Italy
Italian Extravaganza: Rome, Florence and Venice at Their Finest
Program No. 22221RJ
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Italian Extravaganza: Rome, Florence and Venice at Their Finest
Italian Extravaganza: Rome, Florence and Venice at Their Finest
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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.
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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
Included
19 meals (
10B, 5L, 4D
)
3 expert-led lectures
15 expert-led field trips
1 hands-on experience
1 performance
An experienced Group Leader
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Rome
Italian Extravaganza: Rome, Florence and Venice at Their Finest
Dec 5 - Dec 16, 2027
Program Number
22221
Day
1
In Transit to Program
Location:
In Flight
Day
2
Arrive Rome, Check-in, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Location:
Rome
Meals:
D
Stay:
Hotel dei Mellini
Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 2:00 p.m. Transfer from Rome Fiumicino Airport to the hotel is about 20 miles (45-minute ride, longer in heavy traffic). 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).
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.
Day
3
Colosseum, Roman Forum, Galleria Borghese, Wine Tasting
Location:
Rome
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
Hotel dei Mellini
Activity Note
Getting on and 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. Elevators are available in the Colosseum and Galleria Borghese. Unavoidable stairs at sites. Timed entry at the Colosseum and Galleria Borghese, so punctuality is important. Limited shade in the Roman Forum. Airport-style security screening at entry. At the Galleria Borghese, all bags must be checked before entry.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will board a bus or van that will transport us to the nearest drop-off point by the Roman Forum, where a local expert will guide us in visualizing the now-ruined buildings. Our field trip will continue to the Colosseum, where we will learn about Roman entertainment practices from centuries past. Constructed in 80 CE and officially named the Flavian Amphitheater, the Colosseum was the largest structure in the Roman Empire. Measuring 620 by 513 feet, it accommodated over 50,000 spectators. The construction techniques used to achieve its architectural feats remain subjects of study for architects and researchers. Historically and in contemporary culture, the Colosseum is recognized as a symbol of gladiatorial combat and the suffering experienced by enslaved people, prisoners of war, condemned criminals, and animals from across the empire. Those who wish may ascend the 10-foot-high steps to the upper level.
Please note that crowded conditions may occur during our visit.
For further information, consult the "Program Notes" section of your Information Packet.
Please note that crowded conditions may occur during our visit.
For further information, consult the "Program Notes" section of your Information Packet.
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.
Afternoon:
Our Group Leader will share the meeting time and point for us to gather and take a bus or vans to our next destination, the Galleria Borghese. This opulent palace formerly served as the private residence and reception venue of Cardinal Scipione Borghese (1577–1633), a prominent art collector, patron of Bernini, and nephew of Pope Paul V. With a local expert, we enter the gallery at our scheduled time for an in-depth exploration. Inside, we will view significant artworks, including paintings by Caravaggio, Raphael, Botticelli, and Titian. The collection's highlight is Bernini's sculptures, which exemplify the Baroque era. After the visit, we will proceed to the designated bus pick-up point and return to the hotel.
At a local vinoteca, we will sample three regional wines, each served in measured portions. The staff will describe the grape varieties, production methods, and key characteristics in color, aroma, and finish.
Please be aware that high visitor volume may limit clear views of the most renowned works; crowded conditions are likely. The Borghese enforces a strict daily visitor cap and restricts group visits to two hours. Photography and videography are not permitted in the museum.
For additional details, consult the "Program Notes" section of your Information Packet.
At a local vinoteca, we will sample three regional wines, each served in measured portions. The staff will describe the grape varieties, production methods, and key characteristics in color, aroma, and finish.
Please be aware that high visitor volume may limit clear views of the most renowned works; crowded conditions are likely. The Borghese enforces a strict daily visitor cap and restricts group visits to two hours. Photography and videography are not permitted in the museum.
For additional details, consult the "Program Notes" section of your Information Packet.
Dinner:
At the vinoteca.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
4
Roman History, Piazze Walk, Free Time
Location:
Rome
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Hotel dei Mellini
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 and stairs. Largely outdoors with limited shade. The extent of walking and other activities during free time is according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We gather in the hotel meeting room, where a local history professor leads an introductory lecture on the long history of Rome. This session sets the stage for the explorations to come and deepens our understanding of the city’s past.
