Two Imperial Capitals

Itinerary

1. Day 1 Arrival in Rome

   The capital of Italy is a vibrant, energetic and stylish city. While thoroughly modern in sensibility, Rome is also home to some of the world’s most important works of classic art and architecture. This city has been an epicenter for culture, politics and religion for more than 2,500 years. From the Spanish Steps to the Vatican, there are more than enough sights to keep even the most active tourists busy and even somewhere as popular as Rome you can find places just off the tourist trail and bustling with locals. But it’s also nice to slow down and enjoy Rome’s famous cafes and restaurants, which can be just as beguiling as the buildings. Lounge with an espresso on the Campo de Fiori and watch the changing light on the fountains and the facades. Visit the Vatican and explore some of the world’s most beautiful churches. Rome really comes alive at night, when restaurants and wine bars bring a renewed vitality to the city. You’ll also have opportunities for day trips to local vineyards, olive groves, and other places producing regional delicacies. No matter what your interests, or what kind of holiday you’re looking for, Rome will be an enjoyable destination.

   After you land at Rome's Fiumicino airport you will be met in the arrivals hall by a driver holding a sign with your name on. The journey to your accommodation in the center of Rome should take around an hour.

2. Day 2 Your First Full Day in Rome

   

   Gladiator's Gate Special Access Colosseum Group Tour

   On this tour, you will enter the Colosseum like a gladiator, venturing through its ancient corridors and entering via the Gladiator’s Gate. You will hear captivating tales of emperors and ruthless crowds, then ascend to explore the Colosseum's first and second levels with your guide. You will conclude your adventure with a captivating tour of Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum, where history comes alive amidst the ancient ruins.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 3 hours 15 minutes

   Included in your vacation package price

3. Day 3 Your Second Full Day in Rome

   

   Vatican Early Morning Small Group Tour

   Your semi-private early morning Vatican tour begins near the entrance of the Vatican Museums, where you will meet your expert guide. Explore the Pinecone Courtyard, Octagonal Courtyard, and galleries filled with masterpieces, including the Laocoön, Apollo Belvedere, and the Belvedere Torso. Visit the Sistine Chapel, where you can admire Michelangelo’s breathtaking ceiling frescoes and “The Last Judgement” before the crowds arrive. The tour continues through the Raphael Rooms and St. Peter’s Basilica, where you will see Michelangelo’s Pietà, Bernini’s Baldacchino, and the grandeur of Piazza San Pietro.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 3 hours 30 minutes

   Included in your vacation package price

4. Day 4 Your Third Full Day in Rome

   

   Baroque Masterpieces - Borghese Gallery Small Group Tour

   Explore the Borghese Gallery on a small group tour through one of the world’s top private art collections. Set in Rome’s Borghese Gardens, the museum features works by Bernini, Caravaggio, Canova, and Raphael. Skip the lines with pre-reserved tickets and enjoy expert commentary on iconic masterpieces. Discover Italy’s artistic heritage in a calm, intimate setting.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 2 hours

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

   

   Rome E-Bike Group Tour with Street Food and Market Visit

   Join a 3-hour 30-minute guided e-bike street food tour and taste your way through Rome. Start at Campo dei Fiori with fresh pizza and artisanal cold cuts, then ride to Trastevere for classic Roman supplì. Continue to Mercato Testaccio for handmade pasta and wine, followed by creamy gelato near Circus Maximus. Along the way, discover the rich history behind Rome’s iconic street food.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 3 hours 30 minutes

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

5. Day 5 Traveling to Vienna / Arrival in Vienna

   Our driver will pick you up from your accommodation and take you to the airport in plenty of time for your departing flight.

