Tour Plan
Day 1 – Rome: Arrival & “Rome by Night” tour with Michelin starred dinner
Upon landing at Rome Fiumicino airport, you will be met by your private English speaking driver for a direct transfer to your hotel: Grand Hotel De La Minerve 5*****. We will book: 1 Double Classic room. Check in at the hotel and the rest of the day at leisure.
The Grand Hotel De La Minerve is housed in a magnificent mansion dating from the 1600s. Set in Rome’s historic center, the hotel overlooks the Pantheon and is just a few minutes’ walk from Piazza Navona, the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps. Completely renovated to better meet the needs of its modern, sophisticated clientele, the hotel has retained its noble, elegant lines and the warmth of a comfortable, welcoming aristocratic “home”. It offers 135 rooms including Classic, Superior, Deluxe, Junior Suites and Suites. A fitness room with cardio-fitness equipment is available for exclusive guest use. All year long, the spectacular Minerva Roof Garden restaurant on the terrace offers a stunning view of Rome and an unique gourmet experience through typical Italian dishes at lunch and dinner.
In the evening meet your English speaking driver for a direct transfer to a wonderful Michelin Starred restaurant, recognized by the American Academy of hospitality Sciences with a winning 5 star Diamond Award, called Aroma Palazzo Manfredi, which will leave you speechless. A Michelin starred Restaurant where you will taste classic Italian dishes on a picturesque outdoor terrace offering an unparalleled view of the Colosseum. With only 28 seats the restaurant is both intimate and grandiose, perfect for romantic dinners and special occasions.
You will be offered a complete dinner, with expertly cooked, uniquely flavored dishes all prepared by a highly skilled chef. After dinner you will be met again by your private English speaking driver, who will delight you with stories and legends together with some history of the most famous Roman monuments. You will be able to admire, photograph and learn about their incomparable history by moonlight: this is a unique experience that Dragonfly Tours has reserved exclusively for you. After the tour your driver will accompany you back to your hotel for your overnight stay.
Day 2 - Rome: Vatican Tour
After breakfast at your hotel, you will be met by your private English speaking driver and guide for a direct transfer to the Vatican Museums. There are no queues and no waiting as your specialist guide introduces you to the masterpieces of such great painters as Raffaello, and Michelangelo. This is one of the greatest art collections ever, a collection gathered through the centuries by the Popes. You will see the wonderful Cortile della Pigna (" Pinecone Courtyard"), followed by one of the finest collections of antique Greek and Roman statues in the world. Be enchanted by the stunning vision of the Sistine Chapel and also direct access into Saint Peter's Basilica; a sacred place designed and executed by some of the greatest architects of the XVI century, from Bramante to Michelangelo and from Raphael to Bernini. After the visit, free time for lunch and the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 3 – Rome: Ancient Rome and lunch with view on the Colosseum
After breakfast, meet your private English speaking driver and guide. You will make your way to the Ancient part of the town: the Colosseum and Roman Forum. With direct access to this remarkable landmark and no waiting in long lines, you will be awestruck even before entering. Once inside, your personal guide will bring to life the ancient world of the various emperors, noblemen, aristocrats, gladiators and wild beasts that once populated this building. You will then be accompanied to the nearby Roman Forum, known as the "heart" of ancient Rome, and the commercial, political and religious center. After the visit, you will walk to a restaurant overlooking the Colosseum that we have booked for you. Here, you will sample a menu carefully selected by the chef with various dishes prepared with the freshest ingredients of the traditional Italian cuisine, dining on a stunning terrace with the Colosseum , life size, right in front of you. The rest of the day will be at leisure.
After breakfast, meet your private English speaking driver for a direct transfer to Rome’s station. Take your direct fast train to Florence. Upon arrival in Florence, you will meet your private English speaking driver for a transfer to your hotel in Florence: Relais Santa Croce 5*****. We will book 1 Double deluxe room. Check in and the rest of the day to relax and start to discover Florence.
In the heart of Florence, an 18th-century palazzo is home to the exclusive and elegant hotel Relais Santa Croce. You will be enchanted by this truly extraordinary setting with sumptuous furnishings and frescoed ceilings while being assisted by the highly professional staff. The 24 rooms are all thoughtfully furnished: period furniture combined with design elements, elegant upholstery and luxury finishings like the wood-paneled walls. The bigger suites, with a view of the namesake cathedral, are on the main floor of the Ciofi-Jacometti Palace. The “Guelfi e Ghibellini” restaurant stands out for its Mediterranean character and strong inclination for Tuscan specialties, a perfect combination of traditional flavors and the rebirth of the local cuisine. Drinks and snacks are served at the bar and in the impressive Music Room.
Day 5 – Florence: walking tour including Accademia Gallery
After breakfast you will be met by your private guide in hotel lobby who will take you for a leisurely walking tour of the city including a visit to the Accademia Gallery. Together you will make your way first to Santa Maria Novella and then discover the Accademia Gallery, where the most symbolic work of Michelangelo is housed: Il David, an expression of beauty and physical perfection. There are also other sculptures by Michelangelo and an intriguing collection of Renaissance paintings: you will admire also the plaster cast of “Il Ratto delle Sabine” by Giambologna (The Rape of the Sabine Women) and discover why all artists made plaster casts but not Michelangelo. Gaze at the paintings of “La Madonna ed il Bambino” (Madonna and Child) and “la Madonna del Mare” (Madonna of the Sea) by Botticelli. End of tour and the rest of the day will be at leisure.
