Discover Italy’s refined elegance, ancient wonders, and timeless artistry on this curated journey — gliding through Venice’s canals, savoring Florence’s Renaissance masterpieces, pausing in peaceful Assisi, and exploring Rome’s icons and the treasures of Vatican City.
Upon arrival in Venice, you’ll be transferred by boat to your hotel, where the beauty of canals and piazzas will immediately set the tone for your Italian adventure. After check-in, take time to settle in and enjoy your surroundings before joining your JE Escapes Tour Leader and fellow travelers for a welcome briefing in the evening.
Your day begins with a guided exploration of Venice’s most iconic landmarks. Walk through St. Mark’s Square and visit the magnificent Basilica before continuing to the Doge’s Palace and the Bridge of Sighs. From there, discover Venice’s quieter side as you wander hidden Calli (lanes) and artisan workshops. Later, glide along the canals in a gondola before setting off by boat to the colorful island of Burano, renowned for its vibrant homes and centuries-old lace-making traditions. The evening is yours to relax or perhaps enjoy a Venetian wine and cicchetti experience.
After breakfast, depart Venice by high-speed train bound for Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and take the afternoon to stroll at your own pace through Florence’s cobblestone streets. You might choose to browse artisan boutiques, enjoy an espresso in a lively piazza, or head to Piazzale Michelangelo for sweeping views of the city as the sun sets.
Today, a guided city tour brings Florence’s cultural treasures to life. Visit the Uffizi Gallery to marvel at Botticelli’s Birth of Venus and other Renaissance masterpieces, then continue to Piazza Della Signoria and the Palazzo Vecchio, before crossing the romantic Ponte Vecchio. The tour also includes the Basilica of Santa Croce, where legends like Michelangelo and Galileo are laid to rest. In the afternoon, you may choose an optional excursion—perhaps to Pisa to see the Leaning Tower or to the Accademia Gallery to stand before Michelangelo’s David. As evening falls, consider indulging in a Tuscan countryside dinner with local wines.
This morning, board the high-speed train to Rome. After checking in at your hotel, enjoy an afternoon orientation walk that introduces you to the Eternal City’s charm. Visit the Spanish Steps, admire Piazza Navona, and toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain to ensure your return to Rome. The evening is free to discover the city’s culinary scene, perhaps sampling classic Roman pasta dishes like cacio e pepe or carbonara.
Step back in time as you enter the Colosseum with priority access, imagining the roar of the crowds who once gathered to watch gladiatorial contests. Continue through the Roman Forum, once the bustling center of political and social life, before ascending Palatine Hill for panoramic views over ancient ruins. The afternoon is free for independent exploration, consider visiting the Pantheon, browsing the Capitoline Museums, or simply enjoying a gelato in a sunny piazza.
A full-day excursion takes you into the serene hills of Umbria to Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis. Explore the magnificent Basilica of St. Francis, adorned with frescoes that have inspired pilgrims for centuries, and stroll through the medieval streets lined with charming piazzas and stone houses. Return to Rome in the evening for a leisurely night in the city.
Today is devoted to the treasures of Vatican City. Begin at the Vatican Museums, where hall after hall reveals some of the world’s most important art collections. Enter the Sistine Chapel to admire Michelangelo’s breathtaking ceiling and Last Judgment, before continuing into St. Peter’s Basilica, a triumph of Renaissance architecture and devotion. The afternoon is left free for personal discovery, perhaps shopping along Via Condotti, relaxing in Trastevere, or savoring a final Roman cappuccino. For those who wish, an optional farewell dinner overlooking the Colosseum provides the perfect finale.
Enjoy one last Italian breakfast before checking out of your hotel. Depending on your departure schedule, you may have time for some last-minute shopping or sightseeing before your transfer to the airport. Extra nights in Rome can be arranged upon request, allowing you to linger a little longer in the Eternal City.
Tell us your dates and we’ll shape Renaissance Trilogy: Venice, Florence & Rome around you — pace, hotels, and every reservation, privately arranged.
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