Explore The Best Of Italy on a 13-Day Private Tour

Day 1 Rome: The Italian Capital

Upon landing in Rome, meet your Italian tour guide in the arrivals hall for the private transfer to your hotel. This afternoon, set off with your guide for an introductory walking tour of Rome and your first taste of authentic gelato. See the iconic Trevi Fountain with its graceful sculptures, the charming view from atop the Spanish Steps, and pause for a delicious treat as you soak in the ambiance of the Eternal City. 

Day 2: The Vatican

Meet your guide in the lobby this morning for your tour of the Vatican. Delve into the fascinating history of the Catholic church as you ponder the vast interior of St. Peter's Basilica, the largest church in the world. Then tour the Vatican Museum, which has amassed an eclectic collection of treasures, both holy and secular over the centuries. End the tour with the grand finale, Michelangelos incomparable Sistine Chapel. 

Day 3: The iconic Colosseum

On todays private tour, travel further back in time at the iconic Colosseum and the ruins of the Forum. Walk in the 2,000-year-old footsteps of gladiators as your guide tells you of Romes far-reaching power in ancient times.

Day 4: Witness Nature's Fury at Pompeii

Today, you will depart with your guide by car to the scene of the ancient world's most notorious disaster. At the base of the volcanic Mt. Vesuvius, Pompeii was once a thriving and prosperous market town along the Bay of Naples. In 79 AD, the volcano erupted, burying the town and leaving it in total ruin, not to be uncovered until the 18th century. You will tour the remarkably-intact remains and get a sense of daily life in ancient Pompeii.

Day 5: Rome to Florence

This morning, youll be privately transferred to the Termini train station for the high-speed journey to Tuscanys rustic capital, Florence. Your guide will meet you at the station for the transfer to your hotel. Take an introductory tour starting with a visit to the nearby Accademia gallery, which houses Michelangelos David, as well as other fine Renaissance artwork.

Day 6: Florence: The Culinary Capital

Today your guide will take you on a tasting tour of Florence. Try the best wine, cheese, bread, and pastries that Tuscany has to offer. You will stop at top cultural highlights along the way, as well as discover delicious hidden pathways to your next treat. As you stroll through the storied streets, your guide will share secrets of Italian cuisine with you from how to excel at wine pairing to achieving al dente pasta perfection.

Day 7: Florence- Tuscan Countryside

Today, sit back in your private vehicle and enjoy a day exploring with your guide as you head into the rustic heart of the Tuscan countryside. Your destination will be the Chianti region, well-known for its eponymous wine variety. Stop in the walled town of Monteriggioni, still protected by its medieval walls. End the day in Castellina, where you will have a wine tasting and then check into your luxurious vineyard hotel.

Day 8: Castellina

The Etruscans were an ancient farming and pastoral culture that lived in the Tuscan region long before the arrival of the Romans. They permanently altered the terrain, and many of their communities eventually blossomed into the cities we know today. Your guide will drive you through this fascinating landscape to the lively town of Siena, the site of one of Italy's most well-known festivals, for a walking tour. Then stop in the delightful town of San Gimignano.

Day 9: Venice

Today, you will have a private transfer to Florence to catch the high-speed train to the windswept shores of the Adriatic and the regal splendor of Venice. This floating capital of the Veneto region boasts an illustrious past filled with productive merchants, goods from faraway lands, and one of the longest-lasting republics of post-Roman Italy. Your guide will take you on a walking tour to visit the ornate Rialto bridge and enjoy a stroll through St. Mark's Square.

Day 10: Murano and Venice

Today, your guide will accompany you by gondola across Venice's canals, including the Grand Canal. Arrive at Murano, a tiny island noted for its glass blowing methods. Watch the glassblowing craftsmen in action, then take a class before attempting it yourself. For the evening, return to Venice.

Day 11: Venice to Milan

Make a final stop at a local pub for a cup of Italian espresso this morning, or take a brief stroll down the pier to enjoy spectacular Adriatic views. Then we will take you to the train station for your trip to Milan. Along the journey, stop at Verona, the city best known as the setting of Romeo and Juliet. 

Arrive in Milan and meet your local guide at the train station for the trip to your hotel. We'll arrange dinner reservations for you at a fine-dining establishment this evening.

Day 12: All about Milan

On your final full day in Italy, your guide will take you on a tour of Milan's architectural and cultural attractions. You will see the historic Sforza Castle, the Vittorio Emanuele Gallery, and Milan's magnificent Duomo, an ornate Gothic church. Today, we also have tickets to view The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci in the Santa Maria Delle Grazie cathedral.

Day 13: Departure from Italy

Today is the day of your departure, and you will be transported to the airport by your private guide. Arrivederci!