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Self-Guided Eternal Cities

Italy in 10 Days, 8 Nights in Destination

From

$3,089

$1,999

/person

-35%

Natalie, Travel Expert

Natalie
Travel crafter

Our classic self-guided tour of Italy's most iconic cities independently by train, from the legendary Colosseum in Rome to the Renaissance heritage of Florence and the romantic canals of Venice.

Trip Highlights

  1. map-pin-check-icon
    Florence
  2. map-pin-check-icon
    Rome
  3. map-pin-check-icon
    Venice

Included

  1. All flights

  2. Accommodation

  3. Some transfers

  4. Activities

  5. Breakfast only

Availability

  1. Departures available until December 2025

  2. Available Group tours

  3. Solo travelers from + $970

  4. Add up to 4 nights to your stay

  5. WHAT'S THIS?

Categories available

  1. charm included

  2. superior from + $200

  3. WHAT'S THIS?

Book with an expert:

1-888-488-0592

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Itinerary

Travel to Italy and immerse yourself in its history, culture and gastronomy. Land in Rome and admire one of the most romantic cities in the world, filled with cultural delights, such as the Colosseum, before heading to Florence to discover its hidden treasures and Renaissance heritage. Finally, explore Venice, known for its waterways and canals, built across 100 small islands.

1st Day: US - Night on board

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Pack your bags and head to your departure airport, ready for a flight to the eternal city of Rome.* Night on board.

* If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

2nd Day: Rome

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Arrive in Rome, the Italian capital, and transfer to the hotel. Depending on your arrival time, the remainder of the day is free to begin exploring this romantic, historic city. The evening is the most magical time of day in Rome when the streets take on an even more charming character. Overnight stay in Rome.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Rome Garden Hotel or similar
tripadvisor rating

614 Reviews

See our full selection

3rd Day: Rome

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Breakfast at the hotel. Today head to the meeting point and enjoy a guided visit to the Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill*, three of the main archaeological sites of the Eternal City. Learn about the history of this empire, from its birth to the gladiatorial fights in the Colosseum, and appreciate the preserved corners of ancient Rome in the Forum and the Palatine Hill. We recommend the optional Piazzas and Fountains of Rome excursion.** The remainder of the day is at your leisure to explore the historic streets of Rome and dine on delicious Italian cuisine!*** Overnight stay in Rome.

* Time and days in Rome can be changed according to the availability of the Colosseum tickets. It will be confirmed 15 days before arrival. However, all included excursions are already guaranteed. Download the PDF uploaded to your Exoticca account to check the time and pick up point of the activities. 

** Optional Piazzas & Fountains of Rome Excursion: Take a pleasant walk through the artistic heart of Rome to visit its most symbolic piazzas and fountains! Visit Piazza Navona, the most elegant of all Rome squares and home to Bernini's Four Rivers Fountain. See the Church of San Luigi, the incredible Pantheon and the legendary Trevi Fountain, an icon of the city. Finally, pay a visit to the famous Spanish Steps at Piazza di Spagna, the most photogenic spot in the city!

*** Optional Authentic Roman Dining Experience: Savor an evening of authentic Italian cuisine in the heart of historic Rome. Let the charm of the city envelop you as you enjoy traditional Italian dishes at a local restaurant, fully immersed in the rich flavors and vibrant atmosphere of Roman culture.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Rome Garden Hotel or similar
tripadvisor rating

614 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Walking Tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill

Moderate

See more
Optional
Piazzas & Fountains of Rome Excursion

Moderate

See more
Optional
Authentic Roman Dining Experience

Light

See more

4th Day: Rome

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After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a day at your leisure in Rome. Perhaps visit the Vatican, trace the footsteps of the greats in the ancient streets of the old city or simply indulge in some delicious Italian ice cream. However you choose to spend your day, Rome is sure to delight you with its old-world charm and unbeatable sights. We suggest taking the optional Guided tour of Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel*. Overnight stay in Rome.

Optional Skip-the-line Guided Tour of Vatican Museums, St. Peter's Basilica and Sistine Chapel: Explore the priceless treasures held within the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel! Visit the Pio Clementino Hall, Laocoon and Apollo Belvedere, Maps Gallery, Candelabra Gallery, Tapestries Gallery and the incredible Sistine Chapel. Afterwards, discover the incredible St. Peter’s Basilica and the atmospheric St. Peter’s Square, dominated by Michelangelo’s imposing Cupola!

Please note: Optional tour available Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays afternoon, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays only.

Why not upgrade your trip with our Must See's of Italy package of 2 excursions, available in the next step of the booking process!

