9-Nights Contrasts of Italy from $3,252

Trafalgar

OFFER ID 1478131

Contrasts Of Italy
All aboard this exhilarating journey by high-speed train through Italy’s iconic cities of Rome, Florence and Venice. During your 10 days in Italy, conjure up gladiators and chariots in Rome, shop until you drop on Florence’s ancient Ponte Vecchio, strike a pose in Pisa and discover the secrets of Venice on foot like a local.

Dining Summary

3 Dinner (D)
9 Breakfast (B)
1 Lunch (L)

Be My Guest

Florence: Enjoy an exclusive Be My Guest meal at the Agriturismo Borgo Vigna Vecchia in the Tuscan hills.

Dive Into Culture

Venice: Savor the vibrant atmosphere of Venice during a visit to a traditional food market in the shadow of the famous Rialto Bridge.

Iconic Experience

Rome: During an orientation with your Travel Director see the medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches scattered throughout the city.
Vatican: Visit Vatican City and tour St. Peter's Basilica with a Local Specialist. Witness the early genius of Michelangelo as you take in the Piet.
Rome: Discover ancient treasures of Rome with a Local Specialist. See Circus Maximus and the Ancient Forum, and stand beside the Colosseum, which bears witness to the limitless courage of the gladiators.
Florence: Join a Local Specialist to view the multi-colored marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery, adorned by Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise. Visit the political heart of the city, Signoria Square.
Florence: Admire the enchanting Tuscan landscape as you travel by high-speed train to Florence.
Pisa: During an orientation, your Travel Director will show you the baptistery, cathedral and the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Venice: Journey by high-speed train past dramatic mountains and lush plains to 'La Serenissima'.

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

Venice: Discover the ancient skill of Venetian glassblowing and play a part in preserving this traditional craft. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Must-see Highlights

: Fast Track Admission to the Vatican Museums
: Explore Rome, Florence, Pisa and Venice
: Visit St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel in Rome, the Academy of Fine Arts in Florence and a glassblowing factory in Venice
: 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
: Scenic Cruise by private launch to St. Mark's Square in Venice

Whats Included

: An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
: Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
: All porterage and restaurant gratuities
: All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
: Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
: Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
: Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
: Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
: High-speed train from Rome to Florence
: High-speed train from Florence to Venice
: Optional Experiences and free time
: On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.

Whats Included

An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
All porterage and restaurant gratuities
All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
High-speed train from Rome to Florence
High-speed train from Florence to Venice
Optional Experiences and free time
On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.

9 nights from $3,252 per person

Itinerary

Trafalgar Tours: Contrasts of Italy

Day 1 - Welcome to Rome
Benvenuti a Roma. Our exciting journey through some of Italy's most beautiful cities begins here in the 'Eternal City'. Spend time relaxing after your travels or take a walk along the ancient streets, 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.
Accommodations: Grand Palatino
Meals: Dinner

Day 2 - Explore Ancient Rome and the Vatican City
This morning, visit the center of Christianity, joining a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour which includes a visit to the imposing St. Peter's Basilica to see the Piet, Michelangelo's masterpiece carved from the most 'perfect' block of marble. Your next stop is in Ancient Rome. See the Circus Maximus before returning to the Holy See this afternoon. This evening, Roman flavors and ancient ruins take center stage as you dine at Ristorante Pancrazio, built over the ruins of the first-century-BC Theater of Pompey.
Accommodations: Grand Palatino
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3 - Rome Your Way
Enjoy a full free day in Rome or consider spending some in beautiful Tivoli. Join an optional experience to see the exquisite house and gardens of the 16th century Villa d'Este – a marvelous 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 in to secure your return to Rome.
Accommodations: Grand Palatino
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. Your love affair with Florence continues as you stroll to the Piazza della Signoria, featuring Palazzo Vecchio and the Uffizi Gallery.
Accommodations: Ambasciatori
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 - Admire Pisa Connect with Locals
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, 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 cozy enoteca for some wine tasting.
Accommodations: Ambasciatori
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

