9-Nights Lake Como, Venice, Florence & Rome - Land Journey from $11,790
Tauck
OFFER ID 1504511
Lake Como, Venice, Florence & Rome
When you think of Italy... you evoke thoughts of leisurely cruises on picturesque lakes lined with villas against the backdrop of the Italian Alps... the Byzantine grandeur of San Marco and serenades aboard gondolas in the age-old canals of Venice... Florentine art and architecture that sing of life in the Renaissance, and a stroll in the garden where opera was born... a glass of Chianti in a sidewalk café in hilltop Siena... the haunting ruins of Imperial Rome... hand-painted frescoes whose eloquence is most poignantly experienced in the Sistine Chapel, after the day's crowds depart...
From Michelangelo's masterpieces to the glories of Ancient Rome, the art and drama of the ages inspire our journeys in Italy including Lake Como, Venice, Florence, Siena and Rome. View the inspiring treasures of the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel during a special after-hours guided visit. Confirmed reservations provide an opportunity to view the original works of the masters at the Uffizi Gallery and Galleria dell'Accademia in Florence. In Venice, stay at a top award-winning hotel on a private island in the Venetian Lagoon, see St. Mark's Basilica and Square – after hours – and take a gondola ride on the canals complete with a serenade. Visit the medieval town of Siena in the Tuscan countryside. Take a high-speed train ride to Florence. And of course, you'll also have ample time to pursue what interests you most in Venice, Florence, and Rome...
9 nights from $11,790 per person
Itinerary Details
Tauck World Discovery: Lake Como, Venice, Florence & Rome
Day 1 Bellagio, Italy
Arrive Milan and on to Menaggio on Lake Como
Tour begins: 6:30 PM, Grand Hotel Victoria Concept & Spa. A transfer is included from Milan's Malpensa Airport to Grand Hotel Victoria Concept & Spa in Menaggio, on Lake Como. Upon arrival, travel through the beautiful northern Italian countryside from Milan to your 5* 19th-century grand hotel in beautiful Menaggio on the shores of bejeweled Lake Como. Meet your fellow traveling companions at a welcome cocktail reception and dinner at your hotel.
Meals: D
Day 2 Bellagio, Italy
A Villa on fashionable Lake Como
Your travels take you by private boat to visit Villa del Balbianello; set on a wooded peninsula that juts into the lake, it was built in the late 18th century on the site of a Franciscan monastery. Noted for its exquisite landscaping and sculpture, the villa features spectacular terraced gardens ablaze with magnolias, cypresses, azaleas and more against dramatic views of the distant Alps and the famous shore of Lake Como, and appeared as a location in the James Bond film Casino Royale and in Star Wars II: Attack of the Clones. Cruise to the lovely village of Bellagio for lunch, and some free time to explore, before returning to Menaggio late afternoon; spend the evening as you wish.
Meals: B, L
Day 3 Venice, Italy
From Lake Como to Venice
En route to Venice, stop in the Veneto region for a lunch at a wine relais in the countryside, paired with a wine pairing from the Veneto region. Continue on to Venice, uniquely designed along an intricate system of canals within a lagoon. A private boat transfer on the iconic canals brings you to the heart of Venice; enjoy an iconic Venetian experience – a gondola cruise through the city's historic canals as local musicians serenade you with traditional Italian songs. Transfer by private boat to your home for the next two nights in Venice – Splendid Venice; this evening, join us for a Tauck Exclusive – an after-hours visit to St. Mark's Basilica, one of Europe's architectural masterpieces with its exquisite mosaics and detailed carvings.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 4 Venice, Italy
St. Mark's & Venice as you please
Start the day in Venice with guided visits to Piazza San Marco (St. Mark's Square) and the Doge's Palace, an extraordinary palace that was once the seat of Venetian government. Spend the rest of the day and evening experiencing more of Venice at your leisure – perhaps exploring the small islands of the Venetian Lagoon; viewing one of the world's largest collections of Venetian art at the Galleria dell'Accademia; or visiting the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, a head-turning display of modern art housed in Guggenheim's former home on the Grand Canal, the 18th-century Palazzo Venier dei Leoni; your Tauck Director can offer recommendations.
