Gladiators, Gondolas and Gold!

Is a family vacation in Italy on your bucket list? Hold on to your helmet for this family expedition marching through the Eternal City of Rome, illustrious Florence and the historic lagoon of Venice.  Experience life as a Roman Gladiator and learn the basics of sword-fighting, toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain and devour the pizza you've just learned to make before creating your own Venetian Carnival mask.

Your family vacation to Italy includes 9 nights hotel accommodations, 14 meals, and all transportation and sightseeing mentioned.

Arrive Rome (3 Nights)

Ciao Roma! Feast your eyes and your stomach on the Eternal City - the launch pad for an unforgettable adventure with la famiglia. Tread in the footsteps of the ancients before meeting with your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Kick-off Party that will rock Rome. (Hotel: Crowne Plaza St. Peter's)

---

Rome Sightseeing

Join a Local Specialist to delve into centuries of history and culture, including a guided tour of the Vatican Museums.  Gaze up at the wonder of Michelangelo's frescoed ceiling the Sistine Chapel and explore the Catholic shrine of St. Peter's Basilica.  Venture across the Tiber to the Colosseum imagining a time when brave warriors fought to the death amidst the thunderous roar of thousands.

---

Rome - Visit a Gladiator School

It's time to become a gladiator for the day! You'll learn how to wield a gladiator's sword and gain insights into Roman history with a Local Specialist.  This afternoon, the cobblestone streets of Rome are yours to explore.  Board the Bioparco Express through Villa Borghese, count the Spanish Steps or toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain to secure your speedy return to Rome.  Then it's time for a cheesy family affair as you enjoy authentic Italian pizza-making and share a tasty slice or two with your loved ones.

Rome - Florence

Set your watch to Italian time and embark on a scenic drive north through Tuscany's golden fields to the Renaissance city of Florence, our home for the next three nights. (Hotel:  Grand Mediterraneo)

---

Florence Sightseeing

The exquisite sights of Florence are brought to life on a walking tour with a Local Specialist.  See the magnificent Gothic Duomo and famous baptistry before marveling at Michelangelo's statue of David at the Academy of Fine Arts.  Where better to indulge in a refreshing gelato than in the city where it was invented?  Enjoy a special Be My Guest dinner at a magnificent Tuscan villa that once featured as a famous film location.  Join a local family for dinner enjoying delicious specialties against the backdrop of picture-perfect olive groves and vineyards.

---

Florence - Excursion to Pisa

Uno, due, tre...it's off to Pisa today, and a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Piazza del Duomo to snap a selfie in front of the famous Leaning Tower.  Before venturing back to Florence, we'll see the Baptistery and Camposanto, built on sacred soil brought back by the Crusaders from the Holy Land. 

Florence - Bologna - Venice (3 Nights)

Stop and smell the rich aromas of Bolognese sauce, spending the the morning with a Local Specialist exploring the medieval city of Bologna.  Then it's just a hop, skip and a jump to the island city of Venice.  Enjoy fertile to walk around the Grand Canal, feed the greedy pigeons in the piazza and wander through labyrinthine streets in search of hidden treasures and the city's tastiest gelato.  (Hotel:  Novotel Venezia Mestre Castellana)

---

Venice - Canal Cruise and Orientation

All aboard!  We cruise to bustling St. Mark's Square on a private launch, viewing the famous Bridge of Sighs.  We'll view the exquisite Doge's Palace, St. Mark's Basilica and the Campanile before experiencing Venice's glassblowing traditions and the art of making Carnival masks.  Indulge your artistic flair and create your own colorful mask before enjoying a free evening.

---

Secret Venice Walking Tour and Visit the Rialto Food Market

Navigating the bustling canals to the Rialto Bridge, embrace the sights and sounds of Venice from the water before enjoying the flavors of Italy at an ancient food market.  Delve into the hidden highlights of Venice during a small group sightseeing walking tour, working up an appetite for our Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant.

---

Depart Venice for Home

Ready For Your Family Vacation to Italy?

Prices start at only $2795.00 per person / double occupancy with great discounts for kids aged 5 - 17 years old, triple and quadruple occupancy, and early booking savings!  Many dates to choose from during June, July, August and September. These dates sell out so quickly that we recommend you make your deposit of $200.00 per person as soon as possible!

Contact Jerry Vargas, Travel Specialist for more information or to make your booking by calling him at 919-578-9028, ext. 129 or Click Here To Email Him!