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Contrasts of Italy With Pearls of the Adriatic Lower Deck
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Contrasts of Italy With Pearls of the Adriatic Lower Deck
17 Day Italy Tour of Rome, Florence and Venice with Adriatic Cruise
From the ancient capital of Rome to Venice, this journey connects two Italian masterpieces with a stop in Florence. Cruise the soul-stirring Croatian coastline from Opatija to Dubrovnik, delving behind the ancient walls of fortified towns and into a tranquil retreat that has attracted royalty over the centuries.
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Trip code
CIGVL
Contrasts of Italy With Pearls of the Adriatic Lower Deck
17 Day Italy Tour of Rome, Florence and Venice with Adriatic Cruise
Deals, savings and exclusive private touring options available, plus if you need a different date or itinerary change we can create a custom trip. Contact us for more details >>
From the ancient capital of Rome to Venice, this journey connects two Italian masterpieces with a stop in Florence. Cruise the soul-stirring Croatian coastline from Opatija to Dubrovnik, delving behind the ancient walls of fortified towns and into a tranquil retreat that has attracted royalty over the centuries.
Deals, savings and exclusive private touring options available, plus if you need a different date or itinerary change we can create a custom trip. Contact us for more details >>
Benvenuti a Roma where we begin our exciting journey through some of Italy's most beautiful cities. Spend time relaxing after your travels or take a walk down memory lane, tracing centuries of art, antiquities and culture before joining your travel companions and Travel Director for a Welcome Reception and orientation drive through Rome's intoxicating cityscape.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Grand Palatino
We visit the centre of Christianity this morning, joining a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour which includes a visit to the imposing St. Peter's Basilica to see the Pietà, Michelangelo's masterpiece carved from the most 'perfect' block of marble. Our next stop is in Ancient Rome where we’ll visit the Colosseum. Here gladiators and slaves met their end in a blaze of glory. See the Circus Maximus before returning to the Holy See this afternoon. Dive Into Culture and gain priority admission to the Vatican Museums where a Local Specialist will take us on a guided tour. Admire Michelangelo's magnificent frescoed ceiling in the Sistine Chapel when it is less crowded and observe the array of incredible artefacts at the Museo Gregoriano Profano, founded in the Lateran Apostolic Palace at the behest of Gregory XVI Cappellari in 1844. We will also enjoy an al fresco dinner against the spectacular backdrop of St. Peter's.
Enjoy a full free day in Rome or consider spending the day in beautiful Tivoli. Join an Optional Experience to see the exquisite house and gardens of the 16th-century Villa d'Este – a marvellous example of Renaissance landscape architecture. As the sun sets over the seven hills of Rome, people-watch in one of Rome’s beautiful squares or admire the Trevi Fountain, tossing a coin to secure your return to Rome.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 4
Journey By High-Speed Train to Florence
Sit back on the high-speed train, bound for Florence, and watch the Tuscan landscape go by. Join a Local Specialist on a walking tour to gain insights into the city's Renaissance treasures. View the Ponte Vecchio, almost 700 years old and lined with goldsmiths, then visit the Fine Arts Academy to see one of Michelangelo's masterpieces, the statue of David. Our love affair with Florence continues as we stroll to the Piazza della Signoria, featuring Palazzo Vecchio and the Uffizi Gallery.
