What to do in Florence during your free time

Your dream of visiting the shining cities of Italy with budget travel in mind is easy to reach. With seven days to see the sights from Rome to Venice – including Pisa, Verona, and Florence – your guided Italy tour is waiting. Majestic Rome, with its historical sites beyond compare, is your first discovery on your affordable Italy holiday. From St. Peter’s Square at the heart of the Vatican, to the Colosseum and Roman Forum, you’ll see why this “eternal city” is a must-see on every traveller’s list. From Rome, your escorted Italy tour takes you to Pisa and Florence through a gentle landscape of exquisite vineyards, olive groves, and the rolling hills of Tuscany. In Pisa, you’ll see the famed leaning tower and visit the Square of Miracles before heading to Florence – “Cradle of the Renaissance.” Take a guided walking tour of Florence to soak up the world-famous squares and palazzos of the ornate city, including the Duomo and the Baptistry’s bronze door (“Gate of Paradise”). Off to Venice via Verona – the setting for Shakespeare’s fabled tragedy of Romeo & Juliet. You’ll see the ancient Roman Arena where gladiators battled – but today serves as the home of the magnificent Arena Opera Festival. From Verona, you’ll continue to romantic Venice, the city of unparalleled beauty. Take a boat to St. Mark’s square and gaze upon the canals with their gondolas and bridges. You can visit an original glassblowing workshop, discover the narrow alleyways of Venice’s Calli, or its ornate palaces at your leisure for the perfect end to your inspiring Italy tour.

On this escape to beautiful Italy, experience three of Italy’s most iconic cities Venice, Florence, and Rome—without the crowds of the high-season, or the high prices associated with busy travel months. What better way to start your escorted vacation to Italy than with a welcome dinner with your travel companions in Venice? Your Venetian experience also includes a private boat ride, a guided walking tour; a visit to St. Mark’s Square, its byzantine Basilica, the Doges’ Palace, and the Bridge of Sighs. Also watch the age-old tradition of glassblowing by a local artisan. Travel to Pisa—home of the famous Leaning Tower—before continuing on to Florence, considered to be the “Cradle of the Renaissance.” Florence is an art-lovers dream and your sightseeing highlights such masterpieces as Michelangelo’s David statue in the Academy of Fine Arts. You’ll also travel to Assisi to visit the Basilica of St. Francis—named after the saint who sought the virtues of humility, forgiveness, simplicity, and best known for his love of God’s creatures. Spend two nights in Rome. Your Local Guide takes you to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, where you will see Michelangelo’s The Last Judgment. And of course you’ll visit St. Peter’s Square and Basilica—with the artist’s marble-sculpted masterpiece, La Pietà. Drive to the Imperial Roman Forum area to see the Colosseum—ancient arena of the gladiators, and be treated to a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. Your Bella Italia vacation offers historical sites, beautiful art, impressive architecture, delectable treats and many unforgettable memories.

Experience the passion of Italy with a Globus Escape…without the crowds or high-season prices. You’ve heard about Italy—its mouth-watering cuisine, excellent wine, fabulous art, splendid beauty, ancient ruins, and remarkable architecture—now it’s your turn to experience it all! On this Italy escorted tour, get a taste of what the country has to offer and explore its most famous cities: Rome, Florence, and Venice. Have your camera ready as you discover the historical sights of Rome, including St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel with its Michelangelo’s world-famous ceiling paintings. Also visit the Colosseum, the ancient amphitheater used for deadly gladiator contests. Take a step back in time as you get up close to ancient buildings and ruins to imagine what life was like thousands of years ago.