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Contrasts of Italy
10 Day Italy Rail Tour of Rome, Florence and Venice
All aboard this exhilarating journey to Italy’s iconic cities of Rome, Florence and Venice. Spend 10 days in Italy conjuring up gladiators and chariots in Rome, shop until you drop on Florence’s ancient Ponte Vecchio and strike a pose in Pisa before discovering the secrets of Venice on foot like a local.
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Trip code
ITGV
Contrasts of Italy
10 Day Italy Rail Tour of Rome, Florence and Venice
All aboard this exhilarating journey to Italy’s iconic cities of Rome, Florence and Venice. Spend 10 days in Italy conjuring up gladiators and chariots in Rome, shop until you drop on Florence’s ancient Ponte Vecchio and strike a pose in Pisa before discovering the secrets of Venice on foot like a local.
Benvenuti a Roma where we begin our exciting journey through some of Italy's most beautiful cities. Spend time relaxing after your travels or take a walk down memory lane, tracing centuries of art, antiquities and culture before joining your travel companions and Travel Director for a Welcome Reception and orientation drive through Rome's intoxicating cityscape.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Grand Palatino
We visit the centre of Christianity this morning, joining a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour which includes a visit to the imposing St. Peter's Basilica to see the Pietà, Michelangelo's masterpiece carved from the most 'perfect' block of marble. Our next stop is in Ancient Rome where we’ll visit the Colosseum. Here gladiators and slaves met their end in a blaze of glory. See the Circus Maximus before returning to the Holy See this afternoon. Dive Into Culture and gain priority admission to the Vatican Museums where a Local Specialist will take us on a guided tour. Admire Michelangelo's magnificent frescoed ceiling in the Sistine Chapel when it is less crowded and observe the array of incredible artefacts at the Museo Gregoriano Profano, founded in the Lateran Apostolic Palace at the behest of Gregory XVI Cappellari in 1844. We will also enjoy an al fresco dinner against the spectacular backdrop of St. Peter's.
Enjoy a full free day in Rome or consider spending the day in beautiful Tivoli. Join an Optional Experience to see the exquisite house and gardens of the 16th-century Villa d'Este – a marvellous example of Renaissance landscape architecture. As the sun sets over the seven hills of Rome, people-watch in one of Rome’s beautiful squares or admire the Trevi Fountain, tossing a coin to secure your return to Rome.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Optional Experience
Piazzas and Fountains of Rome
Discover the most charming areas in the city with a Local Specialist. Wander through the labyrinth of narrow streets and beautiful squares of Rome's historic centre, leading to highlights such as the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon, as well as hidden corners of the Eternal City.
Adult Price: €33.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Tivoli and Gardens of the Villa D’Este
Visit the ancient Sabine town of Tivoli with our Local Specialist to enjoy the gardens and fountains of the Villa D’Este. We'll see its grottos and pavilions, the Avenue of a Hundred Fountains, and the Dragon Fountain of the Organ.
Adult Price: €46.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Roman Delights With Dinner
Tonight, relax and enjoy typical Italian cuisine, soaking up Rome's unique atmosphere in a characteristic trattoria with drinks and music.
Adult Price: €51.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 4
Journey By High-Speed Train to Florence
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. Our love affair with Florence continues as we stroll to the Piazza della Signoria, featuring Palazzo Vecchio and the Uffizi Gallery.
Cross the Arno River and see 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, the Cathedral, Baptistery and Camposanto, built on soil brought back from the Holy Land during the Crusades. Over lunch, Connect With Locals at the Agriturismo Borgo Vigna Vecchia where you’ll enjoy 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, see the beautifully lit Duomo or visit a cosy enoteca for some wine tasting.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast, Be My Guest
Optional Experience
Discover Palazzo Vecchio
Marvel at the legacy of the Medici as you visit Palazzo Vecchio, the symbol of Florence's political power for over seven centuries. With our Local Specialist we'll visit the wonderful "Hall of the Five Hundred", dedicated to the Medici dynasty. We'll also visit rooms decorated with masterpieces by famous artists of the Renaissance like Michelangelo and Donatello.