Known as the Eternal City, Rome has a rich history spanning more than 2,500 years. Founded in 753 BCE, it grew from a small village into a mighty empire that dominated the Mediterranean world, witnessing the rise and fall of the Roman Republic and the Roman Empire and leaving a lasting legacy in governance, engineering, art, and culture. It was home to iconic figures such as Julius Caesar, Augustus, and Constantine the Great.
We then set out on foot with a local expert, beginning at the iconic Piazza di Spagna. From there, we make our way to the Trevi Fountain, the largest and most famous fountain in Rome, completed in 1743, where we take in its grand architecture and the stories behind its figures. We continue to the Pantheon, one of Rome’s best-preserved ancient structures, where we see the play of natural light through the oculus and consider its enduring design. We finish at Piazza Navona, a lively square that began as a venue for ancient games under Emperor Domitian and is known today for its Baroque character, including Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers and Borromini’s church of Sant’Agnese.
Please note that we may encounter crowded conditions during our visits.
Known as the Eternal City, Rome has a rich history spanning more than 2,500 years. Founded in 753 BCE, it grew from a small village into a mighty empire that dominated the Mediterranean world, witnessing the rise and fall of the Roman Republic and the Roman Empire and leaving a lasting legacy in governance, engineering, art, and culture. It was home to iconic figures such as Julius Caesar, Augustus, and Constantine the Great.
We then set out on foot with a local expert, beginning at the iconic Piazza di Spagna. From there, we make our way to the Trevi Fountain, the largest and most famous fountain in Rome, completed in 1743, where we take in its grand architecture and the stories behind its figures. We continue to the Pantheon, one of Rome’s best-preserved ancient structures, where we see the play of natural light through the oculus and consider its enduring design. We finish at Piazza Navona, a lively square that began as a venue for ancient games under Emperor Domitian and is known today for its Baroque character, including Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers and Borromini’s church of Sant’Agnese.
Please note that we may encounter crowded conditions during our visits.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
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:
On your own to sample the local fare.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
5
Private Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica, Free Time
Location:
Rome
Meals:
B
Stay:
Hotel dei Mellini
Activity Note
Getting on and off bus or vans. Early morning departure. Walking up to 3 miles throughout the day with extended periods of standing during site visits; cobblestones, marble flooring, and urban stone sidewalks. Unavoidable stairs in the museums. Airport-style security screening at entry. A strict dress code applies: shoulders and knees must be covered. Large bags and backpacks are not permitted. The extent of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
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. 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.
Note that this visit may also take place in the evening. The time of day of our visit will be noted in your Final Information Packet. The Vatican Museums consist of 26 sections. If you wish to explore further, consider a return visit during free time. Photography and videography are not permitted in the Sistine Chapel.
For additional details, consult the "Program Notes" section of your Information Packet.
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.
Note that this visit may also take place in the evening. The time of day of our visit will be noted in your Final Information Packet. The Vatican Museums consist of 26 sections. If you wish to explore further, consider a return visit during free time. Photography and videography are not permitted in the Sistine Chapel.
For additional details, consult the "Program Notes" section of your Information Packet.
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:
On your own to sample the local fare.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Day
6
High-Speed Train to Florence, Renaissance Art, Florence Walk
Location:
Florence
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hotel Berchielli
Activity Note
Getting on and off a bus. Steps getting on and 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 and off the train. The high-speed Frecciarossa train to Florence takes about 1.5 hours (175 miles), reaching speeds up to 185 mph. Since checked bags travel ahead to the hotel, pack a day pack with anything you will need. Hotel check-in is from 2:00 p.m.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Early in the morning, we leave our bags outside our rooms to be collected and delivered to our hotel in Florence. We board a bus or vans to Roma Termini, the city’s bustling central station, where we catch a high-speed train with reserved seats toward our next program site.
Arriving in Florence at Firenze Santa Maria Novella, we set off on foot for a short walk to lunch.
Arriving in Florence at Firenze Santa Maria Novella, we set off on foot for a short walk to lunch.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we check into the hotel and settle into our rooms.
Following a short break, we head out on a neighborhood walk with our Group Leader, getting our bearings and taking note of nearby ATMs, pharmacies, and shops to make our stay more comfortable.
