9 Days Private Tour of Venice Florence and Rome

This 9-day private tour of Italy takes you through Venice, Florence, and Rome with a carefully curated itinerary designed for comfort and in-depth exploration. Priced at $5,498 per person, this fully private experience includes hotel accommodations, private transportation, high-speed trains, and admission to key sights. It features personal guides and drivers at each city, providing a personalized touch that many travelers value highly.

The tour’s flexibility allows for customization, making it suitable for those who want a thorough yet relaxed exploration of Italy’s most iconic cities. While the cost reflects a premium experience, the inclusion of first-class train travel and expert-guided tours offers significant value. This tour is best for those who prefer a private, well-organized trip with attention to detail, especially if first-time visitors want to see the highlights without the hassle of logistics.

Key Points

• Private guided experience in Venice, Florence, and Rome with dedicated guides and drivers
• All major highlights included: Venice’s Rialto and St. Mark’s Basilica, Florence’s Duomo and David, Rome’s Colosseum and Vatican
• High-speed train travel between Venice, Florence, and Rome in Premium Class
• Boutique 4-star hotels in prime locations, with breakfast included every morning
• Flexible itinerary that can be customized to suit specific interests or pace
• Non-refundable booking with a clear, upfront pricing structure

Starting Your Journey in Venice: Waterways and Hidden Corners

The tour begins in Venice, where your arrival is handled with a private water-taxi transfer from the Marco Polo Airport. This smooth start sets the tone for an experience focused on comfort and exclusivity. Upon arrival, you check into a boutique 4-star hotel right in the city center, giving easy access to Venice’s iconic sights.

The first day is free for relaxation or gentle exploration, allowing travelers to get accustomed to the city’s ambiance. The next morning, a 2-hour walking tour leads through Venice’s must-see sights, including the Rialto Bridge and Rialto fish market. This tour emphasizes Venice’s lesser-known architecture and secret stories, moving beyond the usual tourist spots.

In the afternoon, the guide introduces St. Mark’s Basilica, where the Pala D’Oro altar shines as a highlight. Visitors ascend to the Loggia dei Cavalli for stunning panoramic views of St. Mark’s Square, creating a memorable first impression of the city’s artistic grandeur.

Traveling in Style: From Venice to Florence by First-Class Train

On Day 3, your private driver transfers you to the Venice railway station for a high-speed train journey to Florence. The Premium Class seats ensure a comfortable, quiet ride lasting about 2 hours. This mode of travel combines efficiency with luxury, allowing for a relaxing transition between cities.

Once in Florence, a private driver takes you from the train station to your hotel, located conveniently in the city center. The evening is free to settle in or explore at your own pace, with options to visit local eateries or simply enjoy the ambiance of Florence.

Exploring Florence’s Architectural and Artistic Gems

The next day begins with a comprehensive walking tour of Florence’s highlights, led by a private guide. The Piazza del Duomo is the first stop, giving access to the Baptistery of St. John. The tour includes a visit to the Cathedral (Duomo) and the famous Dome, with tickets valid for 72 hours to revisit at leisure.

The Piazza della Signoria follows, where visitors can admire landmarks like Ponte Vecchio and Strozzi Palace. The walking route takes in the lively streets of Florence’s historic center, showcasing its artistic and architectural elegance.

The tour also visits the Galleria dell’Accademia to see Michelangelo’s David, an artistic masterpiece. The Oltrarno district is included to showcase craftsmanship shops and early Michelangelo works, giving a deeper appreciation of Florence’s Renaissance roots.

A Day of Leisure in Florence

Day 5 is a free day for personal exploration. Travelers often choose to visit the Market Centrale for local foods and crafts or relax at a cafe in the city’s vibrant streets. This flexible day allows visitors to customize their experience further or revisit favorite spots.

Transitioning to Rome: From Trevi to the Colosseum

On Day 6, after breakfast, your driver transfers you from Florence to Rome by train, with the journey taking approximately 1.5 hours. Upon arrival, a guided tour introduces the major landmarks of Rome, including the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, and Pantheon.

The famous Fountain of the Four Rivers and works by Bernini and Borromini are part of this introductory exploration. The tour lasts about 4 hours, providing a solid overview of Rome’s urban masterpiece.

The afternoon and evening are at leisure, perfect for enjoying local cuisine or an evening stroll around the illuminated city.

Discovering Ancient Rome: The Roman Forum and Colosseum

Day 7 dives into Rome’s ancient history with a guided walking tour of the Roman Forum, where you see columns, temples, arches, and remnants from the 3rd century A.D. The Palatine Hill is included to showcase Rome’s earliest settlements.

Next, the Colosseum takes center stage, offering a 1.5-hour guided visit to explore the iconic amphitheater. This site, once the spectacle of gladiator fights, now stands as a testament to Roman engineering and entertainment.

Vatican Treasures and Michelangelo’s Masterpieces

On Day 8, the tour focuses on Vatican City. The Vatican Museums are explored with a guided visit to the Pinecone Courtyard, Gallery of the Maps, and Tapestries. The Sistine Chapel is the highlight, with its Michelangelo frescoes dominating the space and showcasing the artist’s extraordinary talent.

The journey concludes with St. Peter’s Basilica, where the Pieta sculpture and Bernini’s Papal Canopy are featured. Visitors also admire Michelangelo’s Dome and the Piazza San Pietro, capturing the grandeur of the Vatican’s architecture.

Final Day and Departure

The last morning involves a private transfer to Rome’s airport, completing the 9-day journey. The experience concludes with a sense of having covered Italy’s most celebrated cities in luxury and comfort.

The Unique Benefits and Considerations of This Tour

This fully private tour emphasizes personalized attention and luxury accommodations, making it ideal for travelers who prefer a customized and seamless experience. The inclusion of high-speed train travel and expert guides adds to the overall convenience and depth of exploration.

However, the tour’s non-refundable policy and the premium cost of $5,498 per person are important considerations. The hotel stays are in boutique 4-star properties, balancing comfort with a distinct Italian charm.

This tour offers a comprehensive way to see Venice, Florence, and Rome with a focus on luxury and ease. It suits those who want a well-organized, private experience with the flexibility to customize, making it a strong choice for first-time visitors or those celebrating a special occasion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes, the tour is designed for most travelers and includes accessible features, but check specific physical requirements for walking tours and museum visits.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Yes, the program can be purchased as-is or tailored to your interests and pace.

What is included in the price?
The price covers hotel accommodations, high-speed train tickets in Premium Class, guided tours, entrance fees to sights, private transportation, and breakfast.

Are meals included?
Only breakfast is included in the hotel. Additional meals are not part of the package.

What are the hotel standards?
Stays are in boutique 4-star hotels known for comfort and central locations.

Is transportation private throughout?
Yes, private drivers and vehicles are used for transfers and local sightseeing.

How flexible is the schedule?
The itinerary is customizable and designed for a relaxed pace, with free days for personal exploration.

What is the cancellation policy?
The booking is non-refundable and cannot be changed once confirmed.

Is this tour good for art and history enthusiasts?
Absolutely, with visits to Michelangelo’s David, the Colosseum, and the Vatican Museums, it offers rich artistic and historic insights.

What is the overall rating?
The tour maintains a 4.0 out of 5 based on 5 reviews, reflecting consistent satisfaction with the guides and overall experience, despite some concerns about deposit policies.