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Tour Date: May 3-12, 2025
Come explore Venice and Tuscany in May!! This 8-night trip encompasses all the romance, history and beauty these regions have to offer. You’ll travel by boat and gondola through the canals and waterways of Venice. High speed train to Florence. Dine on amazing local cuisine and drink some wonderful wine. A day in Murano and Burano. You’ll stay in Florence enjoying a food tour. You’ll visit some amazing gardens in Tuscany and enjoy a special banquet dinner provided by local farmers.
Venice
The Star Hotel Splendid is your luxurious home for three nights. This elegant hotel is ideally located on a canal and a 3-minute walk to St Mark’s Square, as well as many wonderful restaurants and shops.
Venice Walking Tour and Gondola Ride
We’ll stroll the splendid Piazza San Marco known for its world-famous marble square that is lined with galleries, luxury shops and charming cafes. We’ll stop to visit St. Mark’s Basilica, the “Church of Gold”, and nearby Doge’s Palace, the Gothic residence of the Doge up until the fall of the Venetian Republic in 1797. Afterwards, we’ll continue on to view the Bridge of Sighs, which passes over the Rio di Palazzo and connects the old prisons to the interrogation rooms in the Doge’s Palace. Next, we’ll embark on a quintessential Venetian gondola ride. As your gondolier glides through the calm canal waters, look in wonder at the century’s old Baroque buildings and classic charm of this historical city.
Murano & Burano Islands
After a late breakfast, our guide will take us to the islands of Murano and Burano. Embark on a leisurely cruise to reach the island of Murano, famous for the beautiful blown glass that craftsmen have produced for centuries. Upon arrival, stop to visit a glass blowing factory and watch a demonstration on traditional Venetian glass blowing. Then, enjoy some time to shop or grab a snack. This location is the best place to purchase true Murano glassware.
Burano, a nearby island, is famous for its lacework that the Buranese women have created for centuries. Burano is also known for the brightly and vividly painted houses, which stand in stark contrast to the relatively muted colors of Venice. Here, join a local specialist for a Lace Tatting Demonstration.
This evening we’ll delight in a special treat as we dine at the Venissa Restaurant, a hidden oasis on the island of Burano. Soak in the breath-taking sunset views while tasting traditional Venetian dishes made with vegetables grown on the estate.
Secret Gardens
The vibrant Castello district of Venice is a bustling neighborhood dotted with hotels, shops and eateries as well as many secret gardens. Our destination expert will guide us through these enchanting enclosures, which are rich in history and beauty.
Florence
The Grand Adriatico Hotel is located in the center of Florence close to all the sites and wonderful cafes and restaurants. (6 Michelin Star restaurants nearby, and plenty of wonderful cafes!)
Tuscan Countryside
Take in scenic views as you travel through Tuscany’s low-lying hills and olive groves to Siena, one of Italy’s most beautiful cities. Upon arrival, stop to visit the San Domenico Church, a vast brick church founded by the Dominicans in 1125 as part of their friary, and containing the head of St. Catherine in the reliquary.
Then, journey to the historic Piazza Del Campo, where the famous Palio Horse Race is held twice a year. After, spend some time at leisure to soak up Siena’s captivating ambiance and perhaps have an independent lunch in one of the city’s cafes.
This afternoon, our coach will take us into wine country, where we’ll have the opportunity to visit a local vineyard and delight in a tasting.
Tonight, we’ll celebrate in Radda in Chianti, a beautiful medieval town enclosed within large defensive walls. A festive evening awaits, as we partake in a special medieval banquet dinner presented by Radda’s local farmers and keeping with the village’s tradition of sharing one’s crop with everyone.
Florence Sightseeing
Today, our guide will take us on walking tour of Florence, a city of artistic wealth and beauty. Stop to visit the Academia Museum, which was founded in 1784 and hosts a collection of sculptures and paintings. One of the most important works on display at the museum is the David by Michelangelo, completed in 1504. Then we’ll journey to the beautiful Piazza Del Duomo to see the Cathedral of Santa Maria Del Fiore and Palazzo Vecchio. Next, we’ll dive into Tuscany’s legendary cuisine with a special walking food tour of the famous San Lorenzo Market, where we can sample authentic Tuscan foods.
Medici Villa & Gardens
In the afternoon, we’ll visit the famous Medici Villas and Gardens, a series of complexes owned by the Medici family between the 15th and 17th centuries. While here, we’ll have the opportunity to live like the locals and experience a farm to table “Picking and Cooking” class before enjoying an unforgettable al fresco dinner in the Villa Gardens.
Italian Palace and Gardens
We’ll visit the Boboli Gardens, designed by Niccolo Pericoli in 1549, and considered to be one of the most important examples of the Italian Garden. Here, you can stroll through the different sections of the beautiful landscape and view the historical sculptures and fountains.
Visit the nearby Pitti Palace, built in 1446 and famous for its stunning Renaissance architecture. The palace was once home to the powerful Medici family, but today houses several impressive galleries and museums.
INCLUDED
- 3 nights hotel, Venice (Splendid Hotel)
- 5 nights hotel, Florence (Grand Adriatico)
- 8 breakfasts
- 2 lunches, 4 dinners
- Fully escorted
- Transportation included
- All touring and admissions as described
- All taxes, luggage handling and gratuities for guide and driver
NET COST PER PERSON
- $6,970/Double
- $9,740/Single
AIRFARE NOT INCLUDED (available end of June 2024)
DEPOSITS
- $600 due upon booking ($400 refundable up to January 15, 2025)
- $2,000 due November 1, 2024 (Refundable up to January 15, 2024)
- Full pre-payment due January 15 (50% refundable up to February 15)
** Airport transfers are included if you purchase through this site. If airfare is purchased independently of this package, airport transfer may or may not be included.
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