Italy Family Journey: Venice to Rome

Welcome to Venice–your arrival transfer to the hotel is included. Check in and get excited to meet your fellow travelers during a welcome meeting this evening where all families can bond before the Journey ahead.

Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting: The adventure begins tonight. Feel free to explore before your welcome meeting, but make sure you’re back in time to meet the group. Check for the meeting time on the welcome note at the hotel. After introductions, your CEO will review the details of your tour. Please note that normal check-in times apply at our start hotels, but you can usually store your luggage for the day if you arrive early.

: Travel from the airport to your hotel and get ready for an unforgettable journey.

Take a walking tour of Venice, discovering winding lanes, marble palaces, and cobblestoned squares aflutter with pigeons. Then visit a glass-blowing workshop to watch a master craftsman at work. We’ll learn about the ancient technique of glass production while watching the creation of a unique piece. Afterwards, opt to hop aboard the city’s preferred mode of transportation: the gondola. This afternoon, try your hand at the centuries-old art of Venetian mask making. Watch how the mask mold is constructed and wrapped with papier-mâché, then use the tools of the trade to create your very own masterpiece.

Venice Guided Tour: Explore the city's off-the-beaten-path hotspots and hidden gems with your guide who knows all the insider tips. Immerse yourself in the city's vibrant culture and see Venice from a unique perspective. Get ready for a memorable, energetic experience in one of the world's most romantic cities!

Meal plan: BREAKFAST

Catch a train to Florence—celebrated as the birthplace of the Renaissance. In Piazza della Repubblica—site of the city’s forum during ancient Roman times—take a spin on an antique wooden carousel, riding atop galloping horses and gilded carriages. Channel your inner inventor with a visit to the Leonardo da Vinci Museum, dedicated to the famed Italian artist and engineer. Explore da Vinci’s creativity and genius as you interact with an astonishing array of machines, brought to life from drawings the artist created hundreds of years ago. Cap off the day with a gelato treat!

Piazza della Repubblica Visit: Join your CEO for a walk to the Piazza della Repubblica - site of the city's ancient Roman forum - then ride on a unique wooden carousel maintained by the same family for five generations.

: Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.

Meal plan: BREAKFAST

Begin the morning with a walking tour of Florence’s historic center, an enchanting warren of stone lanes bursting with treasures. Later, take part in a hands-on cooking class, where you’ll learn how to make fresh pasta—then enjoy it for dinner!

Guided Walking Tour of Florence: Head out for a walk through the heart of Florence with your CEO, passing magnificent structures that truly bring the Italian Renaissance to life. Take a new approach to sightseeing by learning more about the artists behind the monuments than the monuments themselves.

Free Time: Enjoy some free time to explore this historic city, home to many Renaissance treasures.

Meal plan: BREAKFAST, DINNER

Today is free to explore on your own or take part in optional activities. Choose to join our guide for an excursion by train to the city of Pisa and see just how far the tower leans. Those spending the day in Florence can visit the city’s enormous, red-tiled cathedral—known as the Duomo—which took more than 140 years to complete; or marvel at Michelangelo’s David in the Accademia Gallery; experience Medici court life at the Palazzo Vecchio; and more.

Free Time: There's lots to see and do in this city known as the "cradle of the Renaissance". Enjoy a full day to explore!

Meal plan: BREAKFAST

Ride the rails to Rome, home to one of history’s greatest empires. Enjoy a CEO-led orientation walk of Piazza del Popolo—which features twin churches and a towering obelisk— Then head to a local gladiator school and learn how to become a Roman warrior! Delve into gladiatorial history and examine authentic artifacts including shields, swords, and armour. With the guidance of an instructor, venture into an arena to safely train and fight other new centurions—and feel the thrill of handling your own wooden sword and shield.

Spanish Steps: Built to connect the hilltop Trinità dei Monti church with the Piazza di Spagna (or Spanish Square) below, the Spanish Steps are a colourful example of Baroque architecture from 18th century Rome. Opt to climb its 136 steps, or simply watch the crowds weave through this popular tourist attraction.

: Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.

Meal plan: BREAKFAST

Step inside the ancient Colosseum, where gladiatorial contests took place before cheering crowds and fierce animals were once set loose. Later, join an optional walk to St. Peter’s Square or choose to visit the Vatican or the Roman Forum. This evening, gather for a festive pizza dinner to celebrate our Italian adventure.

Colosseum Visit: Enjoy a guided tour of this famous spot, the scene of many bloody gladiator fights for the entertainment of ancient Rome's aristocracy. Learn from your expert guide and you wander the old venue—a UNESCO World Heritage site—and feel free to walk around on your own. No battles, please!

Meal plan: BREAKFAST, DINNER

Depart at any time.

Departure Day: Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.

Meal plan: BREAKFAST