Discover Italy – The Ultimate Tour of Italy: Luxury 12-Day Grand Tour

Day 1: Buongiorno Rome

Upon arrival for your Italy luxury tour, a private transfer will take you from the airport to your elegant hotel in the heart of the Eternal City. After check in, meet your Guide for a 5 hour stroll through Rome’s cobblestone streets, which includes:

The Pantheon: Marvel at this ancient Roman temple, one of the best-preserved monuments of Ancient Rome. Learn about its unique architectural design and the mysteries surrounding its massive dome.
Piazza Navona: Explore this vibrant square, known for its stunning fountains, including Bernini’s famous Fountain of the Four Rivers. It’s a lively area filled with artists, performers, and cafés.
Trevi Fountain: Toss a coin into Rome’s largest and most famous fountain to ensure your return to the city. Admire its intricate sculptures and hear the legends associated with this iconic site.
Spanish Steps: Climb these picturesque steps and take in views of Rome from the top. Surrounding the steps, you’ll find upscale shops and charming cafes, perfect for a quick espresso break.
The Roman Forum (from the outside): Walk along the Via dei Fori Imperiali and enjoy an overview of the Roman Forum’s ruins, where ancient Roman life once thrived. Your guide will share stories of the bustling markets, temples, and government buildings that once stood here.
The Colosseum (from the outside): Conclude the tour by circling the exterior of the Colosseum, the iconic amphitheater where gladiators once fought. Your guide will provide insights into its fascinating history and architectural grandeur.

Included Dining: Breakfast at the hotel
Accommodation: NH Collection Roma Palazzo Cinquecento.

Day 2: Rome and the Vatican

After breakfast, meet your guide for a full day of exploring the Vatican and surrounding landmarks. The day’s itinerary includes:

The Vatican Museums: Begin your journey through the Vatican’s vast collection of art and antiquities, with galleries showcasing treasures from ancient civilizations and Renaissance masterpieces. Highlights include the Gallery of Maps, the Gallery of Tapestries, and the Raphael Rooms.

The Sistine Chapel: Marvel at Michelangelo’s iconic frescoes, such as The Creation of Adam and The Last Judgment. Your guide will explain the significance and artistry behind these breathtaking works, providing insights into their history and impact on the art world.

St. Peter’s Basilica: Step into one of the world’s largest churches, where you’ll encounter Michelangelo’s Pietà, Bernini’s grand baldachin, and the sacred papal altar. Your guide will lead you through the basilica, sharing stories of its architecture, artwork, and spiritual importance.

St. Peter’s Square: Explore the impressive St. Peter’s Square, designed by Bernini, where your guide will share the history behind this significant public space. Stand in awe of the grand colonnades and learn about the ceremonies that take place here.

Castel Sant’Angelo: In the afternoon, cross the Tiber River to visit Castel Sant’Angelo, a former mausoleum turned fortress and papal residence. Ascend its spiraling ramp to the terrace, where you’ll be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of Rome. Inside, explore the museum’s exhibits on the castle’s evolution over centuries, from a Roman tomb to a papal hideaway.

After a day immersed in Rome’s spiritual and historical treasures, return to your hotel to relax and enjoy an evening at your leisure.

Included Dining: Breakfast at the hotel
Accommodation: NH Collection Roma Palazzo Cinquecento.

Day 3: Pompeii and the Isle of Capri

Start the day by taking a high-speed train from Rome to Naples and then transferring to a regional train from Naples to Pompeii. Total duration of trip: aprox. 2 hours.

Step into history at Pompeii with a guided tour of its ancient ruins. Then, take a scenic cruise to the Isle of Capri, where you’ll enjoy the island’s beauty and charm. After the day-trippers leave, the island becomes your exclusive retreat. Relax by the pool or enjoy a spa treatment at your luxurious hotel.
Included Dining: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Quisisana Hotel Capri / Sorrento Palace (Seaview Executive Rooms).

