Italy the Grand Tour

Welcome to Rome! After landing at the airport, you’ll be met by your private driver for transfer to your hotel in the city. As you’ll be spending three nights here exploring many of the sights on private guided tours, after getting settled into your room you might want to enjoy a quick preview while soak up the atmosphere. If you want to stretch your legs after a long flight you might take a stroll through the lush greenery at the gorgeous Villa Borghese Gardens. Afterwards find an enticing café to sit back and enjoy being surrounded by over 3,000 years of history.

This morning you’ll get a close look at the sights while hearing the stories behind them. Your private guide will lead you through Rome’s historic center where you’ll marvel at the nearly 2,000-year-old Pantheon, one of ancient Rome’s most well-preserved buildings. Continue to the world’s most beautiful Baroque fountain where legend says tossing a coin in ensures true love, or a return to Rome. Discover the 17th-century Four Rivers Fountain in Piazza Navona lined with cafes and Baroque cafes, finishing at Piazza di Spagna, best known for the Spanish Steps, a beautiful 135 set of steps in the heart of the city.

Your private driver/guide will bring you on a full-day tour that covers both Vatican City and the iconic landmarks in Rome. You’ll begin by visiting the world’s largest church, the 17th-century St. Peter’s Basilica, followed by the Vatican museums and the remarkable Sistine Chapel that includes Michelangelo’s painting on the ceiling, the Creation of the World. Afterwards enjoy a panoramic drive to view Villa Borghese Park, Janiculum Hill, Circus Maximus and Sant’Angelo. You’ll see the massive monument to Victor Emmanuel and Capitol Hill before strolling through the ancient Roman Forum. Then head next door to the 79 AD Roman Colosseum, Rome’s most famous symbol.

Continuing to the next destination, your private driver will pick you up at your hotel for transfer to the rail station. Catch the train to Naples, and upon your arrival, another private driver will meet you there for transfer to your accommodation in Sorrento on the western gateway to the stunning Amalfi Coast. Interest in this town that oozes romance was first sparked by the poet Byron. After checking in you might want to wander through Piazza Tasso where you’ll find all sorts of shops and simple Campanian restaurants serving traditional fare like gnocchi alla sorrentina followed by an icy cold shot of limoncello.

Get ready to embark on one of the world’s most spectacular drives with your private guide this morning. You’ll follow the Amalfi Coast, exploring the beautiful UNESCO-listed towns of Positano, Amalfi and Ravello. Positano is a cliffside town writer John Steinbeck referred to as having a magical aura with its steep, narrow streets and colourful facades. See the 11th-century cathedral in Amalfi, backed by dramatic cliffs, and enjoy views of the lemon groves that grow in the terraced gardens. In Ravello, you’ll visit the 17th-century Villa Rufolo and take in more jaw-dropping vistas of the sea and coast before returning to Sorrento.

Enjoy the morning to yourself whether you want to sleep in and relax at your hotel or leisurely explore the city. In the late afternoon, you’ll join a small group cruise, with a maximum for just six passengers, to soak up the scenery and watch the sun go down on the Bay of Naples. You’ll board the boat in Massa Lubrense, stopping to see the Punta Lagno waterfall before passing the San Montano Riviera, the charming fishing village of Marina di Puolo and stopping at the ancient Roman villa, Pollio Felice. End with a light snack, some Prosecco, and a sunset swim.

While your final destination today is Florence, you’ll make a stop on the way to Pompeii for a two-hour tour led by a private local guide. This famous city that was destroyed by a massive Mount Vesuvius eruption, burying it several feet under volcanic ash in 79 AD. It sat for nearly 1,700 years before it was rediscovered. The ash kept it well preserved, bringing the opportunity to walk through another time along the ancient streets to see the chariot tracks, forums, villas, baths, incredible fresco paintings and more. From there continue to the Naples station to ride the train to Florence.

Explore world-renowned masterpieces on a half-day walking tour that will bring you back to the Renaissance era. Stroll through the UNESCO-listed historic center admiring some of the most iconic sights in Florence, many of which are found in Cathedral Square, including the spectacular 13th-century Duomo and bell tower which dominates the skyline and the 11th-century Romanesque baptistry. Wander through Signoria Square, a virtual open-air museum with multiple sculptures and the famous Palazzo Vecchio with its bell and clock tower. Visit the famous 14th-century Ponte Vecchio and see a recreated statue of Michelangelo’s David before going to see the authentic piece at the Accademia Gallery.

