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12 Day Rome, Florence & Venice Signature (with Amalfi Coast)
Highlights: Rome, Sorrento, Florence, Venice
Trip start: Rome
Trip end: Venice
Price Range from £2,786 to £3,253 *
* GBP per person based on 2-4 people, double occupancy. Custom designed personal tour. Prices subject to change.

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2008 & 2009

Trip Summary
Map of Itinerary
Expand [+]

Rome, Sorrento, Florence, Venice. Enjoy three days in Rome, from the floor of the Colosseum where gladiators fought, and the genteel halls of the Vatican where you will find the world's oldest book, to the site of the Trevi Fountain and the bustling piazzas and trattorias. Move next down to Sorrento, situated in the Bay of Naples adjacent to the fabulous Amalfi Coast. Spend a few days touring the area, including a wonderful day trip to the Isle of Capri. Spend the next few days exploring the city of Florence and the Chianti region (with a mix of private and shared tours along with time at leisure) and finish your Italian tour in the most romantic city in the world - Venice. Explore the city by gondola and on foot, along the narrow alleys and laneways giving on to magnificent squares such as the Piazza di San Marco. Check out the famous hand blown glass at Murano, and visit nearby islands of Burano and Torcello. Smile - for what worries can you possibly have when everything is looked after seamlessly for you from start to finish... Bravo!


Day Activities Hotel
Day 1
Rome
  • Rome: Transfer - Private - Airport (Fiumicino/Ciampino) - Vehicle/Driver
  • Welcome Pack - Package
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Dinner (not included)
Artemide (4*)
(Alt: Forty Seven)
(Alt: Boutique Hotel Trevi) (B)
Day 2
Rome
  • Shared - Vatican & Ancient Rome (with Lunch) (9 hrs) - Coach/Guide
  • Lunch (included)
  • Continuation of day tour
  • Dinner (not included)
Artemide (4*) (B)
Day 3
Rome
  • Private - 1/2 d Walking Rome (3 hrs) - Guide
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Self-Guided - Shopping in Rome
  • Dinner (not included)
Artemide (4*) (B)
Day 4
Sorrento
  • Transfer - Private - Train Station (arrival) - Vehicle/Driver
  • Train - Rome - Naples [2 hrs] - 1st class
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Transfer - Private - Naples - Amalfi [Train Station - Amalfi Coast] - Vehicle/Driver
  • Dinner (not included)
Antiche Mura (4*) (B)
Day 5
Sorrento
  • Sorrento: Shared - Amalfi Coast Tour (Amalfi & Ravello) - Coach/Guide
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Continuation of day tour
  • Dinner (not included)
Antiche Mura (4*) (B)
Day 6
Sorrento
  • Shared - Capri & Anacapri - Jetfoil/Coach/Guide
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Continuation of day tour
  • Dinner (not included)
  • Capri: Self-Guided - Restaurant Suggestions
Antiche Mura (4*) (B)
Day 7
Florence
  • Transfer - Private - Sorrento - Naples [Train Station] - Vehicle/Driver
  • Train - Naples - Florence [3 hrs] - 1st class
  • Florence: Transfer - Private - Train Station - Vehicle/Driver
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Dinner (not included)
Grand Hotel Cavour (4*) (B)
Day 8
Florence
  • Private - 1/2 d Walking Tour with Uffizi Gallery (3hrs) - Guide
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Self-Guided - Shopping
  • Dinner (not included)
Grand Hotel Cavour (4*) (B)
Day 9
Florence
  • Shared - San Gimignano & Siena (9.5 hrs) - Coach/Guide
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Continuation of day tour
  • Dinner (not included)
Grand Hotel Cavour (4*) (B)
Day 10
Venice
  • Transfer - Private - Train Station - Vehicle/Driver
  • Train - Florence - Venice [3 hrs] - 1st class
  • Venice: Self-Guided - Local Water Taxi (Train Station) Arrival
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Dinner (not included)
Palazzo Sant`Angelo (4*)
(Alt: Palace Bonvecchiati) (B)
Day 11
Venice
  • Private - 1/2 d Murano Glass Factory Tour (2 hr) - Boat/Transfer
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Private - Gondola Ride & Dinner - Gondola/Dinner
  • Dinner (included)
Palazzo Sant`Angelo (4*)
(Alt: Palace Bonvecchiati) (B)
Day 12
Venice
  • Self-Guided - Local Water Taxi (Airport) Departure
Depart (Int`l Airport) 
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, 1/2d = Half Day, Al = All Inclusive

Trip Options
All of our itineraries may be customized as you wish, add extra days, change a hotel, see different sights. Contact one of our expert consultants for your free, no-obligation vacation plan.

Itinerary

Day 1 Rome

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.

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*).


