Magical Italian Exploration

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.

   

   Cinematic Night

   To start your Rome adventure, we suggest an easy introduction to an aperitivo or bar on a short walk. Bar San Calisto is where La Grande Bellezza movie was shot, and it's a very famous bar of Trastevere – make sure to try their amazing granita di caffe with Panna! Suppose you're a fan of The Talented Mr. Ripley. In that case, you'll find these locations look familiar: Cafe Latino in Rome (The Vesuvio nightclub) and the cafe where Freddie turns up, on Piazza Navona opposite Bernini's Fountain of the Four Rivers. Huge hit Eat, Pray, Love was partially shot in Rome, and if you want to follow the food footsteps of the movie, here is a short guide: San Crispino (gelato), Old Bear, and Santa Lucia trattorias.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

2. Day 2 Your First Full Day in Rome

   

   Focus on Ancient Rome with a Group or Private Tour

   Today you'll be joining a small group tour and learning all about Ancient Rome on a three hour tour of some of the city's most significant sights from the days of the Roman Empire. Priority entry tickets will be provided for you and an expert guide will regale you with the fascinating history of the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. You'll hear about more than just gladiators and lions as the Roman Forum was the epicenter of the political life of the city and ultimately the Empire.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 3 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   World War II Historic Sites

   Rome and its surroundings were the battleground for some of the fiercest and most famous events of World War II. If you're interested, there are plenty of sites to explore, including The Anzio Beach Head Museum, the Allied cemeteries, and memorials for Nazi atrocities. You could go on your own or with a guide, let us know if you would like us to arrange one for a day or half day. If you have relatives or friends who fought in Italy, the guide can pinpoint where they fought and tailor-make your tour according to your specific interests and timeframe.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

3. Day 3 Your Second Full Day in Rome

   

   Vatican Early Morning Small Group Tour

   Your semi-private early morning Vatican tour begins near the entrance of the Vatican Museums, where you will meet your expert guide. Explore the Pinecone Courtyard, Octagonal Courtyard, and galleries filled with masterpieces, including the Laocoön, Apollo Belvedere, and the Belvedere Torso. Visit the Sistine Chapel, where you can admire Michelangelo’s breathtaking ceiling frescoes and “The Last Judgement” before the crowds arrive. The tour continues through the Raphael Rooms and St. Peter’s Basilica, where you will see Michelangelo’s Pietà, Bernini’s Baldacchino, and the grandeur of Piazza San Pietro.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 3 hours 30 minutes

   Included in your vacation package price

   Gourmet Experiences

   There's no better way to explore Italian cuisine than by taking gourmet tours which will give you a deep cultural experience. You can learn how to make gelato and tiramisu, enjoy a luxury gourmet dinner with a wine tasting in a private cellar, or be part of a small group food crawl. Choose any of these experiences and we can guarantee you'll want more.

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

   

   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

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

   

   Group Food Tour - Campo de' Fiori, Jewish Ghetto, Trastevere

   Food lovers, here's your chance to experience Rome’s enchanting squares and neighborhoods while tasting your way through some of the city’s best shops, restaurants, and markets, discovering the secrets of Italian cuisine. Meet your friendly, local expert food connoisseur in the city center, and get ready to stroll through a number of neighborhoods to visit the most famous food markets, groceries, coffee shops, ice cream shops, and restaurants. Taste some of the delicious food and wines the city is famous for, including pizza bianca, mortadella, gelato, and supplì. From fried artichokes or zucchini flowers in the Jewish ghetto to spices and vegetables in Campo de Fiori, you'll ignite your senses and burn some calories while you enjoy walking amongst the beauty around you.

   Just so you know, this tour includes approximately 3.5 km (2.17 miles) of walking.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 3 hours 30 minutes

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

   Watch the video

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

   Today you're off to the beautiful Amalfi Coast. The fastest and most economical way to get there is to take a 1-hour train from Rome to Naples and then have our driver pick you up from the train station to take you directly to your accommodations in Positano. We've included standard class tickets in your package but an upgrade to a higher class is possible for an extra fee. The whole journey will take a little over 2 hours.

   

   You can upgrade your transfer

   Positano by Private Transfer

   Upgrade for an additional cost

   Of all the towns that constitute the Amalfi Coast, Positano is almost certainly the most photographed. A cascade of color rolling down steep hillsides towards the sea. The Amalfi Coast road snakes through the town, providing the main means of connectivity to the outside world. The only other option is by boat and there are regular ferries to the other Amalfi Coast towns and to Capri island in the Bay of Naples, so day-tripping is definitely a possibility. Positano's coarse-grain sand public beaches can fill up fast on sunny days but there are quieter stretches to be found and a water taxi ride will take you to somewhere more secluded. Positano is at one end of the Path of the Gods, a demanding hiking trail that will take you inland to the town of Agerola, but the journey is its own reward, with some killer views along the way.

   Our driver will bring you directly to your accommodation in Amalfi Coast.