Discover two of Tuscany’s most alluring medieval hill towns, Siena and San Gimignano, on a full-day tour. Your first stop is the small UNESCO-protected town of San Gimignano, a classic medieval village famous for its 13 surviving medieval towers, some of which are nearly 1,000 years old, creating a spectacular skyline that can be seen from the picturesque surrounding countryside, After exploring inside the centuries-old walls, visit a Tuscan winery for a tasting of Chianti Classico, followed by lunch at a restaurant nearby. Continue to beautiful Siena known for its fan-shaped Piazza del Campo, and Il Palio horse race.

Take private transfer to the rail station in Florence, departing by train to Milan. Upon arrival your private driver/guide will transfer you to your hotel. Afterwards, join a half-day private guided tour of this cosmopolitan city. You’ll see the magnificent Cathedral of Milan, the second largest in the world, taking 600 years to complete, and marvel at the 15th-century Renaissance Sforza Castle which was expanded over the years to become one of the largest citadels in Europe. Visit the prestigious opera house, La Scala Theater Museum, and Santa Maria delle Grazie Church which holds the Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper.

Enjoy a day trip to Lake Como with your private driver. Your first stop is the lakeside town of Como, founded by the Romans and surrounded by medieval walls on three sides. Here you’ll meet a local guide for a private walking tour to discover the delights in the historic center. Some of the highlights include villa views and charming squares with the town’s most well-known monument, its Gothic and Renaissance cathedral. Afterwards, hop on a shared boat to another lakeside town, Bellagio. Your private guide will bring you through the narrow streets to admire the 11th-century stone Basilica of San Giacomo.

After these busy days exploring the countless amazing sights, you will take it slower today, relaxing amongst the beautiful scenery or doing some more exploring in fascinating Milan. This city is the international capital of architecture, industrial design and fashion as well as being a hub of finance and commerce. Many of the famous sights are within easy walking distance of each other in the heart of the city, making it easy to explore landmarks like the Duomo: the magnificent Gothic cathedral that took over six centuries to complete as the third largest in Europe, and the 16th-century neoclassical Royal Palace. Enjoy the lively buzz, cafes and wine bars at Port Genova this evening and take part in some serious people-watching.

You will continue your tour today to the next destination of Venice. Your private driver will pick you up at your hotel for the transfer to Milan Central train station where you will catch the train to the floating city. Upon arrival in Venice, discover the highlights of this famous city, starting with St. Mark’s Square, the heart of the Venetian Republic for centuries, home to the 11th-century St. Mark’s Basilica and the 12th-century bell tower, St. Mark’s Campanile. Just steps away along the Grand Canal is the Gothic-style Doge’s Palace and adjoining former prison linked by the famous Bridge of Sights. As you explore, your guide will reveal the history of the city and its famous characters. This evening, embark on the quintessential Venetian experience: a gondola ride.

A half-day private tour will bring you to the famous islands of Burano and Murano in the Venetian Lagoon, known for their unique artisan works. You’ll cruise through the Venice canals sailing by many photogenic sights before arriving on Murano, world-famous for its glass-blowing industry. As you sail through the waterways, you’ll stop at one of the most famous centuries-old glass factories and perhaps get a live glass-blowing demonstration before continuing to Burano, known for its brightly coloured traditional fishermen’s homes and lace production. Enjoy time to admire the scenic surroundings while relaxing before making your return to Venice.

Enjoy a full day to explore Venice on your own. You might want to wander through Dorsoduro, an ideal neighbourhood on the south-west side of town, filled with canals and art museums while offering the chance to experience the authentic side of Venice away from the tourist crowds. You might shop at Calle Sant’Agnese and browse the art at Gallerie dell’Accademia. It’s also a great place to enjoy nightlife as one of the most buzzing places in the city after dark. No matter where you go, be sure to sample some gelato. Another must is taking in the view from Venice’s tallest building, the Campanile.

After your 15-night grand tour through Italy, it’s time to get ready to depart. If you haven’t already, get your bags packed, and after checking out of your hotel you’ll be met by your private driver who will transfer you to the airport so that you can catch your flight home. While it may be hard to say goodbye, you’ll have many memories to take with you, and there’s always next time.