Day 1 | ROME

Welcome to Rome, the Eternal City!
Upon arrival at Fiumicino airport, you will be transferred to your designated hotel in Rome. Check in!

Today we can get a taste of Christmas in Rome with a guided walking tour of the world-famous Fountains and Squares, all beautifully lit up for the festivities.

Starting from the Spanish Steps, discover secrets and legends of the most popular stairway of the world, the background of many Hollywood movies.

Then head to Trevi Fountain, the imposing set for the Oscar-winning movie by Fellini La Dolce Vita. Don’t forget to toss in a coin to ensure your return to Rome! The tour ends in one of the most beautiful squares of Rome: Piazza Navona, with the splendid Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi and the imposing St. Agnese Church by Borromini.

Rome in December is spectacular. Christmas lights, the iconic Christmas tree in Piazza del Popolo, Christmas market. But also some incredible temporary exhibitions.

This evening we will have a welcome dinner at a local restaurant, tasting dishes of the Roman cuisine! Overnight at the hotel. (D)

Day 2 | ROME TO TUSCANY WITH STOP IN MONTEPULCIANO

After breakfast, check out from the hotel in Rome and departure towards Tuscany. On the way, enjoy

a scenic stop in the charming town of Montepulciano (approx. 2h30& by bus from Rome) to visit The largest Christmas Market in Central Italy, a charming Christmas market featuring many wooden chalets and themed decorations.

You’ll have approximately 2 hours of free time to explore at your own pace, accompanied by the tour manager. Take this opportunity to wander through the historic center, admire the stunning views, and enjoy lunch on your own. Inside the market, we can also enjoy traditional specialties and hot dishes typical of high-quality street food.

In the afternoon, continue your journey to Hotel Villa Casagrande (approx.1h30m by bus), a beautiful and relaxing retreat nestled in the Tuscan countryside. After check-in and time to settle in, meet the Tour Manager for a brief orientation and introduction of the charming town of Figline Valdarno
The rest of the evening is at your leisure to relax and enjoy your first taste of Tuscan life. Celebrate your first night with a delicious Tuscan dinner at Villa. (B,D)
 

Day 3 | Florence Half Day Guided Tour and Christmas Market in Santa Croce Square

This morning meet your driver and step into the heart of the Renaissance on this guided tour of Florence, the birthplace of some of the greatest artists and thinkers in history. Your journey begins with a walking tour of the city, where you’ll admire the awe-inspiring Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, the iconic dome by Brunelleschi, and the Baptistery with its famous Gates of Paradise. Stroll through Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio, and marvel at Giotto’s Bell Tower and the exterior of the renowned Uffizi Gallery (outside visits). After this cultural immersion, you’ll have free time to explore at your leisure where you can buy gifts, sip mulled wine and even meet Santa Claus!

Each year, Florence turns on the magic with Florence Lights Up. Ponte Vecchio is the protagonist of spectacular projection mapping that transforms its facades into an explosion of shapes, colors and volumes. Likewise, the facades of Palazzo Vecchio are illuminated, along with those of Piazza Santa Maria Novella.

The piazza of the beautiful Basilica di Santa Croce is home to the largest Christmas market in Florence! While the tradition began in Germany in the 12th century and spread to surrounding the countries, the Weihnachtsmarkt Santa Croce does not fail to deliver the charm and excitement of the historic markets.

The Weihnachtsmarkt market has been an annual tradition in Florence for the past 500 years and is a spot you have to experience during holiday season. From November 28 to December 20th (10 am-10pm) you can stroll through the festive, German style open-air wooden stalls to browse the local and international goods.

The Santa Croce market hosts traditional, mouthwatering foods such as bratwurst and pretzels. These create a rich, savory meal when accompanied by kraut or a beer. A must-try goodie is Kürtoskalács, also called chimney cake, covered in your choice of delicious toppings such as cinnamon and chocolate. A warm cup of mulled wine is the perfect holiday drink to warm you up on a brisk winter’s day, and some stalls even have the option to keep the mug as a souvenir! Other fun international treats can be found at the Dutch crepes and waffles stall and the Austrian booths lined with an array of tempting pastries.

