Food & Wine Adventure: Italy (Nov 30 – Dec 7, 2025)

Day 0 – Flight to Rome

Morning: Depart Houston (IAH) on a comfortable flight with the best available rate, settling in for a ~10‑hour journey.

Afternoon: Enjoy onboard meals and a short rest; the flight crew will serve a light lunch and refreshments.

Evening: Arrive at Rome Fiumicino, clear customs, and transfer to your medium‑range hotel near the city centre for an early night.

Day 1 – Arrival & Light Exploration (Rome)

Morning: After breakfast, take a gentle walk to the Pantheon and marvel at its ancient dome.

Afternoon: Stroll to the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps, pausing for gelato and people‑watching.

Evening: Enjoy an early dinner of classic Roman dishes, then a relaxed evening walk around the illuminated piazzas for a soft landing.

Day 2 – Ancient Rome (Rome)

Morning: Join a reserved tour of the Colosseum and the adjoining Roman Forum, learning about gladiators and imperial politics.

Afternoon: Explore the Capitoline Hill and its museum, then wander to Piazza Navona for coffee and street art.

Evening: Dine in the charming neighbourhood of Trastevere, sampling trattoria fare before a leisurely nightcap.

Day 3 – Vatican & Markets (Rome)

Morning: Use timed tickets to visit the Vatican Museums, admiring the Sistine Chapel and Raphael Rooms.

Afternoon: Walk to St. Peter’s Basilica, climb to the dome for panoramic views, then head to the lively market area near Campo de’ Fiori.

Evening: Enjoy a relaxed dinner in a nearby osteria, perhaps trying fresh pasta and local wine.

Day 4 – Train to Florence (Tuscany Base)

Morning: Board a high‑speed train from Rome to Florence (≈1 h 30 min), enjoying comfortable seats and scenic views.

Afternoon: Check into your hotel, then take a quick tour of the Florence Duomo and the historic Piazza della Signoria.

Evening: Ascend to Piazzale Michelangelo for a stunning sunset over the city, followed by dinner at a local trattoria.

Day 5 – Chianti & Val d’Orcia (Tuscany)

Morning: Drive into the rolling hills of Chianti, visiting a family‑run winery for a tasting and vineyard tour.

Afternoon: Continue to the UNESCO‑listed valley of Val d’Orcia, stopping in the hill towns of Greve, Pienza, and Montepulciano for lunch at a scenic agriturismo.

Evening: Return to Florence, relax at the hotel, and enjoy a light dinner near your accommodation.

Day 6 – Siena & San Gimignano (Tuscany)

Morning: Travel to Siena to explore the historic Piazza del Campo and the magnificent cathedral.

Afternoon: Head to the medieval towers of San Gimignano, then stop in Pisa to photograph the iconic Leaning Tower.

Evening: Enjoy a dinner of Tuscan specialties back in Florence, perhaps paired with a local Chianti Classico.

Day 7 – Chianti Wine Tour (Tuscany)

Morning: Join a guided Chianti wine tour, visiting two boutique vineyards for tastings and a traditional lunch.

Afternoon: Learn about olive oil production at a nearby estate, then enjoy a leisurely stroll through vineyards.

Evening: Return to Florence for a final night, savoring a celebratory dinner and a glass of Brunello.

Day 8 – Train to Venice

Morning: Check out of your Florence hotel and board a high‑speed train to Venice (≈2 h).

Afternoon: Arrive and settle into a hotel near a vaporetto stop; take a quick stroll across the Rialto Bridge and explore the market.

Evening: Wander the enchanting St. Mark’s Square, then enjoy a romantic gondola ride as the city lights reflect on the canals.

Day 9 – Departure (Venice)

Morning: Pack and enjoy a leisurely breakfast overlooking the Grand Canal.

Afternoon: Transfer to Venice Marco Polo Airport for your flight home.

Evening: Arrive back in Houston, concluding a memorable food and wine adventure.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Round‑trip flight Houston–Rome – 10 h each way, $1,200 per adult, $200 for baby (≈$3,800 total)
• High‑speed train Rome → Florence – 1.5 h, $70 per adult (≈$210 total)
• High‑speed train Florence → Venice – 2 h, $80 per adult (≈$240 total)
• Colosseum & Roman Forum tickets – 2 h, $18 per adult (≈$54 total)
• Vatican Museums & St. Peter’s Basilica tickets – 4 h, $30 per adult (≈$90 total)
• Rome evening food tour – 3 h, $100 per adult (≈$300 total)
• Florence Duomo entry – 1 h, $20 per adult (≈$60 total)
• Chianti wine tour (Day 5) – 6 h, $120 per adult (≈$360 total)
• Val d’Orcia winery lunch – 5 h, $130 per adult (≈$390 total)
• Siena day trip – 7 h, $80 per adult (≈$240 total)
• San Gimignano & Pisa combo – 8 h, $90 per adult (≈$270 total)
• Gondola ride in Venice – 30 min, $80 per adult (≈$240 total)
• Medium‑range hotel accommodation – 9 nights, $180/night (≈$1,620 total)
• Meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) – 9 days, $70 per adult/day (≈$1,890 total)
• Local transport & vaporetto passes – 9 days, $50 per adult (≈$150 total)
• Total Estimated Cost: $9,914

Tips

To extend the trip, add an extra day in Florence for a deeper dive into Renaissance art or a cooking class in Siena. If you need to shorten the itinerary, consider dropping the Pisa visit and combining the Siena and San Gimignano excursions into a single day, or replace the full Val d’Orcia day with a half‑day wine tasting near Florence. Both adjustments keep the food‑and‑wine focus while fitting your schedule.