What better way to introduce (or re-introduce!) your kids to Europe than on a family trip to Italy... Spending time in the enigmatic cities of Rome, Florence and Venice, you'll get your fill of history, cuisine and culture - all in a kid-friendly way. See the ancient sites of Rome in the company of an expert before discovering the secrets of Imperial Rome's Gladiator games. Get hands-on with ancient Roman history as you are taught how to fight with authentic weapons used by the Gladiators of ancient Rome. Get your hands dirty in a fun and interactive cooking class in Florence and learn how to make some of the country's best known dishes.
Tickle your taste buds on a private tour of a renowned chocolate factory after staring in awe at the gravity defying leaning tower of Pisa. Then be whisked to Venice on the high speed train and learn the importance of the Venetians festival before making your own mask and taking a gondola ride.
With all of your activities and tours organized uniquely for you and your family, you can be sure that everyone will be happy and that this one will be a vacation winner, remembered for years to come!

Rome, the 'Eternal City', is the capital of Italy. The historical center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Make sure to explore the sites of the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. A few blocks away, Old Rome is the center of the medieval and Renaissance periods, with beautiful plazas, cathedrals, the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Fountains of Trevi, Campo de' Fiori, Spanish Steps, and plenty of shopping and dining. Just across the river is the Vatican, the Papal City State and its endless treasure troves of sights, relics, and museums, as well as the surrounding Italian neighborhood, Vaticano. Via Veneto leads north into modern Rome to the train station and is lined with glitzy shops and hotels for every budget.

Enjoy a private Airport (Fiumicino/Ciampino) transfer with a private vehicle and driver.

A welcome package with your vouchers, a city map, train tickets (if relevant) and any other touristic information that we deem you may find useful will be waiting for you upon your arrival at your first hotel on your trip.

Enjoy one of the most delightful and fascinating walks in the world! Monumental Rome is a mix of piazzas (squares), Rennaissance architectural masterpieces, and thousands of years of history -all interwoven with cafes, shopping, and great gelato! Your walk through the historical centre starts at the Spanish Steps, famously leading down to the historic center of the city and surrounded with fabulous shopping, from bargain to the top brands. Continue to the Trevi Fountain where legend says if you flip a coin into the water you are sure to return to Rome. The Piazza Colona's great buildings are hemmed in by rushing traffic, so continue on a few blocks to the massive Pantheon, which was built in the First Century B.C. and for millenia was the highest arched building in the world. Its a short walk to Piazza Navona, with the famous Fountain of the Four Rivers, Bernini's masterpiece. This square is packed with artists, cafes, and a swirl of faces - its a great place to enjoy the view. You can explore this part of the city for days!

Hotel Artemide (4*) is a 19th-century property overlooking Rome’s central Via Nazionale, 500 metres from the Exhibition Palace and one kilometre from the Trevi fountain. Reception rooms at the Artemide Hotel retain original Art Nouveau features and the restaurant terrace boasts views of Rome’s city centre. Air-conditioned guestrooms feature minimalist or Art Deco-style decor with marble bathrooms and soundproof windows together with Internet access.  Under new Roman law, hotels charge a small amount per traveller per day as a “tourist tax”, which needs to be paid locally through your hotel in Rome. Amounts may vary, but currently the cost is 2EUR per person for 2* & 3* hotels and 3EUR for 4* & 5* hotels. The charges will be added to your bill upon check out and are non-negotiable.

Overnight at Artemide (4*).

Enjoy a 3 hour private tour of Rome exploring the rich past of the Roman era taking in the most famous sites of Imperial Rome. The Capitolium square owes its splendid layout to Michelangelo. The Roman Forum, the centre of Imperial Rome, lies just down the valley between the Palatine, Quirinale and Capitolium hills. Several Temples, Triumphal Arches, Ancient Basilicas, Rostra, the Curia House and many other ancient monuments, make this valley a sort of open-air museum. See all of these sights, including the Colosseum,  with your Private Guide as you discover the wonders of Rome.

Master the basics of hand-to-hand combat at a genuine gladiator school on the ancient Appian Way! You'll discover the secrets of Imperial Rome's gladiator games, get hands-on with ancient Roman history and have the best fun you can imagine! During your two-hour lesson, your gladiator instructor will teach you how to fight with authentic weapons used by the gladiators of ancient Rome. Dressed in a traditional gladiator tunic, belt, leather protective glove and rudis (training sword), you can let your imagination run wild as you play like Spartacus for a day, fighting off ferocious lions and sword-wielding warriors! Next, learn the basic techniques of gladiatorial sword fighting and take part in an optional gladiatorial tournament, with the winner receiving a victory prize. All participants receive a certificate of accomplishment. if you are not feeling so brave, you can always watch the activity from the great viewing platform. Are you up to the challenge of this truly Roman experience combining culture, sport and ancient legends?? (Your tour includes a Two-hour gladiator lesson led by members of the Historic Group of Rome, Hire of gladiator clothing and weapons, complimentary drink & entrance to the Gladiator School of Rome Museum).

