Great Italian Cities
11 Days from $2,636 per person
Tread up the stone steps and down the grand boulevards of Italy's capitals – the sidewalk café culture, enchanting Renaissance frescoes and incredible feats of classic architecture all must-see highlights of this leisurely jaunt through the cities of Rome, Florence and Venice. Explore the centuries-old Rialto food market and admire the embrace of Bologna's Kissing Towers.
Great Italian Cities also has winter departures; click here to see the Winter Season version of this tour!
Overview
Tread up the stone steps and down the grand boulevards of Italy's capitals – the sidewalk café culture, enchanting Renaissance frescoes and incredible feats of classic architecture all must-see highlights of this leisurely jaunt through the cities of Rome, Florence and Venice. Explore the centuries-old Rialto food market and admire the embrace of Bologna's Kissing Towers.
Great Italian Cities also has winter departures; click here to see the Winter Season version of this tour!
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Day 1: USA - Europe
Board your overnight flight to Europe (not included). -
Day 2: Arrive Rome (3 Nights)
You're in for a bellissimo journey through the spectacular capitals of Italy, which kicks off in the Eternal City of Rome. On arrival to Rome Fiumicino Airport transfers will operate at 9.30am, 12.30pm and 3.30pm. Guests arriving later should make their own way to the hotel. Join your travel companions and Travel Director for a memorable Welcome Reception. Your introduction to la dolce vita begins with an orientation drive to view the magnificent St. Peter's Basilica.
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Day 3: Rome Sightseeing and At Leisure
We embark today on an included sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist at the Vatican Museums, enjoying a Cultural Insight into the great men whose astonishing works were said to have been inspired by the divine. See Bramante's smooth and step-less spiral staircase, the magnificent frescoed ceiling painted by Michelangelo in the serene Sistine Chapel and his sorrowful Pietà during our visit to St. Peter's Basilica. We tread in the footsteps of gladiators, slaves, merchants and royalty, crossing the Tiber River into Imperial Rome to visit the ancient Colosseum, the largest amphitheater in the Roman Empire. Imagine crowds of enthusiastic onlookers cheering their chariot racers to victory at the Circus Maximus before the rest of the afternoon spent at leisure discovering more of the city or relaxing at a sidewalk café and watching the frenetic pace of Rome. -
Day 4: Rome At Leisure
The cobblestone streets and charming piazze of Rome are yours to explore today. Ask your Travel Director for tips on what to see and do, or consider an Optional Experience to the fascinating excavations at the tragic city of Pompeii, near the Bay of Naples. -
Day 5: Rome – Assisi – Florence (3 Nights)
Today we meander north to the birthplace of St. Francis of Assisi on the slopes of Mount Subasio. Join your Local Specialist for a visit to the Basilica, the final resting place of this famous saint. Our final stop in Assisi is Giotto's enchanting frescoes before continuing our journey through the scenic Tuscan countryside to the picturesque Renaissance city of Florence. -
Day 6: Florence Sightseeing and At Leisure
Enjoy a leisurely encounter with the artistic and architectural marvels of Florence during your sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist. Visit the striking Piazza della Signoria with its impressive sculptures and palazzi. Amble through the charming cobblestone lanes to the multi-colored marble Duomo and Baptistery, before admiring the scenic view of the Ponte Vecchio straddling the Arno River. Spend the rest of the afternoon sauntering through the historic center of Florence, shopping for high-quality leather for which the city is famous, or admiring the artistic contribution of the de' Medicis at every turn. -
Day 7: Florence – Excursion to Pisa
After free time in Florence, cross the fertile Arno Valley to Pisa and join a Local Specialist to visit the Square of Miracles, home to the incredible Leaning Tower and beautifully sculpted marble Cathedral. See the ornate Baptistery and the Camposanto, built on sacred soil brought back from the Holy Land during the Crusades. Our unforgettable encounter with Tuscany continues this evening during a special Be My Guest dinner at a Tuscan organic olive oil estate.
