All roads lead to Rome. Wind towards the Eternal City from Venice, labyrinthine city of art, romance, and palazzo-lined waterways. Or to Florence, the hip centre of fashion, finance and culture, where Gucci, da Vinci, the Renaissance, and gold currency were born. These are the backroads that embark on a sojourn through the vineyards of Tuscany, sampling wine and local cuisine. Arrive at the hub of the Ancient World, in the heart of the modern metropolis, close to the Colosseum, the Appian Way and the Vatican, to discover the glories of Rome. And in today’s modern Italy, the roads are joined by high-speed rail that closes the distance and makes the most of your time… a journey of timeless pleasures!
Highlights
- TAUCK'S YELLOW ROADS – Travel from Florence through the Chianti hills, in the heart of the Chianti Classico region, on a day trip to Badia di Passignano; the hilly landscape, basking in golds and greens, is filled with vineyards and olive groves
- TAUCK EXCLUSIVE – Discover the art of Florence through the eyes of an art expert during a private, after-hours guided tour of the Uffizi Gallery with a local expert
- TAUCK EXCLUSIVE – After-hours guided visit to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, without the crowds; see the treasures of the Vatican unhurried, at your own pace
- TAUCK EXCLUSIVE – Special cellar tour and wine-pairing lunch featuring traditional Tuscan cuisine and local wine plus an olive-oil tasting at the osteria of a famed monastery in the Chianti hills
- Enjoy a locally-guided visit to St. Marks Basilica and the 14th-century Doge's Palace
- See historic landmarks sights of Imperial Rome through the eyes of a local guide
Itinerary
Embark on an exceptional rail and land journey with Tauck, offering a remarkable travel experience that is in high demand. Hurry – Limited Availability for 2024.
Day
Destination
Arrival
Departure
Tour begins: 6:00 PM, Baglioni Hotel Luna. Welcome to Venice! Arrive at the Baglioni Hotel Luna, a five-star luxury hotel in the heart of the city, with its own private jetty. Once an aristocratic palace, its splendidly appointed rooms, marbled floors and frescoed ceilings retain the elegance of a bygone era. You are only steps away from Piazza San Marco and close to the city's most famous landmarks. Tonight, join us for a welcome reception and dinner at Antico Martini, one of Venice's top restaurants, in an intimate, picture-perfect setting opposite the La Fenice opera house.
Venice, an eccentric and romantic city, defies history with its canals and unique energy. Explore St. Mark's Basilica and its Byzantine mosaics, while the nearby Doge's Palace stands as a stunning work of art. Take a gondola ride to experience Venice up close, and immerse yourself in the city's vibrant contemporary culture through dining and exploration.
Explore Florence's contemporary culture freely today, from renowned fashion houses to modern shops and galleries. In the evening, enjoy an exclusive after-hours visit to the Uffizi Gallery, a historic government facility turned remarkable art museum with 45 exhibition halls and countless masterpieces.
Explore Florence's contemporary culture and discover its rich offerings of shops, galleries, and renowned fashion houses like Gucci and Ferragamo. In the evening, join us for an exclusive after-hours visit to the Uffizi Gallery, a remarkable institution with 45 exhibition halls and countless masterpieces, offering an unparalleled art immersion.
Embark on a scenic drive through the Tuscan countryside to the ancient monastery of Badia de Passignano. Explore the wine cellar with a sommelier, savor renowned Chiantis, indulge in a traditional Tuscan cuisine lunch at Osteria di Passignano, and experience an olive oil tasting with the chef. Return to Florence for leisure or further exploration, and enjoy dinner at your own pace.
A high-speed rail journey whisks you from Florence to Rome and a 2-night stay in the heart of the city. Have lunch at a local restaurant before a tour of the Eternal City. Their special evening at the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel is scheduled for tomorrow night – which means our farewell cocktail reception and dinner are this evening.
Marvel at the grandeur of Saint Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, designed by Michelangelo, and explore its ornate cathedral, ancient masterpieces, and tombs of popes. After leisure time at the hotel, enjoy an exclusive after-hours tour of the Vatican and its museums, including the iconic Sistine Chapel, experiencing the illuminated beauty of Vatican City at night for an unforgettable visit.
Tour ends: Rome. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from Palazzo Ripetta to Leonardo da Vinci Airport in Fiumicino. Allow 3 hours for check-in.
Departures & Rates
The following 2024 departures are in AUD, per person, based on double occupancy:
Jul 10 from $9,840
Sep 22 from $9,840
Oct 13 from $9,390
Dec 22 from $8,390
Please speak to one of our travel consultants for availabilities.
Important Terms
- Cancellation for Land Tours 60 days or more before departure - Loss of Deposit.
- Cancellation 8 days before departure - 25% total cost of tour
- Cancellation 7 days or less before departure - 50% of total cost of tour
*Rates are subject to availability and seasonality and may change without notice. Rates are based on two adults sharing. For solo travellers or single person occupancy rates or further information on terms and conditions, please contact our Travel Specialists at time of booking.
Accommodation
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NIGHTS 1 – 2 – Ca’ di Dio, Venice, Italy
Ca’ di Dio: A Venetian hideaway seamlessly blending historical heritage with modern updates, featuring Italian designs, fresh dining options, and a captivating ambiance. |
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NIGHTS 3 – 5 – Hotel Bernini Palace, Florence, Italy Hotel Bernini Palace in Florence, a historic 15th-century building once the parliament of the Kingdom of Italy, offers a magical ambiance evoking the Medici era, perfectly located near iconic landmarks like Piazza della Signoria, the Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio, and Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, with a unique blend of old and new decor and exceptional service.
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NIGHTS 6 – 7 – Palazzo Ripeta, Rome, Italy Elegance and style meet Italian hospitality in the heart of Italy – Rome, eternal home to art, history, culture, breathtaking landscapes, and a natural beauty… After two years of renovation and restoration of its works of art and rooms, in November 2022, the curtain was raised on the first 5-star hotel on Via di Ripetta, the Tridente street with the most classical and unchanged appearance from the Rome of yesteryear. |
