Compare Bella Italia: Rome, Florence & Venice With Your Family by Road Scholar vs Italy in 9 days - Ancient Rome, Cathedrals & Canals - Superior by Exoticca

Day 1
In Transit to Program
In Flight

Day 2
Arrival & Check-in, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Location: Venice Meal: D Hotel: Hotel Abbazia

Activity note: The hotel check is at 3:00 pm.

Morning: The group leader will be in the lobby of the hotel to greet arriving travelers. Leave your luggage with the desk clerk and join the group leader for a walk in the neighborhood late morning to identify ATMs, pharmacies, stores, restaurants, etc. Guest check in is available from 2:00 p.m.

Lunch: On your own.

Afternoon: Check in and settle in. The Group Leader will review the up-to-date program schedule and any changes, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer any questions you may have. Please note that the order of visits and activities may be different from what is described in this preliminary itinerary. Except breakfast, meals will be plated (each dish served to guests by a wait staff) from a set menu unless otherwise specified. Water is included with all meals and other beverages such as soft drinks, wine, tea and coffee will be available for purchase unless otherwise specified. In Rome, transportation will primarily be provided by motor coach; in Venice by vaporetto, or public boat. Free time is reserved for your personal independent exploration. Please note that program activities, schedules, and personnel may need to change due to local circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. Evenings at leisure offer opportunities to make the program more meaningful and memorable through personal independent exploration, attending performances or other events, or simply relaxing and making new friends among fellow participants. The Group Leader will always be happy to offer suggestions. Before dinner, the group leader will greet everyone and lead introductions with a Welcome Cocktail (or fruit juice).

Dinner: Dinner at a local restaurant. Fixed menu, plated table service. Water is included; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow participants, settle in, and get a good night's rest for the day ahead.

Day 3
Artisan Workshop

Location: Venice Meal: B,L,D Hotel: Hotel Abbazia

Activity note: Venice has no vehicular traffic. In addition to the Grand Canal, there are 177 smaller canals and about 400 bridges. Vaporettos (bus boats) travel up and down the Grand Canal as it winds from the Santa Lucia train station to Piazza San Marco. There are 15 stops along the route. All walks in Venice, even the shortest, entail crossing bridges, some of which have ramps and others steps. As the only alternative to walking, vaporettos are frequently crowded with both tourists and locals.

Breakfast: Buffet at the hotel. Each day the dining room is set up buffet style with fresh fruit, cereals, muesli, pastries, cakes, breads, a sliced meat and cheese platter, yogurt, jam and honey, juice, coffee, tea, whole milk, and water.

Morning: The Group Leader will distribute vaporetto passes that are valid for our stay in Venice. Especially for the kids: a workshop creating your own Venetian memento. The type of activity will be revealed closer to the departure date.

Lunch: At a local restaurant/pizzeria. Salad and choice of pizza. Water is included; other beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: We ride the vaporetto back to the stop nearest the hotel. In the meeting room a local expert presents Welcome to Venice, an introduction to the city known as the Serenissima, the 'Most Serene.' Neighborhood walk follows.

Dinner: At a local restaurant. Set menu, plated table service. Water and soft drink included; glass of wine for the adults.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 4
Rialto Bridge, St. Mark's Basilica, Gondola Ride

Location: Venice Meal: B,L Hotel: Hotel Abbazia

Activity note: Getting on/off vaporetto. Walking up to 4 miles. Walks in Venice involve crossing multiple bridges that span the canals. The view from the top of the Rialto bridge is worth the effort of climbing up and down 40 steps. Assistance is offered getting on and off the gondola.

Breakfast: Buffet at the hotel.

Morning: Explore Venice with a local expert who takes us on a special walk off the beaten path. The walk ends at the Rialto District, Venice's original food and fruit market.

Lunch: At a local restaurant. Fixed menu, plated table service. Water is included; other beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: Our exploration of Venice continues with an expert-led visit of Piazza S. Marco — St. Mark’s Square.The Byzantine style S. Mark's Cathedral was built during the 13 C. There are more than 45,000 square feet of mosaics adorning the church, giving the impression of streets of gold. On the second floor is the original "Quadriga" — a team of four gilded bronze horses that was looted from the fall of Constantinople. Replicas now stand in the elements above the entrance to the Basilica. The loggia has display cases with illuminated manuscripts and other documents related to the church. Then, experience Venice from another perspective on a gondola ride through the back canals of Venice.

