Compare Italian Treasures: Rome, Florence & Venice by Abercrombie & Kent vs Best of Italy by Intrepid Travel

Day 1: Arrive Rome

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: The St. Regis Rome

Arrive in Rome, where you are met and transferred to your hotel in the center of the city. Tonight, join your Resident Tour Director for dinner at the hotel.

Day 2: Rome | Essence of the Eternal City

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: The St. Regis Rome

Begin your day discovering the evocative remains of the Eternal City. Start with the Palatine Hill, where your local guide brings to life the legend of the city’s origin in the eighth century BC under twin brothers Romulus and Remus. Then, pass the imposing Arch of Constantine to visit the mighty Colosseum. Built in AD 80, it held 50,000 spectators who reveled in watching gladiatorial combat, executions of criminals, animal fights and mock naval battles. After lunch at a local restaurant, stop at the lovely Campo de Fiori, one of Rome’s thriving markets. Visit the Piazza Navona, dominated by the Baroque Fountain of the Four Rivers, and continue to the Pantheon, instantly recognizable for its large granite Corinthian columns. Later, enjoy a moment at the Trevi Fountain to perhaps toss in a coin, and finish your day at the foot of the picturesque Spanish Steps on the Piazza di Spagna.

Day 3: Rome/Vatican City | Michelangelo’s Finest

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: The St. Regis Rome

Today, tour Vatican City, admiring the stunning collections of antiquities, paintings and objets d’art in its vast museum. Behold the Sistine Chapel with its glorious frescoes painted by Michelangelo, and wonder at St. Peter’s Basilica, first erected in 324 on the orders of Emperor Constantine over the tomb of the saint. View the poignant Pietà of Michelangelo and the exuberant Baldaquin of Giovanni Lorenzo Bernini. Bernini, who was the preeminent sculptor of his day as well as an accomplished architect, was a favorite of popes and royals, and left an enduring mark on the cityscape of Rome.

Day 4: Orvieto/Florence | Tuscan Landscapes

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: The Westin Excelsior, Florence

Drive to Florence, stopping en route at the small hilltop town of Orvieto for lunch. Enjoy a guided walking tour of this ancient community, entering the magnificent Piazza del Duomo and the cathedral housing Signorelli’s Cycle of the Apocalypse, which aggressively employs foreshortening techniques to create vibrant images as arresting as they are inspiring. Continue through the breathtaking Tuscan countryside, amid hill-towns encircled by Etruscan walls and slender cypress trees. Arrive in Florence and visit the Accademia, home to Michelangelo’s stunning masterpiece, David. Carved from white Carrara marble and standing 17 feet tall, the statue took three years to complete, with Michelangelo, then in his mid-twenties, working in almost complete secrecy throughout its creation.

Day 5: Pisa | The Tower & the Duomo

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: The Westin Excelsior, Florence

Drive to Pisa to view its famed Leaning Tower, which stands — albeit at a nearly four-degree angle — 196 feet tall. Enjoy a guided tour of the inspiring 11th-century Duomo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the nearby Baptistery, itself a magnificent example of medieval architecture. Renowned for its superb acoustics, its design marks the transition from the Romanesque style to the Gothic style. Then, enjoy lunch before returning to Florence. This afternoon, a guided tour of the Florence Synagogue will reveal the importance of the Jewish community in Italian history. The synagogue, begun in 1874, was constructed with Byzantine architectural touches and features Moorish-influenced interior decorations.

Day 6: Florence | Uffizi Gallery & a Farm-to-Table Dinner

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: The Westin Excelsior, Florence

Join a local art specialist for a guided tour of the Uffizi Gallery, originally designed to hold the uffizi (administrative offices) of the Medici Grand Duke Cosimo. Browse its celebrated assembly of artworks, which includes paintings from the late Middle Ages through the early 18th century, and admire such striking masterpieces as Caravaggio’s Medusa, Botticelli’s Birth of Venus, Da Vinci’s Annunciation and Raphael’s Madonna of the Goldfinch. Then, enjoy a very special private entry to the Vasari Corridor, built by the court architect to the Medici family. Having first acquired wealth from success in banking and commerce, members of the House of Medici turned their attention to supporting the arts, in particular during the reign of Lorenzo the Magnificent in the late 15th century. This evening, dine at a local farm-to-table restaurant for an authentic — and delectable — Chef’s Table experience.

