Italy
Italian Extravaganza: Rome, Florence and Venice at Their Finest
Program No. 22221RJ
With top instructors and ample free time, discover Italy’s amazing art, architecture, history, food and more in three of the world’s most spectacular cities: Rome, Florence and Venice.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
12 days
Program Begins
Rome
Program Concludes
Venice
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
19 (
10B, 4L, 5D
)
Activity Level
Italy must be savored like a fine wine — and there's no better way to sample its many flavors than by exploring three of its most famous cities: Rome, Florence, and Venice. With local experts to introduce you to the very best of each city’s historic treasures and cultural wonders, you’ll enjoy reserved entrance times to major museums and attend a special, after-hours private exploration of the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel with your Group Leader. Walk in the footsteps of the Romans at the Colosseum and navigate the canals of Venice by gondola. Along the way, enjoy ample free-time opportunities to explore charming piazzas, sample local delicacies at a farm in the countryside, and get a first-hand view into what locals call "bella vita" — the good life.
Best of all, you'll...
- Enjoy reserved entrance times to major museums, including the Galleria Borghese, Uffizi, Accademia, Palazzo Ducale and a special, private field trip to the Sistine Chapel and Saint Mark's Basilica.
- Delight in the musical offerings of Venice during an evening concert.
- Savor a meal in a farm restaurant in the Tuscan countryside.
General Notes
The program includes independent time to explore Rome, Florence, and Venice and several meals on your own. The Group Leader will provide directions for self-directed excursions. Suggestions for free-time activities are provided in your Final Information Packet. The off-hour visit to the Sistine Chapel follows a two-hour prescribed route. Those wishing to explore the museum more fully are encouraged to make independent reservations during free time. The off-hour visit to St. Mark's Basilica follows a one-hour prescribed route. Those wishing to explore the basilica more fully are encouraged to visit during their free time.
Featured Expert
All Experts
Cristina Gregorin
Cristina Gregorin has a PhD in German studies and earned her degree in history, art history, and languages from the University of Trieste. She has lived and worked in Venice for many decades. As an excursion expert, she prefers to offer a multifaceted experience of Venice that includes traditions and habits of the past and present, and the juxtaposition of the historical and contemporary aspects of the city. Cristina is the author of “Venice Master Artisans,” a book focusing on Venetian arts and crafts.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Please Note:
These experts may not be available for every date of the program
Jane Zaloga
Jane Zaloga holds degrees in architecture and business administration from the University of Notre Dame, an MA from Syracuse University, and has done further graduate study at Harvard University. She has received several fellowships to study in Rome and in Florence, including the prestigious Fulbright Fellowship. She now lives in Florence and teaches with several American university programs, including Syracuse University and New York University.
Paolo Alei
Paolo Alei is an art historian from Rome. He received his M.A. in art history and archaeology from Columbia University and his Ph.D. in Italian Renaissance art from Oxford University. He is an adjunct professor at the University of California and Loyola University and serves as the curator of the museum of the Castello Odeschalchi of Bracciano. Paolo has extensive publications and is an internationally acclaimed lecturer in Italian art history.
Rachel Potts
Rachel Potts is a licensed excursion leader in Rome. She graduated from Manchester University with a bachelor's in Philosophy and French, and later studied garden design at the London Gardening School. Having grown up in Rome, she chose to return to Italy and share her knowledge and love of Rome and the surrounding areas.
Erika Morri
Erika Morri has a degree in political science from the Università di Bologna and has worked in marketing, public relations and event planning. An elite athlete, Erika played on the Italian National Women's Rugby team for 12 years. Currently, she is a board member of the Italian Rugby Federation which governs professional, semi-professional and amateur play. She lives in Bologna and has an eye for photography and design.
Rosanna Giannotti
Rosanna Giannotti is a Senior Authorized Venice Guide Lecturer who has devoted her life to studying the art and history of her home city. She is fluent in English, French, and Spanish, and she has always had a penchant for traveling and cosmopolitanism, in order to expand her knowledge and connect Venetian history with the world context. Rosanna is a member of the most prestigious Italian and European Associations of Guide Lecturers and has cooperated with Road Scholar programs in Venice for over 30 years.
Giulietta Seme
Julieta is a passionate student of history, specializing in the history and culture of her native city of Rome. She studied at the Accademia di Belle Arti di Roma with a concentration in painting before earning a degree in classical archaeology and art history from the Università degli Studi di Roma "La Sapienza." Outside of history, Julieta enjoys hiking beautiful nature trails by the seaside or in the mountains of Italy.
Bruna Baravelli
Bruna Baravelli is from Forlì, on the northeastern coast of Italy. After graduating from Liceo Classico, she earned her Ph.D. in English literature at the Università di Bologna. Before retiring, Bruna taught English literature and held administrative positions in the local school district. She has dedicated her time to public service as a member of the Forlì city council and the National Council for Equal Opportunity. She is passionate about the merits of travel and has fostered educational exchanges in Europe and the United States.
Richard Bowen
Richard Bowen, a native of London, has lived in Rome for most of his adult life. He was awarded a BA in humanities from Middlesex University and an MA in history from University College in London. As a young graduate, he worked as an archaeologist for the Museum of London. Richard is a licensed group leader for the Province of Rome and has led groups in Italy and other parts of Europe. He has a keen interest in political, social, and art history.
Daniela Sarghini
Daniela is a licensed travel leader for the city and province of Rome. She studied and worked in other countries in Europe, in China and Morocco. Daniela defines travel as learning about and appreciating different cultures. With a young family, her most recent adventures have been traveling in time, rediscovering ancient sites and historic curiosities in sites off the beaten path in Rome, the city she considers the most beautiful in the world.