Meals: B
Day 5 Florence, Italy
High-speed rail to Florence
Travel Italy by high-speed rail today from Venice to Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance. Get an introduction to the city's architectural landmarks and great artists from a local art historian; view Lorenzo Ghiberti's bronze doors with detailed panels at the Baptistry, part of the Duomo of Santa Maria del Fiori complex. Your art lecture is a fitting prelude to today's visit to Galleria dell'Accademia, Europe's oldest art school and home to many of the world's most beloved paintings and sculpture, including Michelangelo's famed statue of David. Later, a walking tour explores the historical center of Florence, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Have dinner this evening at a Florentine osteria, known for Tuscan specialties.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 6 Florence, Italy
The Uffizi & time at leisure in Florence
The day is free to explore Florence as you please; perhaps you may want to visit the Pitti Palace, the Medici Chapels or stroll across the Ponte Vecchio to the lovely Boboli Gardens. Tonight, we invite you to join us for a Tauck Exclusive – an after-hours visit to Florence's extraordinary Uffizi Gallery, Italy's largest art museum and one of the first art galleries in the world (subject to availability and day of the tour may vary), where you'll gaze at some of the world's greatest art masterpieces on a guided tour with a local expert. You'll be introduced to masterpiece works by Botticelli, Michelangelo, Raphael, Lippi, Leonardo da Vinci, and many more Renaissance masters; you have time to study, and contemplate, without the day crowds.
Meals: B
Day 7 Siena, Italy
Through Tuscany & Umbria via Siena to Rome
Travel Italy through lush Tuscan landscapes this morning, featuring olive groves, cypress trees, and vineyards, including the region that produces Chianti wine. Stop in the medieval hill town of Siena, and wander through its narrow centuries-old streets. See the Piazza del Campo where the Palio bareback horse race is held, and visit the Duomo, one of Italy's great cathedrals, with scenes inlaid in the marble floors and sculpture by Michelangelo. Continue through scenic Umbria and Lazio to your final destination – Rome, the Eternal City that was the center of the once-powerful Roman Empire, and is today the capital of modern Italy – for a three-night stay at one of Europe's finest hotels. Indulge this evening with dinner at a Roman neighborhood restaurant known for its regional cuisine.
Meals: B, D
Day 8 Rome, Italy
St. Peter's & after-hours at the Vatican Museums
Your first full day in Rome begins with a visit to one of the world's most famous houses of worship, immense St. Peter's Basilica, and St. Peter's Square. The remainder of the day is free to explore Rome as you please before this evening's Tauck Exclusive!An after-hours guided visit to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel (subject to availability; day and time of the visit may vary) gives you privileged access to the treasures of the Vatican, without the day's crowds. See the Candelabra Gallery, Map Gallery and the Tapestries; it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see some of the world's great masterpieces, including Michelangelo's famous Sistine Chapel ceiling frescoes, without the usual crowds. Up close and unhurried, you'll have a chance to see firsthand why the chapel's floor is as famous as its celebrated ceiling!
Meals: B
Day 9 Rome, Italy
The glories of Imperial Rome
Get an insider's view of Imperial Rome from a local guide on a city sightseeing tour – view such can't-miss sights as the Roman Forum, Circus Maximus and more. Spend some more time this afternoon exploring the "Eternal City" as you wish prior to this evening's farewell cocktail party and dinner at your hotel in Rome – a fitting finale to your extraordinary adventure to three of Italy's greatest cities.
Meals: B, D
Day 10 Rome, Italy
Journey Home
Tour ends: Rome. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from The St. Regis Rome to Leonardo da Vinci Airport in Fiumicino; allow 3 hours for check-in.
Meals: B
Menaggio is a large and busy village situated on a small peninsula on the western shore of Lake Como, 23 mi/37 km north of Como. It's dominated by the ruins of an old castle that was destroyed by the Swiss in 1523. Its surroundings may be somewhat blighted by a noisy bypass road, but its historic, almost traffic-free center—with its lovely central Piazza Garibaldi, busy colorful harbor and flower-adorned Lungolago Benedetto Castelli—are enchanting.
There's a reason why Menaggio is so popular with painters and artists from all over the world, and yet, even in high season, the place never seems overrun with tourists. Have a look at the Baroque church Santo Stefano, which has Romanesque origins, and the church of Santa Marta on Via Calvi, whose facade shows the gravestone of a Roman noble, Lucio Minicio Exorato. Market in Menaggio is on the second and fourth Friday of the month.
