Visit Florence, Padua and Venice on this 3-day Italy tour that ends in Rome! With an expert guide at your side, discover the art and culture of these three northern cities during a mix of walking tours and free time. Sightsee independently in Florence, see Donatello's Renaissance artwork in Padua, marvel at architectural landmarks like Basilica San Marco in Venice, and then watch a glass-blowing demonstration on the Venetian island of Murano. Your tour includes overnight accommodation in Florence and Venice as well as transport to Rome, where your tour ends.
Day 1: Florence
Check into your Florence hotel in the afternoon, and then spend the rest of your day sightseeing independently. Your hotel is situated in the heart of Florences historical center, meaning youre ideally located for ticking off the citys key sights. Perhaps stroll across the Ponte Vecchio, Florences iconic bridge, or explore Piazza della Signoria - near the world-famous Uffizi and Accademia galleries.
Your guide will meet you at your hotel in the evening to discuss the finer details of your itinerary. Then, enjoy dinner in your hotel and enjoy your night in Florence at leisure.
Day 2: Florence - Venice
After breakfast, leave Florence and travel northeast by air-conditioned coach. Your first destination is Padua - Venices lesser-known (but equally enchanting) neighbor - which youll get to know on a leisurely paced walking tour.
Stroll around the centers handsomely porticoed streets, and then head inside St Anthonys Basilica, Paduas most celebrated monument. While a major Christian pilgrimage site, the basilica is also known for its elaborate high altar that was decorated by the early-Renaissance master Donatello. Admire the altar and then head outside to see the Equestrian Statue of Gattamelata, an impressive Donatello sculpture that guards the basilicas entrance.
After a break for lunch (own expense), continue to nearby Venice by coach. Check into your hotel and then head out to see the sites that make Venice sing with romantic ambiance. With your guide, stroll through St Marks Square -- the citys flamboyant central piazza-- and marvel at historical monuments such as St Marks Basilica. Learn of the dastardly doges who once ruled Venice in a web of power and corruption, and see the Bridge of Sighs where prisoners were led before they were locked away.
Return to your hotel for dinner, and then spend the rest of your evening at leisure.
Day 3: Venice
Enjoy breakfast in your hotel and then head out by boat to visit Murano - a colorful cluster of close-knit islands in the Venetian lagoon. Once a commercial port, Murano gained a reputation for glassmaking in the early 13th century - producing items that were (at that time) either rare or non-existent in Europe. Watch a glass-blowing demonstration inside a Murano workshop and see local glassmakers in action, turning silica sand into glass.
Return to your hotel, check out and then relax on your journey south to Rome - either by train or coach (your guide will advise on the day). Your tour finishes in central Rome in the early evening.
