Overview
Enjoy a walk through the Old Town of Assisi, and visit the Basilica of St. Francis, before arriving in Florence, known as one of the most beautiful cities in the world and often referred to as the art capital of Italy. Here, enjoy a light lunch and a guided walking tour that includes a visit to see Michelangelo’s famous David statue. Spend time shopping for local Florentine goods. In Pisa, marvel at the spectacular Square of Miracles with its world-famous Leaning Tower. In romantic Venice, a private boat ride awaits. Visit the must-see sights, such as St. Mark’s Square, the Doges’ Palace, and the Bridge of Sighs. You’ll also have time to explore the maze of streets and discover their hidden treasures. Or relax at an outdoor café in St. Mark’s Square and enjoy this prime people-watching spot.
Throughout this Italy escorted tour, Globus has arranged VIP access, so rather than waiting in long lines, you’ll get right to the front at all the famous attractions. This gives you more time to experience the sights and more time to taste Italy’s sumptuous cuisine, shop for Italian goods, explore the stunning churches and museums, and participate in optional excursions. Just imagine the memories you’ll create on this fabulous Italian guided vacation at a price that’s as enticing as a glass of wine and tiramisù!
Enjoy a walk through the Old Town of Assisi, and visit the Basilica of St. Francis, before arriving in Florence, known as one of the most beautiful cities in the world and often referred to as the art capital of Italy. Here, enjoy a light lunch and a guided walking tour that includes a visit to see Michelangelo’s famous David statue. Spend time shopping for local Florentine goods. In Pisa, marvel at the spectacular Square of Miracles with its world-famous Leaning Tower. In romantic Venice, a private boat ride awaits. Visit the must-see sights, such as St. Mark’s Square, the Doges’ Palace, and the Bridge of Sighs. You’ll also have time to explore the maze of streets and discover their hidden treasures. Or relax at an outdoor café in St. Mark’s Square and enjoy this prime people-watching spot.
Throughout this Italy escorted tour, Globus has arranged VIP access, so rather than waiting in long lines, you’ll get right to the front at all the famous attractions. This gives you more time to experience the sights and more time to taste Italy’s sumptuous cuisine, shop for Italian goods, explore the stunning churches and museums, and participate in optional excursions. Just imagine the memories you’ll create on this fabulous Italian guided vacation at a price that’s as enticing as a glass of wine and tiramisù!
Itinerary
Welcome to Rome!
At 5 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (D)
Roman Holiday
ROME: Guided sightseeing includes the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Square and Basilica, and the Colosseum. Free time late afternoon. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - LEGENDARY LIVES: Stand in awe and wonder amid one of mankind's greatest artistic achievements in the Sistine Chapel. Hear how in 1508, a young Michelangelo was commissioned by Pope Julius II to decorate the chapel's ceiling – a request not welcomed by the 33-year-old sculptor. Michelangelo's 4-year project was indeed one of physical pain and psychological distress, while painting from scaffolds high above the sanctuary floor. Nevertheless, he created what is considered the most famous ceiling in the world, depicting the Creation of Adam in striking fresco style.
Medieval Marvels
ASSISI: Visit the Basilica of St. Francis.
Scenic drive en route to Florence. (B) 230 mi / 370 km.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - ICONIC FOOTSTEPS: Walk in the footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi with a visit to the Basilica named after the deacon, friar, and mystic, who became one of the most venerated religious figures in Christianity. Revered for his love of the Eucharist and the Earth, Francis found communion with God through nature here in this Italian village where he lived and died. Marvel at the magnificent frescoes by Italian master Giotto that adorn the Basilica where the saint is buried.
