The stone gray - Rome & Florence
Rome & Florence itinerary
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
7 days/6 night
Availability: from May to Sept 2024
Starting date: Monday
You will get to know two iconic cities united by their small stones present in the historic center: Rome and Florence.
You will walk through the historic center of Rome, tasting your ice cream and visit the Vatican Museums.
You will learn about Florentine customs during the guided tour of the city with its illustrious museums and you will visit two of the Tuscan cities richest in history and stories: Siena and San Gimignano.
Welcome to Italy! At your arrival at Fiumicino airport, meet your driver for a private transfer to your hotel in Rome.
Accommodation and relax.
After your check-in and some time to take a break after your flight, meet your assistant for a briefing to show to you the itinerary and have a welcome dinner in Rome.
Then return to your hotel and overnight in Rome.
Meet your driver and guide in the hotel lobby and start your private tour to discover the Vatican city.
The Vatican Museums are some of the largest museums in the world with an enormous collection that varies from ancient Roman and Egyptian artefacts, religious objects, beautifully painted rooms and even modern art. The 26 different museums of the Vatican are housed in a complex of multiple Apostolic palaces, and are by far the most popular museum destination in Rome, in part because of the famous Sistine Chapel. During your visit, you will marvel at the many art treasures that the popes have collected in 54 halls since the 16th century.
The absolute highlight of the route through the Vatican museums is a visit to the Sistine Chapel (‘Capella Sistina’). The name is derived from the founder of the chapel, pope Sixtus IV. The impressive ceiling of this 15th-century Sistine Chapel was painted in the 16th century by Michelangelo. It portrays the story of creation, the great flood and other scenes. The side walls are equally beautiful with paintings of the life of Jesus made by Ghirlandaio, Botticelli, Perugino, Pinturicchio and others. The wall behind the alter shows Michelangelo’s painting of the ‘Last Judgement’. The Sistine Chapel is mostly known for being the space where the cardinals meet for conclave when electing a new pope. When a new pope is being elected, smoke comes from the chapel’s chimney twice a day. White smoke means a new pope has been elected, while black smoke means the cardinals were not yet successful in their mission.
After these 4 hours of guided visit, you return to your hotel by private transfer.
Overnight in Rome.
Meet your driver and guide in the hotel lobby to discover the heart of Rome and the Colosseum.
Walk in the footsteps of emperors and gladiators and retrace 3,000 years of history with this 4-hour tour of the city’s illustrious past as capital of the ancient Roman Empire. You will visit the Colosseum, whose construction was commissioned by Emperor Vespasian as a gift for the Romans and then became the stage of cruel gladiator games, and the Roman Forum archeological area, the monumental maze of public and religious buildings that used to be the political, social and commercial hub of the empire. From the Palatine we will descend into the valley occupied by the Roman Forum, which together with the area of the Imperial Forums, constituted the beating heart and monumental center of ancient Rome. Our guide will lead you along the Via Sacra, the road of processions and triumphs where you will hear details about daily life, anecdotes about famous politicians and ancient legends. You will also get to know the most prestigious buildings in the square such as the Curia, the official seat of the Roman senators, which has survived intact; the rostrum stands from where heated political speeches were delivered; the rally or the area intended for the elections of magistrates and the imposing triumphal arches.
You will also discover what pastimes the young people practiced at the time thanks to the graffiti reproducing the gaming boards that we will point out to you engraved on the steps of the Basilica Iulia, the events linked to one of the most famous and admired men of Rome Julius Caesar, to whom Augustus after death dedicated a temple. You cannot miss a visit to the temple and the house of the Vestals with details on the life of these special priestesses considered sacred.
Included in the tour is the walking tour to the heart of Rome where you will end with a gelato tasting.
After this full day excursion, you return to your hotel by private transfer.
Overnight in Rome.
Meet your driver in your hotel lobby in Rome and transfer to Roma Termini Station.
1st class train from Rome to Firenze Santa Maria Novella station. On arriving at Firenze station, meet your driver for a private transfer to your Hotel in Florence.
After your check-in and some time to take a break after your trip, meet your assistant for a welcome dinner in Florence.
Then return to your hotel and overnight in Florence.
Meet your guide in the hotel lobby in Florence for your full day private tour.
Your experience begins in the Florence Accademia, where you’ll skip the lines to take in Michelangelo’s masterpiece, the jaw-dropping David. As you admire this larger-than-life statue, your expert guide will explain what makes it one of the greatest sculptures ever – and why Michelangelo was prouder of this than his work in the Sistine Chapel.