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.
Accommodations: Ambasciatori
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 - Travel by High-Speed Train to Venice
All aboard the express train for Venice. Cross the spectacular Apennines and fertile Veneto plain before arriving at the romantic island city of Venice. Get lost this afternoon, wandering its narrow lanes in search of a cozy bacaro, people-watch in St. Mark's Square, the gateway to Venice, or take an unforgettable gondola ride along the city's enchanting canals.
Accommodations: Amadeus, Principe
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 - Cruise the Canals of Venice Make Travel Matter
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, you'll enjoy an unforgettable MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, witnessing first-hand the centuries-old craft of glassblowing. You may be tempted to buy a souvenir or two after admiring the talent and skill of the master craftsmen, passed down from generation to generation. 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 colorful Burano for a delicious meal.
Accommodations: Amadeus, Principe
Meals: Breakfast

Day 9 - Experience Venice’s Food Market
The sights and sounds of modern Venice come to life today as you join your Local Specialist for a walking tour and explore the vibrant Rialto Food Market, which has been feeding Venetians since the 11th century. 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. Your adventure through Italy's charming cities is about to come to an end. Celebrate newfound friendships and an unforgettable experience at dinner.
Accommodations: Amadeus, Principe
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 10 - Farewell Venice
Say arrivederci to Italy and your fellow travelers as your fascinating holiday comes to an end.
Meals: Breakfast

Featured Destinations

Rome

Sprawled across seven legendary hills, romantic and beautiful Rome was one
of the great centers of the ancient world. Although its beginning is shrouded
in legend and its development is full of intrigue and struggle, Rome has always
been and remains the Eternal City.

Rome enjoyed its greatest splendor during the 1st and 2nd centuries when art
flourished, monumental works of architecture were erected, and the mighty Roman
legions swept outward, conquering all of Italy. These victorious armies then
swept across the Mediterranean and beyond to conquer most of the known world.
With Rome's establishment as capital of the western world, a new ascent to glory
began.

Today's Rome, with its splendid churches, ancient monuments and palaces, spacious
parks, tree-lined boulevards, fountains, outdoor cafes and elegant shops, is
one of the world’s most attractive and exciting cities. Among the most famous
monuments is the Colosseum. As you walk its cool, dark passageways, imagine
the voices that once filled the arena as 50,000 spectators watched combats between
muscled gladiators and ferocious animals.

Stop to see the remains of the Forum, once the city's political and commercial
center. In later times, Rome's squares were enhanced with such imposing structures
as the Vittorio Emanuele Monument and grandiose fountains like the Fontana di
Trevi. Join the millions who stand in awe of Christendom’s most magnificent
church and admire the timeless masterpieces of Michelangelo's frescoes in the
Sistine Chapel.

Rome jars the senses and captures the soul. Grasp all you can during the short,
precious time you have available in the Eternal City. With so much to see and
do, a day or two will only allow you a sampling of the city's marvelous treasures.

Caution: As in many big cities and tourist destinations purse snatching
and pickpocketing is common. Valuable jewelry and excess cash are best left
in a safety deposit box in your hotel.

Shopping For most visitors shopping for beautiful Italian leather articles,
designer shoes, fashions for men and women, linens, knitwear, silk scarves and
ties is a favorite pastime. Except for tourist-oriented shops, the majority
of stores are closed on Sundays. Some of the department stores, such as Rinascente,
open in the late afternoon on Sundays.

Cuisine Rome's choice of restaurants is mindboggling as is the variety
of cuisine. Whether your meal is at a top-rated restaurant or a rustic trattoria,
you can be sure that you will enjoy your food, especially when accompanied by
wines from the hill towns surrounding Rome.

Other Sights Rome's attractions are endless, and depending on how much
time you have at your disposal a careful selection has to be made about what
to see. Be aware of horrendous traffic conditions and major construction work
all around the city in preparation of Jubilee 2000, the Holy Year. Some of the
sights not to be missed:

Piazza Venezia - This busy square is easily recognized by its imposing Vittorio
Emanuele II Monument. The white marble structure was inaugurated in 1911 as
a symbol of Italy’s unification.

The Forum - Once the civic heart of ancient Rome, today the remains include
a series of ruins, marble fragments, isolated columns and some worn arches.

Colosseum - No visit to Rome is complete without a stop at this awe-inspiring
theater, which is among the world’s most celebrated buildings. Here ancient
Rome flocked to see gladiatorial contests and numerous other spectacles.

