Italy's contrasts become apparent as you journey through Rome, Florence and Venice by train.
All aboard this exhilarating journey to Italy's iconic cities of Rome, Florence and Venice. Spend 10 days in Italy conjuring up gladiators and chariots in Rome, shop until you drop on Florence's ancient Ponte Vecchio and strike a pose in Pisa before discovering the secrets of Venice on foot like a local.
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. Should there be adverse weather, a contingency is provided in a newly-created dining space within the Cortile della Pigna.
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, sit on the Spanish Steps and watch the beautiful people, or admire the Trevi Fountain, tossing a coin to secure your return to Rome.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
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.
Optional Experience
Delights of Rome with Dinner
Spend an evening getting to know Rome. We’ll take you via coach where you’ll have the chance to see some of the city’s much-loved sights. Afterwards, you’ll enjoy a delicious light dinner of Italian specialities, alongside local music and drinks.
Adult Price: €50.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Tivoli And Gardens Of The Villa D’Este
Visit the ancient Sabine town of Tivoli to enjoy the gardens and fountains of the Villa D’Este. You’ll get to see its grottos and pavilions, the Avenue of a Hundred Fountains, and the Dragon Fountain of the Organ.
Adult Price: €45.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Sit back on the high-speed train and watch the Tuscan landscape go by, bound for Florence. Join a 'Local Specialist' on a walking tour to gain insights into the city's Renaissance treasures. View the Ponte Vecchio, over 670 years old, lined with goldsmiths and souvenir shops, and 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. 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 and live music.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Optional Experience
Discover Palazzo Vecchio
Marvel at the legacy of the Medici as you visit Palazzo Vecchio, the symbol of Florence's political power for over seven centuries. With our Local Specialist we’ll visit the wonderful "Hall of the Five Hundred", dedicated to the Medicis' popes. We’ll also visit rooms decorated with masterpieces by famous artists of the Renaissance like Michelangelo and Donatello.
Adult Price: €39.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 6
Florence Free Day
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 Chianti for a delicious Tuscan dinner.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Optional Experience
Dinner, Wine And Music In The Tuscan Hills
Join us for a scenic drive through the beautiful Tuscan countryside. We will enjoy a meal at a charming restaurant where a selection of regional favourites is served, accompanied by a selection of local wines and live music. A truly unforgettable experience, with an atmosphere that is the essence of all things Tuscan.
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 drive to the nearby hilltop town of San Gimignano, known as the ‘medieval Manhattan’ of Tuscany. Surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, this is Italy’s best preserved medieval city and will give you a taste of day-to-day life in Italy during the Middle Ages.
Adult Price: €36.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Tuscan Dinner at Villa Machiavelli
A scenic drive into the Chianti hills, past vineyards, brings us to a delightful hamlet. Our destination is the ancient stone house of Machiavelli, where the great political theorist wrote his immortal work, ‘The Prince’. After a welcome drink and visit of the villa and its wine-cellars, we'll enjoy the best of Tuscan cuisine accompanied by great music and drinks, including of course, Chianti from the Villa’s own vines. This is the essence of all great things Tuscan, past and present, condensed into one memorable evening!
Adult Price: €65.00
Day 7
Florence – High-Speed Train – Venice (3 Nights)
All aboard the express train for Venice. We cross the spectacular Appenines 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
Optional Experience
Gondolas and the Grand Canal
Join us for a scenic 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: €70.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 8
Venice Orientation and Free Time
This morning, we 'Dive Into Culture', witnessing first-hand the centuries-old craft of glassmaking on the island of Giudecca. 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. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore the city on your own terms. Find a quiet campo and pavement café or take a cruise to colourful 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
Secret Venice Walking Tour and visit to the Rialto Food Market
The sights and sounds of modern Venice come to life today as we join our 'Local Specialist' for an orientation walk 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.
Accompanied by a Local Specialist, you'll visit the magnificent Doge's Palace and its elegant courtyards, which were home to the rulers of the Venetian republic. Afterwards, enjoy a visit to the Byzantine Basilica of St. Mark the Evangelist, patron saint of Venice.
Adult Price: €50.00
Day 10
Depart Venice
Say arrivederci to Italy and your fellow travellers as your fascinating holiday comes to an end. Transfers are available. Conditions apply.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
All optional experiences for this trip
Book with your travel director when you travel
Available on day 3
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 3
Delights of Rome with Dinner
Spend an evening getting to know Rome. We’ll take you via coach where you’ll have the chance to see some of the city’s much-loved sights. Afterwards, you’ll enjoy a delicious light dinner of Italian specialities, alongside local music and drinks.
