Day 1

Fly to Italy

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Days 2-4

Rome

Explore Rome

One of the most exciting parts of Rome is its long and storied history! We’ll explore some of the most famous places in the Eternal City. We’ll walk through the dusty halls of the Colosseum where gladiators once reigned supreme, the Roman Forum where politicians debated on how to run empires, and see two of the most famous seven hills of Rome, Palatine and Capitoline Hill.

Treasure Hunt Around Rome

Hit the famous streets of Rome for an entertaining and fun treasure hunt. Our clues will take us to the Trevi Fountain, Piazza di Spagna, Piazza Navona and other sites that give the city its old world charm! There’s no better way to see these sites while not only having fun, but also learning about them along the way.

Discover the Vatican Museum

Leave Italy for a moment and go to Vatican City, which is its own country! On a private tour of the Vatican we’ll walk through its striking halls, learn about its deep history, and gaze upon some of the most famous works of art in the world. Your family will always remember looking up at the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel together!

Appian Way Bike Ride

As we hop on bikes, we’ll cycle down the famous Appian Way. The first portion of this road was built in the year 312 B.C. to transport military supplies from Rome to the south. Over the next thousands of years the road was extended and used for all types of transport. We’ll ride past different monuments and historic sites during this adventure.

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Days 5-7

Florence

Explore Florence

Florence is teeming with classic works of art from the sculptures that adorn the city to the architecture that shapes it. As we travel though the city we’ll learn about the artists and patrons that transformed Florence into the heart of the Italian renaissance. We’ll see the Duomo, Palazzo Pitti, Piazza della Signoria, Ponte Vecchio, and much more during this walk.

Pizza and Gelato Cooking Class

Learn to make some of the most famous Italian culinary exports, pizza and gelato! With a chef leading the way, we’ll toss dough in the air, spread tomato sauce, and sprinkle cheese on our very own pizza creations. We’ll also learn the ins and outs of making delicious gelato. The best part is when we’ll get to taste our wonderful creations!

Visit Oltrarno

We’ll take a trip to the less traveled bank of the Arno River to explore the neighborhood of Oltrarno. This historic neighborhood was, and still is, the center of artisan and craft workshops. Touted as one of the most authentic parts of Florence, your family will be able to find high quality work of any handicraft from making paper to creating mosaics.

Walk Through Lucca

We’ll discover the charming Tuscan city of Lucca. As we walk through the Renaissance walls that separate the historic center from the rest of the city we’ll be transported back in time. The well-preserved city has kept its classic personality intact through centuries of change. We’ll walk along the beautiful Medieval Via Fillungo, see the Tower of the Clock and the Duomo San Martin, and visit one of the most beautiful squares in Italy, Piazza dell’Anfiteatro.

Explore Pisa

There is a lot to see and explore in the wonderful city of Pisa. Our exploration will take us to little known sites and world famous sites. We’ll visit the Baptistery and the Leaning Tower as we learn about the history of the city.

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Days 8-9

Venice

Gondola Ride

Venice is famous for its canals and its gondolas. Taking a ride in one of these famous small boats is the best way to explore the city’s canals. This gives everyone a chance to experience Venice from a different viewpoint. Kids always have fun riding the gondola and may even be able to help drive!

Glassworks Class

While on Murano, we’ll visit a glass factory and meet an expert glass master. After a demonstration in glass blowing and sculpture technique, we’ll have a chance to join the fun! We’ll have a choice of creating a piece of jewelry or a mosaic using authentic Murano glass. No souvenir will ever be able to compare!

Explore Venice on Your Own

Head into Venice and explore any parts of the city that you’d like. Relax in Piazza San Marco, visit Saint Mark’s Basilica, walk to the Bridge of Sighs, or look for any of the other beautiful sites in the city.

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Day 10

Depart / Arrive home

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2019 Dates

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2020 Dates

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Smart Traveler Advantages

Book a trip 9 months ahead of the day that you want to leave and get a free GoPro and Travel Protection!

Triple Discount

$300 for children under 12 sharing with 2 adults.

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 Insured – you can learn more about the benefits of travel insurance there.

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. Surcharge applied to groups smaller than 4 guests.