Skip to Main Content
Road Scholar logo
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.
WishlistShare
Start
  • Italian Extravaganza: Rome, Florence and Venice at their Finest
  • Italian Extravaganza: Rome, Florence and Venice at their Finest
  • Italian Extravaganza: Rome, Florence and Venice at their Finest
  • Italian Extravaganza: Rome, Florence and Venice at their Finest
  • Italian Extravaganza: Rome, Florence and Venice at their Finest
  • Italian Extravaganza: Rome, Florence and Venice at their Finest
  • Italian Extravaganza: Rome, Florence and Venice at their Finest
  • Italian Extravaganza: Rome, Florence and Venice at their Finest
  • Italian Extravaganza: Rome, Florence and Venice at their Finest
  • Italian Extravaganza: Rome, Florence and Venice at their Finest
  • Italian Extravaganza: Rome, Florence and Venice at their Finest
  • Italian Extravaganza: Rome, Florence and Venice at their Finest
  • Italian Extravaganza: Rome, Florence and Venice at their Finest
  • Italian Extravaganza: Rome, Florence and Venice at their Finest
Small GroupCity DiscoveriesMulti-City Discoveries
Length
12 days
Rating (5)
Activity Level
Starts at
7,299
Flights start at
950
Itinerary
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. Read More.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
12 days
11 nights
What's Included
19 meals ( 10B, 4L, 5D )
3 expert-led lectures
15 expert-led field trips
1 hands-on experience
1 performance
An experienced Group Leader
10 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Expand All
Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 12:00 p.m. Transfer from Rome Fiumicino Airport to hotel is 20 miles (50-minute ride). Walking approximately 1 mile.
Afternoon:
Check-in and settle in. At 4:30 p.m., we gather in the meeting room for an Orientation session. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Breakfasts will be buffets. Other included meals will be plated and served from a set menu unless indicated otherwise; water is included, other beverages will be available for purchase. Evenings at leisure offer opportunities to make the program more meaningful and memorable through personal independent exploration, attending performances or other events, or simply relaxing and making new friends among fellow participants. The Group Leader will always be happy to offer suggestions. Transportation will be provided primarily by bus and regional train. Periods in the schedule designated as "Free time" and "At leisure" offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times might change due to local circumstances/conditions. We will alert you as quickly as possible in the event of changes. Thank you for being so understanding. Next, we will join our Group Leader in a welcome cocktail (or fruit juice).
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Activity Note
Walking up to 4 miles throughout the day with extended periods of standing during site visits; cobblestones, marble flooring, and urban stone sidewalks. Unavoidable steps/stairs. The extent of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will convene in the hotel's designated meeting room. Here, we will be joined by a local history professor whose expertise will guide us in unraveling the intricate layers of Roman history. This engaging session will be an introduction, setting the stage for our upcoming explorations and deepening our understanding of this remarkable city's past. Rome, known as the Eternal City, has a rich and storied history of over 2,500 years. Founded in 753 BCE, Rome began as a small village and grew into a mighty empire that dominated the Mediterranean world. It witnessed the rise and fall of great civilizations, from the Roman Republic to the Roman Empire, leaving a lasting legacy in governance, engineering, art, and culture. Rome was the center of power and influence, producing iconic figures such as Julius Caesar, Augustus, and Constantine the Great. We'll begin our walking field trip from the hotel, heading to the iconic Piazza di Spagna to explore Rome's historical treasures with a local expert. Our journey will then take us to the magnificent Trevi Fountain, the largest and most famous fountain in Rome, completed in 1743. Here, we'll delve into its grand architecture and the fascinating stories behind its symbolic figures. From there, we'll proceed to the Pantheon, an architectural marvel and one of Rome's best-preserved ancient structures, where we'll marvel at the play of natural light through the oculus and explore its enduring design. Finally, we’ll go to Piazza Navona, a vibrant square that originated as a venue for ancient games during Emperor Domitian's reign. Today, it is renowned for its Baroque charm, featuring Gian Lorenzo Bernini's spectacular Fountain of the Four Rivers and Francesco Borromini's exquisite church of St. Agnes. Please note that there is a possibility of encountering crowded conditions during our visits.
Lunch:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions. You can also consult your list of suggested restaurants in your program materials At a local vinoteca, we will taste three local wines, each poured in small, measured portions. The staff will explain the grape varieties, production methods, and what to notice in color, aroma, and finish.
