DAY 1: OVERNIGHT FLIGHT Depart from the USA.
DAY 2: ROME: Arrive Rome in the morning and immediately travel by bus or rail to Piazza Navona for a fortifying cup of espresso. Wake with the Eternal City as you sit in this major Roman piazza built on the sight of the former Stadium of Domitian and look out on to the Fountain of Four rivers with its Egyptian Obelisk. Before transferring to your hotel, sample some of the classic sites you will experience during your Vacanze Romane (Roman Vacation); The Trevi Fountain; the Colosseum; the Roman Forum; and St. Peter’s Basilica. Drop your bags and hit the ground running and explore Rome on your own. End the day where you started with a mouthwatering gelato back in Piazza Navona. By now the Piazza is fully awake and one of the liveliest spots in Rome!
DAY 3: ROME: “When in Rome”…there is no shame in playing the part of the tourist. Stroll the Roman Forum where the great Roman Republic and later the Emperors ruled the city and the known world. Peek into the senate chamber where Julius Caesar was assassinated by a group of conspirators in 44 BC, including one of his trusted aides Marcus Brutus “e tu Brute!” Roam the cheap seats and the elite “luxury boxes” of the greatest amphitheatre of antiquity, the Colosseum. If you listen closely, you can hear the 2,000-year old voices cheering for the demise of Gladiators or their pleas for the Emperor to spare their lives. Rome is yours to experience for the rest of the day. Don’t forget the gelato!
DAY 4: ROME: Vatican City or, the Holy See, is not only the center of the Catholic world; it is the smallest country in the world. As you cross the “border” between Italy and the Vatican, you will be awestruck by the sight of St. Peter’s Basilica. Contained within the walls of Vatican City are some of the finest examples of biblical and Renaissance art – Michelangelo’s Pietà and Raphael’s rooms. The ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, designed and painted by Michelangelo in the 16th century, features magnificent frescoes illustrating biblical events. You cannot help but feel humble as you stand in the very spot where Popes have been elected for centuries. Cross back into Italy and do as the Romans do. Treat yourself to a hearty pasta meal and enjoy the sweet smells of Rome in one of its many piazzas. A fun way to spend some time in the evening is to simply sit on the steps of the Fontana di Trevi where street musicians often play guitars and sing for Romans and visitors alike. Throw a coin in the fountain to insure that you will someday return to this magical city.
DAY 5: ROME/FLORENCE: Travel by rail out of Rome. “All roads lead” to Rome so, you will be back some day. Besides, you threw that coin in the fountain last night. The Renaissance was a cultural rebirth that occurred throughout most of Europe. The city of Florence cornered the market on the changes that swept the continent between the 14th and 17th centuries. The city is alive with the spirits of writers, painters, architects and philosophers who paved the road for Europe’s journey out of the dark ages. Evidence of their genius can be found in the Bapistry with its “Doors of Paradise” created by Ghiberti, the Campanile a slender tower designed by Giotto, standing nearly 50 feet above the Piazza del Duomo, and the Duomo itself, a cathedral that was the brainchild of Brunelleschi. Summon your adventurous spirit and climb the 463 steps to the top of the Duomo for miraculous views of Florence!
DAY 6: FLORENCE: Your second day in Florence will be a masterpiece! Michelangelo’s David, exhibited in the Accademia, is a life changing event. When Michelangelo was asked how he brought this beloved biblical figure to life out of a mere slab of stone, he replied David was already in the stone “I just needed to free him with my hammer and chisel”. Stroll along the Ponte Vecchio, the oldest bridge in Florence and one of the only bridges in Italy to have survived the bombs of World War II. It is also a great place to do some shopping for your family or that special person back home.
DAY 7: FLORENCE/VENICE: Hop back on the train and travel north through the Italian countryside toward Venice. Hailing a cab or jumping on a bus in the city known as the Queen of the Adriatic is very different than jetting around town at home. The city is built literally on small islands intersected by canals so, hit the water running aboard a “water bus” and set out for your hotel. After settling in, visit the special part of town that inspired Shakespeare to pen “The Merchant of Venice.” The Jewish Ghetto area places you on the stage of that classic play and harkens back to the era of Mussolini when he sought to isolate this proud people during his Fascist reign of Italy in the 20th century. Enjoy your evening exploring the streets of Venice with its small islands and lively “campi” (small village squares).
