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Discover ancient Rome, Renaissance Florence, cosmopolitan Milan and labyrinthine Venice.
This journey through Italy is the perfect choice for a first-time visit, taking in the cultural highlights of Rome, Florence, Verona and Milan. Explore these iconic cities in the company of expert guides, delving into their rich layers of art, architecture and history.
Over the course of ten days, experience the breadth of Italy’s heritage and natural beauty. Stay in carefully chosen boutique hotels, all centrally located so you’re always close to the heart of the action. Travel between cities by private transfer and high-speed, first-class trains, passing through timeless Italian landscapes – from olive groves and the rolling hills of Tuscany to fertile plains and vine-covered Alpine foothills.
Key Highlights of this Itinerary
Artistic Heritage
Explore treasure troves of artistic brilliance, from Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel to the Giotto frescoes in Padua.
Historical Italy
Uncover Italy’s rich history at the ancient Pantheon, Vatican City, the Doge’s Palace in Venice, and Florence’s Palazzo Ducale.
Delizioso!
Sample gastronomic delights from hand-made pizza in Rome, limoncello tasting in Padua and fish specialties in Venice.
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Day 1
Arrive Rome
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Day 2
Rome
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Day 3
Rome - Siena - Florence
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Day 4
Florence
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Day 5
Florence - Venice
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Day 6
Venice
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Day 7
Venice - Padua - Verona
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Day 8
Verona - Milan
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Day 9
Milan
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Day 10
Depart Milan
Day 1
Arrive Rome
Transfer to your accommodation and, after time to rest, visit the Vatican Museums, including the extraordinary Sistine Chapel, painted by Michelangelo.
Day 2
Rome
Explore this ancient city with a private guide today. Highlights include the Colosseum, Roman Forum and the Pantheon, alongside further time in the Vatican if desired.
Day 3
Rome - Siena - Florence
Depart Rome and transfer north to Siena, home of the world-famous Palio horse race. Its striking medieval architecture makes it one of the prettiest towns in Tuscany. Explore the city on foot before enjoying wine tasting in the Chianti region. Continue on to Florence and check into your accommodation.
Day 4
Florence
Feast on world-class art and Renaissance architecture today. Begin with a visit to the Uffizi Gallery, home to Botticelli’s ‘Birth of Venus’ and works by Leonardo and Michelangelo. In the afternoon, admire Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia Gallery. Enjoy time to wander around stately palaces and discover artisan workshops in the quieter corners of the city.
Day 5
Florence - Venice
Transfer to the railway station to board the high-speed train to Venice. On arrival, transfer to your accommodation by private water taxi. This afternoon, enjoy a private gondola ride, a quintessential Venetian experience.
Day 6
Venice
Step back in time amidst the waterways of Venice. Visit St Mark’s Square and the ornate Doge’s Palace, once the heart of Venetian power. Later, take a private boat to explore the colourful islands of Murano and Burano, renowned for glassblowing and lacework. Alternatively, simply lose yourself in the city’s evocative alleyways and bridges.
Day 7
Venice - Padua - Verona
Travel to Verona today, stopping to explore the sites of Padua en route. Visit the Scrovegni Chapel, famous for Giotto’s frescoes – a masterpiece of early Renaissance art – and stroll through the town’s lively medieval squares. Continue on to Verona and settle into your hotel.
Day 8
Verona - Milan
Take a private walking tour of Verona, visiting Juliet’s Balcony, the Roman Arena and charming piazzas. Later, transfer to the railway station and board your high-speed train to Milan. Check into your accommodation on arrival.
Day 9
Milan
Explore the art galleries, architectural highlights and boutiques of fashionable Milan on foot. Consider visiting the Pinacoteca di Brera, or arranging access to Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper, subject to availability.
Day 10
Depart Milan
Transfer to the airport for onward travel.
More Details
Living History in Rome
Rome is a city where ancient ruins sit beside vibrant street cafés, and every cobbled corner tells a story. With your private guide, explore the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Vatican. For something more personal, we can arrange early access to the Sistine Chapel, a Vespa tour through quiet backstreets, or even an evening gladiator show with dinner – tailored touches that bring the city’s dramatic past to life.
Florence in Detail
Florence is a feast of Renaissance art and architecture. Stand before Michelangelo’s David, climb Brunelleschi’s dome and admire the masterworks of the Uffizi. But beyond the classics lie quieter pleasures: the scent of leather in artisan workshops, hidden wine cellars in Chianti, and the elegance of the Boboli Gardens. Whether on foot, by Vespa or with a private guide, we’ll shape your time here to reflect your interests.
Northern Charms: Venice, Verona & Milan
From Venice’s atmospheric canals to the cultural gems of Verona and Milan, northern Italy is rich with contrasts. Drift through Venice by gondola, visit the Doge’s Palace, or try your hand at glassmaking in Murano. In Verona, discover Roman ruins and Juliet’s legendary balcony before sampling Soave wines. Then on to Milan—where fashion, art and opera converge. Perhaps with tickets to La Scala or a private view of Da Vinci’s Last Supper.
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A note on price
Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.
This Itinerary
Price
From £4,995 Per person
When to travel
Italy’s cities are wonderful to visit at any time of the year. Coastal regions are best between June and September. Mountainous regions such as the Dolomites are wonderful for winter sports between December and March and extremely pretty for summer stays from June through to October.
Holiday Inspiration
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