Treasures of Rome and Tuscany: A 10-Day Journey

Book early if you want to see the Vatican Museum's monumental works of art from the greatest Italian artists of the Renaissance.

The Vatican Museum is actually 26 different museums, which include not only exhibitions but chapels, apartments, and other rooms of the Vatican palace, covering a huge range of fine and applied arts patronized by the popes. There's also an outstanding collection of ancient antiquities (including even the Emperor Nero's red stone bathtub), a gallery of hand-painted maps, and whole rooms turned into works of art. In addition to ancient and medieval works of art, you'll see masterpieces by the "who's who" of the Italian Renaissance, including Raphael, Leonardo da Vinci, Titian, and Caravaggio. Other highlights include panels by the brilliant monk-artist Fra Angelico, works from the Venetian school, including Vavarini, and much, much more.  Booking in advance is highly recommended as otherwise you can wait for hours or not even be able to get in at all.

Explore the gigantic and incredibly beautiful church known as "the greatest of all churches of Christendom".

The basilica is one of the chief pilgrimage sites in the Christian world, and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Rome. The basilica is the symbolic center of the church not only because the Pope frequently celebrates Mass there, but because it is believed that the apostle St. Peter is buried beneath it. Catholics consider Peter as the first Bishop of Rome and "the rock" upon which the Catholic Church was built, in accordance with Christ's instructions. Inside you can admire sculptures by Bernini as well as Michelangelo's famous sculpture of the Virgin Mary holding the crucified Jesus, known as The Pietà. The church's elaborate and impressive golden interior is a sight to behold. Other sights include St Peter's tomb, the Papal crypts in the necropolis under the basilica, as well as the dome, which rewards visitors with views over Rome.  Entry is free, but queues to visit the Basilica can be lengthy, so it is highly advised to either get there early or to purchase a skip the line entrance. The dome is also paid entry. 

Escape the crowds in this oasis of green hidden behind the walls of the Vatican.

Accessible only via a guided tour, the gardens are definitely worth a visit. Just as the Popes have for hundreds of years, you can stroll the gardens and relax amidst the greenery, while taking in the perfect view of St. Peter's. 

Stand in the middle of this famous square in which the faithful gather to hear the Pope give audiences and celebrate mass.

As one of the most superb conceptions of its kind in civic architecture, St Peter’s Square is the masterpiece of Gian Lorenzo Bernini and makes a wonderful approach to one of the world’s most magnificent churches, St Peter's Basilica. An oval rather than an actual square, the piazza, laid out in 1656-67, is partially enclosed by two semi-circular colonnades on which stand 96 statues of saints and martyrs. At the center of the oval stands an 84-foot (26m) tall Egyptian obelisk of red granite.

Gaze up at the world's most famous ceiling, the masterpiece of Michelangelo.

This famous chapel inside the Vatican Museums is best known for Michelangelo's 16th-century painted ceiling of "The Creation of Adam" and "The Last Judgement" fresco that covers the whole altar wall of the chapel. The jaw-dropping sight is not to be missed, considered one of the top highlights of visiting the Vatican Museums and one of the top artistic wonders of the world. 

Book early if you want to see the Vatican Museum's monumental works of art from the greatest Italian artists of the Renaissance.

The Vatican Museum is actually 26 different museums, which include not only exhibitions but chapels, apartments, and other rooms of the Vatican palace, covering a huge range of fine and applied arts patronized by the popes. There's also an outstanding collection of ancient antiquities (including even the Emperor Nero's red stone bathtub), a gallery of hand-painted maps, and whole rooms turned into works of art. In addition to ancient and medieval works of art, you'll see masterpieces by the "who's who" of the Italian Renaissance, including Raphael, Leonardo da Vinci, Titian, and Caravaggio. Other highlights include panels by the brilliant monk-artist Fra Angelico, works from the Venetian school, including Vavarini, and much, much more.  Booking in advance is highly recommended as otherwise you can wait for hours or not even be able to get in at all.

Find all the fountains and grottos in these sumptuous Renaissance gardens.

