Compare Rome to Milan Adventure Tour by Discovery Nomads vs Dubrovnik and Rome - Venice by TripMasters

Day 1: Rome

Accommodation: Mercury Rome Colosseum Centre or similar

Arrival at any time. On the 1st day we have not planned any activities.

Day 2-3: Rome

Today you will explore Vatican museums, see St.Peters Basilica and marvel at masterpieces of  Michelangelo and Bernini. Later in the afternoon enjoy a walking tour to see Spanish Steps and Trevi fountain, admire beautiful Piazza Navona and exterior of the historic Pantheon.

Day 4-5: Florence

Accommodation: AC Florence by Marriott or similar

You will a walking tour around Florence, see the Duomo, Uffizi Gallery, the medieval Ponte Vecchio and the Medici Chapels. Additionally you can travel to wineries located nearby or see the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

Day 6-7: Venice

Accommodation: Mercury Venezia or similar

You will have a romantic gondolas tour around Venice canals. Optional activities include a vaporetto ride to Murano and Burano, the Accademia Gallery, Basilica di San Marco and the Doge's Palace.

Day 8-10: Milan

Accommodation: Anderson or similar

Shop on Via Montenapoleone and visit Galleria Vittorio Emanuele or head to the outlets nearby Milan. Then head to the top of the Duomo to see the city from above. And do not forget to dress chic, you are in the fashionistas capital!

Day 1 in Dubrovnik

Welcome to Croatia! Upon arrival, you will go through customs and immigration. Should you opt to purchase a transfer to your hotel; a representative will be waiting for you as you exit immigration. Make your way to Dubrovnik and arrive at your hotel. Check in and do not give in to jet lag! There is so much for you to see and do!

Most of you will be arriving by air, so you will be coming from the east and arriving in Dubrovnik`s Old Town at Ploce Gate. Enter the Old Town and visit the Dominican monastery, which houses a museum featuring hundreds of local artifacts dating back centuries. Afterwards, visit the Old Synagogue of Dubrovnik, the second-oldest continuously operating Jewish house of worship in the world. Then walk south a block to the Stradun, the wide main avenue of the Old Town. This area boasts a lot of shops and cafes, so stroll to your heart`s content and stop in at every place you like along the way.

To get the full experience, walk east and start your Stradun journey at Luza Square, where many sights are close by, and then head west. Sponza Palace, the home of the Dubrovnik branch of the National Archives, sits just off the square, as does the Church of St. Blaise and the smaller of the two Onofrio fountains. Once you get to the end of the Stradun, you will reach Paskoje Milicevic Square, where there is the Renaissance-era votive-style Church of St. Saviour, the larger of the two Onofrio fountains, and the Franciscan monastery. Return to your accommodations at the end of the day; you can catch taxis and local buses outside Pile Gate, adjacent to Paskoje Milicevic Square.

Day 2 in Dubrovnik

Wake up early and explore the Pile neighborhood, stopping in at such important sights as Fort Lovrijenac, `the Gibraltar of Dubrovnik`, and Kolorina Bay, the original public beach in Dubrovnik. Then, head to the Dubrovnik Cable Car station and take the cable car up to the top of Srd, a foothill of the Dinaric Alps overlooking Dubrovnik. When you`re at the top, you can visit the nineteenth-century Fort Imperial, you can dine at a panoramic restaurant, and you can visit the large cross donated to the city by the Archbishop of Brac.

After you made it back down the hill, walk through Pile Gate, the western entrance into the Old Town. From there, walk to the Convent of St. Claire, which housed one of the oldest orphanages in the world. The next stop is the Church of St. Ignatius, perhaps one of the finest examples of Baroque religious architecture in Croatia. Another impressive Baroque church in the Old Town is the grand Dubrovnik Cathedral, north and east of St. Ignatius. After stopping by at the Cathedral, visit the museum inside the Rector`s Palace, the seat of governance during the time of the Republic of Ragusa.

Exit the Old Town at Ploce Gate and tour the Lazzarettos of Dubrovnik, which were once used to quarantine travelers arriving by sea to Dubrovnik. Next door is Banje Beach, the most popular public beach in the city. You can sun yourself on its sands, go swimming in the beautiful blue waters, and enjoy a number of water sports such as jet skiing and paddle boarding. There is also a bar on the beach with a nightclub component, the latter being a popular place to party in the summertime. Return to your accommodations at the end of the day.

