Travel like the Europeans and take the train between Rome, Florence and Venice on this leisurely and flexible vacation. Stay at 4-star hotels in each city center and enjoy first-class rail transportation between cities. Discover a culture brimming with historical beauty and an earthy appreciation for the finer things in life. It's the ultimate in a relaxing vacation and a perfect way to see bella Italia!
Highlights include:
• Skip to the head of the line on tours of the Vatican and St. Peter's Basilica, the Florence Accademia and the Uffizi Gallery.
• Make this journey your own by adding days, destinations and activities to our suggested itinerary.
This trip is a comprehensive introduction to Italy and an ideal start to any European holiday. With the train as your primary transport, navigate easily between Rome, Florence and Venice, whose historic centers are all UNESCO World Heritage sites.
In Rome, skip to the head of the line for a walking tour of Vatican City, where you’ll admire St. Peter’s Basilica and Michelangelo’s fresco in the Sistine Chapel. Discover other famous artworks in Florence, including Michelangelo’s renowned David and paintings by Botticelli and Leonardo. Indulge your taste buds with hearty Tuscan cuisine before heading north to Venice. Explore the City of Bridges from your gondola, gliding along the Grand Canal. The gondolier’s serenade will tempt you to fall in love with a fabled city that has enchanted visitors for centuries.
Because you’re traveling independently, what you do and what you see at each destination are up to you. You’ll enjoy two full days in each city and can customize your vacation further by pre-booking optional tours and spending fewer or more days in any location. Glorious architecture, fine art and delicious food stimulate your senses daily. It's the ultimate in a relaxing vacation and a perfect way to experience Italy at your own pace.
Price includes:
• 9 nights accommodations in 4-star hotels: 3 nights each in Rome, Florence and Venice
• Daily breakfast
• First-class rail transportation from Rome to Florence and from Florence to Venice
• Sightseeing tour in each city: "Skip the Line" Vatican Museum walking tour including Sistine Chapel, Raphael’s Rooms and St. Peter’s Basilica; "Skip the Line" Florence Accademia and Uffizi Gallery tour; Venice gondola ride with gondolier serenade
• Comprehensive document package: Detailed itinerary, travel brochures and destination information
Note: This itinerary is available in reverse, starting in Venice and ending in Rome. Additional nights can be added in any city and additional sightseeing and/or private transfers are available. We recommend 4-star Classic city center hotels but 4-star Superior Hotels can be requested; rates start at $1,878 per person.* 5-star hotels can also be requested; rates start at $2,389 per person.* Inquire at time of booking.
Day 1 - Arrive in Rome
Arrive in Rome and transfer on your own or walk to your city center hotel. Spend the afternoon exploring Rome, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Accommodation: Centrally-located 4-star Rome hotel - 3 nights
Day 2 - Rome Sightseeing
We suggest taking a small-group walking tour of the Vatican Museums and St Peter's Basilica. Tour numbers are limited to a maximum of 20 people, ensuring you'll receive personalized attention from your guide. Your knowledgeable guide will escort you into the Vatican Museums to explore the world's most extensive collection of art. Brilliantly decorated and lined with masterpieces, the museums are brimming with treasures and history. Your guide will lead you through the 2,000 rooms that stretch over almost nine miles, sharing the stories and secrets contained within the Vatican's walls along the way.
After taking in the Vatican Museums, you will encounter another of Michelangelo's masterpieces, La Pieta, in St Peter's Basilica. For a fascinating finish to your tour, stop to admire magnificent St Peter's Square, as your guide points out Bernini's ingenious use of optical illusion. This tour involves a fair amount of walking; comfortable shoes are recommended.
Day 3 - Rome Day at Leisure
Enjoy Rome and the surrounding areas on your own or add a sightseeing tour. Your Travel Counselor can provide a list of suggested tours in the area.
Day 4 - Rome / Florence
Travel by train to Florence, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and upon arrival check in to your city center hotel. Spend the afternoon at your leisure exploring Florence.
Accommodation: Centrally-located 4-star Florence hotel - 3 nights
Day 5 - Florence Sightseeing
In the morning, meet at the entrance to Accademia Gallery (11:15am). You'll skip the line and immerse yourself in the fascinating world of Michelangelo in no time at all. Prepare to be amazed when you see Michelangelo's world-famous statue of David. Also see other important works by Michelangelo including Prigioni and San Matteo too. Tour duration is 1 hour and 15 minutes.
In the afternoon, let your expert guide lead you through the special skip-the-line entrance at the Uffizi Gallery (4:30pm). The museum occupies the top floor of an impressive building erected by Giorgio Vasari between 1560 and 1580. Admire the superb paintings of Botticelli, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Raffaello, Giotto, Cimabue and Masaccio. Tour duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Day 6 - Florence Day at Leisure
Enjoy Florence and the surrounding areas on your own or add a sightseeing tour. Your Travel Counselor can provide a list of suggested tours in the area.
Day 7 - Florence / Venice
Travel by train to Venice, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and transfer on your own to the city center hotel. (We recommend adding private transfers not only for the experience, but also so you are able to maximize your time in this beautiful city.) Spend the afternoon at leisure exploring Venice.
Accommodation: Centrally-located 4-star Venice hotel - 3 nights
Day 8 - Venice Serenade
Share a gondola with other travelers along the canals of Venice and be serenaded as your group of gondolas glide along the Grand Canal. One of the gondoliers will play music and sing songs throughout the 35-minute ride. Only a gondola ride can capture the magic of Venice.
Day 9 - Venice Day at Leisure
Enjoy Venice on your own or add an sightseeing tour. Your Travel Counselor can provide a list of suggested tours in the area.
Day 10 - Depart Venice
After breakfast, transfer on your own to the airport for your return flight home.
*Prices are per person based on double occupancy, are subject to availability at time of booking, and may change without notice. Price given based on suggested itinerary; final price will depend on itinerary and dates requested, and on hotel and train availability. Prices are subject to change based on currency fluctuation until paid in full. Single supplement may apply. Except for packages including air transportation, unless stated otherwise, airfare, taxes and government fees are not included. Offers valid for new bookings only. Member Benefits are per person and apply to first and second traveler only. Member Benefits are available only with advertised fare and are subject to change without notice. Your travel arrangements may be modified or canceled subject to the travel providers’ policies. Blackout dates and other restrictions may apply. We make every effort for accuracy at time of printing but reserve the right to correct errors. AAA Travel strongly recommends the purchase of trip protection insurance. Except for packages including air transportation, fares may not reflect additional fuel supplement or port charges and vary by provider.
CST #1003968-80. Registration as seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California.
Links:
[1] http://calstate.aaa.com/travel/about-aaa-travel/aaa-sojourns