DAY 8: VENICE: Begin your day watching the famous pigeons of Venice scatter in Piazza San Marco, the historical center of Venice. Tour the Doge Palace, once the seat of government in Renaissance Venice. The Palace is a beautifully classic structure with a bittersweet history. Walk along the Bridge of Sighs where prisoners would experience their last view of Venice before being carted off to a lifetime of prison or worse! Venice is an artisan’s paradise. Marvel at the handiwork of glass blowers and lace weavers on the islands of Murano and Burano. Cap off your last evening in Italy with a gondola ride through the narrow canals of Venice. A perfect finale to a trip of a lifetime!
DAY 9: FLIGHT HOME Depart Venice and arrive USA later in the day. Welcome home!
DAY 1: OVERNIGHT FLIGHT Depart from the USA.
DAY 2: ROME: Arrive Rome in the morning and immediately travel by bus or rail to Piazza Navona for a fortifying cup of espresso. Wake with the Eternal City as you sit in this major Roman squares built on the sight of the former Stadium of Domitian and look out on to the Fountain of Four rivers with its Egyptian Obelisk. Before transferring to your hotel, sample some of the classic sites you will experience during your Vacanze Romane (Roman Vacation); The Trevi Fountain; the Coliseum; the Roman Forum; and St. Peter’s Basilica. Drop your bags and hit the ground running and set out to explore Rome on your own. End the day where you started with a mouthwatering gelato back in Piazza Navona. By now, the Piazza is fully awake and one of the liveliest spots in Rome!
DAY 3: ROME: “When in Rome”…there is no shame in playing the part of the tourist. Stroll the Roman Forum where the great Roman Republic and later the Emperors ruled the city and the known world. Peek into the senate chamber where Julius Caesar was assassinated by a group of conspirators in 44 BC including one of his trusted aides Marcus Brutus “e tu Brute!” Roam the cheap seats and the elite “luxury boxes” of the greatest amphitheatre of antiquity, the Coliseum. If you listen closely you can hear the 2,000-year old voices cheering for the demise of Gladiators or their pleas for the Emperor to spare their lives. Rome is yours to experience for the rest of the day. Don’t forget the gelato!
DAY 4: ROME: Vatican City or, the Holy See is not only the center of the Catholic world; it is the smallest country in the world. As you cross the “border” between Italy and the Vatican, you will be awestruck by the sight of St. Peter’s Basilica. Contained within the walls of this massive cathedral are some of the finest examples of biblical and Renaissance art – Michelangelo’s Pietà and Raphael’s rooms. The ceiling of the Sistine Chapel designed and painted by Michelangelo in the 16th century features magnificent frescoes illustrating biblical events. You cannot help but feel humble as you stand in the very spot where Popes have been elected for centuries. Cross back into Italy and do as the Romans do. Treat yourself to a hearty pasta meal and enjoy the sweet smells of Rome in one of its many Piazzas. A fun way to spend some time in the evening is to simply sit on the steps of the Fontana di Trevi where street musicians often play guitars and sing for Romans and visitors alike. Throw a coin in the fountain to insure that you will someday return to this magical city.
DAY 5: ROME/FLORENCE: Travel by rail out of Rome. “All roads lead” to Rome so, you will be back some day. Besides you threw that coin in the fountain last night. The Renaissance was a cultural rebirth that occurred throughout most of Europe and the Italian city of Florence cornered the market on the changes that swept the continent between the 14th and 17th centuries. The city is live with the spirits of writers, painters, architects and philosophers who paved the road for Europe’s journey out of the dark ages. Evidence of their genius can be found in the Bapistry with its “door of Paradise” created by Michelangelo, the Campanile a slender tower designed by Giotto standing nearly 50 feet above the Piazza del Duomo, and the Duomo itself a cathedral that was the brainchild of Brunelleschi. Summon your adventurous spirit and climb the 463 steps to the top of the Duomo for miraculous views of Florence!
DAY 6: FLORENCE: Your second day in Florence will be a masterpiece! Michelangelo’s David housed in the Accademia is a life changing event. When Michelangelo was asked how he brought this beloved biblical figure to life out of a mere slab of stone, he replied David was already in the stone “I just needed to free him with my hammer and chisel”. Stroll along the Ponte Vechio, the oldest bridge in Florence and one of the only bridges in Italy to have survived the bombs of World War II. It is also a great place to do some shopping for your family or that special person back home.
