Italy for Families: A Tailor-Made Journey to Rome, Florence, and Venice

Fly into Rome and meet your private driver for the transfer to your hotel, a former monastery in the heart of Rome. Take the remainder of the day to settle in and explore the surrounding Trastevere neighborhood.

Step back in time this morning as you discover the most famous sites of ancient Rome with a private guide. Venture into the Colosseum, an amphitheater so big it could fit an entire football field inside—and learn about the gladiator games held here for centuries. Continue to the Roman Forum, and imagine the likes of Julius Caesar and Hadrian strolling amid the temples and boulevards of this ancient capital of the Roman Empire. After a break for lunch, head to the Palazzo Valentini for a fascinating audio-visual tour that takes you right underneath the building and reveals some of the ancient Roman sites recently discovered buried deep under the city. (B)

Cross into the world’s tiniest country: Vatican City. Join your private guide for a family-oriented tour of St. Peter's Basilica, capped by one of the world’s largest domes, and the highlights of the Vatican Museums, including Michelangelo’s legendary Sistine Chapel. In the afternoon, set off on a memorable Vespa tour around the city, discovering lesser-known neighborhoods and the hidden gems of Rome. (B)

Head to the train station and enjoy premium class seats on your journey to Florence. A private driver awaits to escort you to your hotel in the city center. During a free afternoon, consider walking just a few blocks to Florence’s Duomo, where you can climb both the bell tower and Brunelleschi’s famous dome for spectacular views of the city. (B)

Meet up with your private guide for a walking tour of Florence geared for all ages. See one of the great masterpieces of the Renaissance, Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia Gallery, then enjoy time to explore on your own this afternoon. Watch street performers in the city’s piazzas and stop for a gelato, climb on the vintage carousel on Piazza della Repubblica, or go exploring in the Boboli Gardens. (B)

Tuscan food is not only delicious—it’s also fun to make! Spend the morning at a Florentine cooking school, where you’ll have a private class with a local chef. Whip up a traditional Tuscan menu, including pasta made from scratch, and then enjoy your creations for lunch. You’ll have free time this afternoon to discover more of Florence. Perhaps visit another of the city’s wonderful museums, such as the astronomy-focused Museo Galileo, or climb up to Fort Belvedere for sweeping views over the rooftops of Florence. (B)

Take the train to Venice, and continue by private boat to your hotel on the Grand Canal. After time to relax, embark on a gondola cruise through the picturesque waterways of the city. (B)

Begin the day with a private walking tour of St. Mark's Square and the Doge's Palace. With your private guide, you’ll have access to secret rooms in the palace not normally open to the public. This afternoon, take part in a Venetian tradition: making your own Carnival mask! During your private mask-making workshop, learn about the annual festival, which dates back to the 12th century, and the symbolism of the elaborate masks and costumes worn for the occasion. (B)

A private boat awaits you today for a tour of some of the islands in the World Heritage-listed Venetian lagoon. Your first stop is Murano, where artisans have crafted colorful glasswork for centuries. Stop in at a glass factory to watch a glassblowing demonstration, and see a variety of creations, including beads, vases, and intricate glass animals. Continue to Burano, lined with brightly painted houses and known for its lace-making tradition. Enjoy time to explore the island before returning to Venice for a final afternoon at leisure. (B)

Today, travel to the Venice airport by private water taxi in time for your flight home.  (B)