DAY 2: VENICE SIGHTSEEING TOUR
Today's Adventure: Sightseeing in Venice
Enjoy our 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.
Now 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.
Special Adventure: Gondola Experience with Serenade!
Later today, just before sunset join the Tour Captain and 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 – 3 Days, 3 Nights
DAY 3: HIDDEN ITALY: 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. With separate portaged bags, you can relax and appreciate the scenic Italian countryside before reaching 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 (included with the Deluxe and Lotus: Optional with the Classic plan - inquire to add)
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
See Hotel Collections Tab for more details about our Heart-of-City Properties:
Our Deluxe Hotels Collection —
Grand Hotel Cavour, Hotel Bernini Palace or Similar
Our Classic Hotels Collection —
Hotel Rosso 23, Hotel Renaissance or Similar
Our Lotus Hotels Collection —
Grand Hotel Cavour, Hotel Bernini Palace or Similar
DAY 4: FLORENCE DISCOVERY
Today'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.
Tonight, optionally join the Tour Captain for dinner or enjoy exploring at your leisure.
DAY 5: FLORENCE AT LEISURE
This morning, opt for our Winery Experience in the Tuscan Countryside or enjoy Florence at your 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:
• Winery Experience in Tuscany
— Enjoy a visit with tour and tasting paired with morsels for luncheon on this beautiful day in Tuscany - Duration 3-5 hours. $230 per person (includes round-trip transportation).
• 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 6: TO ROME
Heart of the Roman Empire, Capital City of Italy
Heading south, we approach Rome, a living museum of history and grandeur. Tuscany’s rolling hills fade into Lazio’s storied landscapes, each mile drawing us closer to a city where antiquity and modernity intertwine effortlessly.
There Once was a Dream that Was Rome.
Today, we enter Rome, where history stands still. As the city's energy rises around us, a skyline of domes, ruins, and ancient landmarks unfolds. Soon, we’ll walk among the remnants of an empire—cobblestones, columns, and arches whispering stories of emperors and philosophers. Welcome to the Eternal City.
Discovery Walk: Rome
We arrive at our hotels and check in. The locations of our hotels in Rome are within a minute or so walk of the incredible Pantheon. Conitnue with the Now Journey Tour Captain for a walk through the very heart of Old Rome.
We begin our exploration of Rome beginning with an elephant and continue to immerse ourselves in over 2000 years of history of the 'Empire. We enter the amazing Pantheon and learn of its interesting history and continue our walk to soak up Piazza Navona, once a site where mock naval battles were held. We continue with our Discovery Walk as we pass through Campo de Fiore (field of flowers) - do you know the name of the figure whose likeness is crafted in the statue in this amazing campo? We walk by Largo di Torre Argentina and learn of Julius Caesar's fate. We will also see a village of modern Roman felines.
Experience the Colosseum and Roman Forum, Italy’s most-visited archaeological sites with over 7.6 million annual visitors, without the long lines with Now Journey.
Welcome to Rome Dinner: The Cuisine of Lazio Kicks Off the Dining Experience (included with the Deluxe and Lotus: Optional with the Classic plan - inquire to add)
Tonight you will join your Journey Tour Captain for a special welcome to Rome dinner complete with premium beverages and wine from the region of Lazio, Campania and Toscana.
Where We Stay in Rome, 3 Nights with breakfast
See Hotel Collections Tab for more details about our Heart-of-City Properties:
Our Deluxe Hotels Collection —
Palazzo Navona, Antico Albergo del Sole al Pantheon, Iconic Pantheon Rome Hotel, L'Orologio or Similar
Our Classic Hotels Collection —
Hotel Navona, Albergo Abruzzi, Albergo Santa Chiara or Similar
Our Lotus Hotels Collection —
Orient Express La Minerva, Palazzo Navona, The Pantheon Iconic Rome Hotel or Similar.
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DAY 7: VATICAN SIGHTSEEING TOUR
Today's Adventure:Vatican City Privileged Access
With Privileged Entry, explore the Vatican Museums, marvel at the Sistine Chapel, and stand in awe of St. Peter’s Basilica and Square. As we exit into St. Peter’s Square, spot the Swiss Guard in their colorful uniforms. When ready, Now Journey transports await to return us to our hotels.
Special Sightseeing Includes:
- St. Peter's Basilica and Square: Admission and Guided Tour to St. Peter's Basilica. Enjoy Skip-the-Long-Line special access with Priviledged Access 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. Your Tour Captain will invite you to an optional dinner tonight or you can explore Rome at your leisure.
This afternoon may we suggest an optional activity:
May We Suggest?
• We think simply soaking up Rome this afternoon is a great plan, but if you'd like to fill it up a bit more, consider:
Consider experiencing the Baths of Caracalla while in Rome. Includes privately guided tour, admissions and roundtrip taxi transfer from hotel. Also includes standard gratuities. $250 per person, minimum 2 guests
DAY 8: Rome: Eternal city, history's living canvas
Today's Adventure: Imperial Rome
Today, we set out on a captivating stroll through Rome, where ancient ruins and modern life blend seamlessly. As we wander, witness history woven into the city's vibrant present, revealing a timeless narrative that still shapes Roman life today.
We make our way to the Colosseum and Roman Forum, the town center of the Roman Empire, for our special access, in-depth touring experience, complete with admissions.
Special Sightseeing Includes:
- Colosseo: Flavian's amphitheater known popularly as the Colosseum. Admission and Guided Tour of the Colosseum: Heart of The Empire. Enjoy Skip-the-Long-Line entrance.
- Foro Romano: Admission and Guided Tour of the Roman Forum ~ 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.
- 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.
One of the highlights of the tour for me was visiting the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. It was surreal to walk the same streets as the ancient Romans and be surrounded by so much history. The Colosseum was especially fascinating—not just seeing its scale in person, but also learning how it functioned and the types of events that took place there. Our guide Cynthia was excellent at bringing it all to life—her storytelling, energy, and use of photos and images made the experience even more engaging and memorable. — Melissa B.
Now Journey Exclusive: A Very Special Evening
Tonight join your Tour Captain for our included 'Farewell to Rome' dinner at a very exclusive location. (included with the Deluxe and Lotus: Optional with the Classic plan - inquire to add)
Our days have been filled with new sights, tastes and discoveries - tonight enjoy reflecting on the incredible journey we've had together. 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.
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DAY 9: 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 $125 per person. (2 guest minimum. Price is per person, $250 for solo traveler.)
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