Contrasts of Italy
Contrasts of Italy
The Colosseum, Rome
A beautiful view of Florence and the basilica, Italy
St Mark's Square, Venice, Italy
$3995
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Contrasts of Italy" tour, a captivating journey through Italy's most iconic cities. Begin in Rome, where you'll explore ancient wonders like the Colosseum and Vatican City. Travel by high-speed train to Florence, the heart of the Renaissance, and admire masterpieces such as Michelangelo's David. Experience the charm of Pisa with its famous Leaning Tower, and enjoy a delightful "Be My Guest" lunch in the Tuscan hills. Continue to Venice, where you'll cruise the canals, witness the art of glassblowing, and explore the vibrant Rialto Food Market. Throughout the tour, enjoy the comfort of cherry-picked hotels and luxury transportation, with expert guidance from a Travel Director. This cultural adventure offers a perfect blend of sightseeing, local experiences, and free time to immerse yourself in the beauty and history of Italy. ...more ...less
Must-see Highlights
- Explore Rome, Florence, Pisa and Venice
- Visit The Colosseum in Rome, the Academy of Fine Arts in Florence and a glassblowing factory in Venice
- View the ancient sites in Rome, the Santa Croce Basilica and the Duomo in Florence, the Leaning Tower of Pisa and St. Mark's Basilica in Venice
- Scenic Cruise by private launch to St. Mark's Square in Venice
Make Travel Matter®
Venice: Meet Davide and the passionate team from Venice Lagoon Plastic Free for an eye-opening session on protecting Venice’s iconic lagoon. You’ll discover the dramatic impact of plastic pollution on wildlife and local life, learn practical ways to make a difference, and take home your very own tools for sustainable travel – including a reusable glass bottle. Together, you’ll help reduce plastic waste and become a part of the global movement for responsible tourism. Your visit directly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water.
Be My Guest
Florence: Meet Sandra and Antonella on their historic family farm for an exclusive Be My Guest lunch at the Agriturismo Borgo Vigna Vecchia in the Tuscan hills.
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Rome
Location: Rome
Accommodation: Grand Palatino
Accommodation Name: Grand Palatino
Meals Included: Dinner
Benvenuti a Roma. Our exciting journey through some of Italy's most beautiful cities begins here in the 'Eternal City'. Spend time relaxing after your travels or take a walk along the ancient streets, tracing centuries of art, antiquities and culture before joining your travel companions and Travel Director for dinner and orientation drive through Rome's intoxicating cityscape.
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Day 2: Explore Ancient Rome and the Vatican City
Location: Rome
Accommodation: Grand Palatino
Accommodation Name: Grand Palatino
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning see the Vatican City on your sightseeing tour of Rome with a Local Specialist. Your next stop is in Ancient Rome where you’ll see the Circus Maximus and visit the Colosseum. This evening, Roman flavors take center stage as you dine on local specialties.
Day 3: Rome Your Way
Location: Rome
Accommodation: Grand Palatino
Accommodation Name: Grand Palatino
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a full free day in Rome or consider spending some time in beautiful Tivoli. Join an Optional Experience to see the exquisite house and gardens of the 16th-century Villa d'Este – a marvelous example of Renaissance landscape architecture. As the sun sets over the seven hills of Rome, people-watch in one of Rome’s beautiful squares or admire the Trevi Fountain.
Day 4: Journey by High-Speed Train to Florence
Location: Florence
Accommodation: Ambasciatori
Accommodation Name: Ambasciatori
Meals Included: Breakfast
Sit back on the high-speed train, bound for Florence and watch the Tuscan landscape go by. Join a Local Specialist on a walking tour to gain insights into the city's Renaissance treasures. View the Ponte Vecchio, almost 700 years old and lined with goldsmiths, then visit the Fine Arts Academy to see one of Michelangelo's masterpieces, the statue of David. Your love affair with Florence continues as you stroll to the Piazza della Signoria, featuring Palazzo Vecchio and the Uffizi Gallery.
Day 5: Admire Pisa Connect with Locals
Location: Pisa
Accommodation: Ambasciatori
Accommodation Name: Ambasciatori
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Cross the Arno River and see the enchanting skyline of Florence from Piazzale Michelangelo before driving to Pisa through the Arno Valley. Meet your Local Specialist to explore the Square of Miracles and see the famous Leaning Tower, the Cathedral, Baptistery and Camposanto, built on soil brought back from the Holy Land during the Crusades. Over lunch, at the Agriturismo Borgo Vigna Vecchia where you’ll enjoy an exclusive Be My Guest experience surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. This evening, stroll along the Arno River in search of the perfect gelato, see the beautifully lit Duomo or visit a cozy enoteca for some wine tasting.
Day 6: Discover Renaissance Florence
Location: Florence
Accommodation: Ambasciatori
Accommodation Name: Ambasciatori
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is yours to discover the beauty and elegance of Florence – a city filled with exquisite galleries, lush gardens and opulent palaces. Consider a visit to the hilltop town of San Gimignano, the 'medieval Manhattan' of Tuscany. Venture outside the city to see Tuscan villages and taste rich panforte and tortas, or shop for the latest fashions in Florence's sophisticated boutiques. This evening, consider joining an Optional Experience in the Chianti region for a delicious Tuscan dinner.
