Rome, Florence & Venice In Style

Itinerary

• Italy

  Italy is one of the most visited destinations in the world. It's top attractions include; Rome (Colosseum, Vatican City, PIazza Navona, Forum, Pantheon, Fountains of Trevi, Spanish Steps), Florence (Duomo, Old City, Ponte Vecchio, Uffizi), and Venice (Grand Canal, Doge's Palace, St. Marks Square). But there is much more to discover outside these heavily travelled spots.  Tuscany and Umbria with its wine, food and hilltowns (Sienna, San Gimignano, Orvietto, Spoleto), the dazzling Amalfi Coast (Positano, Capri, Sorrento), Siciliy with its old words ways, the urbane Milan and nearby Lake Como, the Italian Riviera... and more.  One important piece of advice, the soul of Italy is in its small towns, so be sure to get outside the big cities and into the country. That is where you will find the magic.

• Florence

  Even among Italy's finest cities, Florence is something special, rising from the beautiful landscape of Tuscany as a living piece of history. Everywhere you turn you'll see works by Michelangelo, Donatello, Brunelleschi and any number of Masters of Italy's Golden Age. It is in the museums and galleries of the city that most of Florence's treasures are concentrated. The piazzas are full of fashionable boutiques and ever more fashionable people, and the café is still central to the Florentine social life. In the evening the city lights up and its squares and streets are thronged with visitors and locals taking their "passeggiata" as the denizens of the city have done for thousands of years.

• Rome

  Rome, the 'Eternal City', is the capital of Italy. The historical center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Make sure to explore the sites of the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. A few blocks away, Old Rome is the center of the medieval and Renaissance periods, with beautiful plazas, cathedrals, the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Fountains of Trevi, Campo de' Fiori, Spanish Steps, and plenty of shopping and dining. Just across the river is the Vatican, the Papal City State and its endless treasure troves of sights, relics, and museums, as well as the surrounding Italian neighborhood, Vaticano. Via Veneto leads north into modern Rome to the train station and is lined with glitzy shops and hotels for every budget.

• Venice

  In the rich cultures of Europe and celebrated cities of Italy, few places capture the imagination as much as Venice. Its fabled canalled thoroughfares and gilded palaces possess a beguiling beauty unsurpassed by anywhere else on Earth. Everywhere you go you'll find works of art - in the architecture itself or within the walls of the palaces and basilicas that are liberally sprinkled in every area of the city. Venice is an ever-changing, living canvas. No other place has such a mutable geography where you can discover delightfully peaceful piazzas and deserted canals seemingly unmarked on any map. Quite simply, there is nowhere else in the world quite like it.

• • Rome
  • Trevi Fountain
  • Forty Seven Hotel

  Day 1: Rome

  Enjoy a private Airport (Fiumicino/Ciampino) transfer with a private vehicle and driver.

  A welcome package with your vouchers, a city map, train tickets (if relevant) and any other touristic information that we deem you may find useful will be waiting for you upon your arrival at your first hotel on your trip.

  Discover Rome by foot on your guided 3 hour walking tour today.  Don't forget your camera as you visit the Spanish Steps, Scalinata, The Trevi Fountain, The Pantheon, and Navona Square.

  Accommodation: Forty Seven (4*)

  The Forty Seven Hotel Rome is situated in the heart of Rome between Circo Massimo and Teatro Marcello, and approximately 16 miles from Rome Fiumicino Leonardo Di Vinci Airport. Local attractions include the Coliseum, Piazza di Spagna, and Via dei Condotti. The rooms feature original drawings by Mastroianni, Greco, Modigliani, Quagliata or Guccione – and contemporary Art Deco decor consisting of neutral-colored fabrics and light-coloured woods, including floor-to-ceiling headboards and polished parquet floors. The hotel has a seasonal rooftop restaurant that provides a range of pasta dishes from April through to October. Throughout the year, the bar provides light fare and cocktails. The lovely lounge boasts a sophisticated residential style.  Under new Roman law, hotels charge a small amount per traveller per day as a “tourist tax”, which needs to be paid locally through your hotel in Rome. Amounts may vary, but currently the cost is 2EUR per person for 2* & 3* hotels and 3EUR for 4* & 5* hotels. The charges will be added to your bill upon check out and are non-negotiable.