Your Florence tour continues with a walking tour of the city with the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, more commonly known as Florence Duomo. This incredible church was built in 1436 and still boasts one of the largest domes in the entire world. The story of how the dome was built is one of the greatest epics of the Italian Renaissance.
You will explore the third great wonder of Florence: its streets. Your guided walking tour takes you first to Piazza della Signoria, an open-air art gallery where Michelangelo’s David was originally supposed to stand. He was quickly relocated, but you can still see a replica at the entrance to the titanic Palazzo Vecchio.
Standing in the shadow of this fortress-like palace, your guide will teach you about the Medici; the family of bankers who underwrote the Renaissance – it wasn’t all sweetness and patronage with them though. Your guide has some shocking tales to tell.
From Piazza Signoria you’ll discover the greatest Uffizzi art Gallery. by the Uffizi Gallery and of course, the Ponte Vecchio, Florence’s most picturesque bridge. As you walk, your guide will tell you the stories that bring the city to life around you. And with headsets for every guest, you’ll be able to hear them crystal clear. They’ll also give you great restaurant recommendations and other tips to help you get the most from the rest of your time here.
At the end of your guided tour, independent return to your hotel.
Overnight in Florence.
Meet your driver in your hotel lobby in Florence to start your tour to Siena and San Gimignano.
The guided and private tour of Siena begins from the Basilica of San Domenico, where you will find yourself in front of one of the largest and most beautiful churches in the city, belonging to the Dominican order. It contains the head-relic of Saint Catherine of Siena: for this reason, in fact, the church is also called the “Catherinian basilica”, due to the connection with the Sienese saint and some episodes of her life.
Place of departure for us and for Saint Catherine, who was born here. She is the patroness of Italy and Co-Patroness of Europe; she was and will always be a personality much loved by the Sienese. You will be able to admire her relics, learn about her story and admire her house: you too will be fascinated by it.
You will continue with the magnificent complex of the Cathedral of Siena includes a series of monuments among the most significant in the European artistic panorama. The Cathedral undoubtedly represents the fulcrum from which any further investigation departs. Inside there is a suggestive and grandiose decoration by artists such as: Nicola Pisano, Donatello, Michelangelo, Bernini. The work present in the cathedral, which is exceptional in many ways, is the floor created with the graffito and marble veneer technique, the result of a program of classical and religious inspiration, which was carried out over the centuries, starting from the fourteenth century up to XIX century. You will then continue along the Corso, with its shops and typical products, to arrive at Piazza Del Campo, the place where the Palio di Siena is held twice a year.
After your guided tour, you will have a lunch in the heart of Siena, tasting the typical pasta called pici.
Then, you will continue with your guide to San Gimignano.
Do you know that in San Gimignano at the beginning of 1300 there were more than 70 towers?
If you come with us to visit the city we will tell you why they were built, what their use was and why today only 14 are preserved.
We will tell you about the Etruscan origins of the village and why starting from the VI and VII century took the name of San Gimignano. In the Middle Ages the city became an important commercial center along the Via Francigena. From a panoramic point we will observe the countryside around the village and talk about the crops that still characterize it today: vines, olive trees and… saffron!
During the visit, after seeing the model of “San Gimignano in 1300”, we will walk along the most important streets and stop in the most evocative squares: Piazza della Cisterna, Piazza del Duomo, Piazza delle Erbe. You will see the Devil’s Tower and the Mangy Tower and reveal the mystery of the Twin Towers.
After a full day excursion, return to your hotel in Florence.
Overnight in Florence.
Meet your driver at the hotel lobby for a private transfer to Florence Airport.
