Raffaello Tour

10 Days /9 Nights
1 night Transatlantic Flight,

2 nights Venice, 3 nights Florence, 3 nights Rome
9 Breakfasts, 9 Dinners

Day 1: DEPARTURE CITY - MILAN

Overnight flight to Milan.
 

Day 2: MILAN - VENICE

Upon arrival to Milan Airport we transfer to Venice via Verona (time permitting), known for Juliet and Romeo. Here, you can see the town’s Roman Arena, which dates back to the 1st century. You’ll also see a bronze statue of Juliet, standing below the balcony said to be the one where Juliet called to her Romeo. We then continue to magical Venice. Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel.
 

Day 3: VENICE

After breakfast we transfer by vaporetto to St Mark Square. Visit St. Mark's square, the Basilica and its Byzantine heritage and the Doge's Palace. Then we leave the square and crowds behind to discover the "real Venice ", enter a labyrinth of narrow passageways. Afternoon at leisure. Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 4: VENICE - BOLOGNA - FLORENCE

Breakfast. In the morning departure to Bologna. The cityscape is further enriched by elegant and extensive arcades (or porticos), which the city is famous for. In total, there are about 38 kilometres of arcades in the city historical center for its 40 km of high system of fortifications and defensive towers. From the Via dell’ Indipendenza, we will proceed to Piazza del Nettuno and Piazza Maggiore in the heart of the city. The central streets of Bologna today are largely pedestrian zones. Here we’ll be fascinated by the Piazza del Nettuno, King Renzo’s Palace, the Podestà Palace and the Basilica of San Petronio, one of the biggest in the world. In the afternoon we will continue to Florence where you can enjoy some free time. Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 5: FLORENCE

After breakfast we start the day with a guided city tour: Giottos Bell Tower, the Baptistery's bronze doors, Piazza della Signoria, the Cathedral with its famous cupola built by Bruneleschi and Church of Santa Croce. Then we walk to Ponte Vecchio a unique bridge over the Arno river. Later we visit San Lorenzo Market, an amazing street market with all kinds of shops that sell leather goods. Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel.
 

Day 6: FLORENCE - PISA - LUCCA - FLORENCE

Breakfast. A splendid excursion through the fertile and picturesque Tuscan countryside to the historic university city of Pisa. Upon arrival in Pisa, guided walking tour of Piazza dei Miracoli, with the celebrated Leaning Tower, the Baptistery and other important monuments. This is followed by a visit to the interior of the Cathedral, an unrivalled masterpiece of Romanesque art constructed between the 11th and 12th centuries. Free time at your disposal. We then continue to Lucca, Italy's finest mediaeval treasure, the centre is relatively unspoilt and is sprinkled with palazzi, towers and almost countless splendid churches. Late afternoon return to Florence Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 7: FLORENCE - SAN GIMIGNANO - SIENA - ROME

After breakfast we will depart for San Gimignano, known as the “tower city”. Visit to Porta San Giovanni, Piazza della Cisterna, Palace del Popolo, Civical Museum and Sant’ Agostino.  Visit till the lunch time, then, way to reach Siena. Siena is surrounded by Chianti woods and hills and is located in the centre of a large and attractive valley. Probably Siena’s notoriety is due to the celebration of the Palio, a horse race among all the district areas of the town, called “contrade”. Therefore, a great mixture of culture, history and healthy food. Late afternoon transfer to Rome.  Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel.
 

Day 8: ROME

After breakfast we will explore Ancient Rome: the Colosseum, Titus Arch, Constantine's Arch, Forum Romanum, Foro Traiano, Campidoglio, Victor Emanuel Monument. After some free time we will visit Doria Pamphilj Gallery, with it's collection of great masters including Tintoretto, Caravaggio, Tiziano, Rafaello, Bernini, Brueghel, and Velasquez. Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel..
 

Day 9: ROME

After breakfast we will visit the Vatican Museum, the Sistine Chapel, seat of the Conclave for electing Popes with its ceilings by Michelangelo, the Vatican Gardens and St. Peters Basilica, the largest Catholic Church in the world, with another Michelangelo masterpiece, La Pieta and Glory by Bernini. Then visit the Catacombs of St. Peters Church with tombs of several late Popes. Afternoon free time. Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel.
 

Day 10: DEPARTURE

After breakfast we transfer to the airport for the return flight.