Best of Italy With Venice Carnival 2026

Upon arrival at Rome Fiumicino Airport, take a private transfer to your hotel for check-in. If time permits, you will enjoy a directional walking tour around the city center with a local guide. Get a first taste of the Eternal City's charm, including the must-see iconic sights, to make the most of your experience in the capital more enchanting.

Set out for a half-day excursion to the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, the most iconic landmark of Roma. Accompanied by an expert guide, step back in time to ancient Rome and learn more about gladiator battles as you stroll along the corridors of the Colosseum.

Spend the afternoon exploring Rome's public squares on your own, like Piazza di Spagna, where Carnival celebrations may begin to appear, with locals donning traditional masks and costumes.

Board a high-speed train to Florence in the morning, which usually takes about 1.5 hours. Once arrive, find your way to your hotel near the railway station for check-in. After a short break, embark on a directional walking tour through the streets to learn more about this Renaissance city.

Begin the day with a private guided walking tour around the heart of the city where time seems to stand still. See the Florence Cathedral, with its gorgeous appearance dotted with ornate sculpture, the medieval Ponte Vecchio, the Piazza della Signoria with various imposing statues, and so on. Later, choose to visit either the Uffizi Galleries or the Accademia Gallery according to your interests.

The rest of the day is free for leisure. You may extend your time in the gallery to immerse yourself in the art world or hang out around local squares with the opportunity to see carnival-themed activities designed for families and children.

Leave Florence behind for Venice by high-speed train, which takes about 2.5 hours. The hotel within walking distance from the railway station is an ideal base for you to explore the city during Carnival. Settle in and then take a guided directional walking tour through the maze of narrow streets. Listen to your guide introduce you to Carnival highlights and event schedules. Don't forget to pick out a nice mask for yourself in preparation for the carnival.

Enjoy the Venice Carnival at your own pace. Wearing your Venetian mask, set out to enjoy the festival! As one of the most famous carnivals in Italy, Venice Carnival features its ornate masks, elaborate costumes, and artistic performances that reveal Venice's unique history and culture. From mid-February to early March 2025, the streets will be overloaded with people dressed in mysterious masks and fancy costumes, and various celebrations will take place every day everywhere, full of an exuberant festival atmosphere. Among them, you may focus on several key events, like the Venetians Boat Carnival on February 16, the Feast of the "Maries" on February 22, and Flight of the Angle on February 23.

Time to say goodbye to bustling Venice. Take the last moments to soak in the Carnival atmosphere or pick up some last-minute souvenirs. Depending on your travel schedule, make your way to the airport or railway station for your onward journey. Alternatively, consider extending your stay to experience the final days of Carnival, including events like the Flight of the Eagle (March 2) and Flight of the Lion (March 4).