We then gather in the hotel meeting room, where an art historian joins us for an overview of medieval and Renaissance art, preparing us for our upcoming visit to the Galleria degli Uffizi. The Renaissance, an era of cultural rebirth and artistic brilliance, took shape in Italy between the 15th and 17th centuries. It marked a significant shift from the medieval period, with a renewed focus on humanism, naturalism, perspective, and classical influences.
Following the lecture, our Instructor leads an expert-led walk from the hotel through the historic center and across a bridge into the Oltrarno neighborhood, helping us find our footing in the city.
Following a short break, we head out on a neighborhood walk with our Group Leader, getting our bearings and taking note of nearby ATMs, pharmacies, and shops to make our stay more comfortable.
We then gather in the hotel meeting room, where an art historian joins us for an overview of medieval and Renaissance art, preparing us for our upcoming visit to the Galleria degli Uffizi. The Renaissance, an era of cultural rebirth and artistic brilliance, took shape in Italy between the 15th and 17th centuries. It marked a significant shift from the medieval period, with a renewed focus on humanism, naturalism, perspective, and classical influences.
Following the lecture, our Instructor leads an expert-led walk from the hotel through the historic center and across a bridge into the Oltrarno neighborhood, helping us find our footing in the city.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
7
Galleria dell'Accademia, Galleria degli Uffizi
Location:
Florence
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Hotel Berchielli
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, though an elevator is available. Airport-style security screening and bag check at entry. Timed entry, so punctuality at the meeting point is important. Large bags and backpacks must be checked before entering the galleries.
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.
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 Caravaggio 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.
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.
Day
8
Palazzo Pitti, Free Time, Tuscan Farm Dinner
Location:
Florence
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Hotel Berchielli
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.
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.
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.
Day
9
Train to Venice, History of Venice, Baroque Music Concert
Location:
Venice
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Hotel Saturnia & International Venezia
Activity Note
Getting on and off a high-speed train. The Frecciarossa to Venice takes about 2.25 hours (160 miles), reaching speeds up to 185 mph. Since checked bags travel ahead, pack a day pack with anything you will need. Getting on and off a vaporetto (public boat); expect some wave movement. Walking up to 3 miles on uneven stone, pedestrian-only streets and alleys. Venice is entirely pedestrian, and bridges over its smaller canals have ramps or stairs. Hotel check-in is from 3:00 p.m.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
As our time in Florence comes to a close, we check out of the hotel and leave our bags in the lobby with our Group Leader. From there, the bags are loaded onto a van and taken directly to our hotel in Venice, so we travel unburdened for the rest of the day.
Departing in the mid-morning, we walk to the Firenze Santa Maria Novella station and board a high-speed train to Venice, riding through the northern Italian countryside toward the city of canals.
We arrive in time for lunch. On arrival, we receive our three-day vaporetto passes, which cover our time together in Venice and allow us to move around the city and reach the sites with ease. In Venice, we get around as the Venetians do, by water: from Venezia Santa Lucia station, we board an ACTV vaporetto, the city’s public transport boat, and travel the Grand Canal to Rialto, where we walk the short distance to our restaurant. Over the coming days, the vaporetto becomes our main way of moving through the city. Our three-day vaporetto passes give us unlimited rides on the major ACTV routes, making it easy to explore all six of the city’s historic districts, known as sestieri.
Please be aware that the ACTV vaporetti are often busy, and crowded conditions may limit seating and clear views along the route.
Departing in the mid-morning, we walk to the Firenze Santa Maria Novella station and board a high-speed train to Venice, riding through the northern Italian countryside toward the city of canals.
We arrive in time for lunch. On arrival, we receive our three-day vaporetto passes, which cover our time together in Venice and allow us to move around the city and reach the sites with ease. In Venice, we get around as the Venetians do, by water: from Venezia Santa Lucia station, we board an ACTV vaporetto, the city’s public transport boat, and travel the Grand Canal to Rialto, where we walk the short distance to our restaurant. Over the coming days, the vaporetto becomes our main way of moving through the city. Our three-day vaporetto passes give us unlimited rides on the major ACTV routes, making it easy to explore all six of the city’s historic districts, known as sestieri.
Please be aware that the ACTV vaporetti are often busy, and crowded conditions may limit seating and clear views along the route.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
After our meal, we walk to the hotel and check into our rooms, with time to refresh and settle in after the journey.
