Indulgent Rome to Venice Itinerary: Couple’s Getaway

You will begin day two with a tasty breakfast before heading out on a full day’s tour of Rome’s most popular attractions. You will visit the Colosseum, which was home to the gladiators, as well as the Roman Forum that is also filled with century-old ruins. Next, you will travel to the amazing Pantheon, which is one of Rome’s best-preserved ancient buildings. Here, you will get the chance to view its awe-inspiring dome, which is the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world. You will then have some time for lunch before the afternoon tour continues to Vatican City, known in Italian as Città del Vaticano where you will see the sites in St. Peter’s Square before entering the remarkable St. Peter’s Basilica. One of the largest churches in the world, the basilica will impress you with its grand interior and numerous works of art. As you continue to the Vatican museums, you will receive a firsthand look at priceless frescoes and paintings. You will then proceed to the Sistine Chapel where you can stand in admiration of Michelangelo’s masterpiece ceiling.

When the tour for the day concludes, you will be treated to a multi-course, traditional Roman meal at a local restaurant. The perfectly dimmed lights and savory aromas in the restaurant will create the perfect ambiance for a couple to share a meal. From the savory pasta with freshly grated cheese to the sweet mascarpone cheese in the tiramisu, it will be a delectable meal from beginning to finish.

On the morning of day three, you will depart Rome via private transfer and set out for the scenic hills of Tuscany. After a short ride, you will arrive in picturesque Siena where you will enjoy some free time to explore the attractions in this medieval city. Perhaps you will stroll around Piazza del Campo, which is the main square, and ascend the Torre del Mangia, which is the city’s most impressive tower. Siena’s beautiful cathedral will be another possible stop as you explore. After discovering the city for a few hours, you will check into your charming hotel and have a light lunch before heading out on an exclusive afternoon wine tasting. You will arrive at a local winery and be instantly impressed by the views of the vineyard and rolling hills in the background. A guide will lead you through the rows of grapes as you learn about the growing process and different varieties. You will then head into the wine cellar for the highlight of the tour, which will be the tasting. You will savor various varieties of local wines, from the red Chianti to white Vernaccia, and quickly find your favorite. Before returning to your hotel, you will be sure to pick up a bottle to continue this quintessential evening in Tuscany.

The warmth of the Tuscan sun will greet you as day four begins. After breakfast, you will depart Siena via private transfer and take a brief drive to Florence. As you arrive in the Renaissance city, you will feel the romance that emanates from every street corner. You can get acquainted with your lavish hotel that will be located in the heart of the city before beginning a private afternoon tour of Florence’s amazing cathedral. From the colorful marble to the beautiful frescoes, you will appreciate the sights of the cathedral and then ascend the narrow steps to reach the top of the famous dome where you can take in the incredible views of the city. Your tour will then continue to the Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens. Dating back to the 15th century, the Pitti Palace was originally the residence of noble Italian families such as the Medici’s, but today it is home to some of Florence’s best museums. You will view the beautiful paintings in the Palatine Gallery and gorgeous furnishings in the Royal Apartments as you are led through the exquisite palace. Once the tour of the palace concludes, your guide will lead you outside where you will have free time in the magnificent Boboli Gardens. Romance will certainly be in the air as you discover the pretty walkways, picturesque fountains, and colorful flowers.

You will have the evening at your leisure as you continue to delight in all that Florence has to offer. A typical Florentine dinner at a local bistro and a sweet gelato for two will be the ideal way to culminate the day.

After breakfast on day five, you will begin a private tour of two of Florence’s premier art destinations: the Uffizi and Accademia Galleries. As you tour the Uffizi Gallery, each room will fascinate you with priceless works of art. There will be remarkable statues and paintings to be discovered around every corner, and you will especially appreciate viewing Botticelli’s famous Birth of Venus painting. Fully immersed in the art world of Florence, your tour will continue to the Accademia Gallery. Here, you will gaze at more prized art masterpieces as you tour the Accademia, and the culmination of your tour of Florence’s art will certainly be your up-close look at Michelangelo’s unrivaled statue of David.

