Italian Splendor

Itinerary

1. Day 1 Arrival in Rome

   The capital of Italy is a vibrant, energetic and stylish city. While thoroughly modern in sensibility, Rome is also home to some of the world’s most important works of classic art and architecture. This city has been an epicenter for culture, politics and religion for more than 2,500 years. From the Spanish Steps to the Vatican, there are more than enough sights to keep even the most active tourists busy and even somewhere as popular as Rome you can find places just off the tourist trail and bustling with locals. But it’s also nice to slow down and enjoy Rome’s famous cafes and restaurants, which can be just as beguiling as the buildings. Lounge with an espresso on the Campo de Fiori and watch the changing light on the fountains and the facades. Visit the Vatican and explore some of the world’s most beautiful churches. Rome really comes alive at night, when restaurants and wine bars bring a renewed vitality to the city. You’ll also have opportunities for day trips to local vineyards, olive groves, and other places producing regional delicacies. No matter what your interests, or what kind of holiday you’re looking for, Rome will be an enjoyable destination.

   After you land at Rome's Fiumicino airport you will be met in the arrivals hall by a driver holding a sign with your name on. The journey to your accommodation in the center of Rome should take around an hour.

   Our representative will then meet with you to answer any questions you have and to get you settled for the rest of your trip.

   

   Roman Retail Therapy

   Milan might be Italy's fashion capital but that doesn't mean Rome's devoid of places to shop for anything from an accessory to a full outfit. Whether you're looking for high-end big name designers or searching for something one-of-a-kind by an up and coming local, Rome can cater to both needs. You'll find plentiful shopping suggestions in your Guest Page once you book.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

2. Day 2 Your First Full Day in Rome

   

   Premium Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill Group Tour

   Explore the captivating tales of lions, gladiators, and emperors on a comprehensive journey through Ancient Rome. Skip the lines and enjoy express entry to the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. With an expert guide leading a small group of no more than 15 individuals, immerse yourself in an intimate and enjoyable tour of these three iconic sites, delving into the rich history of Ancient Rome.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 3 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Guided Group Wine & Food Pairing Dinner Near the Pantheon

   This 2.5-hour tour and degustation is perfect for foodies. You'll start with an aperitif as you soak up the atmosphere. Then you'll head for dinner, enjoying sumptuous Roman specialties while you get the special treatment from the owners of the restaurant. We can't think of a better way to enjoy a Roman dinner!
   

   • Activity Level : Easy
   • Duration : 2 hours 30 minutes

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

3. Day 3 Your Second Full Day in Rome

   

   Pristine Sistine Early Entrance Group Vatican Tour

   Gazing upon Michelangelo's masterpieces in the Sistine Chapel creates an enduring memory, and the optimal way to savor this experience is by gaining exclusive access to the Vatican an entire hour ahead of the general public. Although it entails an early start for this VIP small group tour, the rewards are boundless. Your guide will immerse you in the chapel's narrative before guiding you through a comprehensive exploration of the Vatican Museums.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 4 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

4. Day 4 Traveling to Florence by Train / Arrival in Florence

   Today it's time to bid arriverderci to the Eternal City. You're headed to Italy's art palace, Florence. The high speed train service gets you there in just over an hour and a half. We've included standard class tickets in your package but can upgrade these to business class for an extra fee. We will also arrange for a driver to take you to Roma Termini station in plenty of time for your departing train.

   

   You can upgrade your transfer

   Florence by Private Transfer with a stop in Orvieto

   Upgrade for an additional cost

   Florence is the capital of Tuscany and home to the region’s greatest Renaissance art and architecture. The Renaissance actually started here, and today the city’s numerous cathedrals and art galleries show the evidence of this rich and inspiring period. You’ll want to see the Duomo Cathedral and the Galleria dell’Accademia, which houses Michelangelo’s “David.” Botticelli and Da Vinci's works are here too, at some of the city’s other amazing galleries. But there’s more to do in Florence than simply admire the art. It’s a beautiful, romantic place, and even a stroll through the streets is charming. Add world-class restaurants, delectable local wine and cuisine, and a warm Tuscan welcome, and you have a destination unlike any other. Florence is also an ideal base for exploring Tuscany, with its picturesque hills and vineyards in the heart of Italy.

