EXPERIENCE THE CITIES IN A WEEK'S TIME • ITALY IN 2024

A Week in Italy: Venice, Florence & Rome

  • 7 Days, 6 Nights Adventure through Italy by Premium Rail Travel

2 to 16 Guests • Inquire about Private Travel • Fully-Guided Sightseeing
The adventure begins in Venice, takes you to Florence and the birthplace of the Renaissance, with a finalé in Rome.

Our Popular Week in Italy adventure — See Full ItineraryJump to Daily Itinerary
Prefer our fully-escorted, small group adventure? Then consider our Italy's Great Cities Tour here 

A Week in Italy — Venice, Florence and Rome by High-Speed Train
See Full ItinerarySEE ITINERARY | DATES & PRICES | FAQs | MAKE A RESERVATION

ITINERARY AT A GLANCE: Embark on your Italian escapade starting with a captivating two-day exploration of Venice. Lose yourself in the intricate web of canals, wander through the narrow streets, and behold the grandeur of St. Mark's Square. Indulge in Venetian cuisine, savoring delectable cicchetti and fresh seafood by the shimmering waters of the Adriatic.

Next, board a sleek high-speed train to Florence, where two days await to immerse yourself in Renaissance splendor. Marvel at the iconic Duomo, stroll across the Ponte Vecchio, and admire masterpieces by Michelangelo and Botticelli at the Uffizi Gallery. Delight your taste buds with Tuscan delights, from hearty ribollita to rich Chianti wines.

Conclude your Italian odyssey in the eternal city of Rome, where history comes alive at every turn. Spend two days exploring ancient ruins like the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, tossing a coin into the Trevi Fountain for good luck, and savoring authentic Roman dishes like pasta carbonara and supplì. Let the eternal charm of Rome captivate your senses as you bid arrivederci to Italy's enchanting embrace.

Looking for our Italy's Great Cities Small Group Tour that you have heard about? Visit our tours here: 10-Day Venice to Rome fr. $5,579 —  12-Day Venice to the Amalfi Coast fr. $6,779 —  14-Day Lake Como to the Amalfi Coast $7,979

Now Journey's "A Week In Italy" highlights:

  • English-Speaking Now Journey Local Hosts & Local Italian Guides
  • Privately Guided Sightseeing:
    •  Venice: Doges Palace, Basilica San Marco
    •  Florence: Galleria dell'Accademia, Basilica Santa Maria del Fiore, Gates of Paradise
    •  Rome: Colosseum, Roman Forum, Vatican City, Sistine Chapel, St. Peters
  • No Up-Selling on tour, No Big Buses or Groups
  • Hand-Picked Select Deluxe and Classic Hotels
  • Dining: Daily Breakfast, Recommendations in Venice, Florence & Rome
  • PRIVILEGED ACCESS: Skip-the-Long-Line Admissions with special access
  • High-Speed Train Venice to Florence, Florence to Rome
  • Airport Arrival Transfer Venice, Train Station transfers in Florence and Rome
What's the Difference between Deluxe and Classic?


Journey's selection of Deluxe and Classic hotels are not just centrally located, but in the historic centers and sections of towns where you really want to be —  no needs for shuttles or transfers to get to the sites you want to visit.

Our Deluxe package includes a full, hot daily breakfast, Venice Welcome Dinner and 4+ to 5 Star hotel properties featuring large, air-conditioned guestrooms with ensuite bathrooms.

Our Classic package includes continental breakfast, Venice Welcome Dinner, and 3 to 4 Star hotels with ensuite bathrooms.

"Effortless. Serene. I'll travel no other way."
—  Click to Read All Guest Reviews


Our Complete Day-by-Day Itinerary:

Perfectly-balanced with sightseeing in the mornings.

Italy: A Week in Italy begins in Venice, takes in Florence and finalés in Rome.


Begin in Venice

La Serenissima —  2 Days, 2 Nights — Ah! Venice!

