Full Itinerary 10-Days: Venice to Rome.
One of Now Journey's most popular small group adventures begins upon arrival at Venice Marco Polo International Airport (VCE Airport Code) and finalés in Rome (FCO Airport code).
Chapter 1: Venice
La Serenissima: The Most Serene —
2 Days, 2 Nights
DAY 1: WELCOME TO BEAUTIFUL VENICE
Now Journey's approach to touring Italy is unique: we combine local expert Italian Guides with our Now Journey Tour Captains serving as your host for the perfect balance of activity and leisure time so you can truly soak up all that is Italy.
Upon arrival we are transported via private water taxi to our hotel on San Marco along with your fellow travelers and your Journey Tour Captain. Check-in, drop carry-ons off (remember, your luggage is portaged and you manage your carry-ons), and then relax until our Discovery Walk.
Discovery Walk
Our Discovery Walk is a hallmark of the Now Journey style of traveling when exploring new destinations — a brief orientation walk with your Now Journey Tour Captain (not to be confused with our immersive Sightseeing Tour that occurs the next day with our licensed expert Italian Guide). In Venice we will take in the beautiful sights of Piazza San Marco, the "Campanile" or clock tower, the Grand Canal and more.
Afterward, enjoy some time at leisure to soak up Venice before meeting tonight for a special 'Welcome to Venice' evening from one of our exclusive perspectives.
Venice, Italy, is a city that captivates with its unparalleled beauty and mystique. Floating gracefully on a network of canals, the cityscape unfolds like a mesmerizing tapestry, adorned with elegant bridges, ornate palaces, and centuries-old buildings that seem to rise from the water. As the sun sets, Venice's enchanting labyrinth of narrow alleys and historic squares takes on an ethereal quality, casting shadows that whisper tales of a bygone era, leaving visitors spellbound by the timeless allure and enigmatic charm of this unique aquatic city
Welcome to Venice Dinner
We then make our way to our favorite restaurant in Venice where we will be delighted with cuisine from several regions throughout Italy including the Veneto, Lazio and Campania (all paired with delicious wines and premium beverages - and all included with Now Journey).
Where We Stay in Venice, 2 Nights with breakfast
Now Journey Hotels Collection —
Hotel Saturnia & International, Hotel Monaco & Grand Canal or Similar
Enjoy hand-selected 4-Star and 5-Star hotels—upgraded rooms at 4-Star properties and refined entry-level rooms at 5-Star stays — inquire with your Trip Specialist if you'd like to upgrade to a larger room and/or upper category room with a specific view (where available).
Hotel room assignments are made at around 60 days prior to the adventure. A comparable hotel will be utilized should our space be sold out by the time you book — we will advise you of your final hotels.
DAY 2: VENICE: The Story Begins
Today's Adventure: Venice Secrets & Treasures
Venice's Secrets & Treasures is Now Journey's exclusive tour through this historic port city. Explore its hidden corners while uncovering Venice's colorful past, from Casanova to Napoleon.
Today's Adventure: Venice Secets & Treasures
With expert commentary from our local guide, explore the stunning St. Mark's Basilica before stepping back in time at the Doge's Palace, the Old Prison, and the iconic Bridge of Sighs — including tales of Casanova.
Special sightseeing today includes:
- The Doge's Palace: Skip-the-Long-Line Entrance to the Doge's Palace (meaning Duke or Governor's Palace), the seat of the Republic of Venice's historic power.
- Venice's Old Prison: The Prisons of Venice: Found inside the Doge's Palace, are the older and new prisons.
- Bridge of Sighs: The bridge made famous for its window and last view of blue sky and freedom as prisoners are marched to their sentence.
- Basilica San Marco: Enjoy the beautiful mosaics and how they reflect and dance in the light. Your Tour Captain "paints the picture" of the history and opulence that is the Basilica San Marco prior to entering. Once inside, enjoy 'silence' as you observe its beauty encased in Byzantine architecture.
