DEFINITIVE ITALY
CLASSIC TOUR – 8 DAYS
Rome, Florence, and Venice are three of the great cities of Italy, and we bring you their art, architecture, cuisine, and history on this leisurely, small-group tour the includes a day–and lunch at a noted winery–in the unspoiled countryside of Tuscany.
- Limited to 16 guests.
- From $4,995 per person, based on double occupancy.
- Single supplement $799.
May 26-June 2, 2024
June 9-16, 2024
Sept 24-Oct 1, 2024
Day 1: Arrive in Rome, Italy
- We depart our hotel at 5 pm for an evening stroll to Piazza Popolo, Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain, Pantheon and Piazza Navona before our welcome dinner at one of Rome’s best kept secrets, Trattoria da Lucia
- Meal included: Welcome dinner at Trattoria da Lucia
Day 2: Rome
- This morning, we embark on an extraordinary journey at the Vatican. You’ll explore the Vatican Museums before they open to the public, including the Sistine Chapel. Then, we enter St. Peter’s Basilica via a reserved entrance. An American-style breakfast will be served inside the Vatican’s Courtyard Gardens
- After lunch, we’ll visit the largest, ancient amphitheater ever built, the Roman Colosseum. We enter through the Gladiator’s Gate directly from the arena floor, a rare privilege
- The rest of the day and evening, you’re free to explore Rome on your own
- Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
Day 3: Rome to Florence
- This morning, we travel to Florence by high-speed train
- Upon arrival, we take a walking tour of the center of the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence. Among the highlights we’ll visit the famous Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, better known as the Duomo, engineered by Filippo Brunelleschi and The Ponte Vecchio, a medieval stone closed-spandrel segmental arch bridge over the Arno, in Florence, Italy. The only bridge in Florence spared from destruction during World War II
- After, we’ll enjoy a guided visit to the fabulous Galleria dell’Accademia, home to artistic treasures such as Michelangelo’s David
- In the evening, we’ll enjoy a hearty, Tuscan meal
- Hotel Pitti Palace al Ponte Vecchio 4* or similar
- Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
Day 4: Florence
- In the morning we’ll explore an often-overlooked attraction in Florence. Michelangelo designed the stunning Biblioteca Medicea Laurenziana, or the Laurentian library.
- After lunch, there’ll be time for exploring the streets of Florence on your own and maybe visit the world’s first gelato shop Vivoli, pop in on the city’s famous paper and pen shop, Giulio Giannini, open since 1856. For shoes and clothing, Ferragamo, Prada and Cavelli among others, can found on the chic shopping street, Via dè Tornabuoni
- Hotel Pitti Palace al Ponte Vecchio 4* or similar
- Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
Day 5: Florence
- Today, we leave Florence to explore the Tuscan countryside.
- We’ll visit one of the leading winemakers of Tuscany, Marchesi Antinori, who has produced wine for 26 generations
- We’re invited on an inside tour of one of the Antinori wineries and enjoy lunch alfresco overlooking the rolling hills of Tuscany
- We’ll return to Florence in the afternoon where you’re free to explore the city on your own
- Hotel Pitti Palace al Ponte Vecchio 4* or similar
- Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
Day 6: Florence to Venice
- This morning, we travel to Venice by high-speed train
- We’ll arrive in Venice early afternoon and be transported to our host hotel in Murano by boat.
- After settling in, we’ll get visit one of the famed Murano Glass factories where we’ll get a tour and a demonstration of how they create their famous glass art In the evening, join us for a walking tour of Murano before enjoying a Venetian meal at a local restaurant
- Hyatt Centric Murano Venice 4* or similar
- Meals included: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 7: Venice
- This morning we take a boat across the lagoon to join our trusted guide Alice, who is a native Venetian
- Alice will give you a unique walking tour of her Venice
- For lunch, we’ll enjoy a traditional Venetian lunch called cicchetti, a tapas-style meal with wine
- In the afternoon, we’ll end up in Piazza San Marco where we’ll enjoy a guided tour of the Doge Palace
- In the evening, join us for a walking tour of Murano before our farewell dinner, a hearty, Venetian meal at Osteria Al Duomo, Rudy’s favorite on Murano
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 8: Venice
- Enjoy a leisurely last breakfast, before starting your journey back home.
- * Restaurants and Hotels are subject to change to equal or better
THE RUDY MAXA DIFFERENCE
When you let The Original Savvy Traveler arrange your trip through Europe, you are guaranteed peace of mind. Rudy Maxa’s team provides personal service and assistance from booking all the way through your journey.
What’s included in your Tour:
- Welcome package with luggage tags
- A complimentary concierge call to prepare you for your journey
- An exclusive small group experience with a maximum of 16 guests
- All tours led by a Rudy Maxa’s Certified Tour Director, supported by local guides with expert knowledge
- All excursions and activities included per the program
- Handpicked hotels (3-5*) inspected and approved by Rudy Maxa’s Team
- Full breakfast daily, and many other meals included per the program
- All transportation included per the itinerary
- All tours, admissions, and entertainment.
- Airport meet and greet with private transfers for an additional fee