Iconic Spring & Fall Tours
April 21-30 & October 21-30, 2026
Venice, Florence & Rome
10 days/9 nights
Iconic Spring & Fall Tours are tailor-made for you to celebrate Italy on a journey that will have you floating through history, art, food, wine and culture.
Venice brings romance to the forefront, with sprawling Baroque palaces and meandering, gondola-dotted canals, let's experience a memorable walking tour visiting St. Mark’s Square, the Doge’s Palace, Grand Canal and enjoy a gondola ride.
In Florence we’ll devote time to the breathtaking Renaissance art of the Uffizi — home to the finest collection of Italian paintings anywhere — including works by Leonardo, Botticelli, Michelangelo, and more. We’ll visit the Accademia Gallery to marvel at the power of Michelangelo's greatest masterpiece, David.
And in Rome, history is ever present, the people, the food, the way of life…experience what Italy is all about. Behold Michelangelo's take on creation at the Sistine Chapel and retrace the footsteps of ancient Romans at the Colosseum. Let’s end one of our days as any good Roman would — with a stroll through the historic heart of the city, lacing together the classy Piazza Navona, splashy Trevi Fountain, and the remarkably preserved, 2,000-year-old Pantheon.
ITINERARY
Venice 3 nights:
Day 1:
We'll meet at 4 p.m. at our Venice hotel, deeply nestled amidst the canals, bridges, and alleyways of this magical, preserved-in-amber city. After introductions, we'll set off on an orientation walk and then enjoy getting acquainted over a traditional Venetian dinner together. Light walking: 2–4 miles throughout the day on mostly level terrain. Sleep in Venice.
Day 2:
Historic Venice. Our local guide will join us this morning for a historical walking tour — with a modern Venetian's-eye view — through the backstreets of Venice, ending in St. Mark's Square and the shimmering, mosaic-filled Basilica. Along the way, we'll learn about the city's remarkable past and its challenging future. The afternoon and evening are free to explore the imposing Doge's Palace, take in a church concert, waltz on St. Mark's Square, or pub-crawl your way through this unique city. Strenuous walking: 2–8 miles throughout the day with lots of hills, stairs, and uneven terrain. Sleep in Venice.
Day 3:
Venice's Accademia Gallery and Lagoon. This morning we'll have our first real brush with the Renaissance — Venetian style — with a tour of the Accademia's treasure trove of great Venetian art, starring Titian, Veronese, Bellini, Tintoretto…and every shade of color imaginable. Then it's all aboard for a cruise into Venice's lagoon on our private boat. We'll visit your guide's favorite island, where you'll have free time to explore and enjoy lunch on your own. After returning, we'll set you free to discover Venice's other famous sights and find dinner on your own in the tangled maze of alleys and trattorias. Tonight, we'll regroup for a classic, romantic gondola ride through Venice's moonlit canals. Moderate walking: 2–6 miles throughout the day with some hills and stairs. Boat: 1 hour. Sleep in Venice.
Florence 3 nights:
Day 4:
Wonders of Renaissance Florence. At 8:30 am we'll check out from our hotel to take, at 10:00 am, a 2 hour high-speed train straight to Florence and hit the ground walking with a Renaissance tour of the city's historic center. We'll learn about Brunelleschi's magnificent cathedral dome, Ghiberti's Baptistery doors, and other creations that helped define this world-changing era. Tonight we'll share a hearty Tuscan dinner together. Moderate walking: 2–6 miles throughout the day with some hills and stairs. Sleep in Florence.
Day 5:
The Backstreets of Florence. A local scholar will join us this morning as we take a walking tour of the backstreets of Florence, with some fascinating peeks into Roman, medieval, and 19th-century Florentine life along the way. After exploring the highlights of the Bargello Museum, we'll continue our tour across the river, where we'll create today's tasty lunch during a fun and informative cooking class. Your afternoon will be free to see more of the city's museums. Strenuous walking: 2–8 miles throughout the day with lots of hills, stairs, and uneven terrain. Sleep in Florence.
