7-Nights Italy Family Journey: Venice to Rome - National Geographic Family Journeys from $3,849

G Adventures

OFFER ID 1688362

Italy Family Journey: Venice to Rome
Home to ancient ruins, artistic masterpieces, gelato, and pizza, Italy is an enchanting destination for all ages. Discover the country’s top highlights on a journey from Venice through the heart of Tuscany to Rome. Explore fresco-adorned churches and Renaissance palaces, climb medieval towers, and get immersed in Italian culture with art classes and cooking lessons.

Highlights
Explore Venice’s mazelike canals, create your own Venetian mask, experience the genius of Leonardo da Vinci at a museum dedicated to his fantastic inventions, follow in the footsteps of gladiators at the Roman Colosseum, learn to make pasta from scratch at a cooking class in Florence.

Accomodation
Rooming is based on double occupancy (2 passengers / 2 beds per room); all other room configurations are on request and cannot be guaranteed. We will try to accommodate triples/quad requests whenever possible and it's important to note that rooming configuration can change from city to city and 2 single beds are the standard configuration in a room. Please remember that hotel/lodge standards can be different from what you are used to in your home country, which is part of the appeal of adventure travel. It is important to note that accommodations in Europe tend to be quite different to other areas of the world you may have travelled in. Buildings and rooms are generally old and may not have been renovated or maintained to the highest standard. Downtown hotels in Europe were not built to be hotels but houses of the rich, which have been changed into hotels. Therefore unusual or samll room sizes are common as large rooms have been partitioned in the past, resulting in rather "thin" walls. Reception areas, rooms and bathrooms tend to be very small as they were often added into an existing room, and may have a hand nozzle rather than a conventional shower head. On this trip you can expect to stay in hotels which will vary a little in standard and facilities: some may not have elevators, air-conditioning or English-speaking staff, but have traditional character, and are in central locations to give you maximum time for exploring the sights. You can expect to find clean, safe, simple accommodation in convenient locations. Staff can occasionally demonstrate less than perfect customer service, but a smile and a thank you can go a long way.

Group Leader
All National Geographic Family Journeys with G Adventures group trips are accompanied by two of our Expedition Leaders. The aim of the Expedition Leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense; you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds.

Group Size Notes
Max 20, avg 18

Meals Included
7 breakfasts, 2 dinners

What's Included
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet
Your Expedition Leader and Group
Your Family Journeys Moment: Venetian Mask Making For Kids, Venice
Your Foodie Moment: Florence Pasta Cooking Class, Florence
Your Discover Moment: Florence
Your Family Journeys Moment: Gladiator School Lesson, Rome.
Arrival transfer. Guided Venice city tour and glass blowing demonstration. Leonardo Da Vinci museum. Walking tour of Florence. Visit Spanish Steps and Piazza del Popolo. Entrance to Colosseum. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

7 nights from $3,849 per person

Itinerary

G Adventures: Italy Family Journey: Venice to Rome

Day 1: Venice
Welcome to Venice–your arrival transfer to the hotel is included. Check in and get excited to meet your fellow travelers during a welcome meeting this evening where all families can bond before the Journey ahead.

Day 2: Venice
Take a walking tour of Venice, discovering winding lanes, marble palaces, and cobblestoned squares aflutter with pigeons. Then visit a glass-blowing workshop to watch a master craftsman at work. We’ll learn about the ancient technique of glass production while watching the creation of a unique piece. Afterwards, opt to hop aboard the city’s preferred mode of transportation: the gondola. This afternoon, try your hand at the centuries-old art of Venetian mask making. Watch how the mask mold is constructed and wrapped with papier-mâché, then use the tools of the trade to create your very own masterpiece.

Day 3: Venice to Florence
Catch a train to Florence—celebrated as the birthplace of the Renaissance. In Piazza della Repubblica—site of the city’s forum during ancient Roman times—take a spin on an antique wooden carousel, riding atop galloping horses and gilded carriages. Channel your inner inventor with a visit to the Leonardo da Vinci Museum, dedicated to the famed Italian artist and engineer. Explore da Vinci’s creativity and genius as you interact with an astonishing array of machines, brought to life from drawings the artist created hundreds of years ago. Cap off the day with a gelato treat!

Day 4: Florence
Begin the morning with a walking tour of Florence’s historic center, an enchanting warren of stone lanes bursting with treasures. Later, take part in a hands-on cooking class, where you’ll learn how to make fresh pasta—then enjoy it for dinner!

