Gladiators, Gondolas and Gold
Gladiators, Gondolas and Gold
$3475
Gladiators, Gondolas and Gold
10 Days Starting in Rome, Italy and ending in Venice, Italy
Visiting: Rome, Pisa, Florence, Bologna, Venice
Tour operator:
Tour code:
FGICZN20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Gladiators, Gondolas and Gold" tour, a captivating journey through Italy's most iconic cities. Begin in Rome, where you'll explore ancient sites and even train as a gladiator. Savor authentic Italian pizza and marvel at the Colosseum. Travel through Tuscany to Pisa, capturing the perfect photo with the Leaning Tower, before arriving in Florence. Here, immerse yourself in Renaissance art, indulge in gelato, and enjoy a special dinner with Count Miari Fulcis at his historic estate. Continue to Bologna for a taste of its culinary delights, then head to Venice. Experience the magic of Venetian glassblowing, cruise to St. Mark's Square, and create your own Carnival mask. This tour offers a blend of cultural immersion, culinary delights, and unforgettable experiences, all while staying in carefully selected accommodations and traveling in comfort. Join us for a journey that promises memories to last a lifetime.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Rome
Location: Rome
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza St. Peter's
Accommodation Name: Crowne Plaza St. Peter's
Meals Included: Dinner
2025 marks a Jubilee Year, a momentous Roman Catholic event celebrated every 25 years, turning Rome into a center of celebration. As festivities unfold, itineraries may be adjusted to ensure you make the most of your time as you visit the Eternal City. Ciao Roma! Feast your eyes and your stomach on the 'Eternal City' – the launch pad for an unforgettable adventure with la famiglia. Tread in the footsteps of the ancients before meeting with your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Kickoff Party that will rock Rome.
Day 2: Explore Ancient Rome
Location: Rome
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza St. Peter's
Accommodation Name: Crowne Plaza St. Peter's
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Join a Local Specialist to delve into centuries of history and culture. Venture across the Tiber to the Colosseum, imagining a time when brave warriors fought to the thunderous roar of thousands. Then it's time for a cheesy Family Fun affair as we Dive Into Culture and learn how to make authentic Italian pizza, sharing a tasty slice or two of our culinary masterpieces with our loved ones.
Day 3: Venture To A Gladiator School Family Fun Dive Into Culture
Location: Rome
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza St. Peter's
Accommodation Name: Crowne Plaza St. Peter's
Meals Included: Breakfast
Book your spot on the podium. It's time for Family Fun as you become a gladiator for the day. You'll learn how to wield a gladiator's sword and gain insights into military techniques with an expert. This afternoon, you’ll have some free time to explore the city with the family. Perhaps count the Spanish Steps or toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain to secure your speedy return to Rome.
Day 4: Enjoy Pisa And On To Florence
Location: Pisa
Accommodation: Grand Mediterraneo
Accommodation Name: Grand Mediterraneo
Meals Included: Breakfast
Embark on a scenic drive north through Tuscany's golden fields. Stop in Pisa to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site Piazza del Duomo to snap a selfie in front of the famous Leaning Tower. Carry on to the Renaissance city of Florence, our home for the next three nights.
Day 5: Discover Art And Architecture In Florence Dive Into Culture Connect With Locals
Location: Florence
Accommodation: Grand Mediterraneo
Accommodation Name: Grand Mediterraneo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
The exquisite sights of Florence are brought to life on a walking tour in the expert company of a Local Specialist. See the magnificent Gothic Duomo and famous Baptistery before marvelling at Michelangelo's statue of David at the Academy of Fine Arts. Learn about the quality and workmanship of two of this city's historic industries at demonstrations of Florentine leathercraft and 18-carat gold. Where better to Dive Into Culture and indulge in a refreshing gelato than in the city where it was invented? Tonight, join Count Miari Fulcis and his family for a Be My Guest experience, enjoying delicious specialties against the backdrop of picture-perfect olive groves and vineyards on their 15th-century estate in the Tuscan hills. Salute!
Day 6: Florence Your Way
Location: Florence
Accommodation: Grand Mediterraneo
Accommodation Name: Grand Mediterraneo
Meals Included: Breakfast
You have a full day at leisure to enjoy this remarkable Renaissance city. Florence is a living museum that you can explore on foot. Perhaps join an optional experience to the ‘Town of Towers’ – San Gimignano.
