11-Day Luxury Trip to Venice, Florence, and Rome for Families

Begin your day discovering Venice’s landmarks on a guided walk. You’ll pass by the grand Piazza San Marco, with stunning views of the Gothic Doges Palace, once a seat of the Venetian government, and the ornate Basilica di San Marco. Admire the Rialto Bridge, the oldest such crossing over the Grand Canal. In the afternoon, enjoy a Venetian Rowing lesson, during which you will learn how to row a prua. Channel your inner gondolier as you steer the boat through narrow canals and large lagoons.

Today, spend the morning venturing to the historic town of Murano, renowned for its glassblowing since the 13th century. Ever since the Middle Ages, Murano has been regarded as the glassblowing capital of the world, with vibrant and intricate pieces being collected by monarchs and nobility for centuries. You can watch glassmakers blow and shape vases and sculptures when you visit a glassmaking factory. Then, continue to picturesque Burano, an island of working fishermen, where brightly colored homes line the central canal.

This morning, your private boat driver will escort you from your hotel to the station, where you’ll take a scenic train ride to Florence. Once there, enjoy a guided walk through winding cobblestone streets where you’ll pass by Brunelleschi’s famed dome atop the Florence Cathedral. Immerse yourself in this Jewel of the Renaissance as you admire Michelangelo’s David towering over you. Finally, meander through piazzas and cross the storefront-lined Ponte Vecchio where you’ll hear eager shop-owners proudly explaining their art.

Today, prepare to satisfy your sweet tooth as you embark on a gelato tour. Gelato was first made in the 16th century at the court of Catherine de’ Medici in Florence and has become an international staple. Visit countless gelaterias and learn what comprises the true art of gelato. You’ll meet artisan gelato makers who pride themselves in their art, explore a gelato laboratory, and taste countless scoops of the sweet treat while enjoying the aroma of freshly baked waffle cones.

Your driver will bring you to Pisa where you’ll witness the architectural wonder that is the Leaning Tower. Explore Il Campo dei Miracoli, also known as The Field of Miracles, where you’ll find the marble marvels of the tower and its surrounding basilica. Here you’ll ponder how, with its countless perfectly sculpted arches, the tower still stands proudly as visitors flock to photograph the tilted masterpiece. Known for its four-degree lean, the tower is 183 feet tall and began construction in the 12th century. Thereafter, return to Florence for an afternoon at your leisure.

After breakfast, you’ll take a high-speed train to Rome. Upon arrival in the Eternal City, you’ll transfer to your accommodation. Then, enjoy a private golf-cart tour with a guide, during which you’ll circle Rome’s beautiful, ancient, and iconic sites. From meandering through colorful alleyways, passing nestled piazzas, and uncovering hidden fountains and famous Baroque churches, you’ll truly experience the sights and sounds of Rome. In doing so, you’ll hear all about, and see, the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and Spanish Steps.

Travel back in time to Ancient Rome, placing yourself in the steps of gladiators ready to pounce in an arena surrounded by roaring crowds when visiting the Colosseum. This morning, you’ll enjoy a full tour of this perfectly preserved Roman amphitheater. You’ll walk through its countless arches and witness the famous keystones the Ancient Romans so artfully mastered. Finally, observe impressive ruins of columns and buildings scattered along the grounds as you explore the Roman Forum near Palatine Hill.

In the Vatican, you’ll be surrounded by over 200 columns in its central square. This morning, you will take a guided tour of Vatican City, the heart of the Catholic Church, and learn all about the Pope’s land home. Marvel at Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, where brightly colored and intricate frescoes are splashed across the ceiling. As you look closely, you’ll spot “The Creation of Adam” and see the artist’s bold brush strokes.

Trastevere is a neighborhood on the west bank of the River Tiber, right across from central Rome. Explore its winding cobblestone streets as you take a guided food tour past a colorful outdoor food market. While embracing the aroma of freshly baked pizzas and flatbreads, savor the flavor of burrata paired with melon and prosciutto or taste locally grown oranges. You’ll get to immerse yourself in Roman culture by trying local favorites.

As another day dawns, the bustle of the Eternal City continues as you prepare to say Arrivederci to Italy. From winding through Venetian canals to crossing the Ponte Vecchio, and meandering through Roman ruins, you will have discovered Italy’s beauty. After breakfast, your private driver will meet you at your hotel and escort you to Rome International airport for your flight home.