Italy's art cities: Venice, Florence & Rome

Today, you'll have a private guided tour of St Mark's Basilica and the 15th-century Doge's Palace. You'll be able to go behind the scenes, uncover the hidden chambers where the Doge administered the republic, and visit the Bridge of Sighs.

Departing by private water taxi, you'll head to the train station for your journey to Florence. You will have premium-class tickets for this two-hour journey. Upon arrival in Florence, a private driver will escort you to your hotel. In the afternoon, you may want to take some time to explore the stunning Piazza del Duomo, home to Florence's iconic Renaissance cathedral. If you are feeling energetic, you can climb both the bell tower and the dome for wonderful views of the city.

Today, you will embark on a captivating full-day guided walking tour through the heart of Florence, exploring its most iconic landmarks. Your journey begins at the Piazza della Signoria, where you’ll marvel at the imposing Palazzo Vecchio, a fortress-like structure steeped in history. This square was once the home of Michelangelo’s David until 1873. Next, you will continue to the Accademia Gallery, where the original statue of Michelangelo’s David stands in all its glory, surrounded by other remarkable artworks. After a break for lunch, you’ll visit the renowned Uffizi Gallery, a treasure trove of Renaissance masterpieces, including Botticelli’s “Primavera” and “Birth of Venus,” as well as works by Leonardo da Vinci. This immersive experience promises to be a highlight of your visit to Florence.

Today, enjoy a panoramic introduction to Florence from the city's beautiful vistas. You will be driven up to the peaceful surrounds of San Minato church, the perfect place for exceptional views of the city. You will head down by car to the viewpoint at Piazzale Michelangelo, a popular spot for proposals and a magnet for young Florentines for a romantic evening. From here, you’ll descend to the heart of the Oltrarno area of the city and continue on foot. With your guide, you’ll explore the area around Pitti Palace before eventually reaching the banks of the River Arno. Crossing the river via the scenic Ponte Vecchio, you’ll continue to the heart of the city and finish in Piazza della Signoria.

Your driver will take you to the train station in Florence for your premium class train journey to Rome, which will take around two hours. Upon arrival, you'll be met and transferred to your hotel. This evening, enjoy a shared wine-tasting dinner hosted by a sommelier from one of Rome’s finest family-run food emporiums dedicated to artisanal excellence and boasting some 2,800 wine labels — this epicurean showcase promises a fun and informative evening.

Step back in time to 80 AD, when the building of Rome's most famous landmark, the Colosseum, was constructed. Skip past the lines and enjoy direct entry into the landmark, where your private guide will explain the significance of the Colosseum during the Roman era. The Roman Forum, the heart of Roman public life, is just next door, so you'll visit this vast site with your guide afterwards. This afternoon is unguided, but to stick with the Ancient Rome theme, we recommend heading to Capitoline Hill and Trajan's Column, which are both easily accessible from the Forum.

This morning, you have a privately guided tour of the Vatican, including St Peter's Basilica, the Vatican Museums and, of course, the Sistine Chapel with its beautiful ceiling by Michelangelo. As you may expect, this will be one of the busiest sites you visit on your trip, so afterwards, you'll have a well-deserved afternoon break to relax.

Today, you'll leave the city to visit one of the vast archaeological sites in Italy, Pompeii. You'll take the fast train from Rome to Naples. On arrival, your driver will take you directly to Pompeii, where you'll meet your private guide. Since Mount Vesuvius’ catastrophic eruption in 79 AD, which both devastated and preserved the ancient Roman town here, archaeology enthusiasts have flocked to the site to immerse themselves in the history of this once prosperous, commercial port. After a leisurely lunch paired with local wines, you will return to Rome.

Today you'll be transferred by private driver to the airport for your flight home.