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Buckle up for a travel adventure, all the highlights and some surprises on this most exciting of Italy family trips. Learn how to make pizza like a local, discover your inner artist as you make your own Carnival mask in Venice and dine with a count on his Tuscan estate.
Buckle up for a travel adventure, all the highlights and some surprises on this most exciting of Italy family trips. Learn how to make pizza like a local, discover your inner artist as you make your own Carnival mask in Venice and dine with a count on his Tuscan estate.
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 Kickoff Party that will rock Rome.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Crowne Plaza St. Peter's
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Kickoff Party
Day 2
Explore Ancient Rome and the Vatican City
Join a Local Specialist to delve into centuries of history and culture, including a guided tour of the Vatican Museums. 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 the thunderous roar of thousands.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Optional Experience
Ancient and Christian Rome
Join us on an exploration of Rome's past with our Local Specialist. On this trip you'll visit the Catacombs, where the early Christians assembled to escape persecution and which were used as underground cemeteries. We’ll also pass by the pyramid of Cestius and the baths of Caracalla.
Adult Price: €39.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Piazzas and Fountains of Rome
Discover the most charming areas in the city with a Local Specialist. Wander through the labyrinth of narrow streets and beautiful squares of Rome's historic centre, leading to highlights such as the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon, as well as hidden corners of the Eternal City.
Adult Price: €33.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 3
Venture to a Gladiator School
Book your spot on the podium. It's time for Family Fun as you become a gladiator for the day. You'll learn how to wield a gladiator's sword and gain insights into military techniques with an expert. This afternoon, you’ll have some free time to explore the city with the family. Perhaps count the Spanish Steps or toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain to secure your speedy return to Rome. Then it's time for a cheesy Family Fun affair as we Dive Into Culture and learn how to make authentic Italian pizza, sharing a tasty slice or two of our culinary masterpieces 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.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Grand Mediterraneo
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Optional Experience
An Introduction to Florence
Enjoy a drive up to one of the highest points that overlooks the city of Florence. Afterwards, you'll join our Local Specialist at the River Arno to take a walk over the Ponte Vecchio, see the new market, admire Piazza della Republica, the facade of the Bargello Museum and Dante's House. Then we will finish off with a Carousel Ride for the younger participants (if available).
Adult Price: €34.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 5
Discover Art and Architecture in Florence
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 Dive Into Culture and indulge in a refreshing gelato than in the city where it was invented? Tonight we Connect With Locals joining Count Miari Fulcis and his family for a Be My Guest experience, enjoying delicious specialities against the backdrop of picture-perfect olive groves and vineyards on their 15th-century estate in the Tuscan hills. Salute!
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast, Be My Guest
TODAY'S INCLUDED HIGHLIGHT EXPERIENCE
Day 6
Florence Your Way
You have 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.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Optional Experience
Dinner and Wine in the Tuscan Hills
This evening we’ll take a scenic drive to experience a fun and relaxed evening at a friendly, typical restaurant in the countryside. The chef will delight our senses with regional dishes, made with freshly-bought ingredients from the local farmers’ markets. Your delicious meal will be accompanied by excellent wines from the vineyards for which this area is so well known. In short, a Tuscan dream come true in an authentic setting.
Adult Price: €65.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Visit To San Gimignano
Join us for a panoramic drive to the nearby hilltop town of San Gimignano with our Local Specialist. Magnificently preserved from the Middle Ages, this little town, known as the 'Medieval Manhattan', is one of the most beautiful in Italy - a true gem.
Adult Price: €36.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 7
Venture to Bologna and Onwards to Venice
Stop and smell the rich aromas of Bolognese sauce, spending the morning with a Local Specialist to explore the medieval city of Bologna. Then it's just a hop, skip and a jump to the island city of Venice. Discover the 'Queen of the Adriatic' from the comfort of one of its traditional gondolas on an Optional Experience.
Join us for a breathtaking cruise by private water taxi along Venice's Grand Canal. You'll admire the magnificent palazzi, as well as catching a glimpse of the Rialto Bridge and St. Mark's Square. Later on, you'll glide gracefully on a gondola along Venice's dreamy, narrow waterways.
Adult Price: €76.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 8
Experience Venice’s Food Market
Cruise to bustling St. Mark's Square on a private launch. View the exquisite Doge's Palace, St. Mark's Basilica and the Campanile and the famous Bridge of Sighs, so named for the sound condemned prisoners made at catching their last glimpse of beautiful Venice. We then Dive Into Culture and witness first-hand the exquisite tradition of Venetian glassblowing. Your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience helps to support the preservation of this precious Venetian tradition for generations to come. You’ll learn how this once-thriving Venetian art is being kept alive by talented glassmakers who delight in working their magic to craft the stunning treasures for which Venice is justifiably famous. Time for Family Fun as you learn about the art of crafting Carnival masks, decorating your own masks with enough paint, feathers and glitter to rival even the most elaborate masks seen at the annual event. This afternoon, consider an Optional Experience to the colourful island of Burano for a delicious meal.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Optional Experience
Lagoon Cruise to Burano with Food and Drinks
Join us as we discover the Venetian Lagoon by private boat. You will enjoy a delicious meal with a selection of drinks on the fishermen's island of Burano, famous for its multi-coloured houses - a real photographer's paradise.