Day 3 in Dubrovnik

Start bright and early and walk the entire length of the Dubrovnik town walls. If you get there early, you will beat a lot of the crowds, and you can enjoy a lot of the views in comparative solitude. Stop at the fortresses along the way; there is Minceta Tower at the northern end of the Old Town, Fort Bokar on the southwestern end, and finally in the southeast there is the Fort of St. John, where there is a multi-floor museum as well as an aquarium. Stroll Porporela Pier and people-watch for a while before heading to the Old Port of Dubrovnik, where you can catch a ferry during the high season to Lokrum Island, the former home of the Austrian archduke Maximilian. On Lokrum, you can tour the botanical gardens and a Benedictine monastery. If you are visiting during the low season, go to the Port of Dubrovnik in Gruz and take the Nona Ana catamaran ferry to the island of Mljet, a island 24 miles long that is home to Mljet National Park, a lush, green area with a secluded lake.

If you have time in the afternoon, return to Dubrovnik and head to Lapad. Enjoy some sun and sand time at Bellevue Beach, and afterwards you can eat a delicious dinner at the Michelin-listed restaurant inside the nearby Bellevue Hotel. If you want to experience nature a little more, head west on the Lapad Peninsula toward the Forest Park Velika and Mala Petka, where you can hike in an oak forest up both of the hills that give the forest park its name. Return to your accommodations at the end of the day.

Additional Days in Dubrovnik

If you have extra days, consider hiring your own yacht and exploring the nearby islands. You can look into yacht rentals at the ACI Marina Dubrovnik, located on the ria Rijeka Dubrovacka about 2.5 miles east of the Franjo Tudjman Bridge. From there, you can make your own trips to the Elaphite Islands, consisting of Kolocep, Lopud, and Sipan. These islands feature charming villages such as Kolocep, Lopud, Sudurad, and the town of Sipanska Luka. North and west of these three islands is the aforementioned Mljet Island, the largest of the southern Adriatic islands. Take some time to explore Mljet in detail, including the limestone underground Odysseus Caves.

If you want to stay on the mainland, head south from Dubrovnik and stay a night in the village of Srebreno. The village grew in the early 20th century as a summer vacation destination, where the richest families in Dubrovnik owned summer homes. Today, the beachfront in Srebreno is home to top-rated resorts, while still maintaining its quiet ambience. There is also a gem of a destination located on the eastern side of Dubrovnik Airport, in the town of Cilipi. If you are in the area on a Sunday, stop by Cilipi`s main square for a party. Locals dress up in traditional Dalmatian folk outfits and perform dances for visitors, and they want you to know that you are invited to Sunday mass as well!

Your Last Day in Dubrovnik

Depart your hotel and head to the airport for your return home. We recommend that you purchase a private transfer; if so, a representative will meet you at the hotel in time to take you to the airport for your flight out. We hope you enjoyed the noteworthy sights of Dubrovnik and South Dalmatia!

Day 1 in Rome

Welcome to Rome, Italy`s vibrant capital! Upon arrival, you will go through customs and immigration. Should you opt to purchase a transfer to your hotel; a representative will be waiting for you as you exit immigration. Arrive at your hotel, check in and do not give in to jet lag! There is so much for you to experience!

Grab some breakfast and let the sightseeing begin! Start off with a visit to the Trevi Fountain in the Quirinal district. A must-see when in Rome, The Trevi Fountain was designed by Nicola Salvi and features a grand marble statue of Neptune at the center. Marvel at the design and don`t forget to throw a coin into the water! At night, the fountain is illuminated making it a truly romantic spot for photos.

In the afternoon, head on over to see the Pantheon, Rome`s oldest, intact building and one of the best preserved ancient buildings in the world. This is also the burial place of the artist Raphael and Italy`s two kings, Vittorio Emanuele II and Umberto I.

The Pantheon sits on Piazza Della Rotonda, near which are some delightful churches, rare shops, and some excellent cafés. Take a short stroll behind the Pantheon to Piazza della Minerva, where you`ll find the beautiful Santa Maria Sopra Minerva, Rome`s only Gothic-style church. Connected to Piazza della Minerva is Via dei Cestari, which has served as the main shopping street for religious vestments for centuries.

It’s fun to browse these shops` robes, jewelry, books, and other religious objects and is an experience particularly unique to Rome. The area near the Pantheon is also known for its coffee shops. Find a restaurant filled with locals and load up on a quality lunch.

Take a pit stop at the Spanish Steps on Piazza di Spagna, close to Rome`s fashionable shopping street Via dei Condotti. A central meeting place for locals and tourist alike, it`s thriving with crowds. From here you can walk up to Trinità dei Monti Church to admire the piazza from a height.

Finally, make your way to Piazza Navona. If you can time it right, it`s great to go at sunset so you can watch as the square comes alive at night, there`s lots of activity and everything is beautifully lit. Enjoy some pizza to-go, or walk a few blocks out of the square to find a restaurant that isn`t flooded with tourists. Make sure to enjoy some wine with dinner, it`s hard to uncover a bad glass in Rome.