Overnight at Artemide (4*).

Even among Italy's finest cities, Florence is something special, rising from the beautiful landscape of Tuscany as a living piece of history. Everywhere you turn you'll see works by Michelangelo, Donatello, Brunelleschi and any number of Masters of Italy's Golden Age. It is in the museums and galleries of the city that most of Florence's treasures are concentrated. The piazzas are full of fashionable boutiques and ever more fashionable people, and the café is still central to the Florentine social life. In the evening the city lights up and its squares and streets are thronged with visitors and locals taking their "passeggiata" as the denizens of the city have done for thousands of years.

You will be met by a private driver and escorted from the train station to your accommodation.

Enjoy the train ride from Rome to Florence. Train duration is approximately 2 hours 30 mins.

Take a private train station transfer in Florence. Please note that a surcharge may be post billed to you if you require a transfer after 8pm or before 7am.

The Hotel Brunelleschi (4*) is located in the historical centre of Florence, a stone’s throw from the Uffizi Gallery, the “Piazza della Signoria” and one of the world’s most famous  shopping streets. The Brunelleschi has 96 rooms and suites, spectacular views of the “Duomo”, a restaurant, and a gym. The hotel has been created within a circular Byzantine tower and a medieval church, entirely reconstructed, but keeping the original characteristics of the buildings. Inside you can find a private museum in which is conserved the architectural ruins discovered during the restoration of the buildings.  This hotel is also featured at the end of Dan Brown’s “The Da Vinci Code”. 

Overnight at Brunelleschi (4*).

Enjoy a half day walking tour with your private local guide. You will be met at your hotel by your licensed and knowledgeable English speaking Guide and can proceed on foot to view the top sights. This personalized tour will give you local insight into the real history and hidden gems. (No entrance fees included).

On your tour you will see the Central Market zone, characterised by its workshops and multicolored stands. Located in this area are the Medici Chapels, and the Basilica di S. Lorenzo, which is the church of the famous Medici family. A short stroll from the marketplace is the Piazza del Duomo, where you can admire the picturesque Cathedral from both the interior and exterior. This Cathedral is known for its dome created by Brunelleschi, its bell tower designed by Giotta, and its Paradise Door on the Saint John Baptistery. The tour continues by visiting the medieval quarters where Dante Alighieri and Beatrice once lived. Moving further through the city you will find the Palazzo del Bargello. Not too far from there you will arrive at the Piazza della Signoria, a great "open-air sculpture museum", which overlooks the imposing Palazzo Vecchio. You will then proceed to the Mercato della Paglia (straw market), where the famous Piglet Fountain is located. Moving along, you will travel along the street that leads you to Ponte Vecchio, also known as the "jewel-bridge." After snapping some photos along this famous bridge, you will arrive at the wonderful Pitti Palace. This is a suggested itinerary - if you have anything specifc you wish to visit please let you guide know. As this is a private tour you can tailor it as you wish.

When imagining Italian cuisine the first few pictures that arrive in your head are pizza, gelato, and pastries. This fun course will teach you the techniques used by Italian chefs for creating these delicious meals. Learn to prepare a real Neapolitan pizza using dough leavened in the traditional method. Create homemade gelato using natural ingredients, as well as a delectable dessert made from best Tuscan chocolate. To conclude your culinary adventure, your dinner will consist of the dishes that you have produced along with a regional Tuscan wine. This tour departs from The Piazza Santa Trinita, at the Column. (Runs 6.15pm to 9.30pm)

Overnight at Brunelleschi (4*).

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Pisa today on a private guided tour. The Field of Miracles with the leaning tower, Cathedral, Baptistry, cemetery, picturesque squares with historical buildings are all sure to impress! Enjoy seeing the sights in the company of a local English speaking guide.

Spend some time exploring the world of chocolate! The DeBondt chocolate factory is an award winning chocolate maker who produces high quaity choclates in an artisinal environment. Get an insight into what goes into making great chocolate on a private tour of the facilities. There are three different visits to choose from (refer to the grid above to confirm wich tour has been chosen for you);

1 - 1.5hr tour; On your private tour, you will be privy to a fun and interesteing chocolate lesson with various tastings from the seed to the finest chocolate.

2 - 2.5hr tour; Get a more indepth tour including the above and a visit to the laboratory where all the magic happens.

3 - 3.5hr tour; After an introduction to the facility and enjoying a tasting, you'll get to participate in a hands-on workshop. Under the supervision of one of the chocolate makers, you'll be shown the secrets of how to make quality chocolate as you make your own creations!

