Day 2: Classic & Imperial Rome – Guided Tour of the Colosseum, Pantheon & More

Begin your day with a relaxed breakfast at The Tribune Hotel. Take your time to enjoy the fresh, local offerings before we dive into a guided exploration of some of Rome’s most iconic and historic landmarks.

At 9:00 AM, please meet in front of the hotel for group pickup. Today’s guided experience is a private tour of Classic and Imperial Rome, including the awe-inspiring Colosseum. Please remember to bring a valid photo ID, as it is required for entry.

Our driver will escort us to the Colosseum area, where we will meet our expert local guide. Together, we will step into the ancient world as we explore the amphitheater that once held over 50,000 spectators. Hear stories of gladiators, emperors, and public spectacles as we uncover the rich history and cultural significance of this legendary site.

Following our visit, a private transfer will bring us to the Trevi Fountain area to begin a guided walking tour through the heart of Baroque Rome. Along the way, we will pass by the Column of Marcus Aurelius, the Palazzo di Montecitorio, the Palazzo Madama, the elegant Piazza Navona, and the Campidoglio, designed by Michelangelo himself.

The tour continues with a visit inside the Pantheon, also known as “the church of all religions.” This marvel of ancient engineering features the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome and stands as a monument to architectural brilliance that predates even St. Peter’s Basilica.

Our final stop will be San Pietro in Vincoli (St. Peter in Chains), where we will view Michelangelo’s renowned statue of Moses. Originally designed to be part of a grand mausoleum with more than 40 sculptures, the finished monument includes seven statues and remains one of the Renaissance’s most powerful masterpieces.

Following the tour, a private transfer will return the group to the hotel. The entire experience will last approximately five hours and offers a comprehensive look at both Rome’s ancient grandeur and its artistic legacy.

At 7:00 PM, join the group for dinner at the Terrace Restaurant within The Tribune Hotel. Enjoy a relaxed evening with delicious cuisine, scenic views, and an opportunity to reflect on the rich history we explored together.

Overnight Stay: The Tribune Hotel, Rome

Day 3: Vatican City & Transfer to Tuscany – Private Tour & High-Speed Train to Florence

Begin your day with a leisurely breakfast at The Tribune Hotel and prepare for an extraordinary journey through some of the world’s most sacred and artistic treasures.

8:30 AM – Meet out front of the hotel for our private group excursion to Vatican City, the world’s smallest sovereign state and home to one of the most treasured art collections on Earth.

DRESS CODE: Shoulders and knees must be covered to enter religious sites.

We’ll transfer to the Vatican Museums, where our expert private guide will lead us through the highlights of this remarkable cultural and spiritual complex. This in-depth tour includes the Vatican Museums with masterpieces by Michelangelo, Raphael, Bernini, and Giotto; the breathtaking Sistine Chapel, where you can gaze in reverent silence upon Michelangelo’s frescoes including The Last Judgment; and a guided visit to St. Peter’s Basilica, the spiritual heart of Catholicism and one of the most iconic churches in the world.

After the tour, we’ll return to the hotel to collect our belongings before our transfer to the train station.

2:55 PM – Depart Roma Termini on the ITALO high-speed train bound for Florence.
Arrival: 4:31 PM at Firenze Santa Maria Novella
Train Duration: 1 hour, 36 minutes
Train Number: 8918

Upon arrival in Florence, our private driver will meet us inside the train station holding a sign with the name Amy Walker. Look for him at the pharmacy, located on the left-hand side with the tracks behind you. We’ll then transfer to our countryside retreat in Tuscany.

Approximate Transfer Time: 45 minutes to Villa Petriolo

7:00 PM – Enjoy a relaxed group dinner at Osteria di Golpaja, located on the property. Savor seasonal Tuscan flavors and toast to the start of a beautiful countryside escape.

Overnight Stay: Villa Petriolo, Tuscany

Day 4: Florence Artisans & Renaissance Wonders – City Tour, Accademia & More

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at Villa Petriolo before setting out for a day immersed in art, craftsmanship, and Renaissance history in the heart of Florence.