Dinner: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy the food and restaurant/trattoria/café of your choice. The group leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 5
Peggy Guggenheim Collection, Ducal Palace

Location: Venice Meal: B,L Hotel: Hotel Abbazia

Activity note: Getting on/off vaporetto. Walking up to 4 miles. Walks in Venice involve crossing multiple bridges that span the canals. The permanent collection of the Guggenheim museum is displayed on a single floor of the Palazzo Venier with a few steps at the entrance and leading to the wing with special exhibitions.

Breakfast: Buffet at the hotel.

Morning: Having been surrounded by ancient and Renaissance masterpieces and structures, enjoy the modern art at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection. Relax in the courtyard of the Palazzo Venier on the Grand Canal while the docent introduces the life and times of the wealthy American collector. The adults will have a guided visit led by a museum docent. Especially for the kids: young visitors will have their own docent who facilitates the discovery of form and expression in modern art.

Lunch: At a local trattoria.

Afternoon: Vaporetto to St. Mark's Square. Expert-led visit of the Palazzo Ducale or Doge's Palace. Walk through the many rooms of the palace, seat of civic and political power. Doges embellished the Palazzo to demonstrate their wealth and importance. From the grand halls of the palace, the visit concludes with a walk through the narrow passages over the Bridge of Sighs to the Prisons. It is said that those condemned sighed at knowing it would be their last sight of the sky.

Dinner: On your own. The Group Leader will have suggestions.

Evening: At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check out and departure in the morning.

Day 6
High Speed Train to Florence, Renaissance Art
Location: Florence Meal: B,D Hotel: Hotel Albani

Activity note: Walking up to 4 miles. High speed train to Florence covers 160 miles and takes 1.5 hours.

Breakfast: Buffet at the hotel.

Morning: Check out of your room. Our luggage will be delivered directly to the hotel in Florence by boat/van. We set out on foot for the train station. The high speed train to Florence reaches speeds reaching 120 mph. Short walk to the hotel.

Lunch: On your own. The Group Leader will have suggestions.

Afternoon: After checking in and settling in, an art historian presents Renaissance Art in the meeting room of the hotel.

Dinner: At a local restaurant. Sample some typical Tuscan dishes. Fixed menu, plated table service. Water is included; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: With the group leader, stroll the historical section of Florence to orient yourself on the layout of the city, locate landmarks, find ATM's and pharmacies.

Day 7
Free Time, Uffizi Gallery
Location: Florence Meal: B,L Hotel: Hotel Albani

Activity note: Walking up to 4 miles throughout the day. Sidewalks and streets in the pedestrian center are stone or cobblestone paved. Extended standing and unavoidable stairs in the Uffizi Gallery. Small elevator (cap. 4 persons) for disabled visitors may be available.

Breakfast: The buffet at the hotel choices include a hot egg dish, cereal, bread, pastries and cakes, cheese and cold cut platter, yogurt, fresh fruit and a selection of hot and cold beverages.

Morning: Free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most in Florence, or return to the hotel to rest. You can consult your list of suggested Free Time activities in your program materials.

Lunch: At a restaurant in the Piazza della Signoria. Fixed menu, plated table service. Water is included; other beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: We cross the piazza to the Uffizi for our reserved entrance to the Gallery. The visit is self-directed; stay as long as you want. At the end of the second corridor is a refreshment bar for snacks. The balcony has a wonderful view of Brunelleschi's Dome and the watch tower of Palazzo Vecchio.

Dinner: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 8
Duomo, The David
Location: Florence Meal: B,L,D Hotel: Hotel Albani

Activity note: Walking up to 5 miles over uneven stone paved sidewalks.

Breakfast: Buffet at the hotel.

Morning: Set out on foot with the Group Leader to Piazza del Duomo where we meet our local expert and visit Santa Maria del Fiore, the magnificent cathedral of Florence. The expert-led visit continues to the Duomo Museum. The highlight of the collection is a Pieta' by Michelangelo and the original (newly restored) panels of the Gates of Paradise by Lorenzo Ghiberti. There is a model of the cupola that shows the ingenious way to disperse the weight of the brick structure.