Cross the Arno River and see the enchanting skyline of Florence from Piazzale Michelangelo before driving to Pisa through the Arno Valley. Meet your Local Specialist to explore the Square of Miracles and see the famous Leaning Tower, the Cathedral, Baptistery and Camposanto, built on soil brought back from the Holy Land during the Crusades. Over lunch, Connect With Locals at the Agriturismo Borgo Vigna Vecchia where you’ll enjoy an exclusive Be My Guest experience surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. This evening, stroll along the Arno River in search of the perfect gelato, see the beautifully lit Duomo or visit a cosy enoteca for some wine tasting.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast, Be My Guest
Day 6
Discover Renaissance Florence
Today is yours to discover the beauty and elegance of Florence – a city filled with exquisite galleries, lush gardens and opulent palaces. Consider a visit to the hilltop town of San Gimignano, the 'medieval Manhattan' of Tuscany. Venture outside the city to see Tuscan villages and taste rich panforte and tortas, or shop for the latest fashions in Florence's sophisticated boutiques. This evening, consider joining an Optional Experience in the Chianti region for a delicious Tuscan dinner.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 7
Travel By High-Speed Train to Venice
All aboard the express train for Venice. We cross the spectacular Apennines and fertile Veneto plain before arriving in this island city. Get lost this afternoon, wandering its narrow lanes in search of a cosy bacaro, people-watch in St. Mark's Square, the gateway to Venice, or take an unforgettable gondola ride along the city's enchanting canals.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Principe
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 8
Cruise the Canals of Venice
This morning, breathe in the salty sea air as you board a private launch and cruise to St. Mark's Square to see the Bridge of Sighs, Palladian Churches, the Customs House, St. Mark's Basilica and Campanile, as well as the Doge's Palace. Later, we Dive Into Culture at an unforgettable MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, witnessing first-hand the centuries-old craft of glassblowing. Admire the skill and talent of the master craftsmen as the shape the exquisite glassworks Venice has become justifiably famous for, using the same techniques that their forefathers have for centuries. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore the city on your own terms, perhaps finding a quiet campo and pavement café or take a cruise to colourful Burano for a delicious meal.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 9
Experience Venice’s Food Market
The sights and sounds of modern Venice come to life today as we join our Local Specialist for a walking tour and explore the vibrant Rialto Food Market, which has been feeding Venetians since the 11th century. We wander through the narrow calli - seeing the ornate façades of merchant houses that line the canals, before enjoying an afternoon at leisure for one last taste of Venice. Our adventure through Italy's charming cities is about to come to an end. We celebrate newfound friendships and an unforgettable experience at a Farewell Dinner.
Prime your sea legs this morning as you transfer to Opatija port and board the MV Aquamarin/MV Fantazija to meet your onboard team. This afternoon, you'll set sail for the 'island of love'. A guided tour of Rab will reveal its highlights, including its ancient walls, church bell towers and the monastery at the 16th-century Church of St. Justine. Sample Rab cake and enjoy a presentation of how this local delight is made. Rub shoulders with local artists who add a splash of colour to the streets of the town, then retire to the comfort of your cruise ship for the night.
Cruise to Zadar, Croatia's oldest university town. From the 1st-century Roman forum to the 9th-century St. Donat Church, there's history around every turn. After exploring the wealth of museums, churches and palaces, you'll make your way to Zadar's Riva to see (and hear) the mesmerising Sea Organ, comprising several stairs that descend into the sea.
Arrive in Skradin and travel to Bibich winery where you'll Dive Into Culture, learning the stories of the family who own this boutique vineyard. Indulge in a wine tasting of some of the indigenous varietals produced by the vineyards that surround you, paired with some of the favourite tapas delicacies of the area while you learn how the grapes are grown, picked and fermented to perfection using the same traditional techniques several generations of the Bibić family have used for centuries. You’ll leave feeling absorbed by this culture and way of life. Next up is a visit to Krka Waterfalls National Park, where you'll visit Skradinski Buk, a spectacular vantage point from which to view 17 separate falls cascading 150 feet (45 m) to the pools below. You'll have the afternoon to explore the cultural monuments and waterfront attractions of Šibenik, a historic city along the Dalmatian coast and the oldest native Croatian town on the shores of the Adriatic.
Your cruise continues towards the capital of Dalmatia and home to the UNESCO-listed Diocletian’s Palace. Explore another aspect of Split’s buzzing historical town centre on foot with your Local Specialist who’ll share all the iconic and unexpected highlights with you as you wind your way towards Split Market.
Follow in the footsteps of ancient Illyrian, Greek and Roman sailors as you cruise to Metković. It’s here, on the banks of the Neretva, that you’ll find one of the last remaining wetland deltas in Europe. A barge ride into the groves provides the perfect opportunity to view the local flora, fauna and birdlife. Next, visit the Narona Archaeological Museum, where you’ll see the remains of the Augusteum Roman temple, at the heart of what was once a major Roman stronghold. Tonight, you’ll be hosted by the Captain for a dinner with live entertainment.
Set sail for Korčula, most famously the birthplace of Marco Polo. You’ll discover why the locals call it 'The Black Island' and see how its towering walls have shielded its capital for centuries. After a tour through the Old Town’s narrow streets, you’ll have time to soak up the local atmosphere in one of the many konobas, restaurants or cocktail bars.
Approaching Dubrovnik from the sea is a sight to behold. As you sail past its imposing walls, you’ll get a glimpse of why George Bernard Shaw described the city as 'heaven on earth'. Lunch is served on deck as the ship moors in Gruz harbour. You’ll be treated to a guided tour of the Old Town before spending the rest of the afternoon exploring on your own. You could choose to walk the ramparts, ascend Srđ mountain by cable car for spectacular views, or take a step back in time in its labyrinthine lanes.
