Highlights of Italy: Venice to Rome

heart_plus

44 Views

11 Days From

~~$2453~~

$2202

Highlights of Italy: Venice to Rome

11 Days

Tour operator:

Newmarket Holidays

Tour code:

98481

From:

$2453

$2202 (USD) including Flights from the UK Operator discount: -$251

NB: Prices correct on 04-May-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

From the romantic canals of Venice to Rome's celebrated Colosseum, this is an odyssey of cultural enlightenment packed with ancient sights and artistic masterpieces.

Begin in the ‘Floating City’ of Venice as you pursue the network of canals threading through its historic heart, observing the Byzantine-style landmarks and elaborate bridges. Continue to Padova, adorned with Giotto’s mosaics and frescoes, before arriving in Bologna, where the magnificent Basilica of San Petronio awaits. Optionally, take a culinary turn at the Italian food theme park, FICO Italy or journey to Ravenna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and survey the tomb of the famed poet, Dante Alighieri.

A stop at San Marino, one of the world’s smallest countries allows you to view the cobblestone streets and castle-like citadels in its medieval old town. Time spent in Perugia, built across a hilltop and encircled by ancient walls, encompasses a visit to a local chocolate factory and museum, as well as a tasting. Assisi, the birthplace of Saint Francis is next, and you’ll have a chance to see its intricately frescoed Basilica di San Francesco. Finally, in Rome, you’ll marvel at the eternal city’s ancient landmarks, from the grandeur of the Colosseum and the Arch of Constantine to the architectural wonders of the Pantheon and the Trevi Fountain. Further discovery can be experienced on an optional excursion to the famed Vatican City, the smallest independent state in the world and the Sistine Chapel, Michelangelo’s masterpiece.

Highlights

Explore and stay in the ‘Floating City’ of romantic Venice, known for its labyrinth of canals, Byzantine-style Basilica di San Marco, and the ornate Ponte dei Sospiri (Bridge of Sighs)
Discover Padova (Padua), a city famed for its frescoes, Basilica di Sant'Antonio di Padova and Scrovegni Chapel
Sightsee around Bologna, taking in its Basilica of San Petronio, one of the largest in the world and join an optional visit to FICO Italy, an Italian food theme park
Embark on an optional guided excursion to Ravenna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its well-preserved Byzantine and early Christian mosaics
Spend time in San Marino, one of the world’s smallest countries and see the medieval old town and Three Towers
Survey Assisi, the birthplace of Saint Francis and home to the frescoed Basilica di San Francesco
Wander around hilltop, walled Perugia and learn about its history of chocolate production at a factory and museum
Take advantage of a free day in Rome or opt for an excursion to the famed Vatican City, the smallest in the world, as well as the Sistine Chapel, the pope’s official residence
Marvel at Rome’s ancient landmarks, from the Colosseum and the Arch of Constantine to the Pantheon and Trevi Fountain

Itinerary

Expand All

Day One – Fly To Venice

You’ll arrive in Venice and be welcomed by your friendly tour manager to the charming ‘Floating City’. A private coach will then transfer you to your hotel in Mestre, a mainland town located just across the Venetian Lagoon.

After checking in and getting settled, dinner will be served at the hotel’s restaurant with your fellow travellers.

Day Two – Included Tour Of Venice And Afternoon At Leisure

Once you’ve had breakfast, you’ll depart by train for a short journey to the railway station in central Venice. Your local guide will meet you here and you’ll set off on a three-hour walking tour around this unique city’s intricate network of streets and canals. During this excursion, you’ll take in notable landmarks like the Basilica di San Marco (St Mark’s Basilica), a Byzantine-style architectural masterpiece, with intricate mosaic, stonework arches and gilded domes.

Piazza San Marco (St. Mark’s Square) is overlooked by the cathedral church and has served as a gathering place for generations of Venetians. Surrounded by significant buildings, including Palazzo Ducale (Doge's Palace), and the clock tower, Torre dell'Orologio, this public piazza was described as ‘the world’s most beautiful drawing room’ by Napoleon.

Your guide will then lead you across Ponte dei Sospiri (Bridge of Sighs), an enclosed white limestone structure that connects a historic prison to the interrogation rooms in Palazzo Ducale. Now a symbol of the city’s past, this bridge allegedly got its nickname from the sighs of prisoners who would catch a final glimpse of Venice through the small, barred windows.

The final stop of the tour will be the ornate bridge of Ponte di Rialto, which dates back to the 11th century and is the oldest of the four bridges that crosses the Grand Canal in the city. Boasting an elegant stone arched design, this crossing has served as a marketplace for centuries and offers beautiful views over the canal and the nearby Venetian buildings.