   Upon arriving to Florence's main station, Santa Maria Novella, we'll arrange for our driver to pick you up from the train station and take you to your centrally located accommodation.

5. Day 5 Your First Full Day in Florence

   

   Florence City Private Walking Tour

   Sometimes Florence feels like an outdoor museum. There's so much to see in every direction, it can be a little overwhelming. That's why this three-hour city walking tour is so great: in a short time you'll explore the most important bridges, alleys, medieval markets and Renaissance palaces, so you can appreciate the best of this unique city. You'll be picked up from you accommodation and your guide will lead you through the city streets.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 3 Hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   The Cradle of the Renaissance

   Florence hosts some of the most interesting and popular museums in the world. The Accademia is most famous for Michaelangelo's David, and the Uffizi Gallery has must-see works from the Renaissance. Thanks to the quality and amount of artwork in each museum, we suggest visiting one per day, ideally with a private guide (which will also allow you to skip the long lines) in combination with a walking tour of the historical center.

   Other great museums include the Palazzo Pitti, a magnificent Renaissance complex, and the largest museum complex in Florence, which includes the Museum of Costume and Fashion.
   

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

   

   Accademia Gallery Private Tour

   This tour of the Academia Gallery is a great way to experience the rich artistic culture and history of Florence. You'll meet your guide at your hotel, then walk for an hour in the beautiful Florence city centre and then to the gallery. The statue of David is definitely the most famous work on display, but it's certainly not the only thing worth seeing. Have your questions at the ready!

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 3 hours

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

   

   Uffizi Gallery Private Tour

   This tour of the Uffizi Gallery is a great way to experience the rich artistic culture and history of Florence. You'll meet your guide at your hotel or at the gallery, then walk through the gallery together. There are numerous world-famous masterpieces on display that you're sure to recognize.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 3 hours

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

6. Day 6 Your Second Full Day in Florence

   

   Wine Experience - Chianti Countryside Group Tour

   Enjoy a half-day small group tour delving into the beauty of Tuscany's wine country. Drive through vineyards, olive groves, and cypress trees, then visit two wineries to discover the secrets of wine making and taste wines and olive oil paired with local specialties.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : up to 5 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

7. Day 7 Traveling to Venice by Train / Arrival in Venice

   Your time in Florence has drawn to a close but there's plenty more Italian splendor ahead of you as you push north to the magnificent maritime city of Venice. We have included standard class train tickets for the high-speed train service which takes around two hours. An upgrade to a higher class is possible at an extra cost. We'll arrange for our driver to pick you up from your accommodations and take you to Florence Train Station.

   

   You can upgrade your transfer

   Venice by Private Transfer with a stop in Modena

   Upgrade for an additional cost

   Venice is a legendary city with a charm and atmosphere all its own. The city was constructed on more than 100 islands connected by a series of canals, most of which are lined with gorgeous palaces, beautiful churches, and all sorts of impressive architecture. While the city isn’t huge, it is packed with pedestrian-only streets and quaint, winding alleys that will keep you exploring for days. The city is very popular with tourists year-round, so you certainly won’t be the only travelers walking through the streets with camera in hand. This being Italy, the cuisine in Venice is delicious, and we can especially recommend the Cicchetti of Venice tour. Cicchetti are Venetian tapas, and this tour will introduce you to some of the city’s most iconic eateries and its most delicious recipes. If it’s your first time in Venice, we can organize a tour to show you all the most important sites. And since no trip to the city of canals is complete without a boat ride, we offer a number of ways for you to get a new point of view of the city and its magnificent architecture. It’s easy to while away your time in Venice, discovering new secrets around every corner.

