Italian Escape

Italian Escape

39 Views
7 Days From

$1962

$1711

Italian Escape

7 Days Starting in Rome, Italy and ending in Venice, Italy

Visiting: Rome, Florence, Venice

Tour operator:

Globus

Tour code:

KIAX-2024

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Small Group

From: $1962 $1711 Barrhead discount: -$252 -13%

NB: Prices correct on 21-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Embark on the "Italian Escape" and immerse yourself in Italy's rich cultural tapestry. Begin your journey in Rome, where you'll marvel at the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and the Colosseum. Travel to Assisi to visit the Basilica of St. Francis, then continue to Florence to witness Michelangelo's David and enjoy a light lunch near Santa Croce Square. Capture the iconic Leaning Tower in Pisa before heading to Venice Island for a private boat ride, a guided tour of St. Mark's Square, and a glassblowing demonstration. Conclude your adventure with a farewell dinner in Venice, cherishing the memories of Italy's historic and artistic wonders.

Highlights

  • Welcome dinner in Rome at a local restaurant

  • Guided sightseeing in Rome including the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Square and Basilica, and the Colosseum

  • Visit to the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi

  • Guided sightseeing in Florence including Michelangelo’s David, Giotto’s Bell Tower, and the Baptistry’s Gates of Paradise

  • Photo opportunity at the Leaning Tower of Pisa

  • Private boat ride on the canals of Venice and guided walking tour including St. Mark’s Square, Doges’ Palace, and the Bridge of Sighs

  • Glassblower demonstration in Venice

Places You'll See

Starhotels Metropole

Grand Hotel Mediterraneo

Hotel Royal Firenze

Carlton On The Grand Canal

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Arrive In Rome,Italy

Location: Rome

Accommodation Name: Starhotels Metropole

Meals Included: Dinner

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

Day 2: Rome

Location: Rome

Accommodation Name: Starhotels Metropole

Meals Included: Breakfast

ROME Roman Holiday ROME Guided sightseeing includes the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Square and Basilica, and the Colosseum. Free time late afternoon. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHT LEGENDARY LIVES Stand in awe and wonder amid one of mankind’s greatest artistic achievements in the Sistine Chapel. Hear how in 1508, a young Michelangelo was commissioned by Pope Julius II to decorate the chapel’s ceiling – a request not welcomed by the 33-year-old sculptor. Michelangelo’s 4-year project was indeed one of physical pain and psychological distress, while painting from scaffolds high above the sanctuary floor. Nevertheless, he created what is considered the most famous ceiling in the world, depicting the Creation of Adam in striking fresco style.

Day 3: Rome,Assisi,Florence

Location: Rome

Accommodation Name: Grand Hotel Mediterraneo

Meals Included: Breakfast

ROME–ASSISI–FLORENCE Medieval Marvels ASSISI Visit the Basilica of St. Francis.Scenic drive en route to Florence. (B) 230 mi/ 370 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT ICONIC FOOTSTEPS Walk in the footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi with a visit to the Basilica named after the deacon, friar, and mystic, who became one of the most venerated religious figures in Christianity. Revered for his love of the Eucharist and the Earth, Francis found communion with God through nature here in this Italian village where he lived and died. Marvel at the magnificent frescoes by Italian master Giotto that adorn the Basilica where the saint is buried.

Day 4: Florence

Location: Florence

Accommodation Name: Grand Hotel Mediterraneo

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

FLORENCE Fine Art in Firenze FLORENCE Guided sightseeing includes Michelangelo’s masterpiece, David, at the Academy of Fine Arts, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistry’s heavy bronze “Gates of Paradise,” and Signoria Square. [LF] Light lunch next to Santa Croce Square. Free time. (B,L)TOUR HIGHLIGHT ART & ARCHITECTURE Those lucky enough to visit the Tuscan capital are witness to some of the world’s most magnificent art. Home to a wealth of Rennaissance 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.

Day 5: Florence,Pisa,Venice Island

Location: Florence

Accommodation Name: Carlton on the Grand Canal

Meals Included: Breakfast

FLORENCE–PISA–VENICE ISLAND The Tilted Tower PISA Take photos of the Leaning Tower en route to Venice. (B) 280 mi / 450 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT ART & ARCHITECTURE See architecture gone askew from the viewpoint of the Piazza dei Miracoli in Pisa. Take the ultimate selfie in front of the Leaning Tower with a tilt of the head or other popular poses to commemorate your visit to the site of medieval art in this beautiful piazza.