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Rome Garden Hotel or similar
tripadvisor rating

614 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

Optional
Skip-the-line Guided Tour of Vatican Museums, St. Peter's Basilica and Sistine Chapel

Moderate

See more
Optional
Pack of 2 Excursions: Must-sees of Italy

Moderate

See more

5th Day: Rome - Florence

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Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, meet your transfer and head to the train station to catch the Frecciarossa high-speed train to Florence. Arrive in Florence, the heart of the Italian Renaissance, and self-transfer* to the hotel. Rest of the day at your leisure to explore the city and keep enjoying the Italian cuisine in this gourmet paradise. Overnight stay in Florence.

* You will have the option to add the transfer in the next step of the booking process.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Galileo Hotel or similar
tripadvisor rating

580 Reviews

See our full selection

6th Day: Florence

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Breakfast at the hotel. Today head to the Historic Centre of Florence for a guided walking tour of Florence and discover the hidden secrets of the Tuscan capital. Start discovering Piazza Repubblica, one of the fanciest of the city, before heading to Loggia del Mercato Nuovo, a building where a local market takes place. Keep exploring the streets of Florence before arriving at the beautiful and well-known Ponte Vecchio, the most iconic bridge in the city and one of its main symbols. You will then walk through the Piazza della Signoria, the heart of Medieval Florence with the imposing Palazzo Vecchio. End the tour admiring Piazza San Giovanni, home to the impressive Florence Cathedral, with its iconic Brunelleschi cupola and the famous Giotto Belltower. Rest of the day at your leisure to continue exploring the captivating sights of Florence. Overnight stay in Florence.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Galileo Hotel or similar
tripadvisor rating

580 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Guided City Tour of Florence

Moderate

See more

7th Day: Florence

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Breakfast at the hotel. Full day at your leisure to enjoy your last day in the city. Florence's historical centre is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so why not take a stroll on your own to discover its hidden treasures. Overnight stay in Florence.

Optional Half-Day Tour to Pisa & The Leaning Tower: No trip to Italy is complete without a photo at the iconic leaning tower, so don't miss your chance to take a day trip to Pisa! Enjoy a guided walking tour of Piazza dei Miracoli and its monuments before spending time at the legendary Leaning Tower of Pisa, learning all about the history of this University city along the way.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Galileo Hotel or similar
tripadvisor rating

580 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

Optional
Half-Day Tour to Pisa & The Leaning Tower

Moderate

See more

8th Day: Florence - Venice Mestre

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Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, self-transfer* to the station to catch the Frecciarossa high-speed train to Venice (Mestre Station). Arrive in the romantic city of Venice, self-transfer* to the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day in the historic and enchanting Venice Mestre, the mainland town connected to Venice by rail and road bridges over the lagoon. Spend the night at your leisure and embrace the convenience of numerous transportation options, such as the frequent trains/buses to Venice center. The train station/bus stop is at walking distance from your hotel and it will take you to the iconic Venice center.

Venice built across more than 100 small islands, Venice is a pleasure to explore on foot as you get lost in the labyrinthine streets, stumbling across hidden cafes and cultural gems along the way. Get out and discover the plentiful delights of this eternal city, such as the immense Piazza San Marco. Overnight stay in Venice Mestre.

* You will have the option to add the transfers in the next step of the booking process.

Important: please bear in mind that the accommodation included in Venice is located in Venice Mestre, which is situated outside the island, approximately 25-30 minutes away by train, bus or Taxi.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Hotel Venezia or similar
tripadvisor rating

1032 Reviews

See our full selection

9th Day: Venice

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Breakfast at the hotel. Today, set off on a guided walking tour through Venice, through the fascinating streets and across the canals; a crossroads of culture where East meets West. Admire the Basilica and Piazza of San Marco next to Gothic-style Doge's Palace, the Campanile and the Clock Tower stand. Soak up the lively atmosphere of the Campo, a bustling square next to the Church of Santa Maria. Continue to marvel at the grand Basilica of San Giovanni e Paolo, uncover legendary tales of Marco Polo and finally return to St. Mark’s Square by strolling through the main Venetian shopping street, the Mercerie, and immerse yourself in the historic buzz of the city. The rest of the day is at your leisure to continue discovering this unique city at your own pace. Overnight stay in Venice Mestre.

*Optional Gondola Ride Experience: One of the most famous characteristics of Venice is its historic gondolas and now you can be a part of this legacy yourself! Experience an unforgettable 35-minute gondola ride through the charming waterways of Venice including the iconic Grand Canal. The quintessential Venetian experience! Note: Please note that it is a shared gondola (up to five people for each one) so you might have to share it with other people.

Why not upgrade your trip with our Must see`s of Italy package of 2 excursions, available in the next step of the booking process!