• • St. Peter's Basilica

  Day 2: Rome

  Spend the day on a shared tour in Rome. After being picked up from your centrally located hotel, you will pass by the Villa Borghese park, Porta Flaminia and cross over the Tiber river before reaching the Vatican Museum. During the visit you can admire the Hall of the Greek Cross, the Statue Gallery, the interesting cartographic study in the Geographical Maps Gallery, the Raphael Rooms, entirely frescoed by the Master and, above all, the Sistine Chapel. This is where Popes are elected and where you will find the Genesis and Last Judgement works by Michelangelo which have been recently restored. Please note that during high season there may be queues to enter the museums. Enjoy lunch (drinks included) before spending the afternoon exploring some of the most fascinating sights of the city in the company of an English speaking guide on board an air-conditioned coach. Crossing Piazza della Repubblica with the Najadi’s Fountain, you will continue along Via Nazionale till Piazza Venezia, heart of the city with the Monument to Victor Emanuel II also called "Vittoriano" – Continue by bus to the Colosseum and the surrounding Arches of Costantine and Tirus and have a walk into the Roman Forum, the most important archeological area in the world, and possibly the Capitol Square. Proceed to Theatre Marcello to reach St. Paul’s Outside the walls by coach where you will enjoy a visit. At the end of the shared tour you will be brought back to your hotel.

  Accommodation: Forty Seven (4*)
• • Florence
  • Cellai Hotel

  Day 3: Rome - Florence

  You will be met by a private driver and escorted from the train station to your accommodation.

  Enjoy the train ride from Rome to Florence. Train duration is approximately 1 hour 30 mins.

  Take a private train station transfer in Florence. Please note that a surcharge may be post billed to you if you require a transfer after 8pm or before 7am.

  Accommodation: Cellai Boutique Hotel (4*)

  The Hotel Cellai (4*) is located in the heart of the historic center of Florence, surrounded by monuments, churches and buildings of extraordinary beauty. This boutique style hotel is close to the most interesting and evocative city sites. All sites are within a short walking distance, passing through little streets full of charm and mystery. This exclusive hotel in Florence is very close to the San Lorenzo Market, hosted in a gigantic iron and glass building, where natives gather to buy local food and wine specialties. The Galleria dell'Accademia is just a short distance away, hosting the famous David by Michelangelo, as is the Duomo with its splendid dome by Brunelleschi.

• • Inside the Uffizi
  • Shopping in Florence

  Day 4: Florence

  A visit to Florence is not complete without visiting one of the most important art galleries in the world, the Uffizi. Enjoy a private guided tour of the Uffizi Gallery to have an unforgettable journey through the masterpieces of famous artists such as Botticelli, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Raffaello, Giotto, Cimabue and Masaccio. At the end of the tour, you are free to remain in the museum to explore further at your leisure. (The tour includes a prebooked entrance and guided tour of the Uffizi Gallery in English).

  Florence is a great city for browsing and shopping. The street for antiques is Via Maggio: some of the furnishings and objets d'art here are from the 16th century. Florence's Fifth Avenue is Via dei Tornabuoni, the place to head for the best quality leather goods, for the best clothing boutiques, and for stylish but costly shoes. Here you'll find everyone from Armani, Gucci, Versace, Coveri, to Ferragamo. Besides shops, Florence is rich in open-air markets. The Market of San Lorenzo, situated in the center of the city, is worth checking out. The New Market, where one can acquire leather goods and souvenirs, is sheltered under the sixteenth-century Loggia del Porcellino. At the Flea Market, near Piazza Santa Croce, where you may able to make good deals on small antique items.

  Accommodation: Cellai Boutique Hotel (4*)
• • San Gimignano

  Day 5: Florence

  Enjoy a full day shared tour which gives you the opportunity of discovering the Chianti region. A coach with an English speaking Guide will first take you through the countryside of the Chianti area with ever-changing scenery of vineyards and olive trees. Enjoy a visit to San Gimignano, a tiny city that has remained intact through the centuries. The city is situated on top of a hill and is famous for its numerous towers, frescos and other art treasures. On arrival in Siena there is some free time for lunch (not included). Your guide will than bring you on a escorted visit through this magnificent city. You will see the Cathedral situated in the Piazza dal Campo, one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. Located near this famous Piazza is the Town Hall, and San Domenico, which is known for it's numerous treasures of Italian painting. During the return journey you will see the old medieval village of Monteriggioni enclosed by its famous walls which are still standing strong.

