Tour Plan
Day 1 – Venice: Arrival & Gondola Tour with romantic aperitif in a luxury location
Upon landing in Venice Airport, you will be met by your private English-speaking assistant who will greet you and escort you to your private water taxi for a direct transfer to your centrally located luxury hotel: Hotel Londra Palace 5*****. We will book 1 double deluxe room with lagoon view.
Check in and enjoy some free time at leisure.
The Londra Palace has 53 rooms, each with different furnishings in the Biedermeier style, with good quality tapestries and brocades, marble bathrooms and all the comforts of a luxury hotel.Every room is unique: a feature which makes the hotel all the more desirable. The view is always enchanting: choose between the San Marco Basin and the Venetian Lagoon on the one hand, or the historic city’s roofs and bell towers on the other.
Its restaurant, the DO Leoni, is a temple to Venetian cuisine, thanks to the artistry of its chef, Loris Indri. Loris combines tradition and innovation, offering the stimulation of good food with the pleasure of dining in elegant atmosphere-filled surroundings.
In the late afternoon you will discover some hidden canals and visit Venice from a different perspective. Accompanied by our local tour leader, you will have a chance not only to wander around, but also to hear about the history, the architecture, the incredible art and all about what life is like living in a lagoon with 118 islands, all connected by nearly 450 bridges. From this point on, you will be travelling by a gondola that will take you to a luxurious palace for an aperitif. The perfect combination of wonderful views from the palace terrace and most delicious finger-food and drinks to finish off your perfect day.
The rest of the evening will be at leisure.
Day 2 – Venice: Venice Highlights & PM Grand Canal boat tour with Murano and Burano
After breakfast, you will be met by your private English-speaking guide and start a wonderful walking tour discovering both the political and the religious center of the Serenissima Republic of Venice, St. Mark’s Square and its monuments. Firstly the Doge's Palace, the seat of government of the Republic and the Doge's private residence. Visit the Palace including the halls of government and justice, the private apartments of the Doge, the dark, dingy and damp prisons. Walk across the famous Bridge of Sighs and discover why it has this unusual name. We will continue with the Basilica, where lies to rest the body of St. Mark the Evangelist. Look at the thousands of square meters of golden mosaics that tell you the story of St. Mark and stories from the Old and the New Testament, the famous gold altarpiece decorated completely with pure gold, enamels, pearls, diamonds, sapphires and thousands of other precious stones, one of the masterpieces and most important pieces of the Byzantine goldsmiths. Climb up to the first floor loggia or terrace with the bronze horses, built in the period of Emperor Constantine, kept in Constantinople, named after him, looted buy Napoleon and brought back to Venice in the 1800’s. From here you will have a magnificent view of St. Mark's Square and its outstanding monuments. In the afternoon you will be met by your private English-speaking assistant and water taxi at your hotel, be prepared for an amazing tour. The best way to know and experience Venice is definitely by private boat and boating down the Grand Canal that is quite rightly called “the most beautiful avenue in the world”. From your boat, you will enjoy the most beautiful parts of the city; you will discover the monuments, the architectural masterpieces, the art and be introduced to the lives of those who created it and endowed in it – artists, noblemen, courtesans and other inhabitants of this incredible lagoon. To get an even better insight of the Venetian culture, you will visit the island of Murano renowned world-wide for its glass. Here, you will visit a glass factory for an exclusive presentation of glass making using techniques that have been passed down through generations. Enjoy watching the masters blowing, shaping and forging the glass into spectacular objects. The factories were moved here in the 13th century and the glass masters were never allowed to leave the island in order to keep their glass ‘recipe’ secret! Next stop will be the next door island of Burano that is an array of colors of the rainbow because all their buildings are painted in bright and vivid colors. Here, you will have time to wander around, meet some locals, enjoy a cup of coffee and take some unforgettable pictures. Finally, you will meet up again with your private driver and water taxi and boat through some smaller and secret canals, while observing the most popular and lively neighborhoods, you will reach the pinnacle of the tour - San Marco’s Square. End of the tour and rest of the day at your leisure.
Day 3 – From Venice to Florence & PM walking tour with food tour and Accademia Gallery
After breakfast, you will be met by your private English- speaking assistant and water taxi for a direct transfer to Venice railway station for your fast train to Florence. Upon arrival, you will meet your English-speaking driver and transfer to the Hotel Brunelleschi 4****L. We will book 1 double deluxe Duomo view.
Check in and time to relax.
