- 4.9/5 329 Latest reviews
- Destination: Italy
- Duration: 9 Days
- Tour Type: Private & Bespoke
- Tour Style: Classic
About This Trip
Experience the timeless beauty of Northern and Central Italy on this expertly crafted 9-day private journey that blends iconic cities, artistic masterpieces, and authentic local experiences. From the romantic canals of Venice to the Renaissance heart of Florence and the eternal grandeur of Rome, this tour showcases the very best of Northern and Central Italy through history, culture, and cuisine. Travel in comfort with private transfers and expert local guides who bring each destination’s story to life.
Discover world-famous landmarks including St. Mark’s Basilica, Michelangelo’s David, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Siena’s Piazza del Campo, the Colosseum, and the Vatican Museums. Along the way, immerse yourself in regional traditions with hands-on experiences such as Venetian glassblowing, mask-making ateliers, a Tuscan wine lunch, and an authentic Italian cooking class in Rome. Perfect for discerning travelers, this Northern and Central Italy tour delivers a seamless balance of guided sightseeing and leisure, offering an unforgettable exploration of Italy’s most celebrated regions.
Summary
DAY
PLACE
HIGHLIGHTS
1 - 2
Venice
Saint Mark's Square, Glassblowing Demonstration, Mask Atelier
3
Venice - Florence
Bologna Walking Tour
4
Florence
Ponte Vecchio Bridge, Michelangelo's David, Piazza della Repubblica
5
Lucca, Pisa
Lucca: Bike Tour
Pisa: Leaning Tower, Discover Pisan Cuisine
6
Florence - Rome
Siena City Tour
7 - 9
Rome
Roman Forum, Colosseum, Cooking Class, Vatican Guided Tour
Itinerary
- Day 1: Venice – Arrival and Introduction to Northern and Central Italy
Begin your Northern and Central Italy tour with a scenic arrival in Venice. A private water taxi transfers you through the iconic canals, offering your first glimpse of grand palaces and historic bridges rising from the lagoon. After hotel check-in, enjoy free time to wander through narrow streets, quiet squares, and waterfront promenades. This relaxed introduction allows you to absorb Venice’s timeless charm and sets the stage for an unforgettable journey through Northern and Central Italy.
Highlights: Venice, Grand Canal, water taxi arrival, historic atmosphere
- Venice
- Day 2: Venice – City Highlights and Artisan Traditions
Explore the cultural heart of Venice with a guided walking tour of St. Mark’s Square, home to St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace—symbols of Venice’s maritime power and artistic heritage. Continue with a traditional Murano glassblowing demonstration, where master artisans reveal centuries-old techniques. Later, visit a historic mask atelier to discover the craftsmanship behind Venice’s famous Carnival masks. Optional visit to Burano Island for colorful houses and lace-making traditions.
Highlights: St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace, Murano glassblowing, Venetian masks
- B
- Venice
- Day 3: Venice – Bologna – Florence, Journey Through Northern Italy
Travel through Northern and Central Italy, stopping in Bologna for a guided walking tour of its historic center. Discover Piazza Maggiore, the Basilica di San Petronio, and Bologna’s iconic porticoes while learning about the city’s rich culinary heritage. Enjoy a traditional lunch featuring regional specialties before continuing to Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance and a centerpiece of Northern and Central Italy.
Highlights: Bologna walking tour, Piazza Maggiore, Italian cuisine, Florence arrival
- B , L
- Florence
- Day 4: Florence – Renaissance City Highlights
Experience the artistic soul of Northern and Central Italy with a guided tour of Florence. Admire Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia Gallery, stroll through Piazza della Repubblica, and explore Piazza Santa Croce. Walk across the iconic Ponte Vecchio, lined with historic goldsmith shops overlooking the Arno River. In the afternoon, meet local artisans to gain insight into Florence’s traditional crafts and daily life.
Highlights: Michelangelo’s David, Ponte Vecchio, Piazza Santa Croce, Renaissance art
- B
- Florence
- Day 5: Lucca & Pisa – Tuscan Landscapes and Icons
Enjoy a full-day excursion through Tuscany, one of the most picturesque regions of Northern and Central Italy. Begin in Lucca with a leisurely bike tour along its perfectly preserved Renaissance walls and elegant villas. Continue to Pisa to witness the world-famous Leaning Tower and explore the Piazza dei Miracoli. Discover hidden medieval streets and enjoy a guided food and wine experience showcasing authentic Pisan flavors.
Highlights: Lucca bike tour, Renaissance walls, Leaning Tower of Pisa, Tuscan cuisine
- B
- Florence
- Day 6: Florence – Siena – Rome, Heart of Central Italy
Journey south through the rolling countryside of Central Italy to the medieval city of Siena. Enjoy a guided tour of the historic center, including the magnificent Piazza del Campo, site of the famous Palio horse race. Visit the Museum of the Palio (schedule permitting) and enjoy a Tuscan winery lunch in the countryside. Continue onward to Rome, the Eternal City and cultural heart of Northern and Central Italy.
Highlights: Siena historic center, Piazza del Campo, Tuscan winery lunch, Rome arrival
- B , L
- Rome
- Day 7: Rome – Vatican Museums and City Walk
Discover the spiritual and artistic treasures of Northern and Central Italy with a private guided tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica. Admire masterpieces by Michelangelo and Raphael before continuing your walking tour through Rome’s historic center. Explore elegant piazzas, fountains, and ancient streets that reveal Rome’s layered history.
Highlights: Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, Rome city walk
- B
- Rome
- Day 8: Rome – Colosseum, Roman Forum and Cooking Class
Step back into ancient history with a guided tour of the Colosseum and Roman Forum, two of the most iconic landmarks of Northern and Central Italy. Learn about gladiators, emperors, and the Roman Empire’s legacy. Enjoy free time to explore Rome at your own pace before ending the day with a hands-on Italian cooking class, learning to prepare classic dishes such as pasta, pizza, tiramisu, or gelato.
Highlights: Colosseum, Roman Forum, ancient Rome, Italian cooking class
- B
- Rome
- Day 9: Rome – Departure
Your enriching journey through Northern and Central Italy comes to an end. After a private transfer to the airport, depart with unforgettable memories of Venice’s canals, Florence’s art, Tuscany’s landscapes, and Rome’s ancient wonders.
Highlights: Rome departure, private transfer, end of Northern and Central Italy tour
- B
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