Highlights of Italy

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

This tour includes comprehensive private touring of the highlights of Italy’s most famous cities—Venice, Florence, and Rome—plus a private day tour into the Tuscan countryside to visit the picturesque Chianti countryside and renowned villages and towns such as Siena.

Begin in Venice and spend three nights at the elegant and convenient Il Palazzo at the Bauer, next to the Grand Canal. Enjoy a private walking 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 in elegant, contemporary style at the Hotel Lungarno, overlooking the Arno River. 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.

Spend a day on a private excursion in Tuscany. Travel through olive groves and vineyards to explore celebrated hill towns such as Siena and San Gimignano. Repeat visitors to Tuscany may wish to visit beautiful towns of Pienza, Montalcino and Montepulciano or other enchanting towns such as Lucca, Pisa or Arezzo. 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. Taste wines at their source, listen to white-robed monks sing the haunting melodies of Gregorian chant in a Romanesque church, or shop for designer goods at excellent outlet shops—the day’s itinerary will be determined by your interests.

Continue by private car to Rome and spend three nights at the stylish Hotel de Russie, known for its superb location and beautiful garden. Enjoy comprehensive touring and experience the best of Roman culture, history and lifestyle. 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.