Day 6: Venice Island

Location: Venice

Accommodation Name: Carlton on the Grand Canal

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

VENICE ISLAND Italian Beauties VENICE Take a private Boat Ride on the canals. Guided walking tour includes St. Mark’s Square, Doges’ Palace and the Bridge of Sighs and views of the Basilica. Glassblower demonstration and free time. Farewell dinner at your hotel. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHT HISTORIC SPOT Locals simply call Piazza San Marco “la piazza.” As paired with the smaller Piazzetta, it forms the social, religious, and political hub of Venice, which Napoleon called “the drawing room of Europe.” St. Mark’s Basilica dominates the square, offering visitors a spectacular view of the great arches, marble embellishments, and the Romanesque carvings of its façade. Also gracing the square is Doge’s Palace – a masterpiece of Venetian Gothic architecture. The enclosed Bridge of Sighs, connecting the palace with the prison, is named for the prisoners sighs at seeing their last view of the Rio di Palazzo on their walk to the prison.

Day 7: Venice Island

Location: Venice

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.VENICE ISLAND Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation in Rome at Starhotels Metropole, in Florence at Grand Hotel Mediterraneo and Hotel Royal Firenze, and in Venice Island at Carlton on the Grand Canal.

  • Meals

    Daily breakfast (B), one light lunch (L), and two dinners (D) including a welcome dinner in Rome and a farewell dinner in Venice Island.

  • Guided Sightseeing

    Guided sightseeing tours in Rome, Florence, and Venice Island, including visits to the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Square and Basilica, the Colosseum, the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi, Michelangelo’s David, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistry’s Gates of Paradise, Signoria Square, and St. Mark’s Square.

  • Transportation

    Scenic drives and transportation between cities including Rome, Assisi, Florence, Pisa, and Venice Island.

  • Special Experiences

    Private boat ride on the canals in Venice, glassblower demonstration, and light lunch next to Santa Croce Square in Florence.

  • Small Group Discoveries

    Option for Small-Group Discoveries limited to an average of 24 guests per departure, ensuring extra space and personalized experiences.

What's Not Included

  • Flights

    International and domestic flights to and from Italy are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and beverages not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.

  • Optional Tours

    Optional tours and activities not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.

  • Gratuities

    Gratuities for the tour director, driver, and local guides are not included.

Small Group

Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on select dates. A Small-Group Discovery is limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Globus escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery trip is the perfectly sized tour—without the crowds.

UNESCO Sites

Assisi (the Basilica of San Francesco)|Historic Centre of Florence|Historic Centre of Rome - various properties Vatican City|Piazza del Duomo Pisa|Venice and its Lagoon

Accommodation

Rome: Starhotels Metropole, Florence: Grand Hotel Mediterraneo, Florence: Hotel Royal Firenze, Venice Island: Carlton on the Grand Canal

Notes

The Vatican Museums are wheelchair accessible, but the entrance and route differ from those of the included guided visit.
For operational reasons, schedule changes for the Rome program cannot be excluded.

Meals

6 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 2 Dinner

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of group sizes can I expect on this tour?

    Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on select dates, which are limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure. This ensures extra space between you and other travelers while still providing an intimate experience.

  • What are some of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites included in this tour?

    The tour includes visits to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Basilica of San Francesco in Assisi, the Historic Centre of Florence, the Historic Centre of Rome including various properties in Vatican City, Piazza del Duomo in Pisa, and Venice and its Lagoon.

  • What kind of accommodations can I expect during the tour?

    You will stay at Starhotels Metropole in Rome, Grand Hotel Mediterraneo and Hotel Royal Firenze in Florence, and Carlton on the Grand Canal in Venice Island.

  • What meals are included in the tour?

    The tour includes a welcome dinner on the first day, daily breakfasts, a light lunch on Day 4, and a farewell dinner on Day 6.

  • What kind of activities are included in Venice?

    In Venice, the tour includes a private boat ride on the canals, a guided walking tour of St. Mark’s Square, Doges’ Palace, and the Bridge of Sighs, as well as a glassblower demonstration.

  • What can I expect on the first day of the tour?

    On the first day, you will arrive in Rome and meet your Tour Director and traveling companions at 5 pm for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

  • What are some of the highlights of the tour in Rome?

