Italy Bella Family Adventure

Overnight flight from the U.S. to Rome.

Arrive today in the Eternal City. Introduction to Rome on a walking tour of the surrounding area with your expert local guide, including Piazza Navona with its remarkable Fountain of the Four Rivers, the Pantheon a marvel of Roman engineering, and the iconic Trevi Fountain before taking the Spanish steps. Some of these attractions may be visited on an alternative day. Welcome dinner. (3 Nights)

Discover the heart of the Roman Empire as you journey through history with a morning visit to the Imperial Roman Forum and the Colosseum. Illustrative materials and the dynamic guiding will make this day come alive. At the Stadium of Domitian, learn about chariot races and athletic contests similar to the Olympic Games. In the afternoon visit the Vatican City. See the glorious Basilica of St. Peter and the museums of the Vatican, including the famed Sistine Chapel.

Start an exciting day with a visit to Cinecittà, the largest film studio in Europe and considered the hub of Italian cinema. Behind the scenes tour of this “Factory of Dreams”. An exploration with your guide will reveal the secrets of evocative sets such as Broadway, Ancient Rome, and Fifteen-Century Florence. In the afternoon explore Baroque Rome through a treasure hunt (a fun challenge with prizes).

Leave beautiful Rome for the Tuscan countryside to Peccioli, an enchanting medieval small town located on a hilltop surrounded by a breathtaking landscape. Explore this walled village and its fortress on our way to Florence. “Live as Pecciolesi” and have lunch with the local people—an opportunity to exchange impressions and ideas with your hosts. (3 Nights)

Accompanied by your guides stroll the same streets walked by Michelangelo, Leonardo and Botticelli while savoring a gelato (ice cream is always at hand!) Your guide will bring Florence’s role in the Renaissance to life with a presentation designed for all ages. At Dante’s house learn about medieval history in a creative and fun way. The special activity today is a workshop “Guild of Physicians and Apothecaries.” In the afternoon, visit some of Florence landmarks including the splendid Duomo and the Gates of Paradise. At the Accademia, marvel at Michelangelo’s David.

This morning visit the Stibbert Museum. Surrounded by a large and beautiful garden, this museum houses an impressive collection of armors from ancient European to Islamic ones including Japanse Katanas. The young members of the group can don an armor made available by the museum. After lunch, the afternoon is free to explore. Meet again for merenda (snack) time at a fabulous bombolone (Italian donut) at Bar Cucciolo, located in the historical center.

Aside from being famous for pasta, few know that Bologna is also famous for ice cream. Visit the oldest and most famous ice cream machine factory in the world and its ice cream museum. Participate in a workshop to learn how ice cream is produced. Then, taste and make your own gelato and learn how to replicate these techniques at home! Proceed to Venice, a city built on water. Upon arrival, transfer by water taxi, past a maze of canals, and ornate palaces to your hotel. (2 Nights)

Exploring Venice is a special experience but visiting it off the beaten path is even more exciting. Start your adventure with a private visit to the oldest and most famous boatyard for gondolas construction, the Squero di San Trovaso. Our special access gives an inside look at the gondola building. In the afternoon, visit the Doge’s Palace, a magnificent combination of Byzantine, Gothic, and Renaissance architecture and center of the Venetian Empire and government. Here, in the company of an art historian explore the “secret paths” of the Palace and learn about its tales, including the fascinating life of Giacomo Casanova. Conclude your day with a visit to St. Mark’s Basilica, the most famous church in Venice. Farewell dinner.

This morning transfer by water taxi to the Venice airport and assistance with your return flight to the U.S.