ItalyItaly Family Journey: Venice to Rome
Welcome to Venice–your arrival transfer to the hotel is included. Check in and get excited to meet your fellow travelers during a welcome meeting this evening where all families can bond before the Journey ahead.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group
Your opportunity to meet your National Geographic Expedition Leader and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Shuttle
Travel from the airport to your hotel and get ready for an unforgettable journey.
Accommodation
Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.
Hotel Principe
Take a walking tour of Venice, discovering winding lanes, marble palaces, and cobblestoned squares aflutter with pigeons. Then visit a glass-blowing workshop to watch a master craftsman at work. We’ll learn about the ancient technique of glass production while watching the creation of a unique piece. Afterwards, opt to hop aboard the city’s preferred mode of transportation: the gondola. This afternoon, try your hand at the centuries-old art of Venetian mask making. Watch how the mask mold is constructed and wrapped with papier-mâché, then use the tools of the trade to create your very own masterpiece.
Venice Guided Tour
Explore the city's off-the-beaten-path hotspots and hidden gems with your guide who knows all the insider tips. Immerse yourself in the city's vibrant culture and see Venice from a unique perspective. Get ready for a memorable, energetic experience in one of the world's most romantic cities!
Glass-Blowing Demonstration
Learn about the fascinating art of Venetian glassmaking from skilled local artisans. Watch a master craftsman in his factory as he turns something rather ordinary into an exquisite work of art. Visit the gift shop on your way out to take a piece of Venice home with you.
Your Family Journeys Moment: Venetian Mask Making For Kids
Dive into the atmosphere of the legendary Venetian Carnival and its traditional papier-mâché masks. What were the most popular masks? How were they made? This is a highly creative activity where kids get to choose their favourite mask shape and then decorate with colourful paints, elegant pearls, bright feathers, and much more!
Optional Activities - Day 2Show
Accommodation
Hotel Principe
Catch a train to Florence—celebrated as the birthplace of the Renaissance. In Piazza della Repubblica—site of the city’s forum during ancient Roman times—take a spin on an antique wooden carousel, riding atop galloping horses and gilded carriages. Channel your inner inventor with a visit to the Leonardo da Vinci Museum, dedicated to the famed Italian artist and engineer. Explore da Vinci’s creativity and genius as you interact with an astonishing array of machines, brought to life from drawings the artist created hundreds of years ago. Cap off the day with a gelato treat!
Train
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Piazza della Repubblica Visit
Join your Expedition Leader for a walk to the Piazza della Repubblica - site of the city's ancient Roman forum - then ride on a unique wooden carousel maintained by the same family for five generations.
Leonardo Da Vinci Museum Visit
With over 40 working machines recreated from da Vinci's notebooks, interacting is definitely encouraged at this museum - go ahead, spin those wheels, knobs and levers! Discover the genius of his highly engineered bridges, hydraulic machines, and artillery designs. See a life-size "ornithopter" - da Vinci's dream flying machine.
Accommodation
Grand Hotel Mediterraneo
Begin the morning with a walking tour of Florence’s historic center, an enchanting warren of stone lanes bursting with treasures. Later, take part in a hands-on cooking class, where you’ll learn how to make fresh pasta—then enjoy it for dinner!
Guided Walking Tour of Florence
Head out for a walk through the heart of Florence with your Expedition Leader, passing magnificent structures that truly bring the Italian Renaissance to life. Take a new approach to sightseeing by learning more about the artists behind the monuments than the monuments themselves.
Free Time
Enjoy some free time to explore this historic city, home to many Renaissance treasures.
Your Foodie Moment: Florence Pasta Cooking Class
Take part in the tradition of making fresh pasta in a real Italian kitchen, then enjoy your creations for dinner. Preparing delicious foods with simple ingredients and the right technique - it's a skill you can bring back home!
Optional Activities - Day 4Show
Accommodation
Grand Hotel Mediterraneo
Today is free to explore on your own or take part in optional activities. Choose to join an excursion by train to the city of Pisa and see just how far the tower leans. Those spending the day in Florence can visit the city’s enormous, red-tiled cathedral—known as the Duomo—which took more than 140 years to complete; or marvel at Michelangelo’s David in the Accademia Gallery; experience Medici court life at the Palazzo Vecchio; and more.
Free Time
There's lots to see and do in this city known as the "cradle of the Renaissance". Enjoy a full day to explore!
Optional Activities - Day 5Show
Accommodation
Grand Hotel Mediterraneo
Ride the rails to Rome, home to one of history’s greatest empires. Enjoy an Expedition Leader-led orientation walk of Piazza del Popolo—which features twin churches and a towering obelisk— Then head to a local gladiator school and learn how to become a Roman warrior! Delve into gladiatorial history and examine authentic artifacts including shields, swords, and armour. With the guidance of an instructor, venture into an arena to safely train and fight other new centurions—and feel the thrill of handling your own wooden sword and shield.
Train
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Spanish Steps
Built to connect the hilltop Trinità dei Monti church with the Piazza di Spagna (or Spanish Square) below, the Spanish Steps are a colourful example of Baroque architecture from 18th century Rome. Opt to climb its 136 steps, or simply watch the crowds weave through this popular tourist attraction.
Piazza del Popolo Walk
Take a walk in the "peoples square" or Piazza del Popolo. Explore the oval "square" admiring the churches and gaze up at the ancient obelisk. This is a perfect place to people watch!
Your Family Journeys Moment: Gladiator School Lesson
Go back 2,000 years in time at the Gladiator School of Rome. First, visit the museum to see and touch authentic weapons and gear used by gladiators and Roman legionaries. Then, learn the basic techniques of gladiatorial sword fighting from a skilled instructor and challenge other new centurions, either in the outdoor arena (weather permitting) or indoors, using play-safe materials.
Accommodation
Bettoja Massimo D'Azeglio Hotel
Step inside the ancient Colosseum, where gladiatorial contests took place before cheering crowds and fierce animals were once set loose. Later, join an optional walk to St. Peter’s Square or choose to visit the Vatican or the Roman Forum. This evening, gather for a festive pizza dinner to celebrate our Italian adventure.
Colosseum Visit
Enjoy a guided tour of this famous spot, the scene of many bloody gladiator fights for the entertainment of ancient Rome's aristocracy. Learn from your expert guide and you wander the old venue—a UNESCO World Heritage site—and feel free to walk around on your own. No battles, please!
Optional Activities - Day 7Show
Accommodation
Bettoja Massimo D'Azeglio Hotel
Depart at any time.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your Expedition Leader can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