Say a fond farewell to your newfound friends and take your airport transfer for your return flight. Find out more about your free airport transfer at trafalgar.com/freetransfers.
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Trip details
Trip details
What's included
Trip Summary Accomodation Icon
16 nights
Accommodation
Trip Summary Meals Icon
28 Meals
1 Be My Guest, 1 Farewell Dinner, 1 Regional Dinner, 1 Welcome Reception, 16 Breakfasts, 2 Dinners, 6 Lunches
Trip Summary Transport Icon
On-trip Transport
All transport shown
The Trafalgar difference
Connect With Locals
Enjoy an exclusive Be My Guest lunch at the Agriturismo Borgo Vigna Vecchia in the Tuscan hills.
Dive into Culture
Witness the exquisite craft of glassblowing, a delicate tradition that generations of Venetian craftsmen have perfected over the centuries.
Dive into Culture
Enjoy a private visit inside the Vatican where you will tour the Museo Gregoriano Profano featuring Roman and Ancient Greek antiquities before an exclusive private dinner.
Dive Into Culture
Uncover centuries of winemaking heritage when you meet the Bibić family who have been making wine near the ancient town of Skradin for over five centuries.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
Learn about the history and ancient skill of Venetian glassblowing, playing your role in ensuring the survival of this traditional craft through your visit.
Sightseeing highlights
Experience Ti Filled Icon
VIP Admission to the Vatican Museums
Experience Ti Filled Icon
Explore Rome, Florence, Pisa, Venice, Opatija, Rab, Split and Korčula Old Town with a Local Specialist
Experience Ti Filled Icon
Visit St. Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel and the Colosseum in Rome, and the Academy of Fine Arts in Florence, Volokso, Zadar, Šibenik, Skradinski Buk, Krka Waterfalls National Park, Bibich winery, Skradin, Split Market, the Narona Archaeological Museum, Metković and Dubrovnik
Experience Ti Filled Icon
View the ancient sites in Rome, the Santa Croce Basilica and the Duomo in Florence, the Leaning Tower of Pisa and St. Mark's Basilica in Venice
Experience Ti Filled Icon
See the Zadar Sea Organ and the Augusteum Roman Temple in Metković
Experience Ti Filled Icon
Scenic Cruise by private launch to St. Mark's Square in Venice
Cruise ship: This cruise is operated by Katarina Lines MV Aquamarin or MV Fantazija.
Port Taxes: All prices are inclusive of port taxes and are accurate as of July 2021.
Shared Rooming: Room Share and Triple Rooms are not available on this trip.
Unless otherwise stated, trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discount. Discounts are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice.
Trip prices are correct at the time of the products going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however are subject to change - please confirm all details at time of booking.
Twin-share option not available for trips to South America, Costa Rica, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, South Africa, Kenya & Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia or for any holiday & cruise combination, or in Asia and Eastern Mediterranean except Highlights of Turkey (without cruise) & Best of Turkey. It's also not available on Small Group trips. Guided Vacations included in this restriction are Newfoundland and Labrador (DNLA). Does not apply to trips operated by Inspiring Journeys & our Mini-stays.
For trips that are part of our Guaranteed Room Share, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms. Solo travel is not accepted on guided Family Experiences holidays unless traveling as part of a family group.
Travel to Europe often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange your flights to arrive on or before day 1.
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Active Trip Details
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What is an Active Trip? This is an "Active" lifestyle itinerary, with walks and hikes most days. Hikes will range from easy/moderate to strenuous. No technical climbing skills are required but a reasonable level of fitness is required to make the trip more enjoyable. Understanding that not all people want to hike at the same pace or even on the same trail we will, where possible, host map orientation and then let everyone disperse to enjoy the trails best suited to them. What to Pack Guests should bring lightweight hiking shoes or boots, broad brimmed sun hats, sunglasses, layered clothing, reusable water bottle(s), a hiking day pack and hiking poles (optional)
Weather & Altitude While the itinerary is laid out below, we are at the mercy of the weather and so reserve the right to adjust the program as necessary. Please keep in mind that the higher elevations and possible variations in weather and temperature can increase the perceived level of difficulty of our activities. Elevation ranges up to 9,000 feet for Utah’s Mighty Five and up to 11,000 feet for California High Country Adventure.
Everyone reacts differently to altitude and so if you do have any health issues you should check with your doctor that this trip is suitable for you.