Menaggio offers many excursion opportunities. Just a stroll away (40 minutes) is Nobiallo, which has a leaning Romanesque belltower. From the hamlet Croce, you can easily reach the Crocetta a Specchi, which will reward you with a lovely view of the lake and the mountains. For an even grander panorama, you can climb the Sasso di San Martino in about one hour.
If you prefer to drive, Porlezza, on the beautiful eastern arm of Lake Lugano, is only a scenic 30 minutes away from Menaggio. On the way, you can stop at small, reedy Lago Piano, a protected nature reserve and breeding place for water birds. From Menaggio, you can also follow a serpentine road to Plesio and Breglia. Visit the small church Madonna di Breglia and enjoy the view from the Belvedere San Domenico. Ambitious hikers can reach the summit of Monte Bregnano (7,000 ft/2,107 m) in six hours. Less energetic walkers may call it quits at the Rifugio Menaggio hut at 4,500 ft/1,383 m (http://www.rifugiomenaggio.eu).
Nearby viewpoint Pizza Coppa offers a fabulous view over Lake Como, Lake Lugano and Val Menaggio. Breglia is also the starting point for Il Sentiero delle Quattro Valli, a classic three-day mountain walk of about 31 mi/50 km, which links Lake Como to Lake Lugano. Get the free booklet Lake Como Trekking at the tourist office or download it online. http://www.menaggio.com.
Maybe for this reason, Milan makes itself indispensable, because it is impossible to feel so alive and full of energy when you are away from the city. Milan is always one step ahead: a laboratory of artistic experiments and a building site for social behavior that is continuously changing. City full of contradictions, ancient and modern, trends and counter-trends, fashion and underground, middle class and working class, but always simply “cool”.
Sprawled across seven legendary hills, romantic and beautiful Rome was one
of the great centers of the ancient world. Although its beginning is shrouded
in legend and its development is full of intrigue and struggle, Rome has always
been and remains the Eternal City.
Rome enjoyed its greatest splendor during the 1st and 2nd centuries when art
flourished, monumental works of architecture were erected, and the mighty Roman
legions swept outward, conquering all of Italy. These victorious armies then
swept across the Mediterranean and beyond to conquer most of the known world.
With Rome's establishment as capital of the western world, a new ascent to glory
began.
Today's Rome, with its splendid churches, ancient monuments and palaces, spacious
parks, tree-lined boulevards, fountains, outdoor cafes and elegant shops, is
one of the world’s most attractive and exciting cities. Among the most famous
monuments is the Colosseum. As you walk its cool, dark passageways, imagine
the voices that once filled the arena as 50,000 spectators watched combats between
muscled gladiators and ferocious animals.
Stop to see the remains of the Forum, once the city's political and commercial
center. In later times, Rome's squares were enhanced with such imposing structures
as the Vittorio Emanuele Monument and grandiose fountains like the Fontana di
Trevi. Join the millions who stand in awe of Christendom’s most magnificent
church and admire the timeless masterpieces of Michelangelo's frescoes in the
Sistine Chapel.
Rome jars the senses and captures the soul. Grasp all you can during the short,
precious time you have available in the Eternal City. With so much to see and
do, a day or two will only allow you a sampling of the city's marvelous treasures.
Caution: As in many big cities and tourist destinations purse snatching
and pickpocketing is common. Valuable jewelry and excess cash are best left
in a safety deposit box in your hotel.
Shopping For most visitors shopping for beautiful Italian leather articles,
designer shoes, fashions for men and women, linens, knitwear, silk scarves and
ties is a favorite pastime. Except for tourist-oriented shops, the majority
of stores are closed on Sundays. Some of the department stores, such as Rinascente,
open in the late afternoon on Sundays.
Cuisine Rome's choice of restaurants is mindboggling as is the variety
of cuisine. Whether your meal is at a top-rated restaurant or a rustic trattoria,
you can be sure that you will enjoy your food, especially when accompanied by
wines from the hill towns surrounding Rome.
Other Sights Rome's attractions are endless, and depending on how much
time you have at your disposal a careful selection has to be made about what
to see. Be aware of horrendous traffic conditions and major construction work
all around the city in preparation of Jubilee 2000, the Holy Year. Some of the
sights not to be missed:
Piazza Venezia - This busy square is easily recognized by its imposing Vittorio
Emanuele II Monument. The white marble structure was inaugurated in 1911 as
a symbol of Italy’s unification.