Adult Price: €72.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 9
Experience Venice’s Food Market
Navigating the bustling canals to the Rialto Bridge, we embrace the sights and sounds of Venice from the water before we Dive Into Culture and savour the flavours of Italy during a visit to a traditional 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.
Accompanied by a Local Specialist, you'll visit the magnificent Doge's Palace with its elegant courtyards, home to the rulers of the Venetian republic. You’ll also enjoy a booked entrance into the Byzantine Basilica of St. Mark the Evangelist, patron saint of Venice.
Adult Price: €55.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 10
Journey Home
Our unforgettable journey together has come to an end. All that's left to say is a hearty arrivederci as you prepare to return home with fantastic shared memories. Find out more about your free airport transfer at trafalgar.com/freetransfers.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
All optional experiences for this trip
Book with your travel director when you travel
Available on day 2
Ancient and Christian Rome
Join us on an exploration of Rome's past with our Local Specialist. On this trip you'll visit the Catacombs, where the early Christians assembled to escape persecution and which were used as underground cemeteries. We’ll also pass by the pyramid of Cestius and the baths of Caracalla.
Adult Price: €39.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 2
Piazzas and Fountains of Rome
Discover the most charming areas in the city with a Local Specialist. Wander through the labyrinth of narrow streets and beautiful squares of Rome's historic centre, leading to highlights such as the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon, as well as hidden corners of the Eternal City.
Adult Price: €33.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 4
An Introduction to Florence
Enjoy a drive up to one of the highest points that overlooks the city of Florence. Afterwards, you'll join our Local Specialist at the River Arno to take a walk over the Ponte Vecchio, see the new market, admire Piazza della Republica, the facade of the Bargello Museum and Dante's House. Then we will finish off with a Carousel Ride for the younger participants (if available).
Adult Price: €34.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 6
Dinner and Wine in the Tuscan Hills
This evening we’ll take a scenic drive to experience a fun and relaxed evening at a friendly, typical restaurant in the countryside. The chef will delight our senses with regional dishes, made with freshly-bought ingredients from the local farmers’ markets. Your delicious meal will be accompanied by excellent wines from the vineyards for which this area is so well known. In short, a Tuscan dream come true in an authentic setting.
Adult Price: €65.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 6
Visit To San Gimignano
Join us for a panoramic drive to the nearby hilltop town of San Gimignano with our Local Specialist. Magnificently preserved from the Middle Ages, this little town, known as the 'Medieval Manhattan', is one of the most beautiful in Italy - a true gem.
Adult Price: €36.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 7
Gondolas and the Grand Canal
Join us for a breathtaking cruise by private water taxi along Venice's Grand Canal. You'll admire the magnificent palazzi, as well as catching a glimpse of the Rialto Bridge and St. Mark's Square. Later on, you'll glide gracefully on a gondola along Venice's dreamy, narrow waterways.
Adult Price: €76.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 8
Lagoon Cruise to Burano with Food and Drinks
Join us as we discover the Venetian Lagoon by private boat. You will enjoy a delicious meal with a selection of drinks on the fishermen's island of Burano, famous for its multi-coloured houses - a real photographer's paradise.
Adult Price: €72.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 9
Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica
Accompanied by a Local Specialist, you'll visit the magnificent Doge's Palace with its elegant courtyards, home to the rulers of the Venetian republic. You’ll also enjoy a booked entrance into the Byzantine Basilica of St. Mark the Evangelist, patron saint of Venice.
Adult Price: €55.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
All Optional Experiences
The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
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Trip details
Trip details
What's included
Trip Summary Accomodation Icon
9 nights
Accommodation
Trip Summary Meals Icon
14 Meals
1 Be My Guest, 1 Dinner, 1 Farewell Lunch, 1 Kickoff Party, 1 Regional Dinner, 9 Breakfasts
Trip Summary Transport Icon
On-trip Transport
All transport shown
The Trafalgar difference
Family Fun
A cooking experience with all the trimmings! Learn how to make tasty Italian pizza from an expert and then share your masterpiece with the family.
Family Fun
Discover the great Venetian tradition of Carnival masks and paint and decorate your own.
Family Fun
Experience life as a gladiator with an included visit to a Gladiator School in Rome.
Connect With Locals
Enjoy a local Tuscan Be My Guest dinner with Count Miari Fulcis on his 15th-century organic olive oil estate in the Tuscan hills, used as a location for many famous films like 'Room with a View' and 'Tea with Mussolini'.
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
Indulge in an Italian gelato at a local gelateria in Florence.
Dive Into Culture
Savour the vibrant atmosphere of Venice during a visit to a traditional food market in the shadow of the famous Rialto Bridge.
