Italy at Christmas Time: 11-Day Small Group Tour commences in Venice and Finalés in Rome — The Holidays are a great time to visit Italy with Journey's Italy at Christmas Time Tour. We begin the holiday adventure in amazing Venice. Step back in Florence's Christmas Renaissance past and learn of unique and fun traditions only the Florentines know about! Relax in Tuscany's sunny countryside (even in winter!) and celebrate the Yule spirit. And finale with the grandeur of Rome all dressed up for the Holiday season. Remember, you can expand your Journey by adding Bellagio on Lake Como for a 2D/2N pre-tour extension to experience the Holidays on Lake Como.

Extend your experience and enjoy 3 days and 2 nights on beautiful Lake Como - based in Bellagio - The Pearl of the Lake!

This package includes: 

• Arrival Transfer from Milan to Bellagio

• Journey Tour Director to greet you and orient you to beautiful Bellagio

• Journey Welcome Dinner: With one of the Top 10 Italian Chefs!

• 2 Nights accommodation with breakfast and all city/tourist taxes included. 

• Boat ride, Admission Tickets with time at Villa Carlotta and gardens.
• Onward transport to Venice Hotel

Deluxe: $1779 per person

Classic: $1179 per person

Econo: $639 per person - Sightseeing and dining is optional with Journey's econo plan.

Luxury: Grand Villa Serbelloni - $2639/person

DAY 1: WELCOME TO BEAUTIFUL VENICE

Upon arrival you are transported via private water taxi to our hotel on San Marco along with your fellow travelers and your Journey Tour Director. Check-in, drop luggage and then relax until our Discovery Walk.

Later this afternoon you will enjoy a get-to-know-Venice Discovery Walk — a hallmark of the Journey style of traveling and exploring new destinations.

Your Journey Tour Director welcomes you to Venice with a toast for your arrival.

Discovery Walk: Venice

You will enjoy a get-to-know-Venice Discovery Walk — a hallmark of the Journey style of traveling and exploring new destinations hosted by your Journey Tour Director. We will take in the beautiful sights of Piazza San Marco, the "Campanile" or clock tower, the Grand Canal and more.

Enjoy some time at leisure before meeting tonight for a special 'Welcome to Venice' evening from one of our exclusive perspectives to see Venice.

Welcome to Venice Dinner

We then make our way to our favorite restaurant in Venice where we will be delighted with cuisine from several regions throughout Italy including the Veneto, Lazio and Campania (all paired with delicious wines and premium beverages - and all included with Journey).

Accommodation in Venice, 2 Nights with breakfast

Deluxe: Hotel Saturnia & International

Classic: Hotel Bonvecchiati or Similar

Special sightseeing today includes:

• Doge's Palace: Skip-the-Line Entrance to the Doge's Palace (meaning Duke or Governor's Palace), the seat of the Republic of Venice's historic power.
• Venice's Old Prison: The Prisons of Venice: Found inside the Doge's Palace, are the older and new prisons.
• Bridge of Sighs: The bridge made famous for its window and last view of blue sky and freedom as prisoners are marched to their sentence.
• Basilica San Marco: Enjoy the beautiful mosaics and how they reflect and dance in the light. Your Tour Captain "paints the picture" of the history and opulence that is the Basilica San Marco prior to entering. Once inside, enjoy 'silence' as you observe its beauty encased in Byzantine architecture.
• Piazza San Marco: and our "Secret Treasures of Venice:"
• Walking Delights: Learn about the Clock Tower (Campanile), Caffé Florian, Napoleon and the Winged Lion
• Enjoy included admission/entrance to Museo Correr, Museo Archeologico Nazionale and Monumental Rooms of the Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana at your leisure.

Special Adventure: Venetian Gondola Experience

Later today, just before sunset enjoy our included Gondola ride through the canals of Venice with our professional musicians to make the ambiance perfect. On occasion inclement weather will prevent the gondola ride. In this scenario an alternate activity will be substituted later in the tour.

Enjoy the balance of the afternoon and evening at your leisure.

Journey is Different: Your Journey Tour Director will invite you to an optional dinner after the Gondola ride, and they can also help you with dining reservations if you choose to explore lovely Venice on your own. 

DAY 3: ONWARD TO FLORENCE
This morning enjoy a leisurely start with breakfast and then join your Journey Tour Director as we transfer by boat to the Venezia Santa Lucia Train Station for the included Fast-train passage to Florence. Your bags are portaged separately so you can enjoy the ride.

