Honeymoon Highlights: Rome, Florence, Venice Tour

Easily one of the city's most famous attractions, the Vatican presents visitors with an unforgettable journey into the history and authority of the Catholic Church. Today, you will make your way to the other side of the perennially flowing waters of the Tiber river to St. Peter's Square, which will be your gateway to the Vatican. After meeting with your private guide, you will make your way the famous Vatican Museums before pondering the vast interior of St. Peter's Basilica, the largest church in the world. Your guide will happily provide recommendations for nearby restaurants before leaving you to enjoy a romantic evening together.

As one of two locations in the Mediterranean world considered to be the cradle of democracy, Rome possesses a broad history. Today, you will be able to enjoy a thorough introduction to this history on your tour of the iconic Colosseum and the ruins of the Forum. As you walk in the footsteps of gladiators, you will be able to imagine the Colosseum filled with tens of thousands of roaring spectators. After witnessing the impressive might of the Colosseum and numerous temples of the Forum, there will be little doubt left as to how Rome grew to dominate the ancient world.

Today, you will depart the landlocked beauty of Rome and make your way to Campania to visit the scene of one of the ancient world's most notorious disasters. Situated in the shadow of the volcanic Mt. Vesuvius, the town of Pompeii once stood on the shores of the Bay of Naples as a shining beacon of Roman splendor. As your guide will elaborate, in 79 AD, the volcano erupted, burying the town and leaving behind only ruins. The full extent of nature's fury will be yours to behold on this tour before you return to the comfort and safety of your Roman accommodation.

Even after four days, the once exotic allure of Rome will begin to feel more familiar. It will not be without some difficulty that you turn your back on the city that you have learned to love. After breakfast, you will make your way into Tuscany and it's rustic capital of Florence. A private transfer will carry you to the Termini train station for your high-speed journey. Upon your arrival, you will be given a chance to settle in to your comfortable accommodation before being equipped with tickets to the nearby Accademia gallery to witness some of the best Renaissance artwork in Europe.

As one of the top destinations in Northern Italy, Florence is well situated within driving distance of a number of noteworthy sites and attractions. Today, you will have the opportunity to take advantage of this prime location or to sit back and enjoy the rhythms and laid-back nature of this Tuscan capital. For those who desire a more active adventure, the majestic Cinque Terre is an excellent way to spend a romantic day on the stunning Italian Riviera. With numerous hiking trails, beaches, and cruises available, there are numerous ways to enjoy this optional day trip.

Ever since you arrived in Tuscany, you will have been distracted by restaurant tables covered with a menagerie of edible delights. From the wine to the cheese and even the steak, Florence remains an excellent gateway to access the culinary brilliance of Italian culture. Into this world you will step on an informative walking tour that is themed entirely around food and drink. As you amble along, your charismatic guide will regale you with some of the secret techniques and methods that go into wine pairing or achieving al dente pasta perfection.

While the big cities are an excellent place to encounter culture, those who never leave the urban areas miss out on a fundamental aspect of contemporary Italy. Today, things will take a turn for the rural as you depart Florence and make your way into the rustic heart of the Tuscan countryside. Your destination will be the Chianti region, which is well-known for a much sought-after wine variety of the same name. As you make your way deeper into the country, you can feel free to enjoy the rustic hospitality of Monteriggioni, whose medieval walls still defend against long-dead enemies, before finally arriving at Castellina.

Long before the Romans arrived, the region of Tuscany was populated with a farming and pastoral civilization known as the Etruscans. They left an indelible mark on the landscape, and many of their settlements grew into the villages and towns you see today. This history and so much more will be yours to explore on a day of leisure in this authentic corner of the country. Suggested day trips include visiting the vibrant town of Siena, which annually hosts one of Italy's most famous festivals, and enjoying a food and wine tasting in the reliable hospitality of San Gimignano.

Today, you will depart the landlocked interior of Tuscany and make your way by high-speed train to the windswept shores of the Adriatic and the regal splendor of Venice. This floating capital of the Veneto region boasts an illustrious past that is filled with productive merchants, goods from faraway places, and one of the longest-lasting republics of post-Roman Italy. After arriving in this semi-aquatic environment, the remainder of the day will be yours to wander through to visit the ornate Rialto bridge or enjoy a romantic stroll through St. Mark's Square.

Venice is an excellent place to spend your final day on this Italian adventure. As you enjoy its famous landmarks on an informative walking tour, the past will come to life as you ponder such characters as Marco Polo and Casanova as they made their way along these same streets. In the evening, you will be able to embark on what is considered by many to be the quintessential Venetian activity: taking to the waves on a traditional gondola. From this privileged perspective, you will be able to witness a side of the city that is often missed by those who remain on shore before enjoying the remaining hours at your leisure.

As you awake to your final day in Venice, it is not without a sense of regret that you will begin your departure preparations; however, you should not be afraid to make one final stop the neighborhood bar for a cup of Italian espresso or take a quick stroll along the pier to enjoy stunning views of the Adriatic. Shortly after, your transfer will convey you to the nearby Marco Polo Airport for your return flight home.