In the evening, another delicious meal will await you. Tonight, you will dine at a local restaurant with views of the beautiful Arno River and famous Ponte Vecchio. With a piece of crusty handmade bread and a glass of Tuscan wine in hand, you will enjoy this lovely, final evening in Florence.

On day six, you will depart Florence via private transfer to head to the whimsical city of Verona. Here, you will be greeted upon arrival by a local guide, who will lead you on a private tour of the historical landmarks. You will quickly learn why Verona is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as you make your way around the medieval city. First, you will visit Verona’s main square, Piazza Bra, and see the well-preserved Roman Arena, which predates the Colosseum and has enough room for an unreal number of 30,000 people. You will next head to Piazza dei Signori, which will be filled with fascinating, ancient buildings and a central statue that is dedicated to the Italian writer Dante. You will also tour Piazza delle Erbe and ascend the impressive Torre dei Lamberti, which is the watchtower that sits high above the city at over 270 feet tall. Finally, your tour will lead you to one of the most romantic locations in the city, Casa di Giulietta, or Juliet’s House. From Shakespeare’s most famous love story, you will get an up-close look at Juliet’s house and her fairytale balcony. The timeless love story will come to life as romance fills the air.

Once the tour concludes, your evening in Verona will be at your leisure. You can wander more of the quaint streets, dine at one of its many restaurants, or simply relax and unwind in the comforts of your hotel.

After enjoying breakfast on day seven, you will embark on your private transfer to the enchanting city of Venice. Known as the “City of Love,” Venice will instantly captivate and mesmerize you. A private boat will cruise you along the Grand Canal and to your waterfront hotel where you will soon begin a private tour of some of Venice’s best attractions. Today, you will traverse the Rialto Bridge, which is one of Venice’s most famous bridges, before heading to the magnificent St. Mark’s Square. From St. Mark’s Basilica to the bell tower that is known as the Campanile, you will discover all of the amazing sites of this famous Square. The ornate details inside the basilica and wonderful views from the Campanile will highlight your visit. Your tour will then continue to the Doge’s Palace where you will appreciate its architecture, rich decor, and many paintings.

In the afternoon, you will delight in a private gondola ride. As you wind around its many canals and waterways, Venice will emanate romance. This quintessential couple’s experience will certainly be a lifelong memory. When your ride concludes in the early evening, you can dine on a typical Venetian dinner before returning to your hotel for the night.

The sound of vaporettos and other boats passing by outside will signal the beginning of another exciting day in Venice. Day eight will feature an excursion to the Venetian islands of Murano and Burano. Your private boat will first lead you from your hotel to the marvelous island of Murano, which is known for its centuries-old tradition of making glass. Here, you will be fascinated with the many interesting glass creations that you can find as you visit one of the factories and some of the many shops. Your tour will then continue to the picturesque island of Burano. The island’s signature colorful homes and quaint streets will delight you, and you will have the opportunity to see beautiful lace pieces, which have been handmade by the women of Burano for hundreds of years. You will then have time to enjoy Burano’s main square, Piazza Galuppi, where you can dine for lunch before heading back to your hotel.

In the evening, you will experience a magical dinner at an outdoor restaurant in St. Mark’s Square. St. Mark’s becomes even more mesmerizing at night, and it will be brilliantly illuminated and filled with orchestras that will dazzle you with their music. The final evening in Venice will be unforgettable as you feast on a mouthwatering meal and sip on signature Bellinis late into the night.

You can gaze at the Venetian lagoon and drink a warm cappuccino one last time on the morning of day nine. Perhaps you will take a stroll and wander over a few more bridges before your private transfer leads you back to the mainland of Italy and then to Marco Polo Airport for your return flight home. This couple’s vacation will leave you enamored with Italy as well as each other and will have you dreaming of when you will return to these wonderful and romantic cities.