Iconic Florence and Venice Tour with Countryside Culture

Nestled in the rolling hills of Northern Italy lies a vibrant town with an artistic past and a mouthwatering array of culinary delights. As the capital of Tuscany, Florence enjoys special prominence among top European travel destinations, but whether or not it earns this distinction is up to you and your leisurely 3-day exploration of this Italian jewel. After a comfortable journey from Rome, you will arrive at your conveniently located hotel well within walking distance of magnificent cathedrals and eateries. You will then have the remainder of the day to relax.

Florence once enjoyed a vast commercial influence over much of the Mediterranean world. As the city's coffers filled, local artists were commissioned to create exquisite works of art that persist to this day. This period was known as the Renaissance. Possibly no better showcase of this explosive period exists than at the Accademia Gallery, where you will enjoy a private tour of the various artists and exhibits on display. The towering figure of Michelangelo's David is enough to warp the imagination as you ponder the process of sculpting the 17-ft high marble statue.

After spending the previous day marveling inside the Accademia Gallery, into the streets you will head on a walking tour of Florence's city center. Here, surprises wait around every corner. A knowledgable guide will lead you on this comprehensive tour to ensure that no question goes unanswered. From the expansive might of the Palazzo Vecchio to the intricacies of Alberti's Gates of Paradise and Il Duomo of Brunelleschi, the cityscape will come alive with the stories of those who once called Florence home.

Departing Florence, the fast-paced nature of the Tuscan capital will be replaced by the rustic charm of the countryside. As you wind your way into the Chianti region toward your final destination, you will be able to enjoy an introduction to the town of St. Gimignano on a morning tour of the remarkably intact medieval walls and other treasures. St. Gimignano will be your last town before venturing into the nearby countryside to enjoy a tasteful introduction to rural living.

The headquarters for your rural retreat is the Fattoria Tregole estate, which is a property in the heart of the Chianti region that is surrounded by lush forests and orderly vineyards. This rural paradise will be an excellent place to wind down from the commotion of the bigger cities and  explore local attractions at a leisurely pace. Today will be your canvas onto which you can paint your very own plan. Perhaps, you will dip into the pool or partake in an excursion across the property.

The theme of the day is wine. Today, you will visit three of the best ambassadors of this proud Tuscan tradition through visits to Montalcino, Pienza, and Montepulciano. These three towns are each well-known in their own right as possessing unique wine-making brilliance. Your visit will include trips down into the subterranean wine caves, strolling past Renaissance-inspired architecture, and sipping your way through flights of the local vintage.

Driving your way across Tuscany, you will undoubtedly notice the frequency of villages perched atop hilltops. As decades of war swept across Italy, this was a strategic custom that allowed one to see your enemy from great distances. Luckily for you, the days of pitched battles are long gone. Today, you will be able to visit the delightful town of Orvieto in peace. Meeting you there, an expert guide will walk you through the medieval neighborhoods and architecture that has fascinated visitors for centuries before returning to your idyllic retreat at Fattoria Tregole.

Part of the charm of villages across Italy is the unique festivals that occur year-round. The city of Siena enjoys many such festivals, but none turn more heads than the bare-backed horse race known as Il Palio. Here, locals and tourists alike wait long hours to watch a race that lasts less than 5 minutes. Into this exciting city you will step on your final day in Tuscany to enjoy a private walking tour. Whether taking in the unique shape of the Piazza del Campo or the impressive cathedral, you will leave Siena with a better appreciation of this charming town.

You will finally break your series of landlocked destinations by visiting the seaside splendor of Venice at the Northernmost end of the Adriatic. Trains and water taxis will provide a thrilling journey to your charming hotel in the heart of the Cannaregio quarter. Venice was once made up of independent communities living on a coastal archipelago, but as the year wore on, the communities grew together and out onto the water. After you have settled in, you will have the remainder of the day to scout out your favorite canal.

With no mountains to get in the way, the morning light streaks into Venice from across the Adriatic and illuminates the facades of palaces and villas of the city center brilliantly. This ambient brilliance will be yours to enjoy on a walking tour through Venice's most iconic attractions. Your expert guide will introduce you to the city's humble origins and its maritime dominance before leading you to St. Mark's square, the Doge's Palace, the Campanile, and scores of other memorable locations. You will be able to conclude your day with a scenic cruise on a famous Venetian gondola.

For your final full day in Venice, you will be able to get a closer look at the regal-looking palace and ornate basilica that you saw the day before. The Basilica of St. Mark once belonged to the leader of Venice but was later made public at the start of the 19th century. A private tour from an expert guide will introduce you to this history and much more. You will be able to explore the basilica before venturing over to the majestic Doge's Palace.

It is not uncommon to feel melancholy at the conclusion of such a scenic and memorable Italian adventure. From the red-tiled roofs of Florence to the windswept piers of Venice, you will have enjoyed a thorough and valuable look at a side of Italy that is frequently missed by the hurried traveler. As you begin your trip to the nearby Marco Polo airport, you can rest assured knowing that Italy will forever be an inexhaustible source of adventure and excitement for visitors.