Gladiators, Gondolas and Gold
Gladiators, Gondolas and Gold
10 Days Starting in Rome and ending in Venice
Visiting: Rome, Rome and Vatican City, Pisa, Florence, Venice, Vatican City
Tour operator:
Tour code:
FGICZM19
Recommended For:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
0 - 54
Trip Styles:
Activities:
Art Galleries & Museums, Boat/Cruise Excursion, Sightseeing, Walking
From:
$3295
$2578 (USD)
Operator discount: -$582
The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$136
-22%
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Italy with the "Gladiators, Gondolas and Gold" tour, where history, art, and culinary delights intertwine to create a rich tapestry of experiences. From the ancient streets of Rome to the romantic canals of Venice, this tour offers VIP admission to the Vatican Museums, including St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, and a visit to a gladiator school. Explore the architectural marvels of Florence, the leaning tower of Pisa, and the vibrant markets of Venice. Enjoy exclusive experiences such as a scenic cruise to St. Mark's Square, a gelato-making session, and a glassblowing demonstration. With luxury air-conditioned coach travel, cherry-picked hotels, and an expert Travel Director, this tour promises a blend of cultural immersion, historical exploration, and family fun, making every moment a cherished memory.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Rome
Location: Rome
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza St. Peter's
Accommodation Name: Crowne Plaza Roma - St. Peter's Rome
Meals Included: Kickoff Party
Ciao Roma! Feast your eyes and your stomach on the 'Eternal City' – the launch pad for an unforgettable adventure with la famiglia. Tread in the footsteps of the ancients before meeting with your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Kickoff Party that will rock Rome.
Day 2: Explore Ancient Rome And The Vatican City
Location: Rome and Vatican City
Accommodation Name: Crowne Plaza Roma - St. Peter's Rome
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Join a Local Specialist to delve into centuries of history and culture, including a guided tour of the Vatican Museums. Gaze up at the wonder of Michelangelo's frescoed ceiling in the Sistine Chapel and explore the Catholic shrine of St. Peter's Basilica. Venture across the Tiber to the Colosseum, imagining a time when brave warriors fought to the thunderous roar of thousands. Then it's time for a cheesy Family Fun affair as we Dive Into Culture and learn how to make authentic Italian pizza, sharing a tasty slice or two of our culinary masterpieces with our loved ones.
Day 3 : Venture To A Gladiator School
Location: Rome
Accommodation Name: Crowne Plaza Roma - St. Peter's Rome
Meals Included: Breakfast
Book your spot on the podium. It's time for Family Fun as you become a gladiator for the day. You'll learn how to wield a gladiator's sword and gain insights into military techniques with an expert. This afternoon, you’ll have some free time to explore the city with the family. Perhaps count the Spanish Steps or toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain to secure your speedy return to Rome.
Day 4: Enjoy Pisa And On To Florence
Location: Pisa
Accommodation: Grand Mediterraneo
Accommodation Name: Grand Hotel Mediterraneo Florence
Meals Included: Breakfast
Set your watch to Italian time and embark on a scenic drive north through Tuscany's golden fields. Stop in Pisa to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site Piazza del Duomo to snap a selfie in front of the famous Leaning Tower. Carry on to the Renaissance city of Florence, our home for the next three nights.
Day 5 : Discover Art And Architecture In Florence
Location: Florence
Accommodation: Grand Mediterraneo
Accommodation Name: Grand Hotel Mediterraneo Florence
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
The exquisite sights of Florence are brought to life on a walking tour in the expert company of a Local Specialist. See the magnificent Gothic Duomo and famous Baptistery before marvelling at Michelangelo's statue of David at the Academy of Fine Arts. Learn about the quality and workmanship of two of this city's historic industries at demonstrations of Florentine leathercraft and 18-carat gold. Where better to Dive Into Culture and indulge in a refreshing gelato than in the city where it was invented? Tonight we Connect With Locals joining Count Miari Fulcis and his family for a Be My Guest experience, enjoying delicious specialities against the backdrop of picture-perfect olive groves and vineyards on their 15th-century estate in the Tuscan hills. Salute!
Day 6: Florence Your Way
Location: Florence
Accommodation: Grand Mediterraneo
Accommodation Name: Grand Hotel Mediterraneo Florence
Meals Included: Breakfast
You have a full day at leisure to enjoy this remarkable Renaissance city. Florence is a living museum that you can explore on foot. Perhaps join an Optional Experience to the ‘Town of Towers’ – San Gimignano.