Adult Price: €42.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 6
Discover Renaissance Florence
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.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Optional Experience
Dinner and Wine in the Tuscan Hills
This evening we’ll take a scenic drive to experience a fun and relaxed evening at a friendly, typical restaurant in the countryside. The chef will delight our senses with regional dishes, made with freshly-bought ingredients from the local farmers’ markets. Your delicious meal will be accompanied by excellent wines from the vineyards for which this area is so well known. In short, a Tuscan dream come true in an authentic setting.
Adult Price: €65.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Visit To San Gimignano
Join us for a panoramic drive to the nearby hilltop town of San Gimignano with our Local Specialist. Magnificently preserved from the Middle Ages, this little town, known as the 'Medieval Manhattan', is one of the most beautiful in Italy - a true gem.
Adult Price: €36.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Tuscan Dinner at Villa Machiavelli
Through the Chianti hills, we'll drive past vineyards to a delightful hamlet. Our destination is the ancient stone house of Machiavelli, where the great political theorist wrote his immortal work, ‘The Prince'. After a welcome drink and a visit of the villa and its wine-cellars, we'll enjoy the best of Tuscan cuisine accompanied by great music and drinks, including of course, Chianti from the Villa's own vines.
Adult Price: €68.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 7
Travel By High-Speed Train to Venice
All aboard the express train for Venice. We cross the spectacular Apennines and fertile Veneto plain before arriving in this island city. Get lost this afternoon, wandering its narrow lanes in search of a cosy bacaro, people-watch in St. Mark's Square, the gateway to Venice, or take an unforgettable gondola ride along the city's enchanting canals.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Principe
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Optional Experience
Gondolas and the Grand Canal
Join us for a breathtaking cruise by private water taxi along Venice's Grand Canal. You'll admire the magnificent palazzi, as well as catching a glimpse of the Rialto Bridge and St. Mark's Square. Later on, you'll glide gracefully on a gondola along Venice's dreamy, narrow waterways.
Adult Price: €76.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 8
Cruise the Canals of Venice
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, we Dive Into Culture and enjoy an unforgettable MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, witnessing 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 master craftsmen, 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 pavement café or take a cruise to colourful Burano for a delicious meal.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Optional Experience
Lagoon Cruise to Burano with Food and Drinks
Join us as we discover the Venetian Lagoon by private boat. You will enjoy a delicious meal with a selection of drinks on the fishermen's island of Burano, famous for its multi-coloured houses - a real photographer's paradise.
Adult Price: €72.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 9
Experience Venice’s Food Market
The sights and sounds of modern Venice come to life today as we join our Local Specialist for a walking tour and explore the vibrant Rialto Food Market, which has been feeding Venetians since the 11th century. We wander through the narrow calli - seeing the ornate façades of merchant houses that line the canals, before enjoying an afternoon at leisure for one last taste of Venice. Our adventure through Italy's charming cities is about to come to an end. We celebrate newfound friendships and an unforgettable experience at a Farewell Dinner.
Accompanied by a Local Specialist, you'll visit the magnificent Doge's Palace with its elegant courtyards, home to the rulers of the Venetian republic. You’ll also enjoy a booked entrance into the Byzantine Basilica of St. Mark the Evangelist, patron saint of Venice.
Adult Price: €55.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 10
Farewell Venice
Say arrivederci to Italy and your fellow travellers as your fascinating holiday comes to an end. Find out more about your free airport transfer at trafalgar.com/freetransfers.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
All optional experiences for this trip
Book with your travel director when you travel
Available on day 3
Piazzas and Fountains of Rome
Discover the most charming areas in the city with a Local Specialist. Wander through the labyrinth of narrow streets and beautiful squares of Rome's historic centre, leading to highlights such as the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon, as well as hidden corners of the Eternal City.
Adult Price: €33.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 3
Tivoli and Gardens of the Villa D’Este
Visit the ancient Sabine town of Tivoli with our Local Specialist to enjoy the gardens and fountains of the Villa D’Este. We'll see its grottos and pavilions, the Avenue of a Hundred Fountains, and the Dragon Fountain of the Organ.
