Italy's Culture and Beauty

Italy offers a sense of romance, a depth of history, and an irresistible variety of gastronomy that is unrivaled anywhere else in the world. This handcrafted adventure showcases the best of this divine destination. Guided by local experts, you will retrace the steps of ancient eras, discover the stories behind ruins, and admire the impressive architecture from past to present. Wake up your senses with exquisite flavors and aromas, immerse yourself in the passionate Italian culture, and embrace the experiences that most people only ever dream of. Welcome to La Dolce Vita!

Daily Itinerary

Day 1: Rome Arrival

Rome Arrival
Daily Summary
  • Transportation: Airport Transfer
  • Accommodation: Rome Glam Hotel

Welcome to Italy! You will be met at the airport for your comfortable transfer to the Rome Glam Hotel. Rest up after your flight for a start to your exploration of Rome in the morning! (This service is on a private basis.)

Rome

There are few places on earth where the epic scope of human history can be witnessed all in one place. From ancient Roman ruins, to Renaissance masterpieces, to the modern hustle, human endeavors across three millenia converge in this beautiful, romantic metropolis. The history can be seductive, but a worthwhile Roman experience is finding a secluded, locals-only cafe and slipping into a lifestyle written about in novels, and documented in countless films.

Day 2: Rome

Rome
Daily Summary
  • Tour: Squares and Fountains of Rome
  • Accommodation: Rome Glam Hotel
  • Meals: B

Squares and Fountains of Rome

After breakfast, you will meet with your private guide and driver to begin your adventure. For the next 3 hours, you will visit the most beautiful squares and fountains of Rome. We suggest you stroll through the alleys of the bohemian Trastevere are of the city. (This service is on a private basis.)

Day 3: Rome

Rome
Daily Summary
  • Tour: Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
  • Accommodation: Rome Glam Hotel
  • Meals: B

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel

This morning you’ll begin your explorations of one of the world’s most fascinating Meccas in today’s Vatican City Tour. Stroll the Vatican Museums, which house over 2000 rooms and 9 miles of the most extensive collection of art in the world. Brilliantly decorated and lined with masterpieces, the museums' brim with treasures and history. Your guide will share the stories and secrets contained within the Museum’s walls, pleasures originally meant for the exclusive enjoyment of the Pope.

Your guide will then lead you into the Vatican Museums. Together you will take the beautiful Spiral staircase and continuing through the Gallery of the Tapestries. Walk into the Gallery of the Geographical Maps before arriving in the famous Sistine Chapel with its magnificent fresco of the Last Judgment by Michelangelo. At the end of the tour, you will have free time to keep on discovering or shop.

*Skip the line entrance to the Vatican Museums (This service is on a private basis.)

Day 4: Rome

Rome
Daily Summary
  • Tour: Colosseum and Roman Forum
  • Accommodation: Rome Glam Hotel
  • Meals: B

Colosseum and Roman Forum

Today, with your guide, you will visit the Colosseum and Roman Forum to step into the past and learn about these fascinating highlights of Rome.

The Colosseum was the largest amphitheatre of its time and was the site of gladiator battles, mythological dramas, hunts, and other entertainment spectacles. Learn about the architectural elements including a bird's eye view of the hypogeum (underground) which allowed animals, gladiators, and mechanics for movement of props, and the possibility of flooding the arena via aqueduct.

Remnants of ancient government buildings making up the center of Rome can be seen as you stroll through the Roman Forum. Shrines, temples, statues, columns, and segments of buildings remain to tell the story of Rome's impressive influence.

At the end of the tour, your guide will drop you off in the city center or back to your hotel if you'd prefer. (This service is on a private basis.)

Day 5: Rome

Rome
Daily Summary
  • Tour: Tivoli Day trip
  • Accommodation: Rome Glam Hotel
  • Meals: B

Tivoli Day trip

After breakfast, a private driver and licensed private guide, will be waiting for you in the hotel lobby, to visit the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage sites of Villa D'Este and Villa Adriana in Tivoli, a small town just outside Rome.

Villa D'Este is renowned for its terraced Renaissance garden and impressive number of fountains. It may not be as pristine as Versailles but is well worth exploring and admiring the ingenuity of the terraces and gravity powered fountains.

Hadrian's Villa, or Villa Adriana, has a history dating back to the 2nd century AD when the then Roman Emperor built a retreat from the rigors of leadership. The ruins include fountains, baths, mosaics, sculptures, and provide a fascinating view into the past. (This service is on a private basis.)

