Florence and Rome – A Family Adventure – 8 day itinerary (8 Days)

Arrive Rome On arrival in Rome, enjoy a warm welcome from your local Guardian Angel, before privately transferring to your luxury hotel in the heart of the city. Your Guardian Angel will be delighted to make suggestions on the best shops for adults, teenagers and children and recommendations for genuine Italian family dining and entertainment options. Late this afternoon, join your expert local guide to explore the lively heart of central Rome, beginning at the Piazza Navona. The stunning oval shaped Piazza maintains the plan of its original purpose as a Roman athletics track. Today the piazza is flanked by cafes and restaurants with al fresco terraces whose centrepiece is Bernini’s famous Quattro Fiumi fountain. Take a short stroll across the Via del Corso to the world famous Trevi Fountain. Be sure to throw in a coin to ensure you will return to Rome one day!

Colosseum and Gladiator School A full day privately guided tour focusing on the most iconic structure of the Roman Empire, the Colosseum. This remarkable stadium, commissioned by Emperor Vesapian, could accommodate up to 50,000 spectators who came to view the gladiatorial battles which lasted up to 100 days! You’ll be afforded access to the incredible hypogeum, the network of tunnels underneath the stadium, where wild animals, performers and gladiators were gathered before going into battle. Separate tunnels provided secret access for the Emperor and Vestal Virgins. The hypogeum led out of the Colosseum to the Ludus Magnus, the gladiator’s barracks which you will also visit today. Your guide will share information on the lives of the gladiators in ancient Rome. This afternoon is a private gladiator experience including a brief introduction to the history and world of Gladiators. Donning a tunic, belt and wooden sword in hand, guests are instructed in the basic techniques of gladiatorial sword fighting.

Pizza Making and the Eternal City A morning of culinary excitement with a pizza-making class. Transfer to the Pizzeria for a private cooking class. Learn how to prepare the dough, make the toppings, assemble the pizza and the cooking process. Afterwards enjoy the fruits of your labour over lunch. In the afternoon continue exploring the Eternal City with a visit to St. Angel’s Castle, featured in the Dan Brown movie ‘Angels and Demons’. The castle was built as the resting place for Emperor Hadrian but has since been a residence, military barracks and prison! After a refreshing gelato break, continue through The Vatican City, to enjoy the history of ancient Rome in 3D at the Time Elevator, Italy’s most modern attraction.

Roman Markets and Underground Rome Head out early today to experience an essential and vibrant part of daily Roman life – the markets. See the colourful array of fresh produce, freshly caught fish and meats amid a bustle of stall traders selling their wares to discerning Romans. Your guide will explain the various seasonal produce in the well-known, and centrally located, Campo Dei’ Fiori and the decidedly more ‘local’ market at Testaccio. Later on experience another side of Rome today with your guide, exploring the amazing history of the city which exists below street level. At the Church of San Clemente, history peels back like an onion as you descend three levels and through 2000 years of history. The medieval church was built over the remains of a 4th century basilica which in turn covers older buildings from the time of the emperor Nero and a sanctuary dedicated to the oriental divinity Mithras. The medieval basilica houses one of the finest mosaics from the era, the Tree of Life. The afternoon is at your leisure to further explore or take in some shopping on via del Corso.

Rome to Florence Travel effortlessly today with our unique Concierge Rail Service through the stunning countryside of Umbria and Tuscany to Florence. The First Class journey takes just over 90 minutes at speeds up to 300kph! Walking shoes on this afternoon for the climb up 462 steps to the cupola of Florence’s Duomo for the best view of the city. Inside the vast dome, the artist Giorgio Vasari began painting the fresco in 1568. But, after his death in 1574, Federico Zuccari took over the job, which he completed in 1579. This fresco of The Last Judgment is amazing as you get up close to it during the upward climb.

Gallileo and Gelato Meet your expert local guide in the lobby for a half day walking tour Florence, with a fun and exciting edge. Dominating the Piazza della Signoria is the Palazzo Vecchio (City Hall). Experience the 15th and 16th centuries in Florence brought to life in the Children’s Museum, through the eyes of Cosimo Medici and his consort Eleonora. Role play with the actors, dressed in period costume, as well as a multi-media section, housed in Eleonora’s quarters. The famous astronomer Gallileo was a Renaissance genius from Florence and his works are brought to life at the Museo Galileo. See his scientific instruments, old telescopes and microscopes, all kinds of clocks and other scientific apparatus. Don’t miss Galileo's gold-covered middle finger preserved in a glass bubble! Cool down with a behind the scenes tour of Florence’s oldest and best gelateria. After a short introduction to the heritage of Florentine gelato, it’s time to enjoy all manner of gelato concoctions, including cocktails!

The Leaning Tower of Pisa Travel west today with your driver, to the great city of Pisa where your expert guide will meet you for a tour of the Miracles Square, and of course the chance to climb up the world famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Afterwards head back across Tuscany’s chocolate valley to a celebrated chocolate maker and enjoy tasting their hand-made delicacies.

Depart Florence Private transfer to Florence Airport for departure flight.