Afternoon:
Free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Dinner:
At the vinoteca.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off bus or vans. Walking up to 3 miles throughout the day with extended periods of standing during site visits; cobblestones, marble flooring, and urban stone sidewalks. An elevator is available at the Galleria Borghese. Unavoidable stairs in the museums.
Breakfast:
We'll begin our day with an early light breakfast featuring coffee, fruit, and pastries. After this, we'll head to the Vatican Museums for our exclusive private visit before the public hours. Following our early access visit, we'll enjoy an American-style breakfast in the picturesque Pigna Courtyard of the Vatican around 8:45 a.m.
Morning:
Next on our itinerary is an early private visit to the Vatican Museums, a program highlight. We depart around 6:15 a.m. by van or bus and enter before the public. With our local expert, we follow a set two-hour route that includes the Gallery of Maps, the Hall of Tapestries, the Raphael Rooms, and the Sistine Chapel. In the Chapel, we study Michelangelo's ceiling frescoes and Last Judgment, with time to focus on works like The Creation of Adam and to discuss the Chapel's role in papal conclaves. After the Museums, we continue with an expert-led visit of St. Peter's Basilica. We cover key works and spaces, including Michelangelo's Pietà and Bernini's Baldacchino and nave. We plan to return to the hotel by taxi late morning, approximately 11:00 a.m. The Vatican Museums consist of 26 sections. If you wish to explore further, consider a return visit during free time.
Lunch:
On your own to sample the local fare.
Afternoon:
We will depart from the hotel by bus or van to our next destination, the Galleria Borghese, an opulent palace that once served as the private pleasure and reception residence of Cardinal Scipio Borghese (1577–1633), a notable art collector, patron of the young Bernini and nephew of Pope Paul V. Accompanied by a local expert, we will enter the gallery at our scheduled time to embark on an enlightening exploration. Within the gallery's walls, we will encounter an impressive array of significant artworks, including paintings by masters such as Caravaggio, Raphael, Botticelli, and Titian. However, the collection's true highlight lies in Bernini's emotionally charged sculptures, which eloquently capture the essence of the Baroque era. After our visit, we will make our way to the designated bus pick-up point and return to the hotel. Kindly note that the significant volume of visitors may present difficulties in obtaining an unobstructed view of the most renowned works; anticipate encountering crowded conditions during our visit. The Borghese implements a strict daily visitor cap and limits group visits to a maximum of two hours. Additionally, the museum prohibits taking photographs or videos of any kind. We will return to the hotel after our field trip. Please refer to your Information Packet's "Program Notes" section for additional details on this visit.
Dinner:
On your own to sample the local fare.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus. Walking up to 5 miles throughout the day with extended periods of standing during site visits; uneven paths, cobblestones, loose gravel, and dirt paths. Elevator is available in the Colosseum. Unavoidable stairs at sites. The extent of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will board a bus or vans that will take us to the nearest drop-off point near the Roman Forum, where a local expert will captivate our imagination as we envision the now-ruined buildings. Our field trip will then proceed to the Colosseum, where intriguing anecdotes about Roman entertainment from centuries past will be shared. Constructed in 80 CE and officially named the Flavian Amphitheater, the Colosseum stood as the grandest structure in the Roman Empire. Spanning an impressive 620 by 513 feet, it had a seating capacity of over 50,000 spectators. The methods employed to create the numerous wonders within its walls continue to mystify architects and researchers today. Throughout history and even in contemporary popular culture, it has become an iconic symbol of gladiatorial combat and the tragic fate endured by countless enslaved people, prisoners of war, condemned criminals, and animals from across the empire. Those with the energy and stamina are welcome to climb the 10-foot-high steps to reach the upper level. Kindly note that we may encounter crowded conditions during our visit. Please refer to your Information Packet's "Program Notes" section for additional details on this visit.
Lunch:
On your own to enjoy what you like.