Day 7: Travel by High-Speed Train to Venice
Location: Venice
Accommodation: Principe
Accommodation Name: Amadeus, Principe
Meals Included: Breakfast
All aboard the express train for Venice. Cross the spectacular Apennines and fertile Veneto plain before arriving at the romantic island city of Venice. Get lost this afternoon, wandering its narrow lanes in search of a cozy bacaro, people-watch in St. Mark's Square, the gateway to Venice, or take an unforgettable gondola ride along the city's enchanting canals.
Day 8: Cruise the Canals of Venice Make Travel Matter
Location: Venice
Accommodation: Principe
Accommodation Name: Amadeus, Principe
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, breathe in the salty sea air as you board a private launch and cruise to St. Mark's Square to see the Bridge of Sighs, Palladian Churches, the Customs House, St. Mark's Basilica, and Campanile, as well as the Doge's Palace. Later, you'll enjoy an unforgettable MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, witnessing first-hand the centuries-old craft of glassblowing. You may be tempted to buy a souvenir or two after admiring the talent and skill of the artisans, passed down from generation to generation. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore the city on your own terms, perhaps finding a quiet campo and pavement café or take a cruise to colorful Burano for a delicious meal.
Day 9: Experience Venice’s Daily Life
Location: Venice
Accommodation: Principe
Accommodation Name: Amadeus, Principe
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, learn about conservation efforts in Venice with our MAKE TRAVEL MATTER experience with Venice Plastic Free before the sights and sounds of modern Venice come to life as you join your Local Specialist for a walk tour. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure for one last taste of Venice. As your adventure through Italy's charming cities is about to come to an end, celebrate newfound friendships and an unforgettable experience at dinner.
Day 10: Farewell Venice
Location: Venice
Meals Included: Breakfast
Say arrivederci to Italy and your fellow travelers as your fascinating holiday comes to an end.
What's Included
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An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver are included in the tour.
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
Accommodation in cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted, is included.
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All porterage and restaurant gratuities
All porterage and restaurant gratuities are included in the tour.
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
All hotel tips, charges, and local taxes are included.
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Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals are included.
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras are part of the tour.
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Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing are provided.
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi
Travel in a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation such as rail journeys.
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High-speed train from Rome to Florence
A high-speed train journey from Rome to Florence is included.
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High-speed train from Florence to Venice
A high-speed train journey from Florence to Venice is included.
What's Not Included
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Airfare
International airfare to/from the start/end of your trip is not included in the tour price.
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Visas
Visas and other travel documentation are not included and may be necessary depending on your nationality.
Dining Summary
- 3 Dinner (D)
- 9 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Lunch (L)
Dive Into Culture
- Venice: Savor the vibrant atmosphere of Venice during a walk through its calli to a traditional food market in the shadow of the famous Rialto Bridge.
Dive into Culture
- Venice: Savor the vibrant atmosphere of Venice during a walk through its calli to a traditional food market in the shadow of the famous Rialto Bridge.
Iconic Experience
- Rome: During an orientation with your Travel Director see the medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches scattered throughout the city.
- Rome: Discover ancient treasures of Rome with a Local Specialist. See Circus Maximus and visit the mighty Colosseum, which bears witness to the limitless courage of the gladiators.
- Florence: Join a Local Specialist to view the multi-colored marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery, adorned by Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise. Visit the political heart of the city, Signoria Square.
- Florence: Admire the enchanting Tuscan landscape as you travel by high-speed train to Florence.
- Florence: Visit the Academy of Fine Arts and admire its Michelangelo collection.
- Pisa: During an orientation, your Travel Director will show you the baptistery, cathedral and the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.
- Venice: Journey by high-speed train past dramatic mountains and lush plains to ''La Serenissima''.
- Venice: Discover the ancient skill of Venetian glassblowing and play a part in preserving this traditional craft.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a 'Be My Guest' lunch experience at the Agriturismo Borgo Vigna Vecchia in the Tuscan hills, where you will meet Sandra and Antonella on their historic family farm. Additionally, there is a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience in Venice, where you will witness the centuries-old craft of glassblowing. ...more ...less
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How will we travel between the major cities on the tour?
The tour includes high-speed train journeys from Rome to Florence and from Florence to Venice. Additionally, a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi is used for other parts of the journey.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
The tour offers cherry-picked hotels that are tried and trusted. Specific accommodations include the Grand Hotel Palatino in Rome, Ambasciatori Hotel in Florence, and Hotel Principe in Venice.
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Are there any optional experiences available during the tour?
Yes, there are optional experiences available, such as visiting the Villa d'Este in Tivoli, exploring the hilltop town of San Gimignano, and enjoying a Tuscan dinner in the Chianti region.
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What meals are included in the tour package?
The tour includes breakfast daily, up to half of your evening meals, and one exclusive 'Be My Guest' lunch.
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What is the significance of the glassblowing experience in Venice?
The glassblowing experience in Venice is part of the MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® initiative, which supports the preservation of traditional crafts and aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
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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
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Book 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
Enquire for Extra Savings
Rated 5* on Trust Pilot & ABTA Protected.
Contrasts of Italy
10 Days Starting in Rome, Italy and ending in Venice, Italy
Visiting: Rome, Florence, Pisa, Venice
Tour operator:
Tour code:
ITGVZN20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, Rail Tours