Day 7: Venture To Bologna And Onwards To Venice
Location: Venice
Accommodation: Novotel Mestre Castellana
Accommodation Name: Novotel Venezia Mestre Castellana Venice
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Stop and smell the rich aromas of Bolognese sauce, spending the morning with a Local Specialist to explore the medieval city of Bologna. Then it's just a hop, skip and a jump to the island city of Venice. Discover the 'Queen of the Adriatic' from the comfort of one of its traditional gondolas on an Optional Experience.
Day 8: Discover Venice Make Travel Matter Family Fun
Location: Venice
Accommodation: Novotel Mestre Castellana
Accommodation Name: Novotel Venezia Mestre Castellana Venice
Meals Included: Breakfast
Cruise to bustling St. Mark's Square on a private launch. View the exquisite Doge's Palace, St. Mark's Basilica and the Campanile and the famous Bridge of Sighs, so named for the sound condemned prisoners made at catching their last glimpse of beautiful Venice. We then witness first-hand the exquisite tradition of Venetian glassblowing. Your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience helps to support the preservation of this precious Venetian tradition for generations to come. You’ll learn how this once-thriving Venetian art is being kept alive by talented glassmakers who delight in working their magic to craft the stunning treasures for which Venice is justifiably famous. Time for Family Fun as you learn about the art of crafting Carnival masks, decorating your own masks with enough paint, feathers and glitter to rival even the most elaborate masks seen at the annual event. This afternoon, consider an Optional Experience to the colourful island of Burano for a delicious meal.
Day 9 : Experience Venice’S Food Market
Location: Venice
Accommodation: Novotel Mestre Castellana
Accommodation Name: Novotel Venezia Mestre Castellana Venice
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Navigating the bustling canals to the Rialto Bridge, we embrace the sights and sounds of Venice from the water before we Dive Into Culture and savour the flavours of Italy during a visit to a traditional food market. We delve into the hidden highlights of Venice during a Small Group Sightseeing walking tour, working up an appetite for our Farewell Lunch at a local restaurant.
Day 10: Journey Home
Location: Venice
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our unforgettable journey together has come to an end. All that's left to say is a hearty arrivederci as you prepare to return home with fantastic shared memories.
What's Included
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
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An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
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All porterage and restaurant gratuities
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
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Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
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Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
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Optional Experiences and free time
What's Not Included
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International Flights
International flights to and from the tour start and end locations are not included.
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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, providing the flexibility to explore local dining options on your own.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, mini-bar, and room service are not included.
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Optional Experience Costs
Costs for optional experiences, beyond those included in the tour package, are not covered.
Mode of Transport
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
Accommodation
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
Check out our Q&As
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Are meals included in the tour?
Yes, breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals are included in the tour.
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What are the highlights of the tour?
The highlights of the tour include VIP Admission to the Vatican Museums, exploring Rome, Florence, Bologna, and Venice with a Local Specialist, discovering Pisa, visiting the Vatican Museums, St. Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and gladiator school in Rome, the Academy of Fine Arts and a gelateria in Florence, and a glassblowing factory in Venice, viewing the ancient sites of Rome, Santa Croce Basilica and the Duomo in Florence, the Leaning Tower of Pisa and St. Mark's Basilica in Venice, and a scenic cruise by private launch to St. Mark's Square.
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What is not included in the tour?
Exclusions include international flights to and from the tour start and end locations, travel insurance, some meals, personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, mini-bar, and room service, and costs for optional experiences beyond those included in the tour package.
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What are the starting and ending locations of the tour?
The tour starts in Rome and ends in Venice.
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What countries does the tour visit?
The tour visits Italy.
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What are the pick-up and drop-off times?
Pick-up times are at 09:30, 12:30, 15:30 from Leonardo da Vinci airport (FCO), and drop-off times in Venice are at 08:00, 09:30.
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What type of transportation is provided?
Transportation includes a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys).
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What type of accommodation is provided?
The tour provides cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted.
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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
Reviews of this Operator
Dates & Availability
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Jun 21, 2024 - Jun 30, 2024Friday - Sunday
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Aug 08, 2025 - Aug 17, 2025Book with Confidence
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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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Terms and Conditions
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