Essential Europe with London

Welcome to Rome! At 5 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (D)

Spend your day your way in Rome Explore more of Rome with your choice of an included Globus Choice excursion. (B) Rome of the Caesars Time travel to ancient Rome! Stand in the Colosseum and let your imagination be captured by stories of gladiator games and emperor reigns. Delve deeper into the Rome of the Caesars with a guided walk through the Roman Forum, once the beating heart of the Roman Empire; see the Palatine Hill considered to be the birthplace of Rome. The Papal City Explore the Papal City for a guided visit of the extensive Vatican Museums. Lift your eyes to the heavens in the Sistine Chapel to marvel at Michelangelo's masterpiece ceiling fresco, then continue to St. Peter's Square to see the breathtaking St. Peter's Basilica. Stroll along the Via della Conciliazione to admire Castel Sant'Angelo, the former Papal Fortress. Free time this afternoon and evening to explore more. * For operational reasons, schedule changes to the Rome program cannot be excluded.

Fine Art in Firenze Leave the hustle and bustle of Rome behind as you relax for a scenic drive past the olive groves and vineyards that extend over the rolling green hills of Umbria and Tuscany. Arrive in Florence, one of Italy’s most celebrated cities. Meet your Local Guide for a visit of the Academy of Fine Arts, to see Michelangelo’s David statue, followed by a walk through the historic center, stopping to admire and learn more about the cathedral, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the massive bronze doors of the Baptistry’s “Gates of Paradise,” and the sculptures of Signoria Square. This afternoon enjoy free time to explore more of Florence “La Bella.” (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT Those lucky enough to visit the Tuscan capital are witness to some of the world’s most magnificent art. Home to a wealth of Renaissance masterpieces, Florence is famous for Michelangelo’s marble masterpiece, David, standing ready for battle in the Academy of Fine Arts. Outside, the Piazza del Duomo and Signoria Square offer spectacular sights of Florentine Gothic and Renaissance art, architecture, and monuments.

Benvenuti a Venezia Today, cross the Apennine Mountains and River Po to reach Venice. On arrival, take a private boat ride along the Giudecca Canal. Prepare for breathtaking views as you sail in front of the entrance to St Mark’s Square. Disembark for an orientation walk to St. Mark’s Square and a noted vetreria to meet a local glassblower and learn how the world-famous Murano glass is created. After some free time to explore independently, [LOCAL FAVORITE] enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before traveling like a VIP on a private water taxi ride along the Grand Canal. (B,D) LOCAL FAVORITE Cruise along Venice's iconic Grand Canal in a private water taxi and immerse yourself in the city from its most elegant perspective. With stunning palaces, hidden corners, and breathtaking views around every turn, it's one of the most exciting and memorable ways to experience the magic of the city.