DAY 7: FLORENCE/VENICE: Hop back on the train and travel north through the Italian countryside toward Venice. Hailing a cab or jumping on a bus in the city known as the Queen of the Adriatic is very different than jetting around town at home. The city is built literally on small islands intersected by canals so, hit the water running aboard a “water bus” and set out for your hotel. After settling in, visit the special part of town that inspired Shakespeare to pen “The Merchant of Venice.” The Jewish Ghetto area places you on the stage of that classic play and harkens back to the era of Mussolini when he sought to isolate this proud people during his fascist reign of Italy in the 20th century. Enjoy your evening exploring the streets of Venice with its small islands and lively piazzeles (small village squares).
DAY 8: VENICE: Begin your day watching the famous pigeons of Venice scatter in Piazza San Marco, the historical center of Venice. Tour the Doge’s Palace, once the seat of government in Renaissance Venice. The Palace is a beautifully classic structure with a bittersweet history. Walk along the Bridge of Sighs were prisoners would experience their last view of Venice before being carted off to a lifetime of prison or worse! Venice is an artisan’s paradise. Marvel at the handiwork of glass blowers and lace weavers on the islands of Murano and Burano. Cap off your last evening in Italy with a gondola ride through the narrow canals of Venice. A perfect finale to a trip of a lifetime!
DAY 9: FLIGHT HOME Depart Venice and arrive USA later in the day. Welcome home!
DAY 1: OVERNIGHT FLIGHT Depart from the USA.
DAY 2: ROME: Arrive Rome in the morning and immediately travel by bus or rail to Piazza Navona for a fortifying cup of espresso. Wake with the Eternal City as you sit in this major Roman squares built on the sight of the former Stadium of Domitian and look out on to the Fountain of Four rivers with its Egyptian Obelisk. Before transferring to your hotel, sample some of the classic sites you will experience during your Vacanze Romane (Roman Vacation); The Trevi Fountain; the Coliseum; the Roman Forum; and St. Peter’s Basilica. Drop your bags and hit the ground running and set out to explore Rome on your own. End the day where you started with a mouthwatering gelato back in Piazza Navona. By now, the Piazza is fully awake and one of the liveliest spots in Rome!
DAY 3: ROME: “When in Rome”…there is no shame in playing the part of the tourist. Stroll the Roman Forum where the great Roman Republic and later the Emperors ruled the city and the known world. Peek into the senate chamber where Julius Caesar was assassinated by a group of conspirators in 44 BC including one of his trusted aides Marcus Brutus “e tu Brute!” Roam the cheap seats and the elite “luxury boxes” of the greatest amphitheatre of antiquity, the Coliseum. If you listen closely you can hear the 2,000-year old voices cheering for the demise of Gladiators or their pleas for the Emperor to spare their lives. Rome is yours to experience for the rest of the day. Don’t forget the gelato!
DAY 4: ROME: Vatican City or, the Holy See is not only the center of the Catholic world; it is the smallest country in the world. As you cross the “border” between Italy and the Vatican, you will be awestruck by the sight of St. Peter’s Basilica. Contained within the walls of this massive cathedral are some of the finest examples of biblical and Renaissance art – Michelangelo’s Pietà and Raphael’s rooms. The ceiling of the Sistine Chapel designed and painted by Michelangelo in the 16th century features magnificent frescoes illustrating biblical events. You cannot help but feel humble as you stand in the very spot where Popes have been elected for centuries. Cross back into Italy and do as the Romans do. Treat yourself to a hearty pasta meal and enjoy the sweet smells of Rome in one of its many Piazzas. A fun way to spend some time in the evening is to simply sit on the steps of the Fontana di Trevi where street musicians often play guitars and sing for Romans and visitors alike. Throw a coin in the fountain to insure that you will someday return to this magical city.
DAY 5: ROME/FLORENCE: Travel by rail out of Rome. “All roads lead” to Rome so, you will be back some day. Besides you threw that coin in the fountain last night. The Renaissance was a cultural rebirth that occurred throughout most of Europe and the Italian city of Florence cornered the market on the changes that swept the continent between the 14th and 17th centuries. The city is live with the spirits of writers, painters, architects and philosophers who paved the road for Europe’s journey out of the dark ages. Evidence of their genius can be found in the Bapistry with its “door of Paradise” created by Michelangelo, the Campanile a slender tower designed by Giotto standing nearly 50 feet above the Piazza del Duomo, and the Duomo itself a cathedral that was the brainchild of Brunelleschi. Summon your adventurous spirit and climb the 463 steps to the top of the Duomo for miraculous views of Florence!