Rome
Rome
Trevi Fountain
Trevi Fountain
Artemide Hotel
Artemide Hotel
Day 2 Rome

Spend the day on a shared tour in Rome. After being picked up from your centrally located hotel, you will pass by the Villa Borghese park, Porta Flaminia and cross over the Tiber river before reaching the Vatican Museum. During the visit you can admire the Hall of the Greek Cross, the Statue Gallery, the interesting cartographic study in the Geographical Maps Gallery, the Raphael Rooms, entirely frescoed by the Master and, above all, the Sistine Chapel. This is where Popes are elected and where you will find the Genesis and Last Judgement works by Michelangelo which have been recently restored. Please note that during high season there may be queues to enter the museums. Enjoy lunch (drinks included) before spending the afternoon exploring some of the most fascinating sights of the city in the company of an English speaking guide on board an air-conditioned coach. Crossing Piazza della Repubblica with the Najadi’s Fountain, you will continue along Via Nazionale till Piazza Venezia, heart of the city with the Monument to Victor Emanuel II also called "Vittoriano" – Continue by bus to the Colosseum and the surrounding Arches of Costantine and Tirus and have a walk into the Roman Forum, the most important archeological area in the world, and possibly the Capitol Square. Proceed to Theatre Marcello to reach St. Paul’s Outside the walls by coach where you will enjoy a visit. At the end of the shared tour you will be brought back to your hotel.

Overnight at Artemide (4*).


St. Peter's Basilica
St. Peter's Basilica
Day 3 Rome

Discover Rome by foot on your guided 3 hour walking tour today.  Don't forget your camera as you visit the Spanish Steps, Scalinata, The Trevi Fountain, The Pantheon, and Navona Square.

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 pedestrianised 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 particulary 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 Colosseum. 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.

Overnight at Artemide (4*).


Pantheon
Pantheon
Shopping street in Rome
Shopping street in Rome
Day 4 Sorrento

Surrounded by hills and shielded from the Mediterranean by perpendicular cliffs that plunge directly into the water, Sorrento is the centrepiece of the Amalfi Coast. The train station is steps away from the downtown with its cluster of hotels and restaurants. Sorrento is the most popular base to explore the Amalfi Coast with more budget options. It has a very good beach, and is the main port for the ferry to the island of Capri (a great day trip). It is also famous for limoncella, a sweet lemon liqueur made from the profusion of lemon trees growing up the steep cliffs along the entire coast. And of course, you must try the seafood cuisine.

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

Enjoy the train transfer from Rome to Naples. Travel time is approx. 1 hour 30 mins - 2 hours.

Enjoy a private transfer with your own private vehicle and driver between Naples train station and your accommodation in Sorrento or Positano.

Hotel Antiche Mura (4*) is located in a prominent yet peaceful position, with access from the famous Piazza Tasso, heart of Sorrento.  Completely renovated , the Hotel combines sophisticated and elegant traditional décor with comfort and innovative technology. Situated on the old city walls, the Hotel offers its cosmopolitan guests a splendid view over the deep, luxuriant valley, often immortalized in late 18th century landscape paintings by foreign artists.

Overnight at Antiche Mura (4*).


Sorrento
Sorrento
Antiche Mura Hotel
Antiche Mura Hotel
Day 5 Sorrento

Enjoy a full day tour by coach with an English speaking guide. The Amalfi drive is said to be one of the most spectacular drives in Europe. The winding cliff top road offers breathtaking panoramic views at every turn. Each spot is as fantastic as the last and will inspire the imagination and create unforgettable memories. Amalfi, which was once a thriving Marine Republic, powerful and prosperous is now an amazing holiday resort. The unmistakable cluster of white, tightly packed houses rising up the hillside is dominated by the beautiful cathedral which stands majestically on top of a great flight of stairs leading up fom the main square. Housed in the Cathedral are the remains of the patron saint of Amalfi and also of Scotland, St.Andrew. From Amalfi, travel to the picturesque town of Ravello 1.100 feet above the sea level. There you can visit the exclusive Villa Rufolo which inspired Richard Wagner to create some of his most famous works. (entrance fees not included). Please bring a passport if over 65 and under 25 years of age.

Overnight at Antiche Mura (4*).


Amalfi
Amalfi
Day 6 Sorrento

No visit to the Campania region would be complete without sailing across the Bay of Naples to the beautiful island of Capri. Enjoy a full day (shared) tour with transportation to and from the island on a jetfoil, an English speaking Guide and transportation on the island. With designer boutiques, chic cafes, dramatic scenery, Capri has captured the heart of many a visitor who have sung, written, painted and talked about this enchanting spot. Whilst visiting Capri and Anacapri, enjoy an optional visit to the fabulous villa of Dr Axel Munthe whose best selling book Story of San Michele tells of his time on Capri; or take the chair lift to the top of Mount Solaro - a unique and hair raising experience (both payable locally). You'll also have a chance to explore Capri Town with its winding streets, many cafes and the lovely Piazza Umberto and the colourful gardens of Augustus overlooking the famed Faraglioni Rocks. There's enough free time to visit the elegant shops, stroll along the cobbled streets or simply relax before taking the boat back to the mainland. Entrance to Villa San Michele included. Mount Solaro chair lift are not included in tour price.