Day 6: Rome - Florence

Rome - Florence
Daily Summary
  • Transportation: Train Station Transfer
  • Accommodation: Palazzo Castri 1874
  • Meals: B

After breakfast, you will be picked up at your hotel in Rome and transferred to the Termini Railway Station. You will then board a high speed train to Florence. Upon arrival, you will be able to walk easily to your hotel to settle in, and the rest of the day is at your leisure. (This service is on a private basis.)

Florence

Nestled around the Arno river, is this surprisingly small city gave birth to Renaissance giants, and has reaped the cultural rewards ever since. For the art lover, there may not be a greater city in the world to get intimately acquainted with. From the hidden history of the Medici family, to the towering accomplishment of Il Duomo, thousands of stories swirl around this beautiful place. Even today, artists, fashion designers, and other cultural magnates originate from this city that continues, despite its size, to influence western art every year.

Day 7: Florence

Florence
Daily Summary
  • Tour: Best of Florence Walking Tour
  • Accommodation: Palazzo Castri 1874
  • Meals: B

Best of Florence Walking Tour

After breakfast, you will meet your local guide at the lobby of your hotel for a 3 hour walking tour. Discover the city that launched a thousand ideas. Florence was home to the Medici dynasty, the greatest art patrons of their time. Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Brunelleschi, Donatello, Dante, and Galileo are just a handful of the geniuses that thrived in this unique city. Get an intimate look at the churches, galleries, narrow streets, and palaces that showcase their masterpieces. Your guide will take you under the surface to experience the colors, people, and atmosphere of magical Florence. The city is a living museum with majestic palaces and piazzas, statues, fountains, chapels, and galleries that recall the golden age of the Renaissance. Whether taking your first steps into Florence or returning for the 100th visit, there is always more to be revealed in this wondrous city. (This service is on a private basis.)

Day 8: Florence

Florence
Daily Summary
  • Accommodation: Palazzo Castri 1874
  • Meals: B

Free Day

Enjoy the day free at your own pace to discover the magic of Florence!

Day 9: Florence

Florence
Daily Summary
  • Tour: Tuscany Adventure
  • Accommodation: Palazzo Castri 1874
  • Meals: B

Tuscany Adventure

Start the day by crossing the beautiful Chianti hills until you reach the beautiful Siena, famous for its splendid examples of Gothic architecture and the Palio horse race. Follow your guide to the Piazza del Campo, where the magnificent Palazzo Pubblico stands with its Torre del Mangia. Visit Piazza del Duomo and be impressed by the imposing Cathedral, one of the most exceptional achievements of Italian Gothic.

The next stop is San Gimignano, famous for its white wine, the world-renowned Vernaccia, and its skyscrapers (UNESCO Heritage Site)! You will have the time to sight see, stroll around the narrow streets, and admire the landscape before returning to Florence for a relaxing evening. (This service is on a private basis.)

Day 10: Florence

Florence
Daily Summary
  • Tour: Perugia and Assisi Day Trip
  • Accommodation: Palazzo Castri 1874
  • Meals: B

Perugia and Assisi Day Trip

After breakfast this morning, you will be met by a private driver to take you to visit Perugia the capital of the Umbria region, known for the medieval Priori Palace, Gothic architecture, and Piazza IV Novembre considered to be one of the prettiest squares in Italy, and Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis and home to the Basilica of San Francesco d'Assisi. The Basilica and other structures of Assisi were listed as a World Heritage site in 2000.

You'll have the evening to spend as you please once you return to Florence. (This service is on a private basis.)

Day 11: Florence - Milan

Florence - Milan
Daily Summary
  • Transportation: Train Station Transfers
  • Accommodation: STRAF Hotel Milan
  • Meals: B

After a wonderful time in Florence, you will make your way to the station where you will board your high speed train to Milan. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. (This service is on a private basis.)

Milan

Whereas every other city in Italy may love spending time in its past, and honoring its beautiful history, Milan is powering into the future. Italy's modern economy is centered here, and the beating heart of Italian fashion, taste and design is also here. Make no mistake - Milan has not forgotten its romantic past. Modern businesses, offices and shops are all housed in beautiful renaissance-era buildings, and the awe-inspiring cathedral, the Duomo, oversees all.

Day 12: Milan

Milan
Daily Summary
  • Tour: Lake Como Day Trip
  • Accommodation: STRAF Hotel Milan
  • Meals: B

Lake Como Day Trip

This morning, a private driver will be waiting to take you to Como where you will meet with your guide. Enjoy a pleasant cruise by a private motorboat on Lake Como to see the panoramic view of the western shore and the villas such as the Villa d'Este and Villa Gras.