Day 7: Florence/Venice | St. Mark’s Basilica

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Belmond Hotel Cipriani

Accompany your guide on a morning stroll through the San Lorenzo district’s famous Central Market before heading into the Tuscan hills to visit an ancient wine and olive oil estate. After a tasting and a light lunch, drive to Venice and take in spectacular views of the lagoon as you enjoy a Scenic Sundowner with your Resident Tour Director and fellow guests. Later, A&K arranges a private after-hours tour of St. Mark’s Basilica, exclusively for your group, led by an expert local guide. Examples of the many artworks on display include the dazzling golden altarpiece known as the Pala d’Oro and the life-size bronze Horses of St. Mark.

Day 8: Venice | Marvels of the Doge’s Palace

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Belmond Hotel Cipriani

Begin your day with a cruise down the Grand Canal to visit the city’s former Jewish Ghetto. Afterward, set out on a walking tour of the narrow streets around St. Mark’s Square and the Grand Canal. Visit the lavish Doge’s Palace, the seat of government here for centuries and the former residence of the rulers of the Venetian Republic. Take a moment to marvel at the lavish frescoes, graceful staircases and gilded stuccowork that reveal the glory and opulence of earlier times. Next, embark on a romantic gondola ride, before an afternoon at leisure. Tonight, gather for a farewell dinner with your fellow guests.

Day 9: Depart Venice

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, transfer by boat to the airport and depart.

Day 1 Rome

Buongiorno! Welcome to Italy. Crowded with ancient ruins and religious monuments, Rome still pulses to the beat of modern life and is packed with designer shops, restaurants, cafes and exciting nightlife. If you arrive early, there are plenty of things to keep you busy. Maybe save the unmissable sights for later and today do as the Romans do – sip an espresso at one of the tiny streetside cafes and sample the many flavours of gelato that colour the city. For those captivated by the 'Eternal City', throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain to ensure a return visit to Rome. Keep in mind that there will be an important welcome meeting, usually at around 6pm, where you’ll meet your group leader and fellow travellers.

Day 2 Rome / Florence

Enjoy some free time in Rome or, if you wish, your group leader will be available for an orientation walk, taking in some of the best-known sights of Rome like the Spanish steps, the Colosseum, and the Roman Forum. No visit would be complete without a trip to Vatican City and St Peter's Basilica. Entry to the Basilica is free and there's a small charge to climb the dome for a breath-taking panorama over parts of the city. If there's time, visit the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel. In the afternoon you'll travel by train from Rome to Florence – Italy's outdoor museum (approximately 2 hours). Florence, the cultural heart of Tuscany, bursts with religious treasures and Renaissance masterpieces. It's been said that during the second millennium, a third of Europe's most important artists lived in Florence. The minds and talents of the Medicis, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Brunelleschi, Machiavelli, Donatello and Michelangelo all flourished here. After checking in to your hotel, join your tour leader for an orientation walk of Florence, then the rest of your evening is free to explore the city of the Renaissance. Food is also a major part of the city's identity, so why explore some of the Tuscan delicacies on offer with your travel pals.

Day 3 Florence

Today is a free day for you to explore all that Florence has to offer. It's impossible to see everything in this Renaissance wonderland, so take your time to work out a plan. The principal sights are easily discovered on foot – the Pitti Palace, Ponte Vecchio, Arno riverside, the many statues and monuments of the Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio, 13th-century, the Baptistry and the Belltower, and the Santa Croce Church. Otherwise, take a visit to the Uffizi – one of the world's oldest art galleries and a work of art in itself. If you’re wanting to see Michelangelo's iconic statue of David, head to the Galleria dell'Accademia. In the evening, perhaps climb the steep stairs uphill to Piazzale Michelangelo a renowned sunset view across the rooftops of Florence. Afterwards, join the locals in taking a passeggiata – a leisurely socialising stroll – perhaps between Piazza Beccaria and Piazza della Repubblica. That is, if you aren’t enjoying a Tuscan meal instead.

