Celebrate Italy at its most magical on a journey that blends iconic sightseeing with the rare opportunity to experience two of the country’s most spectacular festivals at their peak. In Venice, the legendary Carnevale di Venezia transforms the city into a living stage of elegance and mystery, where masked figures glide through candlelit piazzas, elaborate costumes echo centuries-old traditions, and every corner feels like stepping into a Renaissance painting. As you explore landmarks like St. Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace, you’ll be immersed in an atmosphere unlike any other time of year—refined, romantic, and utterly unforgettable.
Your journey continues through Italy’s cultural heart, from the charm of Verona and the artisan islands of Murano and Burano to Tuscany’s timeless treasures, including the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the artistic masterpieces of Florence’s Accademia Gallery. Along the way, enjoy immersive experiences, regional cuisine, and the perfect balance of guided touring and time to explore on your own.
You’ll then settle into the elegant seaside town of Forte dei Marmi, an upscale Tuscan retreat perfectly located just minutes from Viareggio. From here, experience the electrifying Viareggio Carnevale, where the atmosphere shifts from Venetian elegance to bold creativity and high-energy festivity. Towering, handcrafted floats, lively parades, and a festive coastal setting create an unforgettable finale—making this journey a rare chance to experience two of Italy’s most extraordinary Carnevale celebrations in one seamless, spectacular trip.
Itinerary
TUESDAY - Depart on your overnight flight to Italy, beginning your unforgettable Carnevale journey.
WEDNESDAY - Welcome to Venice! Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and settle in. This evening, enjoy a special Welcome Dinner in your hotel featuring Venetian specialties, followed by an enchanting stroll through the city as you preview the excitement of the world-famous Carnevale di Venezia.
THURSDAY - Discover the treasures of Venice on a guided walking tour, including St. Mark's Basilica, Doge's Palace, and the iconic Bridge of Sighs. This afternoon is yours to soak in the magic of Carnevale, as masked revelers fill the streets with color and elegance. Top off your day with a memorable gondola ride along the Grand Canal.
FRIDAY - Travel by high-speed train to romantic Verona. Enjoy a guided walking tour featuring the ancient Verona Arena and Juliet's Balcony. After free time for lunch and shopping, return to Venice for an evening at leisure.
SATURDAY - Set out on a private boat excursion to the enchanting islands of Murano and Burano. Witness a fascinating glass-blowing demonstration in Murano and admire the colorful charm of Burano’s fishing village. Return to Venice for an afternoon at leisure to enjoy more Carnevale festivities or shopping, followed by a delightful farewell Venetian-style dinner.
SUNDAY - Depart Venice by coach for Tuscany, stopping en route in Pisa. Visit the remarkable Leaning Tower of Pisa (outside view only), along with the Cathedral and Baptistery in Piazza dei Miracoli. Continue to the elegant seaside town of Forte dei Marmi, ideally located near Viareggio. Check in to your hotel and enjoy free time before dinner at a local restaurant.
MONDAY - After breakfast, depart for Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance. Enjoy a guided walking tour featuring the Duomo complex, Piazza della Signoria, and Ponte Vecchio. Then visit the renowned Accademia Gallery, home to Michelangelo’s David.
TUESDAY - Today you’ll head to nearby Viareggio for the spectacular Viareggio Carnevale. Marvel at the enormous, artistic floats, lively parades, music, and elaborate costumes that make this seaside celebration truly unique. This evening, gather for a festive farewell dinner at a local restaurant before returning to your hotel in Forte dei Marmi.
WEDNESDAY - Transfer to Florence airport for your return flight home, taking with you unforgettable memories of Italy’s most magical Carnevale celebrations.
Inclusions
- Centrally Located 4 star Hotels
- More Motorcoach Legroom
- Airport Transfers at Scheduled Times
- Full Breakfast Daily
- 4 Dinners
- Wireless Headsets To Hear Your Tour Guide Clearly
- Travel Wallet, Baggage Tags and Travel Documents
- Baggage Handling Throughout (Except at Airports)
- Hotel Taxes, City Taxes, Hotel Service Charges and all Tips For Hotel and Restaurant Personnel
- Professional Tour Directors and Licensed Local Guides
- Complimentary Wi-Fi On Our Buses
Activity Level
Italy’s charm lies in its cobblestones, hills, uneven paths, and stairs. Most guests—even older ones—find it easy to keep pace. You’ll likely average 8,000-12,000 steps on active days, so bring a pair of comfortable, well-broken-in shoes!
Dates & Rates
| Depart - Return |
Per Person in a Double |
Solo Traveler |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 2 - Feb 10 | $4,595 | $5,595 |
Triple room deduct $445 per person from the Double rate.
Kids under 12 sharing with 2 adults deduct $645 from the Double Rate.
Hotel Info
Hotel Palazzo San Lorenzo ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Palazzo San Lorenzo is a new, four-star superior hotel with an elegant design mix of classical and contemporary. It offers 26 luxurious rooms and junior suites that have been carefully designed in every detail and equipped with every comfort in order to make your stay in Venice an unforgettable experience.
Located directly along one of Venice’s more characteristic canals in the heart of the historical city center, Palazzo San Lorenzo is distinguished by the curved Istrian-stone window sills and the bas relief of the hotel’s namesake.
Venice
Hotel Acapulco ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
The 4 star Hotel Acapulco offers a carefree, serenity-filled vacation, between a dip in our large raised pool, surrounded by greenery, a relaxing bike ride along the waterfront and an afternoon of shopping among the elegant stores in the center.
The peace and silence of the gardens of Roma Imperiale, and then a few minutes' walk or bike ride to the Fortino for an aperitif, or to the beach for sunbathing or a dip in the crystal-clear waters.
Tuscany
format_quote Testimonials
We have recommend Perillo Tours to all of our friends and family and anyone we hear about who is thinking of going to Italy. We certainly intend on going back.
Mrs. W.M.
Today is the end of my Best of Southern Italy tour. Thank you Perillo for creating this new itinerary-we started in Rome, then Naples, Bari and finally Lecce. We were exhausted each night-never a dull moment during the day.. Our tour guide Alessia Spigonardi kept us going-we loved her so much that we will be sure to request a tour with her again in the future. The entire group got along-lifelong friendships were created. Our driver Alessandro did a fantastic job getting us everywhere we needed to be and always on time. His driving skills are impeccable. Our hotels were all beautiful and classy. We had stunning views at each one. Our dinners were superb. We honestly were treated like royalty. This has been the best travel experience of my life.Thank you Perillo Tours.
Mrs. B.B.
