Italian Escape
7 Days Starting in Rome, Italy and ending in Venice, Italy
Visiting: Rome, Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Square, St. Peter's Basilica, Colosseum, Basilica of St. Francis, Assisi, Florence, Academy of Fine Arts, Florence, Giotto’s Bell Tower, Florence, Baptistry’s Gates of Paradise, Florence, Signoria Square, Florence, Santa Croce Square, Florence, Pisa, Venice, St. Mark's Square, Doge's Palace, Bridge of Sighs
Tour operator:
Tour code:
KIA-2026
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Italian Escape" tour and immerse yourself in Italy's rich cultural tapestry. Begin your journey in Rome, exploring iconic landmarks like the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and the Colosseum. Travel to Assisi to admire Giotto's frescoes at the Basilica of St. Francis. In Florence, marvel at Michelangelo's David and the Gates of Paradise. Capture the Leaning Tower of Pisa before heading to Venice for a private boat ride through its enchanting canals. Discover St. Mark's Square, Doge's Palace, and witness a captivating glassblower demonstration. Enjoy scenic drives between destinations, staying in first-class accommodations, and savoring local cuisine. This small-group tour offers an intimate experience, ensuring you connect deeply with Italy's historical and artistic wonders.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Rome,Italy
Location: Rome
Accommodation Name: Starhotels Michelangelo
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to Rome! At 5 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 2: Rome
Location: Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Square, St. Peter's Basilica, Colosseum
Accommodation Name: Starhotels Michelangelo
Meals Included: Breakfast
ROME Roman Holiday ROME Guided sightseeing includes the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Square and Basilica, and the Colosseum. Free time late afternoon. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHT LEGENDARY LIVES Stand in awe and wonder amid one of mankind’s greatest artistic achievements in the Sistine Chapel. Hear how in 1508, a young Michelangelo was commissioned by Pope Julius II to decorate the chapel’s ceiling – a request not welcomed by the 33-year-old sculptor. Michelangelo’s 4-year project was indeed one of physical pain and psychological distress, while painting from scaffolds high above the sanctuary floor. Nevertheless, he created what is considered the most famous ceiling in the world, depicting the Creation of Adam in striking fresco style.
Day 3: Rome,Assisi,Florence
Location: Rome, Basilica of St. Francis, Assisi, Florence
Accommodation Name: Grand Hotel Mediterraneo
Meals Included: Breakfast
ROME–ASSISI–FLORENCE Medieval Marvels ASSISI Visit the Basilica of St. Francis.Scenic drive en route to Florence. (B) 230 mi/ 370 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT ICONIC FOOTSTEPS Walk in the footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi with a visit to the Basilica named after the deacon, friar, and mystic, who became one of the most venerated religious figures in Christianity. Revered for his love of the Eucharist and the Earth, Francis found communion with God through nature here in this Italian village where he lived and died. Marvel at the magnificent frescoes by Italian master Giotto that adorn the Basilica where the saint is buried.
Day 4: Florence
Location: Florence, Academy of Fine Arts, Florence, Giotto’s Bell Tower, Florence, Baptistry’s Gates of Paradise, Florence, Signoria Square, Florence, Santa Croce Square, Florence
Accommodation Name: Grand Hotel Mediterraneo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
FLORENCE Fine Art in Firenze FLORENCE Guided sightseeing includes Michelangelo’s masterpiece, David, at the Academy of Fine Arts, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistry’s heavy bronze “Gates of Paradise,” and Signoria Square. [LF] Light lunch next to Santa Croce Square. Free time. (B,L)TOUR HIGHLIGHT ART & ARCHITECTURE Those lucky enough to visit the Tuscan capital are witness to some of the world’s most magnificent art. Home to a wealth of Rennaissance masterpieces, Florence is famous for Michelangelo’s Marble Masterpiece, David, standing ready for battle in the Academy of Fine Arts. Outside, the Piazza del Duomo and Signoria Square offer spectacular sights of Florentine Gothic and Renaissance art, architecture, and monuments.
Day 5: Florence,Pisa,Venice Island
Location: Florence, Pisa, Venice
Accommodation Name: Carlton on the Grand Canal
Meals Included: Breakfast
FLORENCE–PISA–VENICE ISLAND The Tilted Tower PISA Take photos of the Leaning Tower en route to Venice. (B) 280 mi / 450 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT ART & ARCHITECTURE See architecture gone askew from the viewpoint of the Piazza dei Miracoli in Pisa. Take the ultimate selfie in front of the Leaning Tower with a tilt of the head or other popular poses to commemorate your visit to the site of medieval art in this beautiful piazza.