Adult Price: €50.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 3
Tivoli And Gardens Of The Villa D’Este
Visit the ancient Sabine town of Tivoli to enjoy the gardens and fountains of the Villa D’Este. You’ll get to see its grottos and pavilions, the Avenue of a Hundred Fountains, and the Dragon Fountain of the Organ.
Adult Price: €45.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 5
Discover Palazzo Vecchio
Marvel at the legacy of the Medici as you visit Palazzo Vecchio, the symbol of Florence's political power for over seven centuries. With our Local Specialist we’ll visit the wonderful "Hall of the Five Hundred", dedicated to the Medicis' popes. We’ll also visit rooms decorated with masterpieces by famous artists of the Renaissance like Michelangelo and Donatello.
Adult Price: €39.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 6
Dinner, Wine And Music In The Tuscan Hills
Join us for a scenic drive through the beautiful Tuscan countryside. We will enjoy a meal at a charming restaurant where a selection of regional favourites is served, accompanied by a selection of local wines and live music. A truly unforgettable experience, with an atmosphere that is the essence of all things Tuscan.
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 drive to the nearby hilltop town of San Gimignano, known as the ‘medieval Manhattan’ of Tuscany. Surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, this is Italy’s best preserved medieval city and will give you a taste of day-to-day life in Italy during the Middle Ages.
Adult Price: €36.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 6
Tuscan Dinner at Villa Machiavelli
A scenic drive into the Chianti hills, past vineyards, brings us to a delightful hamlet. Our destination is the ancient stone house of Machiavelli, where the great political theorist wrote his immortal work, ‘The Prince’. After a welcome drink and visit of the villa and its wine-cellars, we'll enjoy the best of Tuscan cuisine accompanied by great music and drinks, including of course, Chianti from the Villa’s own vines. This is the essence of all great things Tuscan, past and present, condensed into one memorable evening!
Adult Price: €65.00
Available on day 7
Gondolas and the Grand Canal
Join us for a scenic 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: €70.00*
* 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 and its elegant courtyards, which were home to the rulers of the Venetian republic. Afterwards, enjoy a visit to the Byzantine Basilica of St. Mark the Evangelist, patron saint of Venice.
Adult Price: €50.00
All Optional Experiences
The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Witness the exquisite craft of glassblowing on Giudecca Island, a delicate tradition that generations of Venetian craftsmen have perfected over the centuries. (Day 8) 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. (Day 2)
Local Specialists
For included sightseeing in Rome, Florence, Pisa and Venice
Sightseeing highlights
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VIP ADMISSION to the Vatican Museums
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VISIT St. Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel and the Colosseum in Rome and the Academy of Fine Arts in Florence
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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
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SCENIC CRUISE by private launch to St. Mark's Square in Venice
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
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Optional Experiences and free time
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All porterage and restaurant gratuities
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
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An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
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High-speed train from Rome to Florence in standard class
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High-speed train from Florence to Venice in standard class
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Handcrafted Highlights
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VIP entry to many sights
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LIVE, UNEDITED & INDEPENDENT TRAVELLERS REVIEWS
Contrasts of Italy 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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Very rewarding.
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4
Our Rome and Florence hotels were very accommodating, comfortable, and located conveniently to areas of our interest. Hotel Ballini in Venice had turned the air conditioning off on October 1st. and would not turn it back on even though the temperature during our stay was well above average. The hotel was not as conveniently located as were the others on our trip. All other Trafalgar services were very much pleasing.
Wonderful experience on the Contrasts of Italy tour!
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5
You were shown all of the highlights of each City. Be prepared to walk, it is all at a leisurely pace, but the only way to enjoy the city's. The choices of restaurants were exceptional.
Would definitely travel again with your company. Great attention to detail, all excursions were perfectly selected, and wonderful experiences. Elvira was an excellent tour director, very knowledgeable and enjoyable to spend time with. Our driver Armondo was amazing, I have no idea how he navigated a bus through the narrow streets. The local specialists were also very knowledgeable and engaging. They showed great passion for what they were describing.
Our travel agent did not explain the amount of walking involved. Would have enjoyed seeing the inside of El Dumo. Venice hotel turns air conditioning off on October 1st. It was in the high 70's with humidity. AC definitely needed. Coach was sparkling clean every time we boarded.
Travel Director, Coach Driver and local specialists were all friendly, helpful, knowledgeable. They all did everything they could to make your experience wonderful.
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Trip Notes
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Travel to Europe often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange flights to arrive on or before Day 1.
Shared Rooming: Guaranteed Room Share is not available on this trip.
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.
Double-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) as well as Panama, the Canal & Beyond (LPAN).
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.
Your selected dates have an enhanced itinerary.
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You’ll be travelling in Autumn, Winter or Spring, and this itinerary has been enhanced for you to enjoy the unique experiences these seasons offer.