You’ll have the rest of the day free to explore at your own pace, perhaps seeking out one of the local osterias to have a lunch of Venetian cicchetti (small plates). You may then want to take to the waters on a traditional gondola, the most romantic way to see the city and its canals from a different perspective.

In the evening, you’ll return with the group by train back to the hotel to unwind and have dinner at your leisure.

Day Three – Travel To Padova (Padua), Tour And Continue To Bologna

Enjoy breakfast, check out of the hotel and then travel to the city of Padova, also known as Padua. To make the most of your visit, you’ll embark on a guided tour covering the city’s highlights. You’ll start with the famed Basilica di Sant'Antonio di Padova (Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua), a magnificent church and pilgrimage site with elaborate Byzantine-style domes and home to the tomb of Saint Anthony. As Anthony is the patron saint of lost objects and curing illness, you’ll notice people leaving notes with requests and thanks on his tomb.

A stroll will then be taken through Prato della Valle, one of Europe's largest squares. Elliptical in shape, this pleasant square is known for encompassing 78 statues of historical figures, as well as a central green island ringed by a canal. Nearby, you’ll find Scrovegni Chapel, a marvel of Italian Gothic design and a UNESCO World Heritage Site adorned with extraordinary frescos by the artist Giotto. These murals depict detailed biblical scenes of the Virgin Mary and Christ, and are regarded as one of the most important works of Western art.

Later in the day, you’ll continue towards Bologna, where you’ll check into your next hotel and have dinner with your fellow travellers at the restaurant.

Day Four – Included Half-Day City Tour Of Bologna And Optional Visit To Fico Italy

Fuel up for a day of discovery as you head out on a half-day tour and introduction to the city. The starting point will be Piazza Maggiore, a 12th-century central square and cultural and political centre, hosting events and markets. From here, you’ll enter the Basilica of San Petronio, an imposing church set on the square, one of the largest basilicas in the world and dedicated to Bologna's patron saint, Saint Petronius. Inside, you’ll be able to view an astronomical sundial created by the astronomer Cassini, which is the longest in the world.

You’ll then be led through Piazza Delle Mercanzie, a pretty square lined with artisanal shops. Next, you’ll see the Two Towers (2 Torri). These medieval turrets, Asinelli and Garisenda, lean at remarkable angles and were built during the Middle Ages, providing a military function and representing the social prestige of the family that had them built. The final destination of this morning’s tour is Basilica di Santo Stefano, a distinctive religious complex of interconnected churches and chapels. Originally featuring seven churches, the site now houses four which have remained intact.

When afternoon comes around, you can opt to survey more of the sights on your own or join an optional visit to FICO Italy, an Italian food theme park. Here, you can take advantage of Italy’s culinary heritage, experiencing everything from farm-to-table dining to interactive food exhibits. Learn how to make your own pasta and pizza, discover the secrets of gelato, or sample wines from local vineyards.

In the evening, you’ll head back to the hotel to unwind and have dinner.

Day Five – Day At Leisure Or Optional Full-Day Tour Of Ravenna

Have breakfast before embracing a day of self-exploration, perhaps discovering some local markets or sipping an espresso at a sidewalk café. Alternatively, you can join an optional excursion to Ravenna. Renowned for its well-preserved Byzantine and early Christian mosaics, which embellish its churches and monuments, this city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

You’ll start with a visit to the Basilica di San Vitale and the mosaic-covered Church of San Vitale, where you can see the tomb of the greatest Italian poet, Dante Alighieri. Mausoleo di Galla Placidia, the burial place of the Roman emperor Honorius and the oldest building in the city, is next followed by a stroll across the Piazza del Popolo. The final stop is the Archiepiscopal Museum, which houses a collection of artefacts, such as early Christian and Byzantine sculptures, mosaics, paintings, and manuscripts.

Later in the day, you’ll return to the hotel and have a free evening.

Day Six – Included Tour Of San Marino And Travel To Perugia

After breakfast, you’ll leave Bologna and travel to San Marino, one of the world’s smallest countries located within the Italian peninsula. With no border controls, you can easily explore its medieval capital of the same name, which is set on the rocky slopes of Monte Titano and ringed by walls. Dating back to 301 AD, this country started off as a small monastic community and is now one of the world’s oldest republics. Some time spent on a guided half-day tour in its historic old town of cobblestone streets will reveal the Three Towers, a trio of castle-like citadels, a basilica, and views over the surrounding countryside.

