Tour Introduction
Experience Italy at its most theatrical, flavourful and timeless on this unforgettable journey from Venice’s Carnavale to the heart of Rome. Begin with four nights in Venice, immersed in the spectacle of Carnavale, including a gondola ride, a mask-decorating workshop, the Feast of the Maries, the Flight of the Angel, and a Carnavale Extravaganza Dinner Party. Travel on to Padova and Vicenza before indulging in Bologna’s renowned food scene with guided sightseeing, a cooking class and time to explore. In Florence and Tuscany, enjoy Renaissance highlights, a traditional Bistecca alla Fiorentina dinner, and day tours to Siena, San Gimignano, Montepulciano, Pienza and Montalcino. Conclude in Rome with four nights exploring the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, iconic piazzas and neighbourhoods, a culinary walking tour, and free time to discover the Eternal City — all shared with friends for company.Itinerary Map
Highlights
Enjoy a magical 4-night stay in Venice during the world-famous Carnevale celebrations
Glide through Venice's canals on an iconic gondola ride
Create your own Venetian masterpiece in a traditional Carnevale mask decorating workshop
Experience the historic Feast of the Maries and vibrant Carnevale festivities
Dress in authentic Carnevale costume attire for a spectacular gala dinner at Ridotto Hall, Hotel Monaco
Witness the breathtaking Flight of the Angel and colourful Parade of People in St Mark's Square
Savour the flavours of Venice on a guided culinary walking tour
Stay in the UNESCO-listed city of Padova and admire Giotto's magnificent frescoes
Explore elegant Vicenza with guided sightseeing and a delicious local lunch
Spend two nights in Bologna, Italy's celebrated foodie capital
Discover Bologna's rich history on a guided walking tour and enjoy a hands-on cooking class
Relax with free time to explore Bologna at your own pace
Enjoy a 3-night stay in Florence, the heart of the Renaissance
Visit the stunning Tuscan towns of Siena and San Gimignano, including lunch and wine tasting
Discover Florence's iconic landmarks on a guided Renaissance walking tour
Indulge in a traditional Bistecca alla Fiorentina dinner
Explore the medieval gems of Montepulciano, Pienza and Montalcino
Enjoy leisure time in Florence to shop, dine or wander its charming streets
Tour the beautiful hilltop town of Orvieto in Umbria
Spend four nights discovering the treasures of Rome
Visit the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
See Rome's highlights with a Hop On Hop Off sightseeing pass
Travel with friends for company!
Inclusions
Fully escorted from Australia, with a Sisterhood tour hostess on hand for support and to help make your holiday truly memorable
Return airfares including taxes ex Melbourne (other departure cities and classes upon request)
Services of professional local tour guides
All transportation, including trains and private coaches
Door-to-door luggage service for train travel
Sightseeing as per our itinerary, including entrance fees
All meals as specified in our itinerary
European 4-star well-located hotels with private facilities
Assistance with booking any optional activities
Willing to share option (subject to availability)
Meet and greet before departure via Zoom
Ready-made friends for company!
Notice
Moderate Fitness Rating - A moderate level of fitness is required for these tours due to the length and/or overall physical demands of our itinerary. You can expect to walk more than 10,000 steps daily on more challenging terrain and longer periods. You must be capable of boarding and disembarking coaches, trains and boats unaided, and at times of handling your luggage. For more information on our physical ratings, please click here
TIPPING
Local tipping is customary and appreciated. Sisterhood Womens Travel tipping system on all Group Tours involves passengers contributing to a kitty, which is paid to the tour hostess at the beginning of the tour, who then distributes it daily to service providers on your behalf. This avoids the need for you to consider individual tipping situations daily throughout your trip. The estimated amount for your tour will be confirmed in your final documentation.
For additional information on this tour, please CLICK HERE
Itinerary
Day 1 - Wednesday 27 January 2027
Melbourne - Venice (in-flight meals)
Welcome to Sisterhood Womens Travel!