Day 6: Venice Island
Location: Venice, St. Mark's Square, Doge's Palace, Bridge of Sighs
Accommodation Name: Carlton on the Grand Canal
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
VENICE ISLAND Italian Beauties VENICE Take a private Boat Ride on the canals. Guided walking tour includes St. Mark’s Square, Doges’ Palace and the Bridge of Sighs and views of the Basilica. Glassblower demonstration and free time. Farewell dinner at your hotel. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHT HISTORIC SPOT Locals simply call Piazza San Marco “la piazza.” As paired with the smaller Piazzetta, it forms the social, religious, and political hub of Venice, which Napoleon called “the drawing room of Europe.” St. Mark’s Basilica dominates the square, offering visitors a spectacular view of the great arches, marble embellishments, and the Romanesque carvings of its façade. Also gracing the square is Doge’s Palace – a masterpiece of Venetian Gothic architecture. The enclosed Bridge of Sighs, connecting the palace with the prison, is named for the prisoners sighs at seeing their last view of the Rio di Palazzo on their walk to the prison.
Day 7: Venice Island
Location: Venice
Accommodation Name: Carlton on the Grand Canal
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
What's Included
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Guided Sightseeing in Rome
Guided sightseeing includes the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Square and Basilica, and the Colosseum.
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Visit to Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi
Visit the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi.
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Guided Sightseeing in Florence
Guided sightseeing includes Michelangelo’s masterpiece, David, at the Academy of Fine Arts, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistry’s heavy bronze 'Gates of Paradise,' and Signoria Square.
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Photo Opportunity at the Leaning Tower of Pisa
Take photos of the Leaning Tower en route to Venice.
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Private Boat Ride in Venice
Take a private boat ride on the canals of Venice.
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Guided Walking Tour in Venice
Guided walking tour includes St. Mark’s Square, Doges’ Palace, and the Bridge of Sighs with views of the Basilica.
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Glassblower Demonstration in Venice
Experience a glassblower demonstration in Venice.
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Small-Group Discoveries
Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on select dates, limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure.
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Scenic Drives
The tour includes scenic drives between destinations such as Rome, Assisi, Florence, Pisa, and Venice Island, offering a comfortable and picturesque journey through Italy's stunning landscapes.
What's Not Included
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Wheelchair Accessibility at Vatican Museums
The Vatican Museums are wheelchair accessible, but the entrance and route differ from those of the included guided visit.
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Schedule Changes in Rome
For operational reasons, schedule changes for the Rome program cannot be excluded.
Mode of Transport
The tour includes scenic drives between destinations such as Rome, Assisi, Florence, Pisa, and Venice Island, offering a comfortable and picturesque journey through Italy's stunning landscapes.
Accommodation
Experience comfort and elegance with stays at Starhotels Michelangelo, Starhotels Metropole, and NYX Roma in Rome; Grand Hotel Mediterraneo, Hotel Royal Firenze, and Hotel Cellai in Florence; and AC Hotel Venezia, Carlton on the Grand Canal, and Continental on Venice Island.
Meals
6 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 2 Dinner
Notes
Rome - the 2025 Jubilee Year events may necessitate changes in the sequence of activities or the omission of certain events/places. Every effort will be made to follow the itinerary, but it may be subject to change. The Vatican Museums are wheelchair accessible, but the entrance and route differ from those of the included guided visit.For operational reasons, schedule changes for the Rome program cannot be excluded.
Small Group
Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on select dates. A Small-Group Discovery is limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Globus escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery trip is the perfectly sized tour—without the crowds.
UNESCO Sites
Assisi (the Basilica of San Francesco)|Historic Centre of Florence|Historic Centre of Rome - various properties Vatican City|Piazza del Duomo Pisa|Venice and its Lagoon
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of transportation is provided during the Italian Escape tour?
The tour includes scenic drives between destinations such as Rome, Assisi, Florence, Pisa, and Venice Island, offering a comfortable and picturesque journey through Italy's stunning landscapes.
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Are there any special demonstrations or activities included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes a glassblower demonstration in Venice, providing a unique insight into this traditional Venetian craft.
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What is the group size for the Italian Escape tour?
The tour offers Small-Group Discoveries on select dates, limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure.
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Is there any free time included in the itinerary?
Yes, there is free time included in the itinerary, such as in Rome on Day 2 and in Florence on Day 4.
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What meals are included in the Italian Escape tour?
The tour includes 6 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 2 dinners.
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What are some of the highlights of the guided sightseeing in Rome?
The guided sightseeing in Rome includes visits to the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Square and Basilica, and the Colosseum.
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What can I expect during the visit to Assisi?
In Assisi, you will visit the Basilica of St. Francis, where you can admire the magnificent frescoes by Italian master Giotto.
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What are some of the key attractions visited in Florence?
In Florence, the guided sightseeing includes Michelangelo’s masterpiece, David, at the Academy of Fine Arts, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistry’s 'Gates of Paradise,' and Signoria Square.
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What is included in the Venice Island tour?
The Venice Island tour includes a private boat ride on the canals, a guided walking tour of St. Mark’s Square, Doges’ Palace, and the Bridge of Sighs, as well as a glassblower demonstration.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
For over 90 years.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
The Globus Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways and Cosmos, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.
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Low Deposit
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
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