The Art Cities of Italy by Rail

You can trace a continuous line of Western art history through Italy’s many galleries, museums and churches, beginning with Roman statues, running through the marble majesty of Michelangelo’s David and continuing today, with Venice’s Biennale.

Of course, that extraordinary wealth of art attracts extraordinary crowds. It can be hard to admire the subtle genius of Raphael’s brushwork when you’re crammed into a hot room with hundreds of other people. Whether you want to delve deeply into the artistic offerings or simply see the highlights, it pays dividends to plan your visit to Italy’s art cities carefully.

Ponte Sant’Angelo (Bridge of Hadrian), Rome

When I had the opportunity to live abroad for a year as a student, I chose to live in Rome. The city is almost an open-air museum — just stroll across the Ponte Sant’Angelo, with its ten statues of angels designed by Bernini, to see what I mean. The minute detail of the angels’ wings and the fluid movement in their gestures seems to transcend the stone medium.

Popes and other high officials in the church not only collected works, they also provided patronage for many of the world’s great artists over the centuries. Consisting of more than 50 galleries and containing 70,000 pieces, the Vatican Museums collectively make up one of the largest museums in the world.

The vast collection spans all of human history, from Etruscan bronzes and classical Greek sculptures to works by Salvador Dalí. Amid all this diverse abundance, however, the showstoppers are the Renaissance pieces.

The Stanze di Raffaello, known to English speakers as the Raphael Rooms, were originally intended to be a suite of private rooms for Pope Giulio II. The frescoes, which cover four rooms, took Raphael and his assistants 16 years to complete.

For me, the most compelling fresco is The School of Athens, which depicts a convocation of the greatest mathematicians and philosophers of antiquity. The organic muscularity of the figures and their flowing robes contrast with the precisely painted architecture and almost mathematical rendering of the single-point perspective.

PACKAGE INCLUDES:

Visit the Art Cities of Italy by rail – see the major sites and enjoy plenty of free time to explore these wonderful cities on your own.

Rome is an extraordinary city rich in charm like no other in the world. Only Rome can be proud of such monuments, squares, fountains, museums of such historical and artistic importance.
Make Venice a destination to remember with its narrow full of life alleys, bridges, canals, gondolas and a lot of well-known historical building and of idyllic squares.
The historical city centre of Florence that leaves you in awe, the poetry of life sung by various poets and writers that have again and again mentioned Florence in their well known plays, enjoy a stroll through the streets, take in the ambience

DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION	OR Tambo  International Airport – Joburg
DEPARTURE TIME	Please arrive at least 2 hours before the flight.
INCLUDED	Airfare Accommodations 2 days cruise Professional guide
NOT INCLUDED	Entrance fees Guide gratuity

The Hop on Hop off bus in Rome is the perfect orientation for this Eternal City. Discover the most famous sights of Rome – the Colosseum, Piazza Navona, Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon and Spain Square.
Experience Venice in the most Venetian way possible on a Gondola ride, take in the sights as you sail through the narrow canals of Venice.
Sample some of Florence’s most delicious dishes and gain a better understanding of the culture and history in this amazing city.

LAND ONLY PACKAGE INCLUDES:
Private transfer from airport to hotel in Rome on arrival
6 Nights’ accommodation in standard double rooms at 3* Hotels
Breakfast daily
-2 Nights Rome
-2 Nights Florence
-2 Nights Venice

24h Hop On Hop Off Day Ticket in Rome with Audioguide
2nd Class train ticket from Rome to Florence (high speed train with seat reservation)
2nd Class train ticket from Florence to Venice (hight speed Train with seat reservation)
A 30- minute shared Gondola ride

Why we love this tour:
Rome
-Pantheon
-Colosseum
-Vatican Museum
-Piazza Navona
-Basilica di Santa maria Maggiore
-Trevi fountain
-Trastevere
-Capitolini Museum
-Sistine chapel

Florence
-Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore
-Piazzale Michelangelo
-Central market
-Piazza Santo Spirito
-Giardino Bardini gardens
-Leather shops and markets
-Vivoli Gelato – Oldest gelato shops on Florence
-City Hall of Florence

Venice
-St Marks Basilica
-Canale Grande
-Ponti Di Rialto
-Venice Lido
-Doges Palace
-Bridge of Sighs
-San Marco Campanile
-San Giorgio Maggiore
-Murano

PACKAGE EXCLUDES:

Flights, airport taxes, dinners and lunches, transfers to and from Railway Stations, transfer to Piazzale Roma in Venice, tourist City Taxes, entrance tickets to monuments and museums, porterage services, items of a personal nature, medical and travel insurance, visas.

Terms & Conditions

Prices are from a starting price per person sharing, subject to change, currency fluctuations and availability. The exact amount will be confirmed at the time of booking. Advance purchase, peak or high season surcharges, block out periods and minimum stay conditions may apply. Price valid for dates as specified. Group rates available on request. For standard Terms and Conditions please refer to www.thompsons.co.za. E&OE