This is a 4-star Hotel in Florence center where culture, mystery, trade and religion are clinched together thus creating a haven for sanctuaries, museums and charming corners.
Just a few places in Tuscany can treasure such a striking tale of their location and are so proudly enriched by its intense, particular and fascinating past. The district where this 4-star accommodation is located was once owned by Filippo Brunelleschi, hence the hotel’s name. Over the years, the neighborhood has benefited from extensive and authentic transformations.
Right in the heart of town, peerless in its kind, from a discernible and symbolic perspective, the Torre La Pagliazza, a former prison, embodies the cultural soul and the history of our property. Nowadays, this building, which tells about the ancient times of Florence, plays host to one of the most wonderful 4-star hotels in the region.
You will have the opportunity of getting a close up of the priceless Duomo, main cathedral and the dome done by Brunelleschi, the largest brick dome in the world. You will also see its splendid bell tower: the famous Campanile of Giotto. Next stop will be the political center of the city that will open its doors to us, offering you the chance to visit the Palazzo della Signoria also known as Palazzo Vecchio, seat of the secularists' power and residence to the Medici governing family, today seat of the municipality, as well being the first "piazza" (square) in Medeival Florence, you will proceed to Piazza della Repubblica, built on top of the Ancient Roman Forum, today surrounded by historic cultural cafès, where young intellectual Florentines have always and still do, like to gather. Your walking tour will bring you to the nearby San Lorenzo Market, where you will have a taste of Tuscany’s “green gold”, its renowned olive oil, as well as a variety of cheeses, salami and prosciutto, truffle sauces and balsamic vinegar. You will also have a wine tasting where you will enjoy some of the region’s finest wines. Still not full yet? Next stop will be at a local “fiaschetteria” where you will have a tasting of some of the city’s traditional recipes. The tour will finish in grand style with one of the finest gelato parlors in the city where you can pick your flavor made with genuine and fresh products. After this culinary experience, you will discover the Accademia Gallery Museum where the most symbolic work of Michelangelo is housed: Il David, an expression of beauty and physical perfection. It also has other sculptures by Michelangelo and an excellent collection of Renaissance paintings: you can admire the original plaster cast of “Il Ratto delle Sabine” by Giambologna (The Rape of the Sabine Women) the real marble one is in the Signoria Square, and discover why all artists made plaster casts but not Michelangelo. Other masterpieces include “La Madonna ed il Bambino” (Madonna and Child) and “la Madonna del Mare” (Madonna of the Sea) by Botticelli.
After the tour you can spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure.
Day 4 – Florence: Pisa & Lucca with Bike Tour and lunch
After breakfast at your hotel, meet your private English speaking driver and get ready to discover Pisa. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your private English speaking guide: the tour starts from the central Piazza Dei Miracoli, known as the Square of Miracles, not for any miracle but for its beauty, famous for its Leaning Tower built as a bell tower, the Cathedral and the Baptistry inside of which discover the perfect acoustics. If you observe closely you will see everything leans in the square, not just the tower, we will tell you why! From here, you will have time to explore this small city with your guide and discover the many aspects of this fascinating town, named after a Greek city, from which it is believed originated the first inhabitants. A town, who thanks to its Tower, has become a symbol in Italy all over the world. It has also fascinated many film directors that have chosen it as a location for their film sets. It is so evocative and characteristic, that it has been proposed as one of the seven modern wonders of the world. At lunch time, you will have free time at your leisure.
After lunch meet up with your driver and reach the fascinating medieval town of Lucca for an amazing bike tour within the old walls, surrounding the whole of the old town. You will explore and learn of the beauty of this small but very important town made famous by its Renaissance Walls still completely intact. You will ride on a circle route to the city center and be amazed by the architectural beauty and artistic ambiance of Piazza dell’Anfiteatro built on top of an Ancient Roman amphitheater, hence the name. After the tour, your driver will take you back to Florence and you can spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 5 - From Florence to Cortona & cooking class with dinner
After breakfast and check-out, meet you private English speaking-driver in the hotel lobby for a direct transfer to Cortona. Check into your lovely countryside Relais Il Falconiere & Spa 5*****. We will book 1 junior suite .