The Forum - Once the civic heart of ancient Rome, today the remains include
a series of ruins, marble fragments, isolated columns and some worn arches.
Colosseum - No visit to Rome is complete without a stop at this awe-inspiring
theater, which is among the world’s most celebrated buildings. Here ancient
Rome flocked to see gladiatorial contests and numerous other spectacles.
Trevi Fountain - Take a stroll to Rome's famous fountain. A spectacular fantasy
of mythical sea creatures and cascades of splashing water, the fountain is one
of the city's foremost attractions. Legend has it that visitors must toss a
coin into the fountain to ensure their return to Rome.
St. Peter's Square - Part of Vatican City, this square created by Bernini
is considered one of the loveliest squares in the world. Twin Doric colonnades
topped with statues of various saints and martyrs flank either side of the square.
In the center stands an 84-foot obelisk, brought from Egypt in 37 A.D.
St. Peter's Basilica - At the head of the square stands Christendom's most
magnificent church, which was begun in 1452 on the site where St. Peter was
buried. Throughout the following 200 years, such Renaissance masters as Bramante,
Michelangelo, Raphael and Bernini worked on its design and created an unparalleled
masterpiece. Of special note are Michelangelo's Pieta and the bronze canopy
over the high altar by Bernini. The immense dome was designed by Michelangelo.
Vatican Museum - To see this museum's immense collection would take days.
As you enter, there are special posters that plot a choice of four color-coded
itineraries. They are repeated throughout the museum and are easy to follow.
It is a good idea to pickup a leaflet at the main entrance and concentrate on
exhibits of major interest. Of course, the Sistine Chapel is a must. Most likely
you may have to wait in line to enter.
Excursions
Venice: Splendours of Venice Walking Tour - 4 hours
Venice: Splendours of Venice Walking Tour - 4 hours
Highlights:
- Admire the wonderful architecture of the Doge's Palace and St Mark's Basilica
Tour can Operate: Morning/Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Return private motorboat transfers between the harbour and central Venice
- An expert English-speaking guide (4 hours)
- Entrance fees to all named sights and museums
- All taxes
- All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs.
- Gratuities
Venice: Venice for Art Lovers Walking Tour - 4 hours
Venice: Venice for Art Lovers Walking Tour - 4 hours
Highlights:
- Admire the many art treasures on display in the Frari Church
- See the masterpieces on display in the Accademia Gallery
Tour Can Operate: Morning/Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Return private motorboat transfers between the harbour and central Venice
- An expert English-speaking guide (4 hours)
- Entrance fees to all stated sights and museums
- All taxes
- All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
- Gratuities
Venice: The Roman City of Verona - 7 hours
Venice: The Roman City of Verona - 7 hours
Highlights:
- Visit Verona's impressive Amphitheatre
- See Juliet's House and its famous balcony
Tour Can Operate: Mornings
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Luxury car or minivan transfers between Venice cruise terminal and Verona
- An expert English-speaking guide in Verona (3 hours)
- Entrance fees to the stated sightseeing
- All taxes
- All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
- Gratuities
Venice: Lagoon Islands - 7 hours
Venice: Lagoon Islands - 7 hours
Today you will be met by your local English-speaking guide for a full day excursion by private motor-boat to explore the Lagoon Islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello.
Venice lies in the centre of a vast lagoon that stretches for about 30 miles from north to south, studded by numerous small islands, mostly deserted. This amazing environment is what drove the Venetians to establish their city here, a perfectly secure and inaccessible little world. Enjoy the beauty of a ride across the waters of the lagoon; visit the island of Murano, where glass has been made for over 700 years and where you can see the age-old techniques of glass blowing still in use today.
Continue to Torcello, to see the breathtaking mosaics in the Basilica di Santa Maria dell’Assunta, the oldest building on the lagoon. After a leisurely lunch (payable locally) you reach the island of Burano, a quaint and colourful fisherman island famous for its lace and charming architecture.
Highlights:
- Cruise across the lagoon to Murano, where glass has been made for over 700 years using the same techniques
- Explore Torcello and Burano, a colourful fishing village famous for its lace and charming architecture
Tour can Operate: Morning
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Low
Inclusions:
• Return private motorboat transfer between the harbour and the islands
• An expert local guide (7 hours)
• Entrance fees
• All taxes
Exclusions:
• All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
• Gratuities
Vacation Details
* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
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