Relaxed Winter Trip to Italy: Venice, Milan, Florence, & Rome

12 Day Tour of Venice, Milan, Florence and Rome

Overview
Trip Map
Itinerary
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View of the Duomo and Florence's historic skyline in winter dusted by a coat of snow

12 Days 11 Nights

Best Time: Jan-Dec

Visiting Museums & Art Galleries

Local Cuisine & Wine

Beat the tourist rush and experience Italy in its austere winter beauty. Explore Venice's iconic canals and secret squares, admire Milan’s gothic grandeur, and bask in Florence's Renaissance masterpieces. From the snow-dusted hills surrounding Lake Como to the bustling markets and cozy trattorias of Rome, winter in Italy offers unforgettable experiences without the crowds. Enjoy private guided tours, indulge in world-renowned Italian cuisine, and even learn to cook like a local in Rome with a hands-on class. Let our detailed travel guidance, available through our mobile app, lead you to Italy’s treasures in its quietest, most magical season.

Enjoy a private guided tour through Venice's San Marco Sestiere, including St. Mark’s Basilica.
Take in the stunning view from Milan's Duomo terraces and visit the Brera District for art & culture
See the masterpieces of the Uffizi Gallery and Michelangelo’s David during your stay in Florence.
Explore Ancient Rome with a private guide & take a self-guided walk through Rome’s historic squares.
Shop and cook like a local in Rome with a private cooking class.

Enjoy a private guided tour through Venice's San Marco Sestiere, including St. Mark’s Basilica.
Take in the stunning view from Milan's Duomo terraces and visit the Brera District for art & culture
See the masterpieces of the Uffizi Gallery and Michelangelo’s David during your stay in Florence.
Explore Ancient Rome with a private guide & take a self-guided walk through Rome’s historic squares.
Shop and cook like a local in Rome with a private cooking class.

Grand Canal

European History

Saint Mark's Basilica

Architecture

Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper

Museums & Galleries

Duomo

Churches & Monasteries

Piazza del Duomo

Churches & Monasteries

Galleria dell'Accademia

Museums & Galleries

Oltrarno & Piazzale Michelangelo

Cultural

Colosseum

Historic Landmarks

Vatican City

Churches & Monasteries

Must see sights

Grand Canal

European History

Saint Mark's Basilica

Architecture

Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper

Museums & Galleries

Duomo

Churches & Monasteries

Piazza del Duomo

Churches & Monasteries

Galleria dell'Accademia

Museums & Galleries

Oltrarno & Piazzale Michelangelo

Cultural

Colosseum

Historic Landmarks

Vatican City

Churches & Monasteries

Starting from

$2999

per person

4.8 (365 reviews)

Not included

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Day-By-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive Venice

Day 1

Arrive Venice

To Be Determined

Arrival in Venice Airport and Transfer by Water Bus or Taxi

There are two main airports in Venice. You will likely arrive at the main airport of Venice Marco Polo which is located 5 miles (8km) across the water from Venice. The water bus (i.e. the "vaparetto") picks up directly at the airport and delivers you to Venice. You'll find the docks just by following the signs and you can purchase a water bus ticket at the airport for 15 EUR. You can also book a private, and very expensive, water taxi directly to your hotel, or take a land taxi to Piazzale Roma near the Venice main train station. From there you can walk or catch a water bus to your hotel. Uber is not available in Venice. If you are arriving at the more distant Treviso Airport, you will need to take a shuttle bus or an expensive taxi (100 EUR) to Venice. The ATVO bus delivers you to the Piazzale Roma on Venice in 70 minutes. The Barzi Bus Service takes you to the Tronchetto docks in 40 minutes, but from there you must take a water taxi or water bus. Both cost 12 EUR.