Afternoon:
Free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus. Steps getting on/off a train. Walking up to 4 miles throughout the day with standing while waiting for the train, cobblestones, marble flooring, and urban stone sidewalks. Unavoidable stairs getting on/off the train. A high-speed train to Florence takes 1.5 hours (175 miles). Hotel check-in from 2:00 p.m.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
In the early morning, we will arrange for our bags to be collected from outside our rooms, ensuring their convenient delivery to our hotel in Florence. We will set out on foot to nearby Roma Termini, the bustling central train station. We will board a high-speed train with reserved seats, commencing our trip toward our following program site. Upon reaching Florence, we will set off on foot from Firenze Santa Maria Novella, embarking on a pleasant walk toward our designated lunch destination.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we will proceed to the hotel check-in process and comfortably settle into our accommodations. Following a short break, we will embark on a leisurely neighborhood walk accompanied by our Group Leader. This informative excursion will allow us to familiarize ourselves with the local area and discover the locations of ATMs, pharmacies, and various stores and shops, ensuring our convenience during our stay. After our walk, we will convene in the hotel's meeting room, where an esteemed art historian will join us. This expert will provide an overview of medieval and Renaissance art, preparing us for our upcoming field trip to the Galleria degli Uffizi. The Renaissance, an era of cultural rebirth and artistic brilliance, emerged in Italy during the 15th to 17th centuries. It marked a significant shift from the medieval period, showcasing a renewed focus on humanism, naturalism, perspective, and classical influences. After the lecture, we take an expert-led walk of Florence with our Instructor from the hotel through the historic center and across a bridge into the Oltrarno neighborhood to get our bearings.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking up to 4 miles total throughout the day with extended periods of standing during site visits; marble flooring, cobblestones and some uneven urban stone sidewalks and streets. Unavoidable steps in the Uffizi.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will walk to the Accademia for a lecture on one of the most famous statues in the world, Michelangelo's David. The David stands as an enduring masterpiece of Renaissance sculpture and one of the world's most iconic works of art. Housed within the Galleria dell'Accademia, this awe-inspiring statue mesmerizes visitors with its exceptional craftsmanship and powerful depiction of the biblical figure. Carved by Michelangelo from a single block of marble between 1501 and 1504, David stands tall at over 17 feet and enthralls viewers with its remarkable level of detail and lifelike representation. From the intricate musculature to the intense gaze and the poised stance, David embodies the physical and spiritual strength that epitomized the Renaissance era. Beyond the David, we can explore an impressive collection of Renaissance artworks, including sculptures, paintings, and musical instruments. The museum also houses Michelangelo's unfinished sculptures, known as the Prisoners, which provide valuable insights into the artist's creative process. It has been suggested that Michelangelo left them in their incomplete state to symbolize the struggle of humankind to free the spirit from matter. Kindly note that the significant volume of visitors may present difficulties in obtaining an unobstructed view of the most renowned works; anticipate encountering crowded conditions during our visit.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
We will walk to the reserved entrance of the Galleria degli Uffizi for our self-directed field trip, where we are free to venture through the museum at our own pace and explore according to our individual interests. Renowned as the most extensive collection of Renaissance art worldwide, the Uffizi showcases a remarkable journey through various artistic periods, from Gothic to medieval, Renaissance to Mannerist, encompassing painting, architecture, and sculpture. Within its hallowed halls, we will encounter a multitude of iconic masterpieces, including Leonardo da Vinci's mesmerizing Annunciation, Botticelli's ethereal Birth of Venus and enchanting Primavera, works by Titian, Michelangelo's poignant Holy Family, as well as a selection of Caravaggios and Artemisia Gentileschi's compelling artworks. It is worth noting that a coffee bar awaits us at the end of the second corridor, atop the Loggia. Here, we can relish a moment of refreshment while marveling at the splendid view of the Palazzo Vecchio and the magnificent Duomo. This provides an ideal opportunity to rejuvenate, sip a delightful beverage, and enjoy a well-deserved rest amidst the artistic wonders that surround us. Kindly note that the significant volume of visitors may present difficulties in obtaining an unobstructed view of the most renowned works; anticipate encountering crowded conditions during our visit.
Dinner:
On your own to sample the local fare.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus. 7 miles, 20-minute ride. Walking up to 4 miles, extended periods of standing, uneven stone streets, and sidewalks. Gravel and dirt paths at the agriturismo. Unavoidable steps/stairs. The extent of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We'll set out on foot for our expert-led field trip to the Palazzo Pitti, nestled on the south bank of the Arno. Built in 1458, the Palazzo Pitti is a monumental emblem of the Renaissance, imbued with profound historical and artistic value. Named after Luca Pitti, a prominent Florentine banker, this grand palace became the Medici family's home from 1589 until the passing of its final member, Anna Maria Luisa de' Medici, in 1743. During Tuscany's subjugation to French rule, it served as Napoleon's residence and later became the regal palace of the House of Savoy during Italian Unification. Today, it hosts an impressive art collection featuring works from esteemed artists like Antonio Canova, Artemisia Gentileschi, Raphael, Tiziano, and Peter Paul Rubens. From the Pitti, we will board a bus bound for a medieval village and agriturismo in Fiesole, perched in the hills above Florence. If the weather is on our side, we'll have the opportunity to wander through olive groves while relishing the panoramic view of the city below.