   Kayak and Swim in Secluded Coves

   Kayaking is a great way to enjoy this beautiful area, and you can rent kayaks on Spiaggia Grande, Positano's main beach. Go on your own or join a guided tour to explore the beaches, caves and coves that make it unique. You can also stop to swim on an isolated beach, away from the crowd, to snorkel or dive. Excursions at sunset are particularly pleasant, and highly recommended.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

5. Day 5 Your First Full Day in Positano

   

   Amazing Amalfi

   The first thing you'll want to do on the Amalfi Coast is take some photos and there are some truly stunning vistas to be found. There are numerous ways to explore the coastline, by foot if you're up to hiking the arduous Sentiero degli Dei (the Path of the Gods), by sea kayak, by boat using the ferries that shuttle between the towns and villages on the coast, or by road, either using the local bus services, on a rented scooter, or for the utmost convenience, with a private driver which we can arrange for you, or even a private guide.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 8 hours

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

6. Day 6 Your Second Full Day in Positano

   Soak up the Capri Sun

   There are several ferries a day to and from the island of Capri, taking around an hour, depending whether you're starting from Positano or Amalfi, making this an easy self-guided day trip. Once you arrive at Marina Grande you could hop in an open-top taxi or take the funicular to visit the town of Capri for some shopping. The quieter town of Anacapri is more suitable if you're looking for a laid-back kind of place. Another popular option is to take a boat to the island's most famous sight, the Blue Grotto. One great way to enjoy both the island and the water is a boat trip from Sorrento on the Amalfi coast.

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

   

   Group Boat Excursion to Capri with Roundtrip Transfer from Positano

   Today you'll be embarking by boat for the island Capri. Along the way you'll explore some of the most astounding natural beauties in Italy, including stops for swimming. In Capri you'll have several hours to explore on your own before returning back home. Bring towels, a bathing suit and your camera, because you're in for a treat!

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 11 hours, including transportation from Positano

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

   

   Private Boat Day Trip to Capri from Positano

   Today you'll be enjoying a boat tour from Positano to Capri. You'll be picked up at your accommodation at the agreed-upon time and will set off for the Sorrento port. On the ship you'll have refreshments and light snacks, and once you get to Capri there will be time for lunch. Along the way you'll be able to swim and sunbathe, all while taking in the marvels of the coastline. At the end of the day you'll be taken back to the pier in Positano. Be sure to bring a bathing suit, and don't forget your camera!

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 7-8 hours

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

   

   Private Excursion to Capri and Anacapri from Positano

   Meet your guide at the port of Positano and sail by hydrofoil to Capri. Visit the famous Blue Grotto (optional, entrance fee not included) and admire its stunning blue light. Enjoy a private taxi tour around Capri, with free time in Capri town to stroll through the iconic Piazzetta. Continue to Anacapri to visit the charming Villa San Michele (entrance fee not included) and explore the quieter side of the island before returning by hydrofoil to Positano.
   

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 8 hours

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

   Pompeii and Herculaneum

   Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD, spewing lava and volcanic ash for days, devastating the Ancient Roman towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Pompeii certainly draws all the crowds, but Herculaneum is well worth seeing. The effects of the eruption were different in this smaller town populated mostly by the wealthy rather than by the common folk as Pompeii was, so you'll see different aspects of the history of the period and the way people lived by visiting both sites. The volcano itself can be seen from far away and can be visited in combination with Pompeii on a group day trip. If you want to see all three sites, which is just about achievable, we suggest having a private driver for the day.

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

   

   Pompeii Private Day Trip with Cooking Class and Wine Tasting on Mount Vesuvius from Positano

   Experience the ancient city of Pompeii on this private tour, exploring its streets, art, and architecture preserved by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. After your guided visit, enjoy a hands-on cooking class featuring seasonal, local ingredients and a wine tasting. This tour blends history, archaeology, and authentic Italian flavors for an unforgettable experience.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 8 hours

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

   

   Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius Private Day Trip from Positano

   Discover the ancient wonders of Pompeii and the mighty Mount Vesuvius on a private, full-day adventure from your Positano hotel. Skip the lines at Pompeii with your expert guide and enjoy a personalized tour of the ruins. Then journey to the crater of the legendary volcano with an English-speaking driver. Experience the perfect mix of history, nature, and convenience, all at your own pace.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 8 hours

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

7. Day 7 Traveling to Castellina in Chianti by Private Transfer, via Florence / Day Stop in Florence / Arrival in Castellina in Chianti

   Today you're off to the capital of Tuscany - Florence. First, our driver will pick you up from your accommodation in Positano and drive you to Naples Train Station. The car ride should take about an hour. Once you arrive in Naples, you'll catch one of the many high-speed train services linking Naples and Florence. We'll arrange for standard class seats but upgrade to higher class is possible for additional fee. The journey time should take around 3 hours.

   

   You can upgrade your transfer

   Florence by Private Transfer

   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 will arrange for a driver to meet you.

   It's time to leave a hustle and bustle of Florence and head for the hills. We will arrange for a driver to pick you up at your accommodations in Florence and transfer you through the scenic countryside to Castellina in Chianti. The drive will take about 1 hour.