Day 2 in Rome

Start your day touring the top ancient sites of Rome beginning with a visit to the emblem of the city, the 2,000 year old Roman Colosseum. Here you can marvel at Rome`s greatest architectural wonder entirely built by man power and opened in 80 AD. The monumental three-tiered amphitheater was used for bloody gladiator battles and animal slaughters holding over 50,000 spectators. Spend an hour or so exploring the interior, an audio guide of the Colosseum offers a concise explanation of the ancient arena`s history and construction.

Close by is the Roman Forum, another iconic landmark of the Roman Empire and point of interest. The large open space was a center of political and social activity, filled with temples, squares and government buildings. The most famous ruins of the Forum are the Arch of Septimus Severus, the Arch of Titus, the House of the Vestal Virgins, and the Temple of Saturn. Today you can buy tickets to explore both of these sites on your own or on a guided tour, and learn all about their fascinating past. You`ll also enjoy the absolutely breathtaking views from the top of the hill.

Spend your evening sampling mouthwatering dishes from the many restaurants in the area, or head out on your very own wine tasting tour.

Day 3 in Rome

Start your day off in Rome`s historic center to to explore the Vatican Museums, an unmissable experience! The museums are home to extensive collections of art, archaeology and sculptures across over 50 galleries including the Raphael Rooms, Georgian Egyptian Museum and Collections of Contemporary Art. You can also visit the beautiful Sistine Chapel here, a restored Catholic chapel which dates back to the 14th-century. Be warned that the museums are not air conditioned, so you may want to avoid trying to visit in the hotter months of the year.

Important Travel Tip: It is nearly essential to pre-book your visit to the Vatican Museums. You should also know that the Vatican Museums are not open on Sundays, except for the last Sunday of the month, at which time admission is free. Note, however, that the Vatican will be packed on these Sundays, making it hard to fully enjoy the artworks and exhibits.

Next, head on over to St. Peter`s Basilica, located in St. Peter`s Square (Piazza san Pietro), it`s one of the most famous churches in the world dating back to the 1500`s. If you have time, plan to climb to the top to witness the stunning views of the city. The church features works by Michelangelo and other great architects and painters. Note: Make sure to dress modestly; there`s a strict dress code in place so no miniskirts, shorts, or bare shoulders.

As night approaches make your way down to Trastevere by bus or the help of the metro. The former ghetto is chalk full of various restaurants and bars sure to please every budget and taste, with plenty of entertainment afterwards.

Additional Days in Rome

Should you be able to spend additional days in Rome we recommend a day trip to explore the attractions in the beautiful countryside around the city. We recommend touring Tivoli: Villa d`Este and Hadrian`s Villa, to explore two World Heritage-listed historic villas, built as vacation homes for the Roman elite, as well as their beautiful gardens. An organized tour is a perfect way to explore these attractions, allowing a professional guide to find the way, as well as provide educational information as you discover this area. A full-day tour provides enough time to hike to the crater of Mt. Vesuvius (in summer) or visit the National Archeological Museum of Pompeii, as well as seeing the sights of Pompeii.

Your Last Day in Rome

Depart your hotel for the airport for your return home. We recommend that you purchase a private transfer, if so a representative will meet you at the hotel, in time to take you to the airport for your flight out.

Day 1 in Venice

Welcome to Venice! Upon arrival, you will go through customs and immigration. Should you opt to purchase a transfer to your hotel; a representative will be waiting for you as you exit immigration. Arrive at your hotel, check in and do not give in to jet lag! There is so much for you to see and do.

Start your day by wandering around the giant maze of bridges, lanes and canals. Getting lost in Venice is not very hard to do, sure you can follow a map, but we recommend you put it down and allow yourself to get lost! As your strolling the side streets and alleyways, stop in one of the charming cafes to enjoy lunch and grab a souvenir at one of the many kiosks or shops you`ll pass along your way.

Enjoy your first evening in Venice by taking a sunset gondola ride. With the sky changing into hues of pink, the beauty of Venice`s waterways during this time of day is exceptionally picturesque. Hiring a gondolier who will hum Italian melodies while rowing you around is a one of a kind experience.

Afterward, spend some time over a relaxing meal at one of the city`s fancy restaurants. Wander alongside the canals and notice the mood of Venice change after the sun has set, so stay up late and embrace the city (and romance) of the evening!

Day 2 in Venice

Start your day off early at the City Center at Piazza San Marco and wander around the iconic public square. The city square, commonly known as St. Mark`s Square, boasts buildings and monuments representative of both the Baroque and Victorian era. From the Gothic styles to the intricate details that dominate the landscape about town, it`s definitely a sight to behold!

While at Piazza San Marco, you`ll notice the Basilica di San Marco, an elaborate structure illuminated with murals and gold embellishments. By getting to the Basilica early you may make it for an early morning mass: you`ll have the best part of an hour to reflect on the acres of glimmering mosaics. And unknown to most, the Basilica doubles as a museum and treasury for ancient artifacts, precious gems and jewels.