Trevi Fountain - Take a stroll to Rome's famous fountain. A spectacular fantasy
of mythical sea creatures and cascades of splashing water, the fountain is one
of the city's foremost attractions. Legend has it that visitors must toss a
coin into the fountain to ensure their return to Rome.

St. Peter's Square - Part of Vatican City, this square created by Bernini
is considered one of the loveliest squares in the world. Twin Doric colonnades
topped with statues of various saints and martyrs flank either side of the square.
In the center stands an 84-foot obelisk, brought from Egypt in 37 A.D.

St. Peter's Basilica - At the head of the square stands Christendom's most
magnificent church, which was begun in 1452 on the site where St. Peter was
buried. Throughout the following 200 years, such Renaissance masters as Bramante,
Michelangelo, Raphael and Bernini worked on its design and created an unparalleled
masterpiece. Of special note are Michelangelo's Pieta and the bronze canopy
over the high altar by Bernini. The immense dome was designed by Michelangelo.

Vatican Museum - To see this museum's immense collection would take days.
As you enter, there are special posters that plot a choice of four color-coded
itineraries. They are repeated throughout the museum and are easy to follow.
It is a good idea to pickup a leaflet at the main entrance and concentrate on
exhibits of major interest. Of course, the Sistine Chapel is a must. Most likely
you may have to wait in line to enter.

Florence

Venice

With a great historic past and incomparable art treasures, Venice is renowned as one of the world’s great cities. Its 118 islands are separated by more than 150 canals and spanned by 400 bridges. During Venice's artistic golden age many magnificent structures were erected to create world-famous masterpieces. One of the best sightseeing routes is along Grand Canal, with many palaces lining the famous waterway. St. Mark’s Square offers access to some of Venice’s most famed attractions - St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace. From Piazza San Marco, a maze of narrow streets are lined with shops, cafés and restaurants. A popular pastime is sitting at an outdoor café facing the square while people-watching and letting the whole marvelous scenario unfold. Venice’s Murano, Burano and Torcello Islands comprise an area famous as home of Venice’s glass-blowing industry and known for their charm, skilled lace-making and medieval monuments. Relax on a gondola ride, see art treasures in museums, churches and palaces, and have a sumptuous meal - all in this incomparable city.

Excursions

Venice: Splendours of Venice Walking Tour - 4 hours

Venice: Venice for Art Lovers Walking Tour - 4 hours

Venice: The Roman City of Verona - 7 hours

Venice: Lagoon Islands - 7 hours

Vacation Details

Valid Date Ranges

07/29/2024 - 08/07/2024

from $3,252 per person *

08/12/2024 - 08/21/2024

from $3,252 per person *

09/02/2024 - 09/11/2024

from $3,481 per person *

09/09/2024 - 09/18/2024

from $4,095 per person *

09/16/2024 - 09/25/2024

from $3,481 per person *

09/23/2024 - 10/02/2024

from $3,481 per person *

09/30/2024 - 10/09/2024

from $3,481 per person *

* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.

Prices Start At

from $3,252 per person

Length

9 Nights

Air City

Call for airfares from your city.

Vacation Rating

Deluxe
Fine dining, on-site bars or lounges and room service with extended hours are characteristic of deluxe establishments. Guest services usually include valet parking, concierge services, baggage assistance and laundry services. Other on-site facilities often include shops and boutiques, full service spas, full fitness facilities with pools and tennis courts. Business amenities may include available up-to-date technology and support staffs available for services. Attention to detail is apparent in the guestrooms which typically have stylish furnishings, quality bedding and bath products and often provide an evening turn down service.

Remarks

Trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discounts. Trip prices and discounts are subject to change. Airfare is additional. Tour prices, dates and itineraries are correct at the time of the website going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. Other restrictions may apply.

All fares are quoted in US Dollars.

OFFER ID

1478131

Reference this number when contacting our agency so we may better serve you. Also keeping this number handy will allow you to locate this document again quickly.

Rio Grande Travel Centers, Inc.

6500 Holly Ave. NE Suite A-2
Albuquerque, NM 87113
USA

(505) 292-7044
(877) 768-7913