    In Rome, the guided sightseeing includes visits to the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Square and Basilica, and the Colosseum.

  • What is included in the Florence segment of the tour?

    In Florence, the guided sightseeing includes Michelangelo’s David at the Academy of Fine Arts, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistry’s 'Gates of Paradise,' and Signoria Square. A light lunch next to Santa Croce Square is also included.

  • What will I see in Pisa?

    In Pisa, you will have the opportunity to take photos of the Leaning Tower en route to Venice.

  • What is the final day of the tour like?

    The final day of the tour includes breakfast in the morning, after which your vacation ends.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    For over 90 years.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    The Globus Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways and Cosmos, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.

Reviews of this operator

Lisset  

Great Value for your Money

19-Dec-2022

This is my second time travelling with Globus, would have been my third if not for COVID. The way they plan everything is super organized, the tour managers are very caring and knowledgeable. We always enjoy all the site visits planned for each trip. They start by picking you up from the airport and from then on everything is taken care of up until the last day of your trip, even dropping you off at the airport not matter the time of day or night. The hotels at every city are always great and centrally located so you can walk around during your free time or plan your own visits to different sites.

Joan Cupp (Google Reviewer)  

My go-to escorted travel Co My...

01-Mar-2024

My go-to escorted travel Co My 4th trip with Globus and the did not disappoint. The sales deals they offer make it affordable for me to travel. All of the guides are well versed in the history of the area you travel in.

David R  

What a wonderful trip, thanks Globus

10-Jan-2023

Globus is my favorite travel agency. I tried others, but always come back to Globus. It is a 100% stress free one-stop shop. Easy booking with flight, hotel, transportation and travel insurance all in one place. Great customer service at reasonable prices. Lots of information prepared for the trip to handle travel logistics. I planned and booked my trip within 24 hours. Highly recommended to everyon

Alexander Wright  

Great guide, accommodations, and tours.

28-Dec-2022

We had a fantastic guide, with a great mix of free time and guided tours.

CTRTeach 11  

Globus exceeded my expectations!

20-Dec-2022

This is my first Globus tour. I was pleasantly surprised with the depth and quality. The hotels were top notch, and the cruise on the Nile exceeded my expectations. The cabins were roomy and comfortable, and the food was very good.

Nancy Arias  

The experience was amazing!!

30-Dec-2022

The trip was amazing. Our tour guide was so kind and very knowledgeable. I needed to attend a very important meeting via zoom. She was very understanding and accommodating to my needs and made it happen. I was very grateful! Our driver was by far the best driver I’ve ever encountered! I was beyond impressed with our guide, driver and trip!! I will definitely be back for another adventure!!

Irish Beth Maddock (Google Reviewer)  

Did the Globus Highlands and...

30-Sep-2023

Did the Globus Highlands and Islands Scottish Tour with Ian and Allister. What a trip!! With his sharp wit, immense knowledge and fun humour, Ian absolutely brought Scotland to vivid life with his many tales, informative quips and total, utter passion for history. Was spellbound. Am so VERY thankful I had the opportunity to be on Ian's last bus tour before retiring with Globus. In addition, to being so hard working and helpful, with Allister our driver, I cannot tell you how safe and secure I felt in his capable driving hands. He had some very awkward traffic and interesting roads to navigate with our large bus, (especially on the islands and up north) but he handled it all expertly and without a hitch. So much so, I was able to relax and enjoy the journey. All in all, with our tour, you could tell both these kind men cared very much for those of us who needed the extra help and advice. Made my bucket list trip to Scotland so memorable and wonderful. Thank you Ian and Allister! Globus is truly fortunate to have you both.

Patty Walker (Google Reviewer)  

Specifically, Cosmos Tour of Ireland...

