Italy A la Carte Private Vacation

Upon arrival, meet your driver for a private transfer to your hotel in the heart of Rome. In the evening, walk to a nearby restaurant, taking in the atmosphere of the city, and enjoy a tasty Roman welcome dinner. (D)

After breakfast, meet your driver and guide for a private tour of Vatican Museum. You’ll gain easy access to all the museum holds with your skip-the-line passes. See the Belvedere Courtyard, the Raphael Rooms, the Galleries of the Candelabra, and the Sistine Chapel before exiting through St. Peter’s Basilica to St. Peter’s Square for magnificent views of the imposing Cathedral. In the afternoon, return to your hotel for a much deserved rest. Later in the day, meet your guide for a private walking tour of the Baroque Town with Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, the Spanish Steps, and the Italian Parliament. (B)

Today you will have the day at leisure to explore this ancient city at your own pace. Perhaps pay a visit to the Colosseum and Forum or travel to Capri or Pompeii, taking advantage of the new high-speed train connecting Naples and Rome. Alternatively, you may wish to join a wine tasting and vineyard tour in the Viterbo area. (B)

Today you will continue your tour in Tuscany. Meet your driver and guide for a private transfer to Florence with an en route stop in Siena. The ride itself is a magnificent opportunity to enjoy the beautiful Tuscan hills, the view of small, enchanting villages as well as the vineyards and castles of the region. Upon arrival in Siena, you’ll enjoy a food and wine experience in the heart of the old town and a private walking tour to discover Piazza del Campo, the main central square where the famous Palio horse race takes place every year. Continue on to Florence, arriving in late afternoon, with a possible stop in Monteriggioni, time permitting. (B)

Start your exploration of Florence in the unknown and most picturesque parts of the city; the market of San Lorenzo, where it’s possible to see produce arriving from the Tuscan countryside. Sample a variety of local meats, cheeses and produce, and, if that does not satisfy, take some free time for lunch. In the afternoon, you will meet your private guide for an exploration of the heart of town. You’ll visit Piazza Della Signoria, walk by the Palazzo Veccio, the Duomo with Giotto’s bell tower and Ponte Vecchio. Your guided walk through Florence will end with a visit to the Accademia to admire the jewel of Michelangelo; the statue of David. (B)

Today will be yours at leisure to explore the heart of the Renaissance in Italy or to take an optional tour to Cinque Terre. You will discover the most beautiful villages Cinque Terre has offer, enjoy a relaxing escape from the active city, travel through luxuriant seaside vineyards and savor a delicious, fresh seafood lunch including wines from Cinque Terre. You may also experience an amazing boat trip to the most beautiful and picturesque areas of Cinque Terre from the sea. (B)

After breakfast, you will meet your driver for a private transfer to Florence train station. Board your train to Venice, enjoying the ride by high-speed-train. The city does not have roads and cars, only boats and canals. Venice was built on several small islands, linked by hundreds of bridges. You’ll arrive late morning where you will meet your driver for a private transfer to your selected hotel. The remainder of the day is yours at leisure to explore Venice. (B)

Your morning is free to enjoy breakfast and wander the walkways of Venice. In the afternoon, you will meet your guide for a private tour of Venice followed by a gondola ride. The afternoon is the best time of day to enjoy Venice, when most of the visitors leave the city, cruise ships depart for the pier and the narrow streets become once again fascinating and mysterious. Your guide will introduce you to the main sights of the city, but also help you discover the real soul of Venice, spending some time outside the main tourist areas. After your gondola ride through the canals of the city, enjoy a traditional Venetian dinner. (B,D)

Pick up from your hotel and private transfer to the airport or train station for your next destination. (B)