Grand Odyssey Rome to Vienna - 8 Days

Welcome to Rome! Upon your arrival, we will arrange your transfer to the hotel. Later, our knowledgeable guide will meet you to share essential information about your stay; you can also find useful details on the information board in the hotel reception area. In the evening, we'll take you to Via Cavour, a vibrant introduction to the city. Here, you'll discover a variety of restaurants offering a choice of Italian, Indian, Chinese, and international cuisine to suit your palate. Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.

Today, we delve into the rich history of Rome with a three-hour guided tour sampling the splendours of the Eternal City. We'll begin with a walking exploration of Imperial Rome's legendary sites, complemented by a panoramic bus journey showcasing one of Western civilisation's most ancient and influential cities. Our itinerary will guide us to iconic marvels, such as the Arch of Constantine, the exterior of the Colosseum, and the Imperial Forums. Along the way, we'll also visit the Circus Maximus, the Baths of Caracalla, the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, the Pyramid of Cestius, and Castel Sant�Angelo.

The tour concludes in Vatican City at around 11:00 a.m., where our guide offers you the option of further discovery with a visit to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. In the evening, we�ll transport you to the vibrant Trastevere neighbourhood, renowned for its inviting restaurants and bustling atmosphere, we return to the hotel approximately at 8:30 p.m.

Today, we depart from Rome and head north through Italy's picturesque landscapes. Upon arrival in Florence, our first stop is the magnificent Piazzale Michelangelo, where you can take in sweeping views of the city and its surroundings. Following this, we will make our way to the historic centre. Here, you will have a chance to enjoy lunch at your leisure in one of the charming local eateries.

In the afternoon, a local expert will guide us through Florence's historic streets. We will visit iconic sites such as the Ponte Vecchio, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (commonly known as the Duomo), and Piazza della Signoria, offering a glimpse into the city's rich artistic and cultural heritage. After our guided tour, you'll have some free time to explore Florence on your own.

As the day winds down, the area boasts a plethora of dining options, allowing you to indulge in a meal of your choice from various international cuisines. Enjoy the rest of your evening, taking in the unique atmosphere of this open-air museum of a city.

Today, we venture across the scenic Apennine Mountains to arrive in the enchanting city of Venice. Our journey continues as we take a boat ride across the Giudecca Canal to reach Venice Island. With a local guide, we will explore the magnificent St. Mark's Square, a hub of Venetian life. Next, we visit the renowned Murano Glass Factory, where you can witness skilled artisans at work, revealing the traditional techniques of this age-old craft. Afterwards, enjoy some free time to wander through the city's intricate streets and canals at your own pace. Accommodation for the night will be in the Mestre district.

Today, we depart from Venice and set our sights on Austria. Our first destination is Innsbruck, where you'll have a chance to wander through the charming historic city centre and enjoy lunch in the heart of the Austrian Tyrol. After exploring Innsbruck, we continue our journey along picturesque mountain roads leading to Kitzb�hel. Here you can savour time in this quaint village, renowned as a prominent ski resort, where snow lingers for much of the year. Our travels conclude today in Salzburg, with our arrival scheduled for the end of the day. Please note that if our group size is small, we might opt for a train journey from Venice to Innsbruck.

Today, we delve into the heart of Austria, beginning our exploration with the enchanting city of Salzburg, famously known as the birthplace of Mozart. Nestled beneath a grand castle, its city centre boasts stunning Renaissance and Baroque architecture. As the morning unfolds, we'll guide you through this beautiful area. Come afternoon, our journey takes us through scenic lakes and rugged mountains to the charming village of St. Wolfgang, a celebrated pilgrimage destination. Continuing onward, we'll arrive at Traunkirchen, set on the edge of the picturesque Traunsee Lake. Here, we'll embark on a delightful cruise, offering views of four impressive castles dotting the lakeshore, before disembarking in Gmunden. Our day concludes as we journey to Vienna, where we will arrive by evening.

Today, we'll immerse ourselves in the splendour of Vienna with a guided panoramic tour. Our local expert will lead us through the city's grand avenues, elegant palaces, sprawling parks, and bustling city centre, showcasing Vienna's imperial charm and vibrant cultural scene. In the afternoon, the choice is yours to delve deeper into the city's offerings at your leisure. Explore the historic streets, discover local cafes, or visit one of the renowned museums. As evening falls, we�ll provide a transfer to Grinzing, a charming district once famed for its vineyards and now known for its traditional taverns. Here, you'll have the opportunity to savour local cuisine in a cosy, welcoming atmosphere.

Today marks the conclusion of our adventure. After breakfast, it's time to bid farewell to Vienna, taking with you cherished memories of all the remarkable experiences and sights from your journey.