   Start your Venetian experience off in style by arriving in a private water taxi. We'll arrange a transfer by boat from Santa Lucia train station to the closest possible point to your hotel in Venice. Please note that porter assistance from the water taxi to the hotel is not included but can be arranged at extra charge.

   

   Private Gondola Ride

   A gondola ride is the most iconic and romantic way to experience Venice. Glide through enchanting canals, gently rocked by the water. Admire grand palaces, historic bridges, and hidden corners only visible from the water. Let your gondolier take you through breathtaking views and timeless beauty.

   • Activity Level : Easy
   • Duration : 25 minutes

   Included in your vacation package price

8. Day 8 Your First Full Day in Venice

   

   Venice Land and Water Private Tour

   Discover Venice with a perfectly balanced experience that begins on the water and continues on foot. Enjoy a private boat tour along the iconic Grand Canal, listening to stories and legends as you glide past palaces and historic landmarks, then explore the city’s charm on a panoramic walk through its streets and canals, ending in the magnificent Piazza San Marco. An ideal way to experience Venice at an unhurried pace, combining its most iconic sights with its quieter, more authentic corners.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 3 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

9. Day 9 Your Second Full Day in Venice

   Murano and Burano

   Today we suggest going off the beaten path and onto a boat to cross the water and explore two islands which are not islands at all. Murano and Burano are tiny archipelagos, collections of islands linked by numerous bridges. On Murano, the stately architecture is stunning but the main attraction here is the collection of incredible glassblowers, whose works in progress you can see at Murano’s many ateliers.

   Burano is also an archipelago in northern Venice, consisting of four islands linked by many bridges. What you’ll notice first are the brightly painted houses, which make the island glow with an energy all its own. Largely inhabited by artists, it’s a great place to poke around and explore. We can arrange tickets for a group boat trip or a private one of you would like.

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

   

   Premium Lagoon Group Tour with Murano Glass Blowing, Burano & St. Erasmo Winery

   Apart from Venice itself, the Venetian Lagoon is dotted with tiny gems of islands and this incredible tour shows you around the charms of the two most known among them: Murano and Burano. In the company of your small group, you'll enjoy a relaxing ride on a private boat and be amazed by a private glassmaking demonstration within the walls of a beautiful old church.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 4 hours 15 minutes

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

   

   Grand Canal Private Tour with Stops at Murano and Burano

   Explore Venice by water with a private boat tour along the Grand Canal, led by a knowledgeable crew sharing insights into the city's history and legends. Immerse yourself in Venetian culture by visiting Murano for a mesmerizing glass-blowing demonstration and Burano to experience its vibrant, colorful streets.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 4 hours

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

10. Day 10 Traveling to Como by Train / Arrival in Como

    

    It's time to bid arrivederci to Venice. We'll arrange a water taxi to pick you up from your accommodation or the closest dock and take you to Santa Lucia Train Station from where you will catch a train to Milan. Please note that porter assistance from the hotel to the water taxi is not included but can be arranged at extra charge. The driver will pick you up upon arrival in Milan and drive you to your accommodation in Como. Duration of the journey is around 4 hours.

    

    You can upgrade your transfer

    Como by Private Transfer with a Stop in Verona or Sirmione

    Upgrade for an additional cost

    Surrounded by stunning green hills, Como is the famous lake's main town. Dotted with charming squares, imposing churches, and gorgeous historical buildings, Como's Old Town overlooks the mesmerizingly beautiful Lake Como. For theater lovers, the Teatro Sociale di Como, the town's opera house, has hosted world-renowned musicians, such as Liszt and Paganini. Combining the magic of a typically Italian town with the utter beauty of the scenery that engulfs it, Como serves as the perfect base to explore the extended area of Lake Como and its charms.

    The driver will take you to your accommodation by Lake Como.

    

    From the Silk Road to World-Class Design

    This area offers excellent opportunities for shopping. Your local JayWay contact will recommend several places to visit, from shopping outlets to local showrooms and museums covering silk and wood, which symbolize the wide range of products traditionally produced in the region.