Fine Art in Firenze
FLORENCE: Guided sightseeing includes Michelangelo's masterpiece, David, at the Academy of Fine Arts, Giotto's Bell Tower, the Baptistry's heavy bronze “Gates of Paradise,” and Signoria Square. Light lunch next to Santa Croce Square. Free time. (B/L)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - ART & ARCHITECTURE: Those lucky enough to visit the Tuscan capital are witness to some of the world's most magnificent art. Home to a wealth of Rennaissance masterpieces, Florence is famous for Michelangelo's Marble Masterpiece, David, standing ready for battle in the Academy of Fine Arts. Outside, the Piazza del Duomo and Signoria Square offer spectacular sights of Florentine Gothic and Renaissance art, architecture, and monuments.
The Tilted Tower
PISA: Take photos of the Leaning Tower en route to Venice. (B) 280 mi / 450 km.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - ART & ARCHITECTURE: See architecture gone askew from the viewpoint of the Piazza dei Miracoli in Pisa. Take the ultimate selfie in front of the Leaning Tower with a tilt of the head or other popular poses to commemorate your visit to the site of medieval art in this beautiful piazza.
Italian Beauties
VENICE: Take a private Boat Ride on the canals. Guided walking tour includes St. Mark's Square, Doges' Palace and the Bridge of Sighs and views of the Basilica. Glassblower demonstration and free time. Farewell dinner at your hotel. (B/D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - HISTORIC SPOT: Locals simply call Piazza San Marco “la piazza.” As paired with the smaller Piazzetta, it forms the social, religious, and political hub of Venice, which Napoleon called “the drawing room of Europe.” St. Mark's Basilica dominates the square, offering visitors a spectacular view of the great arches, marble embellishments, and the Romanesque carvings of its façade. Also gracing the square is Doge's Palace – a masterpiece of Venetian Gothic architecture. The enclosed Bridge of Sighs, connecting the palace with the prison, is named for the prisoners sighs at seeing their last view of the Rio di Palazzo on their walk to the prison.
Safe travels until we meet again!
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Welcome to Rome!
At 5 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (D)
Roman Holiday
ROME: Guided sightseeing includes the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Square and Basilica, and the Colosseum. Free time late afternoon. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - LEGENDARY LIVES: Stand in awe and wonder amid one of mankind's greatest artistic achievements in the Sistine Chapel. Hear how in 1508, a young Michelangelo was commissioned by Pope Julius II to decorate the chapel's ceiling – a request not welcomed by the 33-year-old sculptor. Michelangelo's 4-year project was indeed one of physical pain and psychological distress, while painting from scaffolds high above the sanctuary floor. Nevertheless, he created what is considered the most famous ceiling in the world, depicting the Creation of Adam in striking fresco style.
Medieval Marvels
ASSISI: Visit the Basilica of St. Francis.
Scenic drive en route to Florence. (B) 230 mi / 370 km.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - ICONIC FOOTSTEPS: Walk in the footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi with a visit to the Basilica named after the deacon, friar, and mystic, who became one of the most venerated religious figures in Christianity. Revered for his love of the Eucharist and the Earth, Francis found communion with God through nature here in this Italian village where he lived and died. Marvel at the magnificent frescoes by Italian master Giotto that adorn the Basilica where the saint is buried.
Fine Art in Firenze
FLORENCE: Guided sightseeing includes Michelangelo's masterpiece, David, at the Academy of Fine Arts, Giotto's Bell Tower, the Baptistry's heavy bronze “Gates of Paradise,” and Signoria Square. Light lunch next to Santa Croce Square. Free time. (B/L)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - ART & ARCHITECTURE: Those lucky enough to visit the Tuscan capital are witness to some of the world's most magnificent art. Home to a wealth of Rennaissance masterpieces, Florence is famous for Michelangelo's Marble Masterpiece, David, standing ready for battle in the Academy of Fine Arts. Outside, the Piazza del Duomo and Signoria Square offer spectacular sights of Florentine Gothic and Renaissance art, architecture, and monuments.