Back on the coach, you’ll continue to another historical hilltop city, Perugia, situated in the Umbria region. After checking into the hotel, you can rest before joining the other travellers for dinner.

Day Seven – Included Half-Day Tour Of Perugia And Visit To The Chocolate Factory And Museum

Following breakfast, you’ll head out to discover Perugia, one of Italy’s oldest cities, with a rich cultural heritage, well-preserved walls, and impressive medieval and Renaissance architecture. The tour will start with Fortezza Rocca Paolina, the remains of a grand medieval fortress and continue to the central square of Piazza IV Novembre. In the centre of the square, you can observe the Fontana Maggiore, a medieval fountain as well as the art galleries, cathedrals and ancient municipal buildings that border it. You’ll then call at Palazzo Dei Priori, a Gothic 13th-century structure, off the main street of Corso Vannucci. Formally the headquarters of the local magistracy, today it houses the main art gallery of Perugia and a collection of historic rooms.

The final highlight of the day, especially for chocolate enthusiasts, will be Casa del Cioccolato Perugina, a chocolate factory and museum. Founded in 1907, this factory and its historic presence resulted in Perugia being known as the ‘City of Chocolate’. Some of the confectionary produced here includes the iconic Baci Perugina, chocolate-covered hazelnuts with romantic messages inside each wrapper. You’ll spend some time learning about the city’s chocolate-centric history in the museum, witnessing the production process, and partaking in a tasting.

You’ll return to the hotel in the evening for another included dinner.

Day Eight – Included Half-Day Tour Of Assisi And Travel To Rome

Check out after having breakfast and board the coach for a short journey to Assisi, a picturesque UNESCO World Heritage Site located on a hill. A guide will show you around the birthplace of Saint Francis, one of the most beloved and influential saints in the history of Christianity.

The Basilica di San Francesco, one of the most important religious sites in Italy will prove most memorable. Consisting of two churches, the Upper Basilica and the Lower Basilica, this elaborate complex is embellished with frescoes depicting scenes from the life of Saint Francis and other biblical stories. You’ll also take in the medieval architecture and piazzas of the old town as you wander, as well as the Basilica of Saint Clare and the imposing fortress, Rocca Maggiore.

There’ll then be some free time to have lunch on your own account, perhaps sampling traditional Umbrian cuisine like truffle dishes and cured meats, paired with wine from the neighbouring vineyards.

As the day progresses, you’ll travel on to Rome, the Eternal City, check into your hotel and enjoy an evening at your leisure.

Day Nine – Included Full-Day Tour Of Rome

Following breakfast, your exploration of Rome will unfold as you cover its ancient treasures. In the centre of the city, you’ll first view the Fori Imperiali, also known as the Imperial Forums, several monumental public squares, and forums. Built by successive Roman emperors, they originally served as the centre of the Roman Republic and Roman Empire. Construction began during the reign of Julius Caesar and each forum had a different purpose and theme.

The Colosseo, commonly known as the Colosseum, is sure to be a wish-list sight, as it’s one of the most recognisable ancient Roman monuments. Dating back to the 1st century AD, this engineering marvel is one of the most well-preserved amphitheatres in the world, which was used for various forms of public spectacles and could hold up to 80,000 spectators. Nearby, the Arch of Constantine, dedicated to the emperor Constantine the Great, can be found. Its large three arches are decorated with statues and descriptions commemorating his achievements.

In the afternoon, the tour will take on Baroque Rome, starting with the Pantheon, characterised by its innovative dome, and serving numerous purposes throughout the centuries, like a Christian church and a dedication to the gods of ancient Rome.

A stop at the 18th-century Trevi Fountain, one of the most beloved fountains in the world, allows you to partake in a coin-throwing tradition (throw it over your left shoulder with your right hand to ensure a return trip to Rome!). Depicting Oceanus, the God of water and built from Travertine stone, the ‘Fountain of Love’ as it’s designated, symbolises the power of water in Roman culture. Lastly, you’ll meander over to the elegant Piazza di Spagna, home to the Fontana della Barcaccia (Fountain of the Boat), and Spanish Steps, 135 steps that climb to Trinità dei Monti Church.

This day of exploring will conclude back at the hotel, where you’ll have another free evening.

Day 10 – Full Day At Leisure Or Optional Tour To The Vatican City And Sistine Chapel

It’s your last day, and you can do as little or as much sightseeing as you like on your own schedule, perhaps ambling around with a gelato and picking up some souvenirs. If you’d like further guidance, an optional tour will take you to the Vatican City and Sistine Chapel.

