Contrasts of Italy
10 Days Starting in Rome and ending in Venice
Visiting: Rome, Rome and Vatican City, Florence, Pisa, Venice
Tour operator:
Tour code:
ITGVZN19
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
0 - 54
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Contrasts of Italy" tour, a captivating journey through Italy's most picturesque cities - Rome, Florence, Pisa, and Venice. This tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to dive deep into the heart of Italian culture, history, and art. Enjoy fast-track admission to the Vatican Museums, including a visit to St. Peter's Basilica and the awe-inspiring Sistine Chapel. Explore ancient Rome's iconic sites, marvel at the Renaissance masterpieces in Florence's Academy of Fine Arts, and witness the intricate art of glassblowing in Venice. Each city's unique charm is enhanced by expert local specialists who bring centuries of history to life. From a scenic cruise to St. Mark's Square in Venice to viewing the Leaning Tower of Pisa, this tour is filled with unforgettable experiences. Travel in comfort on a luxury air-conditioned coach, complete with Wi-Fi, and stay in cherry-picked hotels known for their trusted quality. With breakfasts and half of your evening meals included, along with all porterage, gratuities, and local taxes, this tour promises a hassle-free exploration of Italy's contrasting beauties.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Rome
Location: Rome
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Grand Hotel Palatino Rome
Meals Included: Dinner
Benvenuti a Roma. Our exciting journey through some of Italy's most beautiful cities begins here in the 'Eternal City'. Spend time relaxing after your travels or take a walk along the ancient streets, tracing centuries of art, antiquities and culture before joining your travel companions and Travel Director for a Welcome Reception and orientation drive through Rome's intoxicating cityscape.
Day 2 : Explore Ancient Rome And The Vatican City
Location: Rome and Vatican City
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Grand Hotel Palatino Rome
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
We visit the centre of Christianity this morning, joining a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour which includes a visit to the imposing St. Peter's Basilica to see the Pietà , Michelangelo's masterpiece carved from the most 'perfect' block of marble. Our next stop is in Ancient Rome. See the Circus Maximus before returning to the Holy See this afternoon. Dive Into Culture and gain priority admission to the Vatican Museums where a Local Specialist will take us on a guided tour. Admire Michelangelo's magnificent frescoed ceiling in the Sistine Chapel when it is less crowded, followed by dinner in the midst of the treasures of the Vatican's Anima Mundi Museum.
Day 3: Rome Your Way
Location: Rome
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Grand Hotel Palatino Rome
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a full free day in Rome or consider spending some in beautiful Tivoli. Join an Optional Experience to see the exquisite house and gardens of the 16th century Villa d'Este – a marvellous example of Renaissance landscape architecture. As the sun sets over the seven hills of Rome, people-watch in one of Rome’s beautiful squares or admire the Trevi Fountain, tossing a coin in to secure your return to Rome.
Day 4: Journey By High-Speed Train To Florence
Location: Florence
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Ambasciatori Hotel Florence
Meals Included: Breakfast
Sit back on the high-speed train, bound for Florence, and watch the Tuscan landscape go by. Join a Local Specialist on a walking tour to gain insights into the city's Renaissance treasures. View the Ponte Vecchio, almost 700 years old and lined with goldsmiths, then visit the Fine Arts Academy to see one of Michelangelo's masterpieces, the statue of David. Our love affair with Florence continues as we stroll to the Piazza della Signoria, featuring Palazzo Vecchio and the Uffizi Gallery.
Day 5 : Admire Pisa
Location: Pisa
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Ambasciatori Hotel Florence
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Cross the Arno River and see the enchanting skyline of Florence from Piazzale Michelangelo before driving to Pisa through the Arno Valley. Meet your Local Specialist to explore the Square of Miracles and see the famous Leaning Tower, the Cathedral, Baptistery and Camposanto, built on soil brought back from the Holy Land during the Crusades. Over lunch, Connect With Locals at the Agriturismo Borgo Vigna Vecchia where you’ll enjoy an exclusive Be My Guest experience surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. This evening, stroll along the Arno River in search of the perfect gelato, see the beautifully lit Duomo or visit a cosy enoteca for some wine tasting.
Day 6: Discover Renaissance Florence
Location: Florence
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Ambasciatori Hotel Florence
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is yours to discover the beauty and elegance of Florence – a city filled with exquisite galleries, lush gardens and opulent palaces. Consider a visit to the hilltop town of San Gimignano, the 'medieval Manhattan' of Tuscany. Venture outside the city to see Tuscan villages and taste rich panforte and tortas, or shop for the latest fashions in Florence's sophisticated boutiques. This evening, consider joining an Optional Experience in the Chianti region for a delicious Tuscan dinner.
