Brian's Iconic Italian Itinerary 2026
Includes excursions in Venice, Florence, Pisa & Rome
October 2 - October 9, 2026
7 nights
$2,999.00 per person - based on double occupancy
MUST BE RESERVED IN SETS OF 2
ACTIVITY LEVEL: MODERATE – walking up to 2 miles/day, may include steps and inclines
Have you ever dreamt of leisurely days in the Tuscan countryside, wandering ancient streets, and experiencing the timeless beauty of Italy’s most celebrated cities? Join me on an unforgettable journey through Venice, Florence, Pisa, and Rome, where history, culture, art, and cuisine come together to create a truly remarkable travel experience.
This thoughtfully curated itinerary begins in Venice, the legendary city of canals, bridges, and Renaissance splendor. From there, we continue to Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance, renowned for its world-class art, architecture, and vibrant Tuscan atmosphere. A visit to Pisa offers the chance to see its famous Leaning Tower and historic piazza before traveling onward to Rome, the Eternal City, where ancient ruins, grand piazzas, and centuries of history stand alongside modern Italian life.
The tour includes 7 nights of accommodation (double occupancy), allowing ample time to explore each destination at a comfortable pace. The experience features four guided excursions with transportation included, a hands-on Italian cooking class, two breakfasts, and a welcome dinner on the first night.
To reserve your place, a $50.00 USD per person non-refundable deposit is required. Once the minimum number of reservations has been met, you will be notified and a payment of $950.00 USD per person will be due at that time. A second payment of $1,000.00 USD per person is due by March 1, 2026, with the remaining balance of $999.00 USD per person due by May 1, 2026. In the event the minimum number of travelers is not met by March 1, 2026, your $50.00 USD deposit per person will be returned. Seats are extremely limited and will be filled on a first-come, first-deposit-received basis. All deposits are non-refundable, as pricing is based on group rates.
The Itinerary
THURSDAY - OCTOBER 1, 2026
TRAVEL DAY
Fly to Venice
FRIDAY - OCTOBER 2, 2026
ARRIVE IN VENICE
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Meet and greet in hotel lobby with Brian and other tour group members
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Group dinner included (pizza or pasta) at a local Venetian restaurant
Your journey begins with arrival in Venice, the world-renowned city of canals, bridges, and timeless architecture. Built on more than 100 small islands and celebrated for its rich history, artistic heritage, and romantic waterways, Venice offers a truly unique introduction to Italy. Upon arrival, guests will make their way to the Venice Maggior Consigilo hotel (1 queen bed -breakfast included) at their own expense. In the early evening, you will meet Brian and your fellow travelers for a formal welcome and orientation. Following the meet and greet, the group will enjoy a leisurely walk of approximately 20 minutes through the historic streets of Venice to a local restaurant. A welcome dinner is included, featuring a selection of traditional pizza or pasta dishes.
SATURDAY - OCTOBER 3, 2026
FULL DAY TOUR OF VENICE, MURANO & BURANO
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Skip the line tickets at St. Mark’s Basilica
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Skip the line tickets at St. Doge’s Palace
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Gondola ride
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Murano island visit with glass blowing demonstration
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Burano island visit with lace making demonstration
Following breakfast, the group will depart on foot for St. Mark’s Square, the historic heart of Venice, where a full day of guided exploration will begin. The morning starts with skip-the-line entry to St. Mark’s Basilica, one of Europe’s most magnificent churches, renowned for its breathtaking golden mosaics and centuries of artistic and religious significance. From there, we continue with fast-track access to the Doge’s Palace, once the residence of Venice’s rulers and the seat of its government. Guests will climb the famed Golden Staircase and wander through grand halls adorned with remarkable Renaissance artwork, gaining insight into the city’s powerful past. After exploring Venice on foot, you will enjoy a 30-minute gondola ride through the city’s iconic canals. This serene experience offers a unique perspective of Venice from the water, gliding beneath historic bridges and alongside centuries-old buildings in true Venetian style.
A lunch break and free time will follow near St. Mark’s Square (lunch at your own expense), allowing guests the opportunity to relax or explore independently.
In the afternoon, we will board a boat to visit the nearby islands of Murano and Burano. Sit back and relax as we cross the Venetian Lagoon, enjoying the fresh breeze and watching Venice’s skyline gradually fade into the distance.
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Murano, our first stop is world-famous for its glassmaking tradition. We will observe a master craftsman skillfully blowing and shaping molten glass into intricate designs at a local studio.
