Ultimate Italy - 12 days Rome to Venice

As night falls, delight in the romance of the Eternal City before gathering for a delicious dinner of Italian cuisine and wine, near Rome’s famous Pantheon. Watch the world go by as you savor a meal with new friends.

Every side street has something to offer, as you’ll see on a guided exploration of the hidden sites of Rome with your knowledgeable Local Expert. Discover more culture and art in this living masterpiece.

Enter the Vatican Museums and visit the Sistine Chapel on a tour with your Local Expert. Be awed by the frescoes that adorn the walls and roof, painted by masters such as Michelangelo, Botticelli and Ghirlandaio.

Cross the Tiber River and step into the heart of ancient Rome, where you'll see the vast expanse of the Circus Maximus, once the site of thrilling chariot races. Pause before the magnificently preserved Arch of Constantine, a tribute to imperial triumph. Stroll along the ancient stones once trodden by senators and citizens, arriving at the Colosseum—its commanding presence both regal and timeless. From its noble facade, immerse yourself in a rich tapestry of legend, power and enduring magnificence.

Embark on a private cruise that takes you around the dramatic coast of Capri to seek out hidden coves and grottos that few get to see. The White Grotto is a dazzling sight with the stalactites that dangle over its entrance.

After your morning cruise, cool off from the Mediterranean sun with a refreshing local beverage, the lemon granita. Freshly made with sweet local lemons, this tasty drink will add zing to your day before more exploring.

Savor Mediterranean flavors in perfect Caprese style, created with passion from fresh, local produce at Michelin-starred Le Monzù restaurant.

Step inside one of Italy’s most revered pilgrimage sites with a local historian. Stand beneath the vaulted ceilings of the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi and admire Giotto’s vivid frescoes depicting the saint’s life. Gaze upon centuries-old masterpieces that continue to inspire devotion, artistry and awe.

Treat your palate as you sample Umbrian specialties at an exclusive tasting experience. Sample fine wines, olive oil, local cheese and truffle infused delicacies.

Meet Marta, fourth-generation weaver and TreadRight Foundation grant recipient, at Laboratorio Giuditta Brozzetti. On this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, discover how she and her students preserve the medieval Umbrian art of loom-weaving. The women-owned workshop safeguards traditional patterns while empowering women and girls through education and hands-on training in cultural craftsmanship. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Visit this small hillside city and find out why it's called the 'medieval Manhattan of Italy'. Enter the exquisite Porta San Giovanni, the main city gate, that has stood the test of time since the 13th century. Explore well-preserved streets and beautiful ceramic stores.

Indulge in a lunch of Tuscan specialties while enjoying beautiful views of the rolling hills and vineyards of the Chianti region. Savor famous local wines such as Vernaccia di San Gimignano.

Join an art historian to immerse yourself in Renaissance Florence. Visit the Accademia Museum and marvel at the statue of David, a Michelangelo masterpiece. See the impressive trio of the Duomo, Bell Tower and Baptistery before arriving to Piazza della Signoria, traditionally the political heart of the city.

Join a local foodie and get to know Florence one bite at a time on your walking tour. Learn about Florentine specialties and sample a selection of gourmet highlights.

Savor an exquisite dinner featuring regional specialties crafted from the freshest local ingredients. Each dish is thoughtfully paired with the renowned Chianti wines of the region, allowing you to experience the perfect harmony of authentic Tuscan flavors. As you dine, soak in the warm ambiance and the rich culinary heritage that has made this region famous for generations.

Immerse yourself in the culture of Tuscan cuisine with a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience during a hands-on cooking class in a former Medici hunting lodge. Select fresh produce from the estate’s flourishing garden and learn the art of pasta-making with a professional chef. Supporting sustainable farming, organic practices and a deep respect for the Tuscan landscape. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.

Accompanied by your Local Expert, marvel at the gravity-defying Leaning Tower of Pisa and see the Duomo and baptistery.

Experience some of the most awe-inspiring coastal scenery on earth at the UNESCO-listed Cinque Terre. Join your Local Expert and discover charming Manarola, a picturesque fishing village, before traveling by train to the historic and colorful resort town of Rapallo.

Enjoy a private cruise of Venice's Grand Canal, admire historical palaces, eastern architecture and daily Venetian life from your private water taxi cruising through the most famous of Venice's canals.

Let yourself be swept away by romance with a ride on a traditional gondola through the canals of Venice. See hidden corners of the city and soak up the atmosphere while being serenaded by your gondolier.

Triumphantly enter the Doge's Palace as a guardian permits only you and your traveling companions to enter for an after-hours tour. Discover the art, culture and history of the Venetian Republic in a small, intimate group.

Witness the ancient skill of glassblowing at a long-standing arts center, where you can see the artisans create singular works of beautiful art. Discover more about this incredible craft that has been part of Venetian culture for several centuries. 

Enjoy a traditional Venetian meal in a local restaurant.

Join a Local Expert to explore Hidden Venice. Wander beyond the well-trodden paths through quiet streets and charming neighborhoods, uncovering hidden treasures while gaining a deeper understanding of the city's unique way of life and enduring traditions.