Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1 – Depart for Italy

Board your overnight flight to Rome and get ready to begin your unforgettable adventure through Italy’s history, culture, and cuisine.

Day 2 – Arrive in Rome

Welcome to Italy! Meet your Travel Director at the airport and transfer to your centrally located hotel. After some time to rest, head out for a relaxing orientation walk through Rome’s lively piazzas and cobblestone streets. Enjoy a welcome dinner this evening featuring authentic Italian dishes and a preview of the week ahead.

Day 3 – Vatican City & Tiramisu Experience

Start your day with a guided visit to Vatican City, the world’s smallest country and the heart of Catholicism. Marvel at Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica, masterpieces of art and architecture. In the afternoon, roll up your sleeves for a tiramisu-making class, learning how to prepare Italy’s most beloved dessert. Later, explore Rome by night, taking in the glowing beauty of Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, and the Trevi Fountain.

Day 4 – Ancient Rome & Gladiator Experience

Discover the ancient wonders of Rome with a guided tour of the Colosseum and Roman Forum, walking in the footsteps of emperors and gladiators. Later, experience hands-on history at Castrum Legionis, where you’ll learn about life as a Roman soldier and take part in fun, interactive Gladiator Games.

Day 5 – Umbria, Rafting & Assisi

Journey north to the lush hills of Umbria for a day of outdoor adventure and culture. Experience teamwork and excitement on a rafting excursion on the River Nera, then continue to Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis. Explore the medieval streets and learn about the town’s spiritual and historical significance before enjoying dinner at your hotel.

Day 6 – Florence & the Tuscan Countryside

Travel to Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance, for a guided tour with a local expert. See Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral, Ghiberti’s Baptistry Doors, and Piazza della Signoria—an open-air museum of Renaissance art. After exploring, continue to your hotel in the Tuscany countryside, surrounded by rolling hills and olive groves. Enjoy a traditional dinner prepared with local ingredients.

Day 7 – Farm-to-Table Cooking & Lucca

Begin the day at an organic farm, where you’ll meet local farmers and learn about sustainable agriculture. Pick fresh ingredients and take part in a farm-to-table cooking class, preparing your own Tuscan meal from scratch. After lunch, travel to Lucca, a charming walled town famous for its cobblestone streets and lively piazzas. Enjoy free time to walk or bike along the historic walls, shop for souvenirs, or enjoy a scoop of gelato in the main square.

Day 8 – Olive Oil Farm & San Gimignano

Spend the day exploring more of Tuscany’s countryside. Visit a family-run olive oil farm, where you’ll learn about the process of cultivating olives, cold-pressing oil, and the importance of olive oil in Italian culture. Continue to San Gimignano, known for its striking medieval towers and panoramic views of the Tuscan landscape. Enjoy free time to explore local shops, sample handmade treats, and take photos in one of Italy’s most beautiful hill towns. Return to your hotel for dinner and an evening of relaxation.

Day 9 – Bologna & Venice Mestre

Travel north to Bologna, a city celebrated for its art, culture, and cuisine. Take a guided walking tour through Piazza Maggiore, the Fountain of Neptune, and the Basilica di San Petronio. Then, roll up your sleeves for a hands-on pasta-making workshop, learning to craft traditional tagliatelle or tortellini like a local chef. Enjoy your homemade lunch before continuing on to Venice Mestre for your overnight stay.

Day 10 – Venice Exploration & Farewell Dinner

Discover Venice, the “Floating City,” with a guided tour of its most famous landmarks: St. Mark’s Square, Basilica di San Marco, Doge’s Palace, and the Rialto Bridge. Experience Venice from the water on a gondola ride, gliding through its winding canals. Later, attend a glass-blowing demonstration by a Venetian artisan before gathering for a festive farewell dinner to celebrate your Italian journey.

Day 11 – Departure

Say farewell to Italy and transfer to the airport for your flight home—filled with memories of art, culture, adventure, and the incredible flavors of Italy.