An independent city-state in Rome and the smallest in the world, the Vatican City is a spiritual and administrative centre of the Roman Catholic Church and the residence of the Pope. Inside this city, you’ll find St. Peter's Basilica, one of the world’s largest and most famous churches, a complex of museums and galleries, manicured gardens and the Apostolic Palace. The Sistine Chapel makes up part of the Apostolic Palace, and is a definite must-see, with its frescoed ceiling painted by Michelangelo between 1508 and 1512. Depicting world-famous scenes from the Book of Genesis, including the famous ‘Creation of Adam’, the frescos are not allowed to be photographed due to potential damage from camera flashes.

A free evening waits for you to take in the sights by night one more time and find a fitting farewell dinner spot.

Day 11 – Return To The Uk

Savour your last breakfast on Italian soil before transferring to the airport and flying back to the UK.

What's Included

10 breakfasts and five dinners
Half-day tour of Venice
Half-day tour of Padua/Padova
Half-day tour of San Marino
Half-day tour of Bologna
Half-day tour of Perugia and a visit to the Chocolate Factory and Museum
Half-day tour of Assisi
Full-day tour of Rome
Return flights to Venice and from Rome
Fully escorted by friendly, experienced tour managers
Comfortable, air-conditioned coach travel throughout

Meals in Italy

Guests on half-board arrangements will be served a three-course evening meal, and can expect a first course of traditional pasta or soup, a main meat or fish course accompanied by one or two types of vegetable, and a simple dessert of fruit, cake or Italian ice cream. Breakfasts will usually consist of bread rolls, jam, cereal, ham, cheese, fruit juice, tea and coffee. Menus will vary from hotel to hotel, but choice will be more limited than in a normal restaurant. In some instances, individual guests who have booked with the hotel independently may be offered a different menu from those who are staying at the hotel as part of a package tour.

Combining hotel transfers

We sometimes need to combine transfers to and from your hotel. We always try to keep any wait to a minimum, but you may be asked to wait at the airport for up to an hour, while other incoming flights arrive, before the transfer to your hotel. Similarly, we may need to transfer you back to the airport up to three hours before your flight home departs.

Italian hotel room tax

Some regions of Italy have introduced a room tax of 1-3 € per person per night, payable directly by the guest to the hotel on check-out. You will be advised by your Tour Manager in resort if a particular hotel is implementing this charge.

Entrance fees

Since some attractions visited offer free admission to visitors at certain times of year, we do not include entrance fees. These will be payable locally where applicable. This applies to excursions that are included in the price of your holiday and to excursions booked as optional extras.

Special requirements

If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.

Disabled access

The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. If you are bringing a wheelchair, please let us know at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

Itinerary changes

Occasionally, for operational reasons, we may have to change the order of the excursions on your holiday. The final day-by-day itinerary will be confirmed on your Final Travel Documents, which you will receive approximately three weeks prior to your departure.

Foreign Office Travel Advice

Visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice to find out the latest Foreign And Commonwealth Office travel advice for your holiday destination, as well as information about passports and visas.

Airport development fees

An Airport Development Fee has been introduced at a few UK Airports. You will be required to pay this charge at the following airports prior to checking in for your flight: Blackpool, Newquay and Norwich. The amount varies from airport to airport, but it is generally between £5 and £10 per person. Please visit the airport's website for further information.

Travelling to Europe

Rules may have changed since you last travelled to European Union countries as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. The following are useful guidelines which will help you prepare for your next adventure. You do require government issued passport to travel.
Names - It is very important that all passenger names are exactly as per your passport although we do not require middle names.
Passport - Your passport must meet two requirements to travel to an EU country and to Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. It must be: Less than 10 years old on the day you return home (please check the "date of issue") and valid for at least 3 months after the day you return home (please check the "expiry date").
Visa - You do not need a visa for short trips to most EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. You’ll be able to stay for up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period.
European Travel Information & Authorisation System (ETIAS) - Commencing in late 2023 or 2024, all citizens of the United Kingdom will require a ETIAS electronic form completed prior to their arrival into the EU and Schengen member countries. The cost for this travel authorisation will be €7.00 per person with exceptions for under 18’s and over 70’s. The latest information and further details can be found at www.etias.com.

Meals in Italy

Combining hotel transfers

Italian hotel room tax

Entrance fees

Special requirements

If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.

Disabled access

Foreign Office Travel Advice

Visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice to find out the latest Foreign And Commonwealth Office travel advice for your holiday destination, as well as information about passports and visas.