Day 6 – Florence: Food Tour
Breakfast at your hotel and meet your private English speaking guide in the hotel lobby and you will start your walking tour that will take 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 of the city where you can pick your favorite flavor made with genuine and fresh products. After this culinary experience, you will have the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 7 – Florence to Sorrento
After breakfast, meet your private English speaking driver for a transfer to Florence Railway station. Take your direct fast train to Naples. Upon arrival in Naples, you will meet your private English speaking driver and transfer to your hotel in Sorrento: Hotel Bellevue Syrene 5*****. We will book 1 Double comfort room with Sea View. Check in and rest of the day to relax and start to breathe in the sea air. 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 8 – Sorrento: Private tour of the Amalfi Coast & unique lunch in Ravello
After breakfast, you will be met by your private English speaking driver for a full day tour along the Amalfi coast along the enchanting route known as the “Divine Coast”: on the way, you will have stops from 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 style white washed houses covered with bright pink bougainvillea.Then, your driver will escort you to Ravello for relaxing moments on the picturesque square where you can admire the magnificent panorama that has inspired poets, philosophers and beauty lovers for centuries. Here, we will reserve for you 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, 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 alleys and admire the magnificent and imposing facade of the cathedral of Saint Andrea with her unique Arab Norman and Romanesque Style. Later, in the afternoon, your driver will take you back to your hotel in Sorrento.
Day 9 – Sorrento: Cooking Class with lunch
Today you will spend a pleasant and exciting day in the countryside of Sorrento (about a 10 km drive) for a special gourmand experience. Silence and beauty are the two main words that describe this farmhouse holiday spot in Sorrento. A true farmhouse where products from the vegetable garden are cultivated by local farmers and brought fresh to the table. Those who wish to participate in farm activities like this are more than welcome. A small hill immersed between sea and land where days go by slowly and you can completely forget about the noisy city chaos. In this farmhouse, you truly find the hidden side of the Amalfi Coast, made of strong citrus plant aromas, small paths winding through the beautiful landscapes which takes you straight down to the beach, experiencing it all at a slow and easy farmhouse pace.
After breakfast, meet your private English speaking driver at your hotel and transfer to the chosen location for your cooking class. Upon your arrival, you will visit the farmhouse and the kitchen and then, together with your private English speaking chef-guide, you will pick your vegetables straight from the garden: and with these ingredients, you will create a typical local menu. The chef will show you how to create tasty pasta dishes, incorporating her own special recipes. You will learn the secrets of traditional Italian Cuisine during your 4 hour cooking class, in a relaxing, friendly and warm atmosphere and you will be able to taste the various recipes and enjoy some of the best local wine, while sitting and relaxing on the terrace. Once at home you will be able to cook these Italian meals for your family and friends. After lunch, your driver will transfer you back to your hotel and you will have the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 10 – Sorrento to Sardinia
After breakfast and check out from your hotel, meet your private English speaking driver for a direct transfer to Naples airport for your flight to Olbia (Flight not included). Upon arrival in Olbia, you will be greeted by you private English speaking driver for a transfer to your hotel: Villa Del Golfo 4****. We will book 1 Double Superior room with Sea View and Balcony. Check in and the rest of the day at leisure.
Relais Villa del Golfo & Spa is located in one of the most hidden places of Gallura, the north-eastern part of Sardinia and is washed by the clear waters of the bays of the Costa Smeralda. It is the starting point to live an exciting experience at the discovery of National Park of La Maddalena Archipelago and its wanderful beaches. Costa Smeralda and its surroundings are a cool, modern and harmonious environment where the Mediterranean architecture is tinged with hints of the Sardinian tradition and sober design. Luxury Suites at Relais Villa del Golfo & Spa, for those looking for more privacy, are a true romantic nest among the granite rocks of the Coast, each with garden and private pool from which to admire the fantastic landscapes.
Day 11 – Cannigione: excursion by boat to Maddalena Archipelago
After breakfast at your hotel you will be ready to depart for a semi private excursion from your Hotel by boat to the La Maddalena archipelago. You will enjoy the gentle sea breeze, warm sun and crystal clear water on your boat. A day dedicated to experience nature discovering the pleasure of sailing comfortably accompanied by an experienced skipper and his assistant, you will enjoy the stunning Coasts and enchanting bays of La Maddalena archipelago, one of the most beautiful in the world. You will have beverages, snacks and beach towels at your disposal during your excursion. Lunch will be served on board.
Day 12, 13 and 14 – Cannigione: free days
Breakfast at your hotel and free days on your own to discover this incredibly beautiful island.
Day 15 – Cannigione: Departure
After breakfast and check out, your private English speaking driver will take you to Olbia airport where you will take your flight back home.
3 nights at Grand Hotel De La Minerve 5***** (Rome) or similar in 1 Double Classic Room
Municipality taxes at hotels that have to be paid on arrival directly at each hotel
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 
sancurtis
Dennis D
Betty M
Jacob A