- Piazza San Marco: and our "Secret Treasures of Venice:"
- Walking Delights: Learn about the Clock Tower (Campanile), Caffé Florian, Napoleon and the Winged Lion
Special Adventure: Venetian Gondola Experience
Later today, just before sunset enjoy our included Gondola ride through the canals of Venice with our professional musicians to make the ambiance perfect. On occasion inclement weather will prevent the gondola ride. In this scenario an alternate activity will be substituted later in the tour.
Enjoy the balance of the afternoon and evening at your leisure.
May We Suggest?
• We think simply soaking up Venice this afternoon is a great plan, but if you'd like to fill it up a bit more, consider:
— Isle of Murano Glass Blowing Demonstration: A free visit can be arranged, just ask your Now Journey specialist.
Your Tour Captain will invite you to an optional dinner after the Gondola ride, and they can also help you with dining reservations if you choose to explore lovely Venice on your own.
BACK TO TOP Got a question? CHAT HERE.
Chapter 2: Florence
Birthplace of the Renaissance –
2 Days, 2 Nights
DAY 3: ONWARD TO FLORENCE
Today's Adventure: To Florence
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast before transferring by boat to Venezia Santa Lucia Train Station, where you'll enjoy a fast-train journey to Florence.
Discovery Walk: Florence
On our Discovery Walk, explore the heart of historic Florence, passing major landmarks like Giotto's Campanile, the Baptistery, and the Duomo. Visit Orsanmichele and Via Santa Margherita Church, once home to prominent Florentine families. Conclude at the Ponte Vecchio, the city's only bridge to survive WWII. Enjoy the balance of the afternoon at leisure until our welcome dinner tonight.
Welcome to Florence Dinner: Tuscany's Regional Specialties
Your Tour Captain hosts an amazing welcome dinner in Florence with authentic Tuscan cuisine served by Fiorentini who love what they do. Florence welcomes us with a variety of regional culinary tastes, premium beverages, and ample portions of fine local wines from Toscana and Chianti.
Where We Stay in the Heart of Florence, 2 Nights with breakfast
Now Journey Hotels Collection —
Grand Hotel Cavour, Hotel Bernini Palace or Similar
Enjoy hand-selected 4-Star and 5-Star hotels—upgraded rooms at 4-Star properties and refined entry-level rooms at 5-Star stays — inquire with your Trip Specialist if you'd like to upgrade to a larger room and/or upper category room with a specific view (where available).
Hotel room assignments are made at around 60 days prior to the adventure. A comparable hotel will be utilized should our space be sold out by the time you book — we will advise you of your final hotels.
BACK TO TOP Got a question? CHAT HERE.
DAY 4: EXPLORING FLORENCE
Today's Adventure: Florence Secrets & Treasures
Now Journey's Florence Secrets & Treasures tour boasts a variety of fine sights to see including Santa Maria del Fiore, the Baptistery's Bronze "Gate of

Paradise," Giotto's Bell Tower, Signoria Square, and the Galleria dell'Accademia, where Michelangelo's David is housed.
Today's Adventure: Florence Secrets & Treasures
Our Secrets & Treasures Walking Tour of historic Florence features: We will take our time walking through the Piazza della Repubblica, the famous Piazza Signoria with her old palace, Palazzo Vecchio, and make our way through the portico of the Uffizi complex. We will take our time walking through the Piazza della Repubblica, the famous Piazza Signoria with her old palace, Palazzo Vecchio, and make our way through the portico of the Uffizi complex.
Special sightseeing today includes:
- Galleria dell’Accademia: Skip the long lines to witness Michelangelo’s David in Europe’s first art school.
- Explore Florence’s historic center, a World Heritage site, including the Baptistery, Campanile, and the Duomo with Brunelleschi’s iconic dome. Admire the Gates of Paradise, named by Michelangelo, as our guide shares insights on Ghiberti’s masterpiece.
- Stroll through Piazza della Repubblica and Piazza della Signoria, soaking in Florence’s timeless charm.
Following our Secrets & Treasures adventure the balance of the day is at your leisure.
May we suggest some optional activities to fill up your afternoon?