Day 4 Florence / Lucca

No doubt there'll be more to see in Florence this morning, then this afternoon, take a train to Lucca (approximately 2 hours). Lucca is one of Tuscany's real hidden gems, with centuries-old buildings, beautiful churches, charming piazzas and narrow streets within its ancient city ramparts. You’ll be captivated by this charming and medieval town. You’ll be staying in the city centre which allows easy access to all the sights, restaurants and bars – all an easy stroll from the hotel's front door. Make sure you join the traditional evening pastime of many locals and take a stroll along the top of the famous city walls that surround the perimeter of the old city.

Day 5 Pisa / Lucca

Set off on a cycling tour following the scenic Serchio River through the Tuscan countryside (4 kilometres round the walls that are now a tree-lined avenue, and 14 kilometres by the river, approximately 3-4 hours). Your base in Lucca provides you with the perfect opportunity for a later outing to the nearby city of Pisa (approximately 30 minutes by local train). Here there'll be ample time for you to visit the world-famous Leaning Tower, as well as the nearby Duomo in Piazza dei Miracoli and the Pisa Baptistry. The Leaning Tower was built in the 12th century, but its foundation was on shifting sand and clay, meaning that it now leans at an angle of four degrees, after restoration and stabilising work. Continue to wander the streets past high-end boutiques and speciality book and antiques stores, perhaps stopping to enjoy an aperitif. Afterwards, head back to Lucca. An ideal way to end the day is to head to a local bar for a refreshing Prosecco and a delicious focaccia with finocchiona salami and pecorino cheese, best enjoyed in the shadow of the Palazzo Pretorio.

Day 6 La Spezia

Travel by train to La Spezia (approximately 3 hours) – the gateway to the gorgeous Italian Riviera. A medieval port town whose name is derived from its historic importance in the spice trade, La Spezia is your base for exploring the nearby stunning stretch of coast known as the Cinque Terre. The name comes from the five tiny villages – Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso al Mare, whose position, wedged into a series of coves between cliffs makes it one of the highlights in the whole of Italy. After lunch, explore the city or perhaps head out by ferry or bus to the pretty seaside town of Portovenere, known for its colourful houses straddling the waterfront. Return to La Spezia and walk around the pedestrian zone on Via del Prione to the gardens along the harbour. Otherwise, opt to take another ferry to Lerici – another small village across the Bay of Poets dominated by its castle – for a waterside dinner.

Day 7 Cinque Terre / La Spezia

This morning, venture out to visit the enchanted Cinque Terre. The footpaths that run between the villages were once the only way to travel in the region, and take you through olive groves, vineyards and on to idyllic, breath-taking vistas. If you're feeling energetic, walking parts of the path (up to 12 kilometres, approximately 5 hours) will give you the best taste of the villages and countryside, though will require a good level of fitness. Some sections of path can be difficult, as there are challenging uphill stretches, narrow paths, steep cliffs and foot bridges. It's also possible to take the train between any of the villages or back to your base in La Spezia whenever you want. Stop off for lunch at one of the towns and relax in the vibrant atmosphere.

Day 8 Portofino Peninsula / Asti

Travel by train to Santa Margherita on the Peninsula of Portofino (approximately 1 hour). Store your luggage and set off on an energetic 5-7 kilometre walk, finishing in Portofino. Start by wandering down to the Santa Margherita waterfront, past small fishing boats in the marina, enjoying the views back to town. Continue along the road, passing beach clubs, private villas and hotels that command the skyline, where the hills of the Italian Riviera meet the Bay of Tigullio. Spot locals sunbaking in the coves, then cross through some undulating forested terrain. Descend down to the picturesque port of Portofino – the place where the rich and famous come to play. Continue up to the viewpoints surrounding the town, join the glamorous for coffee and people-watching along the harbour, or perhaps stop at a focacceria to try this typical Ligurian bread. Afterwards, enjoy the fabulous coastal scenery with a boat ride back to Santa Margherita (weather permitting). Continue by train to Asti (approximately 2.5 hours) in the Piedmont region, where mouth-watering culinary delights await. Be sure to try a dish flavoured with truffle and indulge in a tipple of Italian wine.

Day 9 Asti

This morning, take a private vehicle to the green hills of the nearby rural village of Castagnole Monferrato, where you’ll visit the home of a local winemaking family to sample their vintages. The Ruche grape variety is unique to this region of Italy – it's grown in just seven small villages in the province of Asti and produces a ruby-red, intense and aromatic wine. You may even like the option to enjoy a home-cooked lunch in the village, before returning to Asti. The town of Asti, located in the Piedmont region, was one of the most important towns in medieval times, sitting on trade routes between Turin, Milan, and Genoa. Today, it’s best known as the home of some of the finest and most sought after wines in Europe – excellent reds and the sparkling white ‘spumante’. It's also the best place to find ‘tartufo’, or truffles – a distinctive regional delicacy. You may be lucky enough to be here on a market day, when the Piazza del Palio hosts the region’s largest open-air market.