Lunch:
At the agriturismo.
Afternoon:
We will transfer back to our hotel by bus or van. Free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Dinner:
On your own to sample the local fare.
Evening:
Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a high-speed train, approximately 2 hours. Getting on/off a vaporetto (public transportation vessel); expect some wave movement. Walking up to 3 miles throughout the day; uneven stone paved pedestrian only streets and alleys. The city of canals is all pedestrian; bridges spanning minor canals have ramps or stairs.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
As our time in Florence comes to a close, we will check out of the hotel, ensuring a seamless experience by depositing our bags in the lobby under the supervision of our Group Leader. Our bags will be loaded onto a van that will transport them directly to our hotel in Venice, sparing us the hassle of handling them along the way. Departing in the mid-morning, we will go to the Firenze Santa Maria Novella train station on foot, boarding a high-speed train bound for Venice. This swift ride will whisk us through the picturesque Italian landscapes, bringing us closer to the enchanting city of Venice. Arriving just in time for lunch, we'll board an ACTV vaporetto from Venezia Santa Lucia station to Rialto. From the vaporetto stop, we'll walk to our designated restaurant. Please be aware that the high volume of travelers on the ACTV vaporetti may result in crowded conditions, potentially limiting seating and unobstructed views of attractions along the route.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Following our meal, we will walk to our hotel where we will check into our rooms, granting us a moment to refresh and unwind after our journey. Taking this time to rejuvenate, we can settle in and enjoy a well-deserved moment of relaxation. Around 4:00 p.m., we will gather in the hotel meeting room, where a local historian will provide us with their insights into the rich legacy of Venice. Through their expertise, we will better understand the city's history, culture, and distinctive character. Venice, the enchanting city built on a lagoon, boasts a history stretching over a thousand years. Founded in the 5th century, Venice originally served as a refuge for residents fleeing the fall of the Roman Empire. Over time, it evolved into a powerful maritime republic, emerging as a dominant force in Mediterranean trade during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Venice flourished as a hub of commerce and cultural exchange, amassing immeasurable wealth and influence. Its strategic location and innovative maritime technology enabled the Venetians to establish a vast trading empire, extending their reach across the Mediterranean and beyond. After our lecture, under the guidance of our Group Leader, we will set out on a delightful neighborhood walk, exploring the surroundings on foot. This immersive excursion will allow us to familiarize ourselves with essential amenities such as ATMs, pharmacies, local stores, and convenient vaporetto stops near our hotel. This insightful walk will ensure that we are well-acquainted with the essentials, facilitating a smooth and enjoyable experience during our stay in Venice. During our days in Venice, we will be provided with passes for the vaporetto, Venice's efficient and picturesque ACTV public transportation system via boats. These passes will grant us unlimited rides on the major routes, allowing us to effortlessly explore all six of the city's distinct districts, known as "sestieri.
Dinner:
On your own to enjoy what you like.
Evening:
We have the privilege of embarking on a unique nighttime visit to St. Mark's Basilica, which is reserved solely for our Road Scholar group. Our experience begins with a guided exploration of this astounding Basilica, whose construction started in 1063 CE. The Basilica, dedicated to Venice's patron saint, St. Mark, has evolved into a stunning monument of religious and architectural significance, which must be witnessed firsthand to be fully appreciated. Its most striking elements include a range of mosaics from the 11th to the 19th centuries, beautifully rendered in many vibrant hues set against golden backdrops. Our journey also includes visiting the crypt nestled beneath sea level, where special lighting creates a mystical ambiance and illuminates the glittering mosaics installed in 1071 by Constantinopolitan artists. Following our visit, we'll travel via vaporetto from San Marco to the stop nearest to our hotel. Anyone who prefers to return by foot is welcome to do so.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a vaporetto and gondola; assistance offered to get on/off gondola. Walking up to 4 miles throughout the day and extended standing during field trips. Bridges to cross; some with ramps, some with steps. No elevators in historic buildings. The extent of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We take the vaporetto to Piazza San Marco, the historic center of Venice. Here we see the Basilica di San Marco with its Byzantine mosaics, the Campanile, and the Palazzo Ducale, long the seat of Venetian government. Our visit begins with an expert-led exploration of the Doge's Palace. We move through state rooms and council chambers with works by Tintoretto and Veronese, then cross the Bridge of Sighs to the former prisons. Please note that vaporetti and the square can be crowded. Boats may have limited seating and views along the route.
