Days 1-2

Venice

Gelato Tasting

Head out for a gelato tasting in the late afternoon. Gelato is Italian-style ice cream that is more flavorful and creamy. It is the perfect way to get acquainted with the city!

Venice Private Walking Excursion

Explore the promenades and canals of Venice with your guide, seeing sites such as the Piazza San Marco, the golden mosaics of the medieval Basilica and many others. You’ll learn about the history of these fantastic buildings, sculptures and streets as you wind your way through.

Private Mask-Making Workshop with Expert Artisan

This afternoon, visit an artisan in their studio for a hands-on introduction to the centuries-old art of Venetian mask making. The master crafter will demonstrate how the mold for a mask is constructed and wrapped with papier-mâché, then painted. You’ll have the chance to use these unique techniques of the trade to create your very own mask-erpiece!

Gondola Ride

Take a private gondola ride through the canals to explore Venice from an exciting new perspective. Gondolas are deeply intwined in the history of the city, both as a novel mode of transportation and a distinct aspect of its character. There’s a reason it’s a bucket list item for so many travelers.

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Days 3-5

Tuscany

Florence Private Walking Excursion

Wander narrow streets as you explore Florence with your guide, spotting medieval candle-lit chapels, marble basilicas and fortified structures of the medieval parts of town. Eventually, you’ll emerge on the Piazza della Signoria, the political center of the city since the Middle Ages.

Climb the 414 Steps of the Duomo

Florence’s red-tiled Duomo is unmistakable–white, green and pink marble facades support an enormous dome that rises above the rest of the city. Climb the 414 steps to the top of the bell tower, stopping for breaks along the way to survey the Florentine horizon. At the top, take in a stunning view over one of the most important Renaissance cities of Italy.

Truffle Hunting with an Expert Guide

Just outside of the old, fortified hamlet of Gargonza, stroll through Tuscan woods with an expert truffle hunter and their dog in search of the precious tuber. Along the way, your guide will show you how to identify truffles, aromas, tastes, culinary uses and the differences between species of truffle.

Private Cooking Class

With your own personal chef leading you, make use of your fresh truffles in a fun, educational cooking class. You’ll make a delicious pasta using ingredients you picked, as well as some that are provided for you. You’ll also have the chance to make homemade pizza! Feast on your creations for lunch.

Explore a Sienese Contrada

Discover the slow life that still characterizes a Sienese contrada (district) as you uncover its hidden treasures and traditions: among them, the stable, the archive and the bursar. You’ll visit the place where traditional pageantry items are maintained for the twice-yearly Palio horse race. You will see craftspeople fixing up medieval costumes, tightening drumheads and sewing silk flags.

Afternoon at Leisure

Relax at the pool, hike the surroundings or try your hand at the ancient ball sport known as bocce! If you’d like, your guide can offer recommendations for afternoon activities.

Adults: Wine and Cheese Tasting

Sit back and relax for a wine tasting and cheese pairing in a castle cellar. Tuscany is famous for its Chianti wine. Historically, Chianti was associated with a squat bottle in a straw basket called a fiasco. Today, most wine makers put Chianti in standard wine bottles – the fiasco is much more old school!

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Days 6-8

Rome

Explore Orvieto

Today, on the way to Rome, explore the Umbrian countryside, rich with charm and history. You will experience the highlights of Orvieto, an Umbrian jewel of medieval architecture. Once an important Etruscan center, it was later annexed to Rome and then flourished in the Middle Ages, thanks to the presence of the popes.

(Included, but Optional) Guided Visit to the Vatican Museums

You’ll leave Italy for a moment when you visit Vatican City, an independent country within a country. On a private tour, you’ll walk through striking halls, visit St. Peter’s Square and its soaring basilica, view art in the Sistine Chapel and learn about the Vatican’s deep history. This legendary city-state is an unforgettable stop, and your family will always remember looking up at the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel together.

Gladiator School

Take a private lesson to learn what it takes to be a gladiator! Donning the traditional gladiator tunic and hefting authentic weapons you’ll gain a sense of what these Roman warriors experienced in their time.

The Colosseum

Today you get to explore one of the most recognizable sights in the world- the Colosseum!

(Not Included,Optional) Guided Bike Ride in Villa Borghese

Set out on a leisurely guided bike ride alongside meadows, groves, fountains and rivulets in the Villa Borghese historic park. You’ll pass the lavish, neoclassical Villa Borghese Gallery and have gorgeous views from the hilltops over Rome.

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Day 9

Depart

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2025 Dates

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Additional Info

Small Group Supplement

A supplement may apply to smaller groups. Please contact a Travel Consultant for more information.

Alumni Discount 

If you are a returning Thomson guest, please subtract $500 per family from these prices.

Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance. We’ve received great feedback about Travel Guard – you can learn more about the benefits of travel insurance there.

Single Supplement

Single supplement starts at $1,200.

Price Includes

All entrance fees, accommodations based on two to a room, land transportation, private bilingual guide throughout, all meals, and bottled water & snacks in the vehicle.

Guaranteed departure. Small group surcharge may apply. Call us to discuss age recommendations for each destination. Prices are subject to change.