Day 4: Explore the Isle of Dreams

Start your day with a private cruise to the White Grotto, followed by a visit to the gardens of Caesar Augustus for breathtaking views of the Faraglioni Rocks. For lunch, you can choose to indulge in Mediterranean flavors at the Michelin-starred Le Monzù restaurant (additional cost) or at one of the many (more) budget friendly restaurants in the area.
Included Dining: Breakfast
Accommodation: Quisisana Hotel Capri / Sorrento Palace (Seaview Executive Rooms).

Day 5: Umbria, Assisi, and Perugia

Depart Capri (ferry + train aprox. 2 hours total trip) and head north through picturesque hills to the UNESCO World Heritage town of Assisi. Explore the Basilica of St. Francis with a Local Historian and sample regional Umbrian delicacies. Continue to Perugia, where you’ll stay in a luxurious five-star hotel.
Included Dining: Breakfast
Accommodation: Brufani, Perugia.

Day 6: San Gimignano and Tuscany

Visit one of Italy’s last hand-weaving workshops in Perugia before journeying to San Gimignano for a wine tour at Tenuta Guardastelle. After a tour and tasting, enjoy a Tuscan lunch followed by award-winning gelato.
Included Dining: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel Montebello Splendid, Florence.

Day 7: Renaissance Florence

Morning: The Art and Flavors of Florence

Choose Your Experience: Art or Culinary Delight
Option 1: Art Tour with an Art Historian: Start your day at the Accademia Gallery, where you’ll visit Michelangelo’s David. With an art historian as your guide, delve into the world of Renaissance masterpieces, exploring the significance of David and other important works housed here.

Option 2: Culinary Tour with a Local Foodie: Begin with a guided walk through the Mercato Centrale, where a local foodie will introduce you to the flavors of Florence. Sample fresh produce, local cheeses, and traditional street foods, as well as Florence’s famous lampredotto sandwich.

Midday: The Heart of Florence and Truffle Hunting

Florence Cathedral (Il Duomo): Regardless of your morning choice, head to Il Duomo and marvel at Brunelleschi’s magnificent dome. Step inside to admire the interior frescoes and learn about the architecture from your guide.

Truffle Hunting Experience: For lunch, take a short drive to the Tuscan countryside for a truffle hunting experience. Accompanied by a truffle hunter and their specially trained dog, explore the woods and hunt for this prized ingredient. Conclude with a lunch featuring truffle-based dishes and a glass of Tuscan wine.

Afternoon: Strolling Florence’s Landmarks

Piazza della Signoria and Palazzo Vecchio: Return to the city to explore Piazza della Signoria, a vibrant square filled with sculptures and the historic Palazzo Vecchio, Florence’s town hall.

Ponte Vecchio: Stroll down to the Ponte Vecchio, Florence’s iconic medieval bridge lined with jewelry shops. Take in the views of the Arno River and admire the picturesque buildings along its banks.

Conclude your day with a scenic drive or a gentle walk up to Piazzale Michelangelo. From this vantage point, watch the sunset over Florence and enjoy panoramic views of the city. You can also choose to have dinner at a Local Trattoria in the area (not included).

Included Dining: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Montebello Splendid, Florence.

Day 8: Tuscan Cuisine and Pisa

Arrive at a Historic Tuscan Hunting Lodge: Begin your day at a charming hunting lodge, set amidst the scenic countryside of Tuscany. The lodge, once used by the Medici family, provides the perfect backdrop for an authentic Italian cooking class.

Under the guidance of a professional chef, learn to prepare classic Italian dishes using fresh, local ingredients. You’ll create traditional pasta from scratch, craft a mouth-watering sauce, and discover the secrets of a perfect tiramisu. After cooking, enjoy a leisurely lunch featuring the dishes you’ve prepared, paired with local wines. Relish the flavors of Tuscany as you dine al fresco, surrounded by olive groves and vineyards.