Don`t miss The Doge`s Palace, the most representative symbol of Venice`s culture, which, together with the Basilica of San Marco at the back and the Piazzetta in the forefront, forms one of the most famous sceneries in the world. Stop for a cappuccino or grab some lunch on the terrace of Caffè Florian for the most atmospheric surroundings on Piazza San Marco.

After lunch, explore the many bridges and canals while you head towards the legendary Grand Canal, Bridge of Sighs. If you`re wondering why it`s called the Bridge of Sighs, that`s because prisoners of the past convicted of crimes had to walk across that bridge to get to the prison grounds where they served their jail time. It is said that prisoners would sigh as they make their way across the bridge as a form of resignation to their fate. Today, the dark history of the bridge has been replaced with an urban legend where couples who kiss under the bridge will see their love stand the test of time.

Next, make your way to one of the most iconic bridges, the Rialto Bridge, located along the Grand Canal; this is the oldest and possibly one of the largest bridges in Venice. Unknown to most, the Rialto Bridge has experienced multiple collapses since its construction in the 16th century. Much like how the city might be submerging soon, it`s best to catch it while you can. (For the best photo, head to neighboring docks or bridges, which aren`t as crowded with tourists, you`ll get a clearer view.)

Spend your evening experiencing the local cuisine like a true Venetian. Know that most of the restaurants along the canals cater to tourists. Their menus are in English, the prices are a bit steeper, and the food is often just ok. To truly experience the best food in the city, get away from the touristy areas and step into restaurants that may require you to know a little bit of Italian.

Besides eating out at authentic Venetian restaurants, there are numerous ways to experience traditional cuisine and culture in Venice. Dine in the home of a local, go on a food tour, embark on a guided tour of Venice`s bacari wine bars and their famous cicchetti dishes, or take a Venetian pastry-making class!

Day 3 in Venice

Spend your last day in Venice Island hopping! Amongst the countless islands in Venice, Murano, Burano and Torcello are 3 major islands in the northern part of Venetian lagoon and are an absolute treat. Start off by exploring the island of Murano, a fisherman island and the biggest of the 3 islands, world famous for its glass factories. After visiting the Glass Museum and Chiesa di San Pietro Martire, jump back onboard your vaporetto (waterbus) and enjoy a half an hour ride to Burano. You may not know this, but the colorful walls of the residence in Burano are painted for a reason. The town`s city council used the vibrant colors as indicators marking the locals` houses to help guide the fishermen back home.

In Burano, make sure you drop by the Museo del Merletto (Burano Lace Museum) and the Church of San Martino Vescovo. After Burano, make your way to the Torcello and enjoy the grassy, secluded island decked in Byzantine mosaics and marshy muck lands. To put to perspective how secluded this island is, there are just about 75 inhabitants on the island! Walk around The Devil`s Bridge and Cattedrale di Torcello (Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta) and make your way back to Venice late in the evening.

On your last evening in Venice enjoy a visit to the beautiful Teatro La Fenice and experience the golden era of Italian Opera in this Baroque Opera house. The theatre once hosted world-renowned maestros like Verdi, Donizetti, Abbado, Muti and Chung, Rossini, Mirella Freni, Luciano Pavarotti and Bellini. The name La Fenice translates to `The Pheonix` and is a perfectly fitting moniker for this opera house that has been rebuilt from ash twice over during its existence. Teatro La Fenice was a space for Venice`s cultural elite before its fire stints after which it became a monumental attraction.

Today, this opera house is amongst Italy`s most celebrated monuments and rightly so. Soak in the opulence of this wonder; the plush seats, the stuccos and gold plated ceilings and walls, the Baroque elements and gilded private balconies while you`re here.

Additional Days in Venice

Should you be able to spend additional days in Venice we recommend you continue to explore the charming city of Venice. Make sure to see the historic Rialto Market sprawling on the western banks of the Grand Canal. This market will give you a glimpse of Venetian life as you watch the locals selling or buying local produce. The market is said to be a photographer`s paradise and despite the noisy buzzing atmosphere, you will have experienced a slice of venetian lifestyle when you step out of here. Markets have a way of telling you about the locals and their culture and the Rialto Market is the perfect example of this.

We also recommend you check out the plethora of churches and museums that you may have missed out on earlier in your trip, they are breathtakingly beautiful and rich in history. The city of Venice has a couple of passes that bundle a few options together so that you can visit more and save money at the same time. These passes also help you skip the line and gain priority access, hence saving you time and energy.

Your Last Day in Venice

Depart your hotel for the airport for your return home. We recommend that you purchase a private transfer, if so a representative will meet you at the hotel, in time to take you to the airport for your flight out.