Day 1

Arrive Venice

To Be Determined:

Transfer from Airport

Mid-Day to Late Afternoon:

St Mark's Square

Late Afternoon:

The Grand Canal

Day 1

Arrive Venice

Day 1

Arrive Venice

To Be Determined

Arrival in Venice Airport and Transfer by Water Bus or Taxi

Mid-Day to Late Afternoon

St Mark's Square & Surroundings

St Mark's Square was the embodiment of The Most Serene Republic of Venice's power and prestige, and as such contains its most magnificent public buildings: the extraordinary golden mosaic-encrusted basilica of St Mark's, the exquisite Doge's Palace, the all-seeing bell tower, the Bibliotecca Marciana library, and what is nowadays the famous Correr Museum. If timed correctly, it is possible to see all these sights on your own within half a day, although a guide can make the process much more efficient (and more educational as well). Keep in mind that the square is one of the most heavily touristed places in the world, so crowds and lines can be an issue. St Mark the Evangelist was not the patrion saint of Venice until 829 AD, when two Venetian merchants stole St. Mark's remains from their original resting place in a chuch in Alexandria, Egypt, and then smuggled the relics home trussed up in a canvas sheet. The pretext for the theft was that the Muslim conquerors of Alexandria were expected to defile and plunder the church. While this may have been true, it is no coincidence that bringing such an important saint's relics to Venice was hugely important politically and signaled Venice's place as a rising independent power. A church was built to house the relics, and St. Mark's Square was established as the spiritual and political heart of the city.

Late Afternoon

The Grand Canal

Snaking through the heart of Venice, the Grand Canal is the main artery of Venice. Flanked by Gothic, Renaissance and Moorish palaces, a trip down the Canal is often the highlight of many people's trip. While the Gondola is the most romantic option, many opt for the less glamorous but equally as enjoyable ride on the 3.8 kilometres Water Bus Line 1, which passes some 50 palazzi and passes underneath the famous Rialto Bridge.

Day 2

Venice

Day 2

Venice

Day 2

Venice

Day 2

Venice

Morning/Mid-Day

Visit the Dorsoduro District

Discover the less well-known sestiere (district) of Dorsoduro and visit its world-famous art collections at Gallerie dell'Academia, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, and Cà Rezzonico. Once a haven for artists before rising rents drove them out, it is still a charming and unique district with many lively spots, such as the Campo Santa Margherita, one of Venice's largest squares. Be sure to take a walk along its enchanting waterfront promenade known as Zattere and explore the cafes along its canals.

12:30 PM - 3:30 PM

'First Walk' Guided Tour in Venice

If you are a first-time visitor to Venice, the best approach is an introductory tour. This 3-hour private guided walking excursion begins with a selection of the “must sees,” including St. Mark's Square, the former political center of the Venetian Republic, with its many famous buildings: the Doges' Palace, the Bridge of Sighs, the Marciana Library, the Bell Tower, and the Clock Tower. You'll end your tour in the Rialto neighborhood next to the famous Rialto Bridge.

Late Afternoon/Early Evening

Visit the San Marco Sestiere

The sestiere (district) of San Marco is much more than just St Mark's Square. It's also home to some of Venice's more unusual churches and stunning alfresco artwork, and the world-famous concert venue, La Fenice, which you can visit during the day prior to performances. As the district surrounded the political center of the Venetian Republic, St. Mark's Square, the neighborhood also has more than its fair share of impressive palaces which were owned by many of the most powerful families. Neither is St. Mark's Square the only square in the district. Wander about and you'll discover several nice squares in San Marco, including the large and pleasant Campo Santo Stefano (Santo Stefano Square), which has a much more relaxed vibe than St. Mark's. The statue in the middle of it is of Niccolo Tommaseo, an eminent man of letters who attacked censorship laws. However, the unfortunate positioning of the pile of books behind (representing his voluminous literally output) has earned the statue the nickname il Cagalibri - the Book-Shitter.

Early Evening/Evening

Dining Out In Zattere

The Fondamenta delle Zattere in the Dorsoduro sestiere (district) is a beautiful promenade with many bars, restaurants and ice cream parlors. It has a great view across the Giudecca Canal and therefore makes for a lovely evening out to enjoy some Venetian cuisine and wines from the Veneto region. The nearby canals of Dorsoduro are also home to myriad bars and al fresco dining venues in the summer months.