We zip along the Italian countryside and arrive in Florence at the Santa Maria Novella Train Station where we deboard the train for our short walk to our hotels in the very heart of Florence.

After some time to freshen up, we begin our chapter in Florence.

Discovery Walk: Florence

On the Discovery Walk we will orient you to the very heart of historic Florence. In addition to seeing many of the major sites including Giotto's Campanile (Bell Tower) and the Baptistery, the Florence Cathedral, also known as the Duomo, we will enjoy entrance to Orsanmichele church and the church of Via Santa Margherita which was the parish of many Florentine families, such as Cerchi, Donati, Adimari and Portinari.

Enjoy the balance of the afternoon at leisure until our welcome dinner tonight.

Welcome to Florence Dinner

Your Journey Tour Director hosts an amazing welcome dinner in Florence with authentic Tuscan cuisine served by Fiorentini who love what they do. Florence welcomes us with a variety of regional culinary tastes, premium beverages, and ample portions of fine local wines from Toscana and Chianti.

Accommodation in Florence, 2 Nights with breakfast

Deluxe: Hotel Bernini Palace or Similar
Classic: Rosso 23 or Similar

DAY 4: EXPLORING FLORENCE

Today's Adventure: Florence Secrets & Treasures

Journey's Florence Secrets & Treasures tour boasts a variety of fine sights to see including Santa Maria del Fiore, the Baptistery's Bronze "Gate of Paradise," Giotto's Bell Tower, Signoria Square, and the Galleria dell'Accademia, where Michelangelo's David is housed.

We will take our time walking through the Piazza della Repubblica, the famous Piazza Signoria with her old palace, Palazzo Vecchio, and make our way through the portico of the Uffizi complex before arriving at the Arno River and a visit to the "old bridge," or Ponte Vecchio. This was the only bridge in Florence to survive the World War II bombing raids.

Special Sightseeing Includes:

• Galleria dell'Accademia: Skip-the-Line admission to experience Michelangelo's David in the Academy Gallery.
• Galleria dell'Accademia: The first art school of Europe.
• Our tour includes the historic city center which is a World Heritage site that comprises the Baptistery, Campanile, and the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore – also known as the Duomo. The 14th-century dome was created by Brunelleschi.
• See the magnificent Gates of Paradise on the Baptistery, so called by Michelangelo. Our Local Guide will comment on these impressive doors to the Baptistery created by Lorenzo Ghiberti. Until the 19th century, most Catholic Florentines were baptized here. The Baptistery and Giotto's Campanile whose perspective we enjoy from ground level are all part of the Duomo of Santa Maria del Fiori complex.
• Entrance and tour of Orsanmichele: This church was originally built as a grain market in 1337 by Francesco Talenti, Neri di Fioravante, and Benci di Cione. Then converted into a church between 1380 and 1404.
• Walking Delights: We explore Piazza della Repubblica, Piazza della Signoria and the Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge), the only bridge to survive World War II bombing.

Following our Secrets & Treasures adventure the balance of the day is at your leisure.

Interested in checking out the leather market? What about a climb of the Duomo? We can arrange visits, admissions and more for you in advance. Consider a visit to the Basilica di Santa Croce (Basilica of the Holy Cross) or just explore at your leisure. This Basilica is the principal Franciscan church in Florence, Italy, and a minor basilica of the Roman Catholic Church. It is the burial place of some of the most illustrious Italians, such as Michelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli, Foscolo, Gentile, Rossini, and Marconi, thus it is known also as the Temple of the Italian Glories (Tempio dell'Itale Glorie).

Enjoy the balance of the afternoon and evening at your leisure.

Journey is Different: Your Journey Tour Director will invite you to an optional dinner tonight or you can explore Florence at leisure.

DAY 5: GOOD MORNING TUSCANY

Today's Adventure: Tuscan Glory

It's a great day to explore further into the Tuscan countryside.

Our first stop is the hilltop village of San Gimignano. One of San Gimignano's most impressive sights is the medieval skyline made up of 13 remaining towers dating back from the 11th century. San Gimignano rises on a hill dominating the Elsa Valley. The town increased in wealth and developed greatly during the Middle Ages thanks to the "Via Francigena", the trading and pilgrim's route that crossed it. Once in San Gimignano, we enjoy free time to explore the city of towers. San Gimignano also has several distractions for shopping - so dig in and enjoy!

