5-Day Italy City Break Tour from Rome: Florence, Bologna and Venice

Start your charming journey with a pick-up at 7:15am from the meeting point in Hotel St. Martin by a deluxe coach, you will arrive in Assisi, ready to explore, at your own leisure, this tiny town surrounded by walls, built in the Middle Ages. Take your time to visit the basilica of St. Francis, where you will see masterpieces by Giotto and Cimabue and, then, have free time for lunch (not included). Board on the bus to reach Siena, a Unesco World Heritage Site, world-known for the Palio, the historical horse race around the shell-shaped town square: Piazza del Campo. Next, you will continue on to Florence, where you will check in at your hotel before enjoying dinner and a well-earned night of rest.

Breakfast at the hotel, you will spend the day venturing around beautiful Florence, the "Cradle of Renaissance", where, with the help of Michelangelo, Italian art reached its pinnacle. Based on etruscan-roman origins, the city flourished in the Middle Ages as a free "Comune" and was further refined during the Renaissance. You will be fascinated by the uncountable monuments, churches and buildings as Santa Maria del Fiore, more commonly referred to as the Duomo. On your visit, you will be amazed by its magnificent dome built by Filippo Brunelleschi. Cross a small piazza to see the "Campanile" tower (partly designed by Giotto) and the Baptistery, with its bronze doors where Michelangelo imagined the "Gates of Paradise". In the heart of the city, you will see Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo della Signoria (also known as Palazzo Vecchio), and the Basilica of Santa Croce. Lunch in a typical Tuscan restaurant in Piazza Santa Croce. Spend the afternoon strolling the cobblestone streets of Florence on your own or take a short trip to Pisa (optional), one of the four main historical Marine Republics of Italy. There, you will tour the Piazza dei Miracoli with the Duomo, Pisa's symbol "the Leaning Tower" and the Baptistery. Dinner at leisure, overnight stay in Florence.

After enjoying a delightful breakfast in Florence, we head to the elegant city of Bologna. Upon arrival, the charming city center, adorned with its iconic porticoes, invites you to explore during your free time. Begin your walking tour at Piazza Malpighi, leading to the city's heart at Piazza del Nettuno and Piazza Maggiore. Here, you can admire the historic Palazzo Podestà and the Basilica of San Petronio, the largest Gothic church in the world built with bricks. We'll then reveal why Bologna is often regarded as Italy's gastronomic capital as you dive into its vibrant street food scene, which is as rich and diverse as its culinary heritage. Strolling through the city's medieval streets, you'll come across an enticing array of food stalls and markets, each offering a tempting selection of traditional and contemporary delicacies. As you explore the charming alleys and lively piazzas, you'll embark on a culinary adventure that goes far beyond just a meal. With a light street food lunch experience at a local eatery, you'll have the chance to savor the authentic flavors and unique dishes that define Bologna's renowned gastronomic identity. In the afternoon, we continue our journey to Venice (Mestre). Upon arrival, check in at your hotel for a peaceful overnight stay.

After delicious breakfast, enjoy your transfer to Piazza San Marco, visit the most iconic places of the "Floating City": the Palazzo dei Dogi, symbol of Venice's glorious past, the legendary "Bridge of Sighs". After this walking tour, let us offer you a spritz or a prosecco to crown your visit to Venice highlights with the company of your tour leader. Spend the afternoon roaming along Venice's canals at your leisure and then return to the hotel and overnight.

After breakfast, departure from Piazzale Roma heading to Tuscany, world-known for its landscapes, its churches and castles and its delicious wines. You will proceed to Val di Chiana with a stop in Montepulciano, a medieval town rich in history and art. Known for its "Nobile" wine, on purchase in local wine houses, Montepulciano also hosts an annual Jazz and Wine Festival every July. Lunch in a typical restaurant included! After lunch, quick stop to spend some free time. In the evening, you will arrive in Rome, where the tour ends.