Giulia Marsigli
Giulia completed her degree in foreign languages and cultures at the Università degli studi di Genova. She loves being active, traveling and meeting new people. She honed her English skills as an exchange student at a Seattle high school. She perfected her French while working as a sailing coach at a resort in Tunisia. In Tanzania, she taught English and picked up some Swahili. Giulia lives in a village near Lerici and is a licensed leader for the province, including Portovenere and the Cinque Terre.
Cristina Gregorin
Cristina Gregorin has a PhD in German studies and earned her degree in history, art history, and languages from the University of Trieste. She has lived and worked in Venice for many decades. As an excursion expert, she prefers to offer a multifaceted experience of Venice that includes traditions and habits of the past and present, and the juxtaposition of the historical and contemporary aspects of the city. Cristina is the author of “Venice Master Artisans,” a book focusing on Venetian arts and crafts.
Marco A. Ceccarani
Marco Ceccarani, a native of Assisi, holds a PhD in humanities from the Università degli Studi di Perugia. His field of expertise includes medieval and Renaissance Italian civilization and literature. He has taught for several American universities in the United States and currently teaches in Florence for American university study away programs.
Monica Chojnacka
Monica Chojnacka earned her PhD in European history from Stanford University and undergraduate degrees from Kalamazoo College and the London School of Economics and Political Science. From 1994-2007 she was a professor of history at the University of Georgia, where she authored numerous publications. She has published books relating to Venice on topics as diverse as women of the Renaissance, food and wine. Monica continues to teach in Venice, primarily for study away programs for American universities, as well as online courses.
Erika Cennini
Erika Cennini lives in Poggibonsi, a small town south of Florence. She holds a diploma from the International Institute of Tourism in Florence. Throughout her career in travel, Erika has worked in Italy, France, and the United Kingdom. She is also a licensed guide in the cities and provinces of Florence, Pisa, and Siena. She speaks Italian, French, English, Spanish, and German. Erika enjoys traveling, Egyptology, photography, French cinema, reading, swimming, and golf.
Susan Steer
Susan Steer is originally from England. She came to Venice 20 years ago as an art history undergraduate with an internship at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, later serving as a supervisor of the British pavilion at the Venice Biennale. Living and working in Venice changed her life, falling in love with its architecture, art, and lifestyle. She returned to study for an MA and a PhD in Venetian art. Susan married a Venetian. They and their son share their time between the UK and Venice.
Cristiana Filippini
Cristiana Filippini was awarded her doctorate from Johns Hopkins University with a dissertation on 11th-century frescoes in Rome. She has also completed specialized study in archeology and art history from the Università degli Studi di Siena, Italy and has taught at the American University in Rome and at Trinity College’s Rome Campus.
Emily Moloney
Emily Moloney, who is originally from Buffalo, New York, first came to Italy over ten years ago. She holds a master's degree in Renaissance art history and is an officially licensed tour guide. In addition to working as a private guide, Emily lectures as a professor of art history and Italian culture at several study-abroad centers in Florence. In her free time, you can find Emily at the park with her growing family.
Federica Dal Palù
Federica Dal Palù, with degrees in preservation of cultural heritage and art history, worked at Christie’s in Rome before focusing on education and museum management. Teaching Renaissance and Baroque art for three years, she has held roles at esteemed institutions like the Archaeological Superintendence of Rome. Since 2002, Federica has been an art historian at the Vittoriano, offering visits and exhibition texts. Licensed as a local expert in Rome and Viterbo, she shares her passion for culture and history through personalized explorations.
Lucia Pigozzo
Lucia Pigozzo is a seasoned art historian turned licensed travel leader, passionate about unraveling Venice's intricate tapestry of history and beauty. With degrees in art history and specialized training in teaching from institutions like the National Gallery in Dublin and the Archaeological Museum of Barcelona, she offers a unique perspective on Venetian culture. Lucia's rich experience includes teaching at prestigious universities and managing press offices for renowned exhibitions.
Anna Perkovic
Anna Perkovic is a seasoned group leader with extensive experience in tourism across Europe, North America, and beyond. She holds an M.A. in German studies from the University of Edinburgh and professional hospitality certifications. Fluent in Italian, English, and German, she has a background in education, translation, and customer service. Passionate about culture and travel, Anna enjoys theater, history, and languages.
Helen Bayley
Helen Bayley received her B.F.A. in painting from the Rhode Island School of Design and her M.F.A. in painting from Indiana University. As a professor for over 30 years, Helen has inspired learners of all ages with her extensive knowledge and artistic talents at universities in the United States and Italy. While Helen is passionate about art history throughout space and time, she is aesthetically drawn to the 18th century in all its musical and sartorial particularities.
Activity Level
Let's Go!
Walking up to six miles a day. Extended standing during site visits with limited or no public seating. Uneven terrain, limited public handrails, unavoidable stairs, marble and terracotta flooring, cobblestones, inclines, loose gravel, escalators. Elevator use is limited or restricted in historic sites. Venice's canal bridges have ramps or stairs with handrails. Expect crowded conditions in pedestrian centers and museums. Program-related travel and transfers will be via bus, high-speed train, vaporetto, and water taxi. Sheltered waiting areas may not be available at docks.
Small Group
(13 to 24)
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Suggested Books and Resources
View Full List
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call
800-454-5768
Enroll with Confidence
Peace of Mind
We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.
Assurance Plan
Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.
Want to Protect Your Investment?
Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.
Sustainable Travel
We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.
- Peace of Mind
We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.
- Assurance Plan
Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.
- Want to Protect Your Investment?
Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.
- Sustainable Travel
We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.