Christmas in Italy

This is the starting point of our Italy Gay Tour!

A transfer service will pick you up from the airport or Rome train station to take you to our central hotel in Rome. Later, we’ll have our meeting and a fabulous welcome dinner.

Right after breakfast, we’ll start our day in ancient Rome with a monument that needs no introduction: the Colosseum. One of the Seven Wonders of the World and a witness to the grandeur of ancient Rome. We’ll walk through its ancient arches, reliving the gladiator shows and imagining life in the Roman arena. An experience to be had at least once in a lifetime!

Our day continues with a guided tour of the Roman Forum, the pulsating heart of ancient Rome. Walking amidst the ruins of these ancient political, religious, and commercial centers, we’ll relive the atmosphere of the Roman Empire. We’ll admire the columns, arches, and temples that tell the millennia-old story of the city.

After a nice lunch in a roman trattoria, we head to the Vatican Museums. A visit to the Vatican Museums is a journey through the centuries of art and history. We’ll stroll through sumptuous galleries, admiring masterpieces like the Laocoön Statue and Raphael’s Rooms. Every corner tells a piece of the Vatican’s rich history, from the wisdom of ancient Greece to Renaissance art. But the highlight is the Sistine Chapel. We’ll be amazed by Michelangelo’s famous frescoes, and looking at the Last Judgment we will be left speechless. I promise.

Our tour begins in the iconic Piazza di Spagna, surrounded by majestic palaces and dominated by the imposing Trinità dei Monti staircase. From there, we’ll visit the Trevi Fountain, where you can toss a coin to ensure your return to the Eternal City.

Next stop is the ancient Pantheon, known for its impressive dome and rich history dating back to 125 AD. This remarkable building is famous for its domed roof and is one of the best-preserved monuments of ancient Rome.

Finally, we’ll explore the lively Piazza Navona, home to three spectacular Baroque fountains, including Bernini’s famous Fountain of the Four Rivers. This charming square is a vibrant hub of activity, surrounded by cafes, restaurants, and street artists, offering an authentic experience of Roman life. Free afternoon and a special dinner together.

This morning we’ll board a high-speed train for a journey of approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes, destination Florence! Every time one visits Florence and stands beneath the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, the grandeur of the Italian Renaissance is palpable. Today’s journey will be devoted to exploring the Cathedral, the vibrant Piazza Signoria, and the legendary Ponte Vecchio. Walking through the historic center of Florence, uncovering its secrets, will transport us back to the 1500s.

As the day draws to a close, we’ll have a fabulous dinner at a traditional restaurant, to savor the renowned Florentine specialty, the succulent Fiorentina steak.

Our day will be dedicated to discovering the legendary Michelangelo and his works. Our first stop is the iconic Uffizi Gallery, home to a spectacular collection of Renaissance art, including several works by Michelangelo. We’ll have the privilege of admiring his breathtaking sculptures and paintings, alongside other Renaissance luminaries.

Then, we’ll venture to the National Museum of the Bargello – where Michelangelo’s masterpiece, the David, takes center stage. Among his magnificent sculptures and architectural designs, the imposing figure of David stands out. From the intricate details of this iconic work to his lesser-known pieces, we’ll be better understand Michelangelo’s unparalleled artistic vision.

After a leisurely lunch break, we’ll explore the charming Oltrarno district, known for its artisan workshops and authentic Florentine charm. Our grand finale awaits as we ascend to Piazzale Michelangelo, a panoramic terrace offering sweeping views of Florence’s skyline. Unmissable!

Today, we’ll explore two of Tuscany’s most captivating destinations. Our adventure begins with a visit to the medieval hilltop town of San Gimignano, where we’ll wander through its charming streets and marvel at its iconic medieval towers, a UNESCO heritage. 

Then we’ll be headed to the famous ills of Tuscany where a delightful wine tasting and cooking class awaits us. We’ll uncover the secrets of Tuscan cuisine and savor the region’s renowned wines. Under the guidance of a skilled chef, we’ll learn to prepare traditional dishes using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, followed by a leisurely lunch paired with exquisite wines from the surrounding vineyards.

Afterward, we’ll journey to the historic city of Siena, renowned for its stunning Gothic architecture, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant local atmosphere. We’ll explore the city’s picturesque streets and piazzas and its most iconic landmarks, including the majestic Siena Cathedral and the historic Piazza del Campo.

Today, we’ll discover the timeless treasures of Lucca and Pisa, two of Tuscany’s most iconic cities. Our adventure begins as we depart for Lucca, renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture and enchanting historic center. Upon arrival, we’ll make a tour of the city’s historic center, showcasing its magnificent churches, charming piazzas, and iconic landmarks. We’ll ascend the famous Torre Guinigi, adorned with its unique rooftop garden, and stroll along the ancient walls that encircle the city, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

After exploring Lucca, we’ll continue our journey to Pisa, home to the world-famous Piazza dei Miracoli, or Square of Miracles. Here, we’ll marvel at the architectural wonders of the Cathedral, the Baptistry, and the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa. We’ll also take the iconic photo while holding up the Leaning Tower of Pisa with both hands.

Today, we’ll board a high-speed train from Florence for a journey of approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes, destination Venice, the most romantic city in the world! 

Right after a fast check-in at our hotel on the Canal Grande, the main water canal of the city, we’ll get lost in its intricate network of calli, narrow alleys, and stunning architectural wonders. Our first stop is the iconic Rialto Bridge, where we’ll marvel at the breathtaking views of the Grand Canal and soak in the bustling atmosphere of one of Venice’s most famous landmarks.

Continuing our exploration, we’ll make our way to the majestic Piazza San Marco, the heart of Venice. Here, we’ll be guided through the historic halls of the Doge’s Palace, discovering its rich history and intricate architecture. As we wander through its opulent rooms and grand courtyards, our guide will unveil the secrets of this former seat of Venetian power.

After exploring the Doge’s Palace, it’ll be time for our a bàcaro tour, tasting the renowned cicchetti, or Venetian tapas, at authentic wine bars scattered throughout the city.

Today, in the morning, we’ll visit the picturesque islands of Murano and Burano, nestled in the Venetian Lagoon and renowned for their rich artisanal traditions. Our adventure begins as we set sail for Murano, famous for its centuries-old tradition of glassmaking. Upon arrival, we’ll be greeted by the sparkling canals and colorful facades of this charming island. Our first destination is a traditional glass factory. Here, we’ll witness master glass blowers at work, shaping molten glass into exquisite works of art with skill and precision.

Continuing our exploration, we’ll journey to the vibrant island of Burano, known for its brightly painted houses and intricate lacework. As we wander through its charming streets, we’ll marvel at the vibrant hues of the buildings and admire the intricate craftsmanship of local artisans. 

After our visit to Burano, we’ll have the opportunity to indulge in a delicious seafood lunch at a local trattoria, savoring the fresh flavors of the Adriatic Sea. We’ll return to Venice for some last-minute souvenir shopping or to relax after the excursion. For the Modern Art lovers, it could also be interesting to visit the Guggenheim Museum. The Guggenheim Museum in Venice houses an eclectic collection of modern and contemporary artwork. Located along the Grand Canal, it is renowned for its innovative exhibitions and iconic architecture.

Tonight, we’ll gather for our farewell dinner at a traditional restaurant, raising our glasses to Italy’s incredible history, art, and the bonds of new friendships forged along the way!

After having breakfast at the hotel, a transfer wi’ll take us to the airport, marking the end of an unforgettable journey through the heart of Italy.