Taste of Italy: 9 days Rome to Venice

Welcome to Rome, where you’ll enjoy a two-night Special Stay. Known as the Eternal City, Rome is like an enchanting open-air museum, where ancient monuments and elaborate churches sit alongside busy cafes and designer boutiques.

This morning, you will visit the world’s smallest state, the Vatican City. Marvel at the Vatican Museum, the breathtaking Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica, the world’s largest church, which leads to the magnificent St. Peter’s Square. From there, you will continue to the Roman Forum, the ruins of an ancient district of temples, basilicas and the historic Colosseum.

An icon of the city, the Colosseum was built between 70 and 72 AD as an arena for gladiatorial games. In the 1990s it underwent an extensive restoration project.

Scenic Enrich
This evening, enjoy a private dinner hosted by a culinary connoisseur accompanied by a wine pairing.

This morning, drive past tranquil Lake Trasimeno in Umbria on the way to Siena, a hilltop town that feels like you’ve stepped back into medieval Italy. Enjoy a guided tour of this beautifully preserved town, which looks out over the Tuscan countryside.

Continue on to San Gimignano, another of Tuscany’s walled medieval hilltop towns. Take a tour of the historic centre, known as the Town of Fine Towers, before heading to Florence for a two-night Special Stay.

Scenic Enrich
Visit a Tuscan farmhouse and discover local wine and oil production techniques. Later, enjoy a tasty rustic lunch featuring the region’s wine and produce. 

Known as the Cradle of the Renaissance, the compact city of Florence is one of the cultural capitals of the world. Bursting with exquisite architecture, legendary galleries and classical masterpieces, this is an art lover’s paradise. Delight in a walking tour of Florence, including a visit to the Academy of Fine Arts to admire Michelangelo’s David.

Travel to Pisa to enjoy a guided tour and see its famous tower. Construction began in 1173 and took more than 200 years, though it began to lean just five years after completion.

Then continue to Portofino, one of Italy’s most famous resort towns. Full of Mediterranean charm, Portofino is a place to soak up la dolce vita. Brightly coloured buildings sit against crystal-clear water with lush pine-covered hills in the distance. Enjoy a scenic cruise around the spectacular bay. Tonight, you’ll arrive in Rapallo for a two-night Special Stay. 

This scenic seaside town on the Italian Riviera has been a favourite of royals, writers and poets for more than a century. It’s also an ideal base to explore the rugged coastline of the World Heritage-listed Cinque Terre. The five villages of Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore are dotted along the cliffs and accessible only via walking paths, train or boat, which lends itself to the already considerable charm of these unique 11th-century settlements. Bask in a full day exploring this picturesque coastline.

Your first stop today is Modena, one of Italy’s great culinary destinations. More relaxed than Venice or Rome, Modena is home to some of the world’s best restaurants and is said to be the birthplace of tortellini, lasagna, parmesan cheese and balsamic vinegar. Visit a producer of traditional balsamic vinegar for a tasting and light lunch.

Continue to Venice – a truly magical destination. Check in to your hotel a haven of luxury in this busy city, for a two-night Special Stay. Raise your glass with your fellow travellers and toast a wonderful journey.

Today, explore this timeless city from the water. Enjoy a gondola ride along magnificent canals and underneath ancient bridges. Marvel at the colourful Grand Canal, the main waterway that divides the city in two. Glide under the famous Ponte dei Sospiri, built almost 500 years ago, and explore the winding waterways that pass crumbling mansions and ornate public buildings.

Scenic Freechoice:
Dorsoduro & the Peggy Guggenheim Collection:Explore the picturesque Dorsoduro district, the city’s cultural heart. Finish with a private guided tour of the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, a world-renowned modern art collection.

Walking Tour: Discover Venice on foot, visiting the spectacular Doge’s Palace and the majestic Basilica of San Marco. Stroll through the Rialto Market, stopping at an osteria for a glass of wine and a few cicchetti (snacks).

Your journey ends this morning as you bid a fond farewell to Venice and the new friends you have made along the way. Take with you lifelong memories of the wonders you have seen in this stunning part of the world.

The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the voyage will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.