Around 5:00 p.m., we gather in the hotel meeting room, where a local historian shares insights into the rich legacy of Venice, helping us understand the city’s history, culture, and distinctive character. Built on a lagoon, Venice has a history stretching back more than a thousand years. Founded in the 5th century as a refuge for those fleeing the fall of the Roman Empire, it grew into a powerful maritime republic and a dominant force in Mediterranean trade through the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Its strategic position and innovative seafaring technology allowed the Venetians to build a vast trading empire and amass remarkable wealth and influence.
After the lecture, our Group Leader leads a neighborhood walk to help us get our bearings, pointing out essentials such as ATMs, pharmacies, local shops, and the nearest vaporetto stops.
Around 5:00 p.m., we gather in the hotel meeting room, where a local historian shares insights into the rich legacy of Venice, helping us understand the city’s history, culture, and distinctive character. Built on a lagoon, Venice has a history stretching back more than a thousand years. Founded in the 5th century as a refuge for those fleeing the fall of the Roman Empire, it grew into a powerful maritime republic and a dominant force in Mediterranean trade through the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Its strategic position and innovative seafaring technology allowed the Venetians to build a vast trading empire and amass remarkable wealth and influence.
After the lecture, our Group Leader leads a neighborhood walk to help us get our bearings, pointing out essentials such as ATMs, pharmacies, local shops, and the nearest vaporetto stops.
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.
Day
10
Palazzo Ducale, Gondola Ride, Free Time, San Marco
Location:
Venice
Meals:
B
Stay:
Hotel Saturnia & International Venezia
Activity Note
Getting in and out of a gondola; assistance is offered when boarding the gondola. Walking up to 4 miles throughout the day, with extended standing during site visits. Many bridges to cross, some with ramps and some with steps. No elevators in the historic buildings, so expect unavoidable stairs at the Palazzo Ducale and St. Mark’s Basilica. Security screening and bag checks at entry. The extent of walking and other activities during free time is according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We walk 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.
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.
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 have the rare privilege of a nighttime visit to St. Mark’s Basilica, reserved solely for our Road Scholar group. On an expert-led exploration, we discover this remarkable church, begun in 1063 CE and dedicated to Venice’s patron saint. Its most striking features are the mosaics spanning the 11th to the 19th centuries, rendered in vivid color against shimmering gold backgrounds. We also descend to the crypt below sea level, where special lighting lends a mystical atmosphere and illuminates the glittering mosaics installed in 1071 by artists from Constantinople. Afterward, we walk back to our hotel.
Day
11
Peggy Guggenheim Collection, Free Time
Location:
Venice
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
Hotel Saturnia & International Venezia
Activity Note
Walking up to 1 mile throughout the day; narrow, crowded alleys, uneven pavement, and bridges, some with ramps and some with steps. No elevators in the historic buildings, so expect unavoidable stairs and steps. Security screening and bag check at entry to the museum.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We set off on foot from the hotel for the short walk to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, one of the finest small modern art museums in Europe, where we enjoy an expert-led visit. Peggy Guggenheim (1898–1979), born into the wealthy Guggenheim family and daughter of a father who perished on the Titanic, became deeply involved in American expatriate society in Europe. Mingling with the artists and intellectuals of Paris and London, she grew into a notable dealer and collector, offering crucial support to figures such as Jackson Pollock and helping them gain wider acclaim. She eventually settled in a Venetian palazzo along the Grand Canal, where she displayed her remarkable collection. Today the museum showcases exemplary works by Georges Braque, Alexander Calder, Alberto Giacometti, René Magritte, Joan Miró, Piet Mondrian, Pablo Picasso, Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko, and many other pioneers of modern art.
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.
Day
12
Program Concludes, In Transit From Program
Location:
In Flight
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Hotel check-out 12:00 p.m. See your program’s travel details regarding transfers. The hotel has a private dock where bags are loaded onto the boat. Boat transfer to Venice Marco Polo Airport is about 30 minutes. At the airport dock, bags are unloaded a few steps from the water transportation wing. Follow signs to the main terminal; luggage carts and a moving walkway are available.
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!
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Please Note:
This program has itinerary variations on certain dates.