   We have chosen Castellina as one of our key destinations in Tuscany as this small town or large village offers all the facilities most visitors need while allowing them to enjoy the countryside location as well. Public transport is limited so you will definitely need a driver or rental car while you're here. On the edge of a village is a Vespa and Cinquecento (vintage Fiat car) rental company, should you want to indulge in a little nostalgic exploration of the surroundings. Close by you'll find San Gimignano, a 'medieval Manhattan' well worthy of a day trip and the walled town of Monteriggioni is even closer.

   Your driver will bring you to your accommodation in Castellina center or in the scenic countryside nearby, depending on your choice of accommodation.

8. Day 8 Your First Full Day in Castellina in Chianti

   

   Explore Chianti's Hills on Foot and Wheels

   The rolling hills around Castellina offer many possibilities for splendid short or day-long trips. Your hotel and the local tourist office located in the main street close to Palazzo Squarcialupi will offer plenty of suggestions and maps for hiking and cycling. On the edge of the village is a Vespa and Cinquecento (vintage Fiat car) rental company, should you want to indulge in a little nostalgic exploration of the surroundings in style.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

9. Day 9 Your Second Full Day in Castellina in Chianti

   

   Chianti's Noble Wines and Gourmet Delicacies

   Embark on a private journey through the stunning Val d'Orcia, exploring its rolling hills and two or three of its most enchanting villages. You'll have the opportunity to visit renowned wineries in Montalcino, celebrated for its Brunellos, and Montepulciano, home to the distinguished Vino Nobile wines. You can then diiscover Pienza, a picturesque gem synonymous with its famous Pecorino cheese, for a true taste of Tuscany. Your private driver will guide you to hidden treasures on this customizable drive through Val d'Orcia to ensure an authentic experience of this extraordinary region.

   Included in your vacation package price

10. Day 10 Traveling to Florence by Private Transfer / Arrival in Florence

    It's time to leave the Tuscan countryside behind but you're not going too far. We will arrange for a driver to meet you at your accommodations to transfer you to the capital of the Tuscany region, Florence. The journey will take about 1 hour. If you'd like to make a day of out it, for an additional fee we can arrange some stops on the way in the Tuscan hills.

    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 reaching Florence your driver will take you as close as possible to your accommodation. As the city has several pedestrian only areas so you may need to walk a short way to your accommodation, depending on its location.

    

    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

11. Day 11 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.

    Royal Culture: Doge’s Palace and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection

    Two of the more unique attractions in Venice are the Doge’s Palace and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection. We recommend seeing both while you’re in the city.
    

    The Doge's Palace is a stunning palace built in Venetian Gothic style and one of the most conspicuous landmarks in Venice. The Doge of Venice, the highest ruling authority of the former Republic of Venice, once used the palace as his house. Situated on the Grand Canal, the palace opened as a museum in 1923.
    

    The Peggy Guggenheim Collection is a rich art museum that has more than enough to keep you busy for an afternoon. The personal collection of the legendary philanthropist, the museum gives you a chance to see excellent works of 20th century international avant-garde art, all in a stunning palace right along the Grand Canal.

    Suggestion to explore on your own

12. Day 12 Your First Full Day in Venice

    

    First Time in Venice Private Tour

    Discover Venice with this unique walking tour, which unfolds through the elegant Piazza San Marco, surrounded by the governmental buildings of the ancient Republic. You'll see the beautiful Saint Mark church, then stroll through the Castello district including the large campo Santa Maria Formosa. The square of San Giovanni e Paolo will be your next stop. Before reaching Rialto you'll pass by the Marco Polo house. From the top of the famous Rialto bridge you'll encounter all the splendours of the Grand Canal.

    • Activity Level : Light
    • Duration : 3 hours

    Included in your vacation package price

    

    Venetian Tapas and Wine Tours

    You're in Italy so good food isn't too far away if you know where to look. One of our favorite ways to get to know a city is by taking a food tour. We can highly recommend taking part in these small group tours and getting your culinary bearings set with an afternoon sampling cicchetti, Venetian tapas, accompanied by wine at Venice's best Bacari, traditional wine bars.

    • Activity Level : Light
    • Duration : 3 hours

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

13. Day 13 Your Second Full Day in Venice

    

    Dolomites and Cortina Private Day Tour

    Join a full-day private tour from Venice and explore the stunning landscapes of the UNESCO-listed Dolomites. Visit the elegant mountain town of Cortina d’Ampezzo and enjoy views of Tre Cime di Lavaredo and Lake Misurina. Savor traditional South Tyrolean cuisine surrounded by alpine scenery and charming villages. In summer or winter, experience the region’s rich culture, panoramic viewpoints, and unforgettable beauty before returning to Venice.

    • Activity Level : Moderate
    • Duration : 10 hours

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

    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

14. Day 14 Departure Day

    It's time to bid arrivederci to Venice but you'll get a good last look at the city as your private water taxi captain takes you to the airport for your departing flight. Your private boat will dock at the closest possible point to your hotel.