Glass Museum and a glassblowing demonstration from Murano mirror experts before you continue to the quiet streets of Burano and Torcello.

Travel next to Padua for an introductory tour of the picturesque streets as you board a boat docked on the Brenta Canal for a cruise alongside the lavish villas once owned by Venetian nobility. You will stop to visit a number of villas before you return to the shores of Venice. The next day takes you out of Venice and onto mainland Italy as your private transfer will escort you to Rome by way of a selection of cities and towns off the beaten path. Discover the exciting early Christian mosaics of Ravenna, follow in the devout footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi and delight in the unique preserved medieval town of Civita di Bagnoregio before you reach Rome. After settling into your hotel, you will have a sensational evening walking tour of the city to see the Baroque fountains and palaces that glow in the streetlights.

You will next enjoy a full day of Roman exploration beginning at the ancient center of the Roman Empire. Tour the once hidden passages of the Colosseum before you traverse the Roman Forum and Capitoline Hill. In the afternoon, you will have a grand tour of Vatican City and the Vatican Museum as you enjoy an after-hours view of galleries normally off limits to regular museumgoers. Conclude as your private transfer will meet you at your hotel and escort you to Rome’s Fiumicino Airport for your flight home.

Starting Price

$2,859 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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