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Day 8: Florence – Bologna – Venice (3 Nights)
Traveling north, through the Apennines, we arrive in the medieval city of Bologna, perhaps best known for the delicious spaghetti sauce that bears its name. Your sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist includes views of the Kissing Towers which lean towards each other, seemingly poised to embrace. Then it's off to the romantic island city of Venice with its rich cultural and artistic heritage which you will have an opportunity to explore on your own terms this evening. Glide along its enchanting canals in a gondola or wander through the city's labyrinthine lanes, over bridges and into quiet campi before dining tonight at your hotel. -
Day 9: Venice – Canal Cruise and Orientation
Savor the unforgettable sights of Venice as you cruise by private launch to St. Mark's Square to admire the Bridge of Sighs, Palladian Churches, Customs House, St. Mark's Basilica and the ornate Doge's Palace. Encounter the delicate Venetian art of glassblowing during a Cultural Insight on Giudecca Island before spending the rest of the afternoon at leisure. Visit the Fine Arts Academy, relax at a café on St. Mark's Square or consider a boat trip to the colorful fishing island of Burano for a delicious meal. -
Day 10: Secret Venice Walking Tour and visit to the Rialto Food Market
Sites made famous in poetry, song and prose are explored today during a leisurely stroll from our hotel along the canals to the famous Rialto Bridge where we will join a guided Small Group Sightseeing walking tour, which will bring all the flavors of Italy to life at a centuries-old food market. Ambling through the narrow calle of Venice, we admire the beautiful architecture, including walking over the Rialto Bridge before spending the rest of the day to visit the sights of your choice. Our love affair with Italy's capitals comes to an end this evening as we enjoy a Farewell Dinner in a local restaurant. -
Day 11: Depart Venice
For now it's time to say a fond arrivederci to Italy and newfound friends who have shared in the memorable sights, sounds and flavors. Return transfers on the last travel day will arrive at Venice Marco Polo Airport at 8 am and 9:30 am. Conditions apply.
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
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Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
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Definite Departure
| Depart Date | Return Date | Price | Discount | Availability | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 Jun 18 | 17 Jun 18 |
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$3,225pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 12 Jul 18 | 22 Jul 18 |
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$3,050pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 19 Jul 18 | 29 Jul 18 |
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$2,925pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 26 Jul 18 | 5 Aug 18 |
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$2,925pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 2 Aug 18 | 12 Aug 18 |
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$2,775pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 9 Aug 18 | 19 Aug 18 |
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$2,775$2,636pp | Early PaymentPay by Apr 26 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 16 Aug 18 | 26 Aug 18 |
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$2,775$2,636pp | Early PaymentPay by Apr 26 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 23 Aug 18 | 2 Sep 18 |
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$3,025$2,874pp | Early PaymentPay by Apr 26 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 30 Aug 18 | 9 Sep 18 |
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$3,175$3,016pp | Early PaymentPay by Apr 26 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 6 Sep 18 | 16 Sep 18 |
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$3,250$3,088pp | Early PaymentPay by Apr 26 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 6 Sep 18 | 16 Sep 18 |
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$3,250$3,088pp | Early PaymentPay by Apr 26 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 13 Sep 18 | 23 Sep 18 |
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$3,250$3,088pp | Early PaymentPay by Apr 26 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 13 Sep 18 | 23 Sep 18 |
|
$3,250$3,088pp | Early PaymentPay by Apr 26 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 27 Sep 18 | 7 Oct 18 |
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$3,250$3,088pp | Early PaymentPay by Apr 26 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 27 Sep 18 | 7 Oct 18 |
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$3,250$3,088pp | Early PaymentPay by Apr 26 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 4 Oct 18 | 14 Oct 18 |
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$3,250$3,088pp | Early PaymentPay by Apr 26 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 4 Oct 18 | 14 Oct 18 |
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$3,250$3,088pp | Early PaymentPay by Apr 26 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 11 Oct 18 | 21 Oct 18 |
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$3,225$3,064pp | Early PaymentPay by Apr 26 | Request Quote Book Now |
Price is per person and is based on two people sharing a twin bedded room. Single rooms are available at a supplement.
Single Room Supplement: from $630 p.p.
Triple Room Discount: up to $140 p.p.
Gratuities: Option to pre-pay gratuities for Travel Director and Driver $86 per person.
Airport transfers: On arrival at Rome Fiumicino Airport transfers will operate at 9:30 am, 12:30 pm and 3:30 pm. Guests arriving later should make their own way to the hotel. Return transfers on the last travel day will arrive at Venice Marco Polo Airport at 8:00 am and 9:30 am.
Cruise Connection: This trip starts or ends in a popular cruise port, so you can combine a cruise with a more in-depth guided vacation in Europe.
AARP Members are entitled to an exclusive Member Benefit Discount on all Grand European Travel vacations. Plus receive a free travel gift! Call Toll Free: 1-866-847-3858 for details.
Frequent Travelers: Save an additional 5% off the price of the vacation.
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Professional Travel Director
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Sightseeing with Local Experts
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Expertly Selected Hotels
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Cultural Enrichment
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WIFI on Coach and in Hotels
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VIP Access
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Personal Flight Options
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Most Meals
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Hotel Tips
Meal Summary
13 meals: 9 buffet breakfasts, 4 dinners, all with tea and coffee.
