Christmas in Italy: Rome to Venice
9 days, Rome to Venice
Itinerary
Day 1Rome
Arrive at any time. Meet your CEO and fellow travellers at a welcome briefing this evening at the hotel then head out for an optional dinner with the group.
There are no planned activities until tonight's welcome meeting.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Optional Activities - Day 1 HideShow
St Peter's Basilica Visit
FreeSistine Chapel
20-25EUR per personAlthough the Sistine Chapel is always very crowded, it is a must-see for any visitor to the Vatican. The magnificent frescoed ceiling of the chapel painted by Michelangelo depicts over 300 figures from the Book of Genesis, the most well-known being “The Creation of Adam,” showing God touching the finger of Adam. “The Last Judgment” on the west wall depicts a scene from the Book of Revelations. Art aficionados, get ready to cross one of your list!
Borghese Gallery
25EUR per personTake a visit to the beautiful Borghese Gallery villa to indulge in a rich collection of ancient sculptures, relics, mosaics, and paintings. Pieces from Renaissance masters such as Bellini, Raphael, Bernini can be found here.
Colosseum Visit
24EUR per personEnjoy 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!
Accommodation
Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.
Hotel San Marco Rome (or similar)
Day 2Rome
Enjoy a G Adventures supported migrant led walk of Rome before taking public transit to discover the magic of Rome's most iconic Christmas market at Piazza Navona! Built on the site of the 1st century Stadium of Domitian, this ancient site transforms into a colourful paradise boasting merchant stalls selling local handicrafts, toys, and sweets, a classic carousel, and the quintessential Christmas tree. After, walk with your CEO from Navona to Spagna learning the local history of must-see stops along the way.
Your G for Good Moment: Migrantour Rome
Learn all about a different side of Rome with a newcomer to Italy as your guide with Migrantour, a social enterprise that trains immigrants to give tours of the city - with their own flair. G Adventures travellers receive a unique experience as guides give them rare insight into Italian society through an immigrant's eyes. From ancient landmarks to the history of migration to Rome, expect this to be a guided tour like no other.
Free Time
There's so much to see and do in Rome. Take some time to explore as you see fit.
Christmas Market Visit
There isn’t really a more festive way to partake in the holiday season than by wandering through wooden stalls of century old Christmas markets. Picture music playing, twinkling lights, and the aroma of delicious treats wafting through the air. Sip mulled wine while you shop for hand-crafted ornaments or gifts in arguably one of the most beautiful places in Europe.
Optional Activities - Day 2 HideShow
St Peter's Basilica Visit
FreeColosseum Visit
24EUR per personEnjoy 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!
Accommodation
Hotel San Marco Rome (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 3Rome/Montepulciano
Depart Rome by train then transfer to the town of Pienza for a visit and for some free time to explore. Continue on to Montepulciano in the heart of the Tuscan countryside and enjoy the medieval and renaissance hill town with an orientation walk and a local wine tasting.
Montepulciano is famous for producing delectable local pork, cheese, "Pici" pasta, and honey. It is also major wine producing area. Take in the stunning vistas, wander cobbled lanes, or opt to sample the local delicacies in small, family-run establishments.
Montepeluciano has a charming Christmas market however opening times are variable and it is not active every day. If it is running when the group arrives to town it will be visited after the orientation walk, however this visit cannot be guaranteed.
Local Train
Climb aboard, take your seat, and get around like the locals do.
Minibus
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Orientation Walk Pienza
Visit Pienza with your CEO, a picturesque town in Tuscany which is a blend of Renaissance architecture and culinary delights. Stroll along Corso Rossellino, the main street, lined with charming shops and cafes.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
Albergo Duomo (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 4Montepulciano
Spend the day in the Italian countryside. The famous wine-producing region is the perfect place for an optional vineyard tour and wine tasting, or a bike ride in the rolling hills.
For those looking to travel further afield, a visit to the thermal springs of Bagni San Filippo is a popular option.
