Sign up for your tour online
Travel during these dates |
|
| Nov 07 to Nov 16 |
 |
| Nov 14 to Nov 23 |
 |
| Nov 24 to Dec 03 |
|
| Dec 15 to Dec 24 |
|
| Aug 29 to Sep 07 |
|
| Oct 03 to Oct 12 |
|
| Oct 06 to Oct 15 |
|
| Oct 10 to Oct 19 |
|
| Oct 13 to Oct 22 |
|
| Oct 17 to Oct 26 |
|
| Oct 20 to Oct 29 |
|
| Oct 24 to Nov 02 |
 |
| Oct 27 to Nov 05 |
|
| Nov 07 to Nov 16 |
|
| Nov 14 to Nov 23 |
|
| Nov 24 to Dec 03 |
|
| Dec 15 to Dec 24 |
|
Walking Key
Light = Two to four miles of mostly level walking.
Moderate = Four to six miles and/or up and down hills and/or some stairs.
Strenuous = Six to ten miles, lots of stairs, uneven terrain.
Best of Venice, Florence and Rome in 10 Days
$2,995 + air • 24-28 people • Begins in Venice and ends in Rome
Italy's three greatest cities are like fine gelato — why settle for just one flavor if you can get three scoops at once? Think of this tour as a ten-day sugar-cone of travel fun serving up the very best of Best of Venice, Florence and Rome.
All along the way, your full-time Rick Steves guide, hand-picked local guides, and your trio of Rick Steves guidebooks will make the culture and history of each great city come alive. If you're looking to fit maximum travel thrills into the shortest trip — without sacrificing cultural depth or time to explore on your own — this tour was made for you.
See what's included in your tour price
Find out why this tour is physically demanding
Download a printable PDF file of this tour's information
Your day-by-day itinerary
Day 0: Depart USA
Remember, you'll arrive in Europe the day after you depart the USA.
Day 1: Welcome to Italy
We'll meet at 4 p.m. at our Venice hotel, deep in the old center of Europe's best-preserved medieval city. After introductions, we'll set off on an orientation walk before having a traditional Venetian dinner together. Sleep in Venice (3 nights). No bus. Walking: light.
Day 2: Historic Venice
After a morning walking tour through the backstreets of Venice, we'll dive directly into the historic center of what was for centuries Europe's top superpower, with a visit to St. Mark's Basilica and a tour of the Doges' Palace. Tonight is yours to take in a church concert, waltz on St. Mark's square, or pub crawl your way through this unique city. No bus. Walking: strenuous.
Day 3: The Art of Wandering in Venice
Today begins with a locally guided visit to the Accademia, a treasure trove of Venetian art through the centuries. The afternoon is free for you to visit Venice's other famous sights or to get delightfully lost in the back lanes of this magical island. No bus. Walking: strenuous.
Day 4: Wonders of Renaissance Florence
We'll drive straight to Florence this morning. After checking into our hotel, we'll plunge into the historic heart of Florence and experience its years of glory as your guide leads you on a Renaissance walk across town. We'll see the magnificent Duomo (cathedral), Baptistery doors, and other Renaissance sights. Tonight we'll feast together on hearty Tuscan cuisine. Sleep in Florence (3 nights). Bus: 4 hrs. Walking: strenuous.
Day 5: David and the Oltrarno
This morning, we'll experience the remarkable accomplishments of Florence's most famous son at the Accademia Gallery, home to Michelangelo's David. Afterwards a local scholar will join us as we visit the backstreets. We'll go beyond the Renaissance, with a fascinating peek into Roman, medieval and 19th century Florence (when the city suddenly found itself the capital of a new country called Italy). The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore Florence's other sights, to enjoy Italy's best shopping...or just eat more gelato. No bus. Walking: strenuous.
Day 6: The Uffizi
This morning we'll devote our time to the breathtaking Renaissance art of the Uffizi — home to the finest collection of Italian paintings anywhere. After our visit, the remainder of the day is yours to explore more of the Uffizi or the other brilliant museums that Florence has to offer. No bus. Walking: strenuous (your choice).
Day 7: Roaming through Rome
This morning we'll hop on our bus for the drive to Rome. After stopping en route for lunch, we'll get comfortable in our centrally-located hotel before celebrating our arrival in Rome with dinner together and a fountain-splashing, after-dinner stroll through the historic heart of the city. Sleep in Rome (3 nights). Bus: 4 hrs. Walking: moderate.
Day 8: St. Peter's and the Vatican Museum
We'll spend much of today on the other side of the Tiber River, where the Vatican City beckons. We'll see the treasures of the Vatican Museum, including the sublime Sistine Chapel, and the awe-inspiring St. Peter's Basilica, with Michelangelo's moving Pietà and Bernini's amazing, seven-story bronze canopy. You'll have free time to explore the crypt or climb the dome (for a fantastic vista). No bus. Walking: strenuous.
Day 9: Monuments of Ancient Rome
We'll spend our morning uncovering Ancient Rome as we tour the impressive Forum, Colosseum and Pantheon. You'll be free this afternoon to wander through the nearby Palatine ruins, St. Peter-in-Chains church or the Mamertine Prison — or find your own slice of Roman history. Tonight we'll feast together at our farewell dinner. No bus. Walking: strenuous.
Day 10: Tour over after breakfast
This morning we'll say our final goodbyes and head for home...or you may want to stick around for a few more days of la dolce vita (the sweet life). Arrivederci!
Itinerary specifics subject to change.
See what's included in your tour price
Recommended reading and viewing list for this tour
Favorite tour memories from a recent alum:
"Having dinner with seven of my tourmates in a small family owned cafe not far from our hotel...the experience was delightful. The owner, a very old woman, waited on us, and although she didn't speak English, was just wonderful to us. Before we left, I looked for her to thank her for the hospitality. She understood what I was saying and put her cheeks out for the traditional kiss. It was very special."
— Linda in Mill Creek, WA
Read more tour
member feedback