  Accommodation: Cellai Boutique Hotel (4*)
• • Venice
  • Palazzo Sant'Angelo

  Day 6: Florence - Venice

  Take a private train station transfer in Florence. Please note that a surcharge may be post billed to you if you require a transfer after 8pm or before 7am.

  Enjoy the train journey from Florence to Venice by fast speed train. Travel time is approximately 2 hours 40 mins.

  The Venice Santa Lucia Train Station is the main station travelers arrive and depart from in Venice. It’s a modern building in the main city and is connected to the Grand Canal. The station is a great entrance to the ancient city of Venice and is very easily accessible by public transport and local water taxis. Upon your arrival, please follow the signs and make your way to the exit. Walk down the steps and veer left towards the LOCAL WATER TAXI stand, between the bridge and the vaporetto station. Join the queue and instruct the driver to take you to your specific hotel. Please be aware that not all hotels have a private boat launch so you may be dropped off at the nearest water taxi stand. It is a short walk to your hotel from there. When departing, please ask your hotel to arrange a water taxi for you. Please note that a private boat transfer can easily be arranged for you and by local Venetian Law, the price is approximately 120-300 Euro.

  Accommodation: Palazzo Sant`Angelo (4*)

  Palazzo Sant'Angelo Canal Grande (4*) is a charming hotel housed in a noble building, elegantly restored and completely furnished in Venetian style, is located in the heart of Venice on Canal Grande, between the Rialto and Accademia bridges. The welcoming hall, with splendid original Palladian pavement, is decorated with warm colours and an old stone fireplace. From the hall windows guests can enjoy a wonderful view on Canal Grande.

• • Glass Blowing Factory
  • Moored gondolas

  Day 7: Venice

  Take a guided 2 hour private tour to Murano on your own private boat with an English speaking guide. After being picked up by your guide in your hotel, take in the sights as you sail past the island of San Giorgio Maggiore, the Public Gardens, the tip of Sant'Elena and the famous Arsenal of the Venetian Republic. You will reach Murano, known throughout the world for its glass manufacturing industry. We will visit one of the most famous and ancient glass factories, where you will enjoy a live glass blowing demonstration performed by a Maestro Glass Maker and will have time to visit the Glass show rooms. At the end of the visit your tour Guide will bring you back to your hotel or to central Venice.

  Sit back and relax on a marvellous and enchanting half an hour evening gondola ride through the Grand Canal and inner canals of Venice. You will breathe the atmosphere of this ancient city built on water. Your gondola will take you to the Restaurant da Raffaele, where you can enjoy typical traditional veneta and Italian plates. Departure from Santa Maria Del Giglio Gondola Station (next to Hotel Gritti) at 07.00 pm, arrival at restaurant around 7.30-07.40 pm.

  Accommodation: Palazzo Sant`Angelo (4*)

• Day 8: Venice

  Take a water taxi from your hotel to the airport. Your hotel concierge should be able to help you with the arrangements on site. The fare to the Venice Airport is dependent on the location of your hotel and how many people are traveling with you. Alternatively, if you would like to have a private transfer arranged for you in advance, please speak to your Sales Advisor.

  Accommodation: Depart (Int`l Airport)

Accommodation

• Culinary Delights

  Florence cuisine arose from the peasant fare of the surrounding countryside. Characterized by rustic dishes created with fresh ingredients and simple preparations, Tuscan food ranks among the world's best. A highlight in the summer is an Insalata Caprese all Bufala, a tomato and mozzarella salad prepared with fresh cheese made from Buffalo.  The original creamy textured Mozarella di Bufala originated in Southern Italy, however several local artisanal cheese-makers have perfected the art and it is truly a national delicacy.  Served with fresh tomatoes, basil and a drizzle of the local olive oil, or simply with a chunk of Fresh Tuscan bread or a slice of Prosciutto, few taste sensations can beat this one.

