Italia Bella: Rome to Venice

Tour begins: 2:00 PM, Hotel Splendide Royal Roma. Welcome to Rome, where your tour of the ancient world (and beyond) begins; a transfer is included from Leonardo da Vinci Airport in Fiumicino to Hotel Splendide Royal Roma. Your adventure starts with a drive through the heart of the city to see real-life relics of Imperial Rome, once the capital of the ancient world. Join your fellow family travelers tonight for a welcome reception and dinner featuring authentic Italian fare that whets your appetite for a fun-filled Italy tour.

This morning, a local guide provides a deeper understanding of Vatican City's history, art, and spiritual significance. From the grandeur of St. Peter's Square, your guide will explain the symbolism behind its architecture, the role of the Swiss Guard, and the legacy of the papacy. Step inside St. Peter's Basilica, where centuries of devotion and artistry come together in one of the most important churches in the world. Your guide will share the stories behind its masterpieces – Michelangelo's Pietà, Bernini's soaring Baldachin, and the tombs of past popes – illuminating details you might otherwise miss. Along the way, you'll hear insights that bring Vatican City to life in ways that are meaningful and engaging. Midday, just around the corner from Piazza Navona, you'll visit a 17th-century cooking school for a lesson in the making of gelato, an Italian staple. This afternoon, return to Vatican City for a privately guided visit to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. Learn about the masterpieces of Renaissance art, ancient sculpture, and hidden gems along the way, culminating in Michelangelo's awe-inspiring ceiling frescoes and The Last Judgment in the Sistine Chapel. The remainder of the day is free to spend as you please.

Discoveries abound on your Italy tour adventure today as your family sets off through rural Umbria and Tuscany. The first stop on your travels is walled Orvieto, perched on a volcanic plateau; a guided tour takes you under its cobblestone streets to explore the town's honeycombed medieval tunnels and caves dating back to the time of the ancient Etruscans. Then it's on to Florence, birthplace of the Renaissance. Upon arrival you'll be treated to a panoramic orientation of the city – from the inside of a vintage Fiat 500*! Arrive at your luxury hotel, steps away from the Piazza della Signoria and the Uffizi Gallery, for a memorable three-night stay.

An excursion from Florence takes you and your family to Pisa for a look at this maritime city's great medieval buildings – including a glimpse of the remarkable Leaning Tower and more of Pisa's "field of miracles," such as the Duomo and the Baptistry. If you wish, you'll have an opportunity to climb the famed tower for the view from the inside (children 8 – 18 must be accompanied by an adult). After lunch at a local restaurant, return to Florence for an evening spent as you wish. Enjoy dinner tonight as you please at one of this grand Renaissance city's many restaurants.

Today begins with a walk along the Arno, accompanied by a local guide. Learn about the "other side of the Arno"; the Ponte Vecchio; go through Piazza Santa Trinita and little alleyways where you'll get some insights into the tower houses – then on to Signoria Square with its towering Town Hall. After some free time, visit one of Italy's most famous museums, Galleria dell'Accademia – the oldest art school in the world, home to many famed paintings and Michelangelo's David. Tonight, join us for dinner and a hands-on pizza-making demonstration at a popular local restaurant in Florence.

A rail journey aboard a high-speed train takes your family to Venice, a city of islands where the roads are paved with water. Have lunch at a local restaurant, followed by free time to explore as you please in St. Mark's Square. A canal boat takes you to your hotel, the JW Marriott Venice. Tonight, you're in for a real treat, embark on a true adventure – a pirate boat excursion around Venice and the islands, with dinner and games.

One of the most iconic spots in Venice is St. Mark's Square and the Doge's Palace; the architecture beckons you from St. Mark's Square. Step inside Venice's Doge's Palace and explore grand halls adorned with golden ceilings, historic courtrooms, and hidden prison cells. Families will enjoy discovering secret passageways, viewing the Bridge of Sighs, and engaging with interactive exhibits that bring Venetian history to life. If there is any city in Europe that is perfect for just wandering, seeing and experiencing, it is Venice – and you'll have the chance to do just that for the rest of the day. Follow the small, cobbled streets and alleyways to see where they lead, visit a museum or sample some gelato (served warmer and creamier than traditional ice cream). Tonight, everyone meets again for a farewell party at your hotel on your private island in the Grand Canal... by the pool, weather permitting! A spectacular close to a fantastic week.

Tour ends: Venice. Arrivederci! Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from JW Marriott Venice to Venice's Marco Polo Airport; allow a minimum of 3 hours for flight check-in.