 

DAY 1: A WEEK IN ITALY: VENICE

A Week in Italy begins upon arrival to Marco Polo Airport in Venice with our included Airport Arrival Transfer.

Your Now Journey experience begins upon arrival to Marco Polo Airport in Venice. Now Journey's approach to touring Venice is unique: we combine local expert Italian Guides along with Deluxe or Classic Hotels for the perfect balance of activity, leisure time and experience, so you can truly soak up all that is Italy.

Discovery WalkGetting to Know You, Venezia: Enjoy your private Discovery Walk on Arrival Day
Our Discovery Walk is a hallmark of the Now Journey style of traveling when exploring new destinations —  a brief orientation walk with our Now Journey Local Host (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.

Journey Dinners IconReservations Service throughout your Journey: Let us take the headache out of finding a restaurant for dinner and make a reservation for you.

Journey Hotels IconAccommodation in Venice, 2 Nights with breakfast

DAY 2: VENICE SIGHTSEEING TOURVenice Canal

Sightseeing IconToday's Adventure: Private Sightseeing in Venice

Enjoy our Private adventure through this dramatic and historic port city after-hours when there are no crowds. We begin as we make our way along the romantic canals of Venice and arrive at the Doges' Palace.

Learn of Venice's fascinating and colorful past, including everything from Napoleon to Casanova. Venice's character springs to life as we make our way through her nooks and crannies and mysterious alley ways.

Journey's professional local guide provides expert commentary as we enter the fascinating and colorful Basilica San Marco (St. Mark's Basilica). Then we go 'back in time' with our visit to the Doge's Palace, the Old Prison (and yes, you will learn about the gentleman Casanova), and the famous Bridge of Sighs.

Special sightseeing today includes:

  • Basilica San Marco: Enjoy the beautiful mosaics and how they reflect and dance in the light. Our Guide "paints the picture" of the history and opulence that is the Basilica San Marco prior to entering. Then enjoy the terrace and the amazing views.
  • Enjoy included admission/entrance to Museo Correr, Museo Archeologico Nazionale and Monumental Rooms of the Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana at your leisure.

Gondola IconSpecial Adventure: Gondola Experience with Serenade!

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.  

Florence

Birthplace of the Renaissance – 2 Days, 2 Nights

 

DAY 3: FLORENCE DISCOVERYFlorence Panorama

This morning enjoy a leisurely start with breakfast and then join your Now Journey Host as you transfer by boat to the Venezia Santa Lucia Train Station for the included Fast-train passage to Florence.

We zip along the Italian countryside and arrive in Florence at the Santa Maria Novella Train Station where we deboard the train and transfer to our hotels in the very heart of Florence.

Sightseeing IconToday's Adventure: Florence Sightseeing Tour

After checking in to the hotel, you will meet our Local Guide for the amazing tour of Florence.

Now Journey's Florence Sightseeing Tour boasts a variety of fine sights to see including Santa Maria del Fiori, the Baptistery's Bronze "Gate of Paradise," Giotto's Bell Tower, Signoria Square, and the Galleria dell'Accademia, where Michelangelo's David is housed.

Our Walking Tour of historic Florence features:

•  Galleria dell'Accademia: Skip-the-Line admission to experience Michelangelo's David in the Academy Gallery, the first art school of Europe.

•  Basilica Santa Maria del Fiore: Our tour includes Florence's historic city center which is a World Heritage site that comprises the Baptistery, Campanile, and the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore – also known as the Duomo. The 14th-century dome was created by Brunelleschi.

•  The Gates of Paradise: See the magnificent Gates of Paradise on the Baptistery, so called by Michelangelo. Our Local Guide will comment on these impressive doors to the Baptistery created by Lorenzo Ghiberti. Until the 19th century, most Catholic Florentines were baptized here. The Baptistery and Giotto's Campanile whose perspective we enjoy from ground level are all part of the Duomo of Santa Maria del Fiori complex.