Lunch: At a restaurant at the foot of the Duomo's cupola. Set menu, antipasto served family style, entree plated. Water is included; other beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: We set out on foot for the Accademia for our reserved entrance. We meet our expert who enhances our appreciation of Michelangelo's David, who stands steadfast under his own cupola. Some free time to visit the Accademia's small musical instrument collection or browse the bookshop. Walk back to the hotel.

Dinner: At a local restaurant. Fixed menu, plated table service. Water is included; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 9
Explore Medieval Florence, Free Time
Location: Florence Meal: B,D Hotel: Hotel Albani

Activity note: Walking up to 4 miles over uneven urban stone sidewalks in the traffic-free heart of Florence.

Breakfast: Buffet at the hotel.

Morning: Explore Medieval Florence with a local expert. The walk ends at the Mercato di San Lorenzo, Florence's colorful fresh produce market. A lively food court specializes in farm to table menus. Much variety of small plates, vegetables, pizza, pasta, snacks and beverages.

Lunch: On your own.

Afternoon: Free Time

Dinner: At a local restaurant. Set menu, plated table service. Water is included for all; a glass of wine for the adults and a soft drink for the young guests.

Evening: At leisure. Be sure to prepare for the next day's departure for Rome.

Day 10
High Speed Train to Rome, Welcome to Rome
Location: Venice Meal: B,L,D Hotel: Hotel Pace Helvezia

Activity note: Getting on/off train. Walking up to 5 miles throughout the day. We will be on our feet most of the afternoon Piazza Walk along uneven paths and original pavement of cobblestone.

Breakfast: Buffet at the hotel.

Morning: Check out of the hotel. Your checked luggage will be sent by van and delivered to the hotel in Rome; keep your carry on bag with you. We set out on foot for the train station to board a high speed train to Rome; the trip is 1.5 hours. Coach or van to the hotel.

Lunch: At a nearby restaurant a set menu with plated table service. Water is included; other beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: Check in and settle in. At the hotel meeting room a presentation Welcome to Rome introduces you to the Eternal City. Neighborhood walk follows.

Dinner: At a local restaurant to sample Roman cuisine. Fixed menu, plated table service. Water is included; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: Especially for the kids but adults will enjoy the show as well: Walk to the Forum of Augustus. Learn about daily life in ancient times through a spectacular laser light show with English narration. The show begins at sunset and lasts about an hour. During the show we sit on bleachers in front of the suggestive ruins of the Forum. Walk back to the hotel.

Day 11
Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica, Mosaic Workshop
Location: Rome Meal: B,L,D Hotel: Hotel Pace Helvezia

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach or van; drop-off point for Vatican Museums is about 500 feet along stone paved sidewalks to entrance; standing in line while museum-issued listening devices are distributed; walking 2 long corridors (1/2 mile each); riding an escalator; climbing 3 flights of stairs: one at entrance, one to access corridor to Sistine Chapel, one to enter Sistine Chapel; marble floors; crowded conditions; extensive standing throughout field trip, no public seating.

Breakfast: Each day the buffet will have fresh fruit, cereal, sliced meat and cheese platter, deviled eggs or boiled eggs, yogurt, pastries, cakes, breads, jams, juice, coffee, tea, whole milk and water.

Morning: Coach or van to the Vatican Museums for our reserved entrance time. Meet the local expert who will lead us through some of the galleries in the vast collection where we will learn about singular artworks such as the Laocoon, Apollo Belvedere, and gilded Hercules. We walk down long corridors surrounded by precious artwork as we make our way to the main attraction, the Sistine Chapel. The visit continues to the "new" S. Peter's Basilica (only 500 years old) to see Michelangelo's Pieta' and works by Bernini.

Lunch: Walk to the Mosaic Workshop for a buffet lunch. Water and soft drinks are included; other beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: Especially for the kids: Inside S. Peter's Basilica, we learned this morning that what appear as paintings are actually micro-mosaics. Come to appreciate this art form as we create our own mosaic with instructors at a mosaic workshop. Keep your decorated piece as a memento. Coach back to the hotel.

