Immersive Italian History Tour: Rome, Florence, and More

If you throw a rock in Venice, you are going to hit something of historical or architectural significance. Today you will visit one of the most brilliant examples of Venetian architecture in the city. The Doge’s Palace can be found next to the Piazza San Marco and was the center of power for the Venetian Republic. Today, the palace features a mind-bending array of paintings and elaborate frescos that hint to the affluence that was once enjoyed by Venice at its zenith. You will be met at the entrance by your private guide, who will help introduce you to the history of Venice in general and the Doge’s Palace.

As you prepare to depart this floating paradise, you will begin to appreciate how the past and present stand shoulder to shoulder in this part of the world. You will be carried to the main rail station and along canals that once carried cargo from Venice’s trading partners. You will proceed to the rolling hills of Tuscany and its capital of Florence. Upon your arrival, a private driver will transfer you to your luxurious accommodation. After you have settled and had a chance to relax, you will be directed by the helpful hotel staff to a nearby tasting room for an intimate sampling of local wines.

Florence has long been considered the birthplace of the Renaissance. You will be met at your hotel by an expert guide, who will lead you on a tour of the city center, including the Uffizi Gallery, Cathedral, and Galleria dell’Accademia. As you take in the stunning works of masters, such as Caravaggio, Brunelleschi, and Michelangelo, the true accomplishments of the Renaissance will come alive.

After breakfast, you will embark on your final day in Florence. Today you will visit the nearby town of Siena that once rivaled Florence for prestige and power in the region. A private car will transfer you the short distance to the neighboring town, where you will have the entire day to explore the numerous sites of this fabled setting. During your visit, you will not want to miss the main Cathedral of Siena and its display of incredible Romanesque-Gothic architecture.

After breakfast this morning, you will transfer to Rome. A private car will whisk you along the narrow streets of Florence to the Santa Maria Novella railway station, where you will board a first-class coach for your journey to Rome. Once in Rome, a short transfer will carry you to your conveniently located accommodation. When you are ready, you will make your way to one of the most iconic attractions found in the capital. A guide will meet you at the entrance to Vatican City’s expansive grounds for a tour of St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums.

On your first full day in Rome, you will visit the Colosseum, which dates back to a series of Roman emperors from the Flavian dynasty. A feat of engineering, this massive amphitheater held gladiatorial contests, executions, and even accommodated the occasional naval battle. For part one of your tour of the ancient world, you will meet your guide in the shade of this huge structure and enjoy a half-day tour of the grounds and neighboring structures.  As your tour draws to a close, you will have the remainder of the day to explore Rome at your leisure.

For your final day in the Italian capital, you will return to the city center for the second part of your exploration of all things ancient. Situated along the banks of the Tiber River, ancient Rome originally occupied an ideal place for the consolidation of power on the peninsula. Today, the ruins of the ancient Forum are a good 10-20 feet below street level and took decades of painstaking excavation to uncover. After a relaxing morning, you will meet your guide at the entrance to the Forum for a private tour. Highlights include the Temple of Antonius Pius and the Arch of Septimius Severus.

This morning, after a driver whisks you to Termini train station, you will board a train and enjoy plenty of luxury as you make your way to the Amalfi Coast. After arriving at the Bay of Naples, a private driver will carry you the remainder of the journey to Amalfi after stopping at the ruins of Pompeii. In 79 AD, Mt. Vesuvius erupted, casting down volcanic ash and rock on the neighboring communities and encasing them forever in their pyroclastic doom. You will have plenty of time to stretch your legs as you visit the Temple of Apollo and other sights before continuing your journey to the Amalfi Coast.

Today, Amalfi annually attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors to its placid shores and for good reason. You will travel into the mountains on an active walk along the Walk of the Gods. Before motorized ferries and highways, it was dirt paths that connected the numerous villages that dot this landscape. Luckily for you, they are still a breathtaking way to explore the area. A convenient transfer will carry you to the trailhead where you can enjoy a stroll along these paths and the stunning vistas they provide.

Despite your best efforts, time marches inexorably forward, meaning that the trip will sadly have to come to an end. Luckily for you, Italy remains, and there are plenty more ruins and history for you to visit and explore. After breakfast, a private driver will transfer you through the mountains to Marco Polo International airport outside of Naples. If you require assistance, your guide can help you connect with your international flight.