Day 6:
The Uffizi and David. This morning we'll devote our time to the breathtaking Renaissance art of the Uffizi — home to the finest collection of Italian paintings anywhere — including works by Leonardo, Botticelli, Michelangelo, and more. After lunch, we'll visit the Accademia Gallery to marvel at the power of Michelangelo's rough-hewn Prisoners and his greatest masterpiece, David. Moderate walking: 2–6 miles throughout the day with some hills and stairs. Sleep in Florence.
Rome 3 nights:
Day 7:
Rome, the Eternal City. On this day we will take the high-speed train to Rome. After checking in we'll take a neighborhood orientation walk on our way to today's late lunch together. We'll end our day as any good Roman would — with a stroll through the historic heart of the city, lacing together the classy Piazza Navona, splashy Trevi Fountain, and the remarkably preserved, 2,000-year-old Pantheon. Moderate walking: 2–6 miles throughout the day with some hills and stairs. Sleep in Rome.
Day 8:
The Vatican Museums and St. Peter's. Today we'll focus on Renaissance (Catholic) Rome. At the sprawling Vatican Museums, we'll visit what seems like a limitless collection of treasures as you make your way to one of the world's most famous works of art: Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel. We'll then be introduced to the greatest church in Christendom: the awe-inspiring St. Peter's Basilica, home to Michelangelo's sublime Pietà. The rest of your day is free to wander through this immense church and explore more of the Eternal City on your own. Strenuous walking: 2–8 miles throughout the day with lots of hills, stairs, and uneven terrain. Sleep in Rome.
Day 9:
Monuments of Ancient Rome. We'll spend our morning uncovering ancient Rome, starting with a tour of multi-layered San Clemente — a 12th-century church sitting atop a fourth-century basilica and a previous Roman temple. Then we'll tour and hear vivid tales of the larger-than-life Colosseum and the birthplace of ancient Rome: the Forum. You'll be free this afternoon to wander through the nearby Palatine ruins, visit St. Peter-in-Chains Church (home to Michelangelo's Moses) or climb to the top of the Victor Emmanuel Monument to enjoy a panoramic city view. Tonight we'll feast together at our farewell dinner sharing travel memories and toasting new friends. Salute! Strenuous walking: 2–8 miles throughout the day with lots of hills, stairs, and uneven terrain. Sleep in Rome.
Day 10:
Our fantastic tour comes to an end after our farewell breakfast. Your La Dolce Vita Tour guide is available to help you with any post tour planning including airport transfers, leaving you well prepared for the road ahead.
Arrivederci!
Itinerary specifics subject to change. For the best experience, capacity is limited to 8 travelers per tour. Choose to join other travelers or form your own group with a minimum of 6 travelers.
Italy — Private Journeys
A celebration of beauty, art, and the art of living well.
From Venice to Florence, the Tuscan countryside to Rome, each journey unfolds through moments of quiet elegance, cultural depth, and effortless refinement.
Dolce Autunno — 10 Days Through Italy’s Golden Season
An immersive journey through Italy’s most iconic and inspiring destinations, curated with intention and designed for a small circle of discerning travelers.
Private experiences, refined accommodations, and seamless transitions define a journey where every detail is thoughtfully arranged.
Investment
From USD $12,000 per person
(based on double occupancy)
Private Group Considerations
Each journey is tailored with care and may be adjusted based on group size, preferences, and level of customization.
Preferred arrangements are available for private groups.
Included Highlights
- Curated boutique accommodations
- Private transportation throughout
- Exclusive cultural experiences and guided visits
- Selected dining experiences
- Priority access to key landmarks
Payment Terms
A 30% deposit is required to secure your journey.
The remaining balance is due 45 days prior to arrival.
All experiences are privately curated and subject to availability.
Not Included
Flights, alcoholic beverages, gratuities, travel insurance, and personal expenses.
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended to ensure peace of mind throughout your journey.
Request Your Private Journey
→ Inquire privately to begin your journey.
Request Your Private Journey
By private request only
With love,
Minchu
Minchu M. Mendive - Certified Travel Advisor
Minchu M. Mendive
Certified Travel Advisor
with more than four decades of experience