We'll toast our arrival into the countryside of Tuscany with a unique perspective and our first taste of Vernaccia, a white wine that hails from San Gimignano.

Journey Exclusive: Winery ExperienceEnjoy our in-depth experience at our winery estate in the heart of Tuscany - simply stunning.

We will enjoy a tour of the production facilities and cellars, followed by a delightful wine-tasting paired with perfect morsels for lunch. Buon Appetito!Our lunch palate-pleasing appetizers, including pecorino cheese, bruschetta, and other local farm-to-table delights. You'll get your fill of classic Chianti and Super Tuscan varieties along with delicate cuisine hand-made by the chef.Special Sightseeing today Includes:

• San Gimignano: Sightseeing and free time in the Tuscan hill town known for its towers.
• Exclusive Winery: Admission, Tour and Wine Tasting at our Estate located in the heart of Tuscany. Beautiful Property with stunning views, delicious varieties paired with sumptuous delicacies. You won't want to leave.
• Tuscany's Wine Road: Winding through the Tuscan hills, the wine road offers remarkable beauty, characterized by vineyards, wine cellars, distant rolling landscapes, and villages up in the hills.

To Cortona Mid to late-afternoon we enjoy a leisurely drive to the delightful hill town of Cortona for our next chapter in the very heart of Tuscany. An absolutely beautiful town awaits us and an equally authentic welcome dinner is included.In the mid to late Tuscan afternoon we will arrive at our villa hotel in Cortona. Your Journey Tour Director checks you in and there is ample time to freshen up before meeting in the lobby tonight for a short walk to our special Apericena experience.

Discovery Walk: Cortona
On the Discovery Walk of Cortona we make our way to its very heart to learn about its fascinating past with Etruscans and Romans, as well as Hollywood. Your Journey Tour Director welcomes you to the Tuscan countryside and tonight's special Italian experience.

We continue our walk as we explore Via Nazionale up to Piazza Garibaldi and finally into Piazza della Repubblica where you will Learn about the plains of Trasimeno and of the amazing battle of the same name: The Roman-Cathaginian Battle. Soak up the afternoon sunshine as we slow down and enjoy a typical Tuscan evening.

Journey Exclusive: Special Apericena in CortonaTonight you will join your Journey Tour Director for a Journey exclusive welcome "aperitivo" called Apericena by the modern Italians.It's the perfect complement for your palate after a day of great cuisine and wine. Our dinner aperitivo provides a just-right, light meal finale to our beautiful day in the Tuscan countryside and in the magical ambiance of this delightful hill town.Afterwards, enjoy the balance of the evening at your leisure.

Accommodation in Cortona, 2 Nights with breakfast

Deluxe: Villa Marsili, Monastero di Cortona Hotel & Spa, or Similar 

Classic: Hotel Italia or Similar

Cortona is a special place and our home for the next 2 nights. 

DAY 6: EXPLORING CORTONA AT LEISURE

Enjoy a full free day at your leisure in beautiful Cortona.

Many options are available from Cooking Classes to a day trip to Siena and more. Today, enjoy Tuscany at your leisure - perhaps it's a thorough exploration of delightful Cortona, a cooking class, horse-back riding, Vespa rental and much more.

Cortona is a small but fascinating hill town in the province of Arezzo, Tuscany. It is situated on a commanding hill that overlooks Lake Trasimeno, known for the infamous rout of the Romans by Hannibal and the Carthaginians. Its cyclopean walls, still preserved in great part, are said to be 3000 years old. It was one of the twelve cities of Etruria.

Soak in the morning: enjoy a walk through the vineyards, or a hike up to the castle or a leisurely stroll through the piazza and streets.

Journey is Different: Your Journey Tour Director will invite you to an optional dinner tonight or choose to enjoy your last night in Cortona at your leisure.

DAY 7: ONWARD TO ROME

As we make our way to Rome, we find ourselves going back in time as our surroundings begin to slowly turn into the very center of ancient Rome.

We arrive at our hotels and check in. The locations of our hotels in Rome are within a minute or so walk of the incredible Pantheon.

We check-in, freshen up and then meet for our Discovery Walk.

Discovery Walk: Rome

You will meet the Journey Tour Director for a walk through the very heart of Old Rome.