Day 5: Florence
Today is free to explore on your own or take part in optional activities. Choose to join an excursion by train to the city of Pisa and see just how far the tower leans. Those spending the day in Florence can visit the city’s enormous, red-tiled cathedral—known as the Duomo—which took more than 140 years to complete; or marvel at Michelangelo’s David in the Accademia Gallery; experience Medici court life at the Palazzo Vecchio; and more.

Day 6: Florence/Rome
Ride the rails to Rome, home to one of history’s greatest empires. Enjoy an Expedition Leader-led orientation walk of Piazza del Popolo—which features twin churches and a towering obelisk— Then head to a local gladiator school and learn how to become a Roman warrior! Delve into gladiatorial history and examine authentic artifacts including shields, swords, and armour. With the guidance of an instructor, venture into an arena to safely train and fight other new centurions—and feel the thrill of handling your own wooden sword and shield.

Day 7: Rome
Step inside the ancient Colosseum, where gladiatorial contests took place before cheering crowds and fierce animals were once set loose. Later, join an optional walk to St. Peter’s Square or choose to visit the Vatican or the Roman Forum. This evening, gather for a festive pizza dinner to celebrate our Italian adventure.

Day 8: Rome
Depart at any time.

Featured Destinations

Rome

Sprawled across seven legendary hills, romantic and beautiful Rome was one
of the great centers of the ancient world. Although its beginning is shrouded
in legend and its development is full of intrigue and struggle, Rome has always
been and remains the Eternal City.

Rome enjoyed its greatest splendor during the 1st and 2nd centuries when art
flourished, monumental works of architecture were erected, and the mighty Roman
legions swept outward, conquering all of Italy. These victorious armies then
swept across the Mediterranean and beyond to conquer most of the known world.
With Rome's establishment as capital of the western world, a new ascent to glory
began.

Today's Rome, with its splendid churches, ancient monuments and palaces, spacious
parks, tree-lined boulevards, fountains, outdoor cafes and elegant shops, is
one of the world’s most attractive and exciting cities. Among the most famous
monuments is the Colosseum. As you walk its cool, dark passageways, imagine
the voices that once filled the arena as 50,000 spectators watched combats between
muscled gladiators and ferocious animals.

Stop to see the remains of the Forum, once the city's political and commercial
center. In later times, Rome's squares were enhanced with such imposing structures
as the Vittorio Emanuele Monument and grandiose fountains like the Fontana di
Trevi. Join the millions who stand in awe of Christendom’s most magnificent
church and admire the timeless masterpieces of Michelangelo's frescoes in the
Sistine Chapel.

Rome jars the senses and captures the soul. Grasp all you can during the short,
precious time you have available in the Eternal City. With so much to see and
do, a day or two will only allow you a sampling of the city's marvelous treasures.

Caution: As in many big cities and tourist destinations purse snatching
and pickpocketing is common. Valuable jewelry and excess cash are best left
in a safety deposit box in your hotel.

Shopping For most visitors shopping for beautiful Italian leather articles,
designer shoes, fashions for men and women, linens, knitwear, silk scarves and
ties is a favorite pastime. Except for tourist-oriented shops, the majority
of stores are closed on Sundays. Some of the department stores, such as Rinascente,
open in the late afternoon on Sundays.

Cuisine Rome's choice of restaurants is mindboggling as is the variety
of cuisine. Whether your meal is at a top-rated restaurant or a rustic trattoria,
you can be sure that you will enjoy your food, especially when accompanied by
wines from the hill towns surrounding Rome.

Other Sights Rome's attractions are endless, and depending on how much
time you have at your disposal a careful selection has to be made about what
to see. Be aware of horrendous traffic conditions and major construction work
all around the city in preparation of Jubilee 2000, the Holy Year. Some of the
sights not to be missed:

Piazza Venezia - This busy square is easily recognized by its imposing Vittorio
Emanuele II Monument. The white marble structure was inaugurated in 1911 as
a symbol of Italy’s unification.

The Forum - Once the civic heart of ancient Rome, today the remains include
a series of ruins, marble fragments, isolated columns and some worn arches.

Colosseum - No visit to Rome is complete without a stop at this awe-inspiring
theater, which is among the world’s most celebrated buildings. Here ancient
Rome flocked to see gladiatorial contests and numerous other spectacles.

Trevi Fountain - Take a stroll to Rome's famous fountain. A spectacular fantasy
of mythical sea creatures and cascades of splashing water, the fountain is one
of the city's foremost attractions. Legend has it that visitors must toss a
coin into the fountain to ensure their return to Rome.