Hotel 4 ⭐️ options (or equivalent)
-
Rome
Nh Hotel Collection Roma Vittorio Veneto - Twentyone Hotel - The Liberty Boutique Hotel
-
Florence
Hotel executive - Starhotels Michelangelo - Hotel Embassy
Land services (incluDED)
- Accommodation as per Hotel Table
- Daily breakfast
- Arrival and departure private transfers
- Private transfer from Fiumicino Airport to Hotel in Rome
- Private transfer from Hotel in Rome to Vatican
- Private transfer from Vatican to Hotel in Rome
- Private transfer from Hotel in Rome to the heart of Rome
- Private transfer from Colosseum to Hotel in Rome
- Private transfer from Hotel in Rome to Rome Termini station
- Private transfer from Firenze San Maria Station to Hotel in Florence
- 8hrs - FD car at Disposal for Siena & San Gimignano
Experiences (included)
lazio
- Welcome dinner in Rome (drinks included)
- Gelato tasting during your walking tour in Rome
Tuscany
- Welcome dinner in Florence (drinks included)
- Lunch in Siena (drinks included)
GUIDED TOURS & Assistances (INCLUDED)
- 2hrs - Assistance upon arrival with briefing in Hotel in Rome
- 4hrs - HD guided tour at Vatican Museum with entrance fees
- 8hrs - FD walking tour of the heart of Rome and Colosseum with entrance fees
- 2hrs - Assistance upon arrival in Hotel in Florence
- 8hrs - FD guided tour of Florence, with Uffizzi and Accademia entrance fees
- 8hrs - FD guided tour of Siena and San Gimignano, with Siena Cathedral entrance fees
train tickets (INCLUDED)
- High-speed train 1st class train ticket from Roma Termini station to Firenze Santa Maria station
Not included
- Everything not mentioned under “INCLUDED”
- Arrival and departure transfers
- Drinks not mentioned in the lunch and experiences and aperitifs
- Tips
- City taxes are not included and must be paid directly in the hotel upon arrival in €
Welcome to Italy! At your arrival at Fiumicino airport, meet your driver for a private transfer to your hotel in Rome.
Accommodation and relax.
After your check-in and some time to take a break after your flight, meet your assistant for a briefing to show to you the itinerary and have a welcome dinner in Rome.
Then return to your hotel and overnight in Rome.
Meet your driver and guide in the hotel lobby and start your private tour to discover the Vatican city.
The Vatican Museums are some of the largest museums in the world with an enormous collection that varies from ancient Roman and Egyptian artefacts, religious objects, beautifully painted rooms and even modern art. The 26 different museums of the Vatican are housed in a complex of multiple Apostolic palaces, and are by far the most popular museum destination in Rome, in part because of the famous Sistine Chapel. During your visit, you will marvel at the many art treasures that the popes have collected in 54 halls since the 16th century.
The absolute highlight of the route through the Vatican museums is a visit to the Sistine Chapel (‘Capella Sistina’). The name is derived from the founder of the chapel, pope Sixtus IV. The impressive ceiling of this 15th-century Sistine Chapel was painted in the 16th century by Michelangelo. It portrays the story of creation, the great flood and other scenes. The side walls are equally beautiful with paintings of the life of Jesus made by Ghirlandaio, Botticelli, Perugino, Pinturicchio and others. The wall behind the alter shows Michelangelo’s painting of the ‘Last Judgement’. The Sistine Chapel is mostly known for being the space where the cardinals meet for conclave when electing a new pope. When a new pope is being elected, smoke comes from the chapel’s chimney twice a day. White smoke means a new pope has been elected, while black smoke means the cardinals were not yet successful in their mission.
After these 4 hours of guided visit, you return to your hotel by private transfer.
Overnight in Rome.
Meet your driver and guide in the hotel lobby to discover the heart of Rome and the Colosseum.
Walk in the footsteps of emperors and gladiators and retrace 3,000 years of history with this 4-hour tour of the city’s illustrious past as capital of the ancient Roman Empire. You will visit the Colosseum, whose construction was commissioned by Emperor Vespasian as a gift for the Romans and then became the stage of cruel gladiator games, and the Roman Forum archeological area, the monumental maze of public and religious buildings that used to be the political, social and commercial hub of the empire. From the Palatine we will descend into the valley occupied by the Roman Forum, which together with the area of the Imperial Forums, constituted the beating heart and monumental center of ancient Rome. Our guide will lead you along the Via Sacra, the road of processions and triumphs where you will hear details about daily life, anecdotes about famous politicians and ancient legends. You will also get to know the most prestigious buildings in the square such as the Curia, the official seat of the Roman senators, which has survived intact; the rostrum stands from where heated political speeches were delivered; the rally or the area intended for the elections of magistrates and the imposing triumphal arches.
You will also discover what pastimes the young people practiced at the time thanks to the graffiti reproducing the gaming boards that we will point out to you engraved on the steps of the Basilica Iulia, the events linked to one of the most famous and admired men of Rome Julius Caesar, to whom Augustus after death dedicated a temple. You cannot miss a visit to the temple and the house of the Vestals with details on the life of these special priestesses considered sacred.
Included in the tour is the walking tour to the heart of Rome where you will end with a gelato tasting.