Dinner: At a restaurant near the hotel. Water is included for all; a glass of wine for the adults. Other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 12
Forum and Colosseum

Location: Rome Meal: B,L Hotel: Hotel Pace Helvezia

Activity note: Walking up to 5 miles throughout the day; extended periods of standing; uneven paths, original cobblestone pavement. At Colosseum, steep, uneven steps to reach upper level; elevator available.

Breakfast: Buffet at the hotel.

Morning: Walk to the Colosseum. Reserved entrance for expert-led visit of the Flavian Amphitheater, commonly known as the Colosseum, capable seating up to 50,000 people. Imagine watching gladiatorial games and the pageantry. Guided visit continues to Via dei Fori Imperiali.Our expert-led field trip will continue onward to the Roman Forum, which dates back to the 7th century BCE and was the religious and civic center of the city.

Lunch: At a restaurant in Piazza del Colosseo. Fixed menu, water and soft drinks included.

Afternoon: Coach back to the hotel. Free time.

Dinner: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 13
Piazza Walk, Farewell Dinner

Location: Rome Meal: B,L,D Hotel: Hotel Pace Helvezia

Activity note: Walks in Venice involve crossing multiple bridges that span the minor canals. The view from the top of the Rialto bridge is worth the effort of climbing up and down 40 steps.

Breakfast: Buffet at the hotel.

Morning: Vaporetto to the Accademia stop. Having been surrounded by ancient and Renaissance masterpieces and structures, enjoy the modern art at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection. Relax in the courtyard of the Palazzo Venier on the Grand Canal while the docent introduces the life and times of the wealthy American collector. The adults will have a guided visit led by a museum docent. Especially for the kids: young visitors will have their own docent who facilitates young visitors' discovery of form and expression in modern art.

Lunch: At a characteristic trattoria near the museum. Set menu, plated table service. Water is included; other beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: Excursion to an artisan's workshop to learn about the carving techniques of making gondola oars and oar locks. Explore the area of the Rialto Bridge, Venice's original market area. Find many souvenir booths, food and fruit market. Some free time before dinner.

Dinner: Recap your adventures and share your favorite memories with your fellow participants at our Farewell Dinner at the hotel. Fixed menu, plated table service. Wine is included with this meal for the adults to toast new friendships.

Evening: At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check out and departure tomorrow.

Day 14
Program Concludes
In Flight B

Day 1: US - Night on board

Pack your bags and head to your departure airport, ready for a flight to the eternal city of Rome.* Night on board. * If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

Day 2: Rome

Arrive in Rome, the Italian capital, and transfer to the hotel. Depending on your arrival time, the remainder of the day is free to begin exploring this romantic, historic city. The evening is the most magical time of day in Rome when the streets take on an even more charming character. Overnight stay in Rome.

Day 3: Rome

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, enjoy a guided visit to the Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill, three of the main archaeological sites of the Eternal City. Learn about the history of this empire, from its birth to the gladiatorial fights in the Colosseum, and appreciate the preserved corners of ancient Rome in the Forum and the Palatine Hill. We recommend the optional Piazzas and Fountains of Rome excursion.* The remainder of the day is at your leisure to explore the historic streets of Rome and dine on delicious Italian cuisine!** Overnight stay in Rome. * Optional Piazzas & Fountains of Rome Excursion: Take a pleasant walk through the artistic heart of Rome to visit its most symbolic piazzas and fountains! Visit Piazza Navona, the most elegant of all Rome squares and home to Bernini's Four Rivers Fountain. See the Church of San Luigi, the incredible Pantheon and the legendary Trevi Fountain, an icon of the city. Finally, pay a visit to the famous Spanish Steps at Piazza di Spagna, the most photogenic spot in the city! ** Optional Authentic Italian meal at a restaurant in Campo Di Fiori: Enjoy an evening of authentic Italian cuisine in beautiful Campo Di Fiori Square, nestled in the heart of historic Rome. Soak up the atmosphere as you indulge in Italian dishes at a local restaurant.