After your time on the water, you'll take a walking tour of the historical center in order to discover the jewels of this beautiful lakeside city. Founded by the Romans, it is surrounded by medieval walls on three sides. The tour will include a pleasant walk along the lake and will continue towards the ancient core of the city, admiring some cute squares enriched with works of art. The Cathedral is its best-known monument, thanks to its Gothic and Renaissance features. Later today, you will return to Milan. (This service is on a private basis.)

Como

Lake Como is one of the most stunning and James Bond lakes in Italy! If specific locations seem familiar, you might have seen them in movies like James Bond and even Netflix's Murder Mystery with Jennifer Anniston. Como is a land of dreams with beautiful villages, historical places, lovely warm people, and delicious food. It is located in northern Italy and home to many picturesque locations. Relax while watching the locals and take in the fantastic lake sights.

Day 13: Milan

Milan
Daily Summary
  • Accommodation: STRAF Hotel Milan
  • Meals: B

Enjoy this free time seeing the sights of Milan at your own pace.

Day 14: Milan - Pisa

Milan - Pisa
Daily Summary
  • Transportation: Train Station Transfers
  • Accommodation: Palazzo Cini Luxury Rooms
  • Meals: B

After breakfast this morning, you'll say farewell to Milan and make your way to Pisa. You will be transferred to the station in ample time for your high speed train to Pisa. Upon arrival in Pisa, you will make your way to Palazzo Cini to rest up for exploration of Pisa tomorrow!

Pisa

Best known for its Leaning Tower, Pisa offers myriad churches, Palazzos, and other examples of art and architecture and a history dating back to ancient times. Located in Italy's beautiful Tuscany region, Pisa is a perfect spot to stroll through historic squares like the Piazza dei Cavalieri (Knight's Square) the Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles) to appreciate the fine religious edifices, ornate facades, and medieval art on display.

Day 15: Pisa

Pisa
Daily Summary
  • Tour: Best of Pisa Walking Tour
  • Accommodation: Palazzo Cini Luxury Rooms
  • Meals: B

Best of Pisa Walking Tour

This morning, you'll spend 3 hours with a private guide to explore the highlights of Pisa. (This service is on a private basis.)

Day 16: Pisa - Civitavecchia Departure

Pisa - Civitavecchia Departure
Daily Summary
  • Transportation: Port Transfer
  • Meals: B

Although your adventure must come to an end today, you will be leaving with new friends, amazing experiences, and memories to cherish for the rest of your life. Once you have checked out of your hotel in Pisa, you will be met by your driver and transferred to the port in Civitavecchia in good time to embark on your cruise. We wish you safe and happy travels onwards!(This service is on a private basis.)

Accommodation

Rome Glam Hotel

Rome Glam Hotel

Nestled in the heart of Rome, The Glam welcomes its guests in a modern and exclusive location. Warm, comfortable and bright rooms with contemporary furniture and conceived with special attention to detail. With its convenient location, the hotel offers easy access to the city's must-see destinations.

Palazzo Castri 1874

Palazzo Castri 1874

Palazzo Castri 1874 is a fully restored boutique hotel dating back to the years of Florentine Impressionism. Treat yourselves to a stay in a sophisticated room with a view of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and the luxuriant inner garden “La Limonaia”. Conveniently located just a short walk from the train station and Piazza Santa Maria Novella, the Palazzo Castri 1874 is a magnificent base for your exploration of Florence.

STRAF Hotel Milan

STRAF Hotel Milan

STRAF is situated in the city centre, a short walk from the Duomo Cathedral, and has its origins in a new concept of hospitality, characterised by a personal and attentive, yet informal service. By choosing unusual materials, recycling objects and experimenting with the surroundings, De Cotiis has achieved an interior design that is a far cry from standard hotel design, and includes elements of industrial style and ´Arte Povera´.

Palazzo Cini Luxury Rooms

Palazzo Cini Luxury Rooms

Located just a 13-minute walk from Piazza dei Miracoli, Palazzo Cini offers comfortable modern rooms and is an excellent location from which to explore Pisa. The Leaning Tower is 0.8 mi away, while Botanical Gardens of Pisa can be reached in a 10-minute walk.

Pricing and Details

Starting from $ 6,933 per person

*Pricing is based on two persons traveling together, based on availability, subject to change.

Price Includes

  • Full support before, during & after your trip
  • Meals as mentioned
  • Accommodation as mentioned
  • Tours/activities as mentioned
  • Transport as mentioned

Price Excludes

  • International & domestic flights
  • Travel insurance (highly recommended)
  • Entrance visas when applicable
  • Other services not mentioned
  • Tips and gratuities to guides, drivers
  • Taxes and fees

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