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Burano, a short boat ride later we arrive at our second stop. This is Venice’s most picturesque island, celebrated for its brightly colored homes. Here, we will admire the vibrant scenery and meet local artisans known for their delicate, handcrafted lace.
The group will return by boat to St. Mark’s Square, where the guided portion of the day concludes. Guests will then have free time to explore independently and make their way back to the hotel at their leisure.
*Any entrance fees for sites you choose to visit that are not specifically noted are not included.
SUNDAY - OCTOBER 4, 2026
TRAVEL TO FLORENCE
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Travel to Florence by train (ticket included)
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Walking tour of Florence with a local guide
Begin your morning in Venice with breakfast before walking together to the train station for our approximately 2-hour train journey south to the Tuscan city of Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance and one of Italy’s most culturally rich destinations. Florence is renowned for its extraordinary art, architecture, and history—home to masterpieces by Michelangelo (statue of David), Leonardo da Vinci, and Botticelli, as well as iconic landmarks such as the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and Palazzo Vecchio. The city’s compact historic center makes it ideal for exploring on foot, with charming streets, lively piazzas, and countless cafés and shops. Upon arrival in Florence, we will make the short walk from the train station to Hotel Lombardia (1 queen bed -breakfast buffet included). After check-in and time to refresh, we will meet our local guide for an approximately 90-minute walking tour of historic Florence, introducing you to the city’s most important sites and stories. At the conclusion of the tour, enjoy free time to independently explore Florence at your own pace—shop for leather goods, visit a museum, relax in a café, or take in the stunning sunset views overlooking the city from Piazza Michelangelo.
*Any entrance fees for sites you choose to visit that are not specifically noted are not included.
MONDAY - OCTOBER 5, 2026
BEST OF TUSCANY: PISA, SIENA & SAN GIMIGNANO
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Full-day shared excursion from Florence
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Guided walking tour through the medieval city of Siena w/ entry ticket to the Cathedral
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Traditional Tuscan lunch and informal wine tasting at a Chianti vineyard
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Free time in the hilltop town of San Gimignano
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Scenic drive to historic Pisa
Prepare for a full day of discovery as we explore some of Tuscany’s most celebrated destinations during a 12-hour shared guided tour to Siena, San Gimignano, and Pisa, including lunch and a wine tasting at a Chianti winery.
Travel in comfort aboard an air-conditioned coach, which will whisk us through the rolling Tuscan countryside to our first stop on this richly curated itinerary—Siena. Experience the city through the eyes of a local during a guided walking tour of this beautifully preserved medieval town, known for its warm yellow-ochre buildings, terracotta rooftops, and green shutters. Highlights include Piazza del Campo, the iconic shell-shaped square that has hosted the legendary Palio horse race for over 600 years, and the magnificent Siena Duomo, where we will admire its striking interior and remarkable collection of artwork. Following the guided tour, enjoy free time in Siena to shop, explore independently, or relax at an open-air café (at your own expense).
Next, we depart for a traditional Tuscan lunch at a family-run Chianti vineyard, sure to be a highlight of your time in the region. Here, we will take part in an informal wine tasting, sampling local varietals such as Chianti, Vernaccia, and the Tuscan dessert wine Vin Santo. Lunch will feature authentic, farm-fresh cuisine served with wine and stunning countryside views. The menu includes homemade pasta, cured meats such as house-made prosciutto and salami, local cheeses, fresh garden salad, and classic Tuscan biscotti.
After lunch, we continue to the enchanting hilltop town of San Gimignano. Enjoy free time to wander its picturesque streets and squares, browse local artisan shops, sample award-winning gelato, and stroll among the town’s famous medieval towers.
Our day concludes with a scenic drive through the iconic Tuscan countryside to Pisa, where you will have time to admire the Leaning Tower of Pisa, along with the Baptistry and Cathedral (exterior views). If time permits, entry tickets to these historic landmarks may be purchased on site (at your own expense). A brief guided walk will also introduce you to another side of this historic city.
After a full and memorable day, we return to our accommodations, having experienced the very best of Tuscany in one unforgettable journey.
*Any entrance fees for sites you choose to visit that are not specifically noted are not included.
TUESDAY - OCTOBER 6, 2026
FREE DAY TO EXPLORE FLORENCE
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Free day to sleep in and explore Florence on your own.