St. Peter's Square - Part of Vatican City, this square created by Bernini
is considered one of the loveliest squares in the world. Twin Doric colonnades
topped with statues of various saints and martyrs flank either side of the square.
In the center stands an 84-foot obelisk, brought from Egypt in 37 A.D.

St. Peter's Basilica - At the head of the square stands Christendom's most
magnificent church, which was begun in 1452 on the site where St. Peter was
buried. Throughout the following 200 years, such Renaissance masters as Bramante,
Michelangelo, Raphael and Bernini worked on its design and created an unparalleled
masterpiece. Of special note are Michelangelo's Pieta and the bronze canopy
over the high altar by Bernini. The immense dome was designed by Michelangelo.

Vatican Museum - To see this museum's immense collection would take days.
As you enter, there are special posters that plot a choice of four color-coded
itineraries. They are repeated throughout the museum and are easy to follow.
It is a good idea to pickup a leaflet at the main entrance and concentrate on
exhibits of major interest. Of course, the Sistine Chapel is a must. Most likely
you may have to wait in line to enter.

Excursions

Rome Highlights and Vatican: 9 hours

Meet your private English-speaking driver at the pier side of Civitavecchia port.
Rome is a mix of architecture styles, of antiques and new, of sacred and profane. In this full day tour you can enjoy a sample of this capital city. With your guide reach the Vatican city where you can visit the Museums, admiring its priceless collection of art and architecture: highlights include Raphael's Transfiguration, The Raphael Rooms, the Sculpture Garden featuring the famous Laokoon. Finally, the restored Sistine Chapel, famous all over the world for the breathtaking Michelangelo’s ceiling and the Last Judgment. From here you walk to St. Peter's Basilica to marvel at Michelangelo's Dome, his statue Pietà, Bernini's magnificent Baldacchino and the Tombs of the Popes. The tour will continue with a look at the ancient part of the Eternal city and its symbol: the Coliseum, where, jumping the lines, you will be able to enter in the magnificent Flavian Amphitheatre and admire where the gladiatorial duels, wild beast fights were arranged for the entertainment of Roman people.
The second part of the day will be dedicated to the visit of the city center, starting from Navona Square, the most important of Baroque Rome, where today it is possible to admire the monumental Fountain of the Rivers by Bernini. Continue your tour visiting the Pantheon, the jewel of Roman architecture, then Trevi Fountain, the most famous and beautiful fountain in Rome. End the tour at the Spanish Steps, built entirely in travertine in the 18th century.
We will ensure your timely return transfer to the Civitavecchia Port

Access to the Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica is allowed only to properly attired visitors.

Highlights:

Vatican Museums, Ancient Rome, main highlights

Tour Duration: 8 hours

Tour can Operate: Morning

Wheelchair Accessible: Yes

Physical Activity Level: low

Inclusions:
·         Luxury Mercedes minivan at disposal for the entire day
·         English-speaking driver at disposal for the entire day
·         6 hour private English-speaking guide
·         No Line entrance fees for the Vatican Museums and Colosseum

Exclusions:
·         All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
·         Gratuities

Tivoli: Villas in the Countryside - 8 Hours

Ostia Antica - 6 Hours

Roman Castles - 8 Hours

Lake Bracciano and the Monster Park - 8 Hours

Florence

Venice

With a great historic past and incomparable art treasures, Venice is renowned as one of the world’s great cities. Its 118 islands are separated by more than 150 canals and spanned by 400 bridges. During Venice's artistic golden age many magnificent structures were erected to create world-famous masterpieces. One of the best sightseeing routes is along Grand Canal, with many palaces lining the famous waterway. St. Mark’s Square offers access to some of Venice’s most famed attractions - St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace. From Piazza San Marco, a maze of narrow streets are lined with shops, cafés and restaurants. A popular pastime is sitting at an outdoor café facing the square while people-watching and letting the whole marvelous scenario unfold. Venice’s Murano, Burano and Torcello Islands comprise an area famous as home of Venice’s glass-blowing industry and known for their charm, skilled lace-making and medieval monuments. Relax on a gondola ride, see art treasures in museums, churches and palaces, and have a sumptuous meal - all in this incomparable city.