•  Walking Delights: We explore Piazza della Repubblica, Piazza della Signoria and the Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge), the only bridge to survive World War II bombing.

Following our walking tour the balance of the day is at your leisure.

Journey Hotels IconOur Hotels in Florence, 2 Nights with breakfast

Deluxe: Hotel L'Orologio, Grand Hotel Cavour, Hotel Bernini Palace or Similar
Classic: Renaissance Hotel, Rosso 23 or Similar

DAY 4: FLORENCE AT LEISURE

Interested in checking out the leather market? What about a climb of the Duomo? We can arrange visits, admissions and more for you in advance. Consider a visit to the Basilica di Santa Croce (Basilica of the Holy Cross) is the principal Franciscan church in Florence and a minor Basilica of the Catholic Church. Many illustrious Italians are buried there including Michelangelo, Galileo, Rossini, Marconi, Machiavelli. Thus it is known as the Temple of the Italian Glories.

Many options in the Tuscan countryside are available from Cooking Classes to a day trip to Siena and more.

Optional experiences to consider for Today:

• Cooking Class in Tuscany
—  In the company of an expert chef participants learn how to make several courses including a dessert. It is a different experience where the participants learn to prepare a multiple-course meal and then partake in the sampling of the prepared dishes while enjoying the olive oils and wines of the region! -Duration 3-5 hours. $560 per person (includes round-trip transportation).

• Walking Tour of Siena with Round-trip Transportation
—  Departs around 9:00am. $665 per person. The tour includes round-trip transfer from Cortona to Siena with a walking tour of Siena in the morning and some free time in the afternoon. Today's tour will walk you through the old Ghetto, the Tower District (Contrada della Torre), and through little alleys, and on to the Basilica dei Servi, from which point you can enjoy an amazing view of the old town. We will take in Orto dei Pecci; a pleasant and easily accessible garden, located just behind the main square: The serenity and tranquility of this green oasis, together with the view of the incredible Torre del Mangia will mesmerize you.

• Morning Walking Tour of Siena with Cooking Class in Afternoon
— Departs around 9:00am. $590 per person. Enjoy the morning tour (see description above) and then a special cooking class in the afternoon. Our driver then whisks you to a nearby villa where you will enjoy a tour of the vines, immersion in all things Wine, Balsamic, and Olive Oil followed by a cooking lesson. And, yes, you then enjoy the fruits of your labor. Our chef is capable and entertaining as you enjoy learning more about Tuscan cooking. We then return to the hotel in Florence for a free evening.

 


Rome

A 1000 Roads Lead Always to Rome — 2 Days, 2 Nights

 

DAY 5: DISCOVERING ROMEPantheon in Rome, Italy

After breakfast, join our Now Journey Host and make your way to the Florence Train Station for the High-Speed train to Rome.

On arrival, the included transfer will be waiting to whisk you to our hotels which are located a short distance from the magnificent Pantheon.

After freshening up, meet our Local Guide for the amazing tour of the Colosseum and Roman Forum.

Roman Forum, Italy

Sightseeing IconToday's Adventure: IMPERIAL ROME SIGHTSEEING TOUR

You will see ancient elements intertwined perfectly with present-day apartment buildings. Discover how modern Romans have combined their history into present-day experience. 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.

Our special sightseeing Walking Tour of the Heart of Ancient Rome Includes:

  • The Colosseum of Rome: Flavian's amphitheater known popularly as the Colosseum or Colosseo. Special skip-the-long-line Entrance, Admission and Guided Tour of the amazing Colosseum of Rome.