Join your Sisterhood Tour Hostess and fellow travellers at the designated meeting point at Melbourne Airport for our flight to Venice, Italy.
Sit back, relax and enjoy the inflight entertainment and hospitality of the airline as we head towards the famous Carnivale of Venice.
Day 2 - Thursday 28 January 2027
Venice (D)
Upon arrival in Venice, we’ll transfer by private taxi to our hotel, with time to check in and unwind. Over the next four nights, we’ll be swept up in the enchantment of Carnevale, as Venice transforms into a living fairytale of elegance, mystery, and wonder. From the excitement of donning ornate masks to strolling through cobbled laneways aglow with lanterns and magic, each moment feels like stepping into a dream.
Tonight, we’ll gather for a delicious welcome dinner at a local restaurant—a perfect opportunity to connect with your fellow travellers before an early night to begin dreaming of all the adventures ahead.
Overnight - Hotel All'Angelo, Venice (or similar)
Day 3 - Friday 29 January 2027
Venice Sightseeing (B)
After breakfast, we’ll set off on a half-day guided walking tour of Venice, discovering the enchanting beauty of "La Serenissima". Blending iconic landmarks with hidden corners, our expert guide will bring the history, culture and charm of the Floating City to life in just a few fascinating hours. After some free time to enjoy lunch at our leisure, we’ll experience one of Venice’s most iconic traditions—a serene gondola ride through the city’s romantic canals. Sit back, relax, and take in the sights as Venice reveals its true magic from the water.
Dinner at leisure tonight - Your tour hostess will suggest a venue and meet you in the lobby.
Overnight - Hotel All'Angelo, Venice (or similar)
Day 4 - Saturday 30 January 2027
Venice and the Feast of the Maries (B, D)
This morning, after breakfast, we seize the chance to delve into one of Venice’s most treasured traditions with a Carnival mask-decorating workshop led by a skilled local artisan. Using vivid colours, sparkling glitter, and traditional techniques, you’ll create your own unique masterpiece to take home—a lasting memento of your time in Venice.
Free time for lunch.
In the afternoon, enjoy the Feast of the Maries, one of Carnevale’s most iconic events. Watch as twelve of Venice’s most beautiful young women make their way by gondola from the traghetto at Santa Sofia to St. Mark’s Square. While the gondola procession along the Grand Canal is brief, the real spectacle awaits in the square, where the Maries are formally presented to the public between 3:45 and 4:00 PM—accompanied by music, circus-theatre, acrobats, and clowns in true Venetian style.
In the evening, we'll enjoy a 4-course extravaganza dinner and Carnivale party at the Hotel Monaco & Grand Canal, including the hiring of your very own Carnivale outfit. A magical evening of masks, music, and memories awaits!
Overnight - Hotel All'Angelo, Venice (or similar)
Day 5 - Sunday 31 January 2027
Venice Carnivale Celebrations (B, D)
After breakfast, we immerse ourselves in the vibrant, festive atmosphere of Carnival in Venice with a full day of celebration and culture. First, we head to St. Mark’s Square to witness the spectacular Parade of People in Costume—a colourful, joyful display of creativity and tradition.
Then we experience one of Carnivale’s most breathtaking moments: The Flight of the Angel, as a costumed performer gracefully descends from the Bell Tower of St. Mark’s, accompanied by music, circus-theatre, acrobats, and street performers. A true highlight of the festival!
In the evening, we dive into the gastronomic history of Venice with a delicious culinary walking tour. Savour cicchetti—Venice’s famous small bites—paired with the original Spritz, born in the Veneto region. This immersive experience offers a rich variety of Venetian specialities, leaving you with an unforgettable taste of the city’s flavours. Enjoy the magic of the evening in a more local, authentic setting—away from the crowds, surrounded by aromas, ambience, and the spirit of Venetian tradition.