Florence is a great city for browsing and shopping. The street for antiques is Via Maggio: some of the furnishings and objets d'art here are from the 16th century. Florence's Fifth Avenue is Via dei Tornabuoni, the place to head for the best quality leather goods, for the best clothing boutiques, and for stylish but costly shoes. Here you'll find everyone from Armani, Gucci, Versace, Coveri, to Ferragamo. Besides shops, Florence is rich in open-air markets. The Market of San Lorenzo, situated in the center of the city, is worth checking out. The New Market, where one can acquire leather goods and souvenirs, is sheltered under the sixteenth-century Loggia del Porcellino. At the Flea Market, near Piazza Santa Croce, where you may able to make good deals on small antique items.

Overnight at Brunelleschi (4*).

In the rich cultures of Europe and celebrated cities of Italy, few places capture the imagination as much as Venice. Its fabled canalled thoroughfares and gilded palaces possess a beguiling beauty unsurpassed by anywhere else on Earth. Everywhere you go you'll find works of art - in the architecture itself or within the walls of the palaces and basilicas that are liberally sprinkled in every area of the city. Venice is an ever-changing, living canvas. No other place has such a mutable geography where you can discover delightfully peaceful piazzas and deserted canals seemingly unmarked on any map. Quite simply, there is nowhere else in the world quite like it.

Take a private train station transfer in Florence. Please note that a surcharge may be post billed to you if you require a transfer after 8pm or before 7am.

Enjoy the train journey from Florence to Venice by fast speed train. Travel time is approximately 2 hours 40 mins.

The Venice Santa Lucia Train Station is the main station travelers arrive and depart from in Venice. It’s a modern building in the main city and is connected to the Grand Canal. The station is a great entrance to the ancient city of Venice and is very easily accessible by public transport and local water taxis. Upon your arrival, please follow the signs and make your way to the exit. Walk down the steps and veer left towards the LOCAL WATER TAXI stand, between the bridge and the vaporetto station. Join the queue and instruct the driver to take you to your specific hotel. Please be aware that not all hotels have a private boat launch so you may be dropped off at the nearest water taxi stand. It is a short walk to your hotel from there. When departing, please ask your hotel to arrange a water taxi for you. Please note that a private boat transfer can easily be arranged for you and by local Venetian Law, the price is approximately 120-300 Euro.

Enjoy a 4 hour private Mask decoration and Art and Craft tour with an English speaking local Guide. Your local guide will pick you up at your hotel and walk you through the streets of Venice as you learn the history behind the famous Venician Mask. Learn the enormous wealth of facts and customs surrounding the Venice Carnival and why masks played such an important role. After your walking tour, you'll reach a local arts factory where you will create your own masterpiece with help from local mask making experts.

Palazzo Sant'Angelo Canal Grande (4*) is a charming hotel housed in a noble building, elegantly restored and completely furnished in Venetian style, is located in the heart of Venice on Canal Grande, between the Rialto and Accademia bridges. The welcoming hall, with splendid original Palladian pavement, is decorated with warm colours and an old stone fireplace. From the hall windows guests can enjoy a wonderful view on Canal Grande.

Overnight at Palazzo Sant`Angelo (4*).

Enjoy a 2 hour private walking tour of Venice with an English speaking local guide. Visit St. Mark's Square, the heart of political and religious power of the Venetian Republic for centuries, and learn the history that lies behind the walls of its most famous landmarks; the Basilica and its Byzantine heritage, the Doge's Palace and its adjoining prisons that retain the true secrets to comprehend how a city built on swamps became one of the most enlightened cities in the western world. Then, leave St. Mark's behind you to discover the enchanting Hidden Venice. Following a monumental route, your guide will narrate the in-depth history of Venice from its origins to the modern-day. You'll hear tales of illustrious Venetian characters like Marco Polo and Casanova. And you'll see Marco Polo's House, a Merchants’ Warehouse, explore the lively Campo Santa Maria Formosa with its outstanding Venetian Palaces, the Church of San Giovanni e Paolo (the Pantheon of Venice), and at the Scuola di San Marco you'll learn about the famous Confraternities (Schools) of merchants and artisans of Venice that provided the foundations of the Venetian mercantile empire. This walking tour of Venice finishes at the evocative Rialto Bridge overlooking the Grand Canal and the Rialto Market. (Entrances not included)

Sit back and relax on a marvellous and enchanting half an hour evening gondola ride through the Grand Canal and inner canals of Venice. You will breathe the atmosphere of this ancient city built on water. Start your journey at the 'Stazio Gondole Santa Maria del Giglio". Close to Saint Mark, right on the Grand Canal, in front of Guggenheim Collection palace and Santa Maria della Salute church; this gondola station is one of the oldest Gondola stops in Venice.

Overnight at Palazzo Sant`Angelo (4*).

Take a water taxi from your hotel to the airport. Your hotel concierge should be able to help you with the arrangements on site. The fare to the Venice Airport is dependent on the location of your hotel and how many people are traveling with you. Alternatively, if you would like to have a private transfer arranged for you in advance, please speak to your Sales Advisor.

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport) (standard).