The splendid Falconiere Relais is located in Cortona, between Umbria and Tuscany, and features a luxury, private ambience. The frescoed walls, original antiques, wrought iron or four poster beds, and the loomed fabrics all create a feeling of belonging. This typical Tuscan villa which dates back to the 17th century was the home of the famous poet Antonio Guadagnoli. The old-fashioned characteristic of Tuscan charm is evident throughout the particularities of the 26 rooms and suites. Elegantly furnished, each unique in color and décor reflecting the classic and refined style of important Tuscan homes. A few rooms are in the antique villa, some are attached to the villa's chapel near the wellness center and others in the old cottage. The 1-Michelin star restaurant serves innovative culinary creations inspired to the Mediterranean tradition. Guests can enjoy cooking classes and wine tasting. The THESAN SPA offers a wide range of wine therapy treatments and massages using harmonizing natural aromas of Tuscan.
In the afternoon, after some time to relax at the beautiful Relais (you may enjoy some SPA treatments) we will book specially for you a unique experience: a cooking class that will increase your natural love for food and provide you with the skills you need to translate this love into beautiful and imaginative cuisine. This experience will add a pinch of Tuscan life-style to your vacation working with the chef! You will discover the secrets of the true Tuscan cuisine: you will prepare homemade pasta, desserts and many other dishes, before sitting down to enjoy the result of your fun work, so make sure it is good! Rest of the evening at leisure. Overnight in Cortona.
Day 6 – Cortona: Full day excursion to Montalcino and Montepulciano with wine experience & gourmet lunch
After breakfast meet your English-speaking driver in the hotel lobby and get ready for an exciting day where you will discover the Montalcino and Montepulciano wine region. To start the day you will be chauffeured in a luxury car to one of the most famous wineries close to Montalcino . The classic tour is a great introduction to Brunello di Montalcino region and to the wines produced in this area. Explore the process “from grape to wine” whilst visiting the cellars and the ageing room. The tour will let you experience the exclusive “Members’ Cellar”, before enjoying a tasting of four wines, including Brunello di Montalcino and the “Millecento” Brunello Riserva. During the tasting, you will be served grissini and water to cleanse the palate. Afterwards you will proceed towards Montepulciano for another beautiful wine experience. The tour starts at 12pm (for a 3 hour visit) with a visit of the estate vineyards to understand the importance of the terrain, the position in which the vineyards are facing. Then move to the ageing cellars and the Vinsantaia, concluding with a four-course wine-paired gourmet meal in the elegant and panoramic terrace overlooking this incredibly beautiful countryside scattered with acres of vineyards. After lunch your private driver will escort you back to your Relais Hotel in Cortona. Time to relax and enjoy the facilities of this wonderful property.
Day 7 – From Cortona to Rome & PM Vatican City Tour and gourmet dinner
After breakfast and check out from your hotel, you will be met by your private driver and head to Rome. Check into your beautiful Hotel: The First Roma Dolce 5*****. We will book: 1 double prestige room.
Check in and time to relax.
Opened in February 2019, The First Roma Dolce is a prestigious 5-star hotel located on Via del Corso, one of the most important and iconic streets of the Eternal City. It is housed in a magnificent 19th-century building designed by the famous Italian architect and urban planner Giuseppe Valadier. This noble palace recently underwent a complete renovation, giving life to an exquisite and refined hotel with 23 guest rooms and suites. The end result provides an elegant yet comfortable atmosphere comprised of warm and spacious interiors. Suggestive works of art and design furnishings surround the common areas and suites: featuring permanent and temporary exhibitions, each room becomes a small private art gallery.
In the afternoon you will be met by your private English-speaking guide and driver and transfer to the world’s smallest state, the Vatican. Here, tour through one of the world’s most cherished art collections. Visited by over 5 million people every year, the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel play an essential part in your Roman experience. Your qualified expert guide will lead you through the centuries and highlight the masterpieces that no visitor to Rome should ever miss. The treasure trove you see today originated over five hundred years ago, as a result of the humanist popes’ passion for collecting and commissioning artwork. Nestled among several marvels lies the world-famous Sistine chapel. You will be overwhelmed to find yourself at the core of the Christian world as you admire Michelangelo’s stunning frescoes among which are two of his most well-loved masterpieces: the Last Judgement and the Creation of Adam. Discover why frescoes are so special. Finally the guided tour will lead you to St. Peter’s Basilica, where the impact of Michelangelo’s Pietà cannot fail to move emotions, carved by Michelangelo at only 23 years old. Admire the colossal dome also designed by Michelangelo and it still impresses every single visitor to the heart to be standing in the center of the Roman Catholic Church.
After the visit you will have time to enjoy at leisure.
