12 nights / 13 days
Rome, Florence, Milan, Venice
It is never too early to start planning your winter holidays and what better way to do so than exploring Italy! Experience the enchanting charm of Italy during the Christmas holiday season with visits to Rome, Florence, Milan, and Venice. Wander through festive markets filled with holiday cheer and seasonal delights. Marvel at the beautifully decorated streets, squares, and iconic landmarks in each city. This holiday tour blends Italy’s rich cultural heritage with the magic and warmth of the Christmas season.
- 3 Nights Luxury Accommodation in Rome
- 3 Nights Luxury Accommodation in Florence
- 3 Nights Luxury Accommodation in Milan
- 3 Nights Luxury Accommodation in Venice
- Colosseum and Roman Forum Tour
- Tour of the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica
- Walking Tour of Florence with Academy Museum
- Pienza and Montalcino Tour with Wine and Cheese Tasting
- Milan’s Christmas Markets, Opera and Fashion, Walking Tour
- Venice City Tour and Gondola Ride
- Rail Tickets
- Transfers
- Breakfast Daily
Day 1– Arrival in Rome
After landing at Fiumicino Airport, your driver will be waiting to take you to your selected hotel. Spend the rest of the day exploring the area around the hotel and see the festive lights and decorations.
Day 2– Highlights of Rome
There is something very special about touring Rome during the festive season. Put on your walking shoes, join your guide and discover the secrets of the most prominent sites and landmarks of Ancient Rome, stopping first at the mighty Colosseum where your guide will provide a memorable narrated tour and an interesting account of its history. Your next stop will be the Roman Forum where you will discover the remains of several important ancient government buildings.
After a brief rest and a hearty lunch, spend the afternoon strolling through the Christmas Market at Piazza Navona for festive shopping and treats. And if you want to immerse yourself in the local Christmas traditions, ask your hotel concierge to check the schedules of traditional Christmas concerts at local churches.
Day 3 Vatican City and St. Peter’s Basilica
Explore some of the world’s most renowned landmarks accompanied by your knowledgeable guide who will share the history, lesser-known details and intriguing stories of these magical sites. Your exploration starts with the grandiose Vatican Museum with masterpieces from the masters of the Renaissance period including the famous Sistine Chapel by Michelangelo. After a brief walk through the streets of Vatican, you will then reach St Peter’s Basilica, one of the most important Christian monuments in the World, where you will among other sights be able to explore the Pietà by Michelangelo in detail.
After the tour enjoy lunch at a nearby café and spend the evening wandering through the streets of Trastevere, known for its holiday decorations and lively atmosphere.
Day 4 Transfer to Florence
Your day will start with a transfer from your hotel to the train station where you will catch the high-speed train to Florence. Upon your arrival in the Renaissance City, a driver will be waiting to take you to your selected hotel.
In the evening, explore the city center, including the beautifully decorated Piazza della Signoria and Ponte Vecchio, and ask our Italy specialists for restaurant recommendations so you can spend a wonderful evening savoring Tuscan specialty.
Day 5 Walking Tour of Florence, Academy Museum and Christmas Markets
After breakfast, you will meet your guide and start a relaxed walking tour of the great city of Florence. By walking through the medieval streets of this renaissance city, you will reach Piazza del Duomo, with the magnificent Duomo Complex. You will also get to visit the Academy of Fine Arts with the David by Michelangelo, a symbol of Florentine Renaissance art.
We highly recommend spending the afternoon exploring the Christmas Market at Piazza Santa Croce for unique gifts and festive food.
Day 6 Immerse yourself in Florence or Explore the Region
We suggest a tour of the Duomo or a day trip out to Montalcino for food and wine tasting. Another wonderful option is a visit to the Boboli gardens and the Pitti Palace.
For the evening, we suggest attending a holiday-themed performance at the Teatro della Pergola.
Day 7 Transfer Florence to Milan
Transfer from Florence to Milan either by private transfer or high-speed train. After the hotel check in, explore the area around the iconic Duomo, and spend the afternoon soaking up the atmosphere and amazing decorations of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, famous for upscale shopping and dining.
Day 8 Milan’s Masterpieces or a Lake Como Experience
Depending on your passions and interests, today we suggest either a day trip to Lake Como visiting Como, Bellagio and Varena, or if you prefer to discover the gems of Milan, then a tour of the Duomo is a must followed by a visit to Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece – the last supper.
In the afternoon, cure your shopping bug with a visit to the Christmas Markets at Piazza Duomo and the nearby Castello Sforzesco, and for the evening, we suggest a great dining experience in the trendy Brera district.
Day 9 New Year’s Eve
If you just happen to be in Milano inn time to ring in the New Year, we suggest starting your day by exploring the fashion district, Quadrilatero d’Oro, then relax and prepare for the evening’s celebrations.
In the evening either attend a pre-booked New Year’s Eve gala dinner or join the public celebrations at Piazza del Duomo with live music and fireworks.
Day 10 From Milano to Venice
After a good night’s sleep, it will be time to say goodbye to Milan and head to Venice, the gorgeous Serenissima! A driver will meet you at the hotel to transfer you to the train station, and after you arrive in Venice, you will once again have an arranged transfer to a hotel of your choice.
If you are in Venice on January 1st, spend your afternoon relaxing and self-exploring the city. Ask our Italy specialists for recommendations for their favorite restaurants.
Day 11 Gondola and Vivaldi as an excellent way to start the year
No trip to Venice is complete without a city tour and a gondola ride, and during your tour you will immerse yourself in this unique city. In the afternoon we suggest a visit to the Rialto Market for fresh produce and local delicacies, and in the evening (depending on performance schedules), we would recommend attending a Vivaldi concert in a historic church.
Day 12 Departure
All good things must come to an end, and so does this itinerary. You will have an arranged private transfer from your hotel to Venice airport for your flight back home.