Afternoon: Pisa Exploration with a Local Expert
Head to the historic town of Pisa, known for its iconic landmarks and rich architectural heritage. Join a Local Expert to explore the Field of Miracles, an architectural complex that includes several UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Admire the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and learn about its unique structure and the efforts to preserve it over the centuries.

Spend some free time wandering the cobblestone streets of Pisa, where you can browse local shops or enjoy a relaxing coffee at a nearby café. In the evening, return to Florence.

Included Dining: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel Montebello Splendid, Florence.

Day 9: Exploring the Cinque Terre

Set out early in the morning on a scenic train journey to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Cinque Terre. The trip typically takes around 2.5 hours by train, offering breathtaking views of the Tuscan and Ligurian countryside.

Begin your Cinque Terre adventure in the charming village of Manarola. Known for its colorful houses perched on rugged cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean, Manarola is the epitome of coastal beauty. Stroll through the narrow lanes with a guide, who will share insights into the history and traditions of this picturesque fishing village. Explore the local shops, and perhaps sample some freshly caught seafood.

In the afternoon, board a boat for a leisurely cruise along the coast, where you’ll take in the stunning cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and dramatic landscapes of the Cinque Terre region. The boat ride provides unique perspectives of the five villages, each with its own distinct charm.

After, relax on the beach, explore the medieval quarter, or find a cozy café to enjoy a traditional gelato or aperitivo. Take a walk along the waterfront promenade and soak up the laid-back atmosphere.

Included Dining: Breakfast
Accommodation: Grand Hotel Bristol Resort & Spa, Rapallo.

Day 10: Venice and the Doge’s Palace

Depart Cinque Terre by train in the morning and arrive at Venice’s train station by early afternoon, where a private water taxi will await your arrival.

Glide along the Grand Canal, taking in Venice’s iconic architecture as you make your way to your luxurious hotel. The journey by water taxi offers a glamorous introduction to Venice, passing by historic palazzos and charming bridges.

Settle into your hotel, and then enjoy a classic Venetian experience with a private gondola ride. Relax as your gondolier navigates through hidden canals, serenading you with Italian melodies as you admire the reflections of centuries-old buildings on the water.

As evening falls, meet a local historian for an exclusive, after-hours tour of the Doge’s Palace. Skip the crowds and explore this Gothic masterpiece at your own pace, hearing fascinating stories about Venice’s rulers and the Venetian Republic. With your historian guide, you’ll gain unique insights into the art, architecture, and legacy of this extraordinary palace.

After your tour, stroll through the quiet evening streets of Venice, or find a nearby cicchetti bar to enjoy local Venetian tapas paired with a glass of wine.

Included Dining: Breakfast
Accommodation: Radisson Collection Hotel, Palazzo Nani Venice.

Day 11: The Magic of Venice

Begin your day with a visit to a renowned Venetian glassblowing workshop. Watch skilled artisans at work as they transform molten glass into intricate designs, using techniques passed down through generations. Gain insights into this delicate craft, and perhaps take home a unique piece as a keepsake.

Join a Local Expert for an intimate walking tour of Venice’s lesser-known alleys and squares. Meander through quiet lanes, discover charming bacari (Venetian bars), and learn about the city’s fascinating history. Your guide will reveal hidden gems and share stories of local life away from the crowds.

Spend the rest of the afternoon as you wish: browse boutiques for handmade goods, explore the vibrant Rialto Market, or relax by the canals with a coffee and enjoy the rhythm of Venetian life.

Conclude your day with a delightful meal at a classic Venetian restaurant. Savor local specialties like sarde in saor (sweet and sour sardines) and bigoli pasta, while reminiscing about your Venetian adventures. This celebratory dinner will offer a true taste of the city’s culinary heritage, rounding off your day with a memorable feast.

Included Dining: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Radisson Collection Hotel, Palazzo Nani Venice.

Day 12: Arrivederci Venice

Bid farewell to Venice with a private boat transfer to Marco Polo Airport for your onward journey.
Included Dining: Breakfast