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.

Enroll with Confidence

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. Learn more

Protecting the Environment

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more

At a Glance

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.
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
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

What You'll Learn

  • 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 St. 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 trip experts
Profile Image
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.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Jane Zaloga
Jane Zaloga View biography
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.
Profile Image of Paolo Alei
Paolo Alei View biography
Dr. Paolo Alei is an art historian specializing in and publishing works on Renaissance and Baroque art in Rome and Venice; however, he considers Classical art one of his passions. He earned his M.A. in art history and archaeology from Columbia University. Paolo teaches full-time at the University of California System Rome program and enjoys Italian cinema from the Neorealism period through the 1970s.
Profile Image of Rachel Potts
Rachel Potts View biography
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.
Profile Image of Rosanna Giannotti
Rosanna Giannotti View biography
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.
Profile Image of Giulietta Seme
Giulietta Seme View biography
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.
Profile Image of Alessio Rosoldi
Alessio Rosoldi View biography
Alessio Rosoldi is a native of Rome and a true lifelong learner. He graduated from the Università degli Studi di Roma "La Sapienza" with a degree in foreign languages and literature and an MA in intercultural communication. Alessio went on to work for the World Food Program, a United Nations entity based out of Rome. Recently, he earned a second MA, this time in Italian studies from the University of Washington.
Profile Image of Bruna Baravelli
Bruna Baravelli View biography
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.
Profile Image of Daniela Sarghini
Daniela Sarghini View biography
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.
Profile Image of Suzanne Myers
Suzanne Myers View biography
Suzanne Myers originally hails from Lincoln, Nebraska and has been living in Florence since 2011. She has a BA in art history from St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota and an MA in art history from Syracuse University. She works as a lecturer for several study away programs in Florence and as a licensed group leader. Suzanne specializes in Italian Renaissance art, but also loves to lecture on a wide range of subjects from the Medici family to the Black Death to Florentine fashion.
Profile Image of Cristina Gregorin
Cristina Gregorin View biography
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.
Profile Image of Susan Steer
Susan Steer View biography
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.
Profile Image of Cristiana Filippini
Cristiana Filippini View biography
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.
Profile Image of Emily Moloney
Emily Moloney View biography
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. 
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
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.
Print All
Map details are not available for this location.
12 days
11 nights
20 meals
10 B 4 L 6 D
DAY
1
In Transit to Program
In Flight
DAY
2
Arrive Rome, Check-in, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Rome
D
Hotel dei Mellini

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 4:00 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 motorcoach 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 the hotel 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, Forum, Free Time
Rome
B,L
Hotel dei Mellini

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach. 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.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We will board coaches 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. Please note that there is a possibility of encountering crowded conditions during our visit.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Dinner: On your own to sample the local fare.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
4
Roman History, Free Time, Sistine Chapel Private Visit
Rome
B
Hotel dei Mellini

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach or van; 6 miles, 20-minute ride. Walking up to 4 miles throughout the day. Extended standing during museum visit. Unavoidable steps/stairs.

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 a captivating 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. It witnessed triumphs, conquests, and significant architectural achievements, including the Colosseum, Pantheon, and the expansive network of aqueducts. 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.

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: Free time continues.

Dinner: On your own to sample the local fare.

Evening: Next on our itinerary is one of the most anticipated highlights of our program. We'll be transported by vans or a coach to the Vatican Museums for an exclusive private visit after regular closing hours. This privileged visit will allow us to appreciate select museum collections and the world-renowned Sistine Chapel, recognized as one of humanity's most significant artistic accomplishments. The Sistine Chapel, located within the Vatican City, is one of the most iconic masterpieces of High Renaissance art. Commissioned by Pope Julius II and painted by the renowned artist Michelangelo between 1508 and 1512, its vaulted ceiling showcases a stunning series of frescoes depicting biblical scenes. Among these, the most famous is The Creation of Adam, where God and Adam reach toward each other with outstretched arms. On the altar wall, Michelangelo's The Last Judgment, painted between 1536 and 1541, vividly portrays the Apocalypse. The Sistine Chapel serves as a notable attraction and the site where the Papal Conclave meets to elect new popes, adding to its historical and religious importance. The fascinating tales of Michelangelo's conflicts with Pope Paul III, who commissioned him, have been immortalized in countless books and films. Through his unparalleled skills and resilience, Michelangelo birthed what has been termed a "sanctuary of the theology of the human body." Please note: Our visit is limited to two hours, following a pre-determined path that features the Gallery of Maps, the Hall of Tapestries, and the Stanze di Raffaello (Raphael Rooms) adorned with splendid frescoes. We will return to the hotel by motorcoach at 9:15 p.m. The Vatican Museums consist of 26 sections. If you wish to explore further, consider planning a visit during your free time. Please note that this after-hours visit does not include entry to St. Peter's Basilica.

DAY
5
Borghese Gallery, Free Time
Rome
B,D
Hotel dei Mellini

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach or van. Walking up to 3 miles throughout the day; 500 feet from drop-off point at Borghese Gallery to museum entrance; gravel paths, steps down to ticket office, up to entrance; marble tile flooring. Stairs to second floor picture gallery; small elevator (3-person capacity) for disabled visitors.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Lunch: On your own to enjoy what you like.

Afternoon: Our next destination will be the renowned Borghese Gallery, 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 captivating visit, we will make our way to the designated motorcoach pick-up point, concluding our field trip and returning 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.