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Hotel Venezia or similar
tripadvisor rating

1032 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Guided City Tour of Venice

Active

See more
Optional
Gondola Ride in Venice

Light

See more

10th Day: Venice - US

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Breakfast at the hotel*. At the indicated time, transfer by car from Venice Mestre to the airport for your return flight back to the US. Arrive in the US and end your trip.

* Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.

** Depending on the return flight schedule, you may arrive in the US the next day and the total duration of the trip would be 11 days.

Select a day to go to next step

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October 2024
November 2024
December 2024
January 2025

Categories Available:

charm

From $1,999

Selected

  • Accommodation in Charm category hotels.
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superior

From $2,199

  • Accommodation in Superior category hotels.

Accommodation: 8 Nights

Included activities

Included

Walking Tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill

Included activity for day 3 in Rome

Take a guided walking tour of three of the main archaeological sites in Rome. Learn about the history of this empire, from its birth to the gladiator fights of the Colosseum and appreciate the relics of ancient Rome at the Forum and Palatine Hill.

Duration 03:00h Approx. Pick up time: info at destination

Physical rating:

Moderate

It is forbidden to enter the Colosseum with suitcases, backpacks and bulky bags and there is no luggage storage inside the Colosseum. Download the PDF uploaded to your Exoticca account to check the time and pick up point of the activities

more information
Included

Guided City Tour of Florence

Included activity for day 6 in Florence

Discover the highlights of Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, on a guided walking tour. Highlights include the historic Ponte Vecchio bridge, Piazza della Signoria, Piazza San Giovanni, the iconic Florence Cathedral and the Giotto Belltower.

Duration 02:00h Approx. Pick up time: info at destination

Physical rating:

Moderate

Meeting point: Via Cavour 12 Nero. Pick up time depending on the date of the tour. Download the PDF uploaded to your Exoticca account to check the time and pick up point of the activities

more information
Included

Guided City Tour of Venice

Included activity for day 9 in Venice

Take a guided walking tour through Venice to learn about the culture and artistic heritage of the city. Stroll through the city, visit the iconic Rialto Bridge and cruise on the Giudecca Canal!

Duration 01:30h Approx. Pick up time: info at destination

Physical rating:

Active

Meeting point: Alilaguna Tickets Office. In front of the Royal Garden. Download the PDF uploaded to your Exoticca account to check the time and pick up point of the activities.

more information

Available Activities

Activities are subject to availability. The price for each optional activity will be shown in the next step of the booking process.
Optional

Piazzas & Fountains of Rome Excursion

Suggested activity for day 3 in Rome

Discover the most symbolic piazzas and fountains in Rome! Visit Piazza Navona, home to Bernini's Four Rivers Fountain and see the Pantheon and the legendary Trevi Fountain. Finally, pay a visit to the famous Spanish Steps at Piazza di Spagna.

Duration 03:00h Approx. Pick up time: info at destination

Physical rating:

Moderate

This tour only operates Tuesdays, Thursdays and Satudays. Meeting Point: In front of the theatre Argentina. Download the PDF uploaded to your Exoticca account to check the time

more information
Optional

Authentic Roman Dining Experience

Suggested activity for day 3 in Rome

Savor an evening of authentic Italian cuisine in the heart of historic Rome. Let the charm of the city envelop you as you enjoy traditional Italian dishes at a local restaurant, fully immersed in the rich flavors and vibrant atmosphere of Roman culture.

Physical rating:

Light

In case of being vegetarians, notify in advance to adapt the menu. In 2024, the dinner will take place in Campo di Fiori, while in 2025, it will be in Trastevere.

more information
Optional

Skip-the-line Guided Tour of Vatican Museums, St. Peter's Basilica and Sistine Chapel

Suggested activity for day 4 in Rome

Explore the treasures held within the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel! Visit Pio Clementino Hall, Candelabra Gallery, Tapestries Gallery and the incredible Sistine Chapel, among other sights. Also discover St. Peter’s Basilica and St. Peter's Square.

Duration 03:00h Approx. Pick up time: info at destination

Physical rating:

Moderate

This tour will be at 9.45am or 13h45pm.Time and date will be reconfirmed on voucher.Tour NOT available on Sundays. Meeting point: via santamaura 28

more information
Optional

Pack of 2 Excursions: Must-sees of Italy

Suggested activity for day 4

Make the most of your time in Italy with this pack of two unmissable experiences: a Skip-the-line guided tour of Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel and a gondola ride in Venice.