Perhaps the biggest surprise for visitors to Villa d'Este is the grand gardens and fountains that surround the villa. They encompass terraces, stairways, and slopes which lead to an impressive number of fountains and grottos. While the main attraction is the garden, the palace's rooms contain some beautifully lavish frescoes on the walls and ceilings, and intricately painted and decorated reception rooms. The Villa d'Este was built in the 1550s for Cardinal Ippolito d'Este, the governor of Tivoli and the son of Lucretia Borgia, an Italian noblewoman of the House of Borgia and daughter of Pope Alexander VI. Built over a Benedictine convent, the palace was intended for entertaining, with the Cardinal looking to relive the splendors of the courts of Ferrara, Rome and Fontainebleau.

Explore the ruins of this once luxurious retreat built for one of Rome's greatest Emperors.

Built at the peak fo Emperor Hadrian's power, Villa Adriana was the Emperor's preferred country retreat, away from the stresses, demands and political life of Rome. His exuberant palace and surrounding buildings once spread over an area of 120 acres of countryside, consisting of a theatre, libraries, a stadium, grand water features, thermal baths, servants' quarters and underground supply tunnels. It is said the Emperor fell in love with Tivoli and his palace so much that he eventually spent his last decade living and ruling from this place. Many of the structures remain in good condition, despite being plundered of its marble, statues, mosaics, and monuments, and today's visitors can spend hours wandering among the extensive ruins.

Find all the fountains and grottos in these sumptuous Renaissance gardens.

Perhaps the biggest surprise for visitors to Villa d'Este is the grand gardens and fountains that surround the villa. They encompass terraces, stairways, and slopes which lead to an impressive number of fountains and grottos. While the main attraction is the garden, the palace's rooms contain some beautifully lavish frescoes on the walls and ceilings, and intricately painted and decorated reception rooms. The Villa d'Este was built in the 1550s for Cardinal Ippolito d'Este, the governor of Tivoli and the son of Lucretia Borgia, an Italian noblewoman of the House of Borgia and daughter of Pope Alexander VI. Built over a Benedictine convent, the palace was intended for entertaining, with the Cardinal looking to relive the splendors of the courts of Ferrara, Rome and Fontainebleau.

Explore the ruins of this once luxurious retreat built for one of Rome's greatest Emperors.

Built at the peak fo Emperor Hadrian's power, Villa Adriana was the Emperor's preferred country retreat, away from the stresses, demands and political life of Rome. His exuberant palace and surrounding buildings once spread over an area of 120 acres of countryside, consisting of a theatre, libraries, a stadium, grand water features, thermal baths, servants' quarters and underground supply tunnels. It is said the Emperor fell in love with Tivoli and his palace so much that he eventually spent his last decade living and ruling from this place. Many of the structures remain in good condition, despite being plundered of its marble, statues, mosaics, and monuments, and today's visitors can spend hours wandering among the extensive ruins.

Discover the crypt and catacombs of an ancient Christian burial site estimated to hold half a million bodies.

The catacombs are the most important landmark along the ancient Appian Way route because they include the Crypt of the Popes, which contained the remains of nine popes buried between the 2nd and 4th centuries. In times of persecution, the catacombs also provided a secret place of worship for early Christians. There are five levels and roughly 12 miles (20km) of passageways. Over time, the catacombs were mostly forgotten as the relics of the popes and saints they contained had been moved to different churces of Rome. It was not until the 19th century that Italian architects rediscovered it.

Discover the crypt and catacombs of an ancient Christian burial site estimated to hold half a million bodies.

The catacombs are the most important landmark along the ancient Appian Way route because they include the Crypt of the Popes, which contained the remains of nine popes buried between the 2nd and 4th centuries. In times of persecution, the catacombs also provided a secret place of worship for early Christians. There are five levels and roughly 12 miles (20km) of passageways. Over time, the catacombs were mostly forgotten as the relics of the popes and saints they contained had been moved to different churces of Rome. It was not until the 19th century that Italian architects rediscovered it.