Day 7: Venture To Bologna And Onwards To Venice
Location: Bologna
Accommodation: Novotel Mestre Castellana
Accommodation Name: Novotel Mestre Castellana
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Stop and smell the rich aromas of Bolognese sauce, spending the morning with a Local Specialist to explore the medieval city of Bologna. Then it's just a hop, skip and a jump towards the island city of Venice. Discover the 'Queen of the Adriatic' from the comfort of one of its traditional gondolas on an optional experience.
Day 8: Discover Venice Make Travel Matter Family Fun
Location: Venice
Accommodation: Novotel Mestre Castellana
Accommodation Name: Novotel Mestre Castellana
Meals Included: Breakfast
Cruise to bustling St. Mark's Square on a private launch. View the exquisite Doge's Palace, St. Mark's Basilica and the Campanile and the famous Bridge of Sighs, so named for the sound condemned prisoners made at catching their last glimpse of beautiful Venice. We then witness first-hand the exquisite tradition of Venetian glassblowing. Your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience helps to support the preservation of this precious Venetian tradition for generations to come. You’ll learn how this once-thriving Venetian art is being kept alive by talented glassmakers who delight in working their magic to craft the stunning treasures for which Venice is justifiably famous. Time for Family Fun as you learn about the art of crafting Carnival masks, decorating your own masks with enough paint, feathers and glitter to rival even the most elaborate masks seen at the annual event. This afternoon, consider an Optional Experience to the colorful island of Burano for a delicious meal.
Day 9: Experience Venice’S Food Market Dive Into Culture
Location: Venice
Accommodation: Novotel Mestre Castellana
Accommodation Name: Novotel Mestre Castellana
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Navigating the bustling canals to the Rialto Bridge, we embrace the sights and sounds of Venice from the water before we Dive Into Culture and savor the flavors of Italy during a visit to a traditional food market. We delve into the hidden highlights of Venice during a Small Group Sightseeing walking tour, working up an appetite for lunch at a local restaurant.
Day 10: Journey Home
Location: Venice
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our unforgettable journey together has come to an end. All that's left to say is a hearty arrivederci as you prepare to return home with fantastic shared memories.
What's Included
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An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver are included in the tour.
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
Accommodation in cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted, is included.
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All porterage and restaurant gratuities
All porterage and restaurant gratuities are included.
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
All hotel tips, charges, and local taxes are included.
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Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals are included.
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras are included.
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Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing are included.
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys) is included.
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Optional Experiences and free time
Optional Experiences and free time are included.
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On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized
On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
What's Not Included
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Airfare
International airfare to/from the start/end of your trip is not included.
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Visas
Visas and other travel documentation are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance, which is highly recommended, is not included.
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Optional Experiences
Costs associated with Optional Experiences are not included.
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Incidentals
Incidental expenses, such as room service, laundry, phone calls, and internet access, are not included.
Dining Summary
- 4 Dinner (D)
- 9 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Lunch (L)
Dive Into Culture
- Florence: Indulge in an Italian gelato at a local gelateria in Florence.
- Venice: Savor the vibrant atmosphere of Venice during a visit to a traditional food market in the shadow of the famous Rialto Bridge.
Family Fun
- Rome: A cooking experience with all the trimmings! Learn how to make tasty Italian pizza from an expert and then share your masterpiece with the family.
- Rome: Experience life as a gladiator with an included visit to a Gladiator School in Rome.
- Venice: Discover the great Venetian tradition of Carnival masks and paint and decorate your own.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique cultural experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes several unique cultural experiences such as learning to make authentic Italian pizza in Rome, visiting a gladiator school to experience life as a gladiator, indulging in Italian gelato in Florence, and participating in a Venetian glassblowing demonstration. Additionally, you can paint and decorate your own Venetian Carnival mask.
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How does the tour support sustainable tourism?
The tour supports sustainable tourism through the MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience in Venice, where visitors learn about and support the preservation of the traditional craft of Venetian glassblowing, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides transportation in a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi available in most countries. Alternative transportation, such as rail journeys, may also be used.
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What meals are included in the tour package?
The tour package includes breakfast daily, up to half of your evening meals, and one lunch. Additionally, there is a special 'Be My Guest' dinner experience in Florence.
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What is the 'Be My Guest' experience in Florence?
The 'Be My Guest' experience in Florence involves joining Count Miari Fulcis for dinner at his 15th-century organic olive oil estate. Guests will enjoy delicious specialties and hear stories from eight generations of history in a picturesque setting.
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What activities are available for families during the tour?
Family-friendly activities include a pizza-making experience in Rome, a visit to a gladiator school, and a mask-making session in Venice where you can decorate your own Carnival mask.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Low Deposit
Trafalgar requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of trafalgar charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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