Dinner: At a local restaurant.

Evening: At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

DAY
6
High-Speed Train to Florence, Renaissance Art
Florence
B,L,D
Hotel Berchielli

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach. Steps getting on/off a train. Walking up to 3 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. 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 a captivating overview of medieval and Renaissance art, preparing us for our upcoming field trip to the renowned Uffizi Gallery. 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.

Dinner: At a local restaurant.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
7
Accademia, Uffizi
Florence
B,L
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.

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 captivates 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, captivating 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.

DAY
8
Palazzo Pitti, Free Time, Tuscan Farm Dinner
Florence
B,D
Hotel Berchielli

Activity note: Getting on/off motorcoach. 7 miles, 20 minutes 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.

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.

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. We'll meet at the appointed time in the nearby Piazza Trinita. From there, we will board a motorcoach 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.

Dinner: At the agriturismo.

Evening: We will transfer back to our hotel by motorcoach or van. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

DAY
9
Train to Venice, History of Venice, Musical Performance
Venice
B,L,D
Hotel Giorgione

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 conveniently depositing our bags in the lobby under the attentive 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.

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 captivate 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 captivating 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: At a local restaurant.

Evening: We will set out to attend a classical musical performance of a renowned local chamber orchestra. Venice played a pivotal role in the evolution of Baroque music during the 17th and 18th centuries, ushering in a new era of musical expression and innovation. In this period, the music shifted from the Renaissance's structured polyphony to a more emotional, dramatic, and ornate style that defined the Baroque period. Venice was the cradle for this transformation, with its churches, opera houses, and orchestras significantly contributing to this musical revolution. Iconic composers such as Antonio Vivaldi, born in Venice, became synonymous with the Baroque style. His works, including the famed "Four Seasons," are representative of Venice's rich Baroque tradition. Furthermore, the city's introduction of public opera houses during this era made music more accessible to the general populace, broadening the influence and reach of Baroque music.

DAY
10
Palazzo Ducale, Gondola Ride, Free Time, St. Mark’s Basilica
Venice
B
Hotel Giorgione

Activity note: Getting on/off a vaporetto and gondola; assistance offered getting on/off gondola Walking up to 4 miles throughout the day, extended standing during field trips. Bridges to cross; some with ramps, some with steps. No elevators in historic buildings.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: By vaporetto, we will venture towards the vibrant heart of Venice, the iconic Piazza San Marco. This expansive public space often called the "drawing room of Europe" during the 19th century, beckons us with its awe-inspiring grandeur. At the center of this splendid square, we will discover the resplendent Basilica of San Marco, adorned with intricate Byzantine-inspired mosaics and lavish decorations. Towering nearby, the majestic Campanile, a bell tower offering panoramic views of the city, beckons us to ascend and admire the breathtaking vistas. Adjacent to these awe-inspiring structures, the imposing Palazzo Ducale, the seat of Venetian political power, captivates with its intricate Gothic design. These iconic landmarks create an enchanting and unforgettable atmosphere within one of the most impressive public squares found anywhere in the world. Our visit begins with an expert-led exploration of the Doge's Palace. Within the palace's opulent walls, the Doges embellished the residential quarters and ceremonial chambers of the Great Council with extravagant artwork, including captivating murals created by masters such as Tintoretto and Veronese. As we venture through the palace, we will witness the grandeur of spacious courtrooms and the hauntingly intriguing prisons connected by the famous Bridge of Sighs. This iconic bridge earned its name from the bittersweet sighs of prisoners who crossed it, knowing it marked their final glimpse of light and freedom before incarceration. Kindly note that we may encounter crowded conditions during our visit.

Lunch: On your own to sample local fare.

Afternoon: Afterward, we will embark on a delightful gondola ride, offering a unique perspective of the city as we gracefully glide along its enchanting canals. The history of Venetian gondolas is steeped in tradition and dates back centuries. With their distinctive design, these elegant, flat-bottomed boats have been an iconic symbol of Venice for generations. Originating from the canals and lagoons of the Venetian Republic, gondolas were once the primary mode of transportation in the city, serving as essential vessels for navigating the intricate waterways. Initially, gondolas were much simpler in design, but over time, they evolved into the graceful and ornate boats we recognize today. Skilled artisans meticulously handcrafted each gondola using traditional techniques and exquisite materials. From the unique iron prow, known as the "ferro," to the plush upholstered seating, every detail showcases the craftsmanship and artistry of Venetian boat builders. While gondolas are no longer the primary method of transportation in Venice, they continue to enchant visitors with their charm and romantic allure, offering an unforgettable experience that beautifully embodies the rich history and culture of this captivating city. The rest of the afternoon will be at your leisure, providing you with the freedom to explore Venice at your own pace. Whether you choose to return to the hotel via the convenient vaporetto or prefer to savor a walk through the narrow streets, the choice is yours to make.

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, reserved solely for our Road Scholar group. Our experience kicks off 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 truly needs to be witnessed firsthand to be fully appreciated. Its most striking elements include a range of captivating mosaics from the 11th to the 19th centuries, beautifully rendered in a multitude of 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.

DAY
11
Guggenheim Collection, Free Time
Venice
B,D
Hotel Giorgione

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 as a platform 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.

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
In Flight
B

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!






Recommended For You

loading spinner