DAY 6: FLORENCE: Your second day in Florence will be a masterpiece! Michelangelo’s David housed in the Accademia is a life changing event. When Michelangelo was asked how he brought this beloved biblical figure to life out of a mere slab of stone, he replied David was already in the stone “I just needed to free him with my hammer and chisel”. Stroll along the Ponte Vechio, the oldest bridge in Florence and one of the only bridges in Italy to have survived the bombs of World War II. It is also a great place to do some shopping for your family or that special person back home.
DAY 7: FLORENCE/VENICE: Hop back on the train and travel north through the Italian countryside toward Venice. Hailing a cab or jumping on a bus in the city known as the Queen of the Adriatic is very different than jetting around town at home. The city is built literally on small islands intersected by canals so, hit the water running aboard a “water bus” and set out for your hotel. After settling in, visit the special part of town that inspired Shakespeare to pen “The Merchant of Venice.” The Jewish Ghetto area places you on the stage of that classic play and harkens back to the era of Mussolini when he sought to isolate this proud people during his fascist reign of Italy in the 20th century. Enjoy your evening exploring the streets of Venice with its small islands and lively piazzeles (small village squares).
DAY 8: VENICE: Begin your day watching the famous pigeons of Venice scatter in Piazza San Marco, the historical center of Venice. Tour the Doge’s Palace, once the seat of government in Renaissance Venice. The Palace is a beautifully classic structure with a bittersweet history. Walk along the Bridge of Sighs were prisoners would experience their last view of Venice before being carted off to a lifetime of prison or worse! Venice is an artisan’s paradise. Marvel at the handiwork of glass blowers and lace weavers on the islands of Murano and Burano. Cap off your last evening in Italy with a gondola ride through the narrow canals of Venice. A perfect finale to a trip of a lifetime!
DAY 9: FLIGHT HOME Depart Venice and arrive USA later in the day. Welcome home!
DAY 1: OVERNIGHT FLIGHT Depart from the USA.
DAY 2: ROME: Arrive Rome in the morning and immediately travel by bus or rail to Piazza Navona for a fortifying cup of espresso. Wake with the Eternal City as you sit in this major Roman squares built on the sight of the former Stadium of Domitian and look out on to the Fountain of Four rivers with its Egyptian Obelisk. Before transferring to your hotel, sample some of the classic sites you will experience during your Vacanze Romane (Roman Vacation); The Trevi Fountain; the Coliseum; the Roman Forum; and St. Peter’s Basilica. Drop your bags and hit the ground running and set out to explore Rome on your own. End the day where you started with a mouthwatering gelato back in Piazza Navona. By now, the Piazza is fully awake and one of the liveliest spots in Rome!
DAY 3: ROME: “When in Rome”…there is no shame in playing the part of the tourist. Stroll the Roman Forum where the great Roman Republic and later the Emperors ruled the city and the known world. Peek into the senate chamber where Julius Caesar was assassinated by a group of conspirators in 44 BC including one of his trusted aides Marcus Brutus “e tu Brute!” Roam the cheap seats and the elite “luxury boxes” of the greatest amphitheatre of antiquity, the Coliseum. If you listen closely you can hear the 2,000-year old voices cheering for the demise of Gladiators or their pleas for the Emperor to spare their lives. Rome is yours to experience for the rest of the day. Don’t forget the gelato!
DAY 4: ROME: Vatican City or, the Holy See is not only the center of the Catholic world; it is the smallest country in the world. As you cross the “border” between Italy and the Vatican, you will be awestruck by the sight of St. Peter’s Basilica. Contained within the walls of this massive cathedral are some of the finest examples of biblical and Renaissance art – Michelangelo’s Pietà and Raphael’s rooms. The ceiling of the Sistine Chapel designed and painted by Michelangelo in the 16th century features magnificent frescoes illustrating biblical events. You cannot help but feel humble as you stand in the very spot where Popes have been elected for centuries. Cross back into Italy and do as the Romans do. Treat yourself to a hearty pasta meal and enjoy the sweet smells of Rome in one of its many Piazzas. A fun way to spend some time in the evening is to simply sit on the steps of the Fontana di Trevi where street musicians often play guitars and sing for Romans and visitors alike. Throw a coin in the fountain to insure that you will someday return to this magical city.