The Tilted Tower
PISA: Take photos of the Leaning Tower en route to Venice. (B) 280 mi / 450 km.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - ART & ARCHITECTURE: See architecture gone askew from the viewpoint of the Piazza dei Miracoli in Pisa. Take the ultimate selfie in front of the Leaning Tower with a tilt of the head or other popular poses to commemorate your visit to the site of medieval art in this beautiful piazza.
Italian Beauties
VENICE: Take a private Boat Ride on the canals. Guided walking tour includes St. Mark's Square, Doges' Palace and the Bridge of Sighs and views of the Basilica. Glassblower demonstration and free time. Farewell dinner at your hotel. (B/D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - HISTORIC SPOT: Locals simply call Piazza San Marco “la piazza.” As paired with the smaller Piazzetta, it forms the social, religious, and political hub of Venice, which Napoleon called “the drawing room of Europe.” St. Mark's Basilica dominates the square, offering visitors a spectacular view of the great arches, marble embellishments, and the Romanesque carvings of its façade. Also gracing the square is Doge's Palace – a masterpiece of Venetian Gothic architecture. The enclosed Bridge of Sighs, connecting the palace with the prison, is named for the prisoners sighs at seeing their last view of the Rio di Palazzo on their walk to the prison.
Safe travels until we meet again!
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- We've packed everything you need for the perfect tour—from hand-selected hotels and dining to the friendly expertise of Globus Tour Directors and Local Guides (with headsets to hear every word), to seamless transportation between destinations and VIP access to the world's most iconic sites! Touring by private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi, plus a private boat ride in Venice.
- 6 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 2 Dinner
- Rome: Starhotels Metropole (Superior First-Class):
This elegant 236 room modern boutique style hotel is perfectly placed. Free Wi-Fi access is available throughout the property and there is also a fitness room. Tempting international dishes and Roman specialties can be savored in the intimate restaurant and for a refreshing break there is a stylish bar offering all day drinks, cakes, and light bites. - Florence: Grand Hotel Mediterraneo (First-Class):
Modern hotel situated on the banks of the river Arno, steps away from the city center. The Duomo and Palazzo Pitti are nearby. - Florence: Hotel Royal Firenze (First-Class):
Set in an elegant 18th-century building, Villa Royal features a beautiful garden with a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, situated in a green neighbourhood, less than 1 km from the Gothic cathedral of Florence. This splendid Florentine villa was built in 1700 and was a noble family residence up until 1956 when it was converted into a hotel. Each of the 40 air-conditioned guest rooms feature high ceilings, minibar, safety deposit box and are all tastefully decorated with period furnishings. - Venice Island: Carlton on the Grand Canal (First-Class):
A plush traditional Venetian style hotel set in a majestic four story building with refined interiors such as Murano glass wall lamps and gilt-edged furniture. Perfectly placed on the Grand Canal, with a vaporetto stop right outside and close to the main train station, this property offers great transportation access with the Rialto Bridge close by. Free Wi-Fi access is available throughout the property which has an elegant fine-dining restaurant, a lobby bar, and a lovely rooftop terrace where drinks are served with views of the spired city skyline as a backdrop. 145 air-conditioned classically styled guestrooms offer coffee/tea-making facilities.
- 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.
- The Vatican Museums are wheelchair accessible, but the entrance and route differ from those of the included guided visit.
- For operational reasons, schedule changes for the Rome program cannot be excluded.
- We've packed everything you need for the perfect tour—from hand-selected hotels and dining to the friendly expertise of Globus Tour Directors and Local Guides (with headsets to hear every word), to seamless transportation between destinations and VIP access to the world's most iconic sites! Touring by private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi, plus a private boat ride in Venice.
