Compare Venice Simplon-Orient-Express by Titan Travel vs Italy in 9 days - Ancient Rome, Cathedrals & Canals - Superior by Exoticca

Day 1 London - Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
VIP Outbound1 Titan’s VIP door-to-door travel service collects you from home, for a journey to London Victoria station to board the Belmond British Pullman carriages of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (5T), with brunch served as you start this iconic journey. You will be attentively looked after with exquisite service from your personal Venice Simplon-Orient-Express hostess who will also accompany you during the coach and Eurotunnel shuttle to Calais, offering champagne and snacks. We continue our journey by joining the continental carriages of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express for the journey to Venice. This evening a four-course dinner is served on board. Please note: dress code applies.

Day 2 Venice Simplon-Orient-Express - Venice
Brenner Pass Awake to the beautiful scenery of the Swiss Alps this morning. A leisurely breakfast will be served in your cabin. A three-course lunch will be served in one of the luxury restaurant cars and afternoon tea is served in your cabin. Your journey of decadence ends in crossing the Venetian lagoon. After afternoon tea, the train pulls into Santa Lucia station, you cross the canals by a private water taxi that moors a few steps away from the Hotel Monaco & Grand Canal (4T), where dedicated porters will have transported your luggage from the train station to hotel.

Day 3 Venice
Grand Canal A free day to relax and explore. You may wish to visit the stunning and intricately detailed Doge’s Palace or the magnificent 11th century St Mark’s Basilica. Rialto Bridge is a wonderful place to watch and photograph the constant activity of boats on the Grand Canal below, and the narrow passages that link one piazza to another.

Day 4 Venice - Ferrara - Florence
Florence Today we walk the short distance to our water taxi and on to our coach to travel south towards the great city of art - Florence, the capital of Tuscany. We make a stop in Ferrara, the City of Renaissance, for a guided tour. After lunch we continue to Florence arriving at the centrally-located Starhotels Michelangelo (4T) - where dinner is included this evening.

Day 5 Florence
Vineyard This morning, we walk into the center of Florence for a guided walking tour. We continue to Chianti Country and the Castello del Trebbio winery for a tour of the family-owned castle and wine cellars. We have an included dinner at their award-winning restaurant.

Day 6 Pisa - Lucca
Pisa On arrival in Pisa, we view the famous Leaning Tower. Later this afternoon we travel to Lucca, an interesting and delightful city, which hides within its ramparts a rich array of churches, palaces and squares that retain their original charm. Dinner is taken in a local restaurant tonight.

Day 7 San Gimignano - Siena
San Gimignano We have a full day to explore San Gimignano and Siena. San Gimignano stands on a hilltop surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. We continue to Siena, with its medieval streets lined with picturesque old houses and palaces. You are free for dinner this evening.

Day 8 Florence - Pisa - London
VIP Inbound This morning we depart for Pisa Airport for a direct, scheduled British Airways flight to London Heathrow or Gatwick Airport. On arrival you will be met and guided to your Titan vehicle, for the journey home.

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.