asialogo

Italy

MUST-DO TOUR (5 days) 


          Price $739
          

          
            
          

            
          
		

        
        

        
      Highlights

          
5-day tour of Italy from Rome with hotel accommodation in Florence and Venice

            Explore the UNESCO-listed town of Assisi, birthplace of St Francis of Assisi

            Get to know Tuscany during visits to Siena, Florence and Montepulciano

            Learn about Florence’s incredible Renaissance architecture on a walking tour, seeing Brunelleschi’s Dome and more

            Discover the charms of Venice with your guide while exploring St Mark's Square

          Breakfast and hotel accommodation included

          
Itinerary:

          
Day 1: Rome - Assisi - Siena - Florence

        Leave central Rome by luxury coach and travel north to the region of Umbria to the hilltop town of Assisi. A UNESCO World Heritage-listed town, Assisi is best known as the birthplace of Italy’s patron saint, St Francis of Assisi. Stop for a walk around town with your guide, seeing the incredible Basilica di San Francesco, which is dedicated to the saint, as well as Santa Maria degli Angeli Church where he is said to have worshiped. 

          
Hop back on board your coach and travel west into Tuscany to visit the enchanting city of Siena. Surrounded by ancient walls, the city is best-known as the venue for the Palio (its colorfully chaotic horse race). Stroll around at leisure, exploring Piazza del Campo where the race takes place each year, and see other city highlights like Siena Cathedral and Palazzo Comunale – Siena’s elegant Gothic palace. Return to your coach and travel to Florence in time for dinner at your hotel.

          
Day 2: Florence

  After breakfast at your hotel, head out on a morning tour by coach with your guide. Taking in the city’s architectural highlights (of which there are many!), your tour visits places like Piazza della Signoria – home to majestic Palazzo Vecchio – and Piazza della Duomo to see Florence Duomo topped by Brunelleschi’s Dome. Admire Giotto’s Bell Tower and learn about Renaissance art in the city from your guide. 

          
Finish your tour back at your hotel, and then spend the rest of your day at leisure. Perhaps take a stroll across Florence’s magnificent bridge – the Ponte Vecchio – to visit the bohemian Oltrarno neighborhood, or relax in the beautiful Boboli Gardens (entry own expense). Your evening dinner is included at your hotel.

          
Day 3: Florence - Bologna - Padua - Venice

  Check out of your hotel after breakfast and travel north out of Tuscany to Bologna in Emilia Romagna. Famously the birthplace of everyone’s favorite pasta dish – Spaghetti Bolognese – the foodie haven of Bologna has some pretty magnificent monuments, too. Walk around town with your guide, passing through Piazza Nettuno to see the Fountain of Neptune, and admiring lavish palaces like Palazzo Re Enzo and Palazzo del Podestà. 

          
Leave Bologna after lunch (own expense), and relax on the journey northeast to Padua, the neighboring town to Venice. Enjoy time at leisure here to explore the city’s handsome streets, enjoy a coffee in the sun (own expense) or visit its most celebrated monument – St Anthony’s Basilica. Meet your guide at the pre-arranged time, and travel to Venice. Check in to your hotel and enjoy dinner.

          
Day 4: Venice

  Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, and then set out to discover the delights of Venice. On a walking tour admire highlights of the famous water-filled city like Piazza San Marco –- home to Doge's Palace and St Mark’s Basilica –- and the elegant Rialto Bridge. Discover where to go to buy the best Murano glass and then finish your tour either in town or back at your hotel.

          
Explore the city independently in the afternoon, and make the most of the opportunity to lose your bearings in one of the world’s most romantic cities; explore the footpaths lining the canals and cross from elegant bridge to even-more-elegant bridge as you get to know this incredible city. Return to your hotel in time for dinner and spend your night at leisure.

          
Day 5: Venice - Montepulciano - Rome

  Leave Venice after breakfast and return south to Tuscany, traveling by luxury coach. Rather than a city stop, your tour’s last visit is to the hilltown of Montepulciano in a picturesque area known as Val d’Orcia. As you explore the town independently, soak up the views of the gently rolling Chianti hills that surround you, and admire the gorgeous Renaissance architecture that abounds. The town is best known for its wine production, so make the most of your time here to shop for quality Tuscan wines. After enjoying lunch (own expense), return to your coach and travel south to Rome, where your tour ends.