Explore Four Famous Italian Cities

No trip to Italy would be complete without a trip to the Colosseum or a gondola ride through Venice’s canals. Experience both of these and more with this Italian vacation, which includes stops in Venice, Florence, Rome, and Palermo. There’s no set itinerary in any city, so you’ll be able to explore each destination at your leisure. This vacation includes:

• Round-trip airfare from New York City
• 2 nights’ accommodations in Venice at the four-star Hotel Apogia Sirio Mestre or similar
• 3 nights’ accommodations in Florence at the Hotel Meridiana or similar
• 3 nights’ accommodations in Rome at the Holiday Inn Express Rome – San Giovanni or similar
• 2 nights’ accommodations in Palermo, Sicily, at the four-star Hotel Porta Felice or similar
• Second-class rail from Venice to Florence
• Second-class rail from Florence to Rome
• Continuing flight from Rome to Palermo
• Breakfast daily

Days 1–3: Venice

The first stop on this Italian getaway is picturesque Venice, where you’re hardly ever more than a few feet from the water. The city is built along the Mediterranean coast amid a winding system of canals, and the best way to explore it is by boat. Hop on a waterbus—called vaporetto in Italian—to travel to the Rialto Bridge, St. Mark’s Square, and other sites along the Grand Canal as well as to the small islands that surround the city center.

• Ride a gondola along the Grand Canal to see Venice’s varying architecture how it was meant to be seen. Keep your eyes peeled for Venetian Gothic and Baroque touches and neoclassical architecture.
• Gallerie dell’Accademia: This expansive museum houses iconic works by the likes of Titian, Giovanni Bellini, and Lorenzo Lotto.
• St. Mark’s Square: Called “the drawing room of Europe” by Napoleon, Venice’s largest square is home to Saint Mark’s Basilica and Doges’ Palace. The square and its attractions have been used in numerous films, including 2003’s The Italian Job and 2006’s Casino Royale.

Days 4–6: Florence

Your next stop is Florence, a city that Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci once called home. It was also the epicenter of the Italian Renaissance in the 15th century. As a result, there’s an astonishing array of cultural treasures here, from the ornate Duomo cathedral to Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus.

• See David, Michelangelo’s iconic statue, at Galleria dell’Accademia.
• Uffizi Gallery: This museum houses one of the world’s best collections of Renaissance works. Here, you’ll see paintings by notable Italian artists Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Raphael.
• Pick up handmade jewelry from the small stands along Ponte Vecchio, a pedestrian bridge built in the 14th century.

Days 7–9: Rome

Next up is Rome, known as The Eternal City in part because of its ancient history. Get a taste of Rome’s past with a visit to the Colosseum or Vatican City, where you can tour manicured gardens and the Sistine Chapel. But despite its deeply historic roots, Rome is still very much a modern city. Don’t miss the MAXXI Museum, the city’s first national museum dedicated entirely to contemporary art; the building itself is an attraction, designed by Pritzker Architecture Prize–winning architect Zaha Hadid.

• St. Peter’s Basilica: Located in Vatican City, this ornate church houses Michelangelo’s Pieta sculpture, the crown jewel among masterpieces by other famous Italian greats such as Bramante, Raphael, and Maderno.
• Trevi Fountain: According to lore, if you throw a coin at the feet of the fountain’s towering statues, you can rest assured you’ll return to Rome.
• Roman Forum: The heart of ancient Rome is this public square full of statues and monuments, including the ruins of nine temples.

Days 10–11: Palermo

Your final stop is in Sicily’s capital city, Palermo, which sits on the Tyrrhenian Sea. A stroll through its streets—some of which date back more than 2,700 years and several empires—offers bustling markets peppered between medieval churches, Byzantine mosaics, and baroque and Arab Norman architecture. This last feature is best reflected in Palazzo dei Normanni. Here, you’ll see Cappella Palatina, an ornate chapel built in 1130 and decorated with gold-adorned mosaics that depict scenes from the Old Testament and the Crusades.

• Mercato di Ballarò is the city’s busiest street market; it spans several street blocks. At the colorful stands, you can pick up gourmet Italian specialties and clothing.
• Museo dell’Inquisizione: This historical museum, which chronicles the Palermo Inquisition, is tucked into the basement of the 14th-century Palazzo Chiaramonte Steri. You can tour the former cells of prisoners, whose graffiti and artwork are still visible on the walls.
• Work on your tan while lounging on Mondello Beach’s soft, golden sand, or go snorkeling in its clear waters.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. From what airport does the deal depart? Deal options with 3-letter airport codes depart from that specific airport. Deal options with full city names depart from an airport that is assigned at time of redemption with the tour operator. Departures from airports that are not included in the deal options may be available (and may cost more). Call go-today at 800-227-3235 for pricing from any airport that isn’t listed on the Groupon Getaways deal page.

2. Can we extend our trip before or after the promotional dates for the deal? Yes, you can arrange for that over the phone at the time when you redeem your voucher with go-today.

3. How do I find out if the dates I want to travel are available? Check the Deal Options above to see if there is availability for the specific date you are interested in. If there are multiple dates listed in a Deal Option, call go-today at 800-227-3235 for the most up-to-date availability.

4. Does my child need a Groupon, and can they stay in my room? For promotions which include airfare, all travelers over the age of 2 are required to purchase a Groupon. Different occupancy arrangements can be requested with go-today at the time of reservation.

5. What happens if I buy the Groupon and my travel dates are not available? If go-today is unable to book the stay you want during the available dates and before the book-by date, Groupon will refund your purchase.

6. Is the price advertised available on every date? Airfare subject to availability. Additional fees may apply for some departure dates. Contact go-today for details.

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