Overview
Itinerary
Meet your tour director at 4:00 PM for a welcome reception and orientation walk around the city known as the ’Queen of the Adriatic.’ Enjoy a welcome drink and dinner with your fellow travelers. (D)
Take a scenic cruise around the Venetian Lagoon to Murano Island, known for centuries for its artisanal glass industry. Tour a factory and see a demonstration of the art of glass blowing. Cruise back to the splendid Piazza San Marco for a walking tour, with visits to the Doge’s Palace and St Mark’s Basilica. Journey along the canals for a view of the city from a gondola. The evening is yours to explore and dine independently. (B)
Travel to historic Bologna, a culinary haven known as “La Grassa” (The Fat One). With medieval architecture, the iconic Two Towers, and the oldest university in the Western world, Bologna offers a rich blend of history, culture, and exceptional cuisine. You’ll have free time for an independent lunch before moving on to your hotel in Florence’s city center. In Florence, take an orientation walk with your tour director and then savor time to discover this magnificent city, the capital of Tuscany and the birthplace of Renaissance art and architecture. Enjoy dinner with your group. (B/D)
Take a walking tour of Florence and marvel at the sights of the city center such as the Duomo, Palazzo Vecchio, and Piazza della Signoria. Visit the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo’s iconic sculpture of David. Savor a local lunch in the heart of Florence. After lunch you’ll have the rest of the day to explore the city at your leisure. (B/L)
You’re off to the Eternal City – Rome. Along the way, stop in the scenic hill town of Orvieto for a delicious tasting of its renowned local wine. Visit the Colosseum, imperial Rome’s iconic structure, built between 72 and 80 AD. This engineering marvel could hold up to 80,000 spectators for gladiator battles and dramatic productions. Imagine the ghosts of the Caesars in the ruins of the Forum, the ancient heart of the Roman Empire. Enjoy a free evening. (B)
Discover Rome independently this morning, with free time to explore. In the afternoon, visit the Vatican to see the awe-inspiring cultural heritage of the world’s smallest sovereign state. Take a guided tour of the Museums, see Michelangelo’s masterpieces in the Sistine Chapel, and walk through St. Peter’s Basilica. Then it’s off to dinner in a local restaurant. (B/D)
Your tour ends after breakfast. (B)
Meet your tour director at 4:00 PM for a welcome reception and orientation walk around the city known as the ’Queen of the Adriatic.’ Enjoy a welcome drink and dinner with your fellow travelers. (D)
Take a scenic cruise around the Venetian Lagoon to Murano Island, known for centuries for its artisanal glass industry. Tour a factory and see a demonstration of the art of glass blowing. Cruise back to the splendid Piazza San Marco for a walking tour, with visits to the Doge’s Palace and St Mark’s Basilica. Journey along the canals for a view of the city from a gondola. The evening is yours to explore and dine independently. (B)
Travel to historic Bologna, a culinary haven known as “La Grassa” (The Fat One). With medieval architecture, the iconic Two Towers, and the oldest university in the Western world, Bologna offers a rich blend of history, culture, and exceptional cuisine. You’ll have free time for an independent lunch before moving on to your hotel in Florence’s city center. In Florence, take an orientation walk with your tour director and then savor time to discover this magnificent city, the capital of Tuscany and the birthplace of Renaissance art and architecture. Enjoy dinner with your group. (B/D)
Take a walking tour of Florence and marvel at the sights of the city center such as the Duomo, Palazzo Vecchio, and Piazza della Signoria. Visit the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo’s iconic sculpture of David. Savor a local lunch in the heart of Florence. After lunch you’ll have the rest of the day to explore the city at your leisure. (B/L)
You’re off to the Eternal City – Rome. Along the way, stop in the scenic hill town of Orvieto for a delicious tasting of its renowned local wine. Visit the Colosseum, imperial Rome’s iconic structure, built between 72 and 80 AD. This engineering marvel could hold up to 80,000 spectators for gladiator battles and dramatic productions. Imagine the ghosts of the Caesars in the ruins of the Forum, the ancient heart of the Roman Empire. Enjoy a free evening. (B)
Discover Rome independently this morning, with free time to explore. In the afternoon, visit the Vatican to see the awe-inspiring cultural heritage of the world’s smallest sovereign state. Take a guided tour of the Museums, see Michelangelo’s masterpieces in the Sistine Chapel, and walk through St. Peter’s Basilica. Then it’s off to dinner in a local restaurant. (B/D)
Your tour ends after breakfast. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Vatican Museums with Sistine Chapel and St Peter’s Basilica: Tour the world's largest church and Michelangelo's magnificent Sistine Chapel frescoes in the Holy See. (Visits subject to availability)
- Sistine Chapel: Marvel at Michelangelo's incredible fresco work on the ceiling that has been newly restored to showcase the vibrant colors.
