Book our Florence and Venice multi centre holiday and enjoy eight days of unforgettable sightseeing and lavish food in two of Italy’s greatest cities. Start your holiday in Florence, here you will see glorious Renaissance architecture, such as the Duomo of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore designed by Brunelleschi, and the Basilica of San Lorenzo, one of the oldest churches in the city.
Next, it’s off to the floating city of Venice. Just 2.5 hours away by train, soak in the rolling Tuscan countryside, past rows of grapes standing to attention, and pretty, medieval hillside towns and villages telling the story of Italy’s history. Water meets art in Venice, a city made up of 118 islands, with an incredible array of museums and art galleries. Sample the fresh seafood featured on every restaurant menu, or enjoy a piece of chocolate salami with a strong coffee.
At a glance
Take panoramic photographs of Florence from Piazzale Michelangelo
Walk over Florence’s oldest bridge, the Ponte Vecchio
Marvel at Michelangelos David in the Galleria dell Accademia
Visit Venices Doges Palace and its smaller museums
Once you've checked into your hotel, explore some of the architectural masterpieces of Florence. Start at the Duomo, Florence's famous cathedral. Its dome is the biggest in Italy, and you can climb its 463 steep steps to catch panoramic views across the city. Then, go into the Museo dell' Opera del Duomo, which has over 750 works of art, including Michelangelo's last sculpture, Pietà. Next on your tour is the Ponte Vecchio, Florence's oldest bridge, where you can take in views of the line of higgledy-piggledy shops sitting on top of its arches.
In the evening, head to one of the traditional Italian trattorias and order Florence's most famous dish. Bistecca alla Fiorentina is a large T-Bone steak smoked over roasted chestnuts, served pink in the middle.
Located 800 metres from the Duomo in the centre of Florence
Great value for money
Hotel Balestri
Italian Cities, Florence
Central riverside location
Boutique hotel with charm and atmosphere
Grand Hotel Minerva
Italian Cities, Florence
Rooftop terrace and swimming pool, overlooking Florence
Perfect for both families and couples
Day 2 : Florence
Spend today on the other side of the Arno River where there are fewer tourists. Begin at the Basilica de Santo Spirito. In contrast with Florence's more ornate churches, the Basilica has a plain exterior, giving it a celestial feel. Inside you can find Michelangelo’s wooden crucifix, and frescos and artwork by Perugino and Andrea Orcagna.
Tour the Palazzo Pitti, and the Boboli Gardens behind it. The Palazzo incorporates a palace, art gallery, museums and the not to be missed Royal Apartments. Hanging in the apartments are priceless pictures by Italian masters like Rubens and Raphael. Wander around the beautiful Boboli Gardens and admire the maze, fountains and the terraces which offer fantastic views over Florence.
Located 800 metres from the Duomo in the centre of Florence
Great value for money
Hotel Balestri
Italian Cities, Florence
Central riverside location
Boutique hotel with charm and atmosphere
Grand Hotel Minerva
Italian Cities, Florence
Rooftop terrace and swimming pool, overlooking Florence
Perfect for both families and couples
Day 3 : Pisa
Spend today visiting the nearby city of Pisa, famous for its architectural marvel – the iconic Leaning Tower. Marvel at the other sights of the Piazza dei Miracoli, candling the Baptistery, before heading into the city’s heart to experience its more authentic side with tree-line avenues and local trattorie.
Located 800 metres from the Duomo in the centre of Florence
Great value for money
Hotel Balestri
Italian Cities, Florence
Central riverside location
Boutique hotel with charm and atmosphere
Grand Hotel Minerva
Italian Cities, Florence
Rooftop terrace and swimming pool, overlooking Florence
Perfect for both families and couples
Day 4 : Florence
Today, visit Florence's magnificent artworks. The Bargello is the oldest public building in the city. Once a prison, it became an art museum in 1859. Now, it is home to world famous sculptures and statues such as Donatello's David and Michelangelo's Bacchus. You'll struggle to get around all 45 halls of the Uffizi Gallery, but in it, you'll find some of the most prized paintings of the Renaissance period. The works of da Vinci, Michelangelo and Botticelli adorn the walls, and you can see statues of them and other Italian masters outside the gallery itself.
Finally, head towards the Basilica of Santa Croce, the biggest Franciscan church in the world. It has 16 chapels and contains memorials to many prominent Florentines, including Dante and Machiavelli.