Discover the crypt and catacombs of an ancient Christian burial site estimated to hold half a million bodies.

The catacombs are the most important landmark along the ancient Appian Way route because they include the Crypt of the Popes, which contained the remains of nine popes buried between the 2nd and 4th centuries. In times of persecution, the catacombs also provided a secret place of worship for early Christians. There are five levels and roughly 12 miles (20km) of passageways. Over time, the catacombs were mostly forgotten as the relics of the popes and saints they contained had been moved to different churces of Rome. It was not until the 19th century that Italian architects rediscovered it.

Discover the crypt and catacombs of an ancient Christian burial site estimated to hold half a million bodies.

The catacombs are the most important landmark along the ancient Appian Way route because they include the Crypt of the Popes, which contained the remains of nine popes buried between the 2nd and 4th centuries. In times of persecution, the catacombs also provided a secret place of worship for early Christians. There are five levels and roughly 12 miles (20km) of passageways. Over time, the catacombs were mostly forgotten as the relics of the popes and saints they contained had been moved to different churces of Rome. It was not until the 19th century that Italian architects rediscovered it.

Visit Rome's most famous art gallery outside of the Vatican Museums.

The gallery started out as the private family collection of the powerful Borghese family, who poured much of their wealth into the patronage of the best Renaissance-era artists. It contains masterpieces not only by Bernini and Caravaggio, but also Raphael, Rubens, and Titian. Don't miss in particular Caravaggio's David with the Head of Goliath - the head is said to be a self-portrait. It's obligatory to book your visit in advance, you'll need a printable confirmation and a booking number.

See the most important collection in existence of Italian modern art.

The gallery was founded in 1883, although the current museum building was purpose-built for it in 1911. It displays paintings and sculptures of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries and is the largest such collection in Italy. In addition to Italian artists such as Giorgio de Chirico and Giorgio Morandi, you'll find works from non-Italian artists including Degas, Monet, and Jackson Pollock.

Take a peak at a 16th-century cardinal's villa that was once considered one of the grandest residences in the city.

Built-in 1564-74 and bought by Cardinal Ferdinando de'Medici in 1576, who further enlarged it, the Medici Villa was considered one of the grandest residences in the city. Galileo was held under house arrest here by the Inquisition in 1630-3. In 1801, the villa was bought by Napoleon and the French Academy was transferred here where it has remained to this day, meaning it is closed to the general public. French students who win the Prix de Rome are sent to study here for periods of six months to two years at the expense of the French government. Well-known scholars include Berlioz, Debussy, and Ingres. It remains one of the most important cultural institutions in Europe and the most beautiful villas to have preserved its garden in the center of Rome.

Visit Rome's most famous art gallery outside of the Vatican Museums.

The gallery started out as the private family collection of the powerful Borghese family, who poured much of their wealth into the patronage of the best Renaissance-era artists. It contains masterpieces not only by Bernini and Caravaggio, but also Raphael, Rubens, and Titian. Don't miss in particular Caravaggio's David with the Head of Goliath - the head is said to be a self-portrait. It's obligatory to book your visit in advance, you'll need a printable confirmation and a booking number.

See the villa where Tuscany's first Grand Duke spent his childhood.

Villa di Castello is a 15th century Medici villa mostly famous as the residence where Duke Cosimo I de’Medici spent his childhood. Cosimo, who was later called the Father of the Nation, was the first member of the Medici political dynasty. Not surprisingly, Villa di Castello was his favourite villa and as an adult he expanded it with an extensive garden second only to the Boboli Gardens that included footpaths, fountains and the world famous Animal Grotto. The Villa is not accessible to the public since it has been the home of the prestigious Crusca Academy since 1583, a school dedicated to the study of the Italian language. You can, however, visit the splendid gardens without paying.

Experience an amazing view of Florence as you stroll the gardens of this Medici family villa.

