- An Authentic Small Group: 4 to 12 Guests (Max 16)
- Christmas-themed Discovery Walks with your Tour Captain in Each City
- Sightseeing Experiences, featuring Expert Italian Guides
- Venice: Venice's Grand Canal, Piazza San Marco and Doge's Palace in the splendor of the Holidays
- Gondola Experience in Venice is Included - experience Venice with very few other people around!
- Florence: Christmas Day in Florence; Florence is the birthplace of the Renaisseance and we learn of its Christmas Traditions
- Tuscany: great city of Florence, hilltop villages in Tuscan countryside, San Gimignano, Cortona
- Winery Experience: Wine Tasting paired with Varietals with special Holiday treats included!
- Rome: Ancient Rome's Heart blends with Modern Rome as we unwrap this amazing City at Christmas Time.
- Rome's Christmas Lights, Nativity Scenes and Christmas Trees
- The Journey Welcome Reception in Venice is enhanced with our special Holiday magic
- Now Journey's Exclusive All-included Welcome Dinner in Venice with unlimited Premium Beverages; 9 Daily Breakfasts, 5 Included Dinners, 1 Winery/Lunch/Tasting
- WiFi, On Tour Transportation: Fast Train Venice to Florence, Comfy micro-coach Tuscany to Rome
- Skip-the-Line Admissions, Special Access Sightseeing when selected
The Original 10 Day Adventure: Venice, Florence, 2 Days in Tuscany and finalé in Rome —
Meet Now Journey's Italy at Christmas Time Tour
SEE ITINERARY | DATES & PRICES | FAQs | MAKE A RESERVATION
Itinerary at a Glance
- Optional Beginning: Lake Como
- Days 1–2: Tour Commences: Venice | St. Mark's Square | Doges Palace
- Days 3–4: Florence | Piazza della Republicca | Michelangelo
- Days 5–6: The Tuscan Countryside | Winery Experience
- Days 7–9: Tour Finale: Rome | Christmas in Rome
- Day 10: Departure from Rome
Complete Daily Itinerary
DAY 1: WELCOME TO VENICE
Upon arrival to Venice Marco Polo Airport, enjoy our included Airport Arrival Transfer with Meet & Greet. You board our water taxi and are whisked away across the lagoon of Venice to San Marco island. Upon arrival, you will check-in, drop luggage and then relax until our Discovery Walk.
Later this afternoon you will enjoy a get-to-know-Venice at Christmas Time Discovery Walk.
Discovery Walk: Venice at Christmas Time
You will enjoy a get-to-know-Venice Discovery Walk — a hallmark of the Journey style of traveling and exploring new destinations hosted by your Journey Tour Captain. We will take in the beautiful sights of Piazza San Marco, the "Campanile" or clock tower, the Grand Canal and more.
Enjoy some time at leisure before meeting tonight for a special 'Welcome to Venice' evening from one of our exclusive perspectives to see Venice.
Welcome Dinner
We then make our way to our favorite restaurant in Venice where we will be delighted with cuisine fit for the season and the region (all paired with delicious wines and premium beverages - and all included with Journey).
Where We Stay in Venice, 2 Nights with breakfast
Deluxe Hotels Collection
Monaco & Grand Canal, Saturnia & International or Similar
DAY 2: EXPLORING VENICE
Today's Optional Adventure: Venice Christmas Traditions
The perfect time to be in Venice!
Optional Tour: Venice's Christmas Traditions & Historic Charm
Join our optional Walking Tour of Venice’s Christmas Traditions — a unique Journey experience led by our expert local guide. Discover the city's holiday customs while exploring its rich history, from Napoleon to the hidden calle (alleyways) that bring Venice’s spirit to life. We’ll step inside the stunning Basilica San Marco and journey through time at the Doge’s Palace, the Old Prison (yes, including Casanova!), and the iconic Bridge of Sighs.
This sightseeing tour includes:
- Doge's Palace: Skip-the-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 Included Adventure: Venetian Gondola Experience
Just before sunset consider enjoying our Gondola ride through the canals of Venice with our professional musicians to make the ambiance perfect.
Enjoy the balance of the afternoon and evening at your leisure.
Now Journey is Different: 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.
DAY 3: ONWARD TO FLORENCE
This morning, enjoy a relaxed start as we boat to the Venice train station for our fast train to Florence. Your luggage is transferred separately. On arrival, we walk to our central hotels. After freshening up, your Florence adventure begins.