After this full day excursion, you return to your hotel by private transfer.
Overnight in Rome.
Meet your driver in your hotel lobby in Rome and transfer to Roma Termini Station.
1st class train from Rome to Firenze Santa Maria Novella station. On arriving at Firenze station, meet your driver for a private transfer to your Hotel in Florence.
After your check-in and some time to take a break after your trip, meet your assistant for a welcome dinner in Florence.
Then return to your hotel and overnight in Florence.
Meet your guide in the hotel lobby in Florence for your full day private tour.
Your experience begins in the Florence Accademia, where you’ll skip the lines to take in Michelangelo’s masterpiece, the jaw-dropping David. As you admire this larger-than-life statue, your expert guide will explain what makes it one of the greatest sculptures ever – and why Michelangelo was prouder of this than his work in the Sistine Chapel.
Your Florence tour continues with a walking tour of the city with the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, more commonly known as Florence Duomo. This incredible church was built in 1436 and still boasts one of the largest domes in the entire world. The story of how the dome was built is one of the greatest epics of the Italian Renaissance.
You will explore the third great wonder of Florence: its streets. Your guided walking tour takes you first to Piazza della Signoria, an open-air art gallery where Michelangelo’s David was originally supposed to stand. He was quickly relocated, but you can still see a replica at the entrance to the titanic Palazzo Vecchio.
Standing in the shadow of this fortress-like palace, your guide will teach you about the Medici; the family of bankers who underwrote the Renaissance – it wasn’t all sweetness and patronage with them though. Your guide has some shocking tales to tell.
From Piazza Signoria you’ll discover the greatest Uffizzi art Gallery. by the Uffizi Gallery and of course, the Ponte Vecchio, Florence’s most picturesque bridge. As you walk, your guide will tell you the stories that bring the city to life around you. And with headsets for every guest, you’ll be able to hear them crystal clear. They’ll also give you great restaurant recommendations and other tips to help you get the most from the rest of your time here.
At the end of your guided tour, independent return to your hotel.
Overnight in Florence.
Meet your driver in your hotel lobby in Florence to start your tour to Siena and San Gimignano.
The guided and private tour of Siena begins from the Basilica of San Domenico, where you will find yourself in front of one of the largest and most beautiful churches in the city, belonging to the Dominican order. It contains the head-relic of Saint Catherine of Siena: for this reason, in fact, the church is also called the “Catherinian basilica”, due to the connection with the Sienese saint and some episodes of her life.
Place of departure for us and for Saint Catherine, who was born here. She is the patroness of Italy and Co-Patroness of Europe; she was and will always be a personality much loved by the Sienese. You will be able to admire her relics, learn about her story and admire her house: you too will be fascinated by it.
You will continue with the magnificent complex of the Cathedral of Siena includes a series of monuments among the most significant in the European artistic panorama. The Cathedral undoubtedly represents the fulcrum from which any further investigation departs. Inside there is a suggestive and grandiose decoration by artists such as: Nicola Pisano, Donatello, Michelangelo, Bernini. The work present in the cathedral, which is exceptional in many ways, is the floor created with the graffito and marble veneer technique, the result of a program of classical and religious inspiration, which was carried out over the centuries, starting from the fourteenth century up to XIX century. You will then continue along the Corso, with its shops and typical products, to arrive at Piazza Del Campo, the place where the Palio di Siena is held twice a year.
After your guided tour, you will have a lunch in the heart of Siena, tasting the typical pasta called pici.
Then, you will continue with your guide to San Gimignano.
Do you know that in San Gimignano at the beginning of 1300 there were more than 70 towers?
If you come with us to visit the city we will tell you why they were built, what their use was and why today only 14 are preserved.
We will tell you about the Etruscan origins of the village and why starting from the VI and VII century took the name of San Gimignano. In the Middle Ages the city became an important commercial center along the Via Francigena. From a panoramic point we will observe the countryside around the village and talk about the crops that still characterize it today: vines, olive trees and… saffron!
During the visit, after seeing the model of “San Gimignano in 1300”, we will walk along the most important streets and stop in the most evocative squares: Piazza della Cisterna, Piazza del Duomo, Piazza delle Erbe. You will see the Devil’s Tower and the Mangy Tower and reveal the mystery of the Twin Towers.
After a full day excursion, return to your hotel in Florence.
Overnight in Florence.
Meet your driver at the hotel lobby for a private transfer to Florence Airport.
Accomodation and overnight in Lecce.
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