Lunch:
On your own to sample local fare.
Afternoon:
We take a gondola ride for a different view of Venice from the canals. Gondolas are flat-bottomed boats with a distinctive iron prow (the "ferro"). Once the city's main transport, they are now handmade by specialized boatbuilders and used for sightseeing. The afternoon is free to explore at your own pace. You can return to the hotel by vaporetto or enjoy a walk through the lanes and squares.
Dinner:
On your own to enjoy what you like.
Evening:
We attend a classical performance by a local chamber orchestra. Venice helped shape Baroque music in the 17th and 18th centuries, moving from Renaissance polyphony to a more dramatic, ornamented style. Churches, opera houses, and resident ensembles drove this change. Antonio Vivaldi (1678–1741), born in Venice, became a leading figure—his "Four Seasons" is a touchstone of the period. Venice also introduced public opera houses, making music accessible to a broader audience and expanding the reach of Baroque music.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a vaporetto. Walking up to 4 miles throughout the day; narrow crowded alleys, bridges, uneven pavement. Bridges to cross; some with ramps, some with steps. No elevators in historic buildings; unavoidable stairs/steps.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Setting off on foot from the hotel, we will journey by vaporetto to the Accademia stop, marking the start of our expert-led tour of the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, one of the finest small modern art museums in Europe. Born into the wealthy Guggenheim family, Peggy Guggenheim (1898–1979), whose father tragically perished on the Titanic, became deeply immersed in the American expatriate society in Europe. As she mingled with the artists and intellectuals of the day in cities like Paris and London, she eventually became a notable art dealer and collector, providing crucial support to several artists, including Jackson Pollock, enabling them to gain public acclaim. Her travels led her back to Europe, where she settled in a Venetian palazzo along the Grand Canal, using it to exhibit her remarkable art collection. The museum today showcases an array of exemplary works by renowned artists like Georges Braque, Alexander Calder, Alberto Giacometti, René Magritte, Joan Miró, Piet Mondrian, Pablo Picasso, Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko, and many other trailblazers of modern art. Please be aware that the high volume of travelers on the ACTV vaporetti may result in crowded conditions, potentially limiting seating and unobstructed views of attractions along the route.
Lunch:
On your own to sample the local fare.
Afternoon:
Free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Activity Note
Hotel check-out 11:00 a.m. See your program’s travel details regarding transfers. Roll bags to the taxi dock close to the hotel. At the dock, bags will be loaded onto the boat. Ride is 1/2 hour. Bags will be unloaded at the airport dock. Airport water transportation wing is a few steps from boat to dock. Follow signs the main terminal. Carts available or use moving walkway.
Breakfast:
At the hotel (depending on departure times). For those with an early departure, a boxed continental breakfast will be provided. This concludes our program.
Morning:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
Please select a day to update the map
Map details are not available for this location.
Please Note: This program has itinerary variations on certain dates.
Apr 12, 2026 - Apr 23, 2026 (Rome to Venice)
May 10, 2026 - May 21, 2026 (Rome to Venice)
May 24, 2026 - Jun 04, 2026 (Rome to Venice)
Sep 06, 2026 - Sep 17, 2026 (Rome to Venice)
Sep 13, 2026 - Sep 24, 2026 (Rome to Venice)
Sep 20, 2026 - Oct 01, 2026 (Rome to Venice)
Oct 04, 2026 - Oct 15, 2026 (Rome to Venice)
Oct 18, 2026 - Oct 29, 2026 (Rome to Venice)
Nov 01, 2026 - Nov 12, 2026 (Rome to Venice)
Nov 22, 2026 - Dec 03, 2026 (Rome to Venice)
Dec 06, 2026 - Dec 17, 2026 (Rome to Venice)