Magical Italy 2024/ 2025

Departure to Europe.

Venice

Upon arrival at the Marco Polo International Airport in Venice, we will proceed to our hotel for a short rest after the journey. In the afternoon, we have a cruise on the Grand Canal, the waterway flowing through the heart of the city and dividing it almost exactly in half.

This is an excellent way to acquaint ourselves with Venice and admire its unique architecture from the water perspective. Along the way, we will see palaces, churches, and beautiful bridges, including the most famous bridge in Venice – the Rialto Bridge. We will return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Venice

Venice - Bologna - Florence

We leave Venice and head to Bologna. Known as the “red city,” it enchants visitors with buildings and walls constructed from the popular red bricks found here. Our tour begins with Piazza Maggiore, the main square of the city and the heart of Bologna. Adjacent to the square is the Basilica of San Petronio, the oldest Gothic building in Europe. Two 12th-century towers, the Due Torri, dominate the city skyline. For those interested, there will be an opportunity to climb one of them – the Torre degli Asinelli, from where you can admire the unique panorama of the city.

Nearby is a fountain with a statue of Neptune resembling the one from Long Market in Gdańsk. Bologna boasts the oldest university in the world, founded in 1088. Initially, the primary and most important discipline taught was law, later joined by medicine, theology, philosophy, and astronomy.

After the tour, we will travel to Florence for overnight stay.

Florence

From the morning, we will explore the capital of Tuscany. We will visit the Galleria dell’Accademia museum, where we will see the famous “David” by Michelangelo and paintings by Botticelli. Then, we will head to the nearby famous 13th-century cathedral, Santa Maria del Fiore, known to Italians as Il Duomo.

We will visit Piazza del Mercato Nuovo, where we will see the famous wild boar sculpture. According to legend, rubbing the boar’s nose brings good luck. Another stop on our itinerary will be one of the oldest museums in Europe, the Uffizi Gallery. In the afternoon, we will stroll through the old town and have dinner at a restaurant serving local cuisine. Overnight stay in Florence.

Florence- Siena

After breakfast, we will visit the largest historical market in Florence – Mercato Centrale, where we will taste the famous Gelato – traditionally crafted artisanal ice cream. Our next stop will be one of the oldest museums in Europe, the Uffizi Gallery. In the afternoon, we will continue our journey to another beautiful Tuscan city, Siena. Siena is a city with a rich history, evident in its preserved medieval urban layout, narrow cobblestone streets, and monumental defensive walls.

We will take an evening stroll through the old town. Overnight stay in Siena.

Siena

After breakfast, we will embark on a city tour. Our first stop will be Piazza del Campo, with its characteristic shell shape, surrounded by cafes and historic buildings, including the Gothic town hall. It is here that the famous Palio di Siena takes place – an exciting horse race that attracts crowds from all over the world.

The Cathedral in Siena, known as the Duomo di Siena, is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture with rich works of art, such as frescoes by Pisanello and Donatello. It is also worth visiting the Palazzo Pubblico, where you can find the Sala della Pace with frescoes by Lorenzetto di Pietro.

The city exudes a unique charm and atmosphere, making a visit here a true immersion in history, art, and the Italian way of life. Overnight stay in Siena.

Siena -Rome

We are heading to the capital of Italy, the “Eternal City” of Rome. Upon arrival and check-in at the hotel, we will visit the smallest state in the world – the Vatican City. The Vatican City is shrouded in many mysteries and secrets and is the Roman Catholic religious and cultural center.

Within its walls lies the Vatican Museums with a rich collection, and the Sistine Chapel, whose ceiling painted by Michelangelo is a masterpiece of Renaissance art. The central point of the Vatican is, of course, St. Peter’s Square, dominated by the majestic Basilica.

We will return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Rome

In the times of the Roman Empire, Rome was the most developed city in the world. And I think the saying “all roads lead to Rome” still holds true today. On the second day of our Roman adventure, we will head towards the most famous building in the city – the Colosseum, primarily used for Gladiator fights. Today, it is a symbol of Rome and one of the most visited archaeological sites in the world. We will have the opportunity to see this marvel of ancient architecture both from the outside and inside.

We will also taste traditional Italian pizza for lunch. After lunch, we will walk to see the Arch of Constantine and the Arch of Titus.

Then, we will visit the Roman Forum – the place where the most important political ceremonies took place. In the afternoon, there will be free time or a stroll at Piazza Venezia or perhaps at Piazza Colonna, near which the famous Trevi Fountain is located.

Overnight stay in Rome.

Rome - Pompeii - Naples

After breakfast, we depart from Rome and head to see Pompeii, the wonderfully preserved Roman city inscribed on the UNESCO list, which tells both a tragic and fascinating story. Just before the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD, many residents heeded warning signs and fled the city.

However, around 2000 unlucky individuals remained and were caught by the eruption while sleeping, buried in volcanic ash. The ash literally “froze” the city in time, leaving behind magnificent ruins that show us how these ancient Romans lived on a daily basis, with vivid frescoes, forums, and one of the largest surviving Roman amphitheaters.

After exploring, we will travel to Naples. In the evening, there will be free time and overnight stay in Naples.

Sorrento - Capri - Anacapri

Naples - Rome

Naples is a city in southern Italy, boasting the largest historic center in Europe. The city layout has origins in Greek and Roman times, and all the dynasties that ruled the city, primarily the Spanish, left a distinct mark.

Neapolitans are very hospitable and sociable, and the city is full of delicious and affordable authentic pizzerias and food stalls selling various specialties. From the city, you can admire the majesty of Mount Vesuvius, an active volcano, with a view over the waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea. After breakfast, we will take a stroll through the city and visit Spaccanapoli, a street cutting through its historic center with plenty of landmarks, restaurants, and shops.

Then, we will leave southern Italy and head back to Rome. Overnight stay in Rome.

Departure from Rome.

Depending on the departure time, we will organize a city tour. Then, we will arrange a transfer to the airport for your return flight home.

We hope that Italy has stolen your hearts? We warmly invite you to other trips with Rek Travel Adventure. Perhaps this time Greece?

“Magnetic Italy 2024/2025”