11-Aug-2024

Specifically, Cosmos Tour of Ireland and Scotland. August 2024. Let me begin with the positive , the Tour guide was knowledgable, personable and educated! He also was extremely professional and took a genuine interest in providing the highest quality of service to the client. The bus was clean and comfortable and well maintained. The driver was highly experienced and provided excellent transportation. The excursions were acceptable and enjoyable. The Variety of age groups on the trip made for wonderful traveling companions. But unfortunately, that is where the positive ends. The Leonardo hotels that are part of the chain and experience for this specific tour are below quality. We spent a night in a room with a leak in the ceiling. That was known before we checked in and continued to leak while we were there. Another Leonardo hotel, we could not get out of our room. Due to the carpet being ripped up and blocking the door. Most of these hotels I would have walked away from, had I been on my own individual trip. The customer service is missing, customer safety is also missing in these hotels. There is lack of concern to assist customers to their rooms even when it is there responsibility to change the room, there isn't assistance offered. Never have I experienced where you had to absolutely be your own advocate. Because there is no customer concern or care. Quality of food provided is also below standards. It is frowned upon if you request something and often denied. We even had a situation where another individual was placed in the same room we were in and it was considered a "oh well too bad for you." Again, we had to transport our own luggage and bags to a new room. Only after we were our own advocates. We said this stranger and ourselves are not going to stay in the same room. Finally, we received a good room, a room that would be found acceptable in every day normal travel, and we had to change again. Because there was a missing part in a Radiator and this was known to the hotel but yet they still booked us into a room. The radiator would not turn off and the room was steaming hot. So once again, we had to transfer all of our luggage and personal items and trudged down stairwell and elevators to once again change rooms. This is so sad for a bucket list, once in a lifetime, save your money and go on your anniversary trip. The rooms are old and out, dated with stains and tears in carpets and materials. Some of the missing items are a safety concern. Buyer beware! The communication for traveling in other countries is not to the level of customer service and satisfaction that we are used to, we did not expect this level of unacceptable accommodations, much like staying in a hostile. It is the Globus/Cosmos Travel companies responsibility to make sure their accommodations for housing is up to the level of expectations of their customers. The accommodations provided are a reflection of Globus/Cosmos business model and integrity in the global travel industry. This is not everything we experienced, but just a few examples. At this time, their brand appears to be old, outdated, without concern or care for the safety of their clients or their health and welfare as applied to accomodations.Customer service, is their lost art. Choose carefully for travel service. And I would not recommend Globus or Cosmos.

Suneetha Raja (Google Reviewer)  

I have done Newfoundland &...

06-Jul-2024

I have done Newfoundland & Labrador with Iceberg Festival tour with Globus in June 2024. It was absolute rubbish for the price I paid towards the tour. Terrible hotels, horrible meals, barely any sightseeing that is worth while the visit, most importantly, the Iceberg festival never happened. Globus sold this specific tour departure date as the only way to attend this supposed Iceberg Festival. I felt cheated after paying 3527£ for a 13 day tour considering the only reason I picked this departure date was because I wanted to attend this Iceberg festival. I could have used my time and money in a better way doing a different tour with another company. A Canadian company who did the exact same tour is doing it for £2400. I have been travelling with Globus and Cosmos tours since 2008. However, this company tours have been terrible after the covid shutdowns. They are charging more than the premium companies and not providing the equivalent service on par with the prices. Safe to say that I won't be recommending Globus and Cosmos tours to anyone. Try other tour companies that are on the market.

Lynda Bailey (Google Reviewer)  

I really enjoyed my Cosmos...

11-Jun-2024

I really enjoyed my Cosmos tour to Italy last September. However I was totally disappointed by two major things which completely changed the atmosphere of the holiday for me. One was the 'last minute' rearrangement of one of our hotels which then put us well outside of Florence on a trading estate for two nights instead of walking distance from the city walls. That completely blocked any plans or ideas of enjoying Florence in the evening. My biggest disappointment was the terrible travel arrangements and associated advice about travelling through Heathrow Cosmos put in place for me and for which they refused to be accountable despite the fact that they had made the ticket booking on my behalf and I had asked them for appropriate check in advice at all key points before I travelled. As a result I was put on standby when I should never have been (even the BA departure staff were shocked at this) and separated from my luggage which travelled on a later flight. I spent over 6 hrs of my first day in Rome in the airport waiting for my luggage and subsequent transfer to my hotel, without any assistance from Cosmos or BA airside staff. When I complained after my holiday, Cosmos would not take any responsibility at all for the fact that I lost the first day of my holiday and approx. 50% of the time I was due to spend in Rome, preferring to blame BA who in turn were uncontactable about my complaint. Very poor customer service indeed.

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Monday - Sunday

Nov 25, 2024 - Dec 01, 2024
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Barrhead discount: -$252

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Barrhead discount: -$252

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Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.

    Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.

    At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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