Just for you we will book a very cozy restaurant in a 15th century building in the center of Rome. The warm and romantic atmosphere will be the perfect place for an evening to remember, of taste and savoir vivre, which the Romans know how to do very well. Here, you will be offered a revisited Roman and Mediterranean cuisine: traditional for the quality of the freshest ingredients, modern for the lightness and combinations. Enjoy your dinner and enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure.
Day 8 – Rome: Ancient Rome guided tour & afternoon Gourmand Tour
After breakfast meet your private guide and driver in the hotel lobby for a transfer to the Colosseum.
Walk together towards the glories of the Eternal City and layer by layer, discover how centuries of history changed and buried what was once the ‘Caput Mundi’. Specially designed to provide visitors with an unforgettable experience and in-depth understanding of the splendors of Ancient Rome, this tour will lead you to the most significant monuments and sights of this spectacular open-air museum. Your visit begins as you access the Colosseum, Rome’s most stunning landmark and one of Ancient Rome’s most vital social centers. Once inside the amphitheater, you will tread the same ground as the gladiators and ferocious beasts that once fought here and the emperors, whom with a mere gesture of the thumb, decided the fate of slaves and prisoners. Your professional guide will lead you through the ruins and bring to life the dramas that unfolded within these ancient walls. You will climb the Palatine Hill, the legendary birthplace of Rome where Romulus and Remus are said to have been raised after being found by a she-wolf. From here enjoy a breathtaking view of the Fora and the Circus Maximus where chariots once raced round this 2000 foot track dating back to before Christ with a seating capacity of 300.000 people, still waiting to be excavated. The tour will end with a stroll along the Via Sacra which is the main route through the Roman Forum. After the visit lunch will be at leisure.
In the late afternoon meet your private English- speaking guide at the hotel and get ready for another amazing tour, a relaxing but also exciting and delicious walking tour. You will start with a selection of salamis, the best mozzarella and burrata, the famous Jewish style artichokes, the super suppli (Roman rise balls with Bolognese sauce) and last but not the least Roman style pasta, like Cacio e pepe or Amatriciana to be followed by an excellent espresso Italian coffee. Together with your guide, you will admire the beautiful fountains and street markets, outstanding palaces and little boutiques of artisanal traditional Italian food, unique architectures while breathing in the unique perfume of freshly baked white pizza, gorgeous paintings of famous artists located inside Churches that only Rome can offer, and of course the best Gelato! While tasting the typical Roman specialties, you will learn about the culinary traditions walking through some of the beautiful and most famous piazzas, also including some off the beaten track charming districts, less known but not less important, discovering why food plays such a great role in Italy. For wine lovers we can also combine a wine tasting! End of the tour and enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure.
Day 9 – Rome: Romantic Vespa sidecar tour with aperitif
In the morning you will meet your private English-speaking guide with your sidecar and will be ready to enjoy a unique tour of Rome. The tour will start with the Quirinale Square: the Palace, the Obelisk and Fountain are protagonists along with the Panoramic view. Riding down the Quirinal Hill, you will reach Fontana di Trevi, where you will park the Sidecars and walk to the Fountain. You will proceed towards Trinità dei Monti. This stop also provides a beautiful panoramic view over Rome. The next stop will be in Piazza del Popolo and then, you will have the opportunity to walk through the colonnade of Saint Peter’s square. Then, you will reach one of the highlights of Rome for its view, the Gianicolo, discover Rome’s skyline and time for taking pictures. Here, you will enjoy a quick aperitif. On the way to the next stop, you will drive across Trastevere and Jewish ghetto, two important areas of Rome. Trastevere’s narrow streets and lively squares with markets & cafés, allows you to sense Rome’s authentic soul, going beyond usual touristic attractions. The Jewish ghetto, besides its beauty, is imbued in tangible historical facts. The last stop will be at Pantheon, where you will visit the inside, the most incredible building in Rome dating back to before Christ. You will not miss driving through the central hub of the Capital, Piazza Venezia, which intersects with via del Corso, famous shopping street and via dei Fori Imperiali. Finally, you will briefly stop your vehicles between the Colosseum and the Palatine Hill and from this strategic position, you will make your way to circumnavigate the church of Santa Maria Maggiore, and discover miracles & legends of this important Church. End of the tour and rest of the day at your leisure.
Day 10 - From Rome to Sorrento with stop in Pompeii
After breakfast and check out meet your private English speaking driver at the hotel in Rome and you will reach Pompeii which is approximately a couple of hours drive. Here you will meet your English-speaking guide and visit the archeological site, admire the ruins of this famous city that, in AD 79 was submerged by lava and mainly ashes from the nearby volcanic eruption of Mt. Vesuvius. You will be able to examine close up the daily life of this Roman population and how it was devastated by one of the worst natural disasters in ancient history. The excavations of Pompeii are, due to their importance and relevance, the most visited archeological site in the world. Leave the archeological site with your driver and reach Sorrento at your gorgeous hotel Bellevue Syrene 5***** . We will book a double comfort sea view room.