   Vienna is a timeless city of high culture, grand cafes, breathtaking architecture and more, all set on the banks of the majestic Danube River. The moment you set foot in the city you’ll see why Vienna’s center is on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Often regarded as the world capital of music, Vienna is the place where Beethoven and Mozart made history. Even today a visit to the opera or a classical music performance at one of the city’s sublime concert halls is an unforgettable experience. Stephansplatz, Vienna's main square, is dominated by the impressive eponymous gothic St. Stephen's Cathedral. Inside you’ll find a rich collection of artistic treasures, and the view from the tower is well worth the climb, offering amazing views over the city. But the cathedral is only one of the most visible attractions in Vienna. You won’t want to miss the magnificent Schonbrunn Palace and the imperial Hofburg Palace. Explore the city on foot, in a car, or by bike: the choice is yours. If you’d like to go farther afield you can even take a river cruise to nearby Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, or a bike trip to local wineries. But you don’t have to leave Vienna to have a wonderful time. Simply strolling through the pedestrian zones in the city center and stopping for a coffee and a slice of cake make for a truly enjoyable vacation.

   Upon arriving at Vienna's airport, we'll have a driver waiting to greet you and transfer you to your accommodation.

6. Day 6 Your First Full Day in Vienna

   

   Classic and Hidden Gems of Vienna

   There’s so much to see in the center of Vienna! From palaces built by the Habsburgs through music halls and residential buildings - all you see will take you back in time to a really prosperous historical era when Vienna was the most important political and cultural center of Central Europe.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 2 hours 30 minutes

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

   

   Schonbrunn Palace Self-Guided Grand Tour

   The Schönbrunn Palace sits atop many people's list of must-see sights within Vienna. Join the self-guided Grand Tour and learn about the lives of the royals who lived within the Schönbrunn's walls with skip-the-line tickets, which come with a 60-minute audio guide tour and entrance to 40 rooms. After the tour we recommend continuing to explore the palace's sprawling grounds on your own.
   

   • Activity Level : Easy
   • Duration : 50 minutes

   Included in your vacation package price

7. Day 7 Your Second Full Day in Vienna

   Highlights of the Wachau Valley

   Visit several wineries that offer a variety of vintages, from crisp, fruity whites to dessert wines and everything in between. This small group tour is the perfect choice for wine lovers looking for a unique wine tour experience. You'll take a break at a traditional Austrian wine tavern for lunch, then dine at one of the many local restaurants offering local and seasonal cuisine, spend time exploring the magical town of Durnstein. Based on the season, you'll be able to cruise on the Danube or visit Melk Abbey.

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

   

   Wachau Winery Bike Group Tour

   Imagine sipping, swirling and slurping through Austria's most celebrated winery region, the Wachau Valley. Renowned for its quality wines, stunning villages, and breathtaking scenery, this stretch of the River Danube is the perfect place to enjoy a day away from the city. You'll enjoy the freedom of easy open-air cycling in magnificent vineyard surroundings. Sample wine at small, local wineries and explore many stunning villages up close. UNESCO World Heritage scenery guarantees no shortage of great photo opportunities along the way. This unique wine tasting bike tour prides itself on showing you the Wachau like no other!

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 9 hours 30 minutes

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

   

   Hidden Wachau Valley Private Day Trip

   This tour is designed for those seeking out culture, history and would like to learn about excellent wines. You'll tour the Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage region famous for its vineyards, visit scenic small towns and villages such as Dürnstein, Spitz or Krems. One of the highlights of your tour will be the Melk Abbey, a gargantuan Baroque monastery.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 9 hours

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

   

   Wachau Valley Winery Small Group Tour

   Discover the breathtaking scenic Wachau Valley on a small group tour. Participate the engaging discovery of small towns of the UNESCO World Heritage area like Dürnstein or Krems. Taste the region's fantastic whites, learn about the collaboration of winemakers of the valley and treat yourself with tasty local snacks. Cruise on River Danube during the summer season (April 1 to October 31), embraced by vineyards, or visit Melk Abbey in the winter season. This day trip will be a jewel during your stay in Vienna.

   • Activity Level : Easy
   • Duration : 9 hours

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

8. Day 8 Departure Day

   Based on your flight departure time, we'll have someone pick you up at your accommodation and take you to the airport.