We begin our exploration of Rome beginning with an elephant and continue to immerse ourselves in over 2000 years of history of the 'Empire. We enter the amazing Pantheon and learn of its interesting history and continue our walk to soak up Piazza Navona, once a site where mock naval battles were held. We continue with our Discovery Walk as we pass through Campo de Fiore (field of flowers) - do you know the name of the figure whose likeness is crafted in the statue in this amazing campo? We walk by Largo di Torre Argentina and learn of Julius Caesar's fate. We will also see a village of modern Roman felines.

Welcome to Rome Dinner

Tonight you will join your Journey Tour Director for a special welcome to Rome dinner complete with premium beverages and wine from the region of Lazio, Campania and Toscana.

Accommodation in Rome, 3 Nights with breakfast

Deluxe: Pantheon Iconic Rome Hotel
Classic: Hotel Navona, Antica Albergo al Sole dal Pantheon, or Similar

DAY 8: DECEMBER 24, 2022: CHRISTMAS EVE IN ROME

It's Christmas Eve in Rome!

Today's Optional Adventure: Vatican City at Christmas Time

Consider this optional tour of the Vatican ($165/person). Enjoy a visit of the Vatican museums to see the amazing tapestries, the Sistine Chapel and its iconic ceiling, and St. Peter's Basilica and Square as the majestic Vatican City comes to life. After our experience is complete we will exit at St. Peter's Square where you see the multi-color uniformed Swiss Guard on display as they guard the Vatican and the expanse of the beautiful piazza.

Journey's transports are waiting nearby when we're ready to head back to our hotels.

Sightseeing Included in this Option::

• St. Peter's Basilica and Square: Admission and Guided Tour to St. Peter's Basilica: By design, we enjoy early admission around 8:15 am to avoid the large cruise and tour groups that arrive later in the morning. Enjoy Skip-the-Line special access with Admission Included.
• Sistine Chapel: Admission and Guided Tour of the Sistine Chapel: You will find inside the chapel The Last Judgment painting by Michelangelo, which he painted during the years 1535 to 1541. The work, designed on a grand scale, spans the entire wall behind the Sistine Chapel altar.
• Vatican Museums: Admission and Guided Tour of the Vatican City Museums: The Museums boast some of the most impressive tapestries and other works of art and sculpture found in the world.

Enjoy the balance of the afternoon and evening at your leisure.

Included Christmas Eve Dinner

Tonight you will join your Journey Tour Director as they escort you to our Christmas Eve dinner.

Tonight, you may also want to consider making your way to the Christmas Eve mass in St. Peters or just enjoy the moment exploring about. This mass is the most-watched Christmas mass around the world, and it takes place in the beautiful setting of St. Peter's Basilica.

DAY 9: DECEMBER 25, 2022: ROME

It's Christmas Day in Rome!

This morning enjoy a leisurely start to your day with breakfast and time to enjoy the morning.

Later today you may want to explore ancient Rome.

Today's Optional Adventure: Walking Rome and Christmas Day Lunch

Consider our amazing walking tour of Rome at Christmas with lunch to follow ($135/person). You will see ancient elements intertwined perfectly with present-day apartment buildings, and discover how the modern Romans have intertwined their vast history into present-day experience.

Sightseeing included in this Option:

• We will enjoys views of the Colosseo or Flavian's amphitheater known popularly as the Colosseum, along with the Roman Forum, Foro Romano.
• Capitoline Hill: We ascend this amazingly sculptured and architecturally inspirational locale.
• Views of Trajan's Market, Palatine Hill, Caesar's Palace, Curia known as the Senate Building, the Vittorio Emanuele II National Monument, the Jewish Ghetto, and other historic landmarks. 
• Christmas Day Lunch

Option: Join us to celebrate our time in Italy: Farewell to Rome Dinner

Tonight join your Journey Tour Director for our included 'Farewell to Rome' event. $85/person.

Our days have been filled with Christmas lights and new sights, amazing tastes and even some new discoveries - tonight enjoy reflecting on the incredible journey we've had together in Italy at Christmas Time. It has been a Journey of Adventure and Discovery, along with making new friends!

Tomorrow we will say, 'Arrivederci Roma!' but tonight we sing and make melody in the very heart of Rome. 

The 11 Day round-trip (10 Days/9 Nights land) Journey ends today. You will depart Italy today and return on the same date back to the USA on most flights. 

Or if you're extending to the Amalfi Coast, then make your return flight out of Naples NAP Airport later in the morning. Or if you cannot find a later flight, then we might recommend returning from Rome, but make sure your flight is after 12pm to give you ample time to make it from Sorrento. 

Departure transfer optional and not included.  Inquire to add.