- Orvieto: Step into the mysteries and culinary traditions of this ancient walled city that rises above the surrounding landscape.
- Michelangelo's David: Get up close and personal with one of the greatest sculptures of all time.
- Venetian Gondola Ride: Tour the "Floating City" from the most romantic vantage point.
- Roman Colosseum: See where the gladiators clashed 2,000 years ago.
- Florence: Fall in love with the capital of beautiful Tuscany, the birthplace of the Renaissance.
- Bologna: Explore one of the most food-centric cities in Italy, where Bolognese sauce was invented.
- Doge’s Palace, Venice: This masterpiece of Gothic style is one of the most beloved landmarks of Venice. Built in 1340, it was once the residence of the Doge of Venice, the supreme authority of the Venetian Republic.
- 6 Breakfasts (B), 1Lunch (L) , and 3 Dinners (D)
- Avani Rio Novo Venice (4 Stars)
- NH Firenze (4 Stars)
- NH Collection Roma Vittorio Veneto (4 Stars)
- Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
- Please note that the Sistine Chapel and St Peter's Basilica are sometimes closed by the Vatican, so visits are subject to availability.
- Only single or double/twin rooms are available on this tour.
- Extend your vacation with pre-nights in Venice or post-nights in Rome. We've negotiated special hotel rates to make it easy and affordable.
- Vatican Museums with Sistine Chapel and St Peter’s Basilica: Tour the world's largest church and Michelangelo's magnificent Sistine Chapel frescoes in the Holy See. (Visits subject to availability)
- Sistine Chapel: Marvel at Michelangelo's incredible fresco work on the ceiling that has been newly restored to showcase the vibrant colors.
- Orvieto: Step into the mysteries and culinary traditions of this ancient walled city that rises above the surrounding landscape.
- Michelangelo's David: Get up close and personal with one of the greatest sculptures of all time.
- Venetian Gondola Ride: Tour the "Floating City" from the most romantic vantage point.
- Roman Colosseum: See where the gladiators clashed 2,000 years ago.
- Florence: Fall in love with the capital of beautiful Tuscany, the birthplace of the Renaissance.
- Bologna: Explore one of the most food-centric cities in Italy, where Bolognese sauce was invented.
- Doge’s Palace, Venice: This masterpiece of Gothic style is one of the most beloved landmarks of Venice. Built in 1340, it was once the residence of the Doge of Venice, the supreme authority of the Venetian Republic.
- 6 Breakfasts (B), 1Lunch (L) , and 3 Dinners (D)
- Avani Rio Novo Venice (4 Stars)
- NH Firenze (4 Stars)
- NH Collection Roma Vittorio Veneto (4 Stars)
- Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
- Please note that the Sistine Chapel and St Peter's Basilica are sometimes closed by the Vatican, so visits are subject to availability.
- Only single or double/twin rooms are available on this tour.
- Extend your vacation with pre-nights in Venice or post-nights in Rome. We've negotiated special hotel rates to make it easy and affordable.
Brochure
CIE Ireland & Britain (2025)
Availability
USD
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by CIE Tours. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from CIE Tours. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