Day 3

Venice to Milan

Day 3

Venice to Milan

Day 3

Venice to Milan

Day 3

Venice to Milan

Morning/Mid-Day

Rialto Bridge & San Polo District

The graceful arch of the Rialto Bridge is perhaps the single most iconic sight in Venice since nearly everyone passes beneath it on their journey along the Grand Canal. It connects Venice's two most visited districts, San Marco and San Polo. While San Marco is famous for St. Mark's Square, San Polo more than holds its own as a must-see destination, as it contains some of the city's oldest neighborhoods and most picturesque canals and bridges. It is also home to some of the best restaurants in Venice, and admittedly some of its worst tourist traps as well. Among many highlights is the bustling Rialto Market, which was once one of medieval Europe's busiest financial and trade markets, and still does a brisk trade in fresh seafood and produce.

2:20 PM

Transfer to Rail Station by Water Bus or Private Water Taxi

Because it's impossible to travel by a land taxi in Venice you will need to take a water bus (Vaporetto) from the nearest dock on the Grand Canal to Santa Lucia train station. You can use a Venezia Unica card or other travel pass, or simply buy a one-way ticket on the spot. If you do not want to take the Vaporetto, you can arrange a private transfer by water taxi or ask your hotel front desk to arrange one for you. Be sure to give your front desk some advance notice though, as it can be difficult to get a water taxi on the spot. Water taxis are expensive (about 75 EUR +), but they should be able to pick you up much closer to your place of lodging, or if your hotel has its own dock, directly from the dock.

15:48 - 18:15

Rail Journey from Venice to Milan

Your train journey from Venice to Milan should take about 2.5 hours if you are travelling by the direct high-speed trains which can reach speeds of up to 155 miles per hour (250km/h). As you leave Venice, you will travel across the lagoon by bridge before you reach the mainland. You will then travel through the countryside of Veneto and Lombardy, passing Vicenza, Verona and Lake Garda on your right. Definitely, a pleasant way to spend a few hours on a train!

6:15 PM

Arrival and Transfer by Taxi or Public Transport

Most trains arrive in Milano Centrale station, the largest station in the city. Before spending money on a transfer, be sure to check whether your hotel is within easy walking distance. Also, consider that public transport is the cheapest and sometimes fastest option. Taxis are available at all rail stations but some are known for taking advantage of tourists so you may want to agree on a price before getting into the taxi or choose public transport during peak hours when there may be heavy traffic if you want to save money. However, if you prefer the convenience of not carrying your bags on public transport, they are an option. Some private transfers even meet you directly on the platform to help with bags. Uber is also available for those with the app.

Day 4

Milan

Day 4

Milan

Day 4

Milan

Day 4

Milan

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Best of Milan Private Walking Tour

Milan is the center of business and the capital of Italian fashion, but it also has an ancient heritage and a fascinating history; here you find some of the greatest masterpieces of Italian art! Together with your guide, you’ll explore the magnificent Duomo, Galleria, Scala opera house, merchant square, financial district, food street, and Sforza Castle.

Mid-Day/Afternoon

Brera District & National Gallery

Brera is the artistic heart of the city. Its tightly-packed together cobbled lanes and ancient buildings are a reminder that Milan was not always the modern metropolis that it is today. At the heart of the neighborhood, you'll find the Pinotecca di Brera (National Gallery), home to Italy's biggest collection of paintings of the 15th & 16th century. Indeed, Brera has been synonymous with art ever since the romantic artists of the 19th century turned the quarter into a hub of Bohemianism. Around the gallery you'll find some of the city's most fashionable boutique shops, and a host of trendy bars and restaurants, making it an area to be seen when the sun sets.

Late Afternoon

Visit the Duomo, Milan's Cathedral

The Duomo of Milan is the last of Italy's great Gothic structures. Standing proud in the spacious Piazza del Duomo, this behemoth church is one of the world's largest Gothic cathedrals, and by far the most visited sights in Milan for tourists. Step inside and visit its interior before climbing up its stairs or riding the elevator to its terraces, where you can enjoy stunning views of the Milan cityscape and spires up close. Note that entrance to the Duomo and Terraces are by paid admission only. During high season, we recommend purchasing advanced tickets to save you time in Milan.

Late Afternoon/Early Evening

Out and About in Milan's City Center

Milan's city center is by no means small, but it is conveniently compact, making it very easy to explore a multiple of attractions one after the other. It is also home to some of the city's blockbuster sights, with the magnificent Duomo sat right at its heart. From its large piazza, you can choose to explore its luxurious shopping scene, visit some of the city's world-class art, see Milan's famous Scala theatre or simply sit in one of the street side cafes and watch some of Milan's best-dressed citizens come and go.