Adult Price: €46.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 3
Roman Delights With Dinner
Tonight, relax and enjoy typical Italian cuisine, soaking up Rome's unique atmosphere in a characteristic trattoria with drinks and music.
Adult Price: €51.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 5
Discover Palazzo Vecchio
Marvel at the legacy of the Medici as you visit Palazzo Vecchio, the symbol of Florence's political power for over seven centuries. With our Local Specialist we'll visit the wonderful "Hall of the Five Hundred", dedicated to the Medici dynasty. We'll also visit rooms decorated with masterpieces by famous artists of the Renaissance like Michelangelo and Donatello.
Adult Price: €42.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 6
Dinner and Wine in the Tuscan Hills
This evening we’ll take a scenic drive to experience a fun and relaxed evening at a friendly, typical restaurant in the countryside. The chef will delight our senses with regional dishes, made with freshly-bought ingredients from the local farmers’ markets. Your delicious meal will be accompanied by excellent wines from the vineyards for which this area is so well known. In short, a Tuscan dream come true in an authentic setting.
Adult Price: €65.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 6
Visit To San Gimignano
Join us for a panoramic drive to the nearby hilltop town of San Gimignano with our Local Specialist. Magnificently preserved from the Middle Ages, this little town, known as the 'Medieval Manhattan', is one of the most beautiful in Italy - a true gem.
Adult Price: €36.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 6
Tuscan Dinner at Villa Machiavelli
Through the Chianti hills, we'll drive past vineyards to a delightful hamlet. Our destination is the ancient stone house of Machiavelli, where the great political theorist wrote his immortal work, ‘The Prince'. After a welcome drink and a visit of the villa and its wine-cellars, we'll enjoy the best of Tuscan cuisine accompanied by great music and drinks, including of course, Chianti from the Villa's own vines.
Adult Price: €68.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 7
Gondolas and the Grand Canal
Join us for a breathtaking cruise by private water taxi along Venice's Grand Canal. You'll admire the magnificent palazzi, as well as catching a glimpse of the Rialto Bridge and St. Mark's Square. Later on, you'll glide gracefully on a gondola along Venice's dreamy, narrow waterways.
Adult Price: €76.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 8
Lagoon Cruise to Burano with Food and Drinks
Join us as we discover the Venetian Lagoon by private boat. You will enjoy a delicious meal with a selection of drinks on the fishermen's island of Burano, famous for its multi-coloured houses - a real photographer's paradise.
Adult Price: €72.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 9
Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica
Accompanied by a Local Specialist, you'll visit the magnificent Doge's Palace with its elegant courtyards, home to the rulers of the Venetian republic. You’ll also enjoy a booked entrance into the Byzantine Basilica of St. Mark the Evangelist, patron saint of Venice.
Adult Price: €55.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
All Optional Experiences
The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
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About this trip
About this trip
What's included
Trip Summary Accomodation Icon
9 nights
Accommodation
Trip Summary Meals Icon
13 Meals
1 Be My Guest, 1 Farewell Dinner, 1 Regional Dinner, 1 Welcome Reception, 9 Breakfasts
Trip Summary Transport Icon
On-trip Transport
All transport shown
The Trafalgar difference
Connect With Locals
Enjoy an exclusive Be My Guest lunch at the Agriturismo Borgo Vigna Vecchia in the Tuscan hills.
Dive into Culture
Witness the exquisite craft of glassblowing, a delicate tradition that generations of Venetian craftsmen have perfected over the centuries.
Dive into Culture
Enjoy a private visit inside the Vatican where you will tour the Museo Gregoriano Profano featuring Roman and Ancient Greek antiquities before an exclusive private dinner.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
Learn about the history and ancient skill of Venetian glassblowing, playing your role in ensuring the survival of this traditional craft through your visit.