Free Time
Get out and explore this charming town by foot or bicycle.
Optional Activities - Day 4 HideShow
Bagni San Filippo Thermal Springs
The Tuscan region is known for natural thermal springs. Take a 30min ride out of town to Bagni San Filippo and find yourself in a picturesque setting of calciferous formations, waterfalls, and natural pools; this scene is made more spectacular by the vivid colour of the water made bright blue by effect of the hot springs meeting the cool river water. Sit back, relax, and be healed.
Montepulciano Wine Tour
Travel outside of Montepulciano through the rolling vineyards to one of the surrounding wineries, such as the legendary Avignonesi estate or Cantina Fattoria della Talosa. Enjoy strolling through the hectares of greenery, indulging in a sample of local wines, and a guided tour of the cellars.
Bike Rental
Rent a bike from a local shop and head out to explore.
Accommodation
Albergo Duomo (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 5Montepulciano/Florence
Travel to picturesque Siena. After an orientation walk around this medieval city, opt to visit Torre del Mangia, Battistero, il Campo, or the Duomo or to take a "passeggiata" and meet the Sienese locals. Continue on to Florence and enjoy an evening walk to Piazzale Michelangelo for a fantastic panoramic view of the city, walking through the Mercato di Natale Firenze Christmas Market along the way.
The famous "Weihnachtsmarkten" is Florence's iconic Christmas market, located in the heart of the city on Piazza Santa Croce, in front of Basilica de Santa Croce.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Orientation Walk Siena
Wander through the medieval town of Siena, safely nestled in the heart of Tuscany. Feast your eyes on the gothic architecture while exploring the historic centre, a designated UNESCO World Heritage site.
Christmas Market Visit
There isn’t really a more festive way to partake in the holiday season than by wandering through wooden stalls of century old Christmas markets. Picture music playing, twinkling lights, and the aroma of delicious treats wafting through the air. Sip mulled wine while you shop for hand-crafted ornaments or gifts in arguably one of the most beautiful places in Europe.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Piazzale Michelangelo Walk
Cross through the centre of the city and over the Arno. Climb to the top of the hill and check out the vista over the river from Piazzale Michelangelo. It's worth every step!
Optional Activities - Day 5 HideShow
Ponte Vecchio Visit
Walk across this medieval bridge and look over the Arno River to feel the romance of this city. Jewelers, art dealers and souvenir shops run the length of the bridge, featured in many master paintings.
Il Duomo di Firenze Visit
Free-30EUR per personThis green, pink, and white marbled 13th century basilica is one of Italy’s largest churches and its brick dome is the largest ever constructed. Wander through the cathedral or choose to climb the 463 steps to the top of the dome and be rewarded with extraordinary views of the city!
Accommodation
Hotel Meridiana (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 6Florence
Immerse yourself in the splendor of Florence on a guided walking tour this morning. Catch a glimpse of the intricate buildings that make Florence a favourite to travellers the world over, and better understand the rich history and local way of living. With a free afternoon, the choices are endless. Opt to visit the Duomo, David at the Galleria dell’Accademia, Uffizi Gallery, medieval Ponte Vecchio, or the Medici Chapels, just to name a handful.
The afternoon is yours to explore. Check out the Mercato Centrale or any number of cafés and trattorias. If you came to shop, start at one end of the city and just keep going. There's beautiful architecture, famous museums, Renaissance art pieces, and charming cobblestone streets everywhere. If you wish to go further afield, take a wine tasting bike tour up to Fiesole and the vineyards of Chianti.
If you wish to visit popular museums like the Uffizi and Accademia Galleries, we strongly advise reserving tickets in advance to avoid waiting in line for a long time. Advance tickets can be reserved online at https://www.uffizi.it/en/tickets and https://www.galleriaaccademiafirenze.it/tickets/
Florence Guided Walking Tour
Discover the enchanting beauty and rich history of Florence on a guided tour through its iconic streets and landmarks. This immersive experience, led by a knowledgeable local guide, takes you on a journey through the heart of the Renaissance. Marvel at the architectural splendor of the Duomo, explore the vibrant atmosphere of Piazza della Signoria, and stroll across the historic Ponte Vecchio. Learn about the city's illustrious past, from its Medici rulers to its world-renowned artists.