Day 7: Travel By High-Speed Train To Venice
Location: Venice
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Principe Venice
Meals Included: Breakfast
All aboard the express train for Venice. We cross the spectacular Apennines and fertile Veneto plain before arriving in this island city. Get lost this afternoon, wandering its narrow lanes in search of a cosy bacaro, people-watch in St. Mark's Square, the gateway to Venice, or take an unforgettable gondola ride along the city's enchanting canals.
Day 8: Cruise The Canals Of Venice Make Travel Matter
Location: Venice
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Principe Venice
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, breathe in the salty sea air as you board a private launch and cruise to St. Mark's Square to see the Bridge of Sighs, Palladian Churches, the Customs House, St. Mark's Basilica and Campanile, as well as the Doge's Palace. Later, we enjoy an unforgettable MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, witnessing first-hand the centuries-old craft of glassblowing. You may be tempted to buy a souvenir or two after admiring the talent and skill of the master craftsmen, passed down from generation to generation. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore the city on your own terms, perhaps finding a quiet campo and pavement café or take a cruise to colourful Burano for a delicious meal.
Day 9: Experience Venice’S Food Market
Location: Venice
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Principe Venice
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
The sights and sounds of modern Venice come to life today as we join our Local Specialist for a walking tour and explore the vibrant Rialto Food Market, which has been feeding Venetians since the 11th century. We wander through the narrow calli - seeing the ornate façades of merchant houses that line the canals, before enjoying an afternoon at leisure for one last taste of Venice. Our adventure through Italy's charming cities is about to come to an end. We celebrate newfound friendships and an unforgettable experience at a Farewell Dinner.
Day 10: Farewell Venice
Location: Venice
Meals Included: Breakfast
Say arrivederci to Italy and your fellow travelers as your fascinating holiday comes to an end.
What's Included
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Expert Travel Director and Professional Driver
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver to guide you through your journey.
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Cherry-Picked Hotels
Stay in cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted for a comfortable and relaxing stay.
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Porterage and Restaurant Gratuities
All porterage and restaurant gratuities are taken care of.
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Meals
Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals included.
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Hotel Tips, Charges, and Local Taxes
All hotel tips, charges, and local taxes are included.
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Must-See Sightseeing and Surprise Extras
Enjoy must-see sightseeing and surprise extras throughout your journey.
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Audio Headsets
Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing.
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Luxury Air-Conditioned Coach
Travel in comfort with a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys).
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High-Speed Train Journeys
Experience high-speed train journeys from Rome to Florence and Florence to Venice.
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Optional Experiences and Free Time
Enjoy optional experiences and free time to explore at your own pace.
What's Not Included
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Airfare to and from the tour
Guests are responsible for their own airfare to and from the tour.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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Some Meals
Not all meals are covered.
Please refer to the itinerary for included meals. -
Personal Expenses
Expenses for personal nature like souvenirs, laundry, and beverages are not included.
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Optional Experience Costs
Costs for optional experiences outside the planned itinerary are not included.
Mode of Transport
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys), High-speed train from Rome to Florence, High-speed train from Florence to Venice
Accommodation
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
Check out our Q&As
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What cities will we visit in Italy during the Contrasts of Italy tour?
During the Contrasts of Italy tour, you will visit Rome, Florence, Pisa, and Venice.
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Are meals included in the Contrasts of Italy tour?
Yes, breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals are included in the Contrasts of Italy tour.
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What type of transportation is used throughout the Contrasts of Italy tour?
The Contrasts of Italy tour uses a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys), including high-speed train journeys from Rome to Florence and Florence to Venice.
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What are some of the highlights of the Contrasts of Italy tour?
Some highlights of the Contrasts of Italy tour include Fast Track Admission to the Vatican Museums, exploring Rome, Florence, Pisa, and Venice with a Local Specialist, visiting St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel in Rome, the Academy of Fine Arts in Florence, and a glassblowing factory in Venice, and a scenic cruise by private launch to St. Mark's Square in Venice.
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What is not included in the Contrasts of Italy tour?
Airfare to and from the tour, travel insurance, some meals, personal expenses, and costs for optional experiences outside the planned itinerary are not included in the Contrasts of Italy tour.
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What type of accommodations can be expected on the Contrasts of Italy tour?
You can expect to stay in cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted for a comfortable and relaxing stay during the Contrasts of Italy tour.
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Is there a minimum age requirement for the Contrasts of Italy tour?
The tour information does not specify a minimum age requirement for the Contrasts of Italy tour.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Low Deposit
Trafalgar requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of trafalgar charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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