Rome – Tuscany – Florence

We enjoy a hearty breakfast at the hotel and begin our tour of the historic center of Florence, a city-museum filled with architectural masterpieces, sculptures, and monuments that capture the grandeur of the Renaissance. During our guided tour (exterior), we will see the Church of the Holy Cross (Santa Croce), the most impressive church in Florence, known as the burial place of great figures such as Galileo, Michelangelo, and Machiavelli. We continue to the iconic Ponte Vecchio, the city’s famous medieval bridge, with its picturesque jewelry shops and stores that seem to hover above the waters of the Arno. In Piazza della Signoria, the heart of Florence’s political and social life, we will admire the Palazzo Vecchio, the historic seat of the local government, as well as the impressive sculptures that adorn the square, such as a replica of Michelangelo’s David. Our tour concludes in Piazza San Giovanni, dominated by the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, with its impressive dome by Brunelleschi, one of the most significant architectural achievements of the Renaissance. Following the tour, an optional excursion to the historic city of Pisa awaits, featuring its medieval walls and the famous “Leaning Tower,” the bell tower of the city’s cathedral, located in the so-called “Field of Miracles,” along with the Baptistery and the monumental Campo Santo cemetery. Alternatively, you can spend your free time in Florence wandering through the picturesque streets, visiting the San Lorenzo Market, or enjoying an authentic Italian coffee with a view of the beautiful city. Florence is renowned for its cuisine, so we recommend trying the famous Bistecca alla Fiorentina, a traditional veal steak served grilled over charcoal. Pair your meal with a glass of local Chianti or a rich Brunello di Montalcino, two of Tuscany’s finest wines. For a lighter meal, visit a trattoria or an enoteca (wine bar) and enjoy fresh Tuscan cold cuts, pecorino cheese, and crostini with liver pâté, always paired with excellent Italian wine.

After breakfast at the hotel, we set off for the "Manhattan of the Middle Ages," the picturesque town of San Gimignano. From afar, the tall, majestic towers welcome us, giving the town a fairytale appearance. The "town of beautiful towers" is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Tuscany. Of the 76 13th-century towers that once dominated its skyline, 14 have survived to this day, creating a unique setting that evokes bygone eras. Our next stop is medieval Siena, a city that enchants every visitor with its authentic atmosphere. Eleven streets lead to the impressive Piazza del Campo, one of Italy’s most beautiful squares, dominated by the medieval Town Hall. As we stroll along the granite cobblestone streets, we’ll admire medieval mansions, historic churches, and Siena Cathedral, dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. The cathedral, one of the greatest works of art in Italy, stands out for its unique Gothic architecture and rich decoration. Our final destination for today is the Eternal City, the one and only Rome. Upon arrival, transfer and check-in at the hotel. Late in the afternoon, as daylight gives way to the city’s atmospheric lights, we invite you to an optional night tour of Rome’s illuminated landmarks, so you can experience it as it deserves! We begin our walk by strolling down Via Veneto, the iconic street of la dolce vita, with its famous cafés and luxury hotels. We’ll pass by the Fountain of Triton, climb the Quirinal Hill, where the Presidential Palace stands, and head toward Piazza Venezia, the heart of Rome, where we’ll admire the uniquely illuminated Monument to the Unification of Italy. We continue our journey to the Colosseum, the largest Roman amphitheater, which at night reveals its mysterious and imposing appearance. Our evening concludes in Trastevere, one of Rome’s most picturesque and lively neighborhoods. Here, you’ll have the chance to enjoy a drink along the banks of the Tiber River, in an atmosphere brimming with life, music, and Italian elegance. In Trastevere, we recommend trying traditional Roman dishes such as Cacio e Pepe (pasta with Pecorino cheese and pepper), Saltimbocca alla Romana (veal with prosciutto and sage), and of course, an authentic Carbonara. All are perfectly paired with a glass of local red wine from Lazio or a sparkling Prosecco.

We enjoy a hearty breakfast at the hotel and get ready to begin our walking tour, starting at the famous Trevi Fountain, where we can toss a coin while making a wish that, according to tradition, will bring us back to Rome. Nearby is the famous Spanish Steps (Piazza di Spagna), where the renowned fashion shows take place. Next is one of Rome’s most impressive and charming sights, the Pantheon, a 2,000-year-old temple dedicated to all the gods. It is so well-preserved that it is still considered one of the most important architectural works of the Western world. Next, we’ll see the Palazzo Montecitorio, home to the Italian Parliament, and pass by the original Column of Hadrian. Next, we will visit Piazza Navona, one of Rome’s most beautiful and charming squares, filled with restaurants and street artists. In this square, which served as a venue for athletic events during the 1st century AD, we will admire the three fountains, the most impressive being Bernini’s famous Fountain of the Four Rivers, where each statue represents a major river from a different continent. In this stunning square, next to the impressive fountains and majestic buildings, we suggest you have lunch and enjoy an authentic Italian coffee. Make the most of your time in the Eternal City however you wish, or join us on an optional visit to the independent state of Vatican City for a unique guided tour. The Vatican Museums are a complex of some of the world’s leading museums, with an annual attendance of over 4.3 million visitors. They house exhibits from the Roman Catholic Church’s centuries-old collection, including famous statues from the ancient world and Renaissance masterpieces. On our tour, we will admire countless unique treasures, such as the Gallery of the Candelabra, the Gallery of the Tapestries, the Hall of Maps, as well as the Rooms decorated by Raphael. The tour will conclude at the Sistine Chapel, where we will see Michelangelo’s famous frescoes, including The Creation of Adam, one of the most significant works of art in history. Next, we will admire St. Peter’s Basilica, the largest church in Christendom, built over the burial site of the Apostle Peter. The cathedral can hold 60,000 people, and the total area of the architectural complex makes it the largest church in the world. Inside, it houses unique works of art, such as Michelangelo’s famous Pietà. Late in the afternoon, return to the hotel.

The final day of our trip to Italy is dawning, but we’re getting ready for another tour of the historic center of the Eternal City. Starting with the famous Colosseum, also known as the Flavian Amphitheater, which is one of the most iconic monuments of ancient Rome. It was built in the 1st century AD and is the largest amphitheater ever constructed, with a capacity of approximately 50,000 spectators. It was used for gladiatorial combat, theatrical performances, and other public events. Today, the Colosseum is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world, attracting millions of visitors every year. Next, we will head to the Roman Forum, also known as the Forum, which was the center of political, commercial, and social life in ancient Rome. It consisted of a series of public squares, temples, and administrative buildings. Today, the ruins of the Roman Forum offer a unique opportunity to understand the architecture and social structure of the ancient city. Our final stop is Piazza Venezia, one of Rome’s central squares, considered the geographical center of the city. The square is dominated by the Monument to Victor Emmanuel II, also known as the Vittoriano, which was built in honor of the first king of unified Italy. The square is also known for the Palazzo Venezia, a Renaissance palace that today houses a national museum. Afterward, we’ll have some free time for a final stroll through the Eternal City; an opportunity to wander through the picturesque alleys, lose ourselves in Rome’s unique atmosphere, and enjoy an authentic Italian coffee in a historic square. Those who wish can make one last stop for shopping, searching for unique souvenirs or elegant Italian gifts for their loved ones. Finally, we’ll board the bus bound for the airport and our return flight. With the fondest memories of this wonderful trip to Rome, Tuscany, and Florence, we say “Arrivederci, Italia,” hoping to return again.