The Relais & Chateaux Bellevue Syrene is 5-star hotel located only a few minutes from the center of Sorrento, in the beautiful Amalfi Coast, with wonderful view over the Gulf of Naples. Built on the foundations of a Roman villa, the hotel offers 50 recently-renovated rooms, with spectacular sea views, and a blend of antique and modern design furniture. The cuisine makes good use of the experience and cooperation of professional and versatile chefs, capable of following the latest cuisine fashions without disregarding tradition. The Club Lounge awaits guests for light snacks and drinks. The Wellness Center provides hammam and body and face massage programs. Guest have access to the private solarium, arranged with sunbeds and umbrellas, reachable by lift or a pedestrian access featuring Roman-era caves. The staff can assist guest with car or boat rentals and excursions.
Day 11 – Sorrento: Private boat tour to Capri
Breakfast at the hotel. Today, you will have the chance to enjoy the splendid sea surrounding the strip of land of the Sorrentina Peninsula and also discover the secrets of the Island of Capri on board a private boat. Reach by private car the Sorrento port and here you will be met by your private English-speaking Captain who will take you to the island of flowers: Capri. After a pleasant ride (of about 30 minutes) during which you will admire the gorgeous Sorrento Coast, you arrive at Capri. Only a boat trip will give you the most beautiful views of the island, many of which are inaccessible by land, it will offer you a complete visit of Capri. In the small hidden coves you can swim or get a suntan or enjoy the full the beauty of the island from your boat. The excursion includes a complete trip around the island so as to appreciate all the beautiful scenery, like the Faraglioni Rocks, the numerous caves like the White Grotto, the Emerald Grotto and the Blue Grotto, famous all over the world for its intense azure color; entrance into the Grotto, is always subject to excellent weather conditions. The cost of the entrance (about 15 Euro per person) can only be paid on the spot, directly to the staff of the rowing boats, which you have to transfer to and remember to duck your heads! During the tour there will also be a stop on the island of Capri by foot to visit its incredible attractions. Your return to Sorrento is planned for 05:00 pm. Private harbor very close to your hotel.
Day 12 - Sorrento: Private tour of the Amalfi Coast & unique lunch in Ravello
After breakfast at your hotel, you will be met by your private English-speaking driver for a full day tour in the Amalfi coast. He will drive you along the enchanting route of the “Divine Coast”: where you will have several stops on the way at the panoramic viewpoints to take some breathtaking pictures. Then, you will have time to discover and relax on the top of Positano, a small village with Mediterranean styled white washed houses covered with bright pink bougainvillea. Then, your driver will escort you to Ravello for relaxing moments in the picturesque square where you can admire the magnificent panorama that has inspired poets, philosophers and beauty lovers throughout the centuries. Here, we will book an unforgettable lunch in a unique location: at the Belmond Hotel Caruso. Famed for its superb selection of fresh, local Mediterranean dishes, Belmond Hotel Caruso’s Belvedere Restaurant offers diners an unforgettable experience. Chef Mimmo di Raffaele takes guests on a tantalizing journey of discovery. Traditional Italian specialties inspire innovative dishes. Dine in the elegant indoor dining room, the atmospheric outdoor terrace, or in the al fresco area close to the infinity pool looking over the sea, surrounded by ancient rose bushes. After lunch, you will proceed to the nearby Amalfi, one of the oldest Maritime Republics. Here, you will have free time at leisure to wander through the labyrinth of streets and admire the magnificent and imposing facade of the cathedral of Saint Andrea with its unique Arab Norman and Romanesque Style. Later, in the afternoon, your driver will take you back to your hotel. Overnight in Sorrento.
Day 13 - From Sorrento to Naples: departure
After breakfast and check out, you will be met by your English-speaking driver and transfer to Naples airport for your flight back home.
2 nights at the Hotel Londra Palace 5**** (or similar) in Venice – 1 double deluxe room with lagoon view
All meals not mentioned in the program
A perfect holiday in Italy! - From the time we arrived in Naples until the time we left Sorrento a week later, everything was perfect! The driver that we had was wonderful ( his name... read more 
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Dennis D
Betty M
Jacob A