Highlights of Italy

Discover the ancient monuments of the city with this interesting walking exploration. Set off with your knowledgeable guide for the open-air market at Piazza Campo de Fiori with its colorful displays of fruits, vegetables, crafts, and other items. Browse through the market as you take a short break before heading on to bustling Navona Square. Stroll around looking at the fountains, churches, and palaces around the square that are the works of famous artists such as Gian Lorenzo Bernini and Francesco Borromini. Walk on till you come upon the magnificent Pantheon, once a temple devoted to pagan deities that now serves as a Christian basilica. Saunter past Palazzo Madama, the seat of the Italian senate, and the Column of Marcus Aurelius constructed in honor of Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius. Leave behind Palazzo Montecitorio, the seat of the Italian Chamber of Deputies, as you make your way to the famous shopping street of Via Condotti with its exclusive boutiques. Amble to the end of the street to the iconic Trevi Fountain made famous by the 1960 movie La Dolce Vita. You could throw a coin into the fountain before heading on to the Spanish Steps with its sloping staircase and the elegant Barcaccia fountain. (Half Day; Private Activity & self organized transfer if required; Fitness Level: Moderate. Please wear comfortable shoes and clothing appropriate for church visits.)

Experience the charms of Rome on this enjoyable evening walking tour. Get picked up from your hotel and drive to meet your guide. Begin your walk at the Spanish Steps, with its sloping staircase and the illuminated Renaissance church of Trinità dei Monti towering above it. Walk to the Trevi Fountain, which was made famous by the 1960 movie ‘La Dolce Vita’. You could throw a coin into the fountain before you make your way to the majestic Pantheon, once a temple devoted to pagan deities that now serves as a Christian basilica. Continue to your last stop, the bustling Piazza Navona. Enjoy a stroll around the fountains, churches, and palaces that surround the square. Bernini’s ‘Fountain of Four Rivers’, the Obelisk of Domitian, and the Baroque church of Sant’ Ágnese in Agone are some of the prominent landmarks you will see. Along the way, stop to sample some local delicacies and beverages recommended by your knowledgeable guide. You could pop into a historic café to try their cappuccino or espresso. Step into a traditional sweet shop to taste freshly prepared chocolate. Afterwards, make your way back to the hotel on your own. (Duration: 2 hrs 30 mins; Time: 1930 hrs; Please arrive 15 mins prior to departure time; Shared activity; Group size: max 12 ppl; One-way transfer; Meals included: tastings; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Fitness level: easy; Please wear comfortable walking shoes; Headphones provided for groups of nine or more people).

Visit the Vatican to explore its museums and enjoy a delicious breakfast. Your tour will begin nearly two hours before the Vatican Museums open to the public. Start with an American-style breakfast in the Pinecone Courtyard from where you can take in beautiful views of the Vatican. Then, explore the galleries that house one of the greatest art collections and see exhibits ranging from Egyptian mummies and Etruscan bronzes to modern paintings. View classical and Renaissance artwork accumulated by the popes from the 17th century onward. In the four interconnecting Raphael Rooms, check out the frescoes painted by Raphael Santi and his pupils. Then, proceed to the Sistine Chapel in the Apostolic Palace. Designed by the Italian architect Giovanni dei Dolci, this is where popes are crowned. Here, you’ll see the stunning ceiling, painted in fresco by Michelangelo and renowned artists such as Pietro Perugino and Sandro Botticelli. Finally, stop at Saint Peter’s Basilica and spend time in Saint Peter’s Square, before returning to your hotel. (Duration: half day; Time: 0745/0815 hrs; Private activity & transfers; All skip-the-line entry fees are included; Meals included: breakfast; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Fitness level: moderate, please note that people with physical limitations can participate as long as they have someone to provide assistance; Not available on Wed morning & Sat)

See Florence from the water on this enjoyable tour. Make your way to the meeting point and step into a traditional wooden barchetta or Florentine gondola for a leisurely cruise on the Arno River. Make yourself comfortable as the gondolier navigates the boat smoothly across the water with a long wooden pole. Glide on the calm river, past the busy palazzos, and listen to interesting anecdotes about the city from your knowledgeable guide. Pass under the medieval stone bridge of Ponte Vecchio and go past the famous Uffizi Gallery that houses numerous works of art from the Italian Renaissance period. Learn about the mystery surrounding the Vasari Corridor, connecting the Palazzo Vecchio with Palazzo Pitti. See the stately Palazzo Corsini and the picturesque Santa Trinita Bridge, characterized by its elliptic arch, as you sip a refreshing glass of aperitivo or chilled wine. After about an hour, step ashore with lasting memories of your gondola ride. (Duration: 1 hr; Seasonal: May – Oct; Time:1800 hrs; Shared activity; Group size: max 14 ppl; No transfers; Starting point: Florencetown Booking Office, Piazza Mentana, 3, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy; Meals included: wine aperitivo; Fitness level: easy; In case of heavy rain, no refund is issued. Guests can choose either to continue the tour with another mean of transportation or to get a voucher for future use)

Set off from your centrally located hotel with your knowledgeable guide on this walking tour of the city’s famous museums. Head to the centuries-old Uffizi Gallery, known for its priceless collection of artworks from the Italian Renaissance period. Wander around the sprawling premises as you admire the collection of paintings by masters such as Caravaggio, Giotto, Michelangelo, Cimabue, Leonardo da Vinci, Titian, and Raphael. Saunter over to the Accademia Gallery for a closer look at Michelangelo’s masterpiece of Biblical hero David. The marble sculpture dating back to the early 16th century occupies a position of pride in the gallery. As you walk between museums, listen to interesting facts and anecdotes about the historic landmarks you pass along the way. You can ask your guide to customize the tour itinerary according to any special requests that you might have. (Duration: 6 hrs; Time: 0900/1400 hrs; Private Activity; Pick up form hotel; Transfers not required as this is a walking tour; Fitness Level: Moderate. Please wear comfortable shoes. You could also bring a light raincoat or umbrella depending on the weather. Do remember that museum entry times can change without prior notice; Entrance Fees for Accademia & Uffizi included.)