Located 800 metres from the Duomo in the centre of Florence
Great value for money
Hotel Balestri
Italian Cities, Florence
Central riverside location
Boutique hotel with charm and atmosphere
Grand Hotel Minerva
Italian Cities, Florence
Rooftop terrace and swimming pool, overlooking Florence
Perfect for both families and couples
Day 5 : Florence - Venice
Time to board a train and depart for romantic Venice. It's fitting you will travel to your hotel in the floating city by water taxi, and why stop there? Once you've checked in, spend some time seeing some of the 400 bridges on a gondola ride. As you cruise along narrow canals, your gondolier will regale you with the history of Venice and its 118 islands. If you're feeling hungry, get some Cicchetti, the Italian equivalent of Tapas, in a bar along the Grand Canal. Sip on a glass of local merlot while nibbling on crostini topped with tuna or pork, or a Polpette al Carne (crispy meatballs).
Where you could stay
Recommended
Hotel Bel Sito
Italian Cities, Venice
Short walk from St. Mark's Square and the Grand Canal
Great value for money
Recommended
Savoia Jolanda
Italian Cities, Venice
Beautiful waterfront location overlooking the Venetian lagoon
Within walking distance of the Bridge of Sighs and St Mark's Square
Recommended
Londra Palace Venezia
Italian Cities, Venice
Stunning location overlooking the lagoon
Ideal base for exploring the city's main attractions
Favourite with Citalia guests
Boutique hotel offering excellent service
Day 6 : Venice
Spend the day visiting Venice's top attractions, starting with St Mark's Square, the city's largest piazza. Around the square, you'll find cafés, shops and Venice's most important historical buildings. The Basilica San Marco is one of the most spectacular cathedrals in Italy, with glittering mosaics inside its five domes. The cathedral is full of famous artwork and relics, and a golden jeweled altarpiece. When you get outside again, look up and admire the Campanile di San Marco, the cathedral's impressive bell tower, and the Torre dell'Orologio (the clock tower). Enter the Doge's Palace and lose yourself in the opulent rooms lined with priceless Venetian art.
End your visit sipping a Bellini outside one of the square’s fashionable cafés.
Short walk from St. Mark's Square and the Grand Canal
Great value for money
Recommended
Savoia Jolanda
Italian Cities, Venice
Beautiful waterfront location overlooking the Venetian lagoon
Within walking distance of the Bridge of Sighs and St Mark's Square
Recommended
Londra Palace Venezia
Italian Cities, Venice
Stunning location overlooking the lagoon
Ideal base for exploring the city's main attractions
Favourite with Citalia guests
Boutique hotel offering excellent service
Day 7 : Venice
Your last full day in Venice includes a tour of some of the city's famous islands, starting with Murano. Famous for its glassware and exquisite jewellery, you can visit a factory and see a glass blowing demonstration, then head to the Museo del Vetro, the glass museum, to learn about the history of glass production.
The second island on your itinerary is Burano. Brightly coloured fishermen's cottages line the town's canals, while the world famous Burano lace is handmade by women sitting in the streets. Torcello is your last stop. Venice's first cathedral sits peacefully among small vineyards on this sparsely populated island.
Where you could stay
Recommended
Hotel Bel Sito
Italian Cities, Venice
Short walk from St. Mark's Square and the Grand Canal
Great value for money
Recommended
Savoia Jolanda
Italian Cities, Venice
Beautiful waterfront location overlooking the Venetian lagoon
Within walking distance of the Bridge of Sighs and St Mark's Square
Recommended
Londra Palace Venezia
Italian Cities, Venice
Stunning location overlooking the lagoon
Ideal base for exploring the city's main attractions
Favourite with Citalia guests
Boutique hotel offering excellent service
Day 8 : Venice - UK
It’s time to bid a fond farewell to Italy and its unforgettable cities. But before you do why not pop out for breakfast at a local pasticceria (pastry shop)? Enjoy a Bignè al Cioccolato (Choux pastry with chocolate cream) and a cappuccino before departing on your private water taxi (approx. 20 minutes) for Marco Polo Airport and your flight home.
8 days from £1,499 per person
Price shown includes return flights from London, accommodation in each destination for the duration specified and transfers, trains and/or car hire as required. The price shown represents a from price per person based on two people sharing in low season travel unless otherwise stated. Price is subject to availability and flight seats change continually, affecting the final price. The lead-in price shown is for guidance only. To obtain a tailored quote specific for your requirements, please contact one of our Italy Experts.
Practical Information
Flight Information
The majority of international flights arrive into Pisa airport (PSA), which is approximately 60 minutes from the centre of Florence. Direct flights to Pisa are available from Belfast, Bristol, East Midlands, Leeds Bradford, London Gatwick, London Heathrow, London Luton, Manchester and Newcastle and take approximately 2 hours. Flights into Florence airport are also available to book through our Travel Centre.
Visa Information
At the current time, British citizens do not require a visa to visit Italy.
Tipping
You don’t have to leave a tip in Italy – most Italians don’t tip for restaurant meals, bar drinks, taxi rides or hair and beauty treatments. However if you do leave a tip, you might receive quicker service.
Details
Based on 2 adults sharing. Travelling August 2023.
Quote reference number: 53048324
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