Day 4: Rome

After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a day at your leisure in Rome. Perhaps visit the Vatican, trace the footsteps of the greats in the ancient streets of the old city or simply indulge in some delicious Italian ice cream. However you choose to spend your day, Rome is sure to delight you with its old-world charm and unbeatable sights. We suggest taking the optional Guided tour of Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel*. Overnight stay in Rome. * Optional Skip-the-line Guided Tour of Vatican Museums, St. Peter's Basilica and Sistine Chapel: Explore the priceless treasures held within the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel! Visit the Pio Clementino Hall, Laocoon and Apollo Belvedere, Maps Gallery, Candelabra Gallery, Tapestries Gallery and the incredible Sistine Chapel. Afterwards, discover the incredible St. Peter’s Basilica and the atmospheric St. Peter’s Square, dominated by Michelangelo’s imposing Cupola! Please note: Optional tour available Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays only. Why not upgrade your trip with our Must See's of Italy package of 2 excursions, available in the next step of the booking process!

Day 5: Rome - Florence

Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, meet your transfer and head to the train station to catch the Frecciarossa high-speed train to Florence. Arrive in Florence, the heart of the Italian Renaissance, and self-transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day at your leisure to explore the city and keep enjoying the Italian cuisine in this gourmet paradise. Overnight stay in Florence.

Day 6: Florence

Breakfast at the hotel. Today head to the Historic Centre of Florence for a guided walking tour of Florence and discover the hidden secrets of the Tuscan capital. Start discovering Piazza Repubblica, one of the fanciest of the city, before heading to Loggia del Mercato Nuovo, a building where a local market takes place. Keep exploring the streets of Florence before arriving at the beautiful and well-known Ponte Vecchio, the most iconic bridge in the city and one of its main symbols. You will then walk through the Piazza della Signoria, the heart of Medieval Florence with the imposing Palazzo Vecchio. End the tour admiring Piazza San Giovanni, home to the impressive Florence Cathedral, with its iconic Brunelleschi cupola and the famous Giotto Belltower. Rest of the day at your leisure to continue exploring the captivating sights of Florence. Overnight stay in Florence.

Day 7: Florence

Breakfast at the hotel. Full day at your leisure to enjoy your last day in the city. Florence's historical centre is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so why not take a stroll on your own to discover its hidden treasures. Overnight stay in Florence. * Optional Half-Day Tour to Pisa & The Leaning Tower: No trip to Italy is complete without a photo at the iconic leaning tower, so don't miss your chance to take a day trip to Pisa! Enjoy a guided walking tour of Piazza dei Miracoli and its monuments and visit the spectacular Pisa Cathedral before spending time at the legendary Leaning Tower of Pisa, learning all about the history of this University city along the way.

Day 8: Florence - Venice

Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, self-transfer to the station to catch the Frecciarossa high-speed train to Venice (Mestre Station). Arrive in the romantic city of Venice, self-transfer to the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Built across more than 100 small islands, Venice is a pleasure to explore on foot as you get lost in the labyrinthine streets, stumbling across hidden cafes and cultural gems along the way. Get out and discover the plentiful delights on this eternal city, such as the immense Piazza San Marco. Overnight stay in Venice.

Day 9: Venice

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, set off on a guided walking tour through Venice, through the fascinating streets and across the canals; a crossroads of culture where East meets West. Admire the Basilica and Piazza of San Marco next to Gothic-style Doge's Palace, the Campanile and the Clock Tower stand. Soak up the lively atmosphere of the Campo, a bustling square next to the Church of Santa Maria. Continue to marvel at the grand Basilica of San Giovanni e Paolo, uncover legendary tales of Marco Polo and finally return to St. Mark’s Square by strolling through the main Venetian shopping street, the Mercerie, and immerse yourself in the historic buzz of the city. The rest of the day is at your leisure to continue discovering this unique city at your own pace. Overnight stay in Venice. *Optional Gondola Ride Experience: One of the most famous characteristics of Venice is its historic gondolas and now you can be a part of this legacy yourself! Experience an unforgettable 35-minute gondola ride through the charming waterways of Venice including the iconic Grand Canal. The quintessential Venetian experience! Note: Please note that it is a shared gondola (up to five people for each one) so you might have to share it with other people. Why not upgrade your trip with our Must see`s of Italy package of 2 excursions, available in the next step of the booking process!

Day 10: Venice - US

Breakfast* at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer by car from Venice Mestre to the airport for your return flight back to the US. Arrive in the US and end your trip. * Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day. ** Depending on the return flight schedule, you may arrive in the US the next day and the total duration of the trip would be 11 days.