    Suggestion to explore on your own

11. Day 11 Your First Full Day in Como

    

    Best of Como Lakeside Private Driving Tour (from Como Town)

    Getting driven around Lake Como by a local is the easiest way to make sure you're catching all the highlights. Starting out from, Como you'll see the lakefront Villa d'Este, George Clooney's villa at Laglio, the ancient port of Brenno - and that's just the first three stops. You'll have time for a lunch break along the way and your driver will take you to one of his favorite spots. During the day some optional detours require water taxis or ferries. Aas these need to be paid on the spot, we can't include these in the cost of the day trip. If you choose to go inside some of the villas and museums, entrance fees will also need to be paid in person.

    • Activity Level : Light
    • Duration : 8 hours

    Included in your vacation package price

12. Day 12 Your Second Full Day in Como

    

    Hop Across the Border

    Explore the Swiss Alps, just over the border. In Tirano you'll board the famous Bernina Express, which runs along the highest mountain train route in Europe. It's a breathtaking two-hour journey past glaciers. You'll meet your driver in St. Moritz, the famous resort where many winter sports were first born. There, you'll enjoy views of lakes and the Alps, amid luxury hotels and exclusive shopping streets. While there, you can visit the Segantini Museum or the Berry Museum, both of which are dedicated to local artists, or ride a ski lift to a restaurant offering panoramic views. On the way back, traveling through the Maloja Pass, you can choose between a wine and food tasting in the town of Chiavenna, or a visit to the Abbey of Piona.

    • Activity Level : Light
    • Duration : 9 hours

    Included in your vacation package price

13. Day 13 Traveling to Milan by Private Transfer / Arrival in Milan

    

    You're leaving the calm waters of Lake Como behind today. We will arrange for a driver to pick you up at your accommodation and take you directly to Milan. The journey will take approximately 1 hour.

    Italy’s fashion and business hub, Milan fizzes with energy. But don't let the city's professional side fool you: this is a place that prides itself on history and culture, and the locals always seems to be having a good time. Milan's signature building is the Duomo, an imposing Gothic cathedral that sits in the heart of this former Roman capital. The combination of its size and beauty make it a must-see sight. You can also look forward to elegant evenings at the legendary La Scala opera, charming cafes and restaurants, great shopping opportunities, and breathtaking art and architecture. Home to Da Vinci's Last Supper, Milan is also rich in art galleries, from the old masters to contemporary art. This being Italy, you'll find delicious cuisine here too, and the "aperitivo" is one of the most interesting traditions of Milan gastronomy. At many of the city's cafes and bars in the early evening you can pay a slightly higher price for a drink and get your pick from a free buffet. It's one of the best ways to experience the different flavors of Milanese cooking. The compact city center means that one or two days should be enough to satisfy your curiosity.

    Your driver will take you to your accommodation in the center of Milan.

    

    Best of Milan Private Tour in a Vintage Fiat 500

    This unique tour gives you the chance to explore Milan in the driver's seat of a vintage Fiat 500. Over the course of two hours you'll cruise the streets and explore some of the most notable squares and architecture in the city. There will be several stops for photos and you'll get a real feel for the unique atmosphere of this charming, romantic destination.
    

    • Activity Level : Light
    • Duration : 2 hours

    Included in your vacation package price

    

    Shop in the Fashion Quarter and the Navigli Neighborhood

    Milan is home to the most prestigious designers and renowned fashion labels in the world. There's a bedazzling concentration of luxury shops around via Montenapoleone. If you like shopping, you've come to the right place. The "quadrilatero" is the heart of the shopping area, and consists of four streets: Via Montenapoleone, Via della Spiga, Via Manzoni and Corso Venezia. Your local JayWay contact will recommend several places to visit in this area, both shops and eateries, and can also recommend places in another area known for its vintage fashion.

    Suggestion to explore on your own

14. Day 14 Departure Day

    We will arrange for a driver to transfer you to Milan's main international airport, Malpensa, in plenty of time for your flight.