• Pampered Indulgence

  There are various theories as to the origin of the name Chianti. The most popular has it that the word derives from the Latin clangor, meaning the cry of a bird or a high pitched note from a trumpet, and that this alludes to the wild and uncultivated countryside of the area, fit for hunting rather than agriculture. Another far more mundane theory ascribes the name to an Etruscan family of the area, or perhaps a winegrower from the hills above Florence. In any event, the Chianti region, home to both traditional style Chiantis and the rebellious "Super Tuscans", is producing some of the finest wine in its history as a result of ever higher standards coupled with some wonderful vintages.

• Culinary Delights

  Florence cuisine arose from the peasant fare of the surrounding countryside. Characterized by rustic dishes created with fresh ingredients and simple preparations, Tuscan food ranks among the world's best. A highlight in the summer is an Insalata Caprese all Bufala, a tomato and mozzarella salad prepared with fresh cheese made from Buffalo.  The original creamy textured Mozzarella di Bufala originated in Southern Italy, however several local artisanal cheese-makers have perfected the art and it is truly a national delicacy.  Served with fresh tomatoes, basil and a drizzle of the local olive oil, or simply with a chunk of Fresh Tuscan bread or a slice of Prosciutto, few taste sensations can beat this one.

• • Forty Seven Hotel
  • Forty Seven Hotel

  Forty Seven (4*)

  The Forty Seven Hotel Rome is situated in the heart of Rome between Circo Massimo and Teatro Marcello, and approximately 16 miles from Rome Fiumicino Leonardo Di Vinci Airport. Local attractions include the Coliseum, Piazza di Spagna, and Via dei Condotti. The rooms feature original drawings by Mastroianni, Greco, Modigliani, Quagliata or Guccione – and contemporary Art Deco decor consisting of neutral-colored fabrics and light-coloured woods, including floor-to-ceiling headboards and polished parquet floors. The hotel has a seasonal rooftop restaurant that provides a range of pasta dishes from April through to October. Throughout the year, the bar provides light fare and cocktails. The lovely lounge boasts a sophisticated residential style.  Under new Roman law, hotels charge a small amount per traveller per day as a “tourist tax”, which needs to be paid locally through your hotel in Rome. Amounts may vary, but currently the cost is 2EUR per person for 2* & 3* hotels and 3EUR for 4* & 5* hotels. The charges will be added to your bill upon check out and are non-negotiable.

  • More information
• • Cellai Hotel

  Cellai Boutique Hotel (4*)

  The Hotel Cellai (4*) is located in the heart of the historic center of Florence, surrounded by monuments, churches and buildings of extraordinary beauty. This boutique style hotel is close to the most interesting and evocative city sites. All sites are within a short walking distance, passing through little streets full of charm and mystery. This exclusive hotel in Florence is very close to the San Lorenzo Market, hosted in a gigantic iron and glass building, where natives gather to buy local food and wine specialties. The Galleria dell'Accademia is just a short distance away, hosting the famous David by Michelangelo, as is the Duomo with its splendid dome by Brunelleschi.

  • More information
• • Palazzo Sant'Angelo

  Palazzo Sant'Angelo (4*)

  Palazzo Sant'Angelo Canal Grande (4*) is a charming hotel housed in a noble building, elegantly restored and completely furnished in Venetian style, is located in the heart of Venice on Canal Grande, between the Rialto and Accademia bridges. The welcoming hall, with splendid original Palladian pavement, is decorated with warm colours and an old stone fireplace. From the hall windows guests can enjoy a wonderful view on Canal Grande.

  • More information

The Fine Print

• Trip Operator

  Horizon & Co. (founded in 1963), is a privately-owned leading boutique travel company. Horizon designs and stages authentic and deeply personal travel experiences that are carefully choreographed to induce a life-long memory. In addition to offering published trips on seven continents, Horizon builds private custom trips for discerning individuals and small groups.

• Contact Information

  Horizon & Co.
  Tel: 1-800-387-2977
  Email: admin@horizon-co.com
  Web: www.horizon-co.com

• What's Included:

  • Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

• What's not Included:

  • Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance

• Trip Terms & Conditions

  • Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
  • Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
  • Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
  • Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
  • Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
  • Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.horizon-co.com/terms-and-conditions
  • Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.

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