Italy in Style

(12 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Venice, Florence & Tuscany, Rome & environs

Italians know a thing or two about style, and this tour showcases some of the country's best—from centuries past to today. Begin in Venice with three nights at the lavish Hotel Cipriani—the city's premier hotel—on secluded Giudecca Island. Enjoy a private tour of favorite local neighborhoods, museums, architectural landmarks, outdoor markets and specialty shops. Also enjoy a privately guided cruise through the lagoon to visit the islands of Murano (famous for glass), Burano and Torcello. Your guide will ensure that you discover the best of Venice—whether you are interested in a “secret itineraries” tour of the Doge’s Palace, learning about the Eastern architectural influence of many of Venice’s buildings, shopping for high quality glass, or simply discovering hidden neighborhoods and sampling specialties at local wine bars, each day will be tailored to your interests.

Next, depart by car for Florence, stopping en route as you desire. Perhaps tour Bologna and its art treasures, or taste prosciutto, parmigiano and balsamic vinegar in Parma and Modena. Arrive in Florence for three nights at the exquisite Four Seasons Florence. During a flexible private 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.

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.

Continue to Rome. En route, you may wish to stop at La Posta Vecchia. This elegant hotel was formerly the home of J. Paul Getty, and the basement is now a museum housing the ancient ruins of a Roman villa that still remain under the property. While there, perhaps enjoy lunch overlooking the sea. Spend three nights in Rome at the stylish Hotel de Russie, known for its superb location and beautiful garden. During comprehensive private touring, travel though time and explore layers of history. Discover ancient pagan and Christian monuments, the splendors of Baroque and Renaissance palaces and churches, and the surprising urban additions of the modern city. Highlights include the Roman and Imperial Forums, the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Vatican, Saint Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, Via Veneto, the morning fruit and flower market of Campo dei Fiori, the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, the Jewish Quarter, Villa Borghese, the ruins along the Appian Way, beautiful Aventine Hill, the catacombs and "Underground Rome." During free time in Rome, enjoy la dolce vita and the city's excellent cuisine.