8 Days: Rome - Assisi - Siena - Florence - Bologna - Venice - Tuscany Wine Region (Traditional Tuscan Lunch in Montepulciano) - Rome

Tour overview:

Explore northern Italy on this 8-day journey from Venice to Milan. Begin in Venice, discovering St. Mark’s Square, the Doge’s Palace, and the romantic canals while savoring local cicchetti. Visit Verona, home to Juliet’s balcony, and enjoy a Franciacorta wine tasting before reaching Bergamo. Experience the stunning landscapes of Lake Garda, Sirmione, and Desenzano, then cruise Lake Como to Bellagio. Ride the scenic Bernina Express through the Swiss Alps and conclude in Milan with a guided city walking tour, including the Duomo and Castello Sforzesco. This tour blends culture, history, gastronomy, and breathtaking scenery for an unforgettable Italian adventure.

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Day 1 - Arrive Rome

Welcome to Rome! Meet your driver at the airport and enjoy your included transfer to the hotel. Use your 1-day Hop-on Hop-off ticket for the I Love Rome City Tour. Ride the open-top panoramic bus to admire Rome’s landmarks with audio commentary in 12 languages. Hop on and off at your leisure across eight stops. It’s the perfect way to explore the Eternal City independently. Spend the rest of the evening at your own pace. Return to the hotel on your own. Overnight stay in Rome.

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Day 2 - Rome - Assisi - Siena - Florence

Depart at 7:15 AM by deluxe coach to Assisi, a medieval town surrounded by ancient walls. Visit the Basilica of St. Francis, featuring frescoes by Giotto and Cimabue and enjoy a lunch in Assisi. Continue to Siena, UNESCO-listed and famous for its shell-shaped Piazza del Campo and Palio horse race. Later, travel through Tuscany’s countryside to reach Florence. Check in at your hotel. Overnight stay. (B, L)

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Day 3 - Florence

Explore Florence, cradle of the Renaissance. Visit the Duomo, Brunelleschi’s Dome, Giotto’s Bell Tower, and Baptistery. See Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio, and Santa Croce Basilica. Enjoy lunch in a traditional Tuscan restaurant. In the afternoon, choose between free time in the city or an optional visit to Pisa, with its Leaning Tower and Piazza dei Miracoli. Dinner is at leisure. Overnight stay in Florence. (B, L)

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Day 4 - Florence - Bologna - Venice

Travel to Bologna, a city rich in culture and culinary excellence. Walk from Piazza Malpighi to Piazza Maggiore, admiring San Petronio Basilica and the Palazzo del Podestà. Delight in a light local lunch, savoring regional specialties. Stroll the medieval streets, arcades, and markets. In the afternoon, continue to Venice. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel, located in the sestiere di Cannaregio, a district rich in history and well connected to the main points of interest in the city. Check in, relax, and enjoy the beautiful surroundings by the Canal Grande. Overnight stay. (B, Local Food Experience)

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Day 5 - Venice

Transfer to Piazza San Marco and discover Venice’s highlights with a guided tour. Visit Doge’s Palace (outside) and cross the Bridge of Sighs. Afterward, enjoy a glass of spritz or prosecco with cicchetti, traditional Venetian snacks. Relax and soak in the atmosphere. Spend the afternoon exploring the city’s canals, artisan shops, or quiet corners on your own. Return to your hotel. Overnight stay in Venice. (B, Local Food Experience)

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Day 6 - Venice - Tuscany Wine Region - Rome

After breakfast, travel to Montepulciano, in the heart of Tuscany. Known for its medieval charm and panoramic views, the town is a perfect mix of history and beauty. Enjoy a traditional Tuscan lunch in a local restaurant. Take some time to stroll through the historic center before rejoining your group. In the late afternoon, head to Rome where the escorted tour ends. Overnight stay. Depart Venice and travel through Tuscany to Montepulciano, a hilltop town known for “Vino Nobile” and stunning views. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, paired with a glass of fine Tuscan wine. After lunch, take some free time before heading back to Rome, where the escorted tour ends. Check in at the hotel and overnight. (B, L)

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Day 7 - Rome

Begin your morning with an included “Skip the Line” tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Square. Discover the Galleries of Tapestries and Maps, Raphael’s Rooms, and Michelangelo’s masterpiece in the Sistine Chapel. The visit ends in St. Peter’s Square, where you can view the Basilica’s majestic exterior. Spend the rest of the day at your own pace or join an optional tour. Overnight stay in Rome. (B)

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Day 8 - Depart Rome

Enjoy your final breakfast at the hotel. Depending on your flight schedule, take advantage of any last-minute free time for shopping or sightseeing. Transfer to the airport is included. End of our services. (B)

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