Here are our recommendations on what you can do in Florence. Embark on a self-guided exploration of this beautiful city known for its historic landmarks and stunning architectural wonders. Take your pick of famous museums such as the Uffizi Gallery, Palatine Gallery, and Accademia Gallery, the home of Michelangelo’s famous David sculpture. After having your fill of magnificent artworks, head to the Duomo or domed cathedral where you can climb up to the cupola and savor stunning views of the city. Continue these views from Piazzale Michelangelo, a sprawling terrace that sits perched atop a hill by the river. You could then saunter over to the centuries-old Palazzo Vecchio that serves as the city hall to marvel at its unique architectural style. Or, you could take a closer look at the octagonal Baptistery of Saint John, also known as Florence Baptistery, counted among the city’s oldest buildings. Stroll across the Ponte Vecchio, the city’s iconic stone bridge that dates back to medieval times. Browse through the attractive displays of jewelry, art, and souvenirs in the shops on the bridge. You can then wind up the day on a high note with a sensory feast at one of the many markets that the city is famed for! (Self-explore Activity; Transfers, entrance fees and meals are not included; Choose what best suits your interests and pace from our recommendations; Please note that you may not be able to do all recommended activities)

Set off from your centrally located hotel on a fascinating walking tour of the city of canals. Accompany your local expert along the winding alleyways to see some of the hidden gems of this charming city that has been featured in countless works of art and literature. Soak in the architectural beauty of the buildings around the historic Piazza San Marco, Venice’s main public square. Stroll past landmarks such as the Italo-Byzantine Basilica San Marco, Palazzo Ducale also known as the Doge’s Palace, the iconic Clock Tower, and Procuratie, the three-building cluster. Saunter across the splendid Campo Santi Giovanni e Paolo square where you find the Basilica also known as the Pantheon of Venice. Listen to lesser-known historical facts and anecdotes as you amble by the erstwhile residence of the famous explorer Marco Polo and admire Malibran Theater that dates back to the 17th century. Make your way back to San Marco along the bustling Mercerie with its numerous luxury boutiques. (Duration: 2 hrs; Time: 1000 hrs; Private Activity; Fitness Level: Moderate. Please note this is a walking tour and the guide will meet you directly at your hotel; It is advisable to wear comfortable shoes and bring along a light raincoat or an umbrella depending on the weather.)

After a short stroll around dusk, treat yourselves to a quintessential Venetian experience at the bustling bacari dotted across the city. Accompanied by an expert guide, get introduced to Venice’s food culture and at these hidden wine bars, believed to have originated in the 1300s. Enjoy a Cicchetti (the typical small snacks served in Venice) crawl while navigating the maze of back alleys dotted across residential neighborhoods surrounding the historic Rialto bridge. Before setting out for dinner, soak up the lively atmosphere of this Venetian institution, interacting with residents around oak barrels that serve as tables. Rubbing shoulders with Veneziano speaking locals, join in on this early evening phenomenon, hopping between cozy watering holes characterized by quirky and funky décor. Dig into an assortment of traditional Cicchetti that make up the daily-changing, seasonal menus, all paired with ombras – small glasses of organic house wines, or spritz concoctions. Expect to taste bite-sized sandwiches, fresh seafood, deep-fried cheeses, artichoke hearts, pickled specialties, and artisanal cold cuts. End the tour on a sweet note with a tasting of local cookies. (Half Day; Time: 1600 hrs; Private Activity; Snacks, wine and cookies included; Fitness level: Easy. Please note this is a walking tour and the guide will meet you directly at your hotel; It is advisable to wear comfortable shoes and bring along a light raincoat or an umbrella depending on the weather.)

Visit the famous islands of the Venetian lagoon that are known for their handicrafts. At the scheduled time, you will be guided from your hotel in Venice to the meeting point. Once you reach, settle into a comfortable boat and travel to Murano. Along the way, your guide will point out interesting landmarks and small islets. At Murano, walk along the narrow streets to a glassblower’s workshop. This small island is world-famous for its exquisite pieces of glass art. Watch a skilled glass blower craft delicate pieces of glassware right in front of you. You could then browse the collection of finished products and explore the island on your own. Later, board the boat for the ride to Burano, famed for its handmade lace, once considered the best in Europe. Make your way past vibrantly painted houses, lined along the canal, to a lace-making facility. See the women use centuries-old techniques to stitch beautiful swathes of lace. Afterward, check out some of the local bakeries and sample their wares before heading back to the boat. (Duration: half day; Shared activity; Group size: max 20 ppl; Starting point: Riva degli Schiavoni, 4183, 30122 Venezia- at the statue of Vittorio Emanuele II; Fitness level: moderate, please note that this tour is not suitable for wheelchairs or people requiring special assistance; Boat round trip and glass and lace-making demonstrations included; Please be at the meeting point at least 15 mins prior to scheduled departure time; Pick up assistance from the hotel to the meeting point is included; Carry hat, sunscreen, and a bottle of water; There is a lot of walking involved, so comfortable shoes are recommended).