- 6 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 2 Dinner
- Rome: Starhotels Michelangelo (Superior First-Class):
Modern hotel catering to business and leisure travelers located a short walk to St. Peter's Square; staff is multilingual. - Rome: Starhotels Metropole (Superior First-Class):
This elegant 236 room modern boutique style hotel is perfectly placed. Free Wi-Fi access is available throughout the property and there is also a fitness room. Tempting international dishes and Roman specialties can be savored in the intimate restaurant and for a refreshing break there is a stylish bar offering all day drinks, cakes, and light bites. - Rome: NYX Roma (First-Class):
This newly refurbished hotel is situated in Rome's prestigious Prati district. It's a short walk from Castel Sant'Angelo and offers easy access to major attractions such as Vatican City and Piazza Navona. The hotel offers stylish and modern rooms with a touch of urban flair. Expect contemporary design, comfortable beds, and essential amenities. Many restaurants, bar and shops are available in the immediate vicinity. - Florence: Grand Hotel Mediterraneo (First-Class):
Modern hotel situated on the banks of the river Arno, steps away from the city center. The Duomo and Palazzo Pitti are nearby. - Florence: Hotel Cellai (First-Class):
Located in the historic heart of Florence, this upscale 55-room boutique property is housed in a restored 19th-century townhouse with elegant parlors, vaulted wooden ceilings and original Tuscan artwork. There is a bar in the antique library that works on an honor-system, a charming rooftop garden with city views and Free Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout. Breakfast is served in a lavish mirrored room on a long table decked out with silver candelabras and complimentary tea, coffee and cake are served between 5 and 7 pm daily. - Florence: Hotel Royal Firenze (First-Class):
Set in an elegant 18th-century building, Villa Royal features a beautiful garden with a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, situated in a green neighbourhood, less than 1 km from the Gothic cathedral of Florence. This splendid Florentine villa was built in 1700 and was a noble family residence up until 1956 when it was converted into a hotel. Each of the 40 air-conditioned guest rooms feature high ceilings, minibar, safety deposit box and are all tastefully decorated with period furnishings. - Venice Island: Carlton on the Grand Canal (First-Class):
A plush traditional Venetian style hotel set in a majestic four story building with refined interiors such as Murano glass wall lamps and gilt-edged furniture. Perfectly placed on the Grand Canal, with a vaporetto stop right outside and close to the main train station, this property offers great transportation access with the Rialto Bridge close by. Free Wi-Fi access is available throughout the property which has an elegant fine-dining restaurant, a lobby bar, and a lovely rooftop terrace where drinks are served with views of the spired city skyline as a backdrop. 145 air-conditioned classically styled guestrooms offer coffee/tea-making facilities.
- 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.
- The Vatican Museums are wheelchair accessible, but the entrance and route differ from those of the included guided visit.
- For operational reasons, schedule changes for the Rome program cannot be excluded.
Don't waste your precious time qeuing up, skip the lines with special VIP access at the must-see sites. Read more
Travel with expert Tour Directors and Local Guides who share their vast knowledge of the destination. Read more
Globus has the recipe for a great vacation. Savour the flavours of Europe through its regional cuisine. Read more
Globus picks hotels picked on their centralised location, so you'll stay right in the heart of the destination. Read more
Globus' coaches offer one of the most comfortable, stress-free and eco-friendly ways to travel. Read more
Do as the locals do and enjoy unique experiences that you wouldn't find touring on your own. Read more
Don't waste your precious time qeuing up, skip the lines with special VIP access at the must-see sites. Read more
Travel with expert Tour Directors and Local Guides who share their vast knowledge of the destination. Read more
Globus has the recipe for a great vacation. Savour the flavours of Europe through its regional cuisine. Read more
Globus picks hotels picked on their centralised location, so you'll stay right in the heart of the destination. Read more
Globus' coaches offer one of the most comfortable, stress-free and eco-friendly ways to travel. Read more
Do as the locals do and enjoy unique experiences that you wouldn't find touring on your own. Read more
Trip Reviews (1) Most Recent 'Italian Escape' Reviews
Brochure
Globus Worldwide (2025-26)
Availability
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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. We guarantee the lowest price in USA. 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 Globus. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Globus. 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.
