Introduction
A holiday oozing charm, style, historical brilliance and culinary excellence to make other Mediterranean countries pine over.
Travelling to Italy provides a magnificent fusion of romantic cities, shimmering lakes, beautiful Tuscan countryside, and iconic historical buildings, all mixed with delectable Italian food, famous wine, and kind, endearing residents.
Discover the allure of Rome’s “Eternal City,” get lost in the Renaissance capital of Florence, or wander the lovely canals of Venice. Uncover the lovely joys of Amalfi and Cinque Terre while indulging in the world-class Italian cuisine, and admire with awe the most magnificent coastal towns in the world.
Explore the tranquilly and splendour of Lake Como, Lake Garda, and Lake Maggiore as you travel farther north. The Italian lakes are ideal for a tranquil and romantic getaway because of their stunning scenery, glistening waterways, and lovely architecture.
Your Italian adventure does not need to end, why not extend it and combine it with a mesmerising island escape to Sicily or Sardinia and appreciate their wondrous natural beauty.
Highlights
WHITE TRUFFLES HUNT (6 hours - Tuscany)
Visit a truffle hunter and his trained hounds at a farm in the heart of the Tuscan countryside. Discover how to find white truffles, while enjoying tasting some.
LEARN HOW TO MAKE A VENETIAN MASK (3 hours - Venice)
Learn how to create a beautiful Venetian mask under the direction of a skilled mascareri. You’ll discover everything there is to know about this fascinating piece of Italian culture as you create the most important feature of your carnival costume.
BECOME A ROMAN GLADIATOR (4 hours - Rome)
Experience the Roman ancient world, by dressing as if you were a Roman gladiator. Discover what these courageous entertainers’ real lives were like.
TRAVEL TO TORCELLO AND BURANO (Half day - Venice)
Get away from the crowds by travelling to the peaceful fishing village of Burano, whose ornately painted houses sparkle in the sunlight, and Torcello, which is known for its cathedral covered in mosaics.
SORRENTO FOOD DISCOVERY (Full day - Sorrento)
With a gastronomic tour that takes you to pizzerias, cheese factories, and lemon gardens, you can learn about the proud food culture of Sorrento and how the region is safeguarding its food trade along the Amalfi Coast.
DISCOVER THE VATICAN GARDENS (Half day or full day option - Rome)
Experience the tranquilly and calm of the immaculate Vatican Gardens. Enjoy a green area adorned with ponds, sculptures, and grottoes that spans more than half of the smallest country on earth.
Sample Itinerary
Rome’s magnificent ruins, stone angels, and carved horses all bear the imprints of both past and folklore. The Vatican, a political entity and the centre of the Catholic Church, is located within its boundaries. A trip including the two “Eternal Cities” is both a cultural and religious pilgrimage.
Your trip could start with a personal tour of Rome from your stay at the opulent Holy Deer San Lorenzo City Lodge. Explore the Colosseum’s legendary passageways, go up to the Palatine Hill, and culminate your journey with traditional Italian cuisine at the Michelin AROMA restaurant.
The next stop is Vatican City, where you have exclusive access to the gardens of the Pontiff, the winding passageways, galleries bursting with historical artefacts, and, of course, the stunning Sistine Chapel. Your VIP access also includes an exclusive visit to The Cabinet of Masks, which is frequently not offered even on high-end tours. Historic mosaics that were relocated from Hadrian’s Villa at Tivoli are housed in this area together with a number of exquisite statues.
During your trip you can explore St. Peter’s Basilica, and visit the enormous Apostolic Palace, which serves as the Pope’s official residence.
Your Rome and Vatican City exploration will leave you spiritually energised and inspired.
Day 1: Arrival In Rome, Italy
Upon arrival in spectacular Rome, transfer to your city centre hotel.
Day 2: Rome Exploration
Embark on a tour of Rome’s winding streets with a knowledgeable guide. Climb the Spanish Steps, throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain, and then cool off in the Pantheon.
Day 3: Vatican City Tour
We’ll assist you in skipping the crowds queuing as you explore this impressive city, where Michelangelo’s frescoed Sistine Chapel is the main attraction.
Day 4: Florence Experience
Take a first-class train through rural Italy to the spectacular city of Florence on the River Arno.
Day 5: Florence Continued
With the help of your guide, explore the beautiful Renaissance streets and visit the Uffizi Gallery to see Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus.
Day 6: Siena
An Italian adventure would not be complete without exploring the Tuscan countryside’s rolling hills. Stroll to San Gimignano’s historic walls and discover Siena’s stunning Piazza del Campo.
Day 7: Venice
You travel north on a first-class train to Venice, a city floating on water, where a private boat will take you directly to your accommodation.
Day 8: Venice
You will be escorted with an expert guide via twisting canals and tiny passageways to the fairy-tale Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica, some of Venice’s key landmarks.
Day 9: Venice Lagoon Islands
Take a boat to explore Venice’s numerous isles. Visit the vibrant Burano fishing village before discovering how the stunning Murano glass is made.
Day 10: Depart Venice
Following a final breakfast in Venice, you will take your private boat taxi to the airport for your return flight.
Recommended Hotels
Belmond Hotel Cipriani
The Belmond Hotel Cipriani offers unparalleled elegance while highlighting the essence of the “City of Masks” with vistas of the Venetian Lagoon and the Doge’s Palace. This is one of the classiest options in the city, with the interior furnished with Venetian artefacts and the exterior boasting a lovely garden.
Verdura Resort
The Verdura Resort, a Rocco Forte Hotel, is a stunning property with a private beach and golf facilities. Enjoy the beautiful Sicilian weather in a tranquil environment where the hotel’s expansive spa is only a stroll away.
Grand Hotel Tremezzo
The Grand Hotel Tremezzo, one of the finest luxury hotels facing magnificent Lake Como, offers breath-taking views, first-rate service, and numerous tastefully decorated indoor and outdoor areas. Enjoy the peaceful hotel gardens as you relax, and delight in picturesque days taking a water taxi to the lake’s top sights.
Casa Angelina
Casa Angelina is the ideal romantic retreat because it is situated on a cliffside in the Praiano village, close to local restaurants and boutiques. Enjoy delectable Mediterranean cuisine, unwind in the hotel’s designated area on La Gavitella Beach, and ride the shuttle bus to Positano during your stay.
Como Castello Del Nero
Wall paintings, high ceilings, and fireplaces can be found in both the communal spaces and bedrooms of this 50-room private residence, which is bursting with charm and character. The fruit and veg is utilised to its full potential at the Michelin-starred La Torre Gourmand restaurant, and the outdoor heated pool, which is situated amidst exquisite gardens, offers the greatest views of the valley.
Risorgimento Resort
With its renovated Baroque architecture and prime location in the centre of Lecce’s lively old town, Risorgimento Resort has a long history of offering gracious client welcomes. At the Salus per Aquam Spa, unwind with a “cloud bath” service before enjoying a romantic meal, with stunning view of the quaint streets towards the Duomo Bell Tower, from the restaurant’s rooftop.