Included Highlights
Be My Guest
- Enjoy local Tuscan cuisine with Count Miari Fulcis on his 15th century organic olive oil estate in the Tuscan hills, used as a location for many famous films like ‘Room with a View' and ‘Tea with Mussolini'
Cultural Insight
- Be inspired by the magnificence of Michelangelo at The Vatican Museums and enjoy an exclusive visit up the spiral staircase designed by the famous architect Donato Bramante in a part of the Vatican not open to the public. Witness the exquisite craft of glassblowing on Giudecca Island, a delicate tradition that generations of Venetian craftsmen have perfected over the centuries
Small Group Sightseeing
- A guided walking tour of 'Secret Venice' to the Rialto food market with a group size of no more than 25 guests
Local Specialist
- For included sightseeing in Rome, Assisi, Pisa, Florence, Bologna and Venice
Hidden Treasure
- Enjoy at least one surprise Hidden Treasure
Sightseeing Highlights
- City tour in Rome, Assisi, Florence, Bologna, Venice
- Orientation of Pisa
- Visit St. Peter's Basilica, the amazing Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, the Colosseum in Rome, St. Francis' Basilica in Assisi
- Cruise by private launch to St. Mark's Square in Venice
- View Santa Croce Basilica and the Duomo in Florence, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Byzantine St. Mark's Basilica in Venice
- See the ancient sites of Rome
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
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Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
Reviews
Request a Quote
-
30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
-
Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
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Passports and Visas
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Currency
The currency in Italy is the Euro (€). While it’s a good idea to bring some euros for when you first arrive in Italy, you’ll usually find a better exchange rate when you arrive in your destination. The most convenient way to obtain cash is to use your ATM card at local banks in Italy. We recommend you also bring a valid credit card for purchases while you are traveling. It is important that you inform your financial institutions of your travel plans before you leave home so they don’t flag your purchases as potentially fraudulent charges.
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Cuisine
While Italy is most famous for pizza and pasta, few travelers are aware of just how varied the country’s culinary offering actually are. In fact, each of the 20 regions has its own distinctive cuisine. Traditionally, lunch (pranzo) is the most substantial meal of the day. A full meal consists of antipasto (starter), a primo piatto (pasta, rice or soup), a secondo piatto (meat or fish) with a side, or contorno (vegetable or salad), then frutta (fresh fruit). Finish with espresso and maybe a limoncello or grappa. Wine is usually served with the meal, accompanied by mineral water. Tap water is safe to drink, but not always tasty. We recommend you buy bottled mineral water. ‘Acqua non potabile’ means the water is not safe to drink. Find out about some local specialties to try in Italy’s top destinations below.
Florence
Food in Florence is simple and humble, and relies on the fresh ingredients of the surrounding Tuscan countryside. Many of the local recipes have evolved from peasant dishes to international favorites. Bread is an important staple in Florentine cooking, and is featured in everything from antipasti (appetizers) such as bruschetta to traditional main dishes. Panzanella is a popular summer salad prepared with day old crusty bread and tomatoes. Papa al pomodoro is a delicious soup made with bread, tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, and herbs. You’ll also find a variety of dishes featuring white beans, including the hearty ribollita soup. But the flagship of Florentine cuisine remains the famous bistecca alla fiorentina (T-bone steak). For a sweet finish, meals are topped off with traditional cantuccini (almond cookies) and the local vin santo dessert wine.
Venice
A visit to Venice offers an opportunity to discover a variety of truly unique gastronomic traditions. Venetians have a long-standing tradition of eating cicchetti, small bites similar to Spanish tapas. You can enjoy a variety of these before lunch or dinner, paired with a glass of local wine at restaurants and bars around town. Other common dishes include polenta, risotto with peas, salted cod, sardines, and local bigoli pasta.
Rome
Roman cuisine is deeply rooted in the past. Despite the city’s imperial history, the food in Rome and the surrounding Lazio region is anything but refined. Humble pasta dishes such as carbonara, amatriciana, aglio e olio (garlic and olive oil) and cacio e peppe (pecorino cheese and pepper) are local favorites served in trattorias around town. Other foods to try in Rome include pizza, a variety of fritti (fritters) made with everything from salted cod to zucchini flours, stewed oxtail, suppli (rice and Bolognese sauce croquettes) and sharp pecorino cheese. For dessert, try crostata di ricotta (Italian cheesecake) or zeppole (donuts).
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Packing
In Italy, the weather changes very quickly, with temperatures varying from morning to night. We suggest bringing a variety of lightweight clothing items that can be layered to save space in your suitcase and give you more options for how to dress. Keep in mind that your shoulders and knees should be covered while visiting religious sites. For more helpful information please refer to our Packing Tips & Packing List.
