Contrasts of Italy
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Experience Overview
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.
Highlights
Dining Summary
- 3 Dinner (D)
- 9 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Lunch (L)
Must-see Highlights
- Explore Rome, Florence, Pisa and Venice
- Visit The Colosseum in Rome, the Academy of Fine Arts in Florence and a glassblowing factory in Venice
- View the ancient sites in Rome, 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
How You'll Travel
- Selected hotel dinners plus a locally hosted meal
Iconic Experience
- Rome: During an orientation with your Travel Director see the medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches scattered throughout the city.
- Rome: Discover ancient treasures of Rome with a Local Specialist. See Circus Maximus and visit the mighty 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.
- Florence: Visit the Academy of Fine Arts and admire its Michelangelo collection.
- Pisa: In the Piazza dei Miracoli, see 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''.
- Venice: Discover the ancient skill of Venetian glassblowing and play a part in preserving this traditional craft.
- Venice: Savor the vibrant atmosphere of Venice during a walk through its calli to a traditional food market in the shadow of the famous Rialto Bridge.
Be My Guest
- Florence: Meet Sandra and Antonella on their historic family farm for an exclusive Be My Guest lunch at the Agriturismo Borgo Vigna Vecchia in the Tuscan hills.
Trip Details
Product Code: 28213
Tour Type: Group Tour
Accommodation: Deluxe
Transport: Private
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Rail & Cruises, Budget
Tour Operator:
Trafalgar (CA)
Supplier Code: 728.2179B
Starts: Rome, Italy
Finishes: Venice, Italy
Duration: 10 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Easy
Includes
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $5512 ($551 /day)
Itinerary
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 dinner and orientation drive through Rome's intoxicating cityscape.
Accommodation: Una Deco
Meals: Dinner
This morning see the Vatican city on your sightseeing tour of Rome, you'll pause to see the majestic exterior of St. Peter's Basilica and its grand square. Then venture into Ancient Rome to see Circus Maximus and visit the Colosseum. This evening, Roman flavors take center stage as you dine on local specialties.
Accommodation: Una Deco
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Enjoy a full free day to explore Rome your way, or consider an Optional Experience delving into the tragic history of Pompeii — the Roman city frozen in time by the devastating eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. As the sun sets over the seven hills of Rome, people-watch in one of Rome’s beautiful squares or admire the Trevi Fountain.
Accommodation: Una Deco
Meals: Breakfast
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.
Accommodation: Ambasciatori
Meals: Breakfast
Cross the Arno River and take in 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, Cathedral, Baptistery, and Camposanto—built on soil brought back from the Holy Land during the Crusades. Enjoy lunch at Agriturismo Borgo Vigna Vecchia with 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, admire the beautifully lit Duomo or visit a cozy enoteca for wine tasting.
Accommodation: Ambasciatori
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
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.
Accommodation: Ambasciatori
Meals: Breakfast
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.
Accommodation: Principe
Meals: Breakfast
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, witness 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 artisans, 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 sidewalk cafe or take a cruise to colorful Burano for a delicious meal.
Accommodation: Principe
Meals: Breakfast
Watch the sights and sounds of modern Venice come to life on a walking tour with your Local Specialist. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon with one last taste of Venice. As your journey through Italy's charming cities draws to a close, celebrate newfound friendships and unforgettable memories over dinner.
Accommodation: Principe
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Say arrivederci to Italy and your fellow travelers as your fascinating holiday comes to an end.
Meals: Breakfast
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Tour Operator
Trafalgar (CA)
Family owned and run since 1920, The Travel Corporation (TTC) is the world leader in immersive travel experiences across an extensive range of travel categories. Each year TTC's 40 award winning hospitality and travel brands connect over 1 million happy travellers to the world. We give you access to the 12 DMC’s behind these brands, so you can build your business by capitalizing on the extensive experience, local expertise, and financial assurance of TTC. LOCAL EXPERTISE The world leaders in travel for over 100 years, we offer unparalleled local expertise with a global footprint. Our 12 DMCs, led by experienced in-destination teams, deliver experience rich travel solutions in more than 80 countries. Additionally, our market based teams are on hand to support across our 40 offices worldwide
In Business Since 1931
Reviews
Trusted Customer - Traveled, October 2024
Many Stairs. Trafalgar service was great, we will schedule other tours. we are 73 and 79 years old and walking is not our problem, but the tour included too many stairs to climb. Several of friends on tour were also tired of stair climbing. Excellent itinerary. We felt that our travel guide was better a communicator than several of the local experts. Some were hard to understand. Although we signed up for all the extra tours, we felt there were too many extra events that should have been included in the basic package. Our hotel room in Venice was sub par, Trafalgar should demand better rooms for their customers.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/21/2024
Susan Clay Hufford - Traveled, September 2024
Contrast of Italy tour in September. Everything about the trip was fantastic, including the detail to the travel arrangements and dinners. I have no negative comments at all. It was the excellent amount of time in each city, and the extra tour guides were excellent in telling the history of the city or museums.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/24/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, September 2024
Contrast of Italy. Our journey included transportation between locations via high speed train. Due to country wide strike the last leg of our trip was substituted with a motor coach. Our tour director, Elvira made it most enjoyable by pointing out landmarks that would not have been seen if we had traveled by train. Lots of free time to explore on your own.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/15/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, September 2024
A Great Experience! Hotels were good, not excellent. The bus we travelled in was excellent and the bus driver second to none. Meeting and traveling with new people was so rewarding. Overall an excellent experience! It was an excellent itinerary. The only thing I would caution is that you have to be ready to pay another $1,000 for the extra excursions if you want the full experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/22/2024
Jeffrey Yost - Traveled, September 2024
Three days per city was perfect. Having a Trip Director was the single most important piece of the trip. During the trip there was a railway strike. She was able to make adjustment so we basically lost no time with the mishap. We will probably never go without a Director.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/27/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, September 2024
The trip was well organized and full of wonderful experiences, both included and optional. Guides were all very knowledgeable and Trafalgar was able to get tickets for the most popular sights and venues and in most cases skip the long lines. The days were full but still left plenty of free time to explore on your own.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/23/2024
Debra Waycaster - Traveled, September 2024
Jam packed sight seeing. Organized and punctual service. We maximized our time with a lot to see every day . Our local guides were very knowledgeable. Our lead tour guide was fabulous.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/19/2024
Jean Hibbs - Traveled, September 2024
Trip of a lifetime! I would not hesitate to recommend Trafalgar Italy tour, tour guide Antonio and CAA travel agent Kim Nixon in Dartmouth Nova Scotia to anyone. Thank you. Antonio was the perfect guide. He made our trip over and above what was expected.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/16/2024
Debra Clay - Traveled, September 2024
Fabulous experience. Our tour guide ************ was extremely organized and friendly- he arranged our transportation and guided tours to perfection. The group dinners were delicious and fun, and the optional tours were hand-picked and very informative. I highly recommend this itinerary. It was beyond our expectations.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/15/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, September 2024
Excellent trip on Contrasts of Italy tour. Details were given as needed. I was pleased with Trafalgar's service and our tour guide Muris. Fantastic itinerary and it was great to have our tour guide, Muris traveling with us to several areas. Muris was excellent in his attention to details for travel and daily updates. He covered history and highlights with enthusiasm and his passion for Italy. Overall, this itinerary and Trafalgar was a great choice. I have recommended Trafalgar to a friend who is planning a trip to Italy!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/19/2024
