8 days / 7 nights

• A truly romantic European country
• Explore three beautiful cities – Rome, Florence and Venice
• Visit Siena’s Duomo and the Pinturicchio frescoes
• Try Gelato at a Florentine gelataria
• An after hours visit of St. Mark’s Basilica
• A&K’s Guardian Angel and A&K’s Concierge Rail Service

Itinerary

Day 01 Arrive Rome

Ciao Roma! An A&K welcome to Italy and private transfer to your choice of hotel.
Rome (Choice of category)

Day 02 Rome

Today you are introduced to Rome! Visit the Vatican Museum, the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica. The global capital of Catholicism, the Vatican is Europe’s only state to be governed by an absolute monarch, the Pope. Your day of sightseeing also includes visits to the Roman Forum and Coliseum as well as some of Rome’s lesser known sights such as the Pantheon and Castel Sant’ Angelo (B).
Rome (Choice of category)

Day 03 Rome — Siena — San Gimignano — Florence

Travel to Siena and visit one of the finest main squares in Italy, Piazza del Campo and one of the most spectacular Gothic Italian cathedrals, Siena’s Duomo. Here you can see the frescoes by Pinturicchio, which adorn the Piccolomini Library. Travel through the Tuscan hills to the medieval town of San Gimignano and onto Florence (B).
Florence (Choice of category)

Day 04 Florence

This morning a walking tour introduces you to the romantic city of Florence. Visit the Duomo (Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore) and the Uffizi Gallery, housing some of the world’s most important art treasures. If time permits, visit the church of Santa Croce, where many famous Florentines are buried including Michelangelo and Galileo. The afternoon is yours to explore at leisure (B).
Florence (Choice of category)

Day 05 Design Your Day Florence

Today choose two of the following experiences to design your perfect day of exploration.

Make a morning visit to the private palace of one of Florence’s ancient noble families. Here the residing Count, a renowned historian, welcomes you for a private visit of the stately rooms. Completed in 1411, the palazzo came into the family’s hands in 1435 and today showcases their art collection. Discover the Brancacci Frescoes on a half day visit to the Brancacci Chapel in the church of Santa Maria del Carmine. The ‘Carmine’, as it is known locally, was built in 1268 for the Carmelite nuns and suffered a devastating fire in 1771. Though the fire destroyed most of the church the Cappella Brancacci (Brancacci Chapel) was untouched.

Try Gelato on an afternoon visit to one of the most well known gelataria’s in Florence. You will also be able to sneak a look behind the scenes to see how the ice cream is made according to artisan traditions. Or for Renaissance art lovers, spend a half day with your guide exploring Florence’s rich cultural heritage. Visit the Bargello where a fine collection of Renaissance sculptures are held, including Michelangelo’s Bacchus (1497) and Donatello’s bronze David (cast during the 1430’s). Also visit the Church of Santa Croce, which contains the tombs of many famous Florentines such as Michelangelo, Machiavelli and Galileo. Inside sit the frescoes of Giotto and one of his pupils, Taddeo Gaddi awaiting admiration (B).
Florence (Choice of category)

Day 06 Florence — Venice

Experience A&K’s Concierge Rail service as you travel by train to Venice. A private motor launch takes you to your choice of hotel. The afternoon is at leisure to explore this amazing city (B).
Venice (Choice of category)

Day 07 Venice

A morning walking tour of Venice takes you to St. Mark's Basilica, with its rich decoration of marble and golden mosaics and the Doge's Palace. Your afternoon is at leisure. A special treat later today as you return to St. Mark’s Basilica, for a private after hours visit to view its beautiful mosaics illuminated (B).
Venice (Choice of category)

Day 08 Depart Venice

Buona Notte Italia as you transfer by private motor launch to Venice airport (B).

Note: Rates for alternative departure dates available on request.

Sicily Extension

Discover the island of Sicily on a 7 night extension. Ruled by Asians, Africans and Europeans it is an unique multicultural place full of art, archaeology, history, folklore and of course breath-taking scenery and fantastic cuisine.

Note: Rates for alternative departure dates available on request.

Insider Pass

Fantastic Gelato!

Visit one of the most well known gelataria’s in Florence, where a fantasy of ice-cream flavours can be tried and tested. Sneak a look behind the scenes to see how the ice cream is made according to artisan traditions.

Private visit to the palazzo of Florentine Noble Family

Visit the private palazzo of one of Florence’s ancient noble families. Here the residing Count, a renowned historian, will welcome you with a visit of the stately rooms to view the family's impressive 16th and 17th century collection of paintings.

San Mark’s Basilica Private Evening Opening

Experience an after hours visit of San Mark’s Basilica. As you enter the darkness of the Basilica, await the occasion of the main alter being illuminated just for you. Marvel at the rich golden and blue mosaics revealed for this private showing.

Departure Dates & Prices

Tour Departs: Daily

Note: Itinerary departs: Daily (except Saturdays)

Tour Departs: Daily