Overnight - Hotel All'Angelo, Venice (or similar)
Day 6 - Monday 1 February 2027
Venice - Padova (B)
After breakfast, we board a high-speed train to Padova, a city recently added to the UNESCO World Heritage list for its remarkable collection of 14th-century frescoes. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided walking tour of the historic centre, where centuries of architecture blend harmoniously. Discover the impressive Town Hall, an architectural tapestry featuring a medieval tower, Byzantine capitals, a Renaissance courtyard with elegant staircases, 19th-century additions, and a grand façade completed in the 1930s.
Our tour also includes admission to the breathtaking Scrovegni Chapel, home to one of the most influential masterpieces in Western art. Painted by Giotto between 1303 and 1305, these frescoes revolutionised the world of painting with their emotion, realism and storytelling.
Dinner at leisure tonight - Your tour hostess will suggest a venue and meet you in the lobby.
Overnight - Hotel Hilton Garden Inn Padova City Centre (or similar)
Day 7 - Tuesday 2 February 2027
Padova - Vicenza Return (B, L)
After breakfast, we’ll board the high-speed train to Vicenza, a city renowned for its stunning Palladian architecture. Our guided walking tour offers the perfect opportunity to explore Vicenza’s architectural treasures, including Basilica Palladiana, the elegant Teatro Olimpico, and the lively Piazza dei Signori, while also uncovering hidden gems and fascinating stories from the city’s rich past.
We’ll stop for lunch at a local restaurant to try the regional specialty—baccalà, a traditional salted cod dish. After lunch, enjoy some free time to wander and soak up the charm of Vicenza before returning by train to Padova for our overnight stay.
Dinner at leisure tonight - Your tour hostess will suggest a venue and meet you in the lobby.
Overnight - Hotel Hilton Garden Inn Padova City Centre (or similar)
Day 8 - Wednesday 3 February 2027
Padova - Bologna (B,D)
After breakfast, we'll board the high-speed train to Bologna, a vibrant city known for its elegant porticoes, medieval towers, and world-class cuisine. Upon arrival, we enjoy a guided walking tour of the historic centre, beginning in Piazza Maggiore, the heart of the city. Surrounded by grand buildings such as the Palazzo Comunale, Palazzo del Podestà, and Palazzo Re Enzo, the square offers a captivating introduction to Bologna’s rich history.
Continue to the iconic Two Towers, Asinelli and Garisenda, symbols of the city’s medieval past, followed by a visit to the impressive Basilica of San Petronio, a magnificent Gothic church dedicated to Bologna’s patron saint.
This evening, we'll immerse ourselves in Bologna’s culinary tradition with a hands-on cooking lesson at a local restaurant, followed by a delicious dinner featuring the fruits of our labour.
Overnight - Hotel Internazionale (or similar)
Day 9 - Thursday 4 February 2027
Bologna - Free Day to Explore (B)
Today is a free day to explore at leisure.
For those wanting to dive deeper into the city’s famed culinary scene, we recommend optional tours that highlight its delicious local specialties such as mortadella, tortellini, and tagliatelle al ragù.
Wander through the Quadrilatero Market, a lively maze of narrow streets brimming with traditional food shops, vibrant stalls, and cosy eateries. Or opt for Grand Tour Italia, an immersive experience that showcases the biodiversity of Italy’s 20 regions, celebrating their unique food, wine, history, culture, and landscapes. Whatever you choose, Bologna is sure to delight. Your tour hostess can assist with any optional touring.
Dinner at leisure tonight - Your tour hostess will suggest a venue and meet you in the lobby.
Overnight - Hotel Internazionale (or similar)
Day 10 - Friday 5 February 2027
Bologna - Florence (B, D)
After breakfast, we'll board the high-speed train to Florence, known as the Cradle of the Renaissance. Upon arrival, we enjoy a guided walking tour through the city’s historic heart. Stroll across the iconic Ponte Vecchio, lined with glittering jewellers, and pass the portico of the Uffizi Gallery on your way to the striking Piazza della Signoria. Admire the magnificent Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, with its famous dome—Brunelleschi’s architectural masterpiece. Opposite the cathedral, marvel at the Baptistery’s golden bronze doors, known as the “Gates of Paradise,” depicting biblical scenes in intricate detail.