Evening/Late Evening

Concert or Other Cultural Event in Milan

Milan knows how to satisfy all types of tastes; lyric, theatre, entertainment, music, and all sorts of artistic expression find their place in the city. As the city of Verdi, Milan has welcomed some of the world's most famous classical musicians for over two centuries and boasts one of the most famous opera houses in the world, the La Scala Theatre. You can enjoy a night out at this iconic theatre where famous opera singers such as Maria Callas, Renata Tebaldi, Giulietta Simionato, Mirella Freni and Luciano Pavarotti have performed. Milan also hosts a variety of music festivals and fashion events during the year and for those interested. You may also wish to head to nearby Verona for the annual Opera Festival.

Day 5

Milan to Florence

Day 5

Milan to Florence

Day 5

Milan to Florence

Day 5

Milan to Florence

Morning/Mid-Day

In Da Vinci's Footsteps: The Last Supper & Surroundings

Preserved in the refectory (i.e. the dining hall) of the convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie, Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper is not only one of Milan's top attractions, but one of the most famous paintings in the world. Painted between 1494 and 1498, it depicts the last "dinner" between Jesus and his apostles. The painting shows the dramatic moment in which Christ reveals that he will be betrayed by one of the twelve apostles sitting at the table, as told in the Gospel of St John. A mandatory reservation has to be made either online or over the phone if you wish to visit The Last Supper. Reservations for each calendar month go on sale approximately 3 months in advance. Spots are very limited, so if you miss your chance, then the best bet is a guided tour which includes The Last Supper. With so much to learn about the painting, seeing it with an expert is a good idea in any case. The Last Supper of Leonardo da Vinci is undoubtedly one of the most important works of art of all time, but Milan is a city full of surprises and you'll find numerous other sights linked to the great artist just a short distance away.

Afternoon/Late Afternoon

Sforzesco Castle & Sempione Park

The Sforzesco Castle is one of the most popular monuments in Milan. It has undergone various transformations over the centuries; it has been a defensive fortress, a military barracks, and a private residence. Today it is a center of cultural institutions and contains several specialized museums that hold important fragments of Milan's cultural and civic history. Located behind the castle is Parco Sempione, Milan's largest English style park, where you'll also find one of the best lookout towers in the city.

5:40 PM

Transfer to Station by Taxi or Public Transport

Most trains depart from Milano Centrale station, the largest station in the city. Before spending money on a transfer, be sure to check whether your hotel is within easy walking distance. Also, consider that public transport is the cheapest and sometimes fastest option since the station has its own metro stop. If you are staying at a hotel, they can order a reliable taxi for you and give you an estimate on cost. Some private transfers will even help with your bags. Uber is also available for those with the app. Information on finding your departure platform is provided in the itinerary mobile app.

19:00 - 20:50

Rail Journey from Milan to Florence

Your approximately 2-hour rail journey to Florence will speed past the countryside of the regions of Lombardy, Emilia Romagna, and the breathtaking Tuscany. You'll traverse the Apennine Mountains and pass through historical cities such as Bologna and Modena. The journey is especially convenient since you can take a direct, high-speed train (the Frecciarossa trains).

8:50 PM

Arrival and Transfer by Taxi or Public Transport

Most trains arrive in Firenza S.M.N. (i.e. Florence Santa Maria Novella Station) station, the largest station in the city. Before spending money on a transfer, be sure to check whether your hotel is within easy walking distance. Also consider that public transport is the cheapest and sometimes fastest option, and trams and buses pick up next to the station. Uber is not available in Florence, but taxis are available at all rail stations and are usually honest (but certainly not always). Some private transfers even meet you directly on the platform to help with bags.

Day 6

Florence

Day 6

Florence

Day 6

Florence

Day 6

Florence

Morning/Mid-Day

Visit Italy's Greatest Display of Art at the Uffizi Gallery

As the capital of the Renaissance, it's only fitting that Florence should also host Italy's greatest art gallery at the Uffizi. It's understandably busy throughout the year, but it's nevertheless worth the crowds to see to see some of the most sumptuous masterpieces of Renaissance art, including Botticelli's Primavera and Venus, and works by Michelangelo and Da Vinci. If you're planning to visit other galleries and museums in Florence, then it's definitely worth investing in a Firenze Card, which gives you free entry and priority access to 72 venues in the city. At a minimum, you should book ahead for the Uffizi to avoid very long queues.