Capri Restaurant Suggestions

La Pigna; a true temple of caprian gastronomy, renowned for 120 years as a haunt of the rich and famous. Its period dining rooms, patio garden and lemon house help to create a dreamlike atmosphere while the army of chefs and waiting staff are dedicated to ensuring a wonderful gastonomical experience. Address and phone number: Via La Palazzo, 30 Capri. Tel: +39 081 8375022.

From the veranda of the Geranio restaurant, guests have a marvellous view of the ornate gardens built on the rocky edge terrace and brimming with fabulous Mediterranean flowers and shrubs. The restaurant is at Augusto gardens, just a short distance from the Piazetta, the main centre of Capri. The cuisine is inspired by the great Mediterranean and Neapolitan astronomixc traditions with some International specialties.
Address and phone number: Via Matteotti, 8 Capri. Tel: +39 0818370616.

Located in the Grand Hotel Quisisana, the sumptuous La Colombaia restaurant is delightful establishment with a poolside restaurant and offers guests a relaxing environment to enjoy the best regional cuisine. (Open from 12.30 - 5pm only). Address and phone number: Via Camerelle, 2. Capri. Tel: +39 081 8370788.

Overnight at Antiche Mura (4*).


Bay of Capri
Bay of Capri
Capri
Capri
Day 7 Florence

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.

Enjoy a transfer with your own private vehicle and driver between your accommodation in Sorrento and the Naples train station. Night surcharge (20.00 - 07.00): 25Euro/hr.

Travel from Naples to Florence by train.

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.

Grand Hotel Cavour (4*) is situated in the Duomo neighborhood of Florence, this property is near Duomo Works Museum, Cathedral of Santa Maria dei Fiori, and Statue of David. Additional nearby points of interest include Bargello Museum. Recreational amenities at Grand Hotel Cavour include a health club and a fitness facility. Other amenities include a restaurant, complimentary breakfast, and a business center. Guestrooms have complimentary wireless Internet access, satellite television, and minibars; bathrooms include bidets and hair dryers.

Overnight at Grand Hotel Cavour (4*).


Florence
Florence
Hotel Cavour from across the square
Hotel Cavour from across the square
Day 8 Florence

Enjoy a half day walking tour with your private English speaking local guide in Florence, taking in a visit to the Uffizi gallery. You will be met at your hotel and proceed on foot to view the Piazza Duomo and Piazza della Signoria.  This personalized tour will give you local insight into the real history and hidden gems. A visit to Florence is not complete without visiting one of the most important art galleries in the world, the Uffizi. Enjoy a private guided tour of the Uffizi Gallery to have an unforgettable journey through the masterpieces of famous artists such as Botticelli, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Raffaello, Giotto, Cimabue and Masaccio. At the end of the tour, you are free to remain in the museum to explore further at your leisure. (The tour includes a prebooked entrance and guided tour of the Uffizi Gallery in English).

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 Grand Hotel Cavour (4*).


Uffizi Gallery
Uffizi Gallery
Shopping in Florence
Shopping in Florence
Day 9 Florence

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, frescos 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.

Overnight at Grand Hotel Cavour (4*).


San Gimignano
San Gimignano
Day 10 Venice

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.

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*).


Venice
Venice
Palazzo Sant'Angelo
Palazzo Sant'Angelo
Day 11 Venice

Take a guided 2 hour private tour to Murano on your own private boat with an English speaking guide. After being picked up by your guide in your hotel, take in the sights as you sail past the island of San Giorgio Maggiore, the Public Gardens, the tip of Sant'Elena and the famous Arsenal of the Venetian Republic. You will reach Murano, known throughout the world for its glass manufacturing industry. We will visit one of the most famous and ancient glass factories, where you will enjoy a live glass blowing demonstration performed by a Maestro Glass Maker and will have time to visit the Glass show rooms. At the end of the visit your tour Guide will bring you back to your hotel or to central Venice.

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. Your gondola will take you to the Restaurant da Raffaele, where you can enjoy typical traditional veneta and Italian plates. Departure from Santa Maria Del Giglio Gondola Station (next to Hotel Gritti) at 07.00 pm, arrival at restaurant around 7.30-07.40 pm.

Overnight at Palazzo Sant`Angelo (4*).


Glass Blowing Factory
Glass Blowing Factory
Moored gondolas
Moored gondolas
Day 12 Venice

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).



Trip Includes
Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

Trip Excludes
Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance

Trip Terms & Conditions

  • Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
  • Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
  • Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
  • Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
  • Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
  • Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.kensingtontours.com/terms-and-conditions
  • Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.