  • The Roman Forum: Special skip-the-long-line Entrance, Admission and Guided Tour of the Roman Forum or Foro Romano. We walk through the archaeological dig for unique perspectives of the Old Town Center of Rome, Palatine Hill, Capitoline Hill, Caesar's Palace, Curia or the Senate House, Temple of the Vestal Virgins, and the Triumphal Arches.
  • Capitoline Hill: We ascend this amazingly sculptured and architecturally inspirational locale with its many statuary and works of art that pay homage to the Empire that was Rome.
  • Walking Delights: 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. 

We have recommendations for dinner tonight. Inquire!

 

Journey Hotels IconOur Hotels in Rome, 2 Nights with breakfast

DeluxeThe Pantheon Iconic Rome Hotel, Autograph Collection, Hotel d'Inghilterra, Palazzo Navona, Antico Albergo del Sole al Pantheon, or Similar
Classic: Hotel Navona, Albergo Abruzzi, Albergo Santa Chiara or Similar

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DAY 6: VATICAN SIGHTSEEING TOURVatican City, Rome, Italy

Sightseeing IconToday's Adventure: Vatican City Privileged Access

This morning we will enter Vatican City with our Priority Early Morning Privileged Entry (1 hour ahead of regular Vatican visitors). Enjoy a visit to 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 special sightseeing Walking Tour of Vatican City Includes:

•  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. *Please remember St. Peter's Basilica is an active church with celebrations and papal events that occur with short notice; Now Journey and our Guides cannot be held responsible for any cancellation or denial of entry due to last minute changes by the church leadership.

Enjoy the balance of the afternoon and evening at your leisure.


DAY 7: DEPARTURE DAY –  Arrivederci Italy!

Breakfast is included this morning should you have time before your departure. 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!

Rome Airport Departure Transfer: $70 per person, 2 guest minimum

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Does your Journey end in Rome?

Extension to the Amalfi Coast & Sorrento Peninsula

We highly recommend the enchanted Amalfi Coast & Sorrento Peninsula 2 day/2 night extension.

OPTIONAL EXTENSION: DAY 7: NAPLES, POMPEII, THE SORRENTO PENINSULA & AMALFI COASTAmalfi Coast, Italy

Say Farewell to Rome as you join our extension to the amazing Amalfi Coast and Sorrento Peninsula. We make our way to Naples and the modern city of Pompei, where we find Pompeii (note the two i's) which is the ancient Roman city we will visit with our expert guide this morning.

Sightseeing IconToday's Adventure: Pompeii Ancient Site

On our tour of the World Heritage Site of Pompeii we discover the city that was lost for nearly 1700 years before its rediscovery in 1748. Our Local Expert Guide explains the fascinating history, tragic destruction and amazing preservation of artifacts under tons of volcanic ash.

Following our Pompeii experience, we continue to Sorrento,our home to explore the beautiful Amalfi Coast.

Journey Hotels IconAccommodation in Sorrento, 2 Nights with Breakfast

Deluxe: Hotel Minerva Sorrento, Grand Hotel Capodimonte or Similar

OPTIONAL EXTENSION: DAY 8: EXPLORING THE AMALFI COAST AT LEISUREAmalfi Coast, Italy

You will have today completely at your leisure to explore Sorrento or consider one of our optional adventures.

Highly Recommended: Option for the Day: Private Boat Tour of Capri - $585 per person.
Enjoy our optional experience departing this morning and enjoy a boat trip to the Isle of Capri to enjoy free time on the Island.

Your Now Journey City Host will give you great ideas on what to do while you're on the island. Occasionally, and weather permitting, we are able to provide an experience that includes (in addition to round-trip service to and from Capri) time on the boat around the island with stops at various Grottos for viewing and swimming if you desire. We only "stop" at the Blue Grotto, we do not go inside the Blue Grotto as this usually takes the majority of the day.

OPTIONAL EXTENSION: Day 9: DEPARTURE DAY: Arrivederci Italy!

Breakfast is included this morning should you have time before your departure. Departure transfers are not included but we can arrange them for you. You can fly from Naples International Airport to your gateway for your international flight.


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