Mid-Day/Afternoon

Piazza Della Signoria: The Heart of Renaissance Florence

Piazza Della Signoria represents the very soul of Renaissance Florence and Italy. It was here in the Palazzo Vecchio that the rulers of Florence began commissioning work from the great masters of the Florentine, Roman and Venetian art world before they moved across the Arno River to Palazzo Pitti. The piazza remains an open-air sculpture museum, with eye-catching works such as the Neptune Fountain. Nearby the world famous Bargello Gallery contains the overflow of masterpieces from the Uffizi Gallery, including Donatella's famous rendering of David, while the Loggia dei Lanzi houses some of the greatest statuary to have come out of Renaissance Italy. The piazza is still the most popular meeting point in the city, particularly during political campaigns when speakers address the crowds from the terrace in front of the Palazzo Vecchio.

Late Afternoon/Early Evening

Visit to the Duomo and the Piazza del Duomo

Discover the medieval marvel of the Duomo, Santa Maria del Fiore, with its iconic dome offering panoramic views of Florence. Founded in 1296, it aimed to be the world's largest church, showcasing unmatched Renaissance grandeur in Piazza del Duomo. While entry to the Duomo is free, dome access requires a reservation. Consider a Firenze Card for easy access to other sites.

Early Evening/Evening

Dining Out In Santa Croce

While the focal point of Santa Croce is its exquisite Franciscan basilica, there are a number of culinary gems scattered around the quarter demanding the attention of gourmands and casual foodies alike. With fresh, high-quality ingredients on offer at the nearby Sant’Ambrogio market and a treasure trove of historical architecture as a backdrop, this neighborhood has all the necessary requisites to be a culinary paradise. You can choose from dynamic restaurants with innovative menus serving a hip clientele, or more formal restaurants hewing closely to Florence's strict culinary mores of the past. You can also discover plenty of unpretentious traditional mom-and-pop trattorias serving regional classics such as ribollita and bistecca all Fiorentina.

Day 7

Florence

Day 7

Florence

Day 7

Florence

Day 7

Florence

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Best of Florence: Half-Day Walking Tour

Enjoy a 3-hour private walking tour of Florence, the perfect introduction to the masterpieces of this city. Stroll around the historic center and take in sights such as the Palazzo Vecchio, Ponte Vecchio, Piazza Della Signora and end your tour at the famous Galleria dell'Accademia where you can enter to see Michelangelo's marble masterpiece, the statue of David.

Mid-Day/Afternoon

Galleria dell'Accademia & North of the Center

Take the opportunity to visit Galleria dell'Accademia to see Michelangelo's statue of David and his unfinished Slaves, then pop by the Palazzo Medici-Riccardi, the first grand palace built by the Medici family, followed by the Church of San Lorenzo to see more masterpieces by Michelangelo in the Medici Chapel and Old Sacristy. The Spedale degli Innocenti (Hospital of the Innocents) also contains a deeply moving museum dedicated to the social conditions in medieval Florence and the treatment of its unwanted children. We highly recommend the Firenze Card to facilitate easy entry into museums and galleries like Galleria dell'Accademia.

Late Afternoon/Early Evening

In the footsteps of the Medicis - Ponte Vecchio & Palazzo Pitti

The Ponte Vecchio, an iconic bridge over the Arno River, dates back to Roman times and is a key Florence landmark. Once home to butchers, it now houses jewelers and art dealers. The Vasari Corridor above was a Medici family passage linking the Palazzo Vecchio with the Pitti Palace, a treasure trove of Italian Renaissance and Baroque art by Raphael, Titian, and others. Walk across this magnificent bridge that connects the two sides of the city and learn about its history along the way.

Day 8

Florence to Rome

Day 8

Florence to Rome

Day 8

Florence to Rome

Day 8

Florence to Rome

9:15 AM

Transfer to Station by Taxi or Public Transport

Most trains depart from Firenza S.M.N. (i.e. Florence Santa Maria Novella Station) station, the largest station in the city. Before spending money on a transfer, be sure to check whether your hotel is within easy walking distance. Also consider that public transport is the cheapest and sometimes fastest option; trams and buses drop off next to the station. Uber is available in Florence, and if staying at a hotel, they can order a reliable taxi. Some private transfers will even help with your bags.

