The Best of Italy Tour

Day 1: Arrival in Venice

Morning

Arrive at Venice Marco Polo Airport and enjoy a private water taxi transfer to your luxurious hotel in the heart of Venice. Take in the beauty of the canals as you approach the city. Check into your hotel and relax in the refined surroundings.

Afternoon

Join your guide for a personalized walking orientation of St. Mark’s Square, the Basilica, and nearby alleys. Learn about Venice’s legendary merchants and historic grandeur. Pause for a coffee or spritz in one of the famed cafes overlooking the square.

Evening

Enjoy a welcome dinner at Antiche Carampane, known for its authentic Venetian seafood and cozy, romantic ambiance. Delight in dishes like black ink risotto or spaghetti alle vongole.

Day 2: Venice Icons and Gondola Ride

Morning:

Embark on a private tour of St. Mark’s Basilica, including access to the upper balcony for sweeping views over the square. Step inside Doge’s Palace to walk the Bridge of Sighs and see the opulent chambers of the Venetian rulers.

Afternoon:

Wander through the bustling Rialto Market, brimming with local produce and seafood, and explore Rialto Bridge. Visit Murano Island for a private glass-blowing demonstration, meeting artisans who carry on centuries-old traditions.

Evening:

Experience the magic of a gondola ride as the city lights reflect on the water. Glide through small canals and under graceful bridges, accompanied by a serenading gondolier.

Day 3: Dolomites Adventure

Morning

Depart Venice for the Dolomites in a comfortable private car. Enjoy the changing scenery as you ascend into the Alps. Arrive at your alpine lodge and settle in.

Afternoon

Stretch your legs with a guided hike to Cadini di Misurina, offering breathtaking views of dramatic peaks and flower-filled meadows. Enjoy coffee or wine at a mountain rifugio.

Evening

Savor a hearty dinner at a traditional Dolomite tavern featuring local flavors like mountain cheeses, game, and rustic dumplings.

Day 4: Hiking the Dolomites

Morning

Head out for a guided hike at Tre Cime di Lavaredo, an iconic mountain circuit with panoramic views, perfect for stunning photos. Enjoy a picnic lunch in nature.

Afternoon

Visit the famous Lago di Braies with time to walk along its shores or row across its crystalline waters.

Evening

Return to your lodge for a cozy dinner and reflect on the day’s adventures under the stars.

Day 5: Dolomites to Milan

Morning

Travel to Milan by private car, with stops to enjoy scenic views along the way. Arrive and check into your elegant city hotel.

Afternoon

Meet your guide for a private walking tour of Milan, including the grand Duomo and its rooftop views, and a visit to the medieval Castello Sforzesco.

Evening

Dinner at the renowned Trattoria Milanese, indulging in classic dishes like saffron risotto and ossobuco.

Day 6: Milan and The Last Supper

Morning

Exclusive visit to Santa Maria delle Grazie to see Da Vinci’s The Last Supper, followed by a stroll through the fashionable Brera district, lined with art galleries and chic cafes.

Afternoon

Explore the stunning Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, with free time for shopping or enjoying an espresso under the glass dome. Visit local artisans for a leather-making or design demonstration.

Evening

Enjoy an optional aperitivo tour, sampling Milan’s famous cocktails and small bites, or relax in a local piazza.

Day 7: Lake Como Villages

Morning

Travel by private car to Lake Como. Enjoy a private boat cruise along the lake, stopping to explore the lovely village of Bellagio.

Afternoon

Continue to Varenna and Menaggio, with time for lunch and lakeside strolls. Visit Villa Carlotta’s stunning gardens if desired.

Evening

Return to Milan for an evening at leisure. Perhaps enjoy a gelato or late dinner along the canals.

Day 8: Milan to Cinque Terre

Morning

Travel first-class by train to Cinque Terre. Arrive and check into a boutique seaside hotel.

Afternoon

Tour the colorful villages of Manarola and Vernazza, learning about their history and charm. Meet a local winemaker to learn about Cinque Terre’s unique vineyard traditions.

Evening

Dinner of fresh seafood at a local trattoria with views of the sea.

Day 9: Exploring Cinque Terre

Morning

Hike the famous Sentiero Azzurro trail from Monterosso to Vernazza, taking in spectacular views of the rugged coastline and colorful cliffside villages.

Afternoon

After a leisurely lunch at a seaside café in Vernazza, enjoy free time to explore additional towns like Corniglia or take a scenic boat ride along the coast.

Evening

Return to Monterosso for a relaxed dinner featuring Ligurian specialties such as trofie al pesto and local white wines.

Day 10: Pisa and Florence

Morning

Private car transfer to Pisa to explore the iconic Leaning Tower and the beautiful Piazza dei Miracoli.

Afternoon

Continue to Florence and check into a centrally located boutique hotel. Enjoy a private orientation walk visiting key landmarks like the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and Piazza della Signoria.

Evening

Enjoy a warm Tuscan welcome dinner at La Giostra.

Day 11: Florence Art & Culture

Morning

Guided visit to the Uffizi Gallery, followed by Accademia Gallery to admire Michelangelo’s David.

Afternoon

Private artisan tour of Florence’s Oltrarno district, visiting traditional workshops for leather, gold, and marbled paper.

Evening

Optional rooftop aperitivo overlooking Florence’s skyline. Dinner at a hidden gem trattoria.

Day 12: Florence to Rome

Morning

First-class train to Rome. Private transfer to a historic hotel near Piazza Navona or Spanish Steps.

Afternoon

Private guided tour of the Colosseum, including the arena floor and Roman Forum.

Evening

Dine in Trastevere at a trattoria famous for Roman specialties.

Day 13: Rome & Vatican City

Morning

Exclusive tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica.

Afternoon

Visit Pantheon and Piazza Navona. Free time to explore shops or hidden churches.

Evening

Curated gelato tasting tour through historic neighborhoods.

Day 14: Rome to Amalfi Coast

Morning

Private transfer to Positano, checking into a luxury hotel.

Afternoon

Free time to wander Positano’s streets, shop, or relax at the beach.

Evening

Dinner overlooking the sea, featuring Amalfi Coast specialties.

Day 15: Amalfi Coast Gems

Morning

Visit Ravello’s Villa Rufolo, with its stunning gardens and views over the coast, followed by a stop at the beautiful Amalfi Cathedral, known for its striking facade and rich history

Afternoon

Visit to a lemon grove to learn about Amalfi’s famous lemons and enjoy local treats. Then, head to Positano for free time to explore its charming streets, relax on the beach, or shop for local crafts.

Evening

End the day with a farewell dinner overlooking the sea, enjoying delicious coastal cuisine and stunning sunset views.

Day 16: Departure

Morning

Private transfer to Naples Airport or Rome.