We continue to the bustling Mercato Centrale for a sensory journey through Tuscan flavours, culminating in an exclusive traditional dinner at a local restaurant featuring the legendary Bistecca alla Fiorentina—Florentine-style T-bone steak.
Overnight - Hotel Cellai (or similar)
Day 11 - Saturday 6 February 2027
Florence - Siena - Chianti Region - San Gimignano - Florence (B,L)
After breakfast, our adventure through Tuscany begins! Today’s full-day guided excursion takes us to Siena, the Chianti region and San Gimignano, with a delicious lunch and wine tasting along the way.
We start with the beautiful medieval city of Siena, famous for its Palio—a thrilling historic horse race held annually in the shell-shaped Piazza del Campo. Admire architectural gems such as the stunning Siena Cathedral, a masterpiece of Italian Romanesque-Gothic art, and the towering Torre del Mangia, which offers panoramic views over the city. After our guided tour, we'll have some free time to explore at our own pace, browse the charming botteghe (artisan shops), and indulge in a tasting of Siena’s traditional sweets, panforte and panpepato, at a local pastry shop.
Next, we journey into the scenic Chianti countryside, where rolling hills, olive groves, vineyards, and cypress-lined roads create a picture-perfect landscape. We'll stop at a family-owned Tuscan wine estate to enjoy a traditional lunch paired with a relaxed and informative wine tasting.
In the afternoon, we visit the enchanting town of San Gimignano, once home to 72 medieval towers, 14 of which still stand. Stroll along its main street, lined with specialty shops, with free time before returning to Florence.
Overnight - Hotel Cellai (or similar)
Day 12 - Sunday 7 February 2027
Free Day in Florence (B)
A free day in Florence offers endless delights for us to explore at our own pace. Stroll through cobbled laneways filled with artisan boutiques, leather shops, and elegant fashion stores, perfect for picking up a stylish souvenir or two. Enjoy a relaxed lunch in a sunlit piazza, people-watch over gelato, or admire the beauty of Renaissance art in optional visits to the Uffizi or Accademia galleries. Climb to Piazzale Michelangelo for breathtaking views over the city, or simply wander, laugh, and connect while soaking up the beauty, charm, and romance that Florence so effortlessly offers.
Dinner at leisure tonight - Your tour hostess will suggest a venue and meet you in the lobby.
Overnight - Hotel Cellai (or similar)
Day 13 - Monday 8 February 2027
Florence - Arezzo (B)
After breakfast in Florence, we depart by regional train to the charming city of Arezzo. Upon arrival, we'll begin a guided walking tour that will take us on a captivating journey through the city’s rich medieval and Renaissance heritage. Stroll through the elegant Piazza Grande and Piazza del Duomo, home to the impressive Cathedral, which houses artistic masterpieces by Donatello and Piero della Francesca. Visit the stunning Basilica of San Francesco and meander along atmospheric medieval streets that tell the story of centuries past. Along the way, our guide will share fascinating insights into Arezzo’s history, culture, and notable figures, including poet Petrarch.
Dinner at leisure tonight - Your tour hostess will suggest a venue and meet you in the lobby.
Overnight - Hotel Continentale (or similar)
Day 14 - Tuesday 9 February 2027
Arezzo - Montepulciano - Pienza - Montalcino - Arezzo (B,L)
After breakfast in Arezzo, we'll depart early by private coach for a full-day tour to discover a new and picturesque corner of Tuscany. Our morning begins in Montepulciano, one of Italy’s most charming and well-preserved medieval hill towns. Perched at 605 metres above sea level, it offers sweeping views of the rolling countryside. We have time to explore Montepulciano’s beautiful historic centre.
Next, we travel to Pienza, a jewel of Renaissance town planning and famed for its delicious Pecorino cheese. Savour a cheese tasting and light lunch at a traditional local farm.
In the afternoon, we continue to Montalcino, home to the world-famous Brunello wine. While best known for its prestigious reds, Montalcino is also an artistic treasure in its own right, offering panoramic views over 3,000 hectares of vineyards—1,500 of which are dedicated to Brunello production.