An Italian twist is added to the traditional stalls with the addition of the tasty cheese, jam, chocolate, and spice vendors. Original jewelry and contemporary artwork can also be found at local artisan’s booths. Several vendors that sell winter wears such as scarves, hats, and jackets to keep warm while enjoying the market and the rest of Florence. The market is a great place to pick up unique Christmas treats and sweets for stocking stuffers or souvenirs. Beautifully crafted ornaments and candle votives of all kinds are sure to liven any holiday celebration. Lastly, there is a plentiful variety of ceramic home goods offered at the English stalls where you can also buy amazing lemon curd and fruit-mince.
Whether you are just perusing the stalls or on the hunt for one-of-a-kind gifts, you are sure to enjoy this delightful market!

In the late afternoon, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel, filled with the sights and stories of this magnificent city. Dinner on your own. (B)

 

Day 4 | AM: Local Artisanal Soap Factory Visit and PM: Pizza Making Class with Cantucci Dessert

This morning, step into a world where beauty and quality intertwine, a place where creativity meets tradition. The team of artisans has always aimed to envelop elegance through every soap they craft. Each soap is lovingly wrapped in original and exclusive designs inspired by Florence’s rich artistic heritage symphony of shapes and colors that transform the packaging into precious keepsakes.

At the heart of these creations is an ancient recipe, renewed through time, that combines pure ingredients, natural fragrances, and meticulous artisanal techniques. Rooted in artisanal wisdom, local culture, and a deep respect for the environment, every product tells a story of craftsmanship and sustainability. Discover the secrets behind these exquisite soaps and experience the authentic charm of traditional soap-making.

This afternoon Be a little Italian Chef for one day. Immerse yourself in this culinary experience with a PIZZA CLASS, Enjoy your lesson with Chef Anna. She will share her secrets with you…so don’t hold back and take some notes! From Pizza Dough and Pizza Tomato Sauce to Tuscan Focaccia Bread and Cantuccini (Tuscan Almond Cookies)
After, eat what you have prepared! BUON APPETITO! The only requirement is a love for food and for our land. (B,D)

Day 5 | Arezzo

Spend a fabulous day in the elegant city of Arezzo - Let’s start with 2h walking guided tour, then continue with its magic Christmas Markets and its Tyrolean Village, the largest in Italy. In Piazza Grande, you’ll find more than 40 Tyrolean chalets offering handicrafts, decorations, typical specialties, and the iconic “Baite del Gusto” Typically Tyrolean wooden chalets where you can taste traditional sweet and savory dishes coming directly from South Tyrol. From mulled wine to craft beers, from stuffed pretzels to raclette, from polenta to the traditional roasted pork shank. A thousand delicacies to enjoy in the magical atmosphere of Piazza Grande, surrounded by fir trees, lights, and Christmas music. A unique atmosphere not to be missed!

In the late afternoon, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel. Dinner on your own (B)

Day 6 | Tuscany - Rome (morning San Gimignano, Olive Oil Wine Tasting with light Lunch at a farm)

The morning begins with a true taste of Tuscany the world-famous extra-virgin olive oil! After breakfast, set off for San Gimignano, a UNESCO World Heritage town known for its towering medieval architecture. Once home to 76 watchtowers, only 13 remain today, but they still evoke the power and prosperity of the Middle Ages. Take a walking tour through the narrow-cobbled streets, pausing at the Piazza della Cisterna, the Piazza del Duomo, and other charming corners that transport you back in time.

No Tuscan experience would be complete without a taste of its culinary delights! After the tour, you’ll enjoy a light lunch and wine tasting at a local farm, savoring typical Tuscan dishes, paired with olive oil and truffle oil tasting and of course have some fresh bread with it! Cin-Cin! At the end of the experience depart to Rome for our last night at the Hotel close to Rome Fiumicino airport for overnight. (B,L)

Day 7 - Rome APT - USA.

Breakfast in hotel. Your Italy Vacation has come to an end as you transfer from your hotel to Rome Airport and head back home. We hope you have an excellent experience! A warm “grazie” for traveling with us and we hope to hear from you soon to plan your next Italy Vacation! (B)