Excursions

Venice: Splendours of Venice Walking Tour - 4 hours

Venice: Venice for Art Lovers Walking Tour - 4 hours

Venice: The Roman City of Verona - 7 hours

Venice - St. Marks, Grand Canal and Murano - 6 hours

Venice in a Day - 8 hours

Meet your private English-speaking assistant and private boat at the pier side of Venice port.
The tour will start with an hour cruise by private boat along the Grand Canal to see its beauty as it was intended to be seen by boat. Continue visiting the island of Murano: you will enter into a real working studio and see how the glass is blown and shaped with the original tools which have been used throughout history.

Next, you will come back to Venice and enjoy a ride by gondola: the symbol of Venice. Both if you are honeymooner or young people or well travelled tourist, you will be captured by the elegance and charm of this experience.

After lunch your private English speaking guide will meet you and take you on a walking tour, explaining the historical background of Venice, its origin and development. Visiting St. Mark's square with the Golden Basilica and the Doge's palace, you will come in touch with the most admired and well known artistic jewels, especially from a monumental & architectural point of view. The past splendours of the Serenissima will appear through palaces, churches, bell towers, well curbs, elegant renaissance and baroque facades.

Also worth a detailed visit is the lively area of Rialto's market, connecting the famous bridge to St. Mark's square through the well known Mercerie street: the remnants of Venice's magnificence will fascinate you.
We will ensure your timely return transfer to the Venice Port

Highlights:

Grand Canal, Murano island, Golden Basilica, Doge’s Palace, Bell Tower, main and -off the truck- highlights

Tour Duration: 8 hours

Tour can Operate: Morning

Wheelchair Accessible: No

Physical Activity Level: Low

Inclusions:
·         3 hours Luxury private boat at disposal for the entire day
·         English-speaking assistant at disposal for the entire day
·         4 hour private English-speaking guide
·         No Line entrance fees for Basilica and Doge’s Palace

Exclusions:
·         All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
·         Gratuities

Venice: Lagoon Islands - 7 hours

The story of Murano and Burano

The Canal Grande cruise followed by a walking tour of Venice

Vacation Details

Valid Date Ranges

06/21/2026 - 06/28/2026

from $3,849 per person

07/05/2026 - 07/12/2026

from $4,149 per person

07/12/2026 - 07/19/2026

from $4,149 per person

08/02/2026 - 08/09/2026

from $4,149 per person

08/09/2026 - 08/16/2026

from $4,149 per person

12/20/2026 - 12/27/2026

from $4,149 per person

05/23/2027 - 05/30/2027

from $3,849 per person

06/20/2027 - 06/27/2027

from $3,849 per person

06/27/2027 - 07/04/2027

from $3,849 per person

07/04/2027 - 07/11/2027

from $4,149 per person

07/11/2027 - 07/18/2027

from $4,149 per person

07/25/2027 - 08/01/2027

from $4,149 per person

08/01/2027 - 08/08/2027

from $4,149 per person

08/08/2027 - 08/15/2027

from $4,149 per person

12/21/2027 - 12/28/2027

from $4,149 per person

* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.

Prices Start At

from $3,849 per person

Length

7 Nights

Air City

Call for airfares from your city.

Vacation Rating

Moderate
Moderate facilities have modest enhancements to amenities and décor. These hotels or resorts are dependable, comfortable and some may offer standard features, such as select business services, Continental breakfast or coffee service and may have a swimming pool or small fitness center on-site. Guestrooms are comfortable, moderately spacious, in-room telephones, televisions and limited amenities. Moderate establishments provide suitable accommodations and service for budget-minded travelers.

Remarks

Pricing is per person, land only, in US dollars and based on double occupancy. For specific validity dates, discount amount and tour information, please return to the promotion in question. Promotion valid on G Adventures small group tours excluding Independent, MS Expedition or National Geographic Journeys, unless otherwise stated. Promotion applicable to new bookings only and cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion. Does not apply to airfare (unless otherwise stated), pre-/post-accommodation, 'My Own Room' or 'My Own Tent', transfers, theme packs, insurance, polar kayaking & camping excursions or other in-country services. G Adventures reserves the right to withdraw this offer from sale at any time. Itinerary and map subject to change. Local Flights
If required all local flights are included in the cost of your tours unless otherwise noted. It is important that we have your passport information at the time of booking in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to the flight departure.

Dossier Disclaimer
The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary. VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

Itinerary Disclaimer
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission. Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

All fares are quoted in US Dollars.

OFFER ID

1688362

Reference this number when contacting our agency so we may better serve you. Also keeping this number handy will allow you to locate this document again quickly.

San Simeon Travel

1253 Knollwood Circle - Suite 102
Cambria, CA 93428
USA

805.927.4696
800-266-3359