8:30 AM – Group pick-up at Villa Petriolo for a full-day guided city tour of Florence, Italy’s Renaissance jewel.

10:00 AM – Begin your exploration with a private walking tour through Florence’s artisan heritage. You will visit a carefully selected group of historic workshops, each preserving centuries-old Florentine traditions. These include a mosaic studio dating back to the 1400s, a jeweler skilled in manipulating silver and gold, a paper mill where traditional marbling and xylography techniques are still practiced, and an authentic leather workshop showcasing Italian leather transformed into luxury goods. As you stroll between studios, your guide will share stories of Florence’s Renaissance palaces and medieval towers, revealing the legacy of noble families and artists who shaped this extraordinary city.

A highlight of the morning is a visit inside Chiesa Santa Croce, one of Florence’s most sacred and architecturally significant churches, where legends such as Michelangelo and Galileo are buried. Skip-the-line entrance and tickets are included.

1:00 PM – Group lunch at a local Florentine restaurant, savoring regional cuisine in the heart of the city.

2:00 PM – Visit the renowned Galleria dell’Accademia, home to Michelangelo’s David, a towering masterpiece of Renaissance sculpture. This world-famous statue is housed under a skylit tribune designed specifically to showcase its beauty. Beyond David, explore an inspiring collection of works by Botticelli, Perugino, Giambologna, Filippino Lippi, and other Renaissance greats. After the museum, continue with a scenic walking tour of Florence’s central squares, monuments, and hidden gems.

In the late afternoon and evening, enjoy free time to shop or stroll independently through Florence’s charming streets. Later, we will gather for a casual pizza dinner at a local eatery before returning to the countryside.

Overnight Stay: Villa Petriolo, Tuscany

Day 5: Chianti Wine Country – Full-Day Private Tuscan Winery Tour

Begin your day with a peaceful breakfast at Villa Petriolo, enjoying the fresh Tuscan air and panoramic countryside views before setting out for an immersive exploration of the vineyards and villages of the famed Chianti region.

9:00 AM – Meet your private guide outside the hotel for departure into the Chianti Classico region, nestled in the heart of Tuscany’s wine country.

10:30 AM – Arrive at a historic Chianti winery located within the renowned Gallo Nero (Black Rooster) wine designation. Here, you will tour the estate and learn about traditional winemaking practices. Enjoy a relaxed wine tasting on the terrace, surrounded by rolling hills and endless vineyards, and discover the flavor profiles and history behind some of Tuscany’s most iconic varietals.

12:30 PM – After a scenic drive through Chianti’s postcard-worthy countryside, enjoy a traditional Tuscan lunch at a local trattoria. Expect regional specialties, rustic hospitality, and a menu crafted from seasonal, local ingredients.

Following lunch, take a leisurely sightseeing drive through charming medieval villages, ancient abbeys, and picturesque castles that dot the landscape—each with its own story to tell.

2:30 PM – Visit a second boutique winery, offering a delightful contrast to the morning’s larger estate. This family-run cellar will welcome you with an intimate tour of the vineyards and barrel room. Meet the winemakers personally, learn about small-batch production techniques, and taste handcrafted wines made with care and tradition.

This unique pairing of winery visits provides a complete understanding of Tuscany’s winemaking—from world-renowned brands to heartfelt family producers.

7:00 PM – Return to Villa Petriolo for a group dinner at the estate’s acclaimed Osteria di Golpaja. Share stories from the day over delicious food and more local wine.

Overnight Stay: Villa Petriolo, Tuscany

Day 6: Siena & San Gimignano – Art, History & Chianti Wine

Ease into your morning with a relaxed breakfast at Villa Petriolo, surrounded by the serenity of the Tuscan countryside. Today, we’ll journey deeper into Tuscany to explore two of the region’s most iconic hill towns—Siena and San Gimignano—while indulging in world-class wine and cuisine along the way.

9:30 AM – Group pick-up from the hotel for a full-day private excursion through Tuscany’s most captivating medieval towns.

