Florence: The Birthplace of the Renaissance
The Italian city of Florence is one of those places where art and history are so closely entwined that it is difficult to separate them. Historically known as the ‘Cradle of the Renaissance’, Florence is steeped in history and history reflected in structures, beautiful paintings and art, and infrastructural development.
Best experiences in Florence:
- Enjoy the artistic grandeur: In addition to the famous Cathedral of Florence and Brunelleschi’s Dome, visit the architectural wonders of Santa Croce, a Franciscan church containing the tomb of Michelangelo and the Galilei family grave, and the Palazzo Vecchio, the city hall of Florence.
- Unleash your inner art lover: The Uffizi Gallery is a must-visit, but don’t miss the Accademia Gallery, home to Michelangelo’s David, or the Palazzo Pitti, housing a vast collection of art and furniture. For a more intimate experience, explore the lesser-known galleries like the Bargello or the Palazzo Strozzi.
- Embrace the Florentine lifestyle: Stroll across the Ponte Vecchio, a charming medieval bridge lined with jewelry shops, and indulge in window shopping. Enjoy an aperitivo at a rooftop bar, soaking in the city’s beauty. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Mercato Centrale, a vibrant food market offering local delicacies.
- Discover hidden gems: Venture beyond the tourist hotspots and explore the charming neighborhoods of San Frediano and Oltrarno. Discover hidden courtyards, artisan boutiques, and authentic trattorias.
- Experience the Tuscan countryside: Take a day trip to the Chianti region for wine tasting, or visit the charming hilltop towns of Fiesole or San Gimignano.
Don’t forget:
- Witness a masterpiece: See Michelangelo’s iconic David at the Accademia Gallery.
- Explore the Oltrarno district: Discover artisan workshops and local cafes in this charming neighborhood.
Florence is a city that invites you to slow down, savor the moment, and immerse yourself in its timeless beauty.
Venice: The Floating City of Dreams
Venice, a mesmerizing city built on water, is a dreamlike destination that has captivated travelers for centuries. This floating masterpiece, with its labyrinth of canals, iconic gondolas, and stunning architecture, offers a truly unique experience.
Best experiences in Venice:
- Indulge in romance: Glide through the enchanting Grand Canal in a gondola, a quintessential Venetian experience, and admire the city’s palazzos from a waterside perspective.
- Embrace the city’s grandeur: Climb the Campanile, the bell tower of St. Mark’s Basilica, for breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Then, step inside the basilica to marvel at its intricate Byzantine mosaics and golden domes.
- Uncover Venetian history: Explore the Doge’s Palace, a former residence of the Doge, and walk the Bridge of Sighs, once connecting the palace to the prison.
- Soak in the culture: Wander through the charming narrow streets and alleyways, discovering hidden squares, quaint shops, and authentic Venetian life.
- Experience island life: Take a day trip to the enchanting islands of Murano and Burano, renowned for their glassmaking and lace-making traditions.
- Capture the magic: Enjoy a romantic sunset at St. Mark’s Square, accompanied by the enchanting melodies of a live orchestra.
Don’t forget:
- Sample Venetian cuisine: Indulge in fresh seafood, cicchetti (small Venetian snacks), and a glass of local wine while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of a bacaro.
- Attend a classical concert: Immerse yourself in the rich musical heritage of Venice by attending a concert at one of the city’s historic venues.
- Experience the Carnevale di Venezia: If visiting during the carnival season, don a mask and join the festivities for a truly unforgettable experience.
Hear it Directly From Our Satisfied Travelers!
EXCELLENT Based on 337 reviews Posted on Jean VanDenBeldtTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Taylor was prompt, helpful, & available, if needed. She listened to our “wants” list & came up with a great trip to Curaçao.Posted on Mykel PavlakTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Resort was better than expected! All accommodations were great. Would definitely use again. Thank you Taylor!Posted on Taylor MathesonTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Cannot recommend The Travel Byrds (specifically Christina) enough! We decided to go to London and Edinburgh last minute and it would not have been possible with her. I will use her for every trip overseas from now on!!Posted on Jordan BallTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Kika was great! She thoroughly helped in planning our trip and she made adjustments for us during the trip as needed! Would definitely recommendPosted on Maggie HobbsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great experience! Karla was wonderful and we had an amazing time. She chose a vacation spot we would have never even known about without her. Highly recommend!Posted on Lori TingleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a fantastic experience working with The Travel Byrds travel agency! From start to finish, everything was handled efficiently and thoughtfully. Krista made sure we had dinner reservations at a variety of restaurants, provided plenty of detailed information about excursions, and ensured every part of our trip was well organized. We experienced zero travel issues during our stay, which made the entire vacation completely stress-free. This ended up being one of our best family vacations yet, and we truly appreciate the care and attention Krista put into every detail.Posted on Joan NathanTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Maggie with The Travel Byrds was amazing! She took great care to make sure every step of our international vacation was perfect. She sent several emails explaining the currency and customs of each country. Including tipping protocols. She made sure all of our documents were current and ready to go. I cringed about downloading another app for this trip. No regrets!! We checked the app every morning and every night while out of the country. Our itinerary was clearly outlined and so easy to navigate. We actually looked forward to checking the outline every day. Our international return flight was cancelled. It was Maggie who notified us immediately! (Not the airline company, not the excursion company!). She secured a return flight back to the U.S. before the other companies let us know about the cancellation! Top notch service from start to finish. I am excited and calm about our next out of country trip in August 2026. I know she will be monitoring all aspects of that holiday break. Thank you, Maggie!Posted on Justin WolfTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent experience with this company and specifically with Haley. Organized an amazing NYE trip outside of the states quickly, cost effective and fun for the whole family. Will use again!Posted on Quinlyn SchultzTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Maggie made it so easy planning our Honeymoon! She did all the hard work and we had the most relaxing vacation! She is the best!Verified by TrustindexTrustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more
Contact Our Italy Specialists to Plan Your Tailor-Made Trip!
Begin your Italian adventure and discover why this captivating country attracts travelers from all over the world
Italy Travel Expert — Crafted by Those Who’ve Been There
Speak with a Italy specialist to plan your tailor-made escape. We’ve explored the islands ourselves, so every journey is crafted from real experience and designed around you.
Italy Travel Expert — Crafted by Those Who’ve Been There
Speak with a Italy specialist to plan your tailor-made escape. We’ve explored the islands ourselves, so every journey is crafted from real experience and designed around you.


