The City of Romance and The Eternal City: A Boutique Small Group Tour of Venice and Rome

Arrive in Venice, the magical city of canals, where your journey begins in true Italian style. A private boat will escort you across the lagoon to your hotel in the heart of the city. Settle into your accommodations and take in your first glimpses of this enchanting floating world.

In the evening, gather with your fellow travelers for a warm welcome dinner at a traditional Venetian restaurant. Savor regional specialties like fresh seafood risotto, cicchetti, and local wines as you toast the start of your unforgettable Italian adventure. It’s the perfect introduction to the elegance, camaraderie, and culinary delights of Your Own Italy’s Small Group Tours.

Step into the enchanting world of Venice, where history, art, and beauty blend in a maze of canals and streets. With your private guide, explore iconic landmarks and end your adventure aboard a private gondola, gliding through scenic waterways.

Start at the magnificent Piazza San Marco, the heart of Venice for centuries. Marvel at St. Mark’s Basilica, with its dazzling Byzantine mosaics, and uncover the legendary relics transported from Alexandria. Admire the Gothic grandeur of the Doge’s Palace, once the seat of Venice’s powerful rulers.

Venture beyond the crowds into hidden piazzas and narrow alleyways, where the true magic of Venice awaits. Stop at La Fenice, the city’s renowned opera house, cross the iconic Rialto Bridge for breathtaking views of the Grand Canal, and explore the lively Rialto Market, where Venetians have traded for centuries.

No visit to Venice is complete without a private gondola ride through its picturesque canals. Glide past graceful palaces, charming bridges, and historic passageways, experiencing the city as nobles once did. Let the gentle lapping of the water and the soft creak of the gondola immerse you in Venice's timeless romance.

From the grandeur of St. Mark’s Square to the hidden corners of the city and your private gondola ride, this Venetian experience offers the perfect blend of history, beauty, and charm. Whether you're an art lover, history enthusiast, or romantic, Venice will captivate you with its elegance and allure.

Your expert guide will lead you through the heart of Venice, starting at the renowned St. Mark’s Square, where history and grandeur meet. Outside the basilica, admire its shimmering Byzantine mosaics that depict scenes from the life of Christ and the arrival of St. Mark’s relics. Inside, marvel at over 4,000 square meters of golden mosaics, stunning marble floor inlays, and the breathtaking Pala d’Oro, a dazzling high altar made of gold and precious stones. Your guide will highlight the religious and artistic significance of this one-of-a-kind sanctuary.

Next, head to the Doge’s Palace, the former political heart of the Venetian Republic. Explore its richly decorated chambers, grand staircases, and notorious prison cells—once home to figures like Giacomo Casanova, who famously escaped. Walk across the haunting Bridge of Sighs, where you can glimpse the lagoon through narrow windows, just as prisoners once did on their way to captivity. This tour, guided by your expert, offers an unforgettable look into the power, art, and intrigue that shaped Venetian history.

Step into the enchantment of Rome and see the city through the eyes of a true Roman. This immersive Dolce Vita Tour takes you beyond the usual sightseeing, leading you through timeless streets, iconic fountains, and awe-inspiring monuments. With your expert guide, uncover Bernini’s artistic genius, marvel at the Pantheon’s architectural brilliance, and embrace the traditions that define Roman life.

Stroll through charming piazzas, soak in the vibrant rhythm of daily life, and master the art of la passeggiata, Rome’s beloved evening stroll. Toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain to ensure your return, and uncover the hidden meanings behind Bernini’s sculptures and Rome’s legendary fountains.

This isn’t just a tour—it’s an invitation to live la dolce vita, navigate the city like a local, and experience Rome in the most authentic and unforgettable way.

Wander at Your Own Pace or Enhance Your Experience with a Guided Tour

Today is yours to enjoy the Eternal City however you wish. Lose yourself in the charm of Rome’s cobblestone streets, relax with a cappuccino in a sun-drenched piazza, or explore hidden gems tucked between ancient ruins and Renaissance fountains.

Want to make the most of your time? Ask us about our popular guided tour options, including skip-the-line access to the Vatican Museums, a deep dive into history at the Colosseum and Roman Forum, or a food and wine tour through the vibrant Trastevere neighborhood. However you choose to spend the day, Rome is yours to discover.

Enjoy your final day in Italy with the freedom to explore at your own pace. Revisit a favorite museum, stroll through a hidden neighborhood, pick up a few last-minute gifts, or simply relax with a cappuccino in one of the city’s charming piazzas as street musicians play in the background. Let the timeless beauty of the Eternal City leave one last, lasting impression.

In the evening, gather with your fellow travelers for a memorable farewell dinner at one of our favorite Roman restaurants. Nestled in the historic center, this hand-selected trattoria offers an intimate atmosphere, exceptional local wines, and a seasonal menu that celebrates the best of Roman cuisine. As you dine on handmade pasta, fresh ingredients, and decadent desserts, raise a glass to a journey well traveled—and to the unforgettable moments that made it your own.

As you bid farewell to Italy, you carry with you not just memories of breathtaking landscapes, exquisite cuisine, and timeless history, but also the warmth of newfound friendships. Your driver will ensure a smooth journey to the airport, giving you plenty of time to make your flight. Though your adventure may be coming to an end, Italy salutes you with a heartfelt “Arrivederci!”—until we meet again.

Now that you’ve traveled with Your Own Italy, you’ll always have friends eager to welcome you back whenever you long for the beauty, flavors, and magic of this incredible land once more.