WEDNESDAY - OCTOBER 7, 2026
TRAVEL TO ROME
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Make our way to Rome via train (train ticket included)
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Hands on cooking class
Enjoy a final breakfast in the magnificent city of Florence before making our way on foot to the train station for an approximately 2-hour train journey to the historic city of Rome, Italy’s capital and one of the world’s most influential cities. Often called the Eternal City, Rome is a living museum where ancient ruins, Renaissance art, and vibrant modern life coexist. From the Colosseum and Roman Forum to Baroque piazzas, fountains, and churches, Rome offers more than 2,000 years of history layered into every neighborhood. Upon arrival at the Rome train station, you will take a taxi (at your own expense) to the Suite Art Navona Hotel, ideally located in the heart of the city. Enjoy some free time to freshen up or independently explore the surrounding neighborhoods and piazzas near the hotel, such as Piazza Navona and Campo de’ Fiori. Later, make your way (at your own expense) across the River Tiber for what is sure to be a fun-filled and memorable evening: a hands-on Italian cooking class. During the experience, you will learn how to make fresh fettuccine noodles and ravioli from scratch, as well as prepare a personalized tiramisu, where you control the ingredients to suit your taste. Wine or soft drinks are included (maximum of two per person). At the conclusion of this amazing experience, we will sit down together to enjoy the fruits of our labor—an authentic Italian meal featuring fettuccine with a choice of sauces, ravioli, and tiramisu for dessert. Transportation back to the hotel after the experience is at your own expense.
*Any entrance fees for sites you choose to visit that are not specifically noted are not included.
THURSDAY - OCTOBER 8, 2026
ROME TOUR 1/2 DAY
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1/2 day (4 hour) morning tour of Rome
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Free time to explore more of Rome independently
Begin your day in Rome with a four-hour private panoramic tour of the Eternal City, designed to showcase the grandeur, history, and timeless elegance of one of the world’s most extraordinary capitals. Travel in the comfort of a private, air-conditioned mini-van, accompanied by an expert guide, as you glide through Rome’s historic streets and grand avenues, passing seamlessly between ancient wonders and Baroque masterpieces. Your tour includes curated photo stops at Rome’s most iconic landmarks:
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The Pantheon, a marvel of ancient engineering, stands as one of the best-preserved monuments of the Roman Empire. Its soaring concrete dome and perfectly proportioned interior have inspired architects for nearly two millennia.
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The Trevi Fountain, Rome’s most celebrated fountain, dazzles with dramatic sculptures carved from gleaming stone—an opulent Baroque masterpiece set against the palazzo backdrop.
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The Spanish Steps, an elegant staircase cascading between Piazza di Spagna and the Trinità dei Monti church, long associated with artists, designers, and Rome’s fashionable elite.
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The Colosseum, the awe-inspiring symbol of Imperial Rome, rises as a monumental reminder of the city’s ancient power and architectural ambition.
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Vatican City, the spiritual and artistic heart of Catholicism, home to St. Peter’s Basilica and one of the most important art collections in the world.
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Following the conclusion of the tour, enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure to explore Rome independently—perhaps returning to a favorite site from the morning for a deeper visit, discovering hidden piazzas, or lingering over a long lunch at a classic Roman café.
*Any entrance fees for sites you choose to visit that are not specifically noted are not included.
*Please note that this panoramic tour does not include interior visits to the sites
FRIDAY - OCTOBER 9, 2026
The amazing journey with Brian comes to an end. Fly home or continue your adventure on your own.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS
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Local currency is the Euro
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Pack weather-appropriate clothing, umbrella, and comfortable walking shoes or boots
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Pack a European electric power adapter
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Consider packing:
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Cash (Euros)
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Portable battery – access to outlets for recharging cannot be guaranteed when we are on our excursions
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EXCLUSIONS
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Flights to/from Italy
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Food and beverages, except where noted.
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Entrance fees for historic/cultural sites, except where noted.
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Gratuities
TESTIMONIALS
We’ve had the best time with Brian Travels. If you’re looking for someone to setup all your tours he’s the best! You should follow him he has some amazing pictures of places he’s traveled to and if you get to chance to travel with him definitely sign up for his tours!
JESSIE V.
We fell in love with Brian within the first 20 seconds. His excursions were well planned extremely well executed, even when monkey wrenches were thrown into the mix. Brian is professional, funny and full of energy that is just infectious! My suggestion book with him book early because the word is out that he is the bomb!! That is, as long as you’re not taking a seat away from me!
ALICIA G.
As novice international travelers, booking excursions with Brian Travels was one of the best decisions my husband and I made. Brian took the time to meet with us, and answer questions we had before we ever left home. We felt confident and secure in knowing that his tours would be intimate, fun and cover a lot of what we wanted to see. If you are looking for a great adventure with great people, do not hesitate to book with Brian Travels.