This fortified hilltop mansion was purchased by the Medici in the 16th century and transformed into a princely residence by Cardinal Ferdinando. The villa is richly decorated in the interior and has a beautiful Italian garden that attracts visitors from all around the world. The courtyard that is decorated with frescoes by Cosimo Daddi is probably the most impressive part of the villa, while a series of rooms you can visit present a later style. Both the structured Italian garden and the villa are open to visitors and the admission is free, with guided visits.

See the villa where Tuscany's first Grand Duke spent his childhood.

Villa di Castello is a 15th century Medici villa mostly famous as the residence where Duke Cosimo I de’Medici spent his childhood. Cosimo, who was later called the Father of the Nation, was the first member of the Medici political dynasty. Not surprisingly, Villa di Castello was his favourite villa and as an adult he expanded it with an extensive garden second only to the Boboli Gardens that included footpaths, fountains and the world famous Animal Grotto. The Villa is not accessible to the public since it has been the home of the prestigious Crusca Academy since 1583, a school dedicated to the study of the Italian language. You can, however, visit the splendid gardens without paying.

Experience an amazing view of Florence as you stroll the gardens of this Medici family villa.

This fortified hilltop mansion was purchased by the Medici in the 16th century and transformed into a princely residence by Cardinal Ferdinando. The villa is richly decorated in the interior and has a beautiful Italian garden that attracts visitors from all around the world. The courtyard that is decorated with frescoes by Cosimo Daddi is probably the most impressive part of the villa, while a series of rooms you can visit present a later style. Both the structured Italian garden and the villa are open to visitors and the admission is free, with guided visits.

Make time to visit this gallery holding precious art and history from the Gothic era, when Siena's power and influence peaked.

This is the main state art museum of the city and includes a rich collection of masterpieces from the famous Sienese school of artists, which created mainly large, majestic altarpieces with golden decorations. The "gold" background paintings include a piece by Master of Tressa which marks the beginning of the golden age of Sienese painting.

Experience a riot of the senses as you walk into one of Tuscany's most colorful and remarkable cathedrals.

Siena's Duomo is a fabulous conglomeration of Romanesque and Gothic architecture, delineated by encircling bands of black and white marble. It is the earliest of all the great Tuscan cathedrals, having been mostly completed by 1263. Before you enter, take a moment to admire the marble facade and its remarkable statuary. Once inside, you can invest in the audio guide to get the most out of a visit. The standout artistic treasure is the pulpit with columns resting on the backs of alternating lions and lionesses. The Piccolomini Library was added on to the cathedral in 1495 by the future Pope Pius III, and is one of the loveliest rooms in all Italy thanks to its cycle of crystal-sharp, brilliantly colorful frescoes.

Stop and linger in one of the more glorious and satisfying urban spaces ever built.

With its remarkable fan shape and gentle slope, the Piazza del Campo is one of the more memorable and unique public squares in Europe. It has been heart of Siena since the mid-12th century when it was built on the site of a Roman marketplace. Cafes line the square offering coffee and aperitivo for the young and old alike who relax and take in the scene. The piazza is made doubly famous by the fact that it hosts the annual Palio horse race, a hotly-contested event which splits the city into competing factions. 

Make your way into the courtyard of this brick palace built in the 13th century and enter the Museo Civico, where you will marvel at the beautiful murals which adorn the interiors.

Dominating the Piazza del Campo, this 13th century palace and tower was built as a symbol of the independence and wealth of Siena by the Government of Nine (Governo dei Nove) - nine representatives of the people elected by the merchant class, not noble families. Looking at its façade from the Piazza del Campo, it's possible to immediately see its different periods of construction: on the lower level of the three-mullioned (triple-arched) windows the stone that was used and then later brick. The 400 steps to the top of the palace tower is no easy feat even for the fittest of travelers, but the view over the city and Piazza del Campo below make the narrow ascent worth it. Inside the palace courtyard you will find the entrance to the Museo Civico, a treasure trove of magnificent works of art which can be seen inside the palace. One of the most beautiful rooms in the palace is the Sala dei Nove, the Hall of the Nine, with the Allegories of Good and Bad Government by Ambrogio Lorenzetti where you can see the medieval city with its workshops and artisans.