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
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Discover Pisa
Experience Ti Filled Icon
Explore Rome, Florence, Bologna and Venice with a Local Specialist
Experience Ti Filled Icon
Visit St. Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, the Colosseum in Rome, the Academy of Fine Arts and a gelateria in Florence and a glassblowing factory in Venice
Experience Ti Filled Icon
View the ancient sites of Rome, Santa Croce Basilica and the Duomo in Florence, the Leaning Tower of Pisa and St. Mark's Basilica in Venice
Experience Ti Filled Icon
Scenic Cruise by private launch to St. Mark's Square
Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
Experience Tick Thin Icon
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
Experience Tick Thin Icon
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
Experience Tick Thin Icon
Optional Experiences and free time
Live, unedited & independent traveler reviews
Gladiators Gondolas and Gold trip reviews
Our guests are at the heart of everything we do, their feedback fuels our innovation, inspiring us to improve continuously and craft Simply The Best vacations. That's why we ask each of our guests to leave a third-party verified, independent review after every trip. As testament to our commitment we have been given the Trusted Service Award from Feefo, recognising we deliver exceptional experiences as rated by real guests.
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Robert Eckendorf in ErieMy Account Icon
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Trip Rating
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5
I liked this particular trip because it offered a number of included excursions, in addition to several optional tours that were all well worth it. We spent three days each in Rome, Florence and Venice, but we also visited Pisa, San Gimignano, Bologna, and Burano. And there was plenty of free time after each day's excursion if you wanted to rest or explore on your own. It is importatnt to know that this is a "Family Trip" which means that there will be children travelling with you. We had 16 children in our group of 38.
I was truly impressed by every person we came in contact with on our trip. We had a great tour director, wonderful bus drivers, and extremely courteous and knowledgeable Local Specialists. And our hosts at the Be Our Guest Dinners and local restaurants were all so hospitable.
This tour was so much fun! Our travel director, Gianluca, was amazing - he was funny, informative, had a great handle on timing (where to be and when), knew some of the best local specialists, knew all the best places to get the best gelato - he was just fantastic! I would take and tour Gianluca was the travel director in for Trafalgar. Luigi, our bus driver, was amazing as well - he made our travel to and from everywhere so comfortable and safe. I highly recommend doing all the optional extras offered - so much fun and a great way to get to know the others in your group as well.
GREAT TRIP, GREAT INSIGHT TO ITALY, BUT LOOKOUT FOR THE ACCOMODATION.
Trip Rating
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4
Rome was great, and the option to see everything there was available (some at an additional cost, but neverthe less the option was there). The free time given in Rome was adequate to visit all the sites you wanted to. Florance was good but was let down by the accomodation supplied, and perhaps could have spent more time there looking at all the sites. Vencie was also good, but by the 3rd day we were ready to leave. the free time offered in Venice was great and allowed us to see everything we wanted to see by our second Day. In our opinion, the 3rd day was an extra day that could have been tacked onto the Florance time (if the accomodation was suitable).
Our Coach driver was exceptional, freindly and a very good and capable driver. The Knowledge of the areas he and in particular, our tour guide took us to and the information supplied to us during this trip was Fantastic. However as the the tour was a "family" event and named, "Gladiators, Gondolas & Gold", there were two major points that we feel let the trip down. 1.The accomodation In Rome was fantastic. However, whilst the accomodation in Florance was close and central for sight seeing, it was not family orientated or family freindly, the rooms were small and not suited for a family of 3. The breakfast supplied was almost reasonable, the mode in which we were treated by the motel staff at breakfast time was deplorable. We were segregrated, tables were not cleaned in-between customers and staff ensured that Trafalgar customers were sat in a designated area with less breakfast options than others. The accomodation in Venice was good, and the rooms were nice, they were much better than Florence, however, there was still the "feeling" that we were placed in certain areas away from other paying customers. 2. The trip was called "Gladiators, Gondolas & Gold" the Gladiators and Gold part of the package were free Items, Unfortunately, to experiance a Gondola ride it was an extra and an additional payment had to be paid.
Fun activities for all of us, kids and adults. It was nice not having to stand in lines in the heat to see places. With this tour our group got to cut to the front! I especially enjoyed SAN Giamgiano!
This was an amazing experience for my 13-year-old grandson and me! We went on the family tour to Italy and 25 of the 49 of us were kids. There were two other grandma‘s with their grandsons, all the same age! We made many friends, had lots of fun, saw beautiful sites throughout Italy and had a wonderful tour guide, Gianluca. We added a day on the end in Venice but when booking we didn’t know we were not on the island and going back to see Venice on our extra day took a taxi and a train and a water bus there and a water bus, bus and lots of walking back. It was more or less a wasted extra day, not being close by, but we did see more of Venice!
There were outings for the adults as well as for the children. I would recommend that the children's program were spread out (had 2 in same day) so that they do not get overwhelmed with city tours and history talks. Would also recommend more special excursions for the children.
Gratuities: You have the option to pre-pay the gratuities for your Travel Director and Driver. Please speak with your travel agent.
Shared Rooming: Room Share is not available on this trip. Single rooms are not available unless travelling as part of a family group.
Drinking Water: Tap water is safe to drink in all of the destinations on this trip. Please remember to bring a water bottle.
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.