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Tipping
At bars and restaurants, tipping is less common or generous as in the U.S. When dining out, it’s appropriate, although not required, to leave an extra euro or two for your waiter.
At the end of your guided vacation, it’s customary to offer your motor coach driver and Travel Director a gratuity. We recommend €3.00 per person/per day for your driver and €5.00 per person/per day for your Travel Director. Recommended gratuity for a Local Host and Local Specialist is 1-2 euros per person, paid at the conclusion of each guided visit. A convenient option is to prepay your tips before your departure.
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Baggage
Baggage on our trips is restricted to one large suitcase per person with dimensions not exceeding 30x19x10 inches and a maximum weight of 50 pounds. You are also permitted one piece of hand luggage, which should be small enough to fit under your coach seat or on the small overhead shelf compartment. Please note that luggage with an adjustable handle and wheels will not fit in the overhead compartment of the coach. Hotel porterage is included in your vacation.
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Health and Fitness
You will need to be comfortable on your feet, walking and standing for up to three hours in various weather conditions. All of our vacations involve walking, often on cobblestone and uneven surfaces in historic city centers. In order to get the most out of your vacation you need to be able to comfortably walk 1-3 miles unassisted in one day, be in good condition and be able to keep pace with the group.
If you need any medications, it is important that you bring enough to last you the whole trip and keep them in your carry-on bag while you travel.
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Insurance
We highly recommend our optional Travel Protection Plan, which allows you to cancel for any reason up to 24 hours before departure. The plan also includes trip interruption, baggage loss or delay, and medical and emergency assistance. Click here for a summary of coverage details, terms and conditions.
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
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Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
Optional Experiences are subject to change. Your Travel Director will supply you with a final list of Optional Experiences available on your trip. Optional Experiences cannot be booked online; they can be purchased during your trip through your Travel Director.
Rome
Piazzas and Fountains of Rome
Adult Price: €33.00
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.
Delights of Rome with Dinner
Adult Price: €49.00
Spend an evening getting to know Rome. We’ll take you via coach where you’ll have the chance to see some of the city’s much-loved sights. Afterwards, you’ll enjoy a delicious light dinner of Italian specialities, alongside local music and drinks.
Discover Pompeii And Naples
Adult Price: €100.00
Join our expert on a tour of the excavations of Pompeii, the perfectly preserved Roman town which was engulfed by Mount Vesuvius' eruption in AD 79. You'll witness the devastating destruction it had at the time, as well as the opportunity to go back in time and get a glimpse of everyday Roman life, frozen for almost 2,000 years. Later, enjoy a panoramic tour of Naples, before returning to Rome, passing the abbey of Monte Cassino.
Florence
Visit To San Gimignano
Adult Price: €36.00
Join us for a drive to the nearby hilltop town of San Gimignano, known as the ‘medieval Manhattan’ of Tuscany. Surrounded by fields of sunflowers, vineyards and olive groves, this is Italy’s best preserved medieval city and will give you a taste of day-to-day life in Italy during the Middle Ages.
Dinner, Wine And Music In The Tuscan Hills
Adult Price: €64.00
Join us for a scenic drive through the beautiful Tuscan countryside. We will enjoy a meal at a charming restaurant where a selection of regional favourites is served, accompanied by a selection of local wines and live music. A truly unforgettable experience, with an atmosphere that is the essence of all things Tuscan.
Tuscan Dinner at Villa Machiavelli
Adult Price: €65.00
A scenic drive into the Chianti hills, past vineyards, brings us to a delightful hamlet overlooked by an imposing castle. 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 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. This is the essence of all great things Tuscan, past and present, condensed into one memorable evening!
Michelangelo's 'David' & Accademia
Adult Price: €41.00
Enjoy an insight into the world of Michelangelo and his masterpiece, David. We have fast track entry to the Academy of Fine Arts and its Michelangelo collection, where you’ll learn all about the life and works of this immortal Renaissance genius through the expert commentary of our Local Specialist.
Venice
Gondolas and the Grand Canal
Adult Price: €70.00
Join us for a scenic 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.
Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica
Adult Price: €42.00
Accompanied by a Local Specialist, you'll visit the magnificent Doge's Palace and its elegant courtyards, which were home to the rulers of the Venetian republic. Afterwards, we've booked an entrance into the Byzantine Basilica of St. Mark the Evangelist, patron saint of Venice.
Lagoon Cruise to Burano with Food and Drinks
Adult Price: €70.00
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-colored houses - a real photographer's paradise.
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
-
Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