Your Foodie Moment: Florence Market and Food Tour
Enjoy the local specialities on this CEO-led market and food tour. Take in the sights, sounds, and smells, and enjoy every moment.
Free Time
There's plenty to see and do in Florence, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like a visit to the Uffizi Gallery to see the works of the Renaissance masters. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!
Optional Activities - Day 6 HideShow
David (Galleria dell'Accademia) Visit
22.50-26.50EUR per personVisit Michelangelo's most famous statue, 'David'. Marvel at the artistry on display in the intricately carved piece of marble. Please note that pre-booking your admission online will be 26.50EUR and booking on site will be 22.50EUR.
Pitti Palace - Palatine Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art
17.75EUR per personVisiti the Pitti Palace and learn about history alongside modern art.
Ponte Vecchio Visit
Walk across this medieval bridge and look over the Arno River to feel the romance of this city. Jewelers, art dealers and souvenir shops run the length of the bridge, featured in many master paintings.
National Museum of Bargello
15.75EUR per personExplore this museum, housed in one of the earliest buildings in Florence (dating to 1255). Stroll through the corridors to learn about the history of this site and its many uses, and see the fantastic works from master artists such as Donatello and Michelangelo.
Uffizi Gallery Visit
25EUR per personHead to the Uffizi Gallery to see spectacular Botticelli and Leonardo da Vinci paintings in person.
Medici Chapels Visit
9-32EUR per personAdmire the opulence of the two Medici Chapels. The Sagrestia Nuova was designed by Michelangelo and built as a mausoleum for the powerful Medici family.
Il Duomo di Firenze Visit
Free-30EUR per personThis green, pink, and white marbled 13th century basilica is one of Italy’s largest churches and its brick dome is the largest ever constructed. Wander through the cathedral or choose to climb the 463 steps to the top of the dome and be rewarded with extraordinary views of the city!
Accommodation
Hotel Meridiana (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 7Florence/Venice
Settle in for the journey to Venice by train this morning and soak in the beautiful scenery along the way. Once at the hotel, take time to relax before heading out on foot for a guided walking tour and immerse yourself in this incredible city's beauty before exploring the local Christmas market. Enjoy a free evening or join the group for an optional dinner at one of your CEO's favourite local spots.
Known as the “City of Canals” or “The Floating City,” Venice is one of Italy’s most famous and picturesque destinations. Between the winding canals connecting San Marco with the Santa Chiara church, the bridge of sighs, and the Doge’s Palace, there are no shortage of photo ops and iconic moments.
Train
Climb aboard, take your seat, and get around like the locals do.
Guided Walking Tour of Venice
Discover iconic Venetian landmarks on a guided walking tour. Revel in the labyrinth like alleyways, charming bridges, and bustling squares, while gondolas glide through serene canals. Enjoy the unique ambiance of this historic city where every corner tells a story.
Christmas Market Visit
There isn’t really a more festive way to partake in the holiday season than by wandering through wooden stalls of century old Christmas markets. Picture music playing, twinkling lights, and the aroma of delicious treats wafting through the air. Sip mulled wine while you shop for hand-crafted ornaments or gifts in arguably one of the most beautiful places in Europe.
Accommodation
Albergo Marin (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 8Venice
Take advantage of a full free day to experience everything that Venice has to offer including the festive atmosphere of the Christmas markets. Explore Venice’s diverse culinary scene with a food tour, take a gondola ride, or wander along canals and through the maze-like streets; pass world-class museums and incredible architecture in all directions. Regroup in the evening for an optional final dinner out with the group.
Free Time
There's plenty to see and do in Venice so today is the day to explore.
Accommodation
Albergo Marin (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 9Venice
Depart at any time.