11:15 AM – Arrive in Siena for a two-hour guided walking tour led by a local expert. During this immersive stroll, you will discover the city’s remarkable Gothic architecture and UNESCO-designated historic city center, learn the fascinating history of Siena’s 17 contrade (districts) and their famed rivalry during the Palio horse race, admire architectural gems like the Piazza del Campo—one of Europe’s most stunning squares—and savor a tasting of local Sienese sweets, a delicious regional tradition.

2:00 PM – Head into the heart of Chianti Classico for a wine-paired lunch at a historic estate. This celebrated winery is known not only for its exceptional wines but also for its warm hospitality and immersive wine education. Enjoy a curated tasting menu, learn about the unique characteristics of the Chianti terroir from the experts, and sample a variety of local vintages alongside classic Tuscan dishes.

4:00 PM – Arrive in the medieval jewel of San Gimignano for free time to explore at your leisure. Wander the cobbled lanes of this walled hilltop town, often called the “Medieval Manhattan” for its towering skyline. Visit artisan boutiques and gourmet shops, admire the UNESCO-listed frescoes, walk the town’s ancient walls for panoramic views over the Tuscan countryside, and don’t forget to grab a scoop (or two) of the award-winning gelato from the town’s most famous shop.

7:00 PM – Return to Villa Petriolo for a group dinner at the cozy and inviting Osteria di Golpaja.

Overnight Stay: Villa Petriolo, Tuscany

Day 7: Transfer to Venice & Exploration

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your leisure at Villa Petriolo before preparing for your journey to Venice.

8:30 AM – Your private driver will pick you up at Villa Petriolo and transfer you to Florence Santa Maria Novella train station for your departure.

10:39 AM – Board the ITALO train bound for Venice.
Departure: 10:39 AM from Florence S.M. Novella
Arrival: 12:55 PM at Venezia Santa Lucia
Duration: 2 hours 16 minutes
Train Number: 8906

Upon arrival at Venezia Santa Lucia train station, you will be greeted by your local guide from RAPHAEL TOURS who will escort you to Hotel Ai Reali.

Lunch will be served at a nearby local restaurant, introducing you to Venetian flavors.

Enjoy the afternoon free to explore Venice at your own pace — wander through the labyrinth of canals, discover hidden piazzas, or simply soak in the unique ambiance.

6:45 PM – Meet in the hotel lobby to walk together to dinner, or you may choose to meet the group directly at the restaurant.

7:00 PM – Group dinner at Antico Dolo, just a short walk from the hotel.

Overnight Stay: Hotel Ai Reali, Venice

Day 8: Venice – Doge’s Palace & St. Mark’s Basilica Guided Tour

Start your day with breakfast at your leisure at Hotel Ai Reali.

10:00 AM – Meet for a private guided tour with RAPHAEL TOURS covering two of Venice’s most iconic landmarks: the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica. A private transfer will pick you up from the hotel. The tour will last approximately 2.5 hours.

Explore the magnificent Doge’s Palace, famed for its sumptuous, ornate staterooms with golden ceilings, as well as the hidden chambers behind wooden panels—narrow offices, dark prisons, and the infamous torture chambers. Relive Casanova’s legendary escape as you walk across the wooden ceilings of the vast Sala del Maggior Consiglio (Great Council Hall). Afterwards, visit St. Mark’s Basilica to admire its breathtaking architecture and intricate mosaics.

Lunch will be served at a local restaurant following the tour.

Enjoy the afternoon free to explore Venice on your own. Wander through charming streets, visit artisan shops, or simply relax by the canals.

6:45 PM – Gather in the hotel lobby to walk together to dinner, or feel free to meet the group directly at the restaurant.

7:00 PM – Group dinner at Antico Calice, just a short walk from the hotel.

Overnight Stay: Hotel Ai Reali, Venice

Day 9: Venice – Departure Day

Enjoy breakfast at your leisure at Hotel Ai Reali. You will have free time to explore Venice on your own before your flight home. You may depart at any time today.

Airport transfers from the hotel to Venice’s airport will be provided whenever you are ready.

This marks the official end of your Highlight of Italy Retreat with Walker Wellness Retreats following breakfast.

Thank you so much for booking your Highlight of Italy retreat with Walker Wellness Retreats. We genuinely hope to see you again soon!