20th January 2016: Exploring three Italian cities in such a short space of time sounded a little daunting at the time, but I need not have worried, as the organisation by Kirker Holidays was second to none. Travelling to Rome, Florence and Venice was completely stress free thanks to Kirker's attention to detail and ground arrangements, making travel between these cities the very relaxing and absolutely worthwhile. With nothing being left to chance, all that was left to do was enjoy the experiences all three amazing cities have to offer.
Rome
First stop was Rome and with our private transfer vehicle waiting, we arrived at the Hotel de Russie in no time. For anyone visiting Rome, this 5* deluxe hotel is definitely one to consider. In a great location, between the Spanish Steps and Piazza del Popolo, it offers classically furnished rooms, modern facilities and impressive architecture, providing a perfect combination of old and new. With its own wonderful courtyard and secret garden, it’s the perfect spot to relax over a few drinks and enjoy the delicious local cuisines. The peace and serenity this hotel provides almost makes you forget you are in the middle of the busy city of Rome. If you’re looking for something a little less expensive, there are plenty of other 3 and 4 star hotels to choose from, so there is really something for every budget here in Rome.
A trip to Rome wouldn’t be complete without a tour of the city and one I can really recommend is the panoramic tour, which was very comprehensive. We enjoyed lunch at the hotel Villa Spalletti Trivelli, which was the private home of the noble Spalletti Trivelli family. Today it remains exquisitely furnished and serves as a very special boutique hotel, offering an experience that is truly unforgettable.
Another tour I would highly recommend is the 2-hour guided walking tour. With exceptional guides and the personal nature they provide, you really feel that you are an individual being shown the sites. They allow you to really take it all in and with the opportunity to ask questions and gain local knowledge; it’s almost like a one on one experience. It was so good, we even had other tourists trying to gate crash our guided talk. With so many amazing places to visit in Rome, guided tours make it easy to see as many as possible, and with local experts to give you inside tips, you are also introduced to places you may never have thought to visit yourself.
Florence
Next stop is beautiful Florence and what better way to travel than by train? Travelling by the Italo high-speed train link, the journey is quick and easy, allowing you to enjoy the passing scenery in style. All three classes on these trains are to a high standard; the higher even offering free drinks and snacks, but the most impressive factor is how quick you arrive at your destination. With the smoothness of the journey, you don’t even notice you are actually travelling 300 kilometres per hour. For stress free travel between cities, the Italio train is definitely something to contemplate.
Another wonderful hotel to look into is the Hotel Savoy. Another 5* deluxe hotel, it’s well positioned on the Piazza della Repubblica and offers views of a lovely square. With contemporary rooms and an alfresco terrace at the front, you’ll be able to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere at the bar and restaurant. Its location is really at the heart of Florence, within walking distance to the River Arno, Ponte Vecchino, Boboli Gardens and even Pitti Palace, making it easy to explore.
We enjoyed a lovely lunch at the Relais Santa Croce, an elegant Palazzo built in the 1700’s. Located only 50 metres from the Santa Croce Basillica, many of its rooms overlook the beautiful Florence skyline, making it the perfect hotel for a special occasion.
Here in Florence there are also plenty of opportunities for guided walking tours, and when organised with Kirker, some even include entrance to the Uffizi Museum, the Accademia or even the Bargello galleries. This unique and compact city is definitely a wonderful place to discover.
Venice
After another high quality train journey through beautiful countryside, we arrived in iconic Venice. Staying at the memorable 15th century Gritti Palace, we enjoyed stunning views of the Grand Canal. This hotel, among others, offers a motor launch to the hotel, making travelling with luggage very easy. This is definitely something worth looking into when planning a trip to Venice. The rooms and suites of the Gritti Palace offer the perfect combination of traditional and modern, while the public rooms are in the grand Venetian style. Only a ten-minute walk from St Marks Square, it’s an excellent position for those wishing to explore the legendary sights.
Another wonderful hotel to consider is the 4* superior Londra Palace hotel, which provides a very good standard at excellent prices. This hotel offers wonderful alfresco dining on a terrace overlooking the lagoon, and even the Kirker rooms offer spectacular lagoon views at no extra charge.
A 2-hour private walking tour gave a wonderful personalised perspective of the city, and at only £15 per person, it was well worth it. Another worthwhile visit is the Lido area of the city, offering the access to the Lido beach area. Particularly in the summer time, this area is definitely one to think about. With hotels such as The Excelsior offering guests a complimentary motor launch throughout the day, you’ll feel well connected to the city, while still having a more relaxed place to stay.
After returning from this trip, it’s clear that each city has its own unique highlights and with Kirker’s amazing service we finished just as we started, feeling very special and relaxed. Never worry about doing a multi centre in this way, all these cities are so different and will offer you an unforgettable time in your travels.
Explore our City Breaks
Choose from our selection of the best city breaks for Spring 2016, or give us a call or pop into one of our shops to talk to a Travel Specialist about tailor making your next trip.