Discovery Walk: Florence at Christmas Time
On our Discovery Walk, we’ll explore the heart of historic Florence and learn about local holiday traditions. Highlights include Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistery, and the iconic Duomo. We’ll also visit Orsanmichele Church and the Church of Via Santa Margherita, once home to prominent Florentine families.
Enjoy the balance of the afternoon at leisure until our welcome dinner tonight.
Welcome Dinner
Join us for the Welcome to Florence Dinner. 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 Florence, 2 Nights with breakfast
Deluxe Hotels Collection
Grand Hotel Cavour, Bernini Palace or Similar
DAY 4: CHRISTMAS IN FLORENCE!
Today's Adventure: Florence Christmas Traditions, Secrets & Treasures
Join your Tour Captain for a walking tour through Florence’s historic center, rich with holiday charm and hidden gems. We’ll explore the Duomo, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistery’s famed Gates of Paradise, Piazza della Repubblica, Piazza Signoria, and the Uffizi portico. Our local guide shares festive traditions unique to Florence.
Included in your Sightseeing Tour:
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Duomo complex: Santa Maria del Fiore, Baptistery, and Campanile
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Entrance to Orsanmichele, a former grain market turned church
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Walk through Piazza della Repubblica, Piazza Signoria, and across the Ponte Vecchio
Following our Christmas Traditions, Secrets & Treasures adventure the balance of the day is at your leisure.
Want to explore the leather market or climb the Duomo? We can arrange it. You might also visit Santa Croce, resting place of Michelangelo, Galileo, and other Italian greats — or simply enjoy the city at your leisure.
Enjoy the balance of the afternoon and evening at your leisure.
DAY 5: GOOD MORNING TUSCANY
Today's Adventure: Tuscan Delights
It's a great day to explore further into the Tuscan countryside as we enjoy hill towns lined with shops of local treasures and tastes.
Our first stop is hilltop San Gimignano, known for its striking medieval towers and views over the Elsa Valley. Once a key stop along the Via Francigena, today it offers charming streets, history, and great shopping — enjoy your free time to explore!
Included Exclusive Experience: Winery Tasting with Morsels
Enjoy a stunning visit to our exclusive winery estate in the heart of Tuscany. Tour the production cellars, then savor a delicious wine tasting paired with farm-fresh bites like pecorino, bruschetta, and more. Chianti and Super Tuscans await — buon appetito!
Our lunch palate-pleasing appetizers, including pecorino cheese, bruschetta, and other local farm-to-table delights. You'll get your fill of classic Chianti and Super Tuscan varieties along with delicate cuisine hand-made by the chef.
Special Sightseeing today Includes:
- San Gimignano: Sightseeing and free time in the Tuscan hill town known for its towers.
- Exclusive Winery: Admission, Tour and Wine Tasting at our Estate located in the heart of Tuscany. Beautiful Property with stunning views, delicious varieties paired with sumptuous delicacies. You won't want to leave.
- Tuscany's Wine Road: Winding through the Tuscan hills, the wine road offers remarkable beauty, characterized by vineyards, wine cellars, distant rolling landscapes, and villages up in the hills.
To Cortona
We arrive Cortona by mid to late afternoon. Settle in and enjoy the next chapter in this charming hill town.
Discovery Walk: Cortona at Christmas Time
On the Discovery Walk of Cortona we make our way to its very heart to learn about its fascinating past with Etruscans and Romans, as well as Hollywood. Your Journey Tour Captain welcomes you to the Tuscan countryside and tonight's special Italian experience.
We continue our walk as we explore Via Nazionale up to Piazza Garibaldi and finally into Piazza della Repubblica where you will Learn about the plains of Trasimeno and of the amazing battle of the same name: The Roman-Carthaginian Battle. Soak up the afternoon sunshine as we slow down and enjoy a typical Tuscan evening.
Welcome Dinner
Tonight join your Tour Captain for a welcome dinner in Tuscany. Aterwards, enjoy the balance of the evening at your leisure.
Where We Stay in Cortona, 2 Nights with breakfast
Tuscan Hotels Collection
Hotel Italia, Villa Marsili, Monastero Hotel & Spa or Similar
DAY 6: EXPLORING CORTONA AT LEISURE
Enjoy a relaxing day in charming Cortona. Choose from optional experiences like cooking classes, a Siena day trip, horseback riding, or Vespa rentals — or simply explore the town’s ancient streets, hike to the castle, or stroll through vineyards.
This captivating hill town, overlooking Lake Trasimeno, is steeped in Etruscan history with 3,000-year-old walls and timeless views.
Optionally enjoy a cooking class in Tuscany — inquire.