Returning to Arezzo with dinner at leisure tonight - Your tour hostess will suggest a venue and meet you in the lobby.
Overnight - Hotel Continentale (or similar)
Day 15 - Wednesday 10 February 2027
Arezzo - Orvieto - Rome (B)
After breakfast in Arezzo, we'll depart by private coach for Rome, with a scenic stop en route in the remarkable hilltop city of Orvieto, located in the southwestern part of the Umbria region. With roots tracing back to the Etruscans, Orvieto is rich in history and known for its medieval architecture, its role as a papal city, and its stunning location atop a volcanic plateau. Beneath the surface lies an extensive network of ancient caves and tunnels, adding to the town’s mystique and charm. Enjoy time to explore Orvieto’s historic centre before continuing on to Rome.
Dinner at leisure tonight - Your tour hostess will suggest a venue and meet you in the lobby.
Overnight - Hotel Colonna Palace, Rome (or similar)
Day 16 - Thursday 11 February 2027
Rome Sightseeing (B)
Today, to help us get our bearings in Rome, we’ll enjoy sightseeing aboard our Hop On Hop Off bus, taking in panoramic views of some of the city’s most iconic landmarks including the magnificent Colosseum and ancient Roman Forum. With the freedom to explore at our own pace, it’s the perfect introduction to the Eternal City and its rich history, vibrant atmosphere and timeless beauty. (If you would like to tour the Colosseum, please advise at the time of booking.)
Dinner at leisure tonight - Your tour hostess will suggest a venue and meet you in the lobby.
Overnight - Hotel Colonna Palace, Rome (or similar)
Day 17 - Friday 12 February 2027
Vatican Visit and Free Afternoon (B)
This morning we enjoy one of the highlights of our time in Rome with a guided visit to the magnificent Vatican Museums and the world-famous Sistine Chapel. Home to one of the greatest collections of art and treasures in the world, the Vatican Museums showcase centuries of history, culture and creativity. Our visit culminates in the breathtaking Sistine Chapel, where Michelangelo's extraordinary ceiling frescoes leave visitors in awe and provide a truly unforgettable experience.
This afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure. Wander through Rome's charming cobblestone streets, relax with a gelato in a picturesque piazza, indulge in a little shopping, or simply soak up the atmosphere of the Eternal City. Whether you choose to visit a local café, explore hidden laneways or revisit a favourite landmark, this free time offers the perfect opportunity to experience Rome at your own pace.
We have an afternoon at leisure to explore, with dinner at leisure tonight. Your tour hostess will suggest a venue and meet you in the lobby.
Overnight - Hotel Colonna Palace, Rome (or similar)
Day 18 - Saturday 13 February 2027
Free Day in Rome (B, D)
Today we continue to explore the city’s rich culture at a relaxed pace. We can wander the cobbled lanes of Trastevere, browse artisan boutiques and elegant fashion stores, or sip cappuccinos in a sunlit piazza. Revisit iconic sites like the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, and Pantheon or book a tour of the Colosseum (pre-booking is advised). How about a fun Vespa tour throughout Rome, a visit to the ghoulish Church of the Capuchin Monks, or just get lost and see where the day takes you. Of course, our experienced Sisterhood hostess is there to point you in the right direction and help make sure your free day in Rome is a memorable one.
** Optional - Rome by Vespa / Cart - enjoy the sights of Rome on this fun excursion.
Tonight, we enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant, celebrating great times with good friends.
Overnight - Hotel Colonna Palace, Rome (or similar)
Day 19 - Sunday 14 February 2027
Arriverderci Roma! (B)
A morning free before a midday transfer to the airport to begin our journey home. Relax and enjoy the inflight services of our airlines as we head home.
Day 20 - Monday 15 February 2027
Arrive Melbourne (Meals Inflight)
Welcome home! Thank you for travelling with Sisterhood Womens Travel and we look forward to welcoming you to your next adventure.