Itinerary changes

Travelling to Europe

Rules may have changed since you last travelled to European Union countries as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. The following are useful guidelines which will help you prepare for your next adventure. You do require government issued passport to travel.

Names - It is very important that all passenger names are exactly as per your passport although we do not require middle names.

Passport - Your passport must meet two requirements to travel to an EU country and to Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. It must be: Less than 10 years old on the day you return home (please check the "date of issue") and valid for at least 3 months after the day you return home (please check the "expiry date").

Visa - You do not need a visa for short trips to most EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. You’ll be able to stay for up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period.

European Travel Information & Authorisation System (ETIAS) - Commencing in late 2023 or 2024, all citizens of the United Kingdom will require a ETIAS electronic form completed prior to their arrival into the EU and Schengen member countries. The cost for this travel authorisation will be €7.00 per person with exceptions for under 18’s and over 70’s. The latest information and further details can be found at www.etias.com.

Airport development fees

Check out our Q&As

How long has the tour company been trading?

Since 1983
Vaccination Requirements

Your health and safety are pivotal to our operations, and every customer travelling on a tour with us must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Fully vaccinated means that you have had the full course of an approved vaccine a minimum of 14 days prior to your holiday. We also recommend that you travel with proof that you’ve been fully vaccinated.
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

Our company’s mission is to enrich lives and improve wellbeing through travel. A big part of that is ‘Travel for Good’. Our ‘Travel for Good’ hub is our first step in a long journey to reduce carbon, offset anything we produce as a company and travel without harming the planet or the people of the destinations we go to.
What policies are in place for Covid-19?

Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
Fitness to Travel

We strive to give all our customers full care and attention, but we do need to know at the time of booking if there are any special needs or requirements. It is particularly important that we are advised of any disabilities and also if you intend to bring any specialist equipment such as a wheelchair with you. Please make sure that you make us aware of any requirements.

Reviews of this operator

Mr Albert Owen

Help is at hand at Newmarket holidays

04-Jan-2023

I tried to book myself on line for an Andre Rieu concert in Vienna but I didn’t manage to complete the booking. I rang the next day & spoke to Sharon who was very helpful. I am a 76 year old pensioner & not totally au fa with the internet. However, Sharon went through it step by step & I felt more confident. She completed the booking for me & said she would also send a paper copy.

Iain Moir

Newmarket Holidays…top dollar!

06-Jan-2023

Having booked late the service we received from Newmarket staff has been excellent - helpful, friendly, painstaking and above all going further than we could really expect to ensure our requests were all satisfied. We would like to particularly thank Naima for her attention to detail and perseverance in following up our queries. This is the first time we have tried NH but it wont be the last

Miss F J Murphy

This is the third holiday I have taken…

05-Nov-2021

This is the third holiday I have taken with Newmarket Holidays. They made it easy to change from the Holiday I originally booked to one in the UK. The tour leader was excellent as was our driver, both of whom went the extra mile to ensure we had a lovely holiday. There were difficulties at the hotel due to COVID but we were made very welcome and the staff went out of their way to help us. So I have no complaint about Newmarket's choice of hotel. I am a single traveller and normally do not like to travel in groups but the laidback atmosphere of Newmarket Holidays is fine.

Trustpilot

Caroline N, GB

Hurrah for Eddie and Simon, Newmarket's highlands duo!

26-Oct-2021

Very happy time on an action packed trip to the Scottish highlands. Eddie as tour manager and Simon as driver. Eddie shared his passion for Scottish history and between them they treated us to many unscheduled cultural stops that enhanced our holiday. They went above and beyond all the time. Train trips were amazing and views unforgettable. Hotel was welcoming and food was good. Hot water aplenty for bath. We wanted to escape to another world for a few days and we truly did. THANK YOU. Chris and Caroline

Trustpilot

Tony King, GB

Canada October 2021

28-Oct-2021

We have returned from our long overdue trip to Canada Niagara Falls to the Rockies stating in Toronto and finishing in Vancouver. Well we happened to be the first trip back after the Coiid outbreak and it was so good to go. The company had made sure we were all safe and masks were worn where ever they had to be but this did not dampen the trip at all, the Tour directors ( guides ) were brilliant and we saw and did so much it was a fantastic trip which I would recommend to everyone, defiantly one for the bucket list.

Trustpilot

Dates & Availability

Sep
2024 Oct
2024 Apr
2025 May
2025 Jun
2025 Sep
2025 Oct
2025

Instant Booking Available

Monday - Thursday

Sep 02, 2024 - Sep 12, 2024

~~$2503~~ $2252 (USD)