10:14 - 11:49

Rail Journey from Florence to Rome

Your approximately 1 hour-and-a-half-hour rail journey to Rome will first travel through the famously beautiful countryside of of Tuscany. You'll then cross the also picturesque region of Umbria and enter Lazio, the region in which Rome lies at the center. You'll pass a landscape of green hills covered by vineyards, fields and forests, and see winding roads lined by the iconic cypress trees. Be sure to watch out for medieval hilltop towns as you travel, such as Arezzo and Montepulciano in Tuscany, and Orvieto in Umbria. The journey is especially convenient since you can take a direct, high-speed train - the Frecciarossa, which reaches speeds of up to 250 miles per hour (400 km/h) and offers maximum comfort.

11:49 AM

Private Transfer from Rome Termini Rail Station

Upon your arrival in Rome, your driver will meet you outside the station on Via Marsala. He or she will be carrying a sign with your name on it. The driver will drop you off at your hotel. This is a private transfer. The price of the pickup is already included in your itinerary cost so you will not have to pay the driver. IMPORTANT NOTE: Please be aware the car service can fit up to 1 checked item of luggage and 1 personal item per person, such as a purse or small backpack. If you think you will have more baggage, please inform your travel consultant as this may result in an additional fee.

2:30 PM - 5:30 PM

In the Heart of The Empire - Private Guided Tour of Ancient Rome

On this 3-hour private guided tour, you will explore the imposing remains of ancient Rome. Your guide will explain the extraordinary history of the birth of Rome, life in the city and everything about the fall of the Empire. Visit the Colosseum, the monumental ruins of the Roman Forum, and end the tour on the Capitoline Hill, the smallest and most important of the seven hills of Ancient Rome.

Early Evening/Evening

Spanish Steps and surroundings

The streets spreading out from grand Piazza del Popolo (People's Square) form a trident that hosts some of the most popular shopping and tourist sights in Rome. These include the Spanish Steps, the adjacent Keats-Shelley House where Keats died of tuberculosis in 1821, Trevi Fountain where Anita Ekberg jumped into the water in the famous scene from Frederico Fellini's La Dolce Vita, and the Mausoleum of Emperor Augustus.

Day 9

Rome

Day 9

Rome

Day 9

Rome

Day 9

Rome

Morning

Exploring Rome's Historic Center (Centro Storico)

Rome's tangled historical center is packed full of some of the most fascinating and incredible sights. Explore elegant squares and piazzas, centuries-year-old churches, and baroque fountains and wander at leisure the labyrinth of ancient Roman cobbled lanes. Highlights include the Baroque grandeur of Piazza Navona and the great and endlessly copied Roman Pantheon.

Afternoon/Late Afternoon

Piazza Venezia & Surroundings

The Piazza Venezia is not only the central hub of Rome, but is also located at the foot of the Capitoline Hill, which is the ancient heart of Rome. Thus it was chosen as a fitting space for a memorial to the first king of modern Italy, Victor Emmanuel II, who led the unification of the Italian states in the 1860s. The gigantic monument now overlooks the Piazza Venezia in overwhelming marble glory, standing as an unmissable symbol of Italian unity. The open space and dramatic setting were used to great effect by Mussolini, who staged rallies here. However, the monument is just one of the several sights that can be found around Piazza Venezia, an area often overlooked by tourists who pass from the historic center directly to the Colosseum further down the street. For instance, just below it you'll find Trajan's Forum, containing some of Rome's most notable ruins, and just above it on the Capitoline Hill, an elegant square designed by Michelangelo.

Evening/Late Evening

Exploring & Dining Out in Trastevere

Stroll around Trastevere, a formerly working-class district which has now been transformed into one of its hippest neighborhoods. You'll discover a heady nightlife mostly free of the tourist traps which mar other parts of the center, and you'll discover hidden corners beloved by locals and visitors alike. We highly recommend dining out in one of the district's top-rated restaurants or cafes, but beware, this is Rome's most popular spot for dinner, so booking ahead or dining early is highly advised. If you don't make a reservation, here's one tip for finding a restaurant: if someone is standing outside trying to convince you to come in, it's not popular with the locals.

