Romantic Italy

(11 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Amalfi Coast & Capri, Florence & Tuscany, Rome

Italians may or may not have invented romance, but they've certainly spent centuries refining it. This tour is perfect for honeymooners or anyone ready to fall in love with Italy's fine food, luxurious hotels and romantic landscapes. Begin with a three night stay at a glamorous seaside resort in Positano or Ravello. En route to the Amalfi Coast, enjoy a tour of beautiful seaside villages. Enjoy a day to relax at your hotel. Another day, take an exclusion to the fabled isle of Capri. While there, enjoy time to explore the shops and cafes, or visit the village of Anacapri, admire the limestone grottoes and faraglioni (crags rising from the sea), and visit the modernist Villa Malaparte.

Next, transfer by private car and driver to Florence for three nights in elegant, contemporary style at the Hotel Lungarno, overlooking the Arno River, or the beautiful Four Seasons Florence. During a flexible private walking tour, experience Florence according to your interests. You might like to explore the market squares, antique districts and artisan workshops of the Oltrarno district near your hotel. Perhaps visit the world-renowned Uffizi or the excellent Museo del Bargello—a prison in the 13th century and now home to sculpture by Michelangelo and Donatello, or visit smaller museums such as the Salvatore Ferragamo Shoe Museum. Learn about Tuscan cuisine at specialty food shops and the wonderful Mercato Centrale. Tour the beautiful Boboli Gardens. Enjoy plenty of free time for leisurely meals and time to stroll along the river and shop for Florentine gold jewelry, handmade paper, gloves, leather, antiques and housewares. If desired, also have us arrange an Italian cooking class at a villa just outside of the city.

Continue with your private driver to Tuscany and spend two nights in a luxurious country retreat in a cluster of converted, 700-year-old brick buildings. With your private driver, travel through olive groves and vineyards to explore celebrated hill towns such as Siena and San Gimignano and wine tasting in the Chianti countryside. Also visit the beautiful towns of Pienza, Montalcino and Montepulciano. Walk the medieval alleys and admire palazzi and ancient towers, and enjoy free time to browse for olive oil, wine, baskets, cheeses, olive wood, and ceramics. Each night, enjoy accommodation in the heart of Tuscany at one of Italy's most special hotels.

Finally, you will be transferred to Rome for a two night stay at the stylish Hotel de Russie, known for its superb location overlooking Rome's beautiful and romantic Borghese Gardens. During a private tour, travel though time and explore layers of history. Rome tour highlights include the Roman and Imperial Forums, the Colosseum, the Pantheon, Saint Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican, Via Veneto, the morning fruit and flower market of Campo dei Fiori, the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, the Villa Borghese, the ruins along the Appian Way, and beautiful Aventine Hill. Or, explore "Underground Rome," including the San Clemente Basilica and the mysterious catacombs of St. Sebastian, St. Domitilla and St. Priscilla. During free time in Rome, perhaps browse the narrow streets of vibrant Trastevere, or stroll through Testaccio, once the site of slaughterhouses and now Rome’s most happening neighborhood. Or just enjoy la dolce vita with an aperitivo at one of Rome’s many vibrant cafes.

All Artisans of Leisure tours are private and depart daily.
Call us at (800) 214-8144 for more information regarding the above tour, or to begin customizing your own itinerary.