Pick up time: info at destination

Physical rating:

Moderate

Vatican info: Tour NOT available Wednesdays morning and Sundays. Please avoid booking the activities included in this package separately.

more information

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The price includes

  • premium-care-icon
    Included in all our trips. more information
  • Departures from main US airports.
  • International flights: US - Rome, Venice - US.
  • Domestic High-speed train in standard class: Rome - Florence - Venice Mestre.
  • 8 nights accommodation in Charm category hotels.
    See hotels included
  • 8 breakfasts.
  • Transfers in air-conditioned vehicles as indicated in the itinerary. *
    more information
  • Visits and entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary. **
    more information
    See itinerary
  • All air taxes and fuel surcharge.
  • Guided walking tours in Florence and Venice.
  • Guided visit to the Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill in Rome.

*The cancellation policy applicable is according to the Terms and Conditions available and agreed at the time of your purchase

Not included

Tax*, drinks, tips and any other services not mentioned in what's included.

* Accommodation tax in Italy must be paid directly to the hotel (Approx. 6 € per person per night).

** Transfers from Florence station - hotel, hotel - Florence station and Venice Mestre station - hotel are not included. They can be added for an additional cost in the next step of the booking process.

Meeting points: the included tours will depart from designated meeting points. The location of the meeting points will be included in your trip details. Transfers to the meeting points are not included.

Hotel ratings in Italy are not governed by the same standards as those in the US, so please keep this in mind when selecting your desired accommodation category.

* The shuttle service from the airport to the hotel will wait for you up to one hour after the arrival of your flight. If your flight is delayed or you experience issues collecting your luggage please get in touch with the local provider.

Please note: this itinerary is an independent tour, not a group tour. It includes accommodation, some activities and some transfers, but you will not be accompanied by a guide throughout the entire trip, nor will you be traveling in a group. As an independent tour, the dates of the excursions may differ based on the availability of the tours. The final date will be available on the voucher uploaded on your Exoticca account prior to departure.

Meeting points: the included tours will depart from designated meeting points. The location of the meeting points will be included in your trip details. Transfers to the meeting points are not included.

** Time and days in Rome can be changed according to the availability of the Colosseum tickets. It will be confirmed 15 days before arrival. However, all included excursions are already guaranteed.

Important: please bear in mind that the accommodation included in Venice is located in Venice Mestre, which is situated outside the island, approximately 25-30 minutes away by train, bus or Taxi.

** If you visit during a religious or an official event or during a national holiday, certain attractions may be closed.

Important: The availability of some activities cannot be guaranteed during major holidays, including Christmas & Holy Week.

Due to the nature of the destination the terrain can be uneven at times, it may require you to walk on a rocky path, and up and down hills.

Important: Download the PDF uploaded to your Exoticca account to check the time and pick up point of the activities.

Important: The municipal government of Venice has instituted an entry fee for tourists to access the city on the following dates in 2024: April 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, and 30; May 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, and 26; June 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, and 30; July 6, 7, 13, and 14.

Exoticca travelers may request a waiver as our itineraries include lodging in Venice or Mestre on the days of our visits to the city. All you need to do is request your proof of exemption here: https://cda.ve.it/en/ Click on “exemptions,” select “I am a guest in an accommodation facility located in the municipality of Venice,” and follow the instructions to download your exemption code. Be sure to bring this with you during your time in Venice!

You can complete the form up until the day of your arrival in Venice.

  • Entry requirements

    Passport with a minimum of 6 months validity required.

  • Visa

    No visa is required to enter the country.

  • Currency

    Euro.

  • Language

    Italian.

  • Electricity

    220 V. Adapter required.

  • Health

    There are no mandatory vaccinations for travellers from the US.

  • Time zone

    GMT + 01:00.

  • Other useful information

    Italian cuisine is one of the most prominent in the world. The national dish is pasta.

  • Tourist Office website

    http://www.italia.it/en/home.html

Remember to download your e-ticket to confirm the times of your flights and to complete online check-in using the airline’s website, or directly at the check-in desk at the airport.

Accommodation at the hotels is as indicated. In the event of any changes to accommodation, they will always be of the same, or a higher category. The category of hotels is not standardized across all countries in the world. For this reason, the criteria may differ depending on the destination country's own standards.

In the case of adverse weather conditions, for safety reasons or for any other reasons deemed appropriate, the order and duration of the excursions included in the itinerary may be changed or cancelled without prior notice.

If you have reduced mobility, require the use of a wheelchair, or you would prefer this tour to be a private experience for you and your group, you must contact our Experts at +1 888-488-0592 before booking to ensure that your needs can be met.

While on the road, it is highly unlikely that the vehicle will be equipped with wifi or bathroom facilities, though rest stops will be made for long trips. We recommend purchasing a new SIM card at the airport or placing an e-SIM before travel to guarantee internet connection.

Pay in installments

Pay only 60% today to reserve your trip.

Pay the rest in installments depending on your departure date

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