Day 10

Rome

Day 10

Rome

Day 10

Rome

Day 10

Rome

Early Morning to Afternoon

Explore the Vatican City's Many Wonders

Rome is unique in the world in that it contains an independent country within its city limits - the Vatican City, from where the Pope administers the Catholic Church. The symbolic center of Catholicism is St Peter's Basilica, the second-largest Catholic church in the world and among the most beautiful. The Vatican Museum contains one of the greatest collections of art in existence, including Michelangelo's jaw-dropping Sistine Chapel. The popes had a bigger influence on Rome than just the collection of art. The Pope's title is actually Bishop of Rome, and popes administed the city for centuries, shaping its architecture & public spaces. Rome was re-built to be an example of urban beauty, and the Vatican was meant to be the showcase within the showcase. Their success is evident from the throngs of visitors who flock here even today.

Afternoon/Late Afternoon

Castel Sant'Angelo

Designed and built by Emperor Hadrian as his own mausoleum, the great circular hulk of Castel Sant'Angelo provides one of the best routes to the Vatican and St Peter's via the Ponte Sant'Angelo bridge. Appropriated by the popes, the mausoleum was turned into a fortress and attached to the Vatican with a passageway for the popes to use as a refuge in times of siege or invasion - this is where Pope Clement VII sheltered during the Sack of Rome in 1527.

Evening

Piazza Navona - An Italian Night Out

Arguably the most beautiful of all the piazzas in Rome, Piazza Navona is particularly stunning at night. As one of the largest and most romantic piazza squares in Rome, it is a great spot to spend the evening, with a whole host of restaurants, bars and entertainment on offer. See its three impressive fountains illuminated by night, sip on an Aperol Spritz, take an evening stroll or simply sit on a bench with an ice cream. When night falls, this is the place to be.

Day 11

Rome

Day 11

Rome

Day 11

Rome

Day 11

Rome

9:30 AM - 3:00 PM

Private Cooking Class in Rome, including a Trip to the Market

Join this ultimate food experience in Rome where you'll have the opportunity to shop for delicacies and discover hidden treasures on a "Shopping trip" to a local market before heading back to a relaxed and welcoming home located in the heart of Ancient Rome. Get your hands stuck in and prepare a seasonal menu paired with local wine.

Late Afternoon/Early Evening

Exploring the Villa Borghese Gardens

The Villa Borghese Park acts as the main respite and sanctuary for Romans and tourists alike away from the din of central Rome. Overlooking Piazza del Popolo and only a stone's throw from the Spanish Steps, the area was a district of market gardens, olive groves, and patrician villas until taken over as summer estates by the city's wealthy during the Renaissance. The most notable is Villa Borghese, which now houses one of the city's best non-Vatican art collections. The adjacent Pincio Gardens offer a grand vista over Rome.

Day 12

Depart Rome

Day 12

Depart Rome

Day 12

Depart Rome

Day 12

Depart Rome

To Be Determined

Private Transfer to Rome Fiumicino or Ciampino Airport

A car service will pick you up from your hotel and take you directly to Rome Fiumicino Airport. This is a private transfer for you and your travel party. You do not need to pay the driver as the cost of the private transfer is included in your itinerary. IMPORTANT NOTE: Please be aware the car service can fit up to 1 checked item of luggage and 1 personal item per person, such as a purse or small backpack. If you think you will have more baggage, please inform your travel consultant as this may result in an additional fee.

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Relaxed Winter Trip to Italy: Venice, Milan, Florence, & Rome

12 Day Tour of Venice, Milan, Florence and Rome

$2999

Secure Your Customizable Trip Enter your details to embark on a journey that can be tailored just for you.

Craft Your Own Itinerary Select your interests and destinations for a trip plan inspired by you.

Trip Map & Itinerary

Day-By-Day Itinerary

Arrival in Venice Airport and Transfer by Water Bus or Taxi

Secure Your Customizable Trip
Enter your details to embark on a journey that can be tailored just for you.

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Select your interests and destinations for a trip plan inspired by you.