Evening:
Your Journey Tour Captain will offer an optional dinner, or you can savor your final evening in Cortona as you wish.
DAY 7: ONWARD TO ROME
After breakfast, we make our way to Rome and we find ourselves going back in time as our surroundings begin to slowly turn into the very center of ancient Rome.
You will arrive at the hotel, check in, freshen up and then meet for the Discovery Walk.
Discovery Walk: Rome at Christmas Time
Join your Journey Tour Captain for a festive walk through the heart of Old Rome, beautifully lit with Christmas trees, nativity scenes, and holiday lights.
We begin with Bernini’s Elephant and explore over 2,000 years of Roman history. Step inside the Pantheon, wander the lively Piazza Navona, and pass through Campo de’ Fiori — can you guess the statue’s identity? Continue to Largo di Torre Argentina to uncover the fate of Julius Caesar and spot the modern-day Roman cat sanctuary.
Welcome Dinner
Welcome to Rome Dinner with your Tour Captain.
Where We Stay in Rome, 3 Nights with breakfast
Deluxe Hotels Collection
Iconic Pantheon Rome Hotel, Iconic Pantheon Rome Hotel, or Similar
DAY 8: ROME
It's Christmas Eve in Rome!
Today's Optional Adventure: Vatican City
Consider this optional tour of the Vatican at $185/person. Enjoy a visit of the Vatican museums to see the amazing tapestries, the Sistine Chapel and its iconic ceiling, and St. Peter's Basilica and Square as the majestic Vatican City comes to life. After our experience is complete we will exit at St. Peter's Square where you see the multi-color uniformed Swiss Guard on display as they guard the Vatican and the expanse of the beautiful piazza.
Our transports are waiting nearby when we're ready to head back to our hotels.
Sightseeing Included in this Option::
- St. Peter's Basilica and Square: Admission and Guided Tour to St. Peter's Basilica: By design, we enjoy early admission around 8:15 am to avoid the large cruise and tour groups that arrive later in the morning. Enjoy Skip-the-Line special access with Admission Included.
- Sistine Chapel: Admission and Guided Tour of the Sistine Chapel: You will find inside the chapel The Last Judgment painting by Michelangelo, which he painted during the years 1535 to 1541. The work, designed on a grand scale, spans the entire wall behind the Sistine Chapel altar.
- Vatican Museums: Admission and Guided Tour of the Vatican City Museums: The Museums boast some of the most impressive tapestries and other works of art and sculpture found in the world.
Enjoy the balance of the afternoon and evening at your leisure.
Optional Dining Tonight
Consider joining your Tour Captain for an optional dinner or explore at your leisure.
DAY 9: ROME
This morning enjoy a leisurely start to your day with breakfast and time to enjoy the morning.
Later today you may want to explore ancient Rome.
Today's Optional Adventure: Walking Tour of Rome
Consider our amazing walking tour of Rome at Christmas with lunch to follow $165/person. You will see ancient elements intertwined perfectly with present-day apartment buildings, and discover how the modern Romans have intertwined their vast history into present-day experience.
Sightseeing included in this Option:
- We will enjoy views of the Colosseo or Flavian's amphitheater known popularly as the Colosseum, along with the Roman Forum, Foro Romano.
- Capitoline Hill: We ascend this amazingly sculptured and architecturally inspirational locale.
- Views of Trajan's Market, Palatine Hill, Caesar's Palace, Curia known as the Senate Building, the Vittorio Emanuele II National Monument, the Jewish Ghetto, and other historic landmarks.
- Christmas Day Lunch
Farewell Dinner
Join us to celebrate our time in Italy: Farewell to Rome Dinner. Tonight join your Tour Captain for our included 'Farewell to Rome' event. Our days have been filled with Christmas lights and new sights, amazing tastes and even some new discoveries - tonight, enjoy reflecting on the incredible journey we've had together in Italy at Christmas Time. It has been a Journey of Adventure and Discovery, along with making new friends!
Tomorrow we will say, 'Arrivederci Roma!' but tonight we sing and make melody in the very heart of Rome.
Day 10: DEPARTURE DAY: Arrivederci Italy!
Breakfast is included this morning should you have time before your departure.
Departure Transfer optional and not included. Transfer from the Rome hotel to the Rome FCO airport $108 per person. (2 guest minimum. Price is per person, $216 for solo traveler.)
Most of our guests seriously consider extending your vacation to the Amalfi Coast for the perfect ending — it's 2 days and nights and includes Pompeii and treasures of the Amalfi Coast. See our optional extension below for proper temptation!