Day 10 Milan / Lake Como

Travel by train to Milan (approximately 3 hours) – Italy's second largest city and the capital of Lombardy – for a few hours to explore. In this most fashionable of cities, this is the place for stylish shopping and cafes! Explore the city's historic centre, visit the Gothic Duomo and walk between its rooftop sculptures, admiring the views and the stunning Gothic terrace. You may like to visit Leonardo Da Vinci's masterpiece – The Last Supper – if there's time, so be sure to book tickets well in advance. Alternatively, head to the park of Castello Sforzesco; the perfect destination on a hot day. Later in the afternoon, continue by train and bus to Lake Como (approximately 2 hours) – an area of stunning beauty full of unique and evocative landscapes. Your hotel tonight is on the shore of Lake Como where you'll be able to experience its true serenity.

Day 11 Lake Como

This morning, explore the pretty village of Bellagio. Here you can enjoy a walk through the countryside and discover the estate of the Villa Melzi. This grand white villa sits just back from the water and its surrounding estate is filled with rare and exotic plant life. The rest of the day is free to take the ferry between the various parts of this area of Lake Como, like Varenna, Cadenabbia, or the beautiful Villa del Balbianello, which film fans may recognise from films franchises like James Bond and Star Wars. Villa Carlotta is another waterfront villa open to the public. It holds a range of artwork and is surrounded by acres of manicured Italian gardens. Just past Cadenabbia is Tremezzo, where you can find delicious food or an aperitif – sitting dockside, lakeside, or out on a veranda. Simply strolling and admiring the beautiful views whichever way you turn is an ideal way to spend the day. With some fine Italian food tonight, of course.

Day 12 Venice

Leave the lakes district behind and take your private vehicle to Milan and catch a train heading to Venice (approximately 3 hours) This grand city of bridges, towers, piazzas, canals, churches and gondolas – practically unchanged for 600 years. Venice is built over a hundred small islands connected by 400 bridges. There are plenty of things to keep you busy when you arrive. Join your leader and take a walk around the maze of streets behind Piazza San Marco and begin to understand the complex canal system of Venice. Your leader will introduce you to the local way of crossing the canal, by traghetto. It only takes a minute or so, but it is a quintessential experience to have in Venice. The rest of the day is free for you to explore. The Grand Canal is a great place to start, as you can stroll over the Rialto Bridge and browse the endless amounts of boutique shops that sell Venetian masks and handmade Murano glassware. For dinner, perhaps seek out Venice's distinctive culinary heritage, which goes back to ancient times and features rich risottos, saline baccala (salted cod) and creamy polenta.

Day 13 Venice

Venture out and explore Venice today at your own pace. There are only two ways to get around this city – on foot or by boat. Take in the famous sights – the Grand Canal, the Rialto Bridge, Doge's Palace, Piazza San Marco with its golden Basilica, and of course, the evocative Bridge of Sighs. You could take a vaporetto (water bus) over to the island of San Giorgio to climb the bell tower for the best view of Venice. No trip here would be complete without a journey down the Grand Canal in a Venetian gondola. See Venetian creativity and artisan wares in the glass in Dorsoduro or down the streets spreading out from the Campo Santo Stefano. Visit the Palazzo Ducale, overflowing with paintings by Italian masters, and contrast it with the modern Guggenheim. In the evening, join your tour leader for a cicchetti stop as a real Venetian, then continue for a celebratory dinner of Venetian specialities, such as fresh lobster and squid ink spaghetti.

Day 14 Venice

There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart the accommodation at any time. That doesn’t mean your adventure has to come to an end! As there is so much to see in Venice, you may want to consider extending your stay. There’s a range of Urban Adventures to embark on in Venice, including Cicchetti & Wine Tour, which takes you around the lanes and canals in search of the best of Venetian culture and wine. See urbanadventures.com/destination/Venice-tours for more information. If you would like to spend more time in Venice, we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).