Gladiators Gondolas and Gold

Ciao Roma! Feast your eyes and your stomach on the Eternal City - the launch pad for an unforgettable adventure with la famiglia. Tread in the footsteps of the ancients before meeting with your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Kick-off Party that will rock Rome.

Join a Local Specialist to delve into centuries of history and culture, including a guided tour of the Vatican Museum. Gaze up at the wonder of Michelangelo's frescoed ceiling in the Sistine Chapel and explore the Catholic shrine of St. Peter's Basilica. Venture across the Tiber to the Colosseum imagining a time when brave warriors fought to their death amidst the thunderous roar of thousands.

Book your spot on the podium. It's time to become a gladiator for the day. You'll learn how to wield a gladiator's sword and gain insights into Roman history with a Local Specialist. This afternoon, the cobblestone streets of Rome are yours to explore. Board the Bioparco Express through Villa Borghese, count the Spanish Steps or toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain to secure your speedy return to Rome. Then it's time for a cheesy family affair as we enjoy a Cultural Insight into authentic Italian pizza making and share a tasty slice or two with our loved ones.

Set your watch to Italian time and embark on a scenic drive north through Tuscany's golden fields. Stop in Pisa to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site Piazza del Duomo to snap a selfie in front of the famous Leaning Tower. Carry on to the Renaissance city of Florence, our home for the next three nights.

The exquisite sights of Florence are brought to life on a walking tour in the expert company of a Local Specialist. See the magnificent Gothic Duomo and famous Baptistery before marvelling at Michelangelo's statue of David at the Academy of Fine Arts. Learn about the quality and workmanship of two of this city’s historic industries at demonstrations of Florentine leathercraft and 18-carat gold. Where better to indulge in a refreshing gelato than in the city where it was invented - a tasty treat before a special Be My Guest dinner at a magnificent Tuscan villa that once featured as a famous film location. Join a local family for dinner enjoying delicious specialities against the backdrop of picture-perfect olive groves and vineyards. Saluti!

A full day at leisure to enjoy this remarkable Renaissance city. Florence is a living museum that you can explore on foot. Perhaps join an optional experience to the ‘Town of Towers’ – San Gimignano.

Stop and smell the rich aromas of Bolognese sauce, spending the morning with a Local Specialist exploring the medieval city of Bologna. Then it's just a hop, skip and a jump to the island city of Venice. Enjoy free time to walk along the Grand Canal, feed the greedy pigeons in the piazza and wander through labyrinthine streets in search of hidden treasures and the city's tastiest gelato.

All aboard! We cruise to bustling St. Mark's Square on a private launch, viewing the famous Bridge of Sighs so named for the sound condemned prisoners made at catching their last glimpse of beautiful Venice. We'll view the exquisite Doge's Palace, St. Mark's Basilica and the Campanile before experiencing a creative Cultural Insight into Venice's glassblowing traditions and the art of crafting Carnival masks. Indulge your artistic flair and create your own colourful mask, before enjoying a free evening, perhaps glide through the canals of Venice by gondola or wander through the tiny calle for the cosiest trattoria in town.

Navigating the bustling canals to the Rialto Bridge, embrace the sights and sounds of Venice from the water, before enjoying a Cultural Insight into the flavours of Italy at an ancient food market. We delve into the hidden highlights of Venice during a Small Group Sightseeing walking tour, working up an appetite for our Farewell Lunch at a local restaurant.

Our unforgettable journey together has come to an end. All that's left to say is a hearty arrivederci as you prepared to return home with fantastic shared memories. Airport transfers are available. Conditions apply.