DAY 5: ROME/FLORENCE: Travel by rail out of Rome. “All roads lead” to Rome so, you will be back some day. Besides you threw that coin in the fountain last night. The Renaissance was a cultural rebirth that occurred throughout most of Europe and the Italian city of Florence cornered the market on the changes that swept the continent between the 14th and 17th centuries. The city is live with the spirits of writers, painters, architects and philosophers who paved the road for Europe’s journey out of the dark ages. Evidence of their genius can be found in the Bapistry with its “door of Paradise” created by Michelangelo, the Campanile a slender tower designed by Giotto standing nearly 50 feet above the Piazza del Duomo, and the Duomo itself a cathedral that was the brainchild of Brunelleschi. Summon your adventurous spirit and climb the 463 steps to the top of the Duomo for miraculous views of Florence!
DAY 6: FLORENCE: Your second day in Florence will be a masterpiece! Michelangelo’s David housed in the Accademia is a life changing event. When Michelangelo was asked how he brought this beloved biblical figure to life out of a mere slab of stone, he replied David was already in the stone “I just needed to free him with my hammer and chisel”. Stroll along the Ponte Vechio, the oldest bridge in Florence and one of the only bridges in Italy to have survived the bombs of World War II. It is also a great place to do some shopping for your family or that special person back home.
DAY 7: FLORENCE/VENICE: Hop back on the train and travel north through the Italian countryside toward Venice. Hailing a cab or jumping on a bus in the city known as the Queen of the Adriatic is very different than jetting around town at home. The city is built literally on small islands intersected by canals so, hit the water running aboard a “water bus” and set out for your hotel. After settling in, visit the special part of town that inspired Shakespeare to pen “The Merchant of Venice.” The Jewish Ghetto area places you on the stage of that classic play and harkens back to the era of Mussolini when he sought to isolate this proud people during his fascist reign of Italy in the 20th century. Enjoy your evening exploring the streets of Venice with its small islands and lively piazzeles (small village squares).
DAY 8: VENICE: Begin your day watching the famous pigeons of Venice scatter in Piazza San Marco, the historical center of Venice. Tour the Doge’s Palace, once the seat of government in Renaissance Venice. The Palace is a beautifully classic structure with a bittersweet history. Walk along the Bridge of Sighs were prisoners would experience their last view of Venice before being carted off to a lifetime of prison or worse! Venice is an artisan’s paradise. Marvel at the handiwork of glass blowers and lace weavers on the islands of Murano and Burano. Cap off your last evening in Italy with a gondola ride through the narrow canals of Venice. A perfect finale to a trip of a lifetime!
DAY 9: FLIGHT HOME Depart Venice and arrive USA later in the day. Welcome home!
General Information
Country Description
When you walk the streets of Rome, you’ll understand why it used to be considered the capital of the world, and you’ll probably think that it might still be. No matter where you go in the city, you’ll find something new and exciting to do. Or, a lot of the time, something old and exciting to do. Walk through the Coliseum and imagine what it was like to be a spectator—or a gladiator. Spend time gazing up at the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, or walk the Ponte Vechhio in Florence, retracing the steps of Dante. Throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain and make a wish. Take a day or two and visit Milan to see the home of some of the greatest fashion houses in the world. No matter where you go in Italy, you can be sure of three things: there will probably be something from the past for you to learn about, there will be something new going on to fire your imagination, and you’ll probably be a short walk from one of the greatest meals of your life.
The Italian economy is one of the largest in the European Union, and one of the largest in the world in terms of gross domestic product. Italy is one of the strongest economies in Europe strong and is justly known for its fashion industry, and is home to some of the titans in the field, including Armani, Versace, and Dolce and Gabbana.
TourBitz – Travel Tidbits for your international Adventure!
Official Name: The Italian Republic
Capital: Rome
Language(s): Italian
Major Industries: Exports and tourism.
Currency: Euro
Population: est 61 million
Fun TourBitz: 3,000 euros of loose change is thrown in the Trevi Fountain by tourists every day. It is collected and donated to charity.