Three cities, three completely different personalities. Rome hits you with 2,000 years of history. Brunelleschi's dome, in Florence, brings the Renaissance to life in a way no textbook ever could. Venice, a city built on water, is like nowhere else on earth. Each one alone is worth the flight. Together, they're hard to top.

These packages are built for independent travelers who want the convenience of a pre-arranged itinerary without having every hour of the day accounted for. Packages typically include flights from Canada, hotels in each city, and the intercity train connections between Rome, Florence, and Venice. Some itineraries include pre-arranged sightseeing components as well, which can be a great way to skip the queues at the busiest attractions.

Departure airports

Most of our Rome, Florence & Venice packages depart from Toronto and Montreal, where flights to Rome are most readily available. Other Canadian gateways are bookable with connecting flights, give our agents a call if your home airport isn't showing and we'll price it out for you.

Where you may stay

• Rome: The historic centre puts you close to landmarks like the Pantheon, Campo de' Fiori, and Piazza Navona, where the city's energy is constant and everything is walkable. The Vatican and Prati neighbourhood has St. Peter's practically on the doorstep. Termini station is well-connected and more central than its reputation sometimes suggests.
• Florence: Florence is compact enough that you're never far from the good stuff. The historic centre has the Duomo, the Uffizi, and the Ponte Vecchio all within easy walking distance, and the city has a wonderful rhythm that's easy to settle into quickly.
• Venice: The island puts you fully immersed in one of the most extraordinary cities ever built. Wandering the calli in the evening when the day-trippers have gone and the light is low is something you don't forget easily.
• Mestre: Just a 10-minute train ride across the lagoon from Venice, Mestre is a straightforward, comfortable base. You can be stepping off a vaporetto onto the Grand Canal within about 20 minutes of leaving your hotel — closer to Venice than many people expect.

What to know before you go

This is a trip with a lot of walking. All three cities are best explored on foot, and comfortable shoes will improve your experience more than almost any other preparation.

Book the big attractions in advance. The Colosseum, the Vatican Museums, and the Uffizi Gallery in Florence all benefit from pre-booked timed entry tickets. Lines for walk-up visitors can be long, especially in summer, and pre-booking means you're spending your time inside rather than waiting outside. Some of our packages include pre-arranged entry, so check the itinerary details.

Venice is best in the early morning. Before the day-trippers arrive, the city is quiet and extraordinary. If you can get out before 8am, even for a short walk, you'll see a side of Venice that most visitors miss entirely.

When to go

Spring (April through early June) and fall (September through October) are the sweet spots for this itinerary. Temperatures are comfortable for walking, crowds are more manageable than peak summer, and you're less likely to hit the intense July–August heat in Rome and Florence. Summer is fully doable but does require more planning around heat and crowds, especially in Rome.

Venice is worth a note as it experiences acqua alta (seasonal flooding) most commonly from October through January, which is something to be aware of if you're traveling in that window. It's rarely trip-ruining, but it's good to know going in.

Not sure which Rome, Florence & Venice package is right for you?

We have several itineraries at different price points and pace levels — from the Italy Express for travelers who want a focused first taste, to longer, more in-depth options that give each city more breathing room. Our agents have been to Italy and can walk you through the differences. Give us a call at 1-800-665-4981 and let's find the right fit.