Italy Explorer

Partake in a three hour shared tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. Begin by passing through Piazza della Repubblica and following the ancient Aurelian walls which once surrounded the ancient city. On arrival at the Vatican Walls, your guide will then lead you into the Vatican Museums taking the beautiful Spiral staircase and continuing through the Gallery of the Tapestries and the Gallery of the Geographical Maps before arriving in the famous Sistine Chapel with its magnificent fresco of the Last Judgement by Michelangelo. (Includes hotel pick up – since there will be various pick ups within the city centre, you will be given a pick up time range. Please be in the hotel lobby/reception for this time. At the end of the tour, there are various central drop off points: Via Veneto, Piazza Barberini, Piazza Venezia, Piazza della Repubblica and Termini Station. Includes entrances to churches mentioned). Please note that shared tours can have up to approx. 50 people (depending on the number of people that have signed up for the tour on the particular day, and are carried out in a number of languages). The group may be divided out into smaller groups so the tour is lead in one language or kept as one larger group (in which case the tour will be lead in various languages).

Rome is a great place for shopping. There are five main shopping areas: Spanish Steps & Via dei Condotti - This street is one of the richest streets in Italy and one of the best streets for shopping in Rome. The Via Dei Condotti is home to Italy's top designer stores. Via Del Corso – This busy pedestrian street runs from Piazza del Popolo down to Piazza Venezia. It is home to the famous shops like the Ferrari flagship store and Swarowski Crystal. Trastevere – This rather bohemian area of the city with its many winding streets is great for shopping and getting lost in. Be sure to check out the outdoor food market in Piazza San Cosimato where locals bargain with the vendors. (7am -2pm.) - Viale Marconi and Porta Portese- Viale Marconi is very good for shopping and is particularly popular with young trendy Romans. A bit out from the city centre, it can be reached by talking the Metro Line B to Marconi. It is about 15 minutes away from the Coliseum. Porta Portese is the famous Roman flea market which takes place every Sunday from 8am until about 2pm. Another place of interest for food and market lovers is the Piazza Vittorio where a mesmerizing array of fresh foods, fruits, fish and meat, run by people from all over the world is displayed. Piazza Navona & via del Governo Vecchio – The well known Piazza Navona is a great place for art lovers, as the surrounding streets contain lots of art galleries and antique shops.

In the afternoon you will be picked up from your hotel by coach and guide for a three hour shared tour. Arrive at Piazza Venezia and then continue on foot to the famous Piazza Del Campidoglio designed by Michelangelo. Drive by the Circus Maximus and the Aventino Hill. Stop to admire the beautiful statue of Moses by Michelangelo located in the Church of St. Peter in Chains from where it will take you 5 minutes to reach the symbol of the eternal city: The Colosseum. Take a visit inside of The Colosseum. (Includes hotel pick up – since there will be various pick ups within the city centre, you will be given a pick up time range. Please be in the hotel lobby/reception for this time. At the end of the tour, there will be a city centre drop off. Includes entrances to churches mentioned). Please note that shared tours can have up to approx. 50 people (depending on the number of people that have signed up for the tour on the particular day, and are carried out in a number of languages). The group may be divided out into smaller groups so the tour is lead in one language or kept as one larger group (in which case the tour will be lead in various languages). Due to seasonal opening times the itinerary may be altered without notice.

Enjoy the train ride from Rome to Florence. Train duration is approximately 1 hour 30 mins.

This exciting guided walking tour starts from the peculiar 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 market-place 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 to far from there you will arrive at the Piazza della Signoria, a great "open-air sculpture museum", which overlooks the imposing Palazzo Vecchio. Within the Palazzo Vecchio you will find one of the world most important museums in the world, the Uffizi Gallery. You would 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 where this tour ends.

Enjoy a full day shared tour which gives you the opportunity of discovering the Chianti region. A coach with an English speaking Guide will first take you through the countryside of the Chianti area with ever-changing scenery of vineyards and olive trees. Enjoy a visit to San Gimignano, a tiny city that has remained intact through the centuries. The city is situated on top of a hill and is famous for its numerous towers, fresco's and other art treasures. On arrival in Siena there is some free time for lunch (not included). Your guide will than bring you on a escorted visit through this magnificent city. You will see the Cathedral situated in the Piazza dal Campo, one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. Located near this famous Piazza is the Town Hall, and San Domenico, which is known for it's numerous treasures of Italian painting. During the return journey you will see the old medieval village of Monteriggioni enclosed by its famous walls which are still standing strong.

A private vehicle with English speaking driver will provide a transfer to the airport in Florence today.