Sightseeing highlights
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VIP Admission to the Vatican Museums
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Explore Rome, Florence, Pisa and Venice with a Local Specialist
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Visit St. Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel and the Colosseum in Rome, the Academy of Fine Arts in Florence and a glassblowing factory in Venice
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View the ancient sites in Rome, the Santa Croce Basilica and the Duomo in Florence, the Leaning Tower of Pisa and St. Mark's Basilica in Venice
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Scenic Cruise by private launch to St. Mark's Square in Venice
Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
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High-speed train from Florence to Venice
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High-speed train from Rome to Florence
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
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Optional Experiences and free time
Live, unedited & independent traveller reviews
Contrasts of Italy trip reviews
Our guests are at the heart of everything we do, their feedback fuels our innovation, inspiring us to improve continuously and craft Simply The Best vacations. That's why we ask each of our guests to leave a third-party verified, independent review after every trip. As testament to our commitment we have been given the Trusted Service Award from Feefo, recognising we deliver exceptional experiences as rated by real guests.
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Great sampling of archetypal Italy
Trip Rating
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5
Everything was great. We would have love a little more time in places like the Vatican and St. Johns, but overall great.
Very good general itinerary for first visit to Italy. Chose this trip specifically for high speed train from city to city for efficiency. Overall, would recommend Trafalgar and itinerary with notations in previous response.
Travel and Wellness directors were friendly, knowledgeable and efficiently organized group. Coach driver was amazing! Hotels were all nice, although location in Florence seemed to be removed from heart of Florence and limit exploration. Organization of included/optional tours limited free time and at some points. Some of the excursions with specialists were lengthy, although enlightening, but again, more limiting to free time. Restaurant staff all excellent. Food included/optional tours ranged from excellent to poor.
We specifically booked this tour because of the train ride connecting us to each city. It was the best decision we've made. The coach we had to transport us around the cities was also very comfortable and clean. It being our first time in Italy, the tour also took us to all the tourist spots we had on our bucket list.
The organization was impeccable. We would not have been able to do half of what we did on the tour had we organized the trip ourselves. Fabrizio, Agnes, Alfredo, and all the local specialists were wonderful to have to guide us through Italy.
Gratuities: You have the option to pre-pay the gratuities for your Travel Director and Driver. Please speak with your travel agent.
Drinking Water: Tap water is safe to drink in all of the destinations on this trip. Please remember to bring a water bottle.
Unless otherwise stated, trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discount. Discounts are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice.
Trip prices are correct at the time of the products going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however are subject to change - please confirm all details at time of booking.
Twin-share option not available for trips to South America, Costa Rica, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, South Africa, Kenya & Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia or for any holiday & cruise combination, or in Asia and Eastern Mediterranean except Highlights of Turkey (without cruise) & Best of Turkey. It's also not available on Small Group trips. Guided Vacations included in this restriction are Newfoundland and Labrador (DNLA). Does not apply to trips operated by Inspiring Journeys & our Mini-stays.
For trips that are part of our Guaranteed Room Share, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms. Solo travel is not accepted on guided Family Experiences holidays unless travelling as part of a family group.
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Active Trip Details
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What is an Active Trip? This is an "Active" lifestyle itinerary, with walks and hikes most days. Hikes will range from easy/moderate to strenuous. No technical climbing skills are required but a reasonable level of fitness is required to make the trip more enjoyable. Understanding that not all people want to hike at the same pace or even on the same trail we will, where possible, host map orientation and then let everyone disperse to enjoy the trails best suited to them.
What to Pack Guests should bring lightweight hiking shoes or boots, broad brimmed sun hats, sunglasses, layered clothing, reusable water bottle(s), a hiking day pack and hiking poles (optional)
Weather & Altitude While the itinerary is laid out below, we are at the mercy of the weather and so reserve the right to adjust the program as necessary. Please keep in mind that the higher elevations and possible variations in weather and temperature can increase the perceived level of difficulty of our activities. Elevation ranges up to 9,000 feet for Utah’s Mighty Five and up to 11,000